As it has only been a few days since my last update, there won't be too much to include in this entry. Friday was a nice day, I got some groceries and spent the afternoon at Queer Concordia. The group is fun, and we had some fun discussions. After that, I went to Studio 7, a dance showcase also at Concordia. Lauren was the MC for the event, which included perfomances ranging from artistic videos including Hungarian trains, onions, and singing improv! A good crowd of our friends showed up too!
Afterwards, Lauren, Morris, Guillaume, Geneviève, and I went over to the Village to Cabaret Mado. It's a drag queen bar, whose musical perfomances ranged from Lady Gaga to some 70's French music. All in all, it was a fun night!
Saturday, I had planned to wake up early. I failed. Severely. I was up around 1pm, which was the same time that I was meant to be at the Q. Concordia office to help tidy it up. After getting ready and a short skype chat with Mum and Dad, I headed over to the office. A few hours later, we decided to go to le Musée des Beaux Arts for a look around (free entry!), then got some beers + conversation followed.
I had made plans with Bonnie and Morris to go see Avatar 3D. It was a fantastic film! 3D has come a long way since I last saw anything in it, and the special effects were stunning. Bonnie and I were chatting afterwards about all the different comparisons and links to our current society we were making, including how I had envisioned their Eywa, the God, as a woman from the get-go whereas she thought of Her has genderless. Besides today being overtaken by homework, this was overall a fantastic weekend!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Un surprise party, très fun pour une 21e fête!
Ok.......fair enough.....I failed at keeping up my weekly blog........je m'excuse! I could blame it on the amount of homework, my over-flowing social calendar, or even the non existant extra curricular activities......however, I am pretty sure it is the result of pure laziness.
As it is winter, I might as well start this off with the news of the week from last week. Last thursday night, as Bonnie, Morris, myself, and Lauren headed over to the latter's place, we were stopped in our tracks by the wind. It was blowing upwards of 60mph, with the temperature hanging around -18C, just under -2F or so. When you added in the wind, it felt like below -30C, around the same fahrenheit. Let's just say that it was so cold that my jaw hurt, because I was grinding my teeth against the cold.
The following day, still well within the same temperature range, Lauren and I went over to Queer Concordia in the afternoon. It was a wee bit of a step down from EGAY, but it certainly will turn into something bigger soon! I plan on going back to the weekly meeting tomorrow. At night, Bonnie, Lauren, Morris, and I went out to a club event called Faggity Ass Fridays, with a Lady Gage theme. We all had a great time, especially considering it was too cold to go outside to cool down (We did try, but ran back inside after around a minute as my hair was freezing). Good music, good friends all lead to an equally pleasant evening.
Saturday during the day did not involve much besides some homework, and a trip to Dollarama to get supplies for Lauren's surprise birthday party. It has been organised on facebook, and around 20 people were expected to attend. As it was le Dollarama au Québec, there were no banners in english. So instead of the traditional "Happy Birthday" signs, we had plenty of "Bonne Fête!". (Side note: Bonne fête is how you say it in Québec, in France it is bonne anniversaire!). I headed over to Cameron's place to set up around 9.15pm or so, then people began to roll in once the stuff was up. Around 11pm, an unsuspecting Lauren walked through the door, having been to the Opera already, and was greeted by screams, flying confetti, and maybe even a dance or two....lol As we had predicted earlier, one of her first responses was "What the FUCK?" heheheh <3>
The Arrival
The Arrival
It was quite a lovely party, as the crowd was extremely varied, from dancers and prancers to people with answers (aka geeks like myself). Quick late night walk back and I was in my bed, ready for a hopefully homework-filled Sunday. I got enough done the next day to feel content about starting the new week.
This week hasn't included too much new excitement, although I did enjoy my dinner with Leah on Tuesday. As we discussed, if we have dinner next week on either Tuesday or Wednesday, it will be a very welcome tradition. Wednesday night I went and saw "2012" with Morris and Camille at the Dollar Cinéma, which was rather good if I say so myself. I have a rather fond sentiment for end-of-the-world movies, no idea why....I think its all the action....
I just had my last class of the week, and Cameron, Ryan, Morris, and Lauren are on their way over for dinner in my mini-flat (I say this as my flat is rather more than small). Tomorrow is more queer concordia meetings, along with a dance showcase......Looking forward to another fun-filled weekend à la Montréal!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
La vie glacée
So, as in the case of my grocery shopping, this blog is most likely going to become a solid weekly affair. This week in classes wasn't anything too special, despite the amount of reading assigned. It is rather a lot, along with all the papers that I have been given too. However, I also only have one exam during finals weeks, as the rest of my grades is determined by term papers. When I take a step back, I realise that it really isn't all too bad, just time consuming.
In other news, I have, of course, been researching post-graduate options this past few weeks. While some options moved to the front of the line, others did not make the cut and were quickly dropped. I am still planning on applying to two or three CSU's for the teaching credential program, but one certain Masters program came to the front recently. I emailed the graduate advisor for the french department at University of Nevada, Reno about a program that I heard about through a friend (sidenote: Thank's Leah, and Emily!) I had a few questions about the program, as well as a teaching assistantship position that required a different application. Her response was the following: APPLY NOW! Long story short, let's just pretend that the application for the TA job and the Masters is due on Feb 15th. I jumped on what seems like a great opportunity, including a reasonable stipend, and UNR employee tuition rates. I finished the application on Friday, having received the email back on Tuesday night. My reason for moving so fast? I wanted this upstart of an application to be out of the way before all my papers for cette session d'hiver kick in. Anyway, I am keeping my fingers crossed for that one!
As the application took up quite a bit of time, I didn't really do much non school related this week with a few exceptions. On Tuesday night, I headed to Leah's place and we had a great chicken dinner! Thursday, Bonnie came over and we went out for drinks at Sky Bar, and watched a drag show. Friday involved my weekly trip to Maxi for groceries, as well as a late night movie with Lauren, Morris, and Cameron.
Saturday night was IGLOOFEST! Essentially, its a big outdoor rave in the middle of winter! There were ice sculptures, a bar made out of ice (see pic with SAQ bar for details), along with a "dance floor" AKA frozen mud in front of stage. It was maybe around -10C, somewhere in the low teen's Fahrenheit. Even weirder was dacning in full winter gear, beanie (or a toque as they are called in Canada) and scarf included. It was tons of fun, although due to homework and tiredness, I went home early and had some hot cocoa with Bonnie and Camille.
Sunday was a nice day. I woke up early, and did some homework. Then, during the calm before our RAIN storm, rather sad considering its January in Canada as it should be snow, Leah and I went ice skating in Vieux Montréal. I decided that the purchase of skates was no longer required, as the amount of times that they would be used wasn't worth it. So I shoved on a rented pair, and off we went. Initially, getting our bearing, we stayed on the artificial section. But then the naturally frozen canal was open for business so we hopped onto that instead. It was much bumpier, yes, but also a lot less busy to overall, it was a lot safer. Plus, you could only skate on certain parts. Danger non existant. Overall, a nice week! As of tomorrow, I have three months left in Montréal. I cant quite believe that I have been writing from this desk for more than five months now.....
In other news, I have, of course, been researching post-graduate options this past few weeks. While some options moved to the front of the line, others did not make the cut and were quickly dropped. I am still planning on applying to two or three CSU's for the teaching credential program, but one certain Masters program came to the front recently. I emailed the graduate advisor for the french department at University of Nevada, Reno about a program that I heard about through a friend (sidenote: Thank's Leah, and Emily!) I had a few questions about the program, as well as a teaching assistantship position that required a different application. Her response was the following: APPLY NOW! Long story short, let's just pretend that the application for the TA job and the Masters is due on Feb 15th. I jumped on what seems like a great opportunity, including a reasonable stipend, and UNR employee tuition rates. I finished the application on Friday, having received the email back on Tuesday night. My reason for moving so fast? I wanted this upstart of an application to be out of the way before all my papers for cette session d'hiver kick in. Anyway, I am keeping my fingers crossed for that one!
As the application took up quite a bit of time, I didn't really do much non school related this week with a few exceptions. On Tuesday night, I headed to Leah's place and we had a great chicken dinner! Thursday, Bonnie came over and we went out for drinks at Sky Bar, and watched a drag show. Friday involved my weekly trip to Maxi for groceries, as well as a late night movie with Lauren, Morris, and Cameron.
Saturday night was IGLOOFEST! Essentially, its a big outdoor rave in the middle of winter! There were ice sculptures, a bar made out of ice (see pic with SAQ bar for details), along with a "dance floor" AKA frozen mud in front of stage. It was maybe around -10C, somewhere in the low teen's Fahrenheit. Even weirder was dacning in full winter gear, beanie (or a toque as they are called in Canada) and scarf included. It was tons of fun, although due to homework and tiredness, I went home early and had some hot cocoa with Bonnie and Camille.
Here are some photos of Igloofest:
Sunday was a nice day. I woke up early, and did some homework. Then, during the calm before our RAIN storm, rather sad considering its January in Canada as it should be snow, Leah and I went ice skating in Vieux Montréal. I decided that the purchase of skates was no longer required, as the amount of times that they would be used wasn't worth it. So I shoved on a rented pair, and off we went. Initially, getting our bearing, we stayed on the artificial section. But then the naturally frozen canal was open for business so we hopped onto that instead. It was much bumpier, yes, but also a lot less busy to overall, it was a lot safer. Plus, you could only skate on certain parts. Danger non existant. Overall, a nice week! As of tomorrow, I have three months left in Montréal. I cant quite believe that I have been writing from this desk for more than five months now.....
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Long time no see.....new semester
So it has officially been over a month since I last updated this blog! I feel so sad to disappoint all my avid readers.......hahahahha. Anyway.....
Last time I was writing about finals, snowstorms, etc. I cant believe how long ago that was! I will try my best to go in chronologocial order.
I finished my last final on the 17 of December. Overall, I think my tests went relatively well, considering they were all essay questions, and were all in french. I finished up the semester will dinner chez Gabrielle, and we watched a movie whose name I cannot remember, unfortunately. I spent friday sleeping in, packing, then headed over to Cameron's for his atheist Christmas party. Saturday was essentially just a bunch of lazing around until I got in the taxi to head to the airport. One pleasant conversation with mon chauffeur later, I was in line at the airport. A unique trait of Canadian airports is that US customs is located IN CANADA. You pass by it before you even board your flight. So after the initial check in queue, then the line for security, and finally customs, it takes at least an hour and a half on a GOOD DAY! Beware all those travelling during busy periods. Anywhere between 2 to 3 hours advance arrival is advised! I had a layover in Minneapolis, and my internal clock was thrown off dramatically as I was hoping time zones with both flights at night. At around midnight, I landed in SFO, just in time to see the beginning hours of Dad's birthday. Not too shabby!
The trip home was fantastic, to say the least. It was nice being back home, driving a car, seeing the family and friends, and spending time in a familiar environment. Seeing CALIFORNIA lisence plates, as silly as it is, was a novelty. Christmas went by well; I got a new cell phone! Its really cool, one of those with a the keyboard and the touch screen etc. I'm excited to use it properly once I move home. I also got to see almost everyone at least once over Christmas break, including late night visits to Wendy's :) Had to keep the tradition!
I also got to go out to SF twice to visit Dione, DJ, and AJ. First time, we all had dinner and spent the next day down in Pacifica, CA. I really love that town, along with its tidepools which we most definately visited. Next came CHIPOTLE! Oh my gosh! Having a good heavy burrito was amazing, despite the fact that I wasn't able to finish it. Clearly, being abroad since long has shrunk my stomach. I went home a wee bit early, had dinner, and spent a night at the movies with Mum and Dad. I must've seen more than 4 movies during the two weeks that I was home, and I was more than happy to! Great times :) New Years was spent in SF, with good friends and good fireworks. Jan. 4th came a bit too fast, and I came back to Montréal on the red eye flight via Toronto (officially the worst airport ever by the way. Not laid out well at all).
I had two days to get back onto East Coast time, and now I am back in classes. This semester I am taking a 6-unit French Grammar class, Political System of the USSR, Social and Political Movements of Québec, and the Municipal Political System of Montréal. Surprisingly, my course choices were my original ones, and I am more than happy with all of them. While I have close to 100 pages of papers this semester, I only have one final exam on April 22nd. I will officially be done with my year abroad in 3 months.....scary thought! Good news is that I'll be back home before May Day!
Coming back was definately interesting. It was good seeing my good friends here, and I wasted no time in running to Tim Hortons for hot chocolate, or going out for a drink of alcohol. That's where I am at the moment: enjoy the beginning of the semester, accompanied by good friend, good hot chocolate, and the occasional boisson alcoolisée!
Note Bene: Heat Wave In January. We reached 36F (2c) two days in a row on Friday and Saturday!
Last time I was writing about finals, snowstorms, etc. I cant believe how long ago that was! I will try my best to go in chronologocial order.
I finished my last final on the 17 of December. Overall, I think my tests went relatively well, considering they were all essay questions, and were all in french. I finished up the semester will dinner chez Gabrielle, and we watched a movie whose name I cannot remember, unfortunately. I spent friday sleeping in, packing, then headed over to Cameron's for his atheist Christmas party. Saturday was essentially just a bunch of lazing around until I got in the taxi to head to the airport. One pleasant conversation with mon chauffeur later, I was in line at the airport. A unique trait of Canadian airports is that US customs is located IN CANADA. You pass by it before you even board your flight. So after the initial check in queue, then the line for security, and finally customs, it takes at least an hour and a half on a GOOD DAY! Beware all those travelling during busy periods. Anywhere between 2 to 3 hours advance arrival is advised! I had a layover in Minneapolis, and my internal clock was thrown off dramatically as I was hoping time zones with both flights at night. At around midnight, I landed in SFO, just in time to see the beginning hours of Dad's birthday. Not too shabby!
The trip home was fantastic, to say the least. It was nice being back home, driving a car, seeing the family and friends, and spending time in a familiar environment. Seeing CALIFORNIA lisence plates, as silly as it is, was a novelty. Christmas went by well; I got a new cell phone! Its really cool, one of those with a the keyboard and the touch screen etc. I'm excited to use it properly once I move home. I also got to see almost everyone at least once over Christmas break, including late night visits to Wendy's :) Had to keep the tradition!
I also got to go out to SF twice to visit Dione, DJ, and AJ. First time, we all had dinner and spent the next day down in Pacifica, CA. I really love that town, along with its tidepools which we most definately visited. Next came CHIPOTLE! Oh my gosh! Having a good heavy burrito was amazing, despite the fact that I wasn't able to finish it. Clearly, being abroad since long has shrunk my stomach. I went home a wee bit early, had dinner, and spent a night at the movies with Mum and Dad. I must've seen more than 4 movies during the two weeks that I was home, and I was more than happy to! Great times :) New Years was spent in SF, with good friends and good fireworks. Jan. 4th came a bit too fast, and I came back to Montréal on the red eye flight via Toronto (officially the worst airport ever by the way. Not laid out well at all).
I had two days to get back onto East Coast time, and now I am back in classes. This semester I am taking a 6-unit French Grammar class, Political System of the USSR, Social and Political Movements of Québec, and the Municipal Political System of Montréal. Surprisingly, my course choices were my original ones, and I am more than happy with all of them. While I have close to 100 pages of papers this semester, I only have one final exam on April 22nd. I will officially be done with my year abroad in 3 months.....scary thought! Good news is that I'll be back home before May Day!
Coming back was definately interesting. It was good seeing my good friends here, and I wasted no time in running to Tim Hortons for hot chocolate, or going out for a drink of alcohol. That's where I am at the moment: enjoy the beginning of the semester, accompanied by good friend, good hot chocolate, and the occasional boisson alcoolisée!
Note Bene: Heat Wave In January. We reached 36F (2c) two days in a row on Friday and Saturday!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Snow, torches, and finals
The past week has been relatively eventful in the non-weather related news, despite the final exams that have been breathing down everyone's backs. I was pleasantly surprised by my grade on my term paper (B+) in my class on the UN last week, as well by an A in my class on Eastern European politics. It doesnt look like I will be failing any of classes, which is certainly good news.
Wednesday, December 9th, was our first large snow storm. By the end of it, they counted 23 cm (about 9 in) fell in Montréal in about 18 hours. The snow preceeding and following the storm brought the total closer to 30cm, or about a foot. I got lunch midday with Guillaume, waiting for the snow to add up to a sufficient amount. I then headed up to Sarah's house for some playtime in the snow! On the way up there, I had to wait for the bus. I never really realised how snow really gets everywhere, and tries to fit into every corner of your being. Here is a video of me waiting for the bus!
A bunch of us went up the side of the mountain and did some sledding, along with snow angels and snowball fights. The creation of snowmen was not possible, as there are several different types of snows. This was was far too fluffy.
I am on the left, with Cameron and Max
Sarah, Lauren, and myself
The climb back down the hill
Sarah's balcony around 3.30pm
Me, Muong, and Camille waiting for the bus
Tara, Sarah's rommate, and I walking through the Village at night
Wednesday, December 9th, was our first large snow storm. By the end of it, they counted 23 cm (about 9 in) fell in Montréal in about 18 hours. The snow preceeding and following the storm brought the total closer to 30cm, or about a foot. I got lunch midday with Guillaume, waiting for the snow to add up to a sufficient amount. I then headed up to Sarah's house for some playtime in the snow! On the way up there, I had to wait for the bus. I never really realised how snow really gets everywhere, and tries to fit into every corner of your being. Here is a video of me waiting for the bus!
A bunch of us went up the side of the mountain and did some sledding, along with snow angels and snowball fights. The creation of snowmen was not possible, as there are several different types of snows. This was was far too fluffy.
I am on the left, with Cameron and Max
Sarah, Lauren, and myself
The climb back down the hill
Sarah's balcony around 3.30pm
Me, Muong, and Camille waiting for the bus
Tara, Sarah's rommate, and I walking through the Village at night Post-snow storm news:
I SAW THE OLYMPIC TORCH!!!!!!!!! The 2010 Winter Olympics are in Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia, and the torch is passing through every corner possible in Canada. Best part? The switch over was right in front of my apartment. I was trudging back to my place through the snow from my last class, when I saw a large crowd congregated outside the building. I saw the woman in Olympic gear, and heard murmurs of the torch! I ran up to my room to grab my camera, and I got the following photo, amoung others.
I couldn't believe my luck!!!! While I may not be able to make it out West for the games, I can at least say I saw la flame olympique!
I took my first final today, and what I think was the hardest one in terms of my knowledge of the material. Yet, I got very lucky and the essay question was on the subject about which I knew the most. Just got four more to go, and I will be home in Saturday night!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to see everyone, the dogs included, and to have a nice, big chile verde burrito. :)
Joyeuses Fêtes, AKA Happy Holidays, from Montréal!
I SAW THE OLYMPIC TORCH!!!!!!!!! The 2010 Winter Olympics are in Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia, and the torch is passing through every corner possible in Canada. Best part? The switch over was right in front of my apartment. I was trudging back to my place through the snow from my last class, when I saw a large crowd congregated outside the building. I saw the woman in Olympic gear, and heard murmurs of the torch! I ran up to my room to grab my camera, and I got the following photo, amoung others.
I couldn't believe my luck!!!! While I may not be able to make it out West for the games, I can at least say I saw la flame olympique!
I took my first final today, and what I think was the hardest one in terms of my knowledge of the material. Yet, I got very lucky and the essay question was on the subject about which I knew the most. Just got four more to go, and I will be home in Saturday night!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to see everyone, the dogs included, and to have a nice, big chile verde burrito. :)
Joyeuses Fêtes, AKA Happy Holidays, from Montréal!
Monday, December 7, 2009
One last hurrah before finals...
I would first like to mention that it is SNOWING again outside!!! -1 degree celsius was today's high. LOVE IT!
This weekend was a lot of fun. Thursday I had class all day, which is, of course, not entertaining in the least. Afterwards, I met up with Morris and we had phô (vietnamese soup) which he made and it was delicious. Then we met up with Sarah and her roommate and we all went to a magazine release party. The alcohol, snacks, and dancing was all free! It was in a loft, and full of hipsters. It was a fantastic night in which i barely spent a penny.
Friday I went grocery shopping, then did some homework. Lauren and I had dinner, then watched a movie called Green Fingers with Hellen Miren and Clive Owen. It was a cute, light-hearted film. Overall, I would give it a B+/A-. I then went out, unexpectedly, to a party with friends from school. That was a ton of fun, with activities ranging from dancing, to parisiens falling all over the place, to a healthy discussion on the status of Québec. Great night :)
Saturday, I woke up very, very late and went for a walk right before the sun went down around 4pm. I went over to Lauren's, and we cooked, baked, etc etc. We got all pretty, then went to Sarah and Cameron's joint birthday party. It was very pleasant, including the sleigh rides made by Lauren! Hot cocoa with peppermint alcohol = bliss in a mug.
Sunday was uneventful and homework filled. I will be home next weekend! Just have to get through these final exams!!!
This weekend was a lot of fun. Thursday I had class all day, which is, of course, not entertaining in the least. Afterwards, I met up with Morris and we had phô (vietnamese soup) which he made and it was delicious. Then we met up with Sarah and her roommate and we all went to a magazine release party. The alcohol, snacks, and dancing was all free! It was in a loft, and full of hipsters. It was a fantastic night in which i barely spent a penny.
Friday I went grocery shopping, then did some homework. Lauren and I had dinner, then watched a movie called Green Fingers with Hellen Miren and Clive Owen. It was a cute, light-hearted film. Overall, I would give it a B+/A-. I then went out, unexpectedly, to a party with friends from school. That was a ton of fun, with activities ranging from dancing, to parisiens falling all over the place, to a healthy discussion on the status of Québec. Great night :)
Saturday, I woke up very, very late and went for a walk right before the sun went down around 4pm. I went over to Lauren's, and we cooked, baked, etc etc. We got all pretty, then went to Sarah and Cameron's joint birthday party. It was very pleasant, including the sleigh rides made by Lauren! Hot cocoa with peppermint alcohol = bliss in a mug.
Sunday was uneventful and homework filled. I will be home next weekend! Just have to get through these final exams!!!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
First real snow
I have been looking back at all my previous postings, and I am noticing that with each passing post, the distance between them gets larger and larger. I blame this on finals and papers. When I look back at my finals-time work load in San Francisco, I realise that it was nothing. Here, I have 10 page papers in every class, and five finals in three days. Each final is essay format, so essentially, my right hand is going to have to go through rehab to recover.
Anyway, to the topic! November 30th brought Montréal its first snow of the year!! Here is a photo to prove it!
Anyway, to the topic! November 30th brought Montréal its first snow of the year!! Here is a photo to prove it!
I went up near Sarah's house to play on the mountain as all the snow was more or less gone from downtown after a few hours. We even made a snowman! Or I should say snowwoman, as we named her Iva.
so YAY SNOW! It made my week! I was so excited, especially because November was extremely mild by Montréal standards.
Alas, December has arrived. As much as I love it for Christmas and the holiday décor, it also coincides with final exams, the least festive things on the face of the planet. I've been doing paper, after paper, after paper. I only have one left, on domestic partnerships in the US. After that, I will only have to study for my finals! I have a final on the 14th, two on the 15th, and two on the 17th. Then........I'm flying home on Dec 19th!!!! Right before Dad's birthday!!! I changed my flights, originally departing Dec 22nd, because there was no real need to stay another three days. Although my flight gets in at midnight on Saturday, the flight time is also shorter bcause the layover is in Minnesota, instead of New York City.
I'm off to go eat at the vegan bistro at the english-speaking uni, Concordia. Perhaps you might even see another post before Christmas comes....
so YAY SNOW! It made my week! I was so excited, especially because November was extremely mild by Montréal standards.
Alas, December has arrived. As much as I love it for Christmas and the holiday décor, it also coincides with final exams, the least festive things on the face of the planet. I've been doing paper, after paper, after paper. I only have one left, on domestic partnerships in the US. After that, I will only have to study for my finals! I have a final on the 14th, two on the 15th, and two on the 17th. Then........I'm flying home on Dec 19th!!!! Right before Dad's birthday!!! I changed my flights, originally departing Dec 22nd, because there was no real need to stay another three days. Although my flight gets in at midnight on Saturday, the flight time is also shorter bcause the layover is in Minnesota, instead of New York City.
I'm off to go eat at the vegan bistro at the english-speaking uni, Concordia. Perhaps you might even see another post before Christmas comes....
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