August 31st - August Happiness Challenge - Various & Closure

Here we are on the last day of the August Happiness Challenge! I have a few to share, pictured above is the cake I made for my brother-in-law for his Bday. Now his bday was yesterday but I found out today that it was yummy, yay!! Its the first thing I've baked in my new place so that makes me happy that I can do that. Another happy thing: Strawberries for breakfast! And more: the TIFF schedule is out!

Noticing, finding or creating some happiness everyday was a lot of fun. Only seldomly was it hard to come up with something, and I found the results ranged from tiny things to full day events. I had a lot of fun sharing the happiness this month.

The challenge began here: August Happiness Blogging Challenge!

August 30th - August Happiness Challenge - Glam o Rama

Its very very dangerous that there is a Winner's right by the gym I go to. I had a little time to kill and BAM ended up walking out with these two gems:



Part of me goes aieeeeeeeeeeeeeeee to spending $ an then the other part of goes hey, I like 'em and gets me closer to #25 - Have everything I consider in 'the basic's' wardrobe on my 101 list!

More challengers here: August Happiness Blogging Challenge!

August 29th - August Happiness Challenge - Value Village

Nothing like a little shopping at Value Village for some fun. Whenever I go I tend to have an idea of what I'm looking for but there is no guarantee you'll find it. The flip side to that is there is not telling what treasures you might find.. like this 80's throwback or original:



Pink with green stripes for the win. Oh my that one had me giggling. It didn't make the cut today though. Armed with my August coupon and not that much restraint I made it home with 2 shirts, 1 sweater, 2 skirts and 2 pairs of shoes:



Check out those lifts, I might be a whole 5' tall in them. I have a complete ensemble to wear tomorrow and I'm totally looking forward to it. Totally. Oh.. and the next 50% off day is Sept 5, at least in Toronto it is. Not sure if I'll go its usually a little to insane for my browsing pace.

More challengers here: August Happiness Blogging Challenge!

SPC: Enclosed 5

Enclosed in cube land (aka: work)

I've been thinking about doing a 'grumpy work post for a bit'. I hesistated for a few reasons... 1) I don't consider my life as my job which is why I rarely blog about it. 2) I don't feel like there is terribly much that I can do about what I will post and 3) I'm probably guilty of many of the things myself and finally 4) I prefer not to moan and complain here. OH and of course 5) the random possibility that one of the so called unnamed folk could by some odd happenstance end up reading this.

But, I just can't help it! I can't hold it inside no mo! There are many reasons I could be grumpy right here... could be any of the following:

- People having very detailed personal conversations about stuff ya just don't wanna know and or don't care
- People who talk to each other on the phone and/or speakerphone when they are less than 10 feet away
- People using speakerphone in an open enviornment (hello.. you aren't the only person here)
- Hearing someone as if they are 2 feet away but not seeing them (creepy)
- Having to answer the phone
- Having to answer someone else's phone
- Listening to peoples cell phone ring tones go on and on when they leave them on and at the desk while they are off doing something else
- Hearing people eat ... chomp chomp on fruit and veg, scrap scrap on a cereal bowl
- Listening to people crunch on on ice
- Hearing people dictate over the phone
- Whining
- People talking literally about nothing
- People who talk to you on your break when you are obviously engrossed in reading, writing, pretending to be elsewhere, whatever...

But, I guess it ain't all bad cuz I work in an office but I can still wear flannel.

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101 in 1001 weekly update #25!!!

Finished off #48 - Go to fFida, and I've been plugging right along at #14 Write something about all the films I see (for the first time) throughout these 1001 days with reviews of: City of Angels, M, The Proposition and Familia

Here are our regular updates:

#22 - Save a part of every paycheque - done!

#94 - Read every day - done!



#92 - Learn/Discover something new every day
Sunday Aug 20/06 - A lot about piracy of film
Monday Aug 21/06 - Austria has 4 official languages
Tuesday Aug 22/06 - You are more likely to spill when eating if you aren't looking at what you are eating. (Noticed how I said you not me, .. this isn't first hand experience of course, and it especially didn't happen at work.. nope nope.. never that...)
Wednesday Aug 23/06 - That I've been called the "Encyclopedia of WoW" by some of my friends
Thursday Aug 24/06 - That looking up and reading a definition of a word does not necessarily mean you will understand what it means (sad but true for me... ubiquitous: existing or being everywher at the same time... nope, I don't get it)
Friday Aug 25/06 - tarantism means the uncontrollable urge to dance. Now that I do understand. Thanks for contributing this one Jamie!
Saturday Aug 26/06 - It isn't completely ridiculous to wear heeled boots to do laundry... I didn't have to jump as much to get those stubborn socks at the bottom of the washer.

For my full 101 list, look here.

August 28th - August Happiness Challenge - going to the Gym

Some of you may remember that Joining a Gym was on my 101, and that I did it too - yay me!

But... joining and going are not the same thing. I had it all planned out, but the location very close to me closed before I realized. Now there were other locations but one I went to a while back and kinda left suddenly so it feels little odd to show up again, and the other I wasn't entirely sure where it was. But after a week of dragging my gym clothes with me and not going, then a week of writing down the days to go in my datebook but not even bothering to bring my clothes with me, I finally got up the guts just to go. I found it, it took a bit but its a nice location with nice people. I didn't have whatever they wanted me to have for a person from a different location but we worked though it and it all panned out. So I guess I'm happy with putting off the procrastination and tearing down barriers I created for myself. Go me!

More challengers here: August Happiness Blogging Challenge!

August 27th - August Happiness Challenge - CNE!

Who knew a day like this would end up being so great? Well, Jamie & I did! Its a yearly tradition to go to the CNE, for many reasons but the top of the list is definately The Cat Show! I think one year we stumbled on it by accident and then we did it again, and well.... if you do something twice, its tradition!



Above: orange tabby maine coone (I had no idea there were orange ones)



Above: Devon Rex



Above: Scottish Fold. Now, I am not normally drawn to cutesy lil wee cats but this Scottish Fold was just the sweetest little thing this side of the planet. My goodness.

The cats move pretty quick, so some of the shots are a little fuzzy.. and these were the ones that made the cut!!!

I love seeing all the other animals too! I'm such a city girl, this is the only opportunity I get to see creatures that cats of my family:















And different kind of living beings at a flower competion! Every time I take a pic of a flower I feel like my Mom. Except I can't say "Oh isn't this a wonderful Azelia*"

*substitute correct flower term here



What would the CNE be without literally walking into a some performance? This year we watched the horse warm up:



And quite a few dance performaces:





Here's Jamie watching the dancing:




I would be lying if I didn't say a lot of what I look forward to is the food!



Above: The best perogies in the world!



Above: Beaver Tails, Killaloe Sunrise to be exact (cinnamon, sugar & fresh lemon juice) - yum yum

After all that there is always some shopping to do. Although we were *this* close to coming home with brooms (that really did look like they did an amazing job), I picked these hugging figurines, which are actually salt and pepper shakers but I'm gonna keep them as decoration. They look sooooo cute and they make me smile:



More challengers here: August Happiness Blogging Challenge!

August 26th - August Happiness Challenge - Clean Sheets!

Laundry day ftw :) Nothing like clean soft sheets.


zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz



More challengers here: August Happiness Blogging Challenge!

August 25th - August Happiness Challenge - Lots !

Lotsa good stuff - 1) Fridays rule! So that is a good start!

Went out for dindin with Jamie (and this post will sound suspiciously like hers...). Then out to a movie, Step Up - do great... dance movies RULE!!!! Also got a chance to do a tarot reading for her which was great becuase I'm just getting back at it and was challenging but good to do someone's cards.



Had lovely meal green curry ftw:



and Buddha watching over us!




More here: August Happiness Blogging Challenge!

Film Fan Fridays for Friday August 25, 2006!

Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!!!

Here we are with the last newsletter before September comes in, where oh where does the time go? The two films I'm most interested in this week are Idlewild and Invincible, odd combination I know... musical and underdog sport film... with.. Marky Mark... hmm, did I just admit to that? Well it is still summer, so get out there and watch some fun movies before things get too serious!!!

Have a great weekend!!

Shannon

Friday August 25, 2006 Releases

Beerfest
Dir: Jay Chandrasekhar (The Dukes of Hazzard, Club Dread, Super Troopers)
Cast: Erik Stolhanske, Paul Soter
USA

Half Nelson
Dir: Ryan Fleck (Young Rebels, Have You Seen This Man?)
Cast: Ryan Gosling, Anthony Mackie, Shareeka Epps, Monique Curnen
USA
Limited Release

How to Eat Fried Worms
Writer/Dir: Bob Dolman (The Banger Sisters)
Cast: Luke Benward, Andrew Gillingham, Tom Cavanagh
USA

Idlewild
Writer/Dir: Bryan Barber - directorial film debut
Cast: Andre Benjamin, Antwan Andre Batton, Cicly Tyson, Ben Vereen
USA

Invincible
Dir: Ericson Core ("Family Law")
Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Greg Kinnear, Elizabeth Banks, Kevin Conway
USA

Shadowboxer
Dir: Lee Daniels - directorial debut
Cast: Helen Mirren, Cuba Gooding Jr., Stephen Dorff, Macy Gray
USA
Limited Release

**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on Aug 25, 2006**

August 24th - August Happiness Challenge - the 2 sides of clothes

A very nice way to start the day was coming into work and a co-worked complimenting me saying I looked beautiful. Talk about great! Ironically I was wearing something I've never worn there before and I don't actually think its that flattering but hey, its a dress and those are good when ya need something quick to get into in the am:



Than I realized I really love wearing comfy clothes, I will never ever ever go a time in my life without having at least 1 pair of totally thrashed jeans. They are a part of who I am:




You too can take the August Happiness Blogging Challenge!

August 23th - August Happiness Challenge - Leftovers!

I never thought I would ever say I like leftovers but in fact I love them. This of course only applies to when I like the food that has been leftover! Which is a side-effect luxury when you are the sole cook, you choose the recipes! Tonight I'm having leftover roasted veggies spiced up cajun style - yum!!

You too can take the August Happiness Blogging Challenge!

City of Angels

Director: Brad Silberling (Moonlight Mile, Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events)
Cast: Nicolas Cage, Meg Ryan, Andre Braugher, Dennis Franz, Colm Feore
Germany/USA, 1998

Seen: July 31, 2006 on Mpix

Reason to see: Although this isn't on my list of 101 films I can't believe I haven't seen, it very well could be. Many times I've circled it on calendars of 2nd run theatres, or highlighted in tv guide. As I've wanted to see if for so long, I'm not totally sure why. I think its because Andre Braugher is in it.

Well, maybe I shouldn't have waiting so long to see this. Interesting concept, but I found it treaded a fine line between touching and corny. I did quite enjoy some of the stories following the secondary characters, but the mail plot just didn't pull me in. I will admit it may be in part to finding it hard to take Nicolas Cage in a dramatic role even though he's been in a fair few.

Shannon's Overall View:
I thought it was ok
I might watch it one more time
I'd recommend it if your are in the mood for a soft drama

The Proposition

Director: John Hillcoat (To Have and To Hold)
Cast: Guy Pearce, Ray Winstone, Emily Watson, Richard Wilson, Danny Huston, John Hurt
Australia/UK , 2005

Seen: Aug 20, 2006 at The Bloor Cinema

Reason to see: Screenplay written by Nick Cave. I am on my second attempting my #7 on my 101 list: See 1 film a week in the theatre for a year. This is week 7/52.

I think I shoulda known what I was getting into but alas, I did not. Nick Cave wrote the screenplay and I'm a huge fan of his music - which maybe surprizing to some whom mostly know me as a pretty happy-go-lucky person and his music is pretty... dark. The violence in this film was so prominent and so grisly that I still can't distance myself from it to think about the film as a film as a whole. What has stuck with me are those grisly images and the horrific events in the film. I'm not sure what the intent was for this film. The only thing I can think of is it feels a little bit like an anti-revenge movie. Strangely, I don't regret seeing it as I often do with things this violent. I'm still processing it I suppose, still searching for meaning. I hope it's there. I can say without a doubt that both the music and acting were great.

Shannon's Overall View:
I don't think I enjoyed it
I would not watch it again
Who would recommend it to.... people who like westerns and don't mind things listed in the warnings...

Warnings: Extreme violence including mutilation, torture, sexual violence and very disturbing images.

No previews
No commericals
The film started exactly on time... Rock on.

Familia

Director: Louise Archambault (Atomic Sake)
Cast: Sylvie Moreau, Macha Grenon, Juliette Gosselin, Mylene St-Sauveur, Vincent Graton, Emily Holmes
Canada, 2006

Seen: Aug 2, 2006 at Cumberland

Reason to see: It's Canadian!! As well as being nominated for several Genies. As well as I am on my second attempting my #7 on my 101 list: See 1 film a week in the theatre for a year. This is week 4/52.

Wonderful performances, I particularly enjoyed Macha Grenon. I love seeing Canadian film. This film has layers of very touching stories about family - traditional and non-traditional, from painful to playful. It looks at who we are, who we become, how we change and grow, what is important to one yet maybe not another and how people are when something important happens are all interesting facets that are touched on. A big thumbs up.

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I will watch it again
I would recommend it

5 minutes and 6 commercials shown
3 minutes and 3 previews shown

August Happiness Challenge - Aug 17-22!

Alright, I'm a little behind on posting so here we go almost a weeks worth in one fell swoop!!!

August 17/06 - I was really happy with how my newsletter, Film Fan Fridays, came together today.

August 18/06 - went to fFida with Jamie, totally great!

August 19/06 - had a lot of fun playing WoW with friends:



August 20/06 - went to the movies! I haven't written up my review yet so you will just have to be kept in suspense. But here is a hint... the view from the washroom at the theatre:



August 21/06 - Had oodles and oodles on my list of things to do this night after work, and I did them ALL for the first time in ages. It took til 10:30 and I was exhausted but I did it.



August 22/06 - One of the things on my 101 list to do is to reconnect with my tarot cards. I think its the most ambigious task as I'm not sure how I'll know that its done. That being said it isn't gonna more forward until I do more readings, so I did one today and it was right on the money, and had some interesting possibilites too - looking forward to seeing how things unfold:




You too can take the August Happiness Blogging Challenge!

#48 - Go to fFida

Another one done! Went to fFida, now called Toronto International Dance Festival on August 13 & 18, 2006. The performaces I went to were all a part of the Open Stage and were all different styles imaginable. I even got to see a performance by someone I have not seen from many years, a high school friend:



Although it was quite a feat to find out the locations times and events of the festival it was well worth going and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Here are some more pics.











Return to my 101 list.

Return to Planet Shannon

Compromise: Purple

The fact that I first drafted this post on July 18/06 ago demonstrates where I'm at, and have been apparently for the last 1 month, 4 days... at least.

I hate compromise. I always have. To me, compromising means no one wins and no one gets exactly what they want, everyone ends up with an outcome other than ideal. Bleh, who thought that up.

The title of this post is inspired by a line in Lemon Sky, where there is a discussion about getting a car and someone wants red the other wants blue. Kevin Bacon says: Compromise Purple. Watching it at the time I laughed out loud because it was unexpected and ridiculous (I don't know if there are purple cars now but there definately weren't then). A purple car is not what either of them wanted.

I feel like I'm looking at a world of purple cars right now. Not in compromises with other people, but more of with myself. There are so many things I want to do, and when it doesn't go as planned or gets half done or late it feels like a purple car. Oh, the ultimate worse case scenario, something gets missed entirely - then there is no car! Ironically that is fine as I don't have a liscense and take transit.. but you get my point.

I guess right now I'm actually not finding a way to compromise (or organize, or not take on new things, etc) that is working for me and therefore the compromises happen and it feels out of my control. Me no likey! Maybe purple cars are the way to go and I should just let what happens, happen. But as you can see from one of my favorite Tshirts (pic above) that isn't my normal temperment.

I guess I'll just see what happens. If nothing else, at least I can finally mark off that I've "written that compromise post".

SPC: Enclosed 4

Enclosed in the streetcar. I think the person behind me is posing more than I for this SPC. Sometimes I feel like I spend all my time in transit, and on transit. I know the routes and try to pick the quieter ones as long as they aren't out of my way but sometimes you just wanna get home and squish on a full streetcar, subway or bus and tough it out. Although this may not appear to be very enclosed from this angle, check out the view:



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