¿What Do You Think About the Revolution of the Sweet Potatoes?
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Bowen Goodness
Body...and soul.
A weekend to recharge with good friends cures all woes. A scrumptious birthday dinner party, Sunday brunch at Artisan Eats and a bagful of my favourite soap from Naked's new store.
Carmen is a passionate love story of a free-spirited gypsy involved in a fiery romance with both a toreador and a jealous, inexperienced soldier that eventually results in her demise.
Jesee makes no secret of his dislike for the French opera, but as we were able to acquire good seats for a song, he reluctantly obliged. We are far from being experts and as fond as we are of the score, we concluded that Bizet's Carmen lacks the authentic feeling and portrayal of the Spanish joie de vivre. IOHO, had it been written in either Spanish or Italian, it would have felt much less constrained, allowing the lyrics to freely roll off the actors' tongues and thus exercising the power of passion.
The flights for our three-week Spanish holiday are booked and negotiations on a beach front apartment for our stay are nearly finalized. Next on the agenda is the planning of Jesee's 50th birthday and what comes to mind is a great big pig roast at the family hideaway...
There were some very mixed reactions around our dinner table tonight when we discussed today's hot topic - a photo of Spain's Olympic basketball team posing with "slanted-eyes" for an advert that was run in Marca, a Spanish daily sports newspaper.
It appears that the media has done their best to get tongues wagging and turn what was meant to be an endearing gesture into a controversial issue...racism. I can only speak from my personal experiences, that while living in Spain, not once was I ever made to feel inferior or unwelcomed. In fact I was greeted with open arms and embraced with warm Spanish hospitality.
During our recent trip back to Mallorca, Jesee's cousin confessed that when he first met me at age ten, he was mesmerized by my "slanted-eyes" and physically gestures this to me when pulling back the skin on the side of his eyes. I did not find this offensive - it was lovable.
I do understand how this image can be misconstrued and it's really all about perspective. Being a first generation Canadian of Chinese parents and married to a Spaniard, we've experienced many cultural misinterpretations. Although it may appear to be in poor taste to some, I do not believe that it was intended to insult the host country. I cannot ignore my heritage; my first reactions of the photo before I even saw it were of disappointment, denial and defensiveness, but I got over that quickly.
I do believe the real crime here is, "Why would anyone think this was a good advertising campaign in the first place?"
Opinions are like colons; everyone has one and they're all full of shit.
Why are long weekends never long enough? With hardly a moment to breathe, we travelled from the Bowen Market to the Pride Festival and right up to Harrison Hot Springs for some much needed reprieve - found at the bottom of an ice cold Heineken.
It was BUSY everywhere we went - ferries, roads and highways clogged with people who just wanted to get the hell out of dodge. We couldn't drive fast enough to avoid the traffic of tourists in our own backyard.
Then there were the 500,00 plus people lining the streets to watch the Pride Parade as participants shook and shimmied their way through the West End. Happy times.
It was a stellar weekend and the weather was perfect. The finale was one of Jesee's renowned paella and sangria meals followed by a short siesta on the deck.
We will be in the midst of changing web hosts in the days to come. As a result our site and emails may be down for up to thirty-six hours, so please be patient and check back with us soon.
In the meantime we celebrate Jesee's birthday which also happens to be el encierro at the festival of San Fermín in Pamplona, Spain.
Spain's Euro 2008 victory on Sunday was somewhat anti-climactic for us - being that it was the official start of the Bowen Summer Market we were unable to watch the game in its entirety on The Drive (the ONLY place to watch a football match involving a Mediterranean team).
Nonetheless, we are elated and accept all the congratulatory messages we have been receiving. We're sure that our friends and family back in Mallorca have celebrated enough our our behalf and then some. Olé!
This morning I was flipping through drooling over a Mallorcan cookbook that we had brought back from Spain when I came across the recipe for sardines frites.
Luckily, today was the annual Hats Off Day celebration in Burnaby Heights and once again, the Fortuna Bakery was cooking up grilled sardines - a Portuguese specialty.
Everywhere you turned, there was food and music for everyone. This charming eighty-six years young man entertained us on the accordion with his golden fingers all afternoon.
We didn't actually get to polka, but could not help but chime in when he played "Qué Será, Será".
Let us not forget that today was the kick-off of Euro 2008 and Portugal beat Turkey 2 to 1!
*A big screen TV at the back of the bakery kept us all informed!
Like the troopers that we are, Karli and I happily supported the team spirit with makeshift sangrias made with Sumol :)
Yesterday, we did a home party for a customer that we met at the VGH Craft Market last month. Magnanimous Maggie invited her fellow Singaporean friends, family and neighbours to her spacious home on the hill for an afternoon of tea and shopping...lots of shopping.
Both her very lovely mother and mother-in-law were busy making fresh, tasty sweets in the kitchen all afternoon, while the laughter amongst her mah jong mates echoed throughout her home. As they all helped one another pick out jewelry, I stood back and watched the dynamics of their very own Joy Luck Club. I am both envious and sad that this is lacking in my life.
It's not so much about friends (we are blessed with great ones), as it is about the coming together of generations and missing my grandparents. It was always about food and breaking bread together. Memories of my grandmothers making parcels of sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves are etched upon me. I ache for the pungent smells of Chinese mushrooms and dried shrimp, pan-fried turnip cakes and most of all - salted fish.
Growing up in a predominantly lo fan neighbourhood, it was embarrassing inviting friends over to my house and having layers of newspaper spread across the balcony with dead fish drying in the sun that stunk like nobody's business! Jesee is the most adventurous gourmand I know, but "stinky" fish is not on his top-ten list. I'm not sure what his problem is, since he grew up with bacalao?
I close my eyes and can vividly remember the clatter of mah jong tiles lulling me to sleep right after a late night snack of congee and Chinese donuts...
Living in an inter-racial marriage allows us (and our children) to have the best of both worlds, but sometimes due to our cultural differences, we are missing that unspoken understanding.
I am certain that I was French in another lifetime. Je parle français comme une vache espagnole, but somehow I am fluent in my dreams!
When I first met Jesee, I had just returned from a stint in France and interestingly enough, he was practicing the I Ching - although we may not fill those cultural voids for one another completely, we are each others Yin and Yang.
Photo: The abandoned and dilapidated home of my paternal grandparents in Guangdong, China.
Not only will I be celebrating the 10th anniversary of my 33rd (a fantastic vintage it was) birthday, but WE will also be toasting our 20th wedding anniversary this year. Mucha cava por favor!
I recently shared the story of how Jesee and I met with a friend over greasy, well-done veal cutlets and less than lively ravioli at Nick's Spaghetti House on the north end of The Drive. Each time this story is told, it still remains to be one of the best boy meets girl stories ever! I know it's a bit long, so I'll try my best to keep it short.
On June 3, 1987, my sister and I were returning home from a week-long shopping expedition in Los Angeles, which of course included a jaunt down Rodeo Drive (btw, LOVED Pretty Woman) and Melrose Avenue :)
While driving northbound on Cambie Street from the airport, I noticed a motorcycle defiantly weaving in and out of traffic. *sigh* Watching this long-haired rebel reminded me of how much I was missing the Parisian "air"...so I followed him.
As we approached the intersection at 27th Avenue, an older model, gold-coloured station wagon recklessly crossed Cambie Street - where I witnessed the motorcycle crash into the front end of the car and the rider fly off the bike and roll over the hood down onto the street.
I slammed on the brakes and jumped out of my car to help my Jimmy Dean. Together we removed his helmet and this is where he saw his "angel" come to his rescue. I'm sure the fact that I was wearing an itty bitty mini skirt with my fabulous new white damask western boots (trimmed with embossed silver lamé, don't you know it!) had NOTHING to do with the "view" of said angel from his recumbent position on the ground.
One month later, after numerous phone messages from my new suitor (he had my calling card), we had our first date on Canada Day. After our sushi dinner somewhere on trendy Robson Street, we headed back to his West End bachelor suite where I met his five undiscriminating, Malibu-blonde roommates, who were getting ready to paint the town red.
I noticed that there was only ONE bed in the middle of the room and could only react with a polite smile, as I quietly questioned the sleeping arrangements under my breath. Trying not to appear unsettled, I surrendered to a cocktail and My Life in the Bush of Ghosts - drowning out the sounds of fireworks exploding in English Bay. Soon after the girls finished teasing and lacquering their mile-high locks (it was the 80's), we all left for the club.
Our evening ended relatively early (I had to work the next day) with a goodnight kiss when he walked me to my car after a night of dancing. BLECH! I could not wait to race home and disinfect my mouth knowing that I was also kissing Barbie #1, 2 and 3!
A few days later, a most persistent Jesee called me for a second date. I really wasn't interested in becoming a new member of his harem and agreed to meet him, so that I could tell him so. Unable to resist his charm, I still hadn't confessed my reason for meeting him. As we walked out of the restaurant, I tried to tell him, but instead he asked me (in a thick Frenish accent) to marry him by saying, "If I were to... *awkward silence* ...would you?" and THAT is how I became Jesee's girl.
Circa 1972 - I was barely a metre tall when I learned the MacLean Method of Handwriting at Seaforth Elementary School. I was extremely conscientious about staying within the ruled lines of my exercise book and would not accept anything short of perfection.
I remember having a few pen-pals around the globe and writing weekly letters in hopes of keeping the chain going. I faithfully wrote in my Chinese silk-covered journal EVERY night and as a grew older, I sent love letters to Paris written with my special calligraphy pen on scented (Coco Chanel) note paper and sealed it with a Revlon "Love That Red" kiss. Not so much Jane Austen material as it was Bridget Jones.
Soon handwritten letters were replaced with IBM Selectric "novels" thanks to Mrs. Powell, my eighth grade typing teacher who helped me accomplish my 90 wpm typing speed. Once computers came around, there was no turning back...even Christmas cards were eventually replaced with electronic greetings!
My once fine penmanship had become barely legible chicken scratch, hence my decision to try and resurrect this lost art. I started by purchasing a note card from The Beautiful Project on Etsy. Carefully thought out words were written to a dear friend who recently moved away to Macao. There was no room for error, no backspacing, no do-overs. I was so proud of this little achievement and couldn't wait to post this in the mail. *self-pat on the back*
About a week later, I found the note card in MY mailbox with a "postage due" sticker on it! It had been so long since I actually mailed anything, that I underestimated the postage costs! *bubble bursting*
This little chagrin will not stop me from future social correspondence, as I have yet to find the perfect occasion for this note card.
How lucky are we? We live in "the best place on earth"! We have travelled and lived in many places around the world and conclude that beautiful British Columbia will always be home.
*Although we love to travel and experience new territories, BC remains our home-base.
Yes, it rains more often than not, but it gives us so much lucsious green space and the smell of the forests right after a rainfall is intoxicating.
We have amazing mountains to climb and ride during all FOUR seasons and an ocean that provides us with some of the world's best sashimi. *smack*
So for all you virtual visitors, join us in celebrating BC's 150th anniversary.
Blessed we are having all this natural beauty around us to keep things in perspective when life isn't going quite the way we planned.
Song in My Head: Walls Come Tumbling Down - The Style Council
Our holiday in Spain last October was by way of London; although we had great reservations of how much we would enjoy our stay there given how expensive the city is - we had a marvelous time getting reacquainted with our friends Kay and Nigel along with their three darling boys.
LOST: blue tights and red cape
After a day of walking the Portobello Market and squeezing in as many touristy visits, Big Ben reminded us that we should be making our way to find solace for our weary bodies.
Before heading to Gatwick for our flight home, we stopped by a few antique shops along Northcote Road in Battersea for our never-ending search of crystals. This old chap had jolly good luck!
This year we threw tradition out the window and disappeared into the Rocky Mountains and spent Christmas in Fairmont Hot Springs with our good friends, Karli and Chris.
What would normally be a ten-hour drive was a gruelling twelve hours with winter road conditions factored in. It snowed all the way from Vancouver to Fairmont - it was beauteous.
Surrounding us was the the most serene winter wonderland. When we weren't out for our daily strolls in the snow, we lazily lounged about the cabin warmed by a wood-burning fireplace and Polar Bears (Hot Chocolate and Peppermint Schnapps).
The lack of holiday shopping madness was not missed amongst the quiet bliss of nature. Even a short drive to Invermere on Christmas Eve was pleasant and unhurried.
Every year at this time, holiday craft markets and social obligations have our batteries near drained. Our week in the Rockies is just what we needed to relax and recharge.
I was barely 16 when I first visited Paris in April 1981. As a Christmas gift from my parents, I was permitted to tag along with my then best friend on her school trip to France during Spring Break.
It was during one evening in the social room of the auberge de jeunesse that I first heard, "In the Air Tonight", which had not yet been released in the US. To this day, I still cannot listen to this song without automatically being transported back in time...to when my love affair with France and all things French had begun.
Our friend Paul's blog featured this video clip of the a cappella music group, Naturally 7 sharing some Phil Collin's love on a Paris Metro. Not as titillating as Tom and Rebecca's love scene, but equally as captivating.
We've been back for two and a half weeks from our Spanish holiday and are JUST getting back into the groove of things. Leaving behind the warm and sunny island after a FABulous time with family and friends was a difficult journey. I will elaborate on our trip in another post...promise.
Tomorrow we start our winter roadshow beginning with St. Thomas Aquinas High School in North Vancouver. With over seventy-five vendors participating in this 21st annual show, STA is always a crowd-pleaser. Come by and say hello, our booth is in the gymnasium in front of the bleachers.
Our timing couldn't be more perfect as we head off to sunny Mallorca, Spain, far away from this dreadfully cold and rainy BC weather - which is here to stay for the next six months! *sigh*
Without a doubt, the return of prodigal son will enlist compulsory celebrations with much food and drink including that from the bodega of José L. Ferrer where, "In vino veritas, the truth is found in wine."
We'll also be scouring the local markets in hopes of finding vintage crystals for our holiday collection. Our designs using these unique and precious beads have proven to be bestsellers year after year.
A trip to the Baleares would not be complete without a boat ride to the island of Ibiza, most famously known for it's non-stop parties. Even if the summer season is over, it will be quite the trip returning to the scene of the crime, where Jesee was one of the first DJ's spinning there some thirty years ago!
Much to see, much to do and there isn't enough time for it all, but I must make time to stalk run into hunky tennis pro Rafael Nadal. It's no secret that I have a HUGE crush on him and this would really complete my trip ;o)
I do not anticipate keeping up with the blog during our holiday, but one never knows, so hasta la vista...
This entry is dedicated to our ardent readers in Holland...
As I remember, my first Dutch encounter was with an ultra handsome hottie from Amsterdam visiting for the summer. I was seventeen and very much impressionable. Edwin (named hottie) single-handedly influenced my appetite for Heinekins, Droste and Spetters.
My foolish infatuation even led to a short-lived Dutch language course at the local college. "Ik ben Moniko, hoe gaat het met u?". Sadly, it never got further than this :(
Riding a Dutch citybike through Amsterdam (the quintessential Dutch experience) has yet to become a dream come true, but with our love of cycling, it can't be far away. What an amazing trip it must be to be surrounded by fellow cyclists every which way you turn and to have special rights to boot!
Until such opportunity arises...I will remain the crazy Mevr. who adores tulips and has a penchant for Dutch ovens (Le Creuset, not the obnoxious game played under the covers).
Here is a somewhat happy ending to the "stink bomb" Lush dropped whey they illegally used the tag line "Get Naked" for their most recent advert promoting package-free goods.
As it happens, "Naked" and "Get Naked" are registered trademarks belonging to Naked Soapworks of Bowen Island.
Written by owner, Laurel Bailey, the text has been edited for length and clarity.
Hello Everyone,
Things have changed a little. I went to the Lush website and found that even though their letter to me refused to concede that they trampled my trademark rights, they removed most of the offending material from their website! The Lush Canada "Get Naked" campaign is now "Lush in the Buff" and they are "baring it all" instead of "getting naked", their naked products are now "unwrapped" and the only reference to naked is now "The Naked Truth", which I can live with.
I wanted to let you guys know that it worked! No apology (which I would really like) and no admission of guilt but IT IS possible to affect change, even in a multinational! Thank you so much for your continued support. Naked people rock!
The weather in Harrison Hot Springs this past weekend was almost too good to be true. After a pitiful summer of rain and as fall approaches us, the weather gods were truly feeling generous.
It was our first weekend off now that the Bowen Market is finished for the season. Lazy and relaxing...aahhh.
Practically a permanent summer fixture on Bowen Island, we may participate in the Harrison Festival next summer, just to mix things up a bit. There was no denying the crowds of tourists roaming through the town, especially with the sand sculpture competition in full swing.
Of course the hunky matador caught my eye...a little taste of our upcoming trip to Spain at the end of the month. *grinning*
I came across this article in the Metro News on my Monday commute which I had kept to show my friend Laurel of Naked Soapworks , but it looks like she's already on the ball.
Literally: Breaking wind, closing buttocks Interpretation: There's no point in squeezing your buttocks after you have farted. Ahso!
This tasty and refreshing Japanese inspired cucumber salad with a rice vinegar dressing was awaiting me upon my arrival home. We also ate chirashizushi made with maguro and brown rice (chowed down before I could get the camera out). *licking lips*
Tomorrow is Bowen Island's 15th annual "Dog Days of Summer" event, hosted by the Union Steamship Marina.
Lots of categories for "man's best friend" to compete in with proceeds going to the BC Guide Dog Services.
So grab Fido and hop on the ferry to show off your best Stupid Pet Tricks.
Phin & Onslo
This beautiful Newfoundland won for "Most Obedient" and "Best Trick" in 2003 by rescuing a "drowning" victim under the direction of his owner, Holly Graff. Onslo swam out into the ocean with a towrope and pulled the distressed damsel safely back to shore. My hero.
Just a few days earlier, we were patriotically waving our flag for Canada Day and last night we proudly waved the Spanish flag at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. As Spain triumphed at their 2-1 victory over Zambia, we partook in the cultural experience of drinking beer from plastic cups, boisterous chanting and friendly insults..."Too much muscle, not enough brains!"
Luckily, our complimentary seats were located in the covered grandstand on the west side of the field, protecting our eyes from the brilliant sol of this week's magnificent hot spell. It made for an awesome time, even with the endless queues for the porta-potty (it only takes one beer) and Tom Thumb mini-donuts.
The FIFA souvenir tents were mobbed with fans despite the over-inflated prices of official gear. I don't know how times I overheard parent's telling their children that they were not going to spend ten bucks on a dinky little soccer ball key ring!
Having said that, we still spent sixty beans on a slinky red jersey that sported a saffron graphic of a charging bull! *grinning*
Gracie Lieske, the beloved chocolate Labrador of Paul, Basia and Katie passed away suddenly last Tuesday of undetermined complications.
One of our favourite Gracie memories is the night she hid under our bed in the Lieske guest room during a wicked Bowen thunderstorm. NOBODY got any sleep that night with all that whimpering!
Where there was food...there was Gracie and it was always a good chuckle watching others chow down on their smokies at the Paradise Grill while Gracie patiently waited for a dribble of fried onion to fall to the ground. If you were an unsuspecting two-year old, even funnier!
Goodnight Gracie, you'll be sadly missed, as the market won't be quite the same without you.
It has been almost two months since our last entry and so much has happened, yet not a peep. I know that many of you have faithfully checked in regularly for an update, only to be disappointed by old news. Our most humble apologies, but...
Shortly after the New Year, we found out that we had to move from our home (landlord having financial issues), which of course if right up there with death and divorce as far as emotions go. We were in shock, numb and in denial, all while searching for the perfect flat. The chaos of boxes everywhere and disorganization touched on depression and despair and we basically shut out the outside world. Two months later and barely into our new abode, we are now reorganizing our lives.
In between all of this, Jesee was a victim of a hit and run accident while riding his bike. Witnesses reported that it was a semi-truck that hit him from behind and flipped him into the air before he landed hard on the concrete and opened his eyes to see their faces staring down at him. With more lives than an alley cat, Jesee walked away from this without any broken bones. The ambulance could not take his bike with them to the hospital, so he declined their recommendation. However, the RCMP did give him a lift home, so that he could put his bike away before seeking medical attention. Jesee can truly say without exaggeration, "I feel like I've been hit by a truck!".
Recovery with the help of painkillers, massage and physio has been slow, but steady progress. It's a miracle that he was not more seriously injured and what probably saved him was his Xen helmet and being hit from behind. Not knowing what was about to happen, gave him no time to tense his body in preparation for impact and fly as free as a rag doll.
Valentine's and Chinese New Year celebrations took a back seat to sorting, packing and schlepping boxes. Even dinners at home have been mediocre...bleh.
What kept me going were my Survivor Bootcamp classes. Three times a week at 6 a.m., I'd work my arse out for an hour and rid myself of any stress before going to work. It kept me sane and nice, and I highly recommend this to anyone who loves pushing his or her limits to the max. "Sir, yes sir!"
Soon enough, I will start commuting and try not to think the worse of drivers on my daily rides. Just what kind of person would leave someone injured lying on the road anyway?
We started doing our Christmas shows immediately after Hallowe'en, so by the time Christmas actually rolls around...we're already tired of it! There is such a thing as too much Christmas and now we're recovering from Christmasitis. Symptoms include sensitivities to the Chipmunk Song and liquored-up old geezers posing as the really jolly St. Nick.
Every weekend has been designated to either a show or a holiday party, which usually involves an overload of high-calorie goodies and not so Muzak to my ears. The doctor of the house recommends a natural home remedy - hit the trails and embrace the sun and fresh air. Check.
A couple of low-keyed and enjoyable things we did this season was go on a Christmas Light tour on our bikes and watch The Holiday. Personally, this sweet, romantic comedy is most memorable for the beautiful English scenery and I'm not referring to Jude Law, though he was most pathetically adorable. It's a typical chic flic - predictable and mindless entertainment, but amusing nonetheless.
What was more impressive is the Rio Theatre on Broadway. This cozy, single-screen theatre has a wonderful, warm and fuzzy feel to it, where there aren't any crowds of rambunctious adolescence to contend with, plenty of free street parking and comfortable seats for a mere $8.00. With the convenience of Skytrain and a number of restaurants and cafés just around the corner, I selfishly hope this little gem stays undiscovered a wee bit longer.
We were quite pleased to see mucho recommendations of Spanish wines including the Segura Viudas Brut "Reserva", a Mongeot family staple. With only 3 down and 97 bottles to go, we should be in fine shape as we ring in the New Year.
Speaking of fine shape...as the season comes to an end and life gets back into the groove, I am preparing myself for a tortuous month of Survivor Boot Camp, a Christmas pressie to myself. As I'm a bit of a fair-weather commuter, I haven't been on the bike as much as I would like, hence the affliction of junk in the trunk that needs tending to.
ANOTHER pressie to myself was a pair of women-specific Nike AIR MAX N-Dorfin 3 Rollerblades that promises to transform me into an "inline goddess". Hmm, complemented with a pair of our goddess earrings, nothing can stop me now...
I have survived yet another year of organizing the office Christmas party. I dug out this very funny tragedy from my archives as a warning of where I may very well end up! It's a bit of read, but well worth it. Enjoy.
FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resource Director TO: All Employees DATE: 4th November 2005 RE: Christmas Party
I'm happy to inform you that the company Christmas Party will take place on December 23rd, starting at noon the private function room at the Grill House. There will be cash bar and plenty of drinks!
We'll have a small band playing traditional carols... please feel free to sing along. And don't be surprised if the E.D. shows up dressed as Santa Claus!
A Christmas tree will be lit at 1 pm. Gift exchanges among employees can be done at that time, however, no gift should be over $10 to make the giving of gifts easy for everyone's pockets. This gathering is only for employees! The E.D. will make a special announcement at the party.
Merry Christmas to you and your family, Pauline
FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resource Director TO: All Employees DATE: 5th November 2005 RE: Holiday Party
In no way was yesterday's memo intended to exclude our Jewish employees. We recognize that Hanukkah is an important holiday, which often coincides with Christmas, though unfortunately not this year. However, from now on we're calling it our "Holiday Party". The same policy applies to any other employees who are not Christians. There will be no Christmas tree or Christmas carols sung. We will have other types of music for your enjoyment.
Happy now?
Happy Holidays to you and your family, Pauline
FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director TO: All Employees DATE: 6th November 2005 RE: Holiday Party
Regarding the note I received from a member of Alcoholics Anonymous requesting a non-drinking table... you didn't sign your name. I'm happy to accommodate this request, but if I put a sign on a table that reads, "AA Only", you wouldn't be anonymous anymore!!! How am I supposed to handle this? Somebody?
Forget about the gift exchange, no gift exchange allowed now since the Union Officials feel that $10 is too much money and Management believe $10 is a little cheap. NO GIFT EXCHANGE WILL BE ALLOWED!
Pauline
FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director TO: All Employees DATE: 7th November 2005 RE: Holiday Party
What a diverse group we are! I had no idea that December 20th begins the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which forbids eating and drinking during daylight hours. There goes the party! Seriously, we can appreciate how a luncheon at this time of the year does not accommodate our Muslim employees' beliefs, perhaps the Grill House can hold off on serving your meal until the end of the party - or else package everything up for you to take in a little foil doggy bag. Will that work?
Meanwhile, I've arranged for members of Weight Watchers to sit farthest from the dessert buffet and pregnant women will get the table closest to the toilets, Gay are allowed to sit with each other, Lesbians do not have to sit with gay men, each will have their own table. Yes, there will be flower arrangements for the gay men's table too. To the person asking permission to cross dress…no cross-dressing allowed.
We will have booster seat for short people. Low-fat food will be available for those on diet. We cannot control the salt used in the food, we suggest those people with high blood pressure taste the food first. There will be fresh fruits as desserts for Diabetics; the restaurant cannot supply "No Sugar" desserts. Sorry! Did I miss anything?????
Pauline
FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director TO: All F****** Employees DATE: 8th November 2005 RE: The F****** Holiday Party
Vegetarian pricks I've had it with you people!!! We're going to keep this party at the Grill House whether you like it or not, so you can sit quietly at the table furthest from the "grill of death", as you so quaintly put it, you'll have your f****** salad bar, including organic tomatoes, but you know tomatoes have feelings too. They scream when you slice them. I've heard them scream, I'm hearing them scream right NOW!!! I hope you all have a rotten holiday, drink, drive and die!!!
The Bitch from HELL!!!!!!!!!!
FROM: John Bishop - Acting Human Resource Director TO: All Employees DATE: 9th November 2005 RE: Pauline Lewis and Holiday Party
I'm sure I speak for all of us in wishing Pauline Lewis a speedy recovery, and I'll continue to forward your cards to her. In the meantime, the Management has decided to cancel our Holiday Party and instead, give everyone the afternoon of December 23rd off with full pay.
Jesee and I have just arrived home after a two-week grind in Hong Kong and China. We were always on the go and computer access was extremely limited. We would have liked to share our adventures with you on a daily basis, but time now only permits me to share the highlights.
Our mission was to source out new suppliers and to connect with existing ones, but we did find time to visit with family and have some fun. The collection of Swarovski crystals and silver findings that we have acquired will make for an even finer line of jewelry. More shapes, sizes and colours to choose from allowing Jesee to create without boundaries...the dream of an artist.
With the influx of people from other provinces now working in HK and Guangzhou, Mandarin appears to be the predominant language; nevertheless my basic knowledge of Cantonese still served us well. Negotiating is an international body language that is easily communicated with the shake or nod of a head and if you walk away, you can be sure that they'll call you back.
*Should you ever find yourself bargaining in China, note that you should start your offer at 20% of the asking price and expect to pay about 25-30%.
Most all of our days and evenings were filled with activities and we averaged four to five hours of sleep each night. Our families ensured that we ate like royalty every meal and it is customary to go out for a midnight snack. The thirty degree temperatures (85% humidity) begged us to quench our thirsts with super-sized bottles of Heineken and Tsingtao beer. Try doing this everyday for two weeks and you'll be sure to gain more than a few kilos!
We spent our first day in Guangzhou, the capital city of Guangdong Province. The experience was surreal...traffic, pollution and noise. This city never sleeps and one rarely sees the sun through the blanket of smog. Everywhere you turn there is construction of new highways and sky-high buildings covered up with bamboo scaffolding, known to be incredibly strong, lightweight and flexible enough to survive a monsoon! Bamboo is considered so versatile, you can even own a bamboo bike. How clever.
After witnessing the hundreds of thousands of cyclists commuting in what I call a respiratory nightmare, I swear to never complain about my commutes to work. Cyclists, motor-cyclists, taxis, putt-putts and inefficient gas burning vehicles all manage to co-exist on the crowded streets with a laissez-faire attitude. No one flips the bird or gets hot under the collar. Road rage isn't programmed into their brains, so very little fazes them. I on the other hand nearly required a change of Fruit of the Loom more than once. We thought that we both were fairly aggressive drivers, but pale in comparison to the drivers of this virtually ruleless city.
Hong Kong and China is a shopper's paradise. There isn't anything you cannot find here, except maybe clothes to fit the average gweilo, a Cantonese term for male westerners which literally translates as "ghost man" a.k.a. "white boy". You can buy fake anything here, so buyers beware, as it's very easy to be fooled when you are overwhelmed by the selection and prices and especially the pushy sales staff.
After we endured a day of shopping and sightseeing, we were treated to an hour-long foot massage for about CAD$5.00. The masseuses are trained in reflexology and knew exactly how to fix what ailed us. We were served complimentary snacks and drinks, while we laid back on the chairs in absolute bliss. Most memorable was the young girl who worked on Jesee and when she addressed him as Si Fu which means Master...THIS he could get use to.
In my typical Monday morning comatose haste, I spilled coffee all over myself and my stupid bag containing my iPod, shoes and lunch. *scream* This was the straw that broke the camel's back and prompted me to finally go and purchase a new travel mug. Not just any old ugly mug, but a highly recommended, virtually leakproof Starbucks Memory Tumbler.
I didn't particularly fancy any of the designs offered by Starbucks and decided to Google for a template enabling the use of my own photos/graphics and found one here. Such a silly little thing has brought me much rejoice for those morning commutes, whether it's on the train or on the back of my bike in my trusty pannier. Tomorrow I will put it to the test as I jump the speed bumps and attempt to turn my Iced Latte into a Frappuccino® .
It's better to be scared to death than bored to death...
I honestly cannot say that life is ever boring or uneventful. I love the challenges that leave you emotionally charged, forcing you to endure mental and physical fatigue, restless nights and grueling days. It's the adrenalin rush and the satisfaction you feel when it's all good and done. Push your limits to the max and amaze yourself with your incredible strength and wit. Just do it!
After a three week hiatus of maxing myself out, I hang up my superhero cape (for the moment) and return to wear one of my many other hats...that of the muse. This often requires creativity to inspire the artist to create, but sometimes it only needs something as simple as amour. When the heart is full, the juices start flowing and the imagination is endless.
As my quasi-metrosexual reminds me that I am his goddess and he is my proverbial rock, I acknowledge that he is also my muse before I fly off to battle yet another day.
I was doomed from the start as I introduced myself to the belligerent audience. Arduous as it was, my presentation left no impact and though I knew it wasn't personal, I had felt so defeated all the same. The dreary, darkness of the day did nothing to lift my spirits as I trudged home in the torrential downpour. Record breaking days of rain or not, I'm really beginning to lose my sense of humour.
As per Sr Jesee's orders and AGAINST my temple detoxification cleanse, a troubled night called for a double dose of espresso this morning. Out the door I went with my superhero spirit in tow ready to fight off evil, NOT. I stood wearily at the intersection and stepped off the curb in anticipation of the light turning green, when I suddenly realized it didn't. A nanosecond later, I leapt back on the curb just as a city bus came barreling down the street, blowing it's horn. As the sardine-mover decelerated, I recognized the driver waving at me was our riding buddy, Fergie. Dude, thanks for the wake-up call, but there are better means to take my breath away!
Shiny things never fail to make us happy and we were tickled pink when we received our latest shipment of delicious crystals. Looking forward to brighter days, we cannot wait to flaunt our latest designs, so stay tuned for our tribute to Cupid...coming soon.
Current Music: Sinnerman - Nina Simone - Verve Remixed 2
We brought in the New Year with an intimate group of friends sans fanfare, catching up on each other's lives and making plans for the future, but none of them actually involved a "resolution".
Here we are seven days into the new year and nothing feels especially new. The skies ever so dark and gloomy, the rain relentless and temperatures cool...the winter doldrums have arrived.
I've started detoxification of my temple with all things naughty including alcohol, caffeine and anything refined or processed. The dizziness comes and goes as my body withdraws from life's little luxuries of pâté de foie gras, Merlots and crème caramel. *sigh*
The changes are not only physical, but also psychological, as I've even noticed that wearing my fabulous chandeliers has taken a back seat to more demure ornament drops. There are moments when I feel much like a bear and hibernating or at the very least a lay down and tummy rub just like Sadie in the pix below.
Soon all this will change as Chinese New Year is three weeks away and the "gorging" and exchange of Red Envelopes begins. With Valentine's Day following close behind, all that red is sure to lift one out of this winter funk and be filled with warmth and happiness, but for the moment, I'll just cozy up under the covers with a hot cuppa tea and a delicious book while I resolve not to...
Forty is the new thirty. Since today is my forty and one half-birthday, I suppose I ought to make the most of the other one hundred and eighty-two point five days I have left.
I admit that there are very few days that I actually feel like I'm forty, EXCEPT if I stay up well past my bedtime, indulge in a red wine bender and neglect my daily dose of Wheaties and exercise.
Whew, it's bloody tough being forty! While my life is still a work in progress, I embrace all that I have and strive to be better. I graciously accept the "yummy mummy" compliments and adhere to the theory that it's important for one to feel "bien dans sa peau".
What's my secret? Work hard - play hard and SPF 30 is a MUST. Has anyone seen Ramon, the pool boy?
Current Tune in My Head: Don't Cha - Pussycat Dolls
*Disclaimer: This is not a reflection of my taste in music, but the song is so damn catchy, that I can't get it out of my head!
The morning started with an urgent request from Shari Ulrich to replace a lost necklace that her daughter had commissioned Jesee to make for her father's wedding today. Apparently, the young Miss Graff loved the necklace so much that she wore it prior to the big event, but misplaced it somewhere at the beach. This time the necklace was even more special, as Jesee added some crystals that were from her grandmother's jewelry box.
Holly Keyes and David Graff's wedding is one of five weddings going on at Bowen Island (we did the jewelry for two them) today. We met these artists through the market and soon became cohorts. We were most honored to celebrate this special day with them, if only the reception because we were still working at the time.
The event was held at the Alder Cove Estate, a.k.a. the home that Harrison Ford was rumoured to be purchasing. On this beautiful, sunny afternoon, children were running joyously about the front garden of this marvelous ten-acre waterfront property. The rest of us big kids lazed about with cocktails while we soaked up the extraordinary view of cruise ships and ferries sailing by.
It was a magnificent setting for an intimate and casual celebration of about seventy seven guests. The buffet of assorted hors d'oeuvres, alder grilled Westcoast salmon, Parmesan chicken, grilled market vegetables, fresh, crisp salads and delectable desserts was sure to please any food enthusiast.
The evening progressed to hours of dancing at our very own Ibiza. An eclectic array of music, flashing lights and lively partygoers (young and old alike) celebrated alongside the newlyweds under the harvest moon. Even though I was recovering from a Superman crash off my bike at Cypress Mountain the day before, I managed to rock out with the very best of them. We wish to say a very big thank you to the most gracious hosts, Walt and Laura, for a wonderful time.
What exactly does it all mean? I'm feeling fabulous and today I'm forty, but REALLY...what exactly does it all mean?
Everyone has their sob story, but ultimately we choose the path in which to take. As a woman, a wife and a mother, I have hit upon many bumps on the road, taken a few unexpected detours and have even driven right off the fast lane. Periodically, I pull out the trusty map just to make sure that I'm moving in the right direction and sometimes, but not often, I just ride with the wind.
Life is a game in which we play to survive. There aren't many hard and fast rules and perhaps that's just as well because it's human nature to break them or at the very least...bend them. We all desire to feel free of the stresses of daily life and to have the freedom to do things at whim, however the reality is that life happens.
Good humour and self respect is a solid foundation for true happiness. It's not usually something we find in our twenties, as we're too busy drowning in paltry self-admiration to notice that real life is happening around us. In our thirties, we're working hard and driven by careers and family obligations. We start to better understand who we are and what are roles in life are, but haven't yet achieved that feeling of satisfaction.
Then we arrive at our forties...feeling confident, fulfilled and comfortable in our own skins. Thanks to my husband's culinary savvy, I eat like a French Woman, never hungry and always surrounded by healthy, delectable food that is lovingly prepared. There's a respect for my mind and body that ranks above senseless diets and endless hours on the StairMaster. I LOVE riding my bicycle, it makes me feel stronger and younger and this makes me smile.
With two beautiful, amazing children and a partner who adores me, I have balance and harmony that allows me the freedom to love myself, love others and love life. Who needs to be young again? I AM young and I feel fabulous!
40th birthday celebration for Paula M, me and Paula K
tormented and tired from being in the shadows of the yam, the sweet potato decisively revolted and took control of its identity.
About Me
Name: Tapas and Dim Sum
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
The trials and tribulations of Jesee and Koko, the dream team behind Izzy and Buds Jewelry Designs
...inspiring and unique jewelry that glitter and shout, "Ooh la la!"
Carmen is a passionate love story of a free-spirited gypsy involved in a fiery romance with both a toreador and a jealous, inexperienced soldier that eventually results in her demise.
Current Read: Everything but the Squeal - Eating the Whole Hog in Northern Spain
Why are long weekends never long enough? With hardly a moment to breathe, we travelled from the Bowen Market to the Pride Festival and right up to Harrison Hot Springs for some much needed reprieve - found at the bottom of an ice cold Heineken.
Spain's Euro 2008 victory on Sunday was somewhat anti-climactic for us - being that it was the official start of the Bowen Summer Market we were unable to watch the game in its entirety on The Drive (the ONLY place to watch a football match involving a Mediterranean team). 
This morning I was 
Luckily, today was the annual Hats Off Day celebration in Burnaby Heights and once again, the Fortuna Bakery was cooking up grilled sardines - a Portuguese specialty.
It's not so much about friends (we are blessed with great ones), as it is about the coming together of generations and missing my grandparents. It was always about food and breaking bread together. Memories of my grandmothers making parcels of sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves are etched upon me. I ache for the pungent smells of Chinese mushrooms and dried shrimp, pan-fried turnip cakes and most of all - salted fish.
My Champagne Birthday
Circa 1972 - I was barely a metre tall when I learned the MacLean Method of Handwriting at Seaforth Elementary School. I was extremely conscientious about staying within the ruled lines of my exercise book and would not accept anything short of perfection.
LOST: blue tights and red cape
After a day of walking the Portobello Market and squeezing in as many touristy visits, Big Ben reminded us that we should be making our way to find solace for our weary bodies.
Before heading to Gatwick for our flight home, we stopped by a few antique shops along Northcote Road in Battersea for our never-ending search of crystals. This old chap had jolly good luck!
Our timing couldn't be more perfect as we head off to sunny Mallorca, Spain, far away from this dreadfully cold and rainy BC weather - which is here to stay for the next six months! *sigh*
Much to see, much to do and there isn't enough time for it all, but I must make time to 
This entry is dedicated to our ardent readers in Holland...
The weather in Harrison Hot Springs this past weekend was almost too good to be true. After a pitiful summer of rain and as fall approaches us, the weather gods were truly feeling generous. 
I came across this article in the Metro News on my Monday commute which I had kept to show my friend Laurel of Naked Soapworks , but it looks like she's already on the ball.
Phin & Onslo
Just a few days earlier, we were patriotically waving our flag for Canada Day and last night we proudly waved the Spanish flag at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. As Spain triumphed at their 2-1 victory over Zambia, we partook in the cultural experience of drinking beer from plastic cups, boisterous chanting and friendly insults..."Too much muscle, not enough brains!"
August 11, 1996 - March 13, 2007
We recently picked up a copy of the much coveted, hard to find - had a glass: THE TOP 100 WINES FOR 2007 UNDER $20.00 by Kenji Hodgson and James Nevison from Barbara-Jo's Books to Cooks down on West 2nd Avenue. 
ANOTHER pressie to myself was a pair of women-specific Nike AIR MAX N-Dorfin 3 Rollerblades that promises to transform me into an "inline goddess". Hmm, complemented with a pair of our goddess earrings, nothing can stop me now...
On the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade 
Happy Feet @ Paul Lake in Kamloops, BC
As my quasi-metrosexual reminds me that I am his goddess and he is my proverbial rock, I acknowledge that he is also my muse before I fly off to battle yet another day.
Shiny things never fail to make us happy and we were tickled pink when we received our latest shipment of delicious crystals. Looking forward to brighter days, we cannot wait to flaunt our latest designs, so stay tuned for our tribute to Cupid...coming soon.
We brought in the New Year with an intimate group of friends sans fanfare, catching up on each other's lives and making plans for the future, but none of them actually involved a "resolution".
Forty is the new thirty. Since today is my forty and one half-birthday, I suppose I ought to make the most of the other one hundred and eighty-two point five days I have left.
Whew, it's bloody tough being forty! While my life is still a work in progress, I embrace all that I have and strive to be better. I graciously accept the "yummy mummy" compliments and adhere to the theory that it's important for one to feel "bien dans sa peau".
The morning started with an urgent request from Shari Ulrich to replace a lost necklace that her daughter had commissioned Jesee to make for her father's wedding today. Apparently, the young Miss Graff loved the necklace so much that she wore it prior to the big event, but misplaced it somewhere at the beach. This time the necklace was even more special, as Jesee added some crystals that were from her grandmother's jewelry box.
