Monday, September 30, 2013
Friday, September 27, 2013
98 Days to Deadline
Has nothing he can call Fame
He Hides his head in Shame
He's got no one to blame
He's just a Pawn in their game
He Hides his head in Shame
He's got no one to blame
He's just a Pawn in their game
By T.Retrosi
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Thursday, September 26, 2013
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Clouding Thunder
There is nothing worse than seeing a child spill emotions down her cheeks and not being able to dig deep and remove whatever is the cause of this rain.
All I can do is bring out my silliness and splash around for a bit.
All I can do is bring out my silliness and splash around for a bit.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
The Panera Way...
Ok- you are wondering what is this I speak of.
I bring this up ONLY because this happened twice at the Big S in Sherwood Park and I feel the sudden need to rant about it.
I go in this morning to order my tea. I ask for a grande Vanilla Rooibos tea in a Venti cup (this means one tea bag) with 3/4 hot water and steamed soy to top it off.
The charge: 4.78
Does anyone else see the issue with this???
Most of the time- I pay 2.68 for a tea and a splash of milk. Today- I am charged for a latte.
The reasoning the say is to pay for the LABOR of STEAMING the Soy. However, a latte consists of the use of their syrup. What happens when I do not use syrup. Clearly it is inappropriate to charge for something that isn't in its entire entity? Think of it this way- it is like purchasing a chicken salad without the chicken- therefore making it a SALAD. Or even better, a cheeseburger without the cheese thus making it a GRILLED CHEESE. Is this making conclusive sense???
The manager and I had quite the discussion customer service and the absolute overcharge of simply paying double the amount of what I would pay if they would just charge me for a tea with a splash of soy ($2.68) instead- they are making a latte charge.
I then asked them to place the soy in then put in the microwave for 45 seconds. They were unable to accommodate me.
I left that location with manners in tow (no need to make an Emmy winning production over tea) and simply went to one in Edmonton where they were more than happy to meet my needs and not attempt to overcharge me.
New Thought.
I am guessing this will have to happen.
Get a kids Soy Steamer (1.25)
Bring my own freaking tea bags which I purchased at 50 cents per bag.
Request 2 venti cups of 3/4 hot water.
Make my own damned tea.
Voila.
Its actually half the cost of 2 teas.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOW- why the title?
There is this lovely restaurant in the USA that is called Panera Bread.
They have two rules for their company.
#1- Always say yes to the customer- the customer is always right. You never say no, they keep coming back...
#2- Never hire assholes
Really. That's it. It's that simple. Makes perfect sense.
I bring this up ONLY because this happened twice at the Big S in Sherwood Park and I feel the sudden need to rant about it.
I go in this morning to order my tea. I ask for a grande Vanilla Rooibos tea in a Venti cup (this means one tea bag) with 3/4 hot water and steamed soy to top it off.
The charge: 4.78
Does anyone else see the issue with this???
Most of the time- I pay 2.68 for a tea and a splash of milk. Today- I am charged for a latte.
The reasoning the say is to pay for the LABOR of STEAMING the Soy. However, a latte consists of the use of their syrup. What happens when I do not use syrup. Clearly it is inappropriate to charge for something that isn't in its entire entity? Think of it this way- it is like purchasing a chicken salad without the chicken- therefore making it a SALAD. Or even better, a cheeseburger without the cheese thus making it a GRILLED CHEESE. Is this making conclusive sense???
The manager and I had quite the discussion customer service and the absolute overcharge of simply paying double the amount of what I would pay if they would just charge me for a tea with a splash of soy ($2.68) instead- they are making a latte charge.
I then asked them to place the soy in then put in the microwave for 45 seconds. They were unable to accommodate me.
I left that location with manners in tow (no need to make an Emmy winning production over tea) and simply went to one in Edmonton where they were more than happy to meet my needs and not attempt to overcharge me.
New Thought.
I am guessing this will have to happen.
Get a kids Soy Steamer (1.25)
Bring my own freaking tea bags which I purchased at 50 cents per bag.
Request 2 venti cups of 3/4 hot water.
Make my own damned tea.
Voila.
Its actually half the cost of 2 teas.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOW- why the title?
There is this lovely restaurant in the USA that is called Panera Bread.
They have two rules for their company.
#1- Always say yes to the customer- the customer is always right. You never say no, they keep coming back...
#2- Never hire assholes
Really. That's it. It's that simple. Makes perfect sense.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Life on Whyte
I was skipping down Whyte Ave this weekend and a female busker stood perched on a flower bed, playing a guitar and singing a song. I passed her once and didn't really pay attention. Sure, I heard her but I sure as heck wasn't listening. The second time I past- It was like someone hit me in the face with a frying pan. Her voice was incredible. Such that I actually was 10 paces in front, stopped dead in my tracks, turned around and placed 20 bucks in her guitar case.
She looked at me with tears in her eyes and said- "thank you so much. You just made my day"
Guess what- she made mine.
Poem Man
'Poetry for sale- Get it while its hot!'
This guy is actually pretty cool. A friend of mine was with me and bumped into another friend on the corner of Whyte and 107th. There sat this man in a top hat, his typewriter (yes, a typewriter) and a journal with pullout pages. He said "Hello miss would you like to buy a poem- fresh off the press".
I got talking with him. He actually was really quite interesting. He writes about 30-40 poems in a day and charges $8 a poem. This is all he does. He got the idea from another busker down south in the USA. People flock to him for live poems. Love poems. Poems about their girlfriends. Poems about the weather. Their dog. Their evil exes... the list goes on.
Lesson to be learned- Open your ears. Ask more questions. There are some really cool people out there with some really interesting stories.
She looked at me with tears in her eyes and said- "thank you so much. You just made my day"
Guess what- she made mine.
Poem Man
'Poetry for sale- Get it while its hot!'
This guy is actually pretty cool. A friend of mine was with me and bumped into another friend on the corner of Whyte and 107th. There sat this man in a top hat, his typewriter (yes, a typewriter) and a journal with pullout pages. He said "Hello miss would you like to buy a poem- fresh off the press".
I got talking with him. He actually was really quite interesting. He writes about 30-40 poems in a day and charges $8 a poem. This is all he does. He got the idea from another busker down south in the USA. People flock to him for live poems. Love poems. Poems about their girlfriends. Poems about the weather. Their dog. Their evil exes... the list goes on.
Lesson to be learned- Open your ears. Ask more questions. There are some really cool people out there with some really interesting stories.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Not So Impossible
A hole is meant to be filled. A hole should never exist for a long period of time because,eventually, it will grow and then become harder to fill. Some may call one crazy for trying to fill a round hole with a square dowel- however, little does this person realize that there is such thing as sandpaper...........
Shit I Enjoy Today
Boston Fender
Clean Sheets fresh out of the dryer - HELLO WARMTH!
Crispy leave underfoot
Scarfs
A perfect pear (It was delicious)
Bubbles from my bath
5 am FRESH AIR! (seriously- even my upstairs neighbor is questioning the sideways neighbors existence at this point)
A strong cup of coffee
New Neon Socks
A new Song
Ultimate Guitar Tabs (thank you for so many versions that DO NOT include an F!)
The lovely voice coming from the Busker on Whyte
A lovely kick in the Ass from a friend (figuratively, not literally)
Clean Sheets fresh out of the dryer - HELLO WARMTH!
Crispy leave underfoot
Scarfs
A perfect pear (It was delicious)
Bubbles from my bath
5 am FRESH AIR! (seriously- even my upstairs neighbor is questioning the sideways neighbors existence at this point)
A strong cup of coffee
New Neon Socks
A new Song
Ultimate Guitar Tabs (thank you for so many versions that DO NOT include an F!)
The lovely voice coming from the Busker on Whyte
A lovely kick in the Ass from a friend (figuratively, not literally)
The Search
There are times in your life when you meet someone that you make a connection with but simply cannot comprehend even why the connection is there. It just... is.
Someone who you share your thoughts with and know that they will never judge- just listen...
Someone you can trust completely and know that they will never break that trust.....
Someone who makes your heart swell with happiness with just a little thought.....
Who can make your day complete with just a smile...
Someone who you can share your silence with...
Someone who brings out YOUR smile with such ease and confidence....
Someone who you can spend an entire afternoon searching in there eyes and then realize a part of you was missing up until that very moment....
Someone Who...
When or If you find this connection- Don't question why. Just receive and embrace it. Because it can be gone in an instant.
Friday, September 20, 2013
People Of Remedy
I sit here at my "office", people watching. It's almost time for the lunch rush and things are about to get a little unhinged. My brain is in overdrive and I cannot seem to focus on a single thing. My attention span is that of a gnat. Yes, fleeing every which way.
Anyhow, I thought I would share the everyday people I encounter because I believe they all are very interesting people.
Bouncy Ball Guy:
He is a security officer somewhere in the downtown core. He comes to Remedy in the evening- often bringing his laptop. The kicker with him- He always has these small little bouncy balls he gives to women (I have 3 now). I am unsure of why. He goes out of his way to order them online and just goes up to women (JUST women) and asks "would you like a ball?" Yes, I have 3 of his balls and now that I say this Im really questioning his motive.
Mary
Mary is the barista on a sabbatical from Ireland (she is a teacher in Ireland- Her boyfriend is in construction and travels a lot). She is a vibrant blonde who always greats me with a smile. She knows EXACTLY how to make my drink. Between you and I, she is the heart of Remedy. You cannot help but smile when you are greeted by her.
Isaac
Isaac is my new friend who I meet up with at Remedy on a regular basis. He is one of the few positive people I encounter on a regular basis. Isaac has an understanding of women most men lack.
Isaac has a goal to meet and uplift people he comes into contact with on an everyday basis. His is genuine and shows a compassion for people I truly admire.
Zee
Zee is the owner.. He makes the best damn Chai Tea in the universe. Dead serious. Cannot even put into words how much of a fanatic I have become. I blame him for my over expenditures
Mouthwash Man
He is a homeless guy that will come in. I'm certain he is higher than a kite. I feel terrible for him actually. He also has the longest index finger I have ever seen. You may inquire as to how I noticed this but I would retort with "how could YOU NOT notice?!?!"
He often will stay here for about 10 minutes then will get shoed out.
Self Help Girl
This girls is going through the whole section in chapters every second day I swear!
Her current read is: "Changing for Good".
The Cook
Chef is awesome. I still don't know his name. He does all the food preparation. I say this and my mouth is watering thinking about the Palak Chana Masala. I think that's what its called? He's here most days and always makes a point of coming out and saying hello. And brings me a napkin because Im forever spilling my tea.
Daniel
He is evening staff. He has curly blonde hair that is always pulled back in a ponytail. He mocks me every time I come up for my drink. He is convinced I am going to turn green from all the pistachio that I have him put in my cup.
Nate
Nate is a graphic student who works casually. The only way to describe Nate is he is like a graffiti painting. He has a wildly creative side and when I speak with him he oozes potential. He speaks his mind and conversation is usually all over the board.
Cranky Sara
Sara is a new barista. She is very eclectic. However, she lacks social merriment. I am beginning to think she is plotting the end of time. Perhaps its the late night crowd that's getting to her? Regardless, I try to make her smile. Isaac also puts in an honest effort. To no avail, nothing ever changes....sigh... oh Sara...Please smile. If only a little.
"Ohhhh, You're Pistachio Lady!
That would be me. I find a spot. Occupy spot. I edit. I listen to music. I read books. I drink copious amounts of chai. I tip everytime. They kinda love me here. Or so I think... mind you, if my stomach keeps disagreeing with the Chai I may be pondering if they are trying to rid of me....
Anyhow, I thought I would share the everyday people I encounter because I believe they all are very interesting people.
Bouncy Ball Guy:
He is a security officer somewhere in the downtown core. He comes to Remedy in the evening- often bringing his laptop. The kicker with him- He always has these small little bouncy balls he gives to women (I have 3 now). I am unsure of why. He goes out of his way to order them online and just goes up to women (JUST women) and asks "would you like a ball?" Yes, I have 3 of his balls and now that I say this Im really questioning his motive.
Mary
Mary is the barista on a sabbatical from Ireland (she is a teacher in Ireland- Her boyfriend is in construction and travels a lot). She is a vibrant blonde who always greats me with a smile. She knows EXACTLY how to make my drink. Between you and I, she is the heart of Remedy. You cannot help but smile when you are greeted by her.
Isaac
Isaac is my new friend who I meet up with at Remedy on a regular basis. He is one of the few positive people I encounter on a regular basis. Isaac has an understanding of women most men lack.
Isaac has a goal to meet and uplift people he comes into contact with on an everyday basis. His is genuine and shows a compassion for people I truly admire.
Zee
Zee is the owner.. He makes the best damn Chai Tea in the universe. Dead serious. Cannot even put into words how much of a fanatic I have become. I blame him for my over expenditures
Mouthwash Man
He is a homeless guy that will come in. I'm certain he is higher than a kite. I feel terrible for him actually. He also has the longest index finger I have ever seen. You may inquire as to how I noticed this but I would retort with "how could YOU NOT notice?!?!"
He often will stay here for about 10 minutes then will get shoed out.
Self Help Girl
This girls is going through the whole section in chapters every second day I swear!
Her current read is: "Changing for Good".
The Cook
Chef is awesome. I still don't know his name. He does all the food preparation. I say this and my mouth is watering thinking about the Palak Chana Masala. I think that's what its called? He's here most days and always makes a point of coming out and saying hello. And brings me a napkin because Im forever spilling my tea.
Daniel
He is evening staff. He has curly blonde hair that is always pulled back in a ponytail. He mocks me every time I come up for my drink. He is convinced I am going to turn green from all the pistachio that I have him put in my cup.
Nate
Nate is a graphic student who works casually. The only way to describe Nate is he is like a graffiti painting. He has a wildly creative side and when I speak with him he oozes potential. He speaks his mind and conversation is usually all over the board.
Cranky Sara
Sara is a new barista. She is very eclectic. However, she lacks social merriment. I am beginning to think she is plotting the end of time. Perhaps its the late night crowd that's getting to her? Regardless, I try to make her smile. Isaac also puts in an honest effort. To no avail, nothing ever changes....sigh... oh Sara...Please smile. If only a little.
"Ohhhh, You're Pistachio Lady!
That would be me. I find a spot. Occupy spot. I edit. I listen to music. I read books. I drink copious amounts of chai. I tip everytime. They kinda love me here. Or so I think... mind you, if my stomach keeps disagreeing with the Chai I may be pondering if they are trying to rid of me....
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Remember Your Soxs
I am a Red Sox fan and so was my grandaddy (who passed away a few years ago). When I lived in Massachusettes gramps and I would watch Martinez pitch a game. We had a blast. We would sit and eat Jelly Bellies all afternoon. I think that is the happiest time I have had with him. When the season would first start I would tell him "gramps, we are so going to win the world series this year?" He would look at me, laugh and say "Sure thing brat". We would get to play offs and were determined to see those Yanks go down and as always, they wouldn't. After our loss I would tell him "We'll we will get them next year" and he would say "sure will Brat".
He was an incredible individual...I sure miss him.
He was an incredible individual...I sure miss him.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Dance Baby, Dance
I have this inkling to return to ballroom. I took it about 5 years ago and LOVED it.
Now to find a dance partner who doesn't dance as if their legs are taped together...
Monday, September 16, 2013
Things I should Invent
A lawn Roomba. That, or a goat that you can legally have in the city.
A guitar which has a solar powered battery in the built in tuner (yes, I left it on last night)
A Washer/Dryer which required ONE push of a button
A vehicle which is powered by h gh
An electric blanket that is controlled via bio-Mechanical heating - it reads your temperature then adjusts the heat it emits.
A GPS which talks shit to you when you get lost "what the hell were you thinking getting on the freeway?! I said take the exit on 600 M not 200M. Now make a illegal U-Turn at some point today you dumb ass and I will continue to navigate.
A teleporter which actually WORKS
A post service which has pick up at the front door that doesn't cost a bagillion dollars. Sheesh.
A headband that actually stays on. You haven't the foggiest how annoying this is.
Beds that make themselves.
Cars that have heated EVERYTHING.
An umbrella constructed of a material which is indestructible.
Ride on Kites
Time Warping
Electronic Reciepts- yes, this would be so handy. A receipt card which saves all your receipts electronically.
An electric blanket that has a built in 'spooning' option- so yes, ' big spoon blanket'
A bandaid that can heal heart ache
Movies Titles That Could Possibly Be Reflective On Ones Sex Life...
SO- I don't think this needs explaining- Just for fun...
Gone in 60 seconds
Toy Story 1,2,and 3
He'd just not that into you
Get Shorty
Batteries not Included
Home Alone
The fast and the furious
Too fast, Too Furious
50 First Dates
Smallville
Some like it hot (1959)
Are we there yet
Failure to Launch
Temple of Doom
Internal Affairs
Rush Hour
Whale Rider
What lies beneath
Big
Rules of Engagement
Mission:Impossible
What women Want
I tried to place a photo with this particular blog- um... well... I couldn't find one that I could even speculate to be appropriate...
Gone in 60 seconds
Toy Story 1,2,and 3
He'd just not that into you
Get Shorty
Batteries not Included
Home Alone
The fast and the furious
Too fast, Too Furious
50 First Dates
Smallville
Some like it hot (1959)
Are we there yet
Failure to Launch
Temple of Doom
Internal Affairs
Rush Hour
Whale Rider
What lies beneath
Big
Rules of Engagement
Mission:Impossible
What women Want
I tried to place a photo with this particular blog- um... well... I couldn't find one that I could even speculate to be appropriate...
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Friday, September 13, 2013
Dating Detox
So, I made a bet with my best friend that I could go on a detox from datin for 30 days.
This bet stemmed from a conversarion about a book I recently purchased called 'The 30 Day Love Detox' by Dr. Wendy Walsh.
It pretty much sums up how to date this day in age (which apparently I really am no good at considering the track record and my inability to attract a man who isn't either completely insane or just 'not ready' for a relationship.). A particular chapter that is of interest is how to spot a 'commitment-orientated man at his peek readiness'. Sounds interesting to say the least.
My BFF believes I will hold out until next Monday.
I should have clarified-a date is a physical outing, a meeting or a face to face encounter.... so chatting is still acceptable right?
Perhaps I should start on chapter 6- the detox chapter...
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Bucket List Check In
On new years I posted my bucket list for the year. I have accomplished most of it!
The red is simply things couldn't happen due to circumstances changing. All in All, its almost a success.
Now, I need to find a dance partner. And I need more subjects for my book. And, I need to brave my skates. Crap.
2013 Bucket List
1-To connect more with the ones I love.
2- To find my places REMEDY CAFE
3-get rid of the house and move
4-Do more photography. I'm good at it. I need to embrace it more.
5- Start a photo book for 2013 ( goal is twice a week)- capture moments that tell a story. i want to evoke feelings and I want people to be able to connect.
6-to feel the sand between my toes of the pacific and Atlantic.
7- nationals ...they are in Ottawa ...to bad not in june the we could drive to camp- INJURYS PREVENTED :(
8-quit herb
9-find my ex a new gf
10- attend congress
11- teach my children how to skate backwards seeing as I cannot do this myself, this is going to be hilarious )
12- bring the kids to Disney- NOT THIS YEAR
13-get rid of this damn fear of singing in public
14-do hot yoga, work out more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
15-enroll in another ball room class- I NEED A PARTNER FOR THIS!!!!!!
The red is simply things couldn't happen due to circumstances changing. All in All, its almost a success.
Now, I need to find a dance partner. And I need more subjects for my book. And, I need to brave my skates. Crap.
2013 Bucket List
1-
2
3-
4-
5- Start a photo book for 2013 ( goal is twice a week)- capture moments that tell a story. i want to evoke feelings and I want people to be able to connect.
6-
7- nationals ...they are in Ottawa ...to bad not in june the we could drive to camp- INJURYS PREVENTED :(
8-
9-
10-
11- teach my children how to skate backwards seeing as I cannot do this myself, this is going to be hilarious )
12- bring the kids to Disney- NOT THIS YEAR
13-
14-
15-enroll in another ball room class- I NEED A PARTNER FOR THIS!!!!!!
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