the makings of a perfect day

This week has been insanely busy, and richly rewarding. Pancake Tuesday (despite the turnout), fondue party Thursday night, 4 events Friday night, and a couple of satisfying tasks/connections accomplished.

Yesterday, I went with my friend Alinka to Tremblant - for a lazy half-day of skiing.
I snowboarded, she skied. And pulled me over all the flats. (I'm never going without a skier again!) The weather was absolutely gorgeous -- not a cloud in the sky, strong sun, and only -12 (-20 with windchill! only!)

It's president's day weekend or something so there were a ton of Americans (mostly from Boston) around. Adults who are Beginner skiers (tourist skiers) can be really dangerous, especially when they operate in groups. So I decided, that's it. I'm staying away from the green runs today. nothing but Blues for me.
And so I did. Rode blues and maybe 4 black diamond runs, at Tremblant. Chasing someone is also the best way to improve. My game is at a whole 'nother level now, and i can be very satisfied with the 2006-07 season despite only 2 outings. The weather was completely gorgeous, the powder was pretty darn good (surprisingly little ice), and I rocked Tremblant.
I fell enough too, especially on ice patches. I have the whiplash this morning to prove it, and a bruised elbow. (and yes, i wore a helmet and i'm very glad i did so.) But there was enough powder that i didn't care.

But really, so many other things made the day perfect: the weather, Ali's laid-back company, eating chile in the lodge (sooo hit the spot). I helped a lost kid, Ali found $10 in her pants. On the way out of Tremblant village, we did a bit of shopping, bought candy-covered caramel apples. Gave bite of it to a cute british guy on the shuttle to the car, and we waved goodbye to him as he was hopping around in his longjohns, changing in the parking lot. We saw 5 deer crossing the road - beautiful sight. And the sunset was strong and sweet. Topped it off with indian takeout from Jean-Talon.

bad sex with via rail

Just got back from a fun & relaxing weekend in Toronto for my sister's 30th birthday (happy birthday sarah!! how's the hangover, sweetie?) A long weekend of cupcakes, drinks, and shopping is not a bad recipe for fun.

On the trip back to Montreal with my good friend Erika, we chatted at high speed for 2 hours, ate cupcakes and then promptly fell asleep. Except that the airbags under the train were under-inflated, so we were jostled up and down for the entire ride. In a jackhammer/roller coaster kind of way. You just wanted it to be over with. Girls, you know what I'm talking about. Even my iron gut got nauseous.

Today Montreal is cold and beautiful. Lots of snow, lots of sun, plenty of cold.
Erika's sister and I dreamed up an Amazing Race-style game for her visit this week -- she is after all getting married in 3 weeks, and if anyone is going to do her justice, it's us. Stag/ette parties are called "enterrement de vie de garcon/fille" in French [lit: burial of boy/girl's life] in French. Snowstorms willing, it looks like we might just get buried this week.

Next up: Pancake Tuesday!

special metro edition

ok. fine. the metro rocks.

Normally I say I hate taking the metro [translation: subway]. The air is stale, I get a bit claustrophobic, I become unnaturally germophobic, my legs complain (why aren't you walking), my brain complains (why aren't you getting any sunlight). I avoid it if possible.

However. The evidence to the contrary (of its suckiness) is mounting.
Just now, just just now, I picked up! yay! For the second time in 2 months, I have picked someone up on the metro. I'm developing a theory, but you'll have to wait for it.

How? Well, I finally found a use for those 5000 business cards I got in 2004. yaaay! Honestly, they make it so easy. None of that awkward number exchange. So smooth! And if the guy is going to be intimidated by the woman's intelligence (my card says "Research & Development" - ha!) -- well, you might as well get that out of the way up front.

p.s. I also had the most splendiferous weekend - gorged on sushi, stargazed in the park, got 12 hours of sleep, dithered, skied at sunset, partied, slept very little, went to Ottawa and skated the entire length of the Rideau Canal. And laughed a lot. It rocked. hee. :)

p.p.s. how to feel cool on the metro: listen to the new Arcade Fire album. as yet unreleased. oooooooh...

my precious

I was walking home over the mountain last night (working off an a-volonté sushi dinner) and I noticed, for the umpteenth time this winter, how empty it is.

Four months from now, there will be plenty of people at that hour. But nights in the park are mine.

All last fall I ran up on the mountain at lunchtime. It was gorgeous, splendid, and largely deserted. A huge treat and a huge high, to elevate yourself out of the city for an hour, run wildly through the woods, and share the secret feeling with nobody.

Some of you ask: why do I walk home through a huge deserted park at night?
Well, because I believe any potential rapist out there would be easily defeatible out of sheer mental incompetence. I mean, who wants to rape on a snowy winter's night, when it's -30? You'd lose your penis in the process. Honestly.