Meet Loki...The Boston Terrier

Allow me to introduce my new Boston Terrier, Loki!



We brought him home today, evilly ripping him from the loving arms of his breeder from Belleville. I was a little upset about him leaving his family, but I heard from good authority that it is not as traumatic as it may seem. The breeder, Cheryl, kindly sent him home with a family-scented blanket, which he promptly pooped on. I've had to wash it, so now that safety net is out the window! He doesn't seem too anxious right now, so hopefully he'll be alright through the night.

I have been busily stockpiling for the necessary supplies over the past few days, and frankly, I've spent a mint setting up home for this new addition. I got him an adorable argyle collar, leash, and blanket set from Bark and Fitz. I also got the necessities, such as a crate, bed, house training supplies, food, etc. I would really love to get him one of the elevated dog bowls from Trendy Pet:



but given that Loki cost about a million dollars we don't have it in the budget right now. Enter: another one of my favourite sites, Ikea Hacker which, as the name indicates, shows tons of cheap and chic new uses for plain ol' Ikea furniture. On the site, I found this tutorial to make this elevated dog feeder:



It has inspired me to try one of my own...for when the little boy gets bigger. There's time yet!

The Sound of Music: The Hills, Unfortunately, Were Not Alive...

Ok, so...After hearing nothing but RAVE reviews from the media, friends, etc about the Mirvish production of the Sound of Music, I decided to drop the $175 it costs for the "cheap seats."

As S and I sat waiting for the production to begin, (eating our chocolate covered almonds and drinking our beverages *in the theatre,* which one can apparently do now) I decided to peruse the program. As I began to read the "biographies" of many of the players, I noted that the preamble "...is thrilled to be performing in his/her first major production" was attached to nearly all of the major roles. I was not necessarily phased by the fact that none of the cast had much experience, but admittedly it is a little strange to be reading about the summer music and drama camp in New York attended by a certain cast member, and that Maria basically won her role American Idol-style, as though these are valid forms of experience.

As the play started, my fears were allayed by the set. It was absolutely stunning...as were the special effects. The mountains were portrayed perfectly, and the set crew did a formidable job of making it seem as though the characters were actually in Austria (aside from the British Accents, but that's entirely another beef I have with the art of drama...and it has nothing to do with the set). Aside from a small technical mishap, in which one of the backdrops came down on top of some props and got jammed, the set was definitely the pearl in this production.

In general, I was NOT impressed with the vocal/acting talent of any particular member of the cast (and let's face it, when you're paying for top-notch, you expect at least top-notch). The chemistry between Captain Von Trapp and Maria was non-existent, to the point I was confused by all the talk of "what had been building between them for a very long time." Most of the main characters delivered flat, almost boring performances, except for Maria, who was just trying too hard. The exception to this unfortunate rule was the Mother Abbess, who's powerful rendition of "Climb Every Mountain" was the musical climax of the show.

Overall, this performance felt more like a highschool production than a professional one (save for the set)...and I would have been more than happy to pay $20 a ticket to see it.
My verdict: Save your money and watch the movie...Julie Andrews is the ONLY Maria in my heart.

Sirsasana...Headstand, that is!

"Sirsasana" (pronounced Shirsh-asana) is the Sanskrit name of the yoga asana (or pose) known as "Headstand." In Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga it is generally done in the closing series of asanas, and it's regarded as one of the most challenging poses for yogis...and I did it!

I have generally had to stick with the less-challenging sarvangasana (shoulderstand), however my new yoga teacher is AMAZING at describing how you should feel in a pose. I was hovering in dolphin pose when he explained that to invert, all you need to do is press into your shoulders and contract your abdominal muscles. I did as instructed, and my legs literally floated off the floor behind me. It was amazing!

Here's where I was (shoulderstand...not me in the pic though)



Here's where I am now (also not me)



Sometimes I think I should post my own yoga pics, but at the same time, I feel like that's just asking for trouble...

On another entirely less zen note, my building was evacuated at 1:30am yesterday. I suppose it wouldn't have been so bad if I hadn't been watching Reba and waiting for a commercial break to use il bagno...if you know what I mean. I wound up outside in my pajamas, doing the proverbial pee-pee dance in front of every single resident in my building. There was no fire, though (I know, shocking!). It was apparently just a burst pipe, which set off the fire alarm every ten minutes for three hours thereafter. Then every time the alarm went off, the firemen felt compelled to announce through the speaker system that there was *still* no fire...like-a-no-duh!
All I have to say is, good thing I don't work until 11:30am, because when S got up at 6:50am, he was right delirious...poor guy!

Starting 2009 Off on the Right Foot

Well, tomorrow starts the first official week of 2009 (in my mind at least). We had a lovely NYE at our friend Moe's house in the west end...although I forgot my camera...I can prove we had a good time, though, with this picture:



On a completely unrelated note, the gorgeous couch that my S is passed out on in pain is the one we had made for us before we moved...Good thing those arms are so low...they make nice pillows.

I've decided that the first book I'll be reading in 2009 will be "The Ash Garden" by Dennis Bock...I've heard mixed reviews, but you know I'll post my thoughts when I'm done.


In fact, I think I'll get a little proactive and start tonight while enjoying some tea:

Tomorrow starts with a Bikram Yoga class at my new club...I'm also going to start boxing this week.I have so many projects and plans for 2009, I can't WAIT to get started! I'll keep you posted here...so check back regularly!