Whew

This working full time this is exhausting. I worked full time doing my Masters, and even during the summer but as a student, you feel quite free to take breaks, sleep in some mornings (when a grad student), gossip with your friends.... I need to make a good impression now! So I will get promoted and make more money!

Why do I need money? Beyond buying purses and work clothes (less on the cle-vage and more on the office appropriate. Yoga wear/fleece is also not to appropriate alas)? Well, I'm not going to live with my parents forever and so come the spring I need a place to live. Hopefully will buy something, but as those who are near and dear know, I'm kind of spoiled about where I live. I've grown up in the downtown and whine profusely about having to go out to the suburbs, though I will to party. Or if you're going to feed me. So, living downtown I'm going to have a pay a little more for the new yet charming place that I will of course decorate beautifully, with lots of geeky art. Trees! I actually would love to buy this xkcd comic as a print but its not currently available! Le sigh.... Anyways, any one with real estate leads in town, let me know!

I would talk more about work but while I've been geeking out a tad doing research on a brand new but quite interesting field, I've really just been reading. I was excited to get to google stuff to update a report today. Once I get more into things I'll let you know more about it and how I'm dealing with the transition from academia

(My dear x-ine is taking a break from her blog to finish up with academia right now and I wish her the very bestest of luck! Will be there to drink and celebrate whenever you're done!)

Workin' 9 to 5

So I had my first day of work today! I wore nice pants, a collar shirt, a sweater vest (hells yeah) and nice shoes. My feet kind of hurt by the end of the day but I looked pretty cute and fit right in. After years of hanging around academics boasting socks and Birkenstocks (shudder), I am surrounded by people in suits. It'll be a bit of an adjustment but hey, its a reason to go shopping.

I spent most of the day doing HR stuff, signing various documents about being a good public servant (which of course I will be), and enjoying the easily available coffee bar. I'll start researching my issue tomorrow, I am at least incredibly familiar with a whole whack of reading. Will let you know how things are going soon, but tomorrow after work I am gleefully going to go see New Moon. Am way too excited.

Working girl

Well, as I established in my last post, not THAT kind of working girl.

I start my new job on Monday! As much as I've enjoyed these last few months of relaxation, sleeping in, leisurely breakfast and many coffee dates, daytime TV.... I am actually quite ready to get started. I think all my paperwork is all lined up, I have lunch makings for next week, all I have to do is figure what to wear out of my almost completely untouched 'work' portion of my closet (except for that it will involve argyle).

I just want to make clear to you, dear readers, that this is my first job ever. I worked all throughout undergrad during the summers, but a summer job is very different from one that could possibly be the start of a thirty odd year career. Up to now, the jobs I have held include:

• Babysitter (started when I was 13, and actually took it up again this fall)
• Drama camp counsellour (drilling kids in lines and putting up with 8 year old divas)
• Hospital x-ray clerk (putting up with 38 year old divas)
• Political party fundraising clerk (learned quite a bit about how the Canadian political system works, putting up with 24 year old temp divas)
• Research assistant in a University lab (awesome, but for Friday afternoons that neveeeeer ennnnnnnnnded, making bird DNA)
• Research assistant in a government lab (also awesome, watched MTV while cutting up tiny pieces of paper or tiny little flies to make bug DNA)

You may have noticed a bit of a diva theme. I have found while working that the most diva-ish people you work with are those with the LEAST career prospects, and so wield their highly limited power in the absolute worst way. I'm aware that there are difficult people in every office and so perhaps I will have new diva stories to tell but I'm trying to be positive.

I will miss my Regis and Kelly though.

On my not so secret shame

I've been quite intrigued by the news this weekend that the formerly anonymous 'Belle de Jour', who authored a blog and a number of books about her secret left as a call girl, has exposed herself to be a scientist in England. Why exactly she came out now seems to be under debate, but reading articles about her and her perspective on her experience has been really interesting. She started working as an escort because she ran out of money while writing her dissertation, and while acknowledges that she was very lucky to have not had many negative experiences with her clients, seems able to analyse her time as a prostitute and what is means. It's been pointed out that her 'luck' is likely in part due to her being white and middle class, with a strong support network (even though they didn't know what she was doing) allowed her to access a different sort of clientele from women who end up on the streets, who are more likely to be working as a prostitute not because they prefer it to computer analysis (really, she said that), but due to addictions or other calamitous life events. I suppose I'm interested in this both about hearing what some people have to do to get a PhD (!) but also as a moment to think about women and choices.

So I'm obviously not a prostitute. But I have made a choice that some of my friends bewail.

I have read Twilight. I held out for a very long time, until it was lent to me while recovering from surgery last year. I devoured the first book and swiftly after the other three. I saw the movie. I laughed myself silly through a lot of it.

Twilight is really terrible when you think about it, especially from the feminist perspective. As I saw someone point out, Bella starts the series as a cynical girl who likes being different and ends up a teenage mother who names her child Reneesmee, whose entire life is defined by her husband, and will likely never go to college. However much a number of the premises of the books apall me (the evils of pre-marital sex, abortion absolute anathema), I can't help but be so amused by it, and honestly, while working on my own thesis, I was all about the brain candy.

I will definitely be going to see New Moon when it opens next week, but I hope to sneak some rum in to pour into my diet coke so I can get a really good chuckle out of it. Honestly, I'm almost more amused by other people's reactions to it, or their biting analysis (check out this page for the best summaries and responses to Twilight ever, by Cleolinda Jones. She also has a series involving multiple Edward dolls and My Little Ponies.... I can't describe it, just read it!).

Anyone else have a secret or not so secret shame they want to share?

Well, that lasted.... or not

I clearly have the attention span of a gnat and so forgot about this blogging thing again. Oh well. I wish I could say I have something exciting to report but I'm back in the lab here in town, finishing up a few things, back editing the thesis and enjoying my last weeks of freedom. Mtl was awesome though, hanging with my peoples, meeting adorable babies and spending too much money. Until I have something more exciting to report, ta ta.

Back in the Mville

I have so far had a lovely visit back in Mville, hitting my favourite spots, despite an inauspicious start to the weekend.

I take the train a lot and have a very set routine, I show up half an hour early, get my ticket, buy a magazine, wait a few minutes and board. Yesterday, I showed up half an hour early for what I thought was my 3 o'clock train, only to find out that the train I had booked back in August had changed schedules as of November 1st and had left 5 minutes beforehand! I was aghast, but what was I to do but book tickets for the next train and settle down for a long wait. However, the train people took pity on me, and upgraded me to first class because I was inconvenienced! This meant I could sit in the special lounge with free soda and free dinner and wine on the train. I was so tipsy by the time I got to Montreal I was no longer mad. Hm, that may have been their plan all along.

In any case, I've had cider at my favourite bar ever, truffle mac and cheese at one of the best burger joints ever, and accomplished a lot of important shopping. Very important. I bought more argyle, a proper sweater vest, hooray!

Tonight I put on a pretty dress and hit St Laurent to party hardy for my dear x-ine. Will tell you all about it tomorrow, so long as I make that train (I'm about to double check the schedule).

Woohoo weekend!

I'm currently tidying up and packing to spend the weekend back in Mtl. I'm very much looking forward to it, returning to my favourite bar for the best cider ever, celebrating dear x-ine's birthday and seeing some recently born babies. There may also be some shopping on the schedule, for more argyle as I mentioned earlier this week (although, update, I actually already have 4 sweaters). I'll do my best to post over the weekend and keep you updated on all the good times!

On music

It snowed today. Not a lot. It didn't stick. But, there were big fat fluffy flakes drifting down from the sky, and almost compulsively, I turned on Hawksley Workman's 'First Snow of the Year'. It's a very Canadian song, talking about first enjoyment of the sight of snow, but knowing you will soon hate it. I also went and bought a pair of snow boots (and new heels to wear to work).

Later on this evening, trying to figure out what shoes to toss to allow the new ones to come in (it's a system I'm trying. Emphasis on the trying, it's really hard), I came across a whole box of CDs that I made, from the latter half of high school onto part of first year of university, basically when I got an mp3 player and no longer had to burn playlists to take them with me. Really, I should just toss the whole box, but instead, I put it back underneath the bed to listen to when I have a chance. I know that some of the songs won't have the same pull they once did, but I'm sure I'll rediscover some absolute gems. I also just want to listen and remember what those songs meant to me at the time.

While in Florence, my father and I were wandering around one evening, looking for a bar, and we happened into one that was kind of dirty but was named after one of my aunts, and so we thought it was funny. They were playing the first Killers album in its entirety (whose name is escaping me). I still hear a few of the older Killer songs here and there, but some I hadn't heard since I was sitting in my room in my undergrad town, embroiled in biochemistry notes (likely in tears), but singing along HARD because I was also angry (about being in tears). I loved those songs, and despite that time being one of the more miserable in my life, I still do, and that now when I listen I can realize that I persevered through that, thanks in part to Brandon Flowers. I may have to go look them up on You.Tube.

(My current most favourite tracks are insanely poppy by Britney and 3OH!3, about threesomes and chasing after girls. I wonder if I listen to those in 4 years, how I'll feel about them.... besides slightly embarassed.)

An ode to argyle

I went for a run today, definitely not one of my best but I powered through. I came home, peeled off the sweats, showered and was very happy to pull on one of my favourite sweaters, pink with purple and green argyle. This sweater is quite warm so I'm actually okay with the nip in the air as it offers excuse to pull out some of my closet faves.

I'm very comfortable in argyle. Last count I had three argyle sweaters. I bought an argyle polo over the summer but it didn't fit right and so I returned it. While today its paired with earrings carved of moose antler, I often pair argyle with pearls.

Argyle is simply amazing. It often involves several colours, allowing for a whole rainbow of coordinating outfits. It evokes traditional styles but done the right way is also very modern. it goes with everything from heels to my shiny pink adidas sneakers. Have I mentioned my style is rather preppy?

However, my closet is not wholly preppy and actually may be seen as a tad schizophrenic. I have the preppy clothes, the sporty clothes (t-shirts from various universities, numerous yoga pants), the biologist/outdoorsy clothes (fleece, fleece and more fleece), work clothes (well, the blazers are a little preppy I guess) and either schleppy student or going out clothes (both of which often involve low cut t-shirts).

I find it interesting that as I wear the different parts of my wardrobe, I express different characteristics of myself. It's true that a good suit is akin to a suit of armour and when I'm wearing a fairly revealing top.... well... But on the whole, especially if you asked my friends, I'm fairly preppy in dressing and also in attitude. I can out complicated Starbucks order the best of them, and while I have a fairly strong social conscience, i can't quite bring myself to buy only organic cotton. If it's cute, absolutely. If it's a straw colour baggy tee..... no.

A few days ago I teased this entry asking how you all felt about sweater vests. I got one response, from my fabulous former roomie, who is almost as ardent a prepster/argyle/sweater vest lover as I. Sweater vests are almost as dear to me as argyle. Again, I currently have 3. I briefly had four. as I bought one last weekend but also bought something expensive (and put in an order for an even more expensive purse), I had to return it. I didn't love it though. I am way too excited to return to the Mtl this weekend to do shopping and maybe buy one I like even more. You know, for work. To be sure that they know exactly who they're dealing with from the first, I really want to wear an argyle sweater vest my very first day. I'm thinking bright purple.

It's really good I have some fancy sounding degrees otherwise people might never take me seriously, huh....

Warm pasta on a cold night

Hey! This is my 100th post! Pretty cool. Appropriately so, this post is about carbhydrates and alcohol, something anyone following this blog will recognize as highly important to my life.

I was walking home from the Glebe today with one of my nearest and dearest, laden with groceries, chatting away, when to our dismay did it start to hail! I've heard rumours of snow or frozen precipitation here and there but this was the first time I actually saw it. I have noticed the nip in the air, especially on my fingers as I try to send many messages on my blackberry, but I guess I do have to acknowledge that winter is coming. Sigh. At least I have a cute new coat to ward off the chill!

It was thus a good night to make PASTA. Since moving home, my parents have strongly suggested that I should make dinner at least once a week, but its actually not so bad. I've blogged about cooking before and I do enjoy it really, especially as it gives me a chance to make stuff that I really like, or even bid to expand my parent's horizons. Today, I decided to make something that I often order in Italian restaurants and it both seemed fairly straight forward and involved vodka.

I adapted this recipe from one devised by the Pioneer Woman (one of my online faves, I just got her cookbook as well and its both beautiful and delicious) and other recipes I found online.

Vodka rose sauce with penne, prosciutto and mushrooms

Ingredients:

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, diced and pressed

3-4 large mushrooms, sliced

100 g prosciutto, diced

28 oz can diced tomatoes

1 cup half and half

1 cup vodka (anything but Russian Prince)

Parsley, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, sugar and pepper to taste

2 cups penne

Parmesan

Instructions:

1. Dice the onion, garlic, and saute in a large sauce pan with olive oil, on high heat.
2. Slice the mushrooms. Take strips of prosciutto and slice width wise for somewhat bite-size pieces. Once the garlic and onion has started to go golden, toss in the mushrooms and prosciutto.
3. Pour in vodka and allow everything to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour in tomatoes, and add seasonings to taste (I probably added at least 1 tsp of each. The sugar is only if you're finding the sauce somewhat acidic), allowing to simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Get the penne cooking just as the sauce is getting to simmering.
6. Turn down the heat in your sauce pan and pour in the half and half. Stir around, and add more seasonings as needed (I like hot dishes, added more red pepper flakes here), on a continuous low heat, just on the edge of simmering.
7. When the penne is cooked, drain, and pour into your sauce pan. Mix in the pasta and serve immediately in bowls, with parmesan to garnish. Offer either wine or vodka if you've been tippling that while cooking. Enjoy!

The stupidity. It hurts.

Currently, in my northern North American country, we are very concerned about swine flu. It's a reasonable concern as since it emerged back in April, it has actually killed people, children, in this country. It is very sadly affecting some of the most under-served people in this country, especially Aboriginals who live in areas with poor infrastructure, the worst. Our government has guaranteed that everyone in this country who wants it, can be immunized against swine flu, beyond the usual flu shot. There are huge line ups for people who are at risk (pregnant, small children) that are shortened by people who actually are not at risk but want the shot. Or even line up to sell their ticket for a later immunization. I actually belong to one of the 'at risk' groups due to a long term chronic condition, but because I actually don't see many people in my usual hermit like existence and feel other people need it more than I, I'm waiting to get mine. But I will, just as I always get the usual flu shot because I both don't have the time to get sick, I also don't want to deal with possible complications.

Our society seems to work in extremes. There are so many people worried about getting the disease and going to quite extraordinary measures to get their shots, while there is a still small but very vocal group of people who refuse to do so. I actually posted around this time last year on my utter dislike (I could use stronger words but I do try to remain civil) for people who are anti-vaccine protesters. No matter if they think it causes autism (no), PTSD (no), are a means for the government to control you (Really? Okay then...), they seem bound and determined to disregard all the good that vaccines have done in this world. So many diseases have been nearly eradicated, so many children's live have been saved but if people bought into the hype that vaccines are dangerous, those diseases very easily could (and have) return. And a hype is indeed being created, creating the illusion that we're not sure how good vaccines really are.

Somewhat alike to climate change however, a lot of people are actually unaware that in the scientific and medical community, there is no debate. Vaccines save lives. There is a very small risk of an adverse reaction, but there numerous studies have completely dismissed any idea that vaccines can actually cause the syndromes it has been linked to. Yet, when this issue is reported in the news, a lot of journalists feel as though they need to present 'both sides' for it to be a true investigation. This however just creates more undue confusion. Wired recently published a great article on vaccines and the fear around them (check it out), and the author of that piece, a woman named Amy Wallace, presents the actual scientific perspective and even offers a handy dandy guide for winning an argument about vaccines. Unsurprisingly, she was immediately attacked for drinking the 'Big Pharma' juice and um, ACCURATELY, depicting the anti-vaccine lobby as one filled with reactionaries who are quite keen to ignore actual facts. Some of the leading voices in this field have also done a wonderful job of raising the level of debate by calling her a number of misogynistic names. I had my attention drawn to this by the ever wonderful Dr. Isis and one of her colleagues at ScienceBlog (which I spend waaaaaay too much time on), has commented (again)waaaay more intelligently on this subject than I can here.

I'm aware that this post is a wee bit more serious than usual but if I'm going to make it through a month of blogging I can't just complain about living with my parents, drinking and accessories.

A preview of upcoming posts though:

Tomorrow: making vodka pasta sauce

Wednesday: how do we feel about sweater vests?

On life transitions

Since moving back home, at time I have felt some confusion as to what life stage I actually do exist. There are moments when I whine about when dinner will be ready, pout about turning down the TV and sigh when am told to clean up my room, despite having thought to myself just that morning that I really do need to tidy. Clearly, I am still a child. Then, I pour myself a glass of wine with dinner, which I picked up most of the ingredients for while running errands. I appear to be a young adult. Over dinner with the wine, we can sometimes discuss real estate I am considering buying, my full time job I am about to start, and I also this weekend attended a party in the suburbs where people my age have houses and babies. Could I actually be a REAL grown up? I don't know if I like this.

So I make up for maybe being a grown up by going shopping in holey genes and perusing expensive purses that I don't need but will buy anywise thanks to my real job. I also really appreciate the fact that the fridge is generally filled without much effort on my part and that I did NOT have to write a rent cheque today, despite it being the first of the month.

On the thesis front, I have received all my reviews, everyone passed me (yay!). I'm currently working on the not too difficult suggested revisions and hope to have everything totally complete by the end of the week. Wish me luck!

(P.S. as it is indeed November, I'm going to try this NaBloPoMo thing, we'll see how long my attention is kept so maybe see you tomorrow!)