"Asheville is the Shit, Y'All!"

Well Howdy,

Fancy meeting you here. Well maybe not. But thanks for checking in anyway.
So as most of you know On the weekend of July 16th I traveled to Asheville North Carolina for my cousins wedding. And so here's the story.On the morning of July 16th I rose from bed at 3 a.m. having not slept a minute during the night, to go to the airport for my flight at 6:00 a.m., I arrived at the airport at approximately 4, to discover that none of the line ups had opened to go through security. Anyway, after a bit of a wait I was able to go through since I opted not to pay an extra $25 each direction to have a piece of checked luggage.

While I waited in line at the passport desk, which again hadn't opened yet, I met my first interesting group of people. One was a professor from a University in Kentucky who I believe studied agent history in the Middle East (Turkey and Syria) and a fellow who worked for the Dept of National Defense who knows my friend Josh's room mate Cale. Small World.

I was a bit nervous getting on the plane in Ottawa as the plane which had 13 rows of four seats was the smallest plane I had ever been on (it was a rapidair jet). To my surprise the flight went quite well. There was no one sitting directly next to me but the couple across the aisle were friendly and going on their honeymoon.
My stop over was in Detroit, which contrary to popular belief is not a ghetto airport. In fact it has this amazing tunnel that plays relaxing music and fills with light which move in time with the music.
While I was in Detroit I decided to get Breakfast and, not recognizing any of the chains I decided to go the restaurant with the longest line up which happened to be called "Einstein's Bagel Brothers" or something to the effect. I got a breakfast bagel which was potentially the most disgusting thing I have ever had in my mouth. And I've eaten cow intestine! (Okay it may not have been as bad as the cow intestine, but it was close!
On my flight from Detroit the Ahseville I wondered whether the pilot had perhaps stood in the above tunnel to long as he proclaimed at the beginning of the flight that it was going to be a smooth flight, and then we encountered significant turbulence, and then told us we were going to land in 5 minutes and then we circled the airport three times and landed 30 minutes later. In any case my seat mate on that particular flight was very interesting. A lawyer who represented municipalities, including Asheville. He told me all about Asheville which was really nice.

When I landed I waited for my aunt and cousin who were landing on a different plane 20 minutes later and then we got a cab to the hotel. I have to say the Hotel Indigo is the nicest hotel I have ever stayed in. I couldn't really afford it, but it was at a reduced cost and only for two nights so I put up with the amazing service and King sized bed :P.
Later that afternoon my aunt, cousin (Laura) and I explored something called the arcade that was full of little niche craft and other such thing shops. It turns out that Asheville has a law prohibiting major chains from operating in the downtown area (except for some reason Urban outfitters) and so its primarily full of independent, fair trade, organic coffee shops, craft and clothing stores. So as you can imagine I was in heaven.

That night we attended the rehearsal dinner which was expertly catered and a good opportunity to catch up with my dad's fam. (Mom wasn't invited, I don't want to get into it), I went to bed around midnight and slept for 8 hours. I had gotten through the day on around 6 cups of coffee since I hadn't slept, so when I finally did sleep it was gooood.

The next day I went for breakfast with my aunt and Laura at a cool little place called Early Janes, that served local food and was really amazing. Laura then went off to a mall (she had specific orders to bring back something from Abercrombie for her husband) and my aunt and I went into what was called "the river arts district" at first the area was somewhat disappointing as a lot of the studios were closed but we eventually found this wonderful little group of studios, with a garden and everything. While in one of the studios I found a hand painted ceramic plate which I couldn't resist and also couldn't afford but there were also mugs done by the same artist. After some contemplation I went back and went to consult the vendor on my purchase. Well he (Greg Vineyard) and I got into the lovely conversation about his aspiration to be a children s author and illustrator, and we talked about the ways in which people often dumb down information for kids or won't tell the full truth of the world to kids for fear of negatively effecting them in some way. In any case I ended up talking about how I had been really proud of my mom's cousin when he explained to his daughter about the Rwandan Genocide. Considering I vowed that I would not have any political conversations while I was in NC that was a really great one.
I also ended up having a very politically charged conversation with one of my cousin Chantal's readers at her wedding (Sal). We started talking about the global market and fair trade and how capitalism wasn't working but communism also wasn't working and we talked about whether there was enough will for anything to change. I of course said there was and talked about South Africa because that's what I do.

Anyway going back to the actual wedding. The wedding was supposed to be outside at a place called Homewood which was in a suburb of Asheville. Unfortunately it had just started raining when we arrived on location and the wedding was moved inside. It was a good thing to since the rain became a thunderstorm which boomed while my cousin was reading her vows (she has more of a Type A personality than I do so this was very appropriate).
Afterward there was a light meal and dancing. I mingled and talked to the family a bit. We then went back to the Hotel Indigo where the younger crowd drank at the bar. Two odd things happened there, first my cousin handed me a redbull and vodka, which I drank despite protesting and later in the evening, someone through an egg at us from a car, which fortunately didn't hit Chantal. That night I only slept 5 hours (that's right between Thursday morning and Sunday night I slept a grand total of 13 hours, this was a mighty poor decision indeed).

The next day I had hoped to go on a hike. Unfortunately I had injured my ankle a bit at the beginning of the trip and decided I better hold off so I wandered around town. Upon returning to the hotel I found my Aunt Karen and cousins Chantal and Roshan. Chantal and her new husband Greg were just packing up to hit the road. After everyone dispersed I spent about 2 hours with my aunt which was nice. I think that was the first time she and I had ever spent any time together.On the way home there was major turbulence during both flights. The seatbelt sign stayed on the entire time for both. The first we flew around thunderstorms but the flight attendant was still able to get up and do drink service. The second we flew right through a thunderstorm so you can imagine the flight attendant didn't get up.

During my 3 hour stop over at Detroit this time I bought some poor quality, over priced sushi. I ended up sitting next to an author and motivational speaker who works on issues relating to demographics. It was quite nice to speak with him until he shared that he was a born again christian and started bible thumping. Not my cup of tea. Later I came upon a young man sitting in the middle of the floor video taping the tunnel so, after saying good bye to the born again christian, I returned and sat down with this fellow. It was really interesting to sit with him in the middle of the floor while people bustled around us. Frankly I was surprised airport security didn't come and hastle us.

Anyway, it was a great trip. I really feel inclined to go back to Asheville someday. The people are very warm and the mountainsides are beautiful. Plus there are fairtrade organic coffee shops everywhere!

Cheers

A good old fashione eye roller.

I promise that I will post an update about my trip to North Carolina, but I simply could not resist posting this.

As many of you know about two weeks ago I went out on a date with a fellow who turned out to be 22 years older than me who was a commissionaire in my building. Needless to say I was turned off by his advancements and creeped out by the fact he offered to take me home.

Ever since I have been hurrying through the security gates at the office, trying to avoid conversation. Today returning from lunch he cornered me and said "I want to talk to you"
I thought to my self "oh no"
He said, "I don't know about you, but I think everything happens for a reason"
"I see" I said hoping it wasn't going where I thought it was going"
"I am leaving my job" he continued "and before I left, I wanted to ask if I might be able to... read your thesis when it's done"

Relieved I answered "Why of course"

Low Point

So. This is definitely the lowest point in the past year. After finding out about my eye monday and being told to reduce my stress levels I decided to cut out most of the caffeine from my normal routine which is going okay but I am tired. Today I spoke on the phone with the opthamologist about my eye again and we talked about the fact that I didn't stare into the sun and he explained that there were several causes of fluid build up on your retina and that it is a condition that usually affects young people and particularly males (I guess I don't quite fit the bill).

I also went to the dentist today and was told that I need extensive dental work. In response to this I burst into tears, mostly because I didn't need any more bad news (although he seemed to think it was primarily about the dental problems).

In any case these past three days have been pretty hard. I know my vision will probably come back but its frustrating to know that even if it does it might not be until 2011. I also know that my teeth will probably be fine with some work but I hate going to the dentist.

Anyway I am heading to North Carolina this weekend, hopefully that will bring some good stories.

Now with 20% more Blindness

So Friday night I noticed a red blotch in my vision, and then I noticed it again and again and it didn't seem to want to go away. Saturday, I was a little bit nervous and started looking up possible causes on the internet. By Sunday the spot was pretty much constantly there and my vision had become very blurry and a little bit doubled in my left eye. I was worried (and of course didn't tell anyone) but knew I had to go to the doctor.
When I headed for the walk in clinic this morning I was optimistic that he would send me to work saying that it was just eye strain. No such luck. Upon seeing me he suggested that I go to the emergency eyecare center at the hospital. When I got there they informed me that the doctor should have called in advance of my arrival but fortunately made an appointment for me anyway. I was seen about three hours later by an opthalmological intern who initially said he didn't see much but then called the ophthalmologist who said he saw a yellow spot on my retina. He said it was either the result of too much sun exposure or a hole between the macular and the retina and took a whole lot of images of my eye. The one was simply of my retina and the other showed the amount of fluid in my eye. As it would happen, there is a build up of fluid on my retina probably from sun over exposure.
Unfortunately my friend of a red spot is likely to be with me from a few weeks to a few months. I hope that the double vision goes away soon because my visual acuity in my left eye this morning was well within the range to be considered legally blind.
The doctor also said that I should try to reduce my stress since that for some reason could aggravate the situation.

UGH.

More Wanderings

So. It's been a while.

As you had probably guessed from my last post, I have been doing quite a lot of bouncing around Eastern Canada lately. I am going to attempt to describe the last month to you in the most succinct way possible. Its been amazing, yet exhausting.

31 May- 7 June "Congratulations, you got the job"

30 minutes away from Halifax, arriving by train from Montreal on May 31st, my phone rings. I can see that it's my mom. Not the call I am hoping for. You see I had interviewed for a student job with the Ministry of Public Safety on May 25th, and unsure of how the interview went I had convinced myself that I would hear on the 31st and it was already 5 p.m. Atlantic time.

However, I was also not expecting a call from my mom. I answer. Trepedation. She tells me that Helen from Public Safety called and wants me to call back. I try, I try again, no answer. I get home. There's an email. I got the job!

Freak out:

This job seemed like a great opportunity, much better pay than the clinic, less stress, back to Ottawa. It also had its down sides: Putting off my thesis yet another semester, moving, quitting my job. Woah stress. I am excited, but start wondering if taking the job is the right decision.

I center. I take the job.

The next day I go into the clinic knowing that I have to quit. I have never quit a job before, and the timing couldn't be worse. I am helping to organize a conference for June 30th and I have come back with a lot of new ideas from Montreal.

I break the news to Julie, this is already a high stress time for her, I am not sure if she absorbs it. But I assure her I will come in every day for the rest of the week since I have to leave on Monday for Mississauga and my mom's retirement party.

I spend the rest of the week. I tie up loose ends, I find someone to sublet my room, I pack and say goodbyes. I also work dilligently with four refugee women, conducting interviews about their experiences as refugees and taking pictures of the places which make them feel most like home in Halifax. This is for a multimedia project for the conference. I put it together and it is done two weeks later. Beautiful

Saturday night I have another going away party. It's mostly friends from swing dance (Pluse Valerie from school and Chloe from the clinic). It is amazing how much swing dancing changed my experience of Halifax. I never imagined I would have so many new friends to miss when I went back.

Reflection: I can't believe the last four months were so much better than Sept '08 to August '09.

June 7- 13th: The Retirement Party

I had to leave Nova Scotia in a bit of a rush because I had bought a plane ticket months earlier to come home for my mom's retirement party. This is scary, my mom is retiring. What is her life going to look like now? How will things change? Will she be happy?

So many questions.

Tuesday I meet with friends. Wednesday is the party. Its cloudy but the weather holds. Good thing, the party is outside. There are speeches, presents and a whirlwind of socializing. A wonderful occassion, but mom's nerves are frayed. She's not so sure about retirement either.

My mom has always been a teacher, it is how she defines herself. I can't imagine having to step away from that.

June 10th Day Trip to Guelph:
This isn't really separate from my trip to Mississauga but it was delightful. I went to visit my friends Dalbir and Sarah who I met at the masterclass in Montreal. We had such a great time. I never remember hitting it off so well with two people that we could simply sit down and talk without realizing that time is passing. Hope to see them again soon

Rest of the visit: Visited with friends. Delightful. Anticipation is rising.

June 13 - June 30: Coming home or starting again?
The train gets into Ottawa. I hop in a cab. We get closer to the place I am subletting for the summer. Worry. I have not yet seen the place in person. I look out the window. I see my friend Josh sitting on the patio of a cafe. I see my friend Josh sitting on the patio of the cafe?!

I arrive at 91 Russell. I am greeted, I go in, see the room. It looks nice. I park my bags, walk back out and find Josh, still sitting on the patio. Catch up (not ketchup). Flow of ideas. Amazing.

First Day of Work: Everyone is super friendly. It seems like the Center for Mitigation Excellence will be a nice place to work. I am too new for anyone to talk to me yet though.

First week: I become certified in Basic Emergency Management, I get a box full of office supplies, get to know my coworkers, write a research proposal. In the evenings I visit with friends who are all anxious to see me. It seems the universe is coming together and bringing everyone to me who I have missed for so long without me having to move a finger. Even people from outside Ottawa. I run into Madut from my program who is working at Citizenship and Immigration Canada, on the same street as my office. Even Kai and Judy, Niko's room mates from Halifax are in town for a wedding. I drank a lot of Sangria. I try swing dancing for the first time and it is totally worth it.

Second week: I settle in at work. Still getting to know colleagues. Monday there is a fire alarm and we are evacuated down 17 flights of stairs earlier than we should. This does not bode well for Emergency Management. Two days later there is an earthquake. We evacuate again. Let me tell you, you do not want to be on the 17th floor of a building when there is an earthquake. Terrifying. But, I can't wait to tell my grandchildren some day "When I was you age, I started a job with the emergency management division at PS when there was an earthquake!" what an adventure. My socializing dies down. It turns out that all of my old friends are now occupied with boyfriends and girlfriends. I wonder how much longer I will have to wait before I find a boyfriend of my own. I am also getting to know my knew room mates. They are a couple and just bought a kitten. They are really lovely people. I get more into swing dance. Its lovely, but not quite the same feeling as in Halifax.

The Guy who sits in the cubicle next to me:
The guy who sits in the cubicle next to mine read my blog and demanded to know why I hadn't mentioned him, knowing full well that my last blog post was written before I even arrived in Ottawa. We made South African Chicken Curry for a potluck, and get in trouble for talking too much. Thanks for keeping me occupied Suresh :).

On the 30th there was a picnic for Public Safety. We went, we ate, we won a karaoke competition. What more can you ask for.

July 1st- 4th Canada Day.

I come home by train the evening of the 30th. The morning of the 1st my mom is upset. Yesterday was her last day as a full time teacher. Having just left a job, and trying to adjust my identity from "Kirsten Van Houten, overworked intern!" to " Kirsten Van Houten, assistant policy analyst!" has been somewhat challenging. If this is challenging, I can only imagine what my mom is experiencing is 50 (million) times worse. I worry.

Canada Day evening I go over to Claire's house and have dinner with some of my favorite people. We roast marshmallow. The conversation drifts to politics, fatal error but I recover beautifully. We canoe down the credit river to watch the fireworks sitting in our canoes. Happy Canada Day!

Friday evening I meet with my life-long friend Karen. We have dinner with her boyfriend, whose companionship strangely is a catalyst for both he and I to become more than bonkers (in a good way) and we bounce around. That evening blues dancing. I have only been here once before but I recognize some faces. Martin. Kyle (the one who we met in Halifax) joins us. Awesome. I have to drag myself away.

Today, more catching up with friends, with a slightly more urgent tone. Tomorrow back to Ottawa.

Heavier Things

I realize that my words seem heavier than normal. Moving around takes its toll. I find it incredibly hard to say goodbye to people and worry because I am still not sure where I belong. I know I will always have a place in Mississauga which comforts me. Yet, when I think about the autumn I am not sure whether to return to Halifax or remain in Ottawa. There are really pros and cons to both. Not to mention that I keep mixing up Ottawa and Halifax, I say the name of one when I am talking about the other.

I am also left with a mild sense of loneliness. It has been 2 years since I was in any sort of stable relationship. I am so happy for all of my friends who are in wonderful relationships but when all of your friends who live in a particular city are dating (or married) to someone except you, it kind of starts to weigh on you.

Lighter Things

I am so very blessed inded.

The last year has just been amazing (incidently it was just over a year ago that I started this blog) I have seen so many things and made so many beautiful and wonderful friends, and I have got to spend so much time with the old ones too. I have been to new places experienced new things. I could never have imagined that such a life changing trip would be followed up by a position in Halifax that would challenge my patience and courage but have me come out swinging on the other end and then see me move to Ottawa where I think I could easily be working with the nicest group of people who I have ever had the pleasure to share an office with.

Wow. Enough said.

What an adventure.

If you're reading this, chances are I am missing you a little bit right now.

Hope you like the new design.