Wilderness, Ho!

Last Thursday, my friend Adrian and I decided we needed to get out of the 'burbs and reconnect with nature, so we headed out to a local provincial park known as Rattlesnake Point. Now, for those of you who know me, I have a way with getting lost even if I have a GPS, road map and a Navajo guide leading me about by the hand. I'm not to be left to my own devices. So in the woods, on a hike by our lonesome selves, we probably should have been dressed like this:

But instead we were two city kids looking for a small time nature walk and got far more than we bartered for.
STOCK
Adrian                             Me
• sneakers                         • boots
• jeans                               • jeans
• t-shirt                             • t-shirt
• cellphone                        • light jacket
• wallet                              • backpack: 2 sandwiches, 2 mini bags of chips, 2 iced tea, & 2 notebooks

Also, my wallet, which would have been useful in the chance we died out in the forest and they needed something to ID my body after the raccoons made off with my Visa, and oh, I don't know, ate my face.

We hit a short trail which took us to an awesome drop off filled with trees and swooping turkey vultures. After taking in the view, we decided we still had ALLLLLL DAY and took on a more advanced trail, which the sign proclaimed to be 2-3 hours in length. I know what you're thinking but not yet...wait for it. We made it to the second lookout by Nassagaweya Canyon after a trek through the deep woods, up hills, past caves, all the while being eaten my mosquitos and every other bug in the Canadian wilderness. By the time we got to the lookout, we were pretty tired, itchy, sweaty and starved, so we stopped to eat and enjoyed the view.

This moment of earthly tranquility and sandwich nomminess was interrupted when two women and their entourage of toddlers including ONE IN A BABY CARRIAGE showed up. Having come over hell and high water to arrive at the lookout we were stunned. Either these were super toddlers, capable of taking on the lows and highs of the land or-- oh my god there had to be an easier path back. We were determined to find it.

Did you ever go on a field trip as a child where there was a recreation of an old city or town to give young'uns a piece of a the past? Because we ended up wandering through an abandoned  educational Native village complete with barracks, two longhouses and signal fires waiting to be lit. It was pretty awesome, feeling like the last people on earth.

We shortly realized after this (we've been walking about for about 4-5 hours now) that we have to take the long path back to where we parked, and thus were looking at another 2 hour ass drag through the hardened woods. Which totally would have been okay if it hadn't started drizzling and one of us had the brains to remember bug repellant. Spoiler alert: We didn't.  And even THAT would have been okay if we were able to read the maps properly. The goal was to NOT get lost in the woods. Double spoiler: we totally did.

We were following blue and white trail markings through the woods for about two hours. Oh. Except we lost the blue trail markings. And by the deep woods I mean over and under, rock climbing, no signs of civilization, 'well-I-guess-that-looks-like-a-path-if-you-don't-mind-breaking-both-ankles', giant bugs infesting our hair and taking  great bleeding chunks out of us, saying your goodbyes, kind of deep woods.

We crossed two roads before we realized we were definitely not going the right way any longer.
In fact through the magic of data and technology, we discovered were a full 7 kilometers away from the park where we had parked. Which means we had hiked 7KM out already. After having been hiking all afternoon. My face at that moment:

Rather than heading back into the woods, we proceeded to walk via the road, all the way talking about life, how the day could have easily turned into a horror film and been axed to death my a mad woodsman and breathing the bug free air. We were also becoming more tired and more hungry, and finally, my feet had given in and decided to be sore.

 Somewhere in time and space, I was missing the Thursday Burlington Slam Project and could tell neither Justin nor Rebekah, the two people who I had planned to go with because we were off the grid. Which sounds far cooler than it actually is. 

Of course, that totally would have been fine if at the end of it all we didn't have to walk up a hill that was practically a 90 degree incline-- oh wait we did that too. It was the one hill our trusty Buick almost didn't make it up at the beginning of the day, so 8 hours and probably 20+ kilometers of hiking ago. When we were fresh and optimistic.  We were shooting for the address of 7200 and starting at...7074.

It was steep as hell.  Our feet were aching with the ferocity of 17 rabid ligers, shredding their own swollen mosquito bites. We were both sweating and gasping as we climbed. And climbed. And CLIMBED. And while this small Everest expedition transpired, cars leaving the park on the hairpin turns DOWN the hill almost killed us. And then had the audacity to HONK at us about almost killing us.

When we FINALLY made it to the top of the hill, I believe I screamed "LAND!" and ran for the entrance, kissing the sign. that sign. You better believe it.

 We were deliriously high off of our victory against nature, and when we got back into civilization, we went out for pub food, proudly bearing the bites and beatings the wilderness had inflicted. Changed, like no one else knew what we had been through. 

Would I do it again? ABSOLUTELY! But next time, I'm bringing bug repellant, more food and oh...I don't know. Two Navajo trail guides.

Peach Almond Semifreddo

Dessert isn't something you usually get to indulge in when you're on a "DIET" or as the-diet-is-a-naughty-word people like to say, a "lifestyle change." There are alternatives, like dried fruit, and tea, strawberries, that sort of thing.... But those don't hit the spot. Sometimes you want the slab of chocolate cake, that bowl of ice cream... Well this semifreddo recipe might be the next best thing, while I'm still trying to squeeze into a smaller pair of pants.

Traditionally a semifreddo (Italian meaning half-cold) is a dessert with a frozen mousse-like texture, made with ice cream and whipped cream. DOESN'T sound very healthy, does it? Thankfully, I found a recipe in the July 2011 edition of Clean Eating magazine. It's tasty, low cal, and about as good for you as you can get with dessert.

I made this for my parent's anniversary dessert (along with a stellar Roasted Garlic Barley Risotto, ohmygod) because we're all trying to eat a little healthier these days. It's hella easy. HELLA, I SAY.
Peach Almond Semifreddo (Clean Eating Magazine, July 2011)

Ingredients:
1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
1 egg, separated
1/3 cup evaporated cane juice (I didn't have this, so I just used the same amount of agave nectar. If you don't know what any of this stuff is....uhh.. Go ask your local hippie/yuppie grocery store!)
1/2 tsp pure almond extract
1 tsp pure vanilla extract (I used a vanilla bean as well, because I had one around the kitchen!)
3 egg whites
2 medium peaches, pitted and diced
1/3 cup unsalted almonds, toasted

Prep:Line a 8x4x5 loaf pan with plastic wrap. No worries about nonstick sprays or nothin'!

I toasted my almonds over medium heat in a frying pan on the stove for about ten minutes, until they smelled good! Then, I covered them in a tea towel and smashed them with a big kitchen hammer. MORE FUN!Then I separated the eggs, taking care to make sure no yolks got in with the whites, and cut up the peaches. Easy peasy!

Instructions:
Combine yogurt, the egg yolk, the cane juice and the extracts. As I mentioned I used a vanilla bean in addition to this... and I have to admit the flavour was a little strong. I'd put in half next time.In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites into stiff peaks. (I find that they whip better with a pinch of cream of tartar, and also at room temperature!)
Fold the whites into the yogurt mixture, 1/3 at a time. Then gently fold in the peaches and almonds. Pour mixture into the loaf pan and smooth the top. Freeze for 2 or 3 hours, until just frozen.
When it's finishing, invert it on a serving tray, peeling away the wrap and slice with a knife that has been warmed by hot water! (Warning: REALLY try to eat it after 2 or 3 hours. Through a series of unfortunate events, I had to wait 24 hours and it was frozen solid and by then... So then it had to thaw. It was a little icy, but it still tasted awesome. When done properly, I bet it's the shizzle.)

Looks like ice cream?

Photos: August 5-7

August 5th. Cowboys & Aliens.
It's my goal to figure out a way to wear this hat in a real outfit without looking like Indiana Jones. Also, to marry Sam Rockwell, because he's adorable, no matter what movie he ends up in.

August 6th. The Hill.
Every day when I drive home from work at night and the streets are a little empty, there's a big hill. My favourite thing to do is speed up the hill, then to take my foot off the gas and bomb down it with nothing but gravity to accelerate. I love the speed and the freedom.

August 7th. Cat's Eye View.
The after work nap!

Annnnd I missed the eighth. OOPS. I'll just have to update with two pictures on one day or something....

Photos: August 1-4

August 1st. 15 minute break.

August 2nd. Walk the tracks to the store.

August 3rd. Late night.

August 4th. Dimoitou!

Keeping Your Cool

Today was HOT, in climate and on the panic meter. It started off mild. I got up, did some laundry and printed off my resume. Last night, Rebekah and I went thrift shopping and bubble tea-ing, and I discovered that my go-to bubble tea place was hiring. We had been talking about life plans, and while I'm not sure where I'm headed, whether it's Montreal or back to school, I know I'll need money to do it. So the focus is trying to get more work. I decided to apply to the bubble tea place, and went to do it today. I put on a nice floral dress, printed off my paper, touched up my make up and went off to impress.

When I walked in, I was thrilled to see that the girl behind the counter was someone I knew from high school. We had taken vocal classes together and were friendly acquaintances. We chatted amiably and I left with a really good feeling. I was in such a good mood I decided to stop at Starbucks before work. The good mood lasted as I pulled into the parking lot at work, sipping my iced green tea lemonade like everything was going my way! ...Then I realized that I had forgotten my uniform pants at my house. My fifteen-minute-drive-away-house.

After checking the breakroom to see if they had any spare pants (they didn't) I told my manager I was going to be late, sprinted out across the blistering parking lot, hopped in my car and raced home like I was in the Indy 500. Or I would have if I hadn't been stuck behind some guy who thought that MAXIMUM 60 meant GO JUST UNDER 50 KILOMETERS. When he finally went to turn left I turned to see if he was a senior citizen as I blazed by. I locked eyes with a middle aged man, who was glaring at me for making my car have bumsex with his. Sorry buddy.

When I got home I ran inside, accidentally shutting my finger in the front door. As I began to strip off my dress I could feel the pressure in my head rising, my finger throbbing, my nerves fraying. That's when I almost started to cry. Whether it was because I was in pain or because I was stressed about how important it was to get these stupid pants, which REALLY only give me granny bum, I was going to breakdown. Changed, I ran back, and began the race to work.

As I was driving, I thought: calm down. It's JUST work. In 50 years, this won't matter. I thought: keep calm, and carry on. I took a deep breath, my panic temperature went back to zero. It worked. I kept it cool.

Other ways to keep your cool? Wear LESS clothing. I can't seem to avoid layering in the summer, I just like it too much. So I tried to keep them minimalized, but add interest and colour with a vest (thrifted) and a scarf (gift from mama's trip to New Zealand.) Also, I have a really hard time making pleasant, regular person faces when I take these pictures.
Shirt: MODA International
Shorts and Vest: thrifted
Scarf: Gift from NZ
Purse: Gift from EnglandStay cool, kids!

A Matter of Pride

PRIDE 2011

Day 1
Driving to Toronto with Scott McKenzie's "San Francisco." Belated birthday gifts. Shopping at Forever 21. Dinner in a little diner with my ladies. Starbucks. Getting ready to rock Church Street in their townhouse on Carlaw. Can't decide what to wear. Fluorescent pink belt. Squeeze five into a cab downtown.Meet a large turquoise house, and the party on Church Street. Run into old boss from internship. See boys holding hands, girls entwining their fingers. See colour everywhere. Beautiful. Night starts to fall. Fluorescent orange beautiful. See a boy try to sweep my friend off her feet- amazing. Get into line for a little pub and sit inside. Ice water and sangria from a waiter in a toga. Watch the rain pour on nobody's parade. Laugh. Talk. Drink.
Out into the streets with the rain and the celebration. Drag queens and boyfriends and stickers everywhere. True fact: all trannys have really nice legs and work heels better than I do. Feet hurting, people are tired. Return to the apartment. Talk until 2AM about life and everything else. Conclude things about past lives and revolutions. Sleep soundly.

Day 2
Wake up and dress- slowly. Blasting Lady Gaga at 10AM. Wear rainbow suspenders and walk to Shopper's Drug Mart. Decked out in rainbows, the cashier asks if we're headed to the parade. Buy six 1.5 litre water bottles. 10:30AM and already hot and sweating. Catch a cab to Yonge and Church. Interviewed by CBC News. Breakfast of pancakes with blueberry syrup and bacon. Rush to volunteer check in. Marvel at the masses of people and the energy and joy in the air. Almost moved to tears by it...almost.

Get badge, and t-shirt-- it's pink! End up at wrong information booth, hurry to other booth. Meet Dustyn, begin getting people to sign petitions. Rights for LGBT in Turkey. Abolish the laws that make homosexuality illegal in Cameroon. Protect LGBT activists in Mexico. Temporary tattoos and lots of signatures. Idle chatter and the blistering afternoon sun. Bottles of water, lots of passers by... some completely naked. Totally free. Teenage girl with big brown eyes asks where all the hate for gays comes from. A man tells us about his sexual assault in Egypt. People thank us for doing our work, say there ought to be more like us. Fall more in love with the community as it opens up.My friends stop by the booth twice, but soon leave for other activities. Begin yelling out to the crowd to get their attention and their signatures on the paper. "Support the global LGBT community! Give others the rights you already have!" Feel like a part of something bigger, accomplished. Go on break, wander around. See queens, kings, jokers and super soakers. Return to the booth, beginning to tire out. Double shift is 7.5 hours long. Take down booth, check out at volunteer station. Meet my friends at Church&Wood, head to Fran's for dinner. It's the same Fran's my dad used to eat at when he lived in Toronto. Sandwich dinner, coconut cream pie for dessert. NOM NOM NOM. Change into obnoxiously loud and colourful outfit, and head back to Church. Cruise around. Look at underwear in the Stag Shop. Look at buttons as souvenirs-- buy one for the family at home. Night is falling and dance parties are breaking out in the streets. Our bodies tired but powered by happiness and love and beatsbeatsbeats. We dance too- spontaneous. Walk around a little more. Admire, breathe in the night air. Cab back to the apartment. Pack up and drive home. Stop for caffeine and water on the way.

Day 3
Wake up feeling exhausted despite sleeping like the dead. Wear rainbow t-shirt, see the world in a totally different light. Watch Milk, a post-Pride tradition. Cry at the end, like I always do. Feel happy. Look forward to next year. Write blog post.