The Broken Hand

My poor baby.

FoxyLady was moving some very heavy furniture by herself and broke her right hand today. She called me on the phone, and through a great deal of pain and profuse tears, she told me that she was being driven to the hospital. I immediately panicked. Aside from being torn that my loved one was hurting and needed me, I freaked out about what to do.

Here was the dilemma:

She accidentally left her wallet (with Health Card inside) in my purse last night. She was in Pickering, headed to the Rouge Valley Ajax-Pickering Hospital. I was in Scarborough. I have no car, no car insurance, and no one to give me a lift. I had to get to Ajax ASAP, but didn't know how. The hospital wouldn't see her without her Health Card.

I ran around in circles in my room after I hung up the phone. I was trying to calculate the fastest way to get to the hospital in my head. Heck, I didn't even know what the directions to the hospital were! I was juggling my options and weighing the pros and cons of each: calling my folks, calling a taxi, taking transit, or inventing teleportation.

I finally landed on calling my parents from their shopping excursions and had them drive me to the emergency. It wasn't the time to be strategic and worry about what my parents thought. I just had to get to my girlfriend so she could get medical attention. It took them 20 minutes to get home, and it would take another 30 minutes to drive to the hospital. That's a whole hour she would have to wait for me! I used the wait time to quickly research how to get to the hospital.

My parents arrived and we made haste towards Ajax. I was flipping out the entire time, watching my watch, and praying that she was okay. I didn't want to let her down. I was cursing my stupid car accident, cursing my inability to drive, and just cursing that I didn't remember to give her her wallet back that night. It's amazing the thoughts that run through your head in moments likes that. I guess I just didn't like the idea that I was limited in helping her.

We got a little lost due to conflicting pieces of information from the internet and the hospital itself. Can you believe that the information line for the hospital didn't know what the directions to Ajax/Pickering were because the information staff is situated in Scarborough?!? That's the beauty of hospital amalgamation folks.

Anyway, the good news was that my folks came through in an emergency. Thanks Mom and Dad. I got there, albeit a little late, and discovered that they were able to admit her before I arrived because they had her information in their records. Whew!

After being looked over, and a Tylenol 3 pill later, my sweetie was sent home and put to bed. We'll find out more about her condition when she has her followup with the plastic surgeon on Tuesday.

Please, keep her in your thoughts and prayers folks.

The Machine Revolution

I caught the late show of "I, Robot" with FoxyLady last night. I am a long-time science-fiction fan, and had read the original novel of the same name by Isaac Asimov in elementary school, so I naturally was drawn to the film.

Science-fiction has long utilized fantastic future situations to shed light on modern-day issues like equal rights, and discrimination. Growing up on Star Trek's utopian views, it's interesting to see our future through the lens of a dystopian society. Grim, but intriguing just the same. A robot revolution is an interesting story concept, albeit sensational. So I eagerly anticipated seeing "I, Robot" and its take on the future.

Like every other Hollywood version of a science fiction work I wasn't expecting a satisfying translation; adaptations hardly ever work. I just wanted to see eye candy, but I was pleasantly surprised by how engaged I became in the storyline. There are some plot twists that I just didn't expect. With audiences becoming more media-savvy and films being more retread than original, it was refreshing to not be able to predict where the story led.

Anyhow, go check out the film if you like sci-fi. It's not the best film, but it is summer entertainment worth the cost of admission. If you don't go for the premise, and visual effects, at least go for the fact that Will Smith looks goddamned hot! Even FoxyLady noticed how bulky and cut he looked in the film. It is quite impressive. I actually drooled.

---

One of the trailers prior to our feature, was one for a Jimmy Fallon/Queen Latifah action-comedy remake called "Taxi".

It's a fast-action-car-chase-heist (whew, what a mouthful!) movie which features plenty of hot cars, being driven by very naughty, attractive female bandits. FoxyLady drooled over the souped-up cars. I, on the other hand, was loving the sequence where the female robbers stripped down to their bikinis. Realistic? No. Sexy? Hell, yes! I'm adding this flick to my must-see list for the fall.

Check out the trailer here.

"The Simpsons" Out-ed

This news article caught my eye as I was waiting in the lobby of a local Comfort Inn. I do enjoy free newspapers!

Springfield's Coming Out Party [link via The Toronto Star]

Personally, if it's anyone other than Waylon Smithers, I've got my money pegged on either Patty or Selma.

My brother always said that our family so closely resembled The Simpsons. My dad is the Filipino Homer, my mom is Marge, my brother the trouble-maker is clearly Bart, and me being the good, obedient, smart child am obviously Lisa. So if art does imitate life, Lisa is going to proudly proclaim her gayness. Here's hoping. My brother and I would get a kick out of it.

The 2nd Level of Hell

From the same good folks that brought you The Personality Disorder Test, comes...

Dante's Inferno Test [link via 4degreezs.com]

My Results:

The Dante's Inferno Test has banished you to the Second Level of Hell!

You have come to a place mute of all light, where the wind bellows as the sea does in a tempest. This is the realm where the lustful spend eternity. Here, sinners are blown around endlessly by the unforgiving winds of unquenchable desire as punishment for their transgressions. The infernal hurricane that never rests hurtles the spirits onward in its rapine, whirling them round, and smiting, it molests them. You have betrayed reason at the behest of your appetite for pleasure, and so here you are doomed to remain. Cleopatra and Helen of Troy are two that share in your fate.

Here is how you matched up against all the levels:

Level	Score
Purgatory (Repenting Believers)	Low
Level 1 - Limbo (Virtuous Non-Believers)	Very Low
Level 2 (Lustful)	Very High
Level 3 (Gluttonous)	High
Level 4 (Prodigal and Avaricious)	Very High
Level 5 (Wrathful and Gloomy)	Moderate
Level 6 - The City of Dis (Heretics)	Very Low
Level 7 (Violent)	Very High
Level 8- the Malebolge (Fraudulent, Malicious, Panderers)	Very High
Level 9 - Cocytus (Treacherous)	Low

Well, the lustful and violent part does ring a bell, but I never ever considered myself a (gasp) panderer!

The Neurosis of Reese

Sometimes I love these tests. Other times, they make me feel less balanced than I think I am.

The Personality Disorder Test [link via Say what?]

My Results:

Disorder	Rating
Paranoid	High
Schizoid	Low
Schizotypal	High
Antisocial	Moderate
Borderline	Very High
Histrionic	Very High
Narcissistic	High
Avoidant	High
Dependent	Very High
Obsessive-Compulsive	High

Gosh. I'm crazier than I thought! And here I thought I was just lovably eccentric! I suppose that all I can ever hope for is to be an improvement on my crazy family.

The Recognition of Bloggers

Hey Bloggers!

We're official!

BLOGGERS GET PRESS CREDENTIALS
Several dozen Web loggers have received press credentials to cover the Democratic national political convention this year in Boston, and organizers of the Republican convention in New York have said they intend to issue credentials to 10 to 20 bloggers. The chosen bloggers face a new situation in having access to primary sources for their blogs rather than, per their usual practice, ferreting out information from multiple sources or providing commentary based on news coverage of events. The bloggers expect to cover niche issues and behind-the-scenes events rather than the larger issues that typically attract the mainstream news media. Some media experts have expressed reservations about the shift in the definition of "journalist" to include bloggers, arguing that journalists should be credentialed professionals.
New York Times, 26 July 2004 (registration req'd)
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/26/politics/campaign/26blog.html

One step closer to taking over the world. Mowahahahahahaha!

The First Month Anniversary

WARNING:
The cute factor of this post may nauseate some readers.
Proceed with caution.
Today is my first month anniversary with FoxyLady!

We don't have anything special planned since it is a Monday, but I'm just happy to spend time with her no matter what we do.

Hee hee. I so silly.

The Burden of Bridesmaid-dom

My best friend, CinderHella, and her significant other, Prince Dis-Arming, are getting married this upcoming spring. I was recently given the honour of being part of the bridal party as one of the bridesmaids. I was overjoyed at being included, although I confess I was a little disappointed that I wasn't selected as Maid of Honour. That feeling soon diminished when I realized just how little time I would have to spare towards being a truly useful Maid of Honour, so I'm happy with being in a lower-key position. This way I can be privately bitchy about how bad a job the Maid of Honour is doing! Mowahahahaha. Aren't we women just scandalous?!?

Anyhow, I am joined in the bridal party by CinderHella's two sisters, Patty and Selma, and another one of her female friends, JK. Maid of Honour duties was bestowed upon middle sister, Patty. The bridal party's first task was to go dress shopping today at Windsor Bridal and Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Apparently, Patty, the accountant amongst us, has us on a rigid schedule. You should see her with her clipboard. Ugh. This is 'uptight' to the power of 'draconian'! I just hope she doesn't have a whip.

Shopping was mildly painful because tastes vary so much between all four women. Thankfully, the stress level was lessened due to the fact that oldest sister, Selma, couldn't join us because she was home sick. If both sisters were in the same room, it would probably have been catastrophic. Now, don't get me wrong; the sisters are lovely women. They just have an innate knack to drive each other up the wall within moments, and in doing so, it makes life miserable for those who have to witness it. Most oftentimes, it is kid sister, CinderHella, that has to play peacemaker between the two. Secretly, CinderHella made it my primary job to keep her sane when dealing with Patty and Selma during the next several months. Here's hoping that I manage to keep my impatience to a minimum.

Anyhow, it was our first outing, and I think we've almost come to a decision! Whoo hoo! Sometimes democracy works! I think we may go with having different dresses in the same colour/material. That way, we'll all have dresses which flatter each of our body types. Now if only we can decide on the colour and material.

I'm a little concerned. Everyone seems to be leaning towards jewel tones for a spring wedding. It doesn't seem right to me, but heck, everyone seems happy. Only 9 months to go before the big day!

The Convalescent, Part 3

Yeah.  I'm still sick.  I will post soon when I am able to crawl out of bed again.

Turns out the docs misdiagnosed me with strep, and I had to start a whole new round of antibiotics a full week after my initial illness had struck.  I think they're guessing.  They're just throwing more meds at, "...what is probably a virus...".

Yay.  I feel like a guinea pig.

I really miss eating solid food with taste.  This is not the best way to lose weight.

The Canadian Falls ARE Nicer!

FoxyLady and I had reservations for our trip to Niagara this weekend, and so in order to not lose money, we went anyway. It was our first trip together and even though timing could have been better, I didn't want it to ruin our weekend. I was feeling much better anyhow and figured the antibiotics were well on their way to fixing me up. I planned on just taking it easy and monitoring myself.

We stopped off first in Niagara-on-the-Lake and strolled around their main street. I finally know what the fuss about this place is about. It really is quite quaint and beautiful. Managed to look at all the pretty flowers and catch a parade of sorts.

The strolling brought on the hunger so we enjoyed a lovely lunch of fresh fruit, sandwiches and pate at The Buttery, a local spot famous for its weekend Henry VIII feasts, and lovely patio.

After our leisurely lunch we then took the scenic drive up to Peller Estates Winery where we partook of the complimentary tour. On the tour we were privy to sampling a few of their wines. Now, I'm already a big fan of ice wines, (Come now, who isn't?) but the tour guide opened my eyes to the orgasmic experience of tasting a Cabernet Franc ice wine. It was the most amazing ice wine I've ever had and it was based on a red wine (my favourite kind) to boot!



After being a little tipsy from multiple glasses of wine (I lost count) in the hot summer sun, we then participated in a tasting dealing with The Art of Wine and Food.


At this tasting, the instructor introduced us to a new Peller product, known as their "Cristalle", a sparkling white wine infused with ice wine! Yummy!



By the time we were finished at the winery, FoxyLady and I were pretty tipsy, and purchased three bottles of ice wine and the Cristalle.

To work off the alcoholic buzz, we hiked around some local trails enjoying the sunshine and holding hands.


We then headed down to our hotel where we checked in and rested awhile before dinner. Now, I'm vaguely aware of Niagara being the home of cheesiness (second only to Las Vegas), but I was very surprised and amused to see that our room came with a heart-shaped red Jacuzzi surrounded by full-length mirrors. It was so funny that I wanted to take a photo. It was so embarrassing that I decided not to. I spare my readers the image. No need to thank me.

For dinner, my honey wanted to take me to the Skylon Tower and overlook the city as we dined. We ate in their revolving dining room. It was kind of like eating at 360 in Toronto's CN Tower, except much shorter, and looking over a pair of amazing waterfalls. So the same. Except different. Our falls are much nicer. That's just my opinion.


By the time dinner was over, I felt ill. Really ill. My fever returned and I had trouble swallowing. Drat. So now it's Sunday afternoon, and I'm back in Toronto trying to figure out why I'm still sick. I cannot be sick this week. I'm acting manager! This truly sucks. I don't regret the trip though. Spending time with my girl is always worth it.

Now, I sleep.
---
Photo Credits: 1 - 4, Revisionist Reese; 5 - 10, FoxyLady

The Refund Is On the Way!

Yay!

In my sickly state, I managed to finish my 2003 income tax return. I think the fact that I'm in dire need of funds forced me to finally sit still long enough to fill out the forms.

I'll be rolling in dough hopefully very soon even though it's gonna go right back into the debt load. Sigh.

In the meantime, I've been daydreaming about a couple of new toys:

The Nikon D70 Digital SLR Camera vs. Apple's PowerBook G4.

I probably can only afford one of these toys (realistically, none of these toys) so I'm very torn. Ah, and I've got my brother's wedding in the Philippines to go to this year too! Where does the money go?

The Ring and Ringu

Maybe it wasn't the best idea, but during my sick leave the past couple of days, my significant other, FoxyLady, exposed me to both "Ringu" (not to be confused with the beloved claymation penguin, Pingu) and "The Ring" on DVD.
 
Needless to say, that even though watching it may not have scared me to death, I found myself unable to sleep at night without having my thoughts wander into creepy psychic ghost territory.   Thanks to the strep throat, I was already experiencing fevered dreams.  Now, I was having terrifying horror-movie style dreams.
 
Anyhow, my two cents about the original Japanese film versus the US remake.  I will say that I like my filmmaking somewhat causal and internal logic-driven so therefore I enjoyed the American version better.  The Japanese version made so many odd assumptions and made me constantly turn to FoxyLady and say "I don't get it.  Why did that happen?"  When I have to puzzle over story logic, it detracts from my own enjoyment of the film experience.
 
This is NOT to say that "The Ring" made sense at all times, but held up to "Ringu", the suspension of disbelief was easier with the former.
 
I now get totally freaked out by seeing surrealistic student films, blurry pictures of myself, and being left alone with my television.  (Which happens all the time since I have a TV in my room.  Eek!)
 
---
 
On a happier, cuter, and more hilarious note.  Go play the "Crazy Sledging" game at Pingu's official website. 
 
"Sledging"?
 
That sounds like something you do with baby Harper seals and not animated penguins on a kids' site!
 
Poor Pingu. Poor seal pups.

The Conversations You Have Are Monitored

I had dinner recently with a very well-placed member of the Ontario Legislative Security force.  Over a lovely glass of wine (or three) he surreptitiously divulged a little-known policy of the Ontario Public Service:  we record all our employees' telephone conversations!
 
I was shocked and dismayed.  Shocked because I didn't realize we were in the practice of expending so much effort on things with very little gain (or at least I think there is).  Dismayed because of the potential for those tapes to be used for purposes other than security.
 
He said that the tapes were only kept for two weeks at a time, and that they only are played back in situations of terrorism.  This is cold comfort to me probably since I am a pretty paranoid person.  I can totally foresee a time where an employee is fired for using the telephone to make a call to their bank during business hours.  Anyhow, I think I am safe for now as long as I don't kiddingly mutter death threats, or release my secret plan to take over the government.
 
Still.  I guess I am just used to the harmlessness of government work.  Maybe that's the point?  We need to safeguard ourselves in situations when the employees themselves get careless?  Would spies infiltrate our organizations to gain access to confidential information?  My question:  Why would they?  It's too easy and mind-numbingly boring to do civil servant work to get information.  It's a whole lot sexier just to hack into top-secret server farms and extract confidential gold that way.
 
I think my strep-induced fever is taking over.  I've sounding more like a John Le Carre novel.

The Convalescent, Part 2

Yay.

I'm sick now.

Don't you love it when you can share everything with your significant other?

:D

The Evils of Car Insurance

Argh!

So post-accident I have no car. Having no car means, having no insurance. Having no insurance means I cannot drive.

My folks have a car and I hoped to get access to it by being added to their policy.

Turns out their insurance company does not want to insure me because of the accident. I'm "uninsurable" until my legal issues get resolved.

I wanted that statement in writing. They refused. It's an "internal policy".

Bastards.

---

Ugh. I feel a fever and sore throat coming on.

The Convalescent, Part 1

My baby is sick.

She has strep.

So I'm playing nursemaid while I do laundry.

Ain't love grand?

The Lazy Day

I haven't had one of these in a very, very long time.

FoxyLady and I just chilled out at her house for most of the entire day. I've been on the go so much lately, that I had forgotten what relaxing felt like. Reflection time.... good.

We ventured out for a bit to enjoy the beautiful weather and did the typical summer stuff. We had ice cream from Reid's Dairy from huge waffle cones. I couldn't finish mine, so I offered it in a meteoric clump to an unsuspecting ant on the pavement. FoxyLady then prodded the tiny bug with a stick over to the melting ice cream much to the ant's annoyance. Funny. I thought ants would love free ice cream. Anyhow, I guess FoxyLady's exuberance at sharing our not-so-frozen treat with the ant was too much. The poor bug drowned. Oops.

After our fill of ice cream and "ant-icide" we went to watch geese from a spot overlooking the lake at Petticoat Creek Conservation Area. I think I counted about 70 geese milling about on the shore. That's a lot of geese. I think I named one "Bill" and another "Wade". I ran out of witty names after that.

The rest of the day was pretty much like that. Nothing much happened, but I did enjoy the "nothing-ness" for a change. Especially with the one you love.

The Dinner with My Boyz (aka The Summerlicious Gorge-Fest, Part 5)

I had a wonderful Summerlicious dinner with my boyz at Filet of Sole last night. It had been so long that I had seen these guys that I wanted to be able to touch base. I also used it as an opportunity for BizarroReese and Macker to meet FoxyLady.

Needless to say, she was very nervous. I didn't think she needed to be because she is so awesome in my eyes, that my friends would think so too. Plus, my boyz are very easy going.

Anyhow, I knew the night was a success when all three of them joined in and playfully made fun of me the entire meal.

Yes, FoxyLady now knows the joy of "Free-For-All-Pick-On-Reese Days". What a better way to demonstrate love, than to lovingly mock your significant other with her closest friends!

It was so much fun. I'm glad the three of them hit it off. Now I can plan my revenge for the next time. Mowahahahahaha! What goes around, comes around my boyz... oh the anticipation.

Oh and of course, here's what I ate that night.

Alcohol:
Glass of House Red Wine

Starters (our party of four shared):
Grilled Baby Calamari & Mussels with Roma Tomato Sauce
Grilled & Thai Beef & Calamari Salad with Lemon Grass
Fried Coconut Shrimp & Asian Spring Roll with Dipping Sauces
Steamed Mussels in Roma Tomatoes, Garlic & Wine

Main:
Jump Fried Gulf Shrimps in Garlic Butter with Chef's Rice

Dessert:
Creme Caramel

The Summerlicious Gorge-Fest, Part 4

Had lunch with my manager to discuss my performance appraisal and objectives. Ugh. At least we did it off-site at a Summerlicious lunch to distract us from the banal business at hand.

We dined at a just-over year-old restaurant near our office called Sage which is known for its extravagant Toronto Film Festival parties. The place was packed, the service slow, and food lackluster, but it was the best $10 I had spent all day. [Author's Note: I didn't actually spend the $10, my manager did. I love free lunches!]

My meal consisted of:

Starter:
Gazpacho (Cold Tomato Soup with Cucumbers)

Main:
Roasted Chicken Breast in a White Wine Lemon Pepper Sauce, served on Spinach Spun Rice

Dessert:
Chocolate Torte

The Summerlicious Gorge-Fest, Part 3

Four words for the meal at Le Select Bistro: BEST RED WINE EVER!

So good we had two bottles at only $32 each. If memory serves me correctly we had the Malbec Reserva, from Mendoza, Argentina. I will post once I get the actual name from my dinner pals.

Starter:
Pissaladiere provencale: Traditional Provencale onion tart with a Goat cheese crumble

Main:
Free-range old fashioned duck Confit with a cranberry relish, scalloped potatoes and French beans

Dessert:
Parfait praline with almond brittle

The Declaration

I finally showed my hand last night.

After much consideration and anxiety, I told FoxyLady that I loved her. I felt like I couldn't keep it in any longer, and as many friends had advised, I went ahead and poured out my heart.

To some, it might be gutsy, to others an unwise decision, but I do not regret it. She seemed overjoyed with my confession and it set off a multitude of butterflies in my stomach. I think she felt them too.

Even though I wasn't the first to admit feelings of love, I still managed to feel self-conscious and awkward afterwards. Looking at her face, and the way she smiled at me, no wait, FOR me, I knew that everything was right. I had found my way home.

She said, "I love you too, Reese."

Gosh, just thinking about that moment makes me heartachingly happy.

Since I was on a roll with baring my soul, I also chose that moment to tell her about my blog, Revisionist Reese. I had said to her, "I also want to be completely honest and open with you. I have a blog."

She didn't know what the word "blog" meant so I had to explain. She later admitted to me that she thought that I was confessing that I had some sort of disease! Ha ha ha ha ha.

"Yes, honey. I want you to know that I'm suffering from blog."

How cute. Anyhow, she hasn't read it yet, but I look forward to her thoughts on it. *Reese waves ecstatically* "Hi Sweetie!"

After dinner, we went to my local park to hang out for a little while and enjoy the momentous occasion. Since it was raining, we were completely alone for a change... except for one other car. The driver of the car was driving slowing around the parking lot, doing laps at 5 km/h, and signalling each turn. He was driving so slowly and methodically that FoxyLady and I burst out laughing for what seemed like 20 minutes. I think we thought the whole sight so absurd that we were trying to figure out what this poor guy was trying to do.

Reese's Theory - He's practicing for the Molson Indy, and failing miserably.
FoxyLady's Theory - He told his parents he went away, and is desparately trying to add kilometers to the odometer.

I don't know. I just get a kick out of our strange way of thinking.

The Flavours Baskin-Robbins Did Not Think Of

Another gem of a web link. Check out:

The Wackier World of Japanese Ice Cream [link courtesy Red]

It's one thing to come up with the flavour, another to actually market it, but damn... people actually buy this stuff!

The Tiger Hand... Rowr!

Another funny link to add to my already growing collection.

Rock, Paper, Saddam [link courtesy Red]

Be wary of pen missiles!

The Summerlicious Gorge-Fest, Part 2

Ah, food, glorious food!

This time I snagged a highly sought-after dinner reservation at the illustrious Canoe Restaurant for my baby and me. It is quite the chi-chi-foo-foo kinda joint. Since it's located on the 54th floor of the TD Tower, it has the potential for romantic sunsets. Then again, I didn't notice, because I couldn't take my eyes off of my girl. She is one gorgeous woman. My concentration was broken however with the arrival of our food. This is one thing we both have in common, our love of a good meal!

My stomach contents for the evening consisted of:

Alcohol:
Summerlicious White Wine Sangria with Fresh Berries

Starter:
Chilled Sweet Pea Soup with Spiced Cuttlefish, Creme Fraiche & Mint

Main:
Fillet Stripe Bass with Maritime Oyster Stew, Leek & Double Smoked Bacon

Dessert:
Chocolate Ganache Cake with Mascarpone Ice Cream, White Balsamic Strawberries

I think FoxyLady and I nauseated the other restaurant patrons because we fed each other throughout the entire meal. It's a cutesy habit we have.

The Summerlicious Gorge-Fest, Part 1

First dinner of the Summerlicious season. Yay!

I had a lovely "triple date" at Herbs Restaurant with couples, Prince Disarming and Cinder-Hella (my best friend), and (the couple too good-looking to believe they're real) Ken and Barbie. The food was awesome, and the company even better. They were kind and tried to make FoxyLady as comfortable as possible, which means, no one gave her the third degree. Thank God. The only grilling I wanted done, was to be done in the kitchen.

Since I've recently befriended a good chunk of Prince Disarming's friends, a portion of the night was spent with accusatory fingers being pointed at me for being a "friend stealer". Can you blame them? I mean, Revisionist Reese is quite the charmer! But it kinda gives you pause about the concept of compartmentalizing one's world. I fully subscribe to collapsing walls and having my different worlds collide, but for some people, it's their worst nightmare come true.

Anyway, I was fully sated after the great meal. Oh, and very tipsy and happy.

Alcohol:
1 glass of white wine, 1 Herb-tini (lychee-based martini)

Starter:
Composed Salad of Field Mushrooms, Asparagus, Sweet Peppers, Pancake Ribbons, Baby Mixed Lettuces Finished with a Walnut Vinaigrette

Main:
Applewood Smoked Pork Loin with Baby Spinach & Dates Served on an Eggplant, Cashew & Raisin Biryani with a Spicy Mango Chutney

Dessert:
Ontario Strawberry Bavarois with Champagne Macerated Berries

The Freedom of Being Canadian

Happy Birthday Canada!

This was the best Canada Day I've ever had. It's unfortunate that it had to be on a Thursday, but still, I welcomed the day off.

After clubbing last night, I invited FoxyLady to sleep over at my folks' house (in the spare bedroom). She was too tired to make the drive home, and we all know how I've learned my lesson about driving while fatigued. I figured the safety concerns outweighed any familial stress I would incur.

So this morning, I had the pleasure of letting her sleep in and make her breakfast. It was quite the moment as my folks came into the kitchen and saw me standing with her, in our pajamas, making eggs and sausages. I re-introduced them to FoxyLady and invited them to join us. My parents grimly refused and then went on their merry way gardening in the backyard. She and I just shrugged it off and had our meal together knowing that we'd have many more obstacles to endure.

My father returned for a glass of water, and then true to form, chatted her up. (I get my social nature from my father.) It was nice seeing him make the effort. It was almost normal. He seemed impressed that she spoke Tagalog and was doing the dishes. I subconsciously made the observation that she was being the daughter he wished he had, dutiful and in touch with her heritage. Score points for FoxyLady.

My mother later walked into the kitchen. She looked like she was on a mission, and seconds later I realized, she was. She marched right up to FoxyLady and grilled her. Asked her for her name, age, occupation, background, religion, and serial number. Well, not serial number, but you catch my drift. After she was satisfied with the responses she then gave her a clear message.

Mom: You are welcome in this house as Reza's friend. I will not tolerate inappropriate behaviour in my home, do you understand?

It was said rather menacingly, as every parental threat usually sounds. We both agreed to those terms, since I do respect that my parents have a right to dictate what goes on in their home. It does make me long for the day when my financial woes lessen, and I have my own place. In the meantime, I figured it was a small win. It's just going to take some time. Something has gotta give eventually right?

Anyhow, after breakfast, FoxyLady and I hung out at her house for a little while, and then she drove me to Rouge Beach Park. It was a rather beautiful day, just lying on the white sand beach with my best girl, watching families play together, and the Pickering Nuclear Power Plant just to the left of us. I may have tanned in a way that I'm not overtly aware of! Aside from the potential of discovering mutated three-eyed fish, I had a wonderful time. De-stressing is good!

As evening fell, we drove to Goldhawk Park to get a view of nearby Milliken Park's fireworks display. It was lovely. So lovely that I forgot to take photographs.

I was born and raised here in Canada so I often take for granted just how fortunate we are as Canadians. For FoxyLady, she spent the first part of her life in the Philippines, so being Canadian to her means something a little different.

As the sky was lit in an array of colour, FoxyLady turned and said to me: "Isn't Canada great? We're lucky for so many reasons: the freedom of self-expression, the ability for gays to get married, our multiculturalism, our health care system... but personally, I'm lucky and thankful... because this country gave me you."

Sigh.

You can either choose to sigh wistfully with me, or puke at your own discretion.

The Cynosure

For someone who is already a bit paranoid about what others think, this time of my life is challenging me to change my perspective. Now that I'm out, I have felt so free and happy about being open about my relationship with FoxyLady. The funny thing about freedom is, once you get a taste, it's hard to go back to hiding.

Whenever we're out together doing something as simple as holding hands, we've received some pretty ignorant comments and looks. We have become the cynosure of the moment, the story that others tell to their buddies around the water cooler the next day, the subject matter to discuss even though we remain within earshot of the conversation. We are the topic of debate, and not "just another couple".

The other day we were holding hands on the subway, and some guy muttered to his friends, "Look at those two lesbians. What a fucking joke." This angered FoxyLady so much that she wanted to start a confrontation. I, on the other hand, subscribed to quietly looking down, and walking away quickly. I'm not sure if this makes me a coward and her a hero, but knowing how people can be, I didn't want to put us into a more dangerous situation. However, on the inside, I was boiling over with fury. I didn't know what to do with the unspent emotions.

Again, last night, we were out with friends at a straight club and once more we were the focal point of many comments and stares. Drunken men would hoot at us, and look at us with lustful gazes. I suppose that some people would be flattered by the attention, but I could sense the impending danger in those inebriated looks. What if they followed us to our car? What would we do then?

All I wanted to do was hold my girlfriend's hand.

I've never been the victim of a hate crime, but I fear it is still possible. How do I traverse the narrow line of fearlessly living my life, and being cautious? I don't want to hide, and yet, I must.

How can this be the same society that loves "Will and Grace", Ellen Degeneres, and "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy"? Why is it more acceptable to have your gayness in an innocuous venue like television? Would you like your homosexuals sterilized for your mass-consumption? Are we easier to digest when put behind a glass wall?

Just when you think you've found acceptance, you always manage to find ignorance lurking about.