L’azile

They say life is what happens while you are making other plans, or words to that effect. Well, whoever “they” are, they sure got that right. I have been, to put it mildly, very busy, with work mostly, to the point that I have given up on making any plans beyond trying to find enough time to eat and sleep.

So, because my life these last few months has been mostly comprised of work, work, work, eat, sleep, bills, bills, bills, work, work but thought I should at least give some kind of news, else people think I was dead or something, here is a quick list of stuff I feel like sharing at the moment.

Continue reading… random update #8

I have not been posting these last few weeks because I do not have Internet access at home yet (long story). I have to say, going without has been quite euh, well, bizarre. On the one hand, it does not really bother me. I have been rather busy trying to get my new appartment organised (or perhaps it would be more accurate to say trying to get me organised in my new appartment) and I can always access my personal email accounts from work. And I have been doing a lot more reading which is always good.

On the other hand though, no Internet at home has also made me feel a bit frustrated and anxious, like there is a certain void in my life. So I have not been able to keep up with my favourite blogs or other Web stuff and since I do not own a television, I have not been able to download the few tv shows I like. And of course, I have had to curb my reflex for searching for just about any word that comes to mind. Which I guess is not really such a bad thing.

I saw Michael this week at an event organised by my employer and contrarily to every one else’s reaction to the news that I am sans Internet (typically along the lines of “OMFG!”, “Hein?!”, “T’es pas sérieuse!” or “you poor thing”) all he said, in true Michaelivian fashion, was “good”. Anyway, since I am presently at my ex-flatmate’s doing laundry (because a washer/dryer is another thing I am still without), I thought I would sign in briefly and give y’all a bit of news.

Continue reading… random update #7

This will probably be my last update for the year 2007, a year that in truth I can not wait to see end because, while there were a few good things, it was generally rather crappy.

So, with regards to the new appartment, that actually turned out to be a fucking nightmare. I will spare y’all the details but let us just say that when I went to pick up my keys after it had been emptied out by the previous occupant (who, it should be noted, lived in what can only be described as a personal storage locker) and saw it in all its filthy, broken-down, rat-infested glory (which the landlord, whom I have since baptised “il basso costo” or if you prefer “el cheapo”, refused to bring up to code), I took photos, lined up my horrified witnesses and promptly cancelled my lease. Which really fucked up my plans.

Continue reading… random update #6

I am tired. I have been quite busy with work and well, life and stuff and I guess I am getting old or something because I just do not seem to have the energy I used to.

I quite clearly remember a time when I could put in full 60-hour weeks and do all the other stuff life demands (you know, like be the good friend - faithful family member - relatively aware consumer - engaged citizen - multiple pet owner - unwavering advocate - life of the party - mostly on time bill payer - girlfriend, wife and/or lover - slash - all around modern woman and whatever the fuck else the situation called for). I could party all night, among other things, and show up for work early-ish the next morning and spend the next 10 or 12 hours or so putting out all the urgent existential fires that are a natural [unavoidable] part of working for community organisations plus be a decent, respectful and helpful, mostly pleasant, sometimes even bordering on awesome co-worker (depending on who you talk to, of course ;). Ok sure, once in a while I showed up a little scrappy, in need of a change of clothes or of a breakfast that would never come and yeah, occasionally PMS-ing or just plain pissed off about something or other but I showed up more than willing and able, my drive never faltering in the process, and I could start the whole thing up again the next day.

Continue reading… random update #5

It has been a strange summer, during which nothing happened the way I thought it would, which I guess is, for the most part, not necessarily a bad thing. A time when I had to think about a lot of stuff and make some choices. Not sure I made the right ones but I imagine that we never really know until the end.

Continue reading… random update #4

Comments are back on due to popular demand. Well, actually due to one demand but hey. I am a bit wary and hope I am not plagued with disturbing spam as in the past. I have downloaded a plug-in to deal with this and hopefully, it should be ok. I have only reopened comments for the last 5 posts because I am feeling lazy but if there is something specific someone would like to comment on, let me know. And please note that if you have never commented here before, meaning almost everybody, your comment will be held in moderation.

Continue reading… random update #3

I have had to desactivate comments on this blog because I have been receiving insane amounts of comment spam. It is not really a big deal as Mona was about the only one who commented here and she can always call me on the phone. But one of the things I appreciate about blogs is the possibility for discussion. Unfortunately, it has gotten pretty bad in the last few weeks and I was starting to get really annoyed hearing about grandmothers having sex. I mean, good for them but too much information for me. So until I figure out how to minimise this problem, comments are closed.

Continue reading… random update #2

In the last weeks, I have been trying to tie up loose ends with regards to work in order to have the next month or so relatively free. Mostly, I have been working on the government of Québec accessibility standard project, for which I have contributed research and expertise as part of an advance team of consultants (comprised of Denis Boudreau, Jean-Marie D’amour and myself, with input from representatives of the government) mandated to write up an initial proposal of requirements which the government people will now run with internally (gawd help us all). This has been quite an eye-opening experience on several fronts but I will try to write about the whole process at a later date when I have more time and perspective.

Continue reading… random update