Volunteer Success

I began my volunteer position this week. I found out about an organization via the internet before moving to Halifax and I couldn't wait to start. It has been a long time since I've found an organization that really speaks to me. But, Dress for Success is fantastic.

The organization was created in the U.S. by a female law student who inherited some money and wanted to give back to the community. The primary goal of this non-profit organization is provide work-appropriate clothing for women attempting to re-integrate into the workforce. The aim is to erase the circle that many low-income women face of not having the "right" clothes to the get the "right" job. Without the job it is hard women to have the money to build a work wardrobe but it is a reality of the world today that often that job will ellude those who don't have the clothes in the beginning. Enter the suit program of Dress for Success.

I worked with my first client this week. I got to be her "personal shopper" and help to pick out an ensemble from the racks of donated clothes. It was one of the most uplifting moments of my life. To see this woman change into a stylish, confident professional was so heart-warming. I've always believed in the power of a great outfit. I would recommend this experience to anyone! DforS has Canadian chapters in Vancouver, Toronto and Halifax. You don't have to volunteer - but if you are from those areas and have work attire that you can get rid of (suits, skirts, blouses, tops, sweaters, shoes, etc) please help it make its way to a woman who needs it.

The 100th Episode Comes Full Circle

I have just reached my 100th post! So, as is done in TVland, I offer up a cake of celebration for 100 episodes of Raye-ness on this site. Yay for me!

This "blogger" vesion of Raye of Sunshine was launched in February 2005. My original site (the one for which I learned html code all on my own!) was eaten by cyberspace and hosting service pirates in August of 2004. It was upon the urging (threats?) of Kat that I finally got my butt in gear and got my commentary back on the web. And the last 7 months have been brilliant.

I remember having a moment on NYE 2005 that inspired me to believe that this year was going to be a pivotal one. It had some bona fide "greats" built into it from the start: my 30th birthday, the arrival of my nephew, my university graduation - but the feeling was about something more broad. Most of the posts on this site have tracked those amazing moments and documented my roller-coaster thoughts on the journey. And I was right, this year (so far!) has been full of growth and a newfound understanding of myself. I admit, I am tragically behind in this regard and it appears that I must make some costly (time & money) missteps to figure out what is the "right" path - don't hold that against me.

The first post of this site was an exclamation of excitement over my acceptance into the MBA program at SMU. It's only fair that this 100th edition exclaim over some of the good that choice has brought. Today I spent the morning on an exquisite beach doing clean-up with my fellow students. It was one of our many community involvement initiatives. The sky was flawless and the ocean was gently slapping the white sand and smooth stones. It was so pretty. And, the activity made me realize how much I enjoy actually being outside on those rare occassions that I have something to get out and do. Well, those occassions aren't so "rare" anymore and that's a positive thing.

Then, I got to watch my first, live, varsity football game at my university It could not have been better (ok - the Huskies could have won!) and for 2.5 hours I was relaxed and in-the-moment. I sat in the stands in my maroom SMU hoodie and cheered, and sighed, and swore with the hometown crowd. I've been waiting for today for 7 months and it didn't disappoint. I know it sounds small, but it truly is the small things in life that give experiences their sparkle. Today, like so many moments this year, was full of sparkle.

ElectShun

This is me and Colin. We ran as a "slate" in the elections for our program society. Colin is an old-time politico - seriously, if you ever meet him, he will tell you all about it. I am just a veteren of a series of school elections. We thought we had the perfect combination. We were excited to work together. In the end, Colin secured a spot and I was not elected ... again. Anyone who knows me longer than today will know about the consistency in my non-election status. I have run for councils at every level of my education. In all those elecions, I have only been elected once - and, well, there were helpful "circumstances" against the other candidate. As it was, I couldn't even win my position back. Maybe I should have told Colin about this in the beginning. I may be an actually "cooler" of elections - at least where I'm concerned. It doesn't matter how much I want to lead - people do not want to follow. All I can say at this point is that I have more time to work for me - and that can't be all bad, right?

Being Burnett's Bitch

I gotta hand it to Mark Burnett, the man knows what he's doing. How nice to have the end of "Rockstar:INXS" (finale next Tuesday) dovetail perfectly into the starup of another "Survivor" (kicking off tonight). But what impresses me most is his ability to shape stories out of his real footage and make me love characters that I thought I would loathe. The final three Rockstars are an excellent example.

When Rockstar first started way back in July I knew that I would be addicted. But, like so many "Survivor" series before, my initial loves were slowly eroded as the game wore on. My championing of Ty was revealed to be misplaced in the end. My acceptance of Heather and Brandon's stage presence were both monumental errors. And in the end we have three lads that did nothing for me on that first night and now, I have to admit, are the best three.

I considered Marty to be a "recroom star" as he flailed about but didn't connect with anyone and now he is intense personified. J.D. was actually "creeeepy" in that first appearance and, although still sorta odd, has grown on me. My comment on MiG? "ah, no" - short and dismissively to the point. Now? He's become my first pick.

It's also serendipitous that the Rockstar trifecta contains an Aussie, an American, and a Canadian. Let the voting challenge begin!! I don't know how Burnett does it, but he crafts the best "simulated environment" programming around. And I just follow his story threads everywhere. I fall for every twist. I enjoy every turn. And I end up exactly where he wants us all - cancelling our commitments to sit in front of the TV to see a real person win an big prize. And that's why I'm Burnett's bitch!

Smiley Face

I haven't posted an update of my nephew in quite a while so I figured it was about time. In truth, I had forgotten to update my photo album and I wasn't receiving the recent pics of him that my sis-in-law is SO good about posting. So today, I got to catch up on lotsa Taggart-ness. I haven't seen him in two months and he has grown loads since then. He has cut his first tooth. He can get himself into a crawling position and has begun hoisting himself up on furniture. I am amazed at how he has morphed from an infant ball of cuddles to an actual face of personality. I hope he keeps the blue eyes - just like me.

MajorBeverageAttraction

I am totally going to the right school. I chose a program that put an emphasis on collaboration and team work and, so far, it has paid off. I'm meeting some really amazing people. For the most part, classes have not begun yet. Instead, the incoming class spent the week doing orientation sessions and social activities. The week was ended with a 1.5day retreat to the southern shore and the lovely White Point Resort.

Although extremely tired from the previous days (and 7:30am departure time!), we all made it through our day of team-building exercises. Coming from a non-profit and experiential-learning background I noticed how different business groups are from the ones I worked with previously. It was a good lesson. The weather smiled on us and did not rain out our evening BBQ and campfire. Nothing like a oceanside sing-a-long to get the social juices flowing. One thing that never changes whether it be Katimavik, undergrad university, working for a restaurant, travelling or my current studies: people like their alcohol!

It didn't help that the quest to crown THAT person was on some our minds. As it turns out, Tanya did win the honours, which were solidified the next day upon our arrival to breakfast and the general greeting of "Tanya, you made it!" However, my social spot was also acknowledged by the program as our coordinator ensured that Tanya and myself were roomies. Our first order of business was to host a small pre-dinner drinks session on our balcony. Every group needs a social coordinator!

Now, with the fun and games behind us we can concentrate on things like sleep. At least until tomorrow when the grind truly begins. And for my part, I know I've got some good people on my side to share the ride.

Venus & Mars RomComs - movie reviews

Just Like Heaven
For some reason I always feel the need to offer excuses when I view a romantic comedy at the theatre. But this time I'm just going to say that when someone puts Mark Ruffulo and Reese Witherspoon in a movie together you go - end of story. And, for the most part, Heaven lives up to the charm that you would expect from its leading pair. Reese is the same American sweetheart realizing what's important in life that she was in Sweet Home Alabama. Ruffulo is the same kind-hearted guy we all loved in 13 Going on 30. (A note on Ruffulo - he once again elevates his material beyond the genre again. He has one confession scene that is sincerely moving!) And really, that's about it.

Okay, there is a fantastical twist that employs "seeing spirits" but is it laboured rather than inspired. Really, if the above-mentioned films had never been made then this one would not exist as its enjoyment-factor rests solely on the likability of the stars being the romantics we expect.

The story is transparant and full of holes - my favourite is how Reese can't "touch" anyting but never falls through the floor, or the chair, or the truck. I mean, when a film like Ghost handles these details better you know there is a problem.

In the end, Heaven is a weak Ghost retread. It deals in the same themes of loss and fated love. But it never has that "kiss" moment (or a really good love scene) that makes you sigh in your soul. In the continuum of poetic comments on romance, this one is barely a Hallmark card.

The 40-Year-Old Virgin
I know this flick isn't the usual type of film to end up on my review pages - at least not without me pleading peer pressure. But you know what? It was entertaining.

The 40-Year-Old Virgin is Bridget Jones for men. It's not all that serious but in the midst of laughing you find some fuzzy feelings. This comparison became clear to me in the first 10 minutes as Andy (Steve Carell) is introduced by going through the paces of his day. The details may be different (boners, video games, action figures, a bicycle) but the intent is the same - establish a portrait of adult alone-ness. As Bridget's self is defined by a longing for love that she believes may never arrive, Andy is a man who has given up on sex thinking that getting laid is just not in the cards for him. Really, its a man's take on the entire scenario because as women lament that lifelong solitude is likely a fate worse than death (lest they die and be discovered two weeks later half eaten by wild dogs), the manly equivalent must be a life without sex, ever.

And so with this premise in mind, Virgin runs wild in a field of juvenile jokes and crude comments. The entire film is truly in guy-speak overdrive and you can't help but laugh at most of it. There are no sacred cows here. It would be completely offensive if it didn't also ring so everyguy true. Women may swill cocktails and buy shoes for solace but the men insult each other while playing video games. Even the soft moments (such as when Larry asks one of his "buddies" for an opinion on his looks) are surrounded with guy energy (such as Dawn of the Dead in the background). The redeeming feature (beyond Carell's incredible likability) is the casting of Keener as Larry's potential de-flower. It is refreshing to see an age-appropriate, intelligent (and flat-chested - OMG!) women selected as the leading lady. The fact that she's a "hot grandma" just adds to the vibe of overcoming relationship obstacles outside of one's 20s.

In the end, Virgin hits all the right marks: the funny bone and the heart. And although it is presented in a boys locker room wrapper, this male written and directed tale shows that guys just wanna be loved as well.

I am Not THAT person!!

Two days into my program - whew! I'm tired already. As it turns out, my first impression to my classmates was not made with my case analysis, my loud voice, my Ontario accent, or my overly sarcastic banter. I am known as the girl who missed her first class on her first day. Yes, forget professionalism and preparedness! It was completely unintentional but it happened nonetheless. Why did it happen?

Well, that is a result of a boat cruise evening the ended up at a local pub and my enjoyment of too many beers (J-man can start chuckling now). So to hell with responsibility. It was Tuesday night and I had a class the next day but lets keep drinking. I blame most of this on Colin and Tanya - two of my new colleagues - who were more than happy to keep the pace going as they had no commitments until 2pm the next day. (However, if you ask Colin he will completely deny any culpability.)

The result has been a friendly ribbing about the drinking episode and the determination of becoming THAT girl. Or perhaps, THAT person as not everyone in our friendly gang is a double X. We all know THAT person. The first to arrive, the last to leave, the instigator of shots, the good-timer, etc. So with our retreat weekend looming and a beachside bonfire event about to arrive, the evaluation for THAT person status is underway. Some may embrace the title. Others (like myself) are working to make sure it lands on someone else for the long term. As Jen explained: To be THAT person you have to have a commitment to the party and be conistent in your consumption (Paris is the ultimate THAT girl!). We think its gonna be Tanya in the end - and she's cool with it. But that first night will always be my contribution to getting the ball rolling (and Colin's never going to let me forget it).

I Like the "C" in my Football and Broadcasting

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love my CFL. And although I try to get to live games during the summer, it is really the Saturday games throughout the fall that I enjoy. The double-header on Labour Day is the start of the fall portion of the season and I try to catch the games as often as possible. And, truth be told, I'm much more interested in the Battle of Alberta game. Go! Stamps Go!

For the last few years, Calgary has been a bottom-barrel team but this year they are rebuilding so I was excited to see how they would fair. And then they started to get pummelled - like, 13 t0 1, then 20 to 1 pummelled. And the defense just couldn't seem to get it together against Ray's consistent and accurate arm. There was Ray under heavy pressure just lobbing the ball away and getting yards. But, in true CFL fashion, the goodness is in the end of the last quarter. I've always been amazed at people that walk out of a game before the end because experience has taught me that ALOT happens in the last few minutes of a Canadian football game. The Stampeders fight back and then blow it. But thanks to a lucky penalty call are handed the touchdown opportunity anyway! It was a totally edge-of-my-seat moment as Burress decides to go for 2 and make it a 1-point game. But he blows it again. And sadly, the game ends with Ray doing a trifecta of kneels. I do like the snappy new uniforms though.

The real sad part of the game was not the loss - that was almost expected. The sad part was having to watch the game without any commentary. Thanks to the CBC lock out the only comments available were those of the stadium announcer. There were no Gillette Game Notes. There was no half-time banter with Greg Frears and Sean Millington. It was bad enough that I had to lose Chris Cuthbert this year (he was let go in February and now calls the games for TSN on Fridays) but to have NO commentary at all?! On Labour Day!! It hurt!!

So this is when I get to rant about the current CBC lockout. It's important to remember that this is a lockout situation and NOT a strike because it means the corporation has decided that it can do better without its employee base so much that it will not "bow" to its demands. The lockout leaves about 80% of the CBC workforce off the job including Rex Murphy, Ron Maclean, Anna Maria Tremonti, Peter Mansbridge! and my CFL commentary crew. The issue at hand is job security as the corporation wants to make incoming positions contract or short-term and thereby deny new employees things such as benefits and a career path.

Now, I don't really care if you call yourself a CBC fan. In fact, I think many people would say they are not without realizing how much the CBC gives. To me, the CBC is the Canadian voice. It is part of shaping Canadian culture. It brings Canadians to Canadians like no other media-provider can. Our world cup events, the Olympics, domestic music, film and television, and the Canadian viewpoint thanks to shows like Cross Country Checkup and Sad Goat. Think of it this way ... the NHL may be back this season but it may not have Don and Ron along for the ride!

Many nations (to which we may compare ourselves) have government supported broadcasters (Australia and Britain!) and these organizations help to unite and build national identity. What moments do your remember as Canadian ones? Who are the voices that speak the Canadian reality? They are found on the CBC. And the corporation thinks that it can work without these people? How can the CBC maintain the personality and identity buildiing that we rely upon if it moves to a contract and short-term employment scheme?

It worries me that our national broadcaster is becoming an ad hoc employer. It is funded by us and I know that many people may want their funding elsewhere. But the joy of having a public broadcaster is that your voice can be heard if you be believe that funding the CBC is important or that the CBC is important to Canada, or that Canadians should have solid Canada-based jobs. We can all make it happen with our public broadcasting corporation.

I want my Greg Frears hotness back.
I want my snappy-suited Sean Millington back.
I want the Canada back in my broadcasting corporation.

Fear and Felicity

In two days the school year begins. And, truth be told, I am terrified. All of my excitement has been sapped and I am left with a hollow fear about what is to come. Part of it is the normal, back to "the grind" apprehension that everyone feels at this time of year. Part of it is nervousness about the upcoming challenge and unknown expectations. But a big part of it is actual fear about the future. I've been having moments of panic over where my life is going, the choices I'm making, my lack of passion about anything. Anytime someone asks me about my "research interests" I want to run in inadequate despair beacause, frankly, I haven't a clear clue ... yet. And I want some help in figuring out this puzzle that is to be my life, but then i feel like a fool for wanting such guidance when a part of me feels that "as an adult" I should be able to do this on my own. So this weekend, the last one before classes commence, I hid. I rented the final season of "Felicity" and spent 22 hours in my apartment in the life of someone else. And you know what? It helped.

I know that everyone is not a "Felicity" fan, but always have been. I am a sucker for chick melodrama and when Felicity begin in the late 90s it quickly became a favourite of mine. However, I missed the last season and hadn't thought about it until I caught a few episodes showing on the W channel on Sunday afternoons. So, when I was staring at the box set wall at Video Difference on Friday night, the story of Felicity, Noel and Ben seemed like a good choice. I was really renting it for the romance fix but it became much more.

In her final year of college, Felicity is facing a life crisis. What should she study? What should she become? Who is she going to be? And although I'm 8 years past the mark of usually making those decisions ... they are very present in my life these days. I have NO idea if I am in the "right" program. So watching a character articulate my struggle brought to my concerns to the surface and it was hard not to cry in my empty apartment. And as Noel goes through his depression over a life that appears to be unravelling, it was easy to say ... I've been there. Okay, so it's kinda sad that I find comforting parallels in a teen soap, but I've always been a tad to affected by entertainment models of life - it is one of my tragic flaws I guess. So my romantic fix selection was becoming a depressing affirmation of my fear and then then I got into the last few episodes.

The "Felicity" series ended with an interesting twist of her going back in time to relive life if she had chosen the other guy. Like all such tales, the show opts for the romantic meant-to-be ending but offers a solid story arc of the importance of letting go. This part of the show also echoed something in my life these past few months. See, recently I was positive that I had (maybe) realized who my Ben was thanks to my romcom-fueled imagination. But I realized that my Ben hasn't arrived yet, and that so far it is only Noels that I have in my life - good, life-long friends. That moment of clarity made me smile.

By the end of the series I was feeling fine. My bones were a bit sore from the hours curled up in my one chair, but inside I felt good. I have NO idea what will come next. I am afraid all the time these days. And if I had a "Felicity" time-travel storyline it would be to the moment I left school and I would have finished it and had my life-decision anxiety at 21 instead. But that's not what I did, and I am not the only one who doesn't have a plan. And although the wide-expanse that is the future is scary today, I know that it will become exciting again soon enough. And in those moments when I just can't face it, well, that's what DVD box sets are for, right?

Don't Stop ... I Think I Love You Right Now Halifax

It has been one month since I landed on the eastern shore of our amazing country. It has been one of the best Augusts of my life, as Halifax has SO much to offer. Most notably, the city is ripe with cultural events that are easy on the wallet, joyful to experience, and ideal for a single individual such as myself. Here's a little review of the events I got to enjoy this summer...

...Outdoor screenings put on by the Alfrecso Filmfesto, a summer event of the Atlantic Film Festival.
August 5 - Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Arc
August 20 - Ferris Bueller's Day Off
I'm a HUGE fan of outside movie events. (Once, Nann and I even moved the couch into our backyard just to create our own "alfresco" cinema.) So, as a series of events on HFX's activity calendar it was a good fit. The films were projected onto the side of a building right on the waterfront. For a $5 donation, I got to sit on the boardwalk and watch two great 80s flicks as the evening wind blew in from the bay.

...Plays in the park put on by the Shakespeare by the Sea Company
August 6 - "The Merchant of Venice"
August 19 - "Pericles"
August 25 - "Robin Hood"
All the performances were presented outdoors in Point Pleasant Park. The park encompasses the southern tip of the city and is full of military ruins and wild growth trees. Unlike the production in Toronto with the fantastic staging, these performances are done on a small scale on the open grass. All were exceptional presentations. It amazes me that a group of actors would learn three plays at one time. The lead in Merchant was excellent - outstanding presence. That performance was almost rained out - but the company persevered. I didn't really like "Pericles" all that much - it was a bit choppy. Robin Hood was a matinee show and it was a blast. Full of stage-fighting and silly songs, the play used references from many Robin Hoods of the past with a little bit of Princess Bride thrown in. I'm SO glad that I brought my mini-chair for all these shows.

...Fire-eaters and Human Elastics at the Buskers Festival
August 11 - Wandered the waterfront that was full of street performers of all kinds. I love being able to hang out in the sunshine and be visually stimulated for hours.

And on top of that...
There was the opening performance of Closer at the Bus Stop Theatre, the Make Poverty History rally in the Halifax Commons, the pubbing at Pogue Fado with K-people, lots and lots of walks - everywhere, anywhere, and the purchase of a subscription to the Neptune Theatre. In order to continue my support of atlantic theatre, I made sure to get season tickets to the Neptune. They have an incredible student deal that gets me 6 plays (front row balcony seats!) for $130. I'm also looking into AFCOOP film workshops, SMU football games, and the Film Festival itself that begins in 13 days!
Whew ... how will I find time to study?