Pisa, Dublin and Rome...oh my!

This month has been non-stop, I don't know where the time went! It started off on an amazing note when Emma and I set off for Pisa, Florence and Lucca in the Tuscan region of Italy. The weather couldn't have been more perfect, we enjoyed some light tanning (yes, me too) and saw all the great sights; it was a great RELAXING vacation.

After Emma left I decided to capitalize on the Easter Holiday and take a day trip to Dublin. I found a 20GBP round trip fare and set off for a day of fun in the Irish capital! I went around and did most of the touristy attractions and set off on a very cool bus tour of the city. Dublin is such a beautiful place, and although it was quite expensive, I would love to go back and spend more time there, soaking up the culture, nightlife and everything else it has to offer! The day was enough, however, for me to take in most of the tourist attractions and spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of the office!

Consola, Mateusz, Krystel and myself got back from Rome this past Monday after an amazing four days in the city! It was scorching hot - 25 degrees and sunny - for the whole time we were there, which gave us the opportunity to tan (yes, me too) and take advantage of the many water springs that were location across the city. We did most of the major sites in Rome during our first three days and spent our last day at the Vatican - it was all breathtaking and amazing. Aside from the visual appeal of the city, the nourishing appeal was also huge! We enjoyed mouth watering pasta, thin and delectable pizza and delicious wine every day of our adventure. I did learn a few things while I was there, which will come in handy for my (and possibly your) future travels:

• -Bird poop causes stains if it's not washed out of your clothes immediately
• -Do not leave 20EUR on a counter top while going through your bag - Mateusz not me
• -Service in Italy is horrible, really horrible
• -Good wine CAN cost 3EUR
• -Sunglasses tans are not cool
• -Always visit an Irish pub, no matter what country you are in
• -The word 'prego' has 3 different meanings - all of which are rude and not so nice

Overall, the trip was quite grand and a real relaxing one...it was sad to see it end. It'll also be sad when I can no longer do a weekend trip to Rome or anywhere else...sigh. I plan on being back to London one day and hit up all the other cities I haven't had a chance to visit on this trip.

It's Krystel's last few days in London, before she sets off with her parents for a tour of Portugal and Spain, it's going to be sad to see her go and have all of this come to an end. The next lot of departures are Mateusz, Erin and myself at the end of May/beginning of June. My days are numbered...

I had a chance to meet up with Louisa, an old Starbucks coworker of mine the other day. She and her mum are on a little vacation in England and Germany, and she was in town for a few days. Cooper is coming into London on Monday and we'll hopefully be able to meet up and go for food or drinks somewhere. Following Cooper's arrival on Monday, The Granny Flat residents will be playing host to my friend Rachelle for a couple days before we set off to Amsterdam from Wednesday - Saturday. It should be loads of fun!

I'm just in the midst of finishing a couple papers, applying for full time jobs and getting myself organized for my departure back to Canada in four weeks - scary thought! It's an odd feeling that (a) this trip is almost done and (b) I'm looking for a full time job. I'm itching to get back, however, especially with all the political happenings that have been going on in Ottawa. I love political juiciness...

The Evermore Jaded Fernandez

I realized something a couple weeks ago - London has made me (more) jaded. I've started to curse when the tube takes longer than a minute to come; walk around with my elbows out fending off innocent yuppies and tourists; yell (in my head, course) at people who are standing on the left side of the escalator; and the list goes on...

This fast paced city has made me more demanding and mean...I never thought that was possible! I don't know what's going to happen when I get back to Ottawa and have to deal with OC Transpo being 10-15minutes late and tourists flooding the streets without a local resident's elbow in sight...yikes!


Aside from my growing disdain for mankind, I'm still enjoying my little adventure! I spent a
good part of March visiting two cities in the north of the UK - Manchester and Sheffield. Manchester was great - after we recovered from our coach breaking down on the way up! We were up at the beginning of March for an LCD Soundsystem gig at the Man Uni's student union. I really enjoyed both the gig and the time there, although we only got to see a small portion of it, it was quite nice and big-small city-ish. Helena's family very graciously put us up for the weekend in their house in Bolton, it was great having a homely place to come back to after a night out and enjoy a lovely cooked breakfast the next morning...yum! I was up in Sheffield for St. Patty's Day visiting my friend Benjie. It was great being in a student city for that weekend, I really got the full 'experience' and walked away with a sweet t-shirt and some new friends! We spent some time in a Guinness tent and at the student union enjoying some 1.5GBP pints...glorious!

Krystel and I had a mutual friend, Jay, come visit us from his adoptive home in Rotterdam a couple weeks ago. We took in a lot of the 'London' sights and enjoyed round two of Granny Flat Party. His trip down and our attendance at Equus made me realize that I have seen quite a number of shows in the city thus far (with hopefully a few more to go before I leave)! Thus far I can add The Taming of the Shrew, Avenue Q, Equus and Chicago to my list with hopefully a few more Shakespearean plays, and the musicals Wicked and Lord of the Rings before I leave.

Emma is here now and (hopefully) enjoying her busy week! I give great kudos to this girl who has planned day trips to Paris, Bath, Windsor and Stonehenge in her week here. We're also off to Pisa, Florence and Lucca tomorrow for a little Italian vacation...whoo hoo! I'm really excited for it, I hear that it's absolutely beautiful and relaxing. We'll see how it goes - we have to leave my flat at 2am tomorrow to make our 6:30am flight...yay?

A final note - it's April 1st!?!?! Ugh, aside from my adventures around the EU and people visiting me, I still have three papers to finish before the end of May. Yeah, I know...I'm still a bloody student!

They arrived on my doorstep…

When I first moved to London in January, it was a stark change from student and political life in Canada. Two and a half months into this internship, I have grown accustomed to the changes, and although I miss home at times, I am really enjoying myself here. The past few weeks brought a little taste of Canadian life in to my London world with visits from three amazing people!

Danielle came in mid February and spent a week with me in London and Paris. It was an amazing time, and great to see her again! She came with a suitcase filled with goodies from home including the latest issue of Macleans, chocolates and peanut butter! Good peanut butter is a rarity here, and to enjoy a little taste of Kraft Crunchy Peanut Butter was a heaven…seriously! After gallivanting around the city for the first part of the week Tuesday morning found us on an early morning train to Paris for three days. Paris is such a beautiful place, and I’m sure if you ask McGee, she’d express her undying love for France’s capital. After hitting up l’Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, The Beaver – a Canadian bar – and a few other touristy sites we made our way to the top of the Eiffel Tower to cap off our Parisian adventure. Tired after our trip we got back into the city on Thursday and spent the last few days visiting London’s other major attractions and catching the hilarious show ‘Avenue Q’ – so funny! The week came and went too quickly which made the airport drop a tough one!

This past Saturday saw the arrival of Pam and the Force, on their first flight – ever. Since it was their first flight it was riddled with turbulence, crying babies and delays, obviously. But 10 hours after their scheduled departure from Ottawa International, the duo arrived with all of their goodies – Ms. Vickies chips, Starbucks coupons, Advil Liqi-Gels and Macleans – at Heathrow International. Some roaming in Camden and Portobello markets on the weekend and some debauchery on Saturday night was their official welcome to London! The twosome enjoyed the rest of their week taking in various London sights, drinking on public transport and also enjoying the hilarity of ‘Avenue Q’ on their last night!

Looking ahead I will be welcoming two other Canucks, whose shopping list of Canada-only items is slowly forming…

Culturally drinking

I have spent the last few weeks taking in different events throughout London with my boss, as a apart of her committee area. My adventures started off at the beginning of the month with a trip to Abbey Road Studios, home of The Beatles and other famous musicians over the course of the past few decades. We were there for the launch of a new program to increase tourism in the UK called 'England Rocks'. The program highlights different rock and pop locations across the UK for tourists and UK residents to visit, to become more culturally apt to the country's history. This program follows the earlier development of a similar program that chronicled famous film locations across the UK. The event at Abbey Road was very successful and there was a decent turn out. I had a few very interesting conversations with ad executives and program coordinators about the program, Canadian heritage and the London 2012 and Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. I also enjoyed some classic fish and chips, bangers and mash, wine and good music by a host of 'up and coming' bands.

With Danielle back in Canada for Valentine's Day, I needed something/someone to occupy my time, so I joined my boss at the Brit Awards 2007. The annual celebration of music excellence in the UK, similar to Canada's Juno Awards or the America's Grammy Awards, just more British and more alcohol. :) I lucked out at such an experience, we were really close to the side stage, maybe 300 meters away, had an amazing dinner and enjoyed listening to 'The Killers', 'The Red Hot Chili Peppers', and, best of all, 'Oasis'! 'Oasis' received their life time achievement award, which made the evening even more special. I had the opportunity to meet and interact with different big named people in the political world and an odd run in with 'Nelly Furtado' and 'The Killers'. I am so grateful for the opportunity, so I soaked up everything I could! Sorry no pics...strictly prohibited.

Darran does Polska!

We (the Canuck interns) booked a trip to Krakow, Poland in early August, so there was a lot of build up and anticipation that surrounded it. It was a short weekend break, but it was still amazing.

Our two hours London-Krakow flight was on Friday night. After a bag search, a flight attendant's face in my lap and passport issues resolved, we arrived at JPII airport very cold and very tired from the journey. After a quick check of the shuttle bus and train times, we made our way into the main city. A frigid -15degree and snowy 20 minute walk through the Old City brought us to our Hostel, Nathan's Villa. We settled in our 6 person room and made our way to the streets for some dinner, a (few) drink(s) and some clubbing before bed.

A huge advantage to visiting Poland is the exchange rate :). No matter what currency you choose to convert, you win! After conversions, a beer costs 1 Euro, 50pence or less than 2 Canadian. AMAZING! Food was pretty cheap too.

Most of Saturday was spent in Auschwitz. It was a very eye opening, chilling experience. I'm happy I went and saw everything first hand, so I was able to get a better understanding of what thousands of men, women and children faced decades ago. Obviously, I will never know the pain anguish and torture they went through, but any further understanding of their pain sheds new light on the culture at the time and our history.

When we got back from Auschwitz we finished off the day with some shopping at the local westernized shopping empire, where some of us made contributions to a few multinational organizations' bank accounts. Dinner was had at a traditional Polish pierogi restaurant, where a massive plate of meat pierogies cost me less than 3 Canadian Dollars...whoo hoo! Because we were only in Krakow for two nights, we decided to make the most of our time in the city that's known for having hundreds of bars/clubs/pubs within a 1km radius. We started off at the Hostel pub, with a shot of absinthe and then made our way to a Kahn suture Bar, followed by a (brief stint) at a Heavy Metal Pub, proceeded by a couple cave bars. It was loads of fun!

Sunday was a day dedicated to Krakow, with our personal tour guide, Mr. Tadeusz, at the helm we saw (almost) every nook and cranny of Krakow, including the castle in the centre of the city, a few churches, classic buildings and non-westernized shopping empires (i.e. local shop markets). His junior tour guide, Ms. Pleet, gave us a very interesting crash course on the Jewish history of Krakow and on the local synagogue. The city has so much history that's sometimes never highlighted, it was great!

We flew out of JPII airport that night, but not before we enjoyed a yummy homecooked Babcia meal at a local restaurant...costing less than 5 Canadian dollars...I LOVE IT! It was for the best that we got to the airport with ample time, as after we checked in and went through security (I had my bags checked again), passport control decided to stop me and 'ask some questions'. Primarily, about where I was born - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. A pretty big Middle Eastern country that's known for its two main cities - Abu Dhabi and Dubai - and its lavish way of life. However, the young gentleman at the passport control counter had never heard of the country and couldn't locate it on a map (even after I named it's neighbouring countries) or on a 'list'. A consultation with his passport control friend ensued for about 10mins before I was asked to prove where I was staying in Krakow and the reason for my stay. A total of 20 minutes after all the other Canadians got through the control station, I was allowed to pass through and enjoy some duty free vodka purchases. Yummy.

The flight back was all but uneventful, with a cranky head of the flight crew, and a few rowdy brits reciting lines from the Borat movie, it took in flight entertainment to a whole other level. I love traveling!

A Proper Granny Flat!

We successfully (if you don't include the lack of Internet or set of keys) moved into our granny flat last Saturday...whoo hoo! We've spent this past week settling in and attempting to make our living space more homely. The 'granniness' of the flat gives it some distinct character that helps us justify it to our friends and loved ones when they see it in person or in pictures. I'll be sure to post some as soon as possible...

We christened the new flat this past Saturday with a UN-esque party, which had people from all parts of the world in attendance - The United States, New Zealand, The UK and Canada. With DJ Mike at the helm, our lounge was the place to be this Saturday night in South London. Good music, yummy rummy bears and vodka shooters added to the atmosphere!

Work has been going pretty well, I'm still trying to get into the groove of things, even though our Parliament was born out of the Westminster system, the structure and regulations behind the two are completely different. The Westminster system here, has none. I was surprised to find out that there was very little party discipline when it came to committees and house duty, and that the members spend a good deal of time in their constituency. She's really getting me involved in her committee areas of Media, Culture and Sport. So my focus is on recent reports about the 2012 Olympics and other media, culture and sport related matters. A very interesting area of study, I'm quite excited!

It has almost been a month and I am yet to travel anywhere! That will be rectified soon enough with a trip to Krakow, Poland this coming Friday...whoo hoo! That's one tick off my list...17, er...19 more to go!

I have arrived!

It's hard to believe that this has been more than 10 months in the making, but I'm here in London, England...and still alive! It's been a great 6 days thus far, with some even greater days to come.

The flight over was great and quite uneventful. My father, in good Trevor Fernandez fashion, attempted to get me an upgraded seat with an upgrade voucher, to no avail. While my mother clung onto my hand tightly and kissed and hugged me goodbye 4 times over. It was sad passing through security and onto the gates of Terminal 1 at Pearson International, but it was exciting to think about the adventure to come! One of those 'transition' moments...

We have been staying with Alex and his family here in London. They have very graciously put all five of us up in their home since we arrived. I will hopefully be moving into my 1970s retro style flat by Monday of next week. It will be nice to have a place to call my own, even if it does have kitch carpet, lime green walls, and pink velvet headboards...groovy!

I'm slowly learning that everything here takes twice as long as it would in Canada. Case in point: we found a flat on the 6th (last Saturday) and almost a week later, we haven't moved in. Why? Because the 10 page application, reference check, bank check and guarantor documents have been holding it up. I guess working with a reputable letting agency has also added to the delays, whatever happened to the likes of 'Gabriel' who only wants the rent in small unmarked bills?

I started work today at the House of Parliament, with my MP from the North of the UK. She and her son (who runs her London office) seem very nice and very accommodating. I got a grand tour of the House of Parliament today, which resembles our own in its ornate and historical nature. She has given me a great deal of flexibility with my hours and days or work, along with the opportunity to do some traveling to her riding and other parts of Europe, so it should be interesting. I will also be her date for the 2007 Brit Awards on February 14th, so keep your eyes peeled for me on the red carpet!

Aside from the stresses of house hunting and starting a new job, I've done a little sight seeing of Central London - Downing Street, Oxford Circus, Trafalgar Square and many bars and pubs. A lot has been packed into the last 6 days and I've enjoyed (almost) every minute of it!

Hopefully I'll become a little bit more consistent with my blogs. And remember that if you'd like to experience London for yourself, you're more than welcome to come and join me during my 20 weeks stay :)

Just give me some notice...

Fleeing the country...

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Holiday season! I'm leaving for London in a couple days and wanted to make sure that we still keep in touch. So I've set up a blog for your reading pleasure =). It can be found at darranfernandez.blogspot.com

Feel free to use it as an anti-depressant, a sounding board, or as a way to become infatuated with me...whatever your heart desires.

If you're looking to get away from the grind of everyday life over the course of the next five months, hop across the pond and pay me a visit! My flat door is always open!

Also, send me your mailing addresses so I pay it forward with some postcards!

Take care and all the best in 2007!

Cheerio!

PS - Like the lingo (flat, cheerio, etc.)?

Boredom has led to...randomness

Look at your Facebook Wall and then take the names of the last twelve people who have written on your wall. If they've posted more than once, only use their name once and skip to the next person. Got it?

1. Mateusz Trybowski
2. Consola Evans
3. Gen V
4. Erin Pleet
5. Antonieta Henriquez
6. Sarah Folks
7. Lauren Hunter
8. Tiffany Nguyen
9. Neesha Gaind
10. Kathleen Williams
11. Joanna Haber
12. Chris Mejaski

Now answer these questions:

Q: What's the best memory you have of 9?
Last night with a bottle of wine, Ms. Ng and our Saigon Sister...yummy, funny, drunken delight!

Q: When's the next time you're gonna see 4?
On January 5th 2007 when she arrives in London, England. I will be greeting her with a massively embarrassing sign...

Q: Is number 8 pretty?
Yes indeedy!

Q: What was your first impression of number 10?
Stuck up British Columbian bitch...I knew we were going to get along just fine!

Q: How did you meet 3?
High school...don't remember where exactly...

Q: Is 11 your best friend?
I don't have 'best friends' I have 'good friends', and she is one of 'em. I'll always be her sassbox!

Q: Have you seen 5 in the last month?
I haven't seen her in a very long time, six months maybe! I'll hopefully see her soon, have a little reunion with her and Roy at the local Sbux in the coming days...

Q: When was the last time you saw 12?
When he was eating my birthday cheesecake at his place while watching the America's Next Top Model season finale.

Q: Have you ever been to 1's house?
Once, when he and Rachelle cooked myself and the rest of the 'intern crew' a wonderful Christmas dinner...turkey, stuffing, potatoes and all!

Q: When's the next time you'll see 10?
I'm not sure. Possibly June 10th. 2007.

Q: Have you ever been to the movies with 4?
No, but I do think we'll be see at least one play together in London.

Q: Have you ever gotten in trouble with 2?
Hmm... I don't think I've ever gotten 'in trouble'. There have been a couple times when trouble could have ensued, like when she stole the 'Etch a Sketch' from a Xmas tree at a reception or when we pretended to be MPs when chatting with an Oriental family, or when...

Q: What do you and number 3 talk about the most?
Her brother coming to Carleton and studying Poli Sci and/or History.

Q: Do you even know 9?
Uh no. No one really 'knows' her...it's a brown thing.

Q: Would you give number 7 a hug?
Probably, if she scored me a dinner, date or both with a special someone...

Q: Are you in love with number 12?
Well, he wasn't supposed to know until convocation...but, yes, yes I am. My plan was to sweep him off his feet the moment he left the stage, push Marc Garneau out of the way and proclaim my love to him. So much for that plan!

Q: Do you know a secret about number 6?
Oh yes I do! She doesn't know I know, but I know!

Q: Describe the relationship between number 9 and number 5.
Non-existent. They don't know each other and will probably never meet. It's for the best...

Q: What is the best thing about your friendship with number 4?
We tend to be on the same wavelength at times...one of those, 'I know what your thinking or where you're going with that' sort of things. Well, at least I think so...

Q: Have you ever danced with number 7?
Yup, yup...last Wednesday actually, it was quite magical.

Q: How long have you known number 12?
3 and a half years...I, however, feel like I've known him all my life...sigh

Q: Have you ever been in a fight with number 8?
I don't think so.

Q: Have you ever wanted to punch number 2?
No! How could I?

Q: Has number 1 ever met your mother?
No. I think they would get along, however.

Q. How did you meet number 6?
Through mutual friends...funny thing, I think I'm now closer friends with her than I am with those 'mutual friends'

Q: Did you ever accidentally physically hurt number 5?
Probably...at some event somewhere

Q: What is the best memory you have with number 1?
At the convention...yup, convention was good fun! Or even at work, receptioning was fun too...fun all around!

Q: Out of your top 12, which one would you say is the funniest?
Hmm...I would have to say that Chris and Consola tie on this one...two very randomly funny people who I enjoy being around. Drunk or sober, I can always get my laugh on with 'em...

Q: Who is the most flirtatious?
That would def. be Kathleen...that slut!

Q: Say something nice about number 11.
A strong woman with a great head on her shoulders. She is very bright and ambitious...a great role model (not necessarily for me, but human kind in general) :)

Q: Which one lives the farthest away?
As of right now, Consola. But in about 15 days, everyone else.

Q: Which one do you hang out with the most?
Probably Mateusz, Consola and Erin.

Q: What kind of car does number 12 have?
Uh...whatever Bert drives

Q: Have you traveled anywhere with number 8?
Uh, well I went to Halifax to see her in February of this year! I'll hopefully travel to see her and her crew there this coming summer!

Q: If you gave number 7 $100 dollars tonight, what would they spend it on?
A man whore...actually, she would probably spend it on 3 man whores, she can bargain like no one else!

Movin' and Shakin'

Hellish! Is the only way I can adequately describe the past 48hrs. Aside from the fact that in that time I moved cross province with almost everything that I've acquired over the past four years, but I had to say good bye to tons of good friends of mine, acquaintances alike, and one very special someone.

Lets start on the day before all this 'hellish' activity, Wednesday night. It was an amazing day spent between my last day at the FYEO and the revelry at the Liberal Christmas (not holiday) Party! My last evening out in Ottawa with fellow Liberals and good friends, although it was a cash bar, the evening was still a great one. It was interesting because everyone got a chance to see a different side to their political rivals and idols, whether it was because of their brash moves on the dance floor (tsk tsk, Senator Munson) or their smooth stylingin's in working the crowd (kudos to you Mr. Milliken). I was able to get some great pics with some of my own political idols - Scott Brison, Peter Milliken, John McCallum, Carolyn Bennett and Stéphane Dion - needless to say that for a few of 'em, I lost my breath, and for a select few, my heart skipped a beat (I'll let you guess).

The 'hellish-ness' started on Thursday with my dad's arrival to Ottawa. The original plan was to move on the Thursday night, but that soon fell through when we came to the realization that it would have been too tough with the amount of stuff I have. So we loaded up the van for the next day, with the intent of having a quick and easy move home...that was not the case, we soon realized how much stuff (particularly clothes) I had!

We started our day with a hearty breakfast at Dunns at 7am with the intent of leaving the city by 11.30am. Without boring you with the long gruelling details here's a brief summary in MasterCard commercial style:
5 trips to the storage facility
23 trips from my apartment to the van on the road
2 calls to car rental facilities for quotes on one-way rentals
4 hands squeezing every last item into the over stuffed van
0 rear view visibility on 470km ride home
Leaving 6hrs later than schedule, priceless.

What added to my frustration was having to listen to the 'John Tesh Radio Show' for the majority of the car ride home. Mr. Tesh has gone from being a really bad vocalist, to being an even worse radio show host. In between his little 'saving' comments about relationships, keeping marriages strong, dating, family life and others, are cheesy promos for his radio show "Want to save your marriage? Listen to the John Tesh Radio Show" or "John Tesh has your relationship in check, thanks for listening to the John Tesh Radio Show". It sends quivers down my back just thinking about it again...ugh.

End result is me slowly settling in at home in Mississauga, waiting for snow to arrive.

All Liberaled out…

It has been an amazing weekend that has both brought people together and tore others apart. Political leadership conventions are a funny thing; most conventions have colleagues pitting themselves up against one another for the top job of a political party. Friends thinking that they are better than one another, and doing anything they can, to up their closest rival, whether it be through policy mud slinging or personal attacks.

Now, the interesting part about these political leadership conventions, is that the divisions over ideology and beliefs for the future of the party among colleagues, translates to each candidates supporters. In this political case, the Liberal Party of Canada had eight great men and women who each felt like they were the best person to lead the party into the next general election. With two clear front-runners, targets were early and easily identified.

Even though the battle came down to the line, lines were clearly drawn by supporter MPs, Senators, ex-officios and delegates, and each supporter, till the bitter end, toed their candidate’s party line. Each candidate’s supporters are very loyal to each and every action or move of their candidate, while they are still in the running. When they are removed from the ballot—by choice or otherwise—the game totally changes, and the divisions dissolve. The game of the second choices begins.

This convention was no different, and kept all liberals guessing till the very end, which added to the amazing-ness (yes, I said it!) of convention weekend. This convention was about uniting the people, and even though conventions typically pit colleagues up against one another, they are all doing it for the betterment of the party. When candidates drop off they unite with their colleagues again in a show of support and encouragement. Watching MPs, Senators, ex-officios and delegates shed tears of sadness and joy about their respective candidate is very moving, to have so much passion, drive and belief for a person is very respectable, and speaks wonders about each person’s concern and dedication to the party.

Many tears were shed on Saturday when candidate after candidate dropped off the ballot and expressed their support for their, once, rivals. In the end the Liberal Party of Canada stood victorious and ‘tous ensemble’ behind our new grand chef, the Honourable Stéphane Dion. Monsieur Dion will do great things for the party; he will be the one to unite it and its members, along with Canadians from across the country. The battle to the ballot box will be a long, hard and an arduous one for our new leader and the Liberal Party, but we will prevail. This weekend has done a lot for myself, as a Liberal, it has helped reaffirm my beliefs and has inspired me to become more involved in the party. It is something that I truly believe in and need to ensure is still there when I make my run at the leadership…Fernandez in 2026!

Lacking the funds...

So, I'm finally starting to feel it. Yup, the lack of income has hit me full force! That's what happens when I decide to pay close to $5000 in tuition to work for an MP. Yes, you read that right - I'm paying to work for them!

Don't get me wrong, I love my job (I'm not entirely sure I can use that word, if I'm not getting paid), but some sort of remuneration would be appreciated. :P I attempted to hold down a couple part-time jobs to counter the lack of income from my Parliament Hill job, but I'm still feeling it. Now, with my Hill job and a part time job left, I'm barely making enough to pay the rent to my pricey bachelor pad. This is a very odd feeling....

It's been a very long time since I've not had a steady income of some sort. I had my first job when I was 14 (illegal, yes, I know) as a paperboy, and have worked ever since. I love it, it keeps me busy, and eventhough my resume, at times, looks like a jumbled mush of jobs, I've put my heart and soul into each and every one, and have loved every minute of it!

The problem now is that I'm still living my life thinking that I have money - I'm spending money I don't have! My credit card bills are through the roof, rent is due and no where to be seen and my newfound toy (Mr. Cellphone) has caused many mini heart attacks because of her "hidden charges". Grr!

In a slight upside to this depressing entry, my birthday and Christmas are almost here, meaning (hopefully) many paper gifts - money! Whoo hoo!

Getting Cultured

It's hard to believe that something that I've been apart of for over 10 years can just go away and disappear so quickly. Since I was 10 I've been involved in the performing arts. From playing 'Gad' in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" to Monsieur de Treville in "The Three Musketeers", I've been involved in many aspects on stage and behind the scenes.

I've spent the past couple years working for North America's oldest student-run theatre company, Sock 'n' Buskin, first as Communications Director and second as General Manager. They were two absolutely amazing years.

When I left the company in April, I made a person vow to remain involved and active in the theatre community...I have, sadly, not followed through on that vow.

School, work and life have kept me very busy, and even though the NAC is right across the street, I've not made the walk over once this season.

Tonight was, hopefully, my turning point! I went and saw Sock 'n' Buskin's first show of the mainstage season, Midsummer Night's Dream. The production was well done, and has inspired me to seek out more cultural opportunities in Ottawa, Mississauga and, soon enough, London!

Theatre gives the actors, the crew and the audience an opportunity to experience something new, the ability to enter into a new world, to release ones inhibitions and venture into the unknown. Sometimes theatre is seen as a flimsy form of expression, but in reality, it's the most surreal way of communicating ideas - past, present and future - to audiences of all sorts (and one of the most fun ways of getting cultured)!

I like to keep my life interesting...

Tuesday started off as any regular Tuesday - the President of Carleton University resigned, staff members are yelling at me for something I didn't do, and I had a 15 page paper due - like any Tuesday!

After class I was on my way to a couple receptions to relax and enjoy the rest of my evening. The first reception was fun and when that wrapped up, we were on our way to the second, when I realized that I may be a little underdressed for the event. I decided to walk home (about 5 mins away from the reception location) and change into some more appropriate clothing.

On my way home I bumped into Bob Rae, (random!) shook his hand and said hello. I got into my elevator, pressed my floor...and then I blacked out! The next thing I remember is waking up on the floor outside my apartment with blood on my hands, head and floor. I walk into my apartment to find a 3-inch gash on the left side of my forehead...hot!

Thanks to Danielle and Mat who got me to Civic Hospital to get cleaned up. The time there was fun, with questions about my alcohol and drug consumption. I was seen quite quickly (our health care system does work...so much for issues with wait times!) and after some witty sarcastic banter with Nurse Lydia and Doctors Wolpert and Woo, I was stitched up and ready to go home with a massive white bandage wrapped around my head. The final verdict: fainting due to dehydration.

On Thursday, I had to get hooked up to a 24hr heart monitor to make sure my ticker is still working, as it should. This was another adventure all together...

I was in the waiting room of the cardio centre for about 15mins and was surrounded by men and women three times my age watching LIVE with Regis and Kelly (which, I have a newfound appreciation for). When I get called in and the RN starts to brief me on the process she breaks the news to me that she has to DRY SHAVE parts of my chest and then SAND it down with SANDPAPER! Yeah, fun, eh? Ugh, so I'm currently hooked up to this 24hr heart monitor and loving every minute of it!

Random? YES, I know!

So, hopefully I'll be able to get my stitches out on Monday or Tuesday and enjoy my birthday and convention for the rest of next week. YAY!

I like to keep my life interesting...

From boredom to blogging...

I've spent the last few days lazing around my apartment...doing relatively nothing, which, has resulted in me creating a blog. Why am I exposing my life to the world? I don't know, but hopefully it will help me keep in touch with people while I'm in London and puts a smile or frown (or disapproving look) on your face!

Enjoy!