Originally posted on June 4th, 2008.
I had an appointment with a physiotherapist earlier today. I didn't know what to expect. Which was a good thing: he basically didn't tell me anything new and it looks like I'm taking the shoulder immobilizer with me on my trip to San Francisco... Despite a serious injury I didn't take any sick leave, and I could tell by the look in his eyes he was none too happy about it. He pointed out the importance of NOT working through the pain - like I'm used to doing. He also told me to not over-exert my other shoulder in trying to compensate for the injured one. That's easier said than done, but I have been doing that ever since the shoulder incident.
He showed me some super easy excercises, and the next appointment is Friday next week. I'm glad he's amiable and easy on the eyes. Otherwise I would loathe the lenghty road of recovery even more.
Jun 13, 2011
A day at the hospital
Originally posted on May 29, 2008.
I spend part of my morning at the neurologist's. When he asked me about the vertigo I told him I'd quit the drugs after one day as they triggered my eczema. Badly. He was taken aback and very relutant to prescribe me anymore drugs. He again noticed my right eye (I was tired) and referred me to an opthalmologist to have that checked up properly.
Since I practically live around the corner of the hospital I went home... And crashed. Despite the painkillers I haven't been sleeping well lately, and tomorrow it's been two weeks since I dislocated my shoulder. I was out for over two hours. I had to hurry to be on time for my afternoon appointment with the ortho guy. He was smaller than I thought and wore braces - you know, the kind teens wear in high school to correct their teeth.
He basically told me to let my injured shoulder rest some more (i.e. no driving, no sports etc) and gave me a referral for a fysiotherapist.
To be continued...
I spend part of my morning at the neurologist's. When he asked me about the vertigo I told him I'd quit the drugs after one day as they triggered my eczema. Badly. He was taken aback and very relutant to prescribe me anymore drugs. He again noticed my right eye (I was tired) and referred me to an opthalmologist to have that checked up properly.
Since I practically live around the corner of the hospital I went home... And crashed. Despite the painkillers I haven't been sleeping well lately, and tomorrow it's been two weeks since I dislocated my shoulder. I was out for over two hours. I had to hurry to be on time for my afternoon appointment with the ortho guy. He was smaller than I thought and wore braces - you know, the kind teens wear in high school to correct their teeth.
He basically told me to let my injured shoulder rest some more (i.e. no driving, no sports etc) and gave me a referral for a fysiotherapist.
To be continued...
The drugs don't work
Originally posted on May 15th, 2008.
The neurologist prescribed me drugs to combat the vertigo. Since it's really bad when I suffer from jetlag he wanted me to start taking the drugs after I got back from my trip to New York City. And so the first full day at home I took two pills. With a 12-hour interval. Just like he prescribed.
After the first pill I got all itchy after about an hour, and I couldn't stop scratching. I took the second pill some time before I went to bed. Imagine my surprise (not in a good way!) when I woke up the next morning; apparently, the pills triggered my eczema and it had come back and manifested itself during the night. I couldn't remember suffering from it this badly in at least three years. Needless to say I quit the drugs and hope for my body to get rid of the crap as quickly as possible. Now I need to call the neurologist and set up a new appointment...
The neurologist prescribed me drugs to combat the vertigo. Since it's really bad when I suffer from jetlag he wanted me to start taking the drugs after I got back from my trip to New York City. And so the first full day at home I took two pills. With a 12-hour interval. Just like he prescribed.
After the first pill I got all itchy after about an hour, and I couldn't stop scratching. I took the second pill some time before I went to bed. Imagine my surprise (not in a good way!) when I woke up the next morning; apparently, the pills triggered my eczema and it had come back and manifested itself during the night. I couldn't remember suffering from it this badly in at least three years. Needless to say I quit the drugs and hope for my body to get rid of the crap as quickly as possible. Now I need to call the neurologist and set up a new appointment...
Little ol' me in the Big Apple (2)
This was originally posted May 3rd, 2008.
Thursday, our last day in the Big Apple. Tweety and I sleep in and check out on time. She arranged the airport shuttle transportation the previous day so we didn't have to worry about that anymore. The only thing that bugged me a little was that we were going to be picked up from the hotel 5 (yes, that's FIVE) hours prior to the flight. Given the fact that we need to check in 3 hours in advance, that would mean we would be in that van for two hours (picking up other passengers, too). It was such a beautiful day that after a late breakfast - at Long Wood Gournet across the street - we went to Bryant Park and relax. Tweety enjoyed the sun and watched people (we did that a lot from our breakfast place) while I updated my travel journal. I had taken my film to Duane Reade (a well known NY drugstore) to get my photographs developed, which I picked up on our way back to the hotel. I haven't been snapping away like mad (like I usually tend to do) but the pictures I had taken all turned out fine; Tweety's snapped a lot of pictures, too. We went online for the last time, then picked up our luggage from the cloak room and waited for the airport shuttle to pick us up. If we thought the driver of the shuttle bus who took us to the hotel was rude, this one was actually even ruder. (We didn't tip him when we got to the airport.)
Anyhoo, we passed a lot of landmarks when we were in New York City: Empire State Building (King Kong), Chrysler Building, Rockefeller Center, One Bryant Park (the city's greenest sky scraper), Brooklyn Bridge, City Hall (we saw a newly wed couple pass by), the court houses on Center Street (with the Criminal Courthouse on 100 Center St - insert theme of Law & Order), New York Public Library, CBGB's and Joey Ramone's Place (I forgot to get a T-shirt), Times Square, Madison Square Garden, Penn Station, Grand Central, Chelsea Hotel, United Nations, Waldorf-Astoria, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Public Library, Grand Army Plaza (with an American version of l'Arc de Triomphe), Park Slope Food Co-op, Princeton University (in Princeton, NJ) as well as the house where Einstein once lived... I had a great time - I hope Tweety did too - and I've learned that traveling with company means I should let go of me being a control freak *gasp!* Thank you Tweety for pointing that out. Funny, that this side of me comes out most when I'm traveling... Or does it? Sounds like I still have some work to do.
Thursday, our last day in the Big Apple. Tweety and I sleep in and check out on time. She arranged the airport shuttle transportation the previous day so we didn't have to worry about that anymore. The only thing that bugged me a little was that we were going to be picked up from the hotel 5 (yes, that's FIVE) hours prior to the flight. Given the fact that we need to check in 3 hours in advance, that would mean we would be in that van for two hours (picking up other passengers, too). It was such a beautiful day that after a late breakfast - at Long Wood Gournet across the street - we went to Bryant Park and relax. Tweety enjoyed the sun and watched people (we did that a lot from our breakfast place) while I updated my travel journal. I had taken my film to Duane Reade (a well known NY drugstore) to get my photographs developed, which I picked up on our way back to the hotel. I haven't been snapping away like mad (like I usually tend to do) but the pictures I had taken all turned out fine; Tweety's snapped a lot of pictures, too. We went online for the last time, then picked up our luggage from the cloak room and waited for the airport shuttle to pick us up. If we thought the driver of the shuttle bus who took us to the hotel was rude, this one was actually even ruder. (We didn't tip him when we got to the airport.)
Anyhoo, we passed a lot of landmarks when we were in New York City: Empire State Building (King Kong), Chrysler Building, Rockefeller Center, One Bryant Park (the city's greenest sky scraper), Brooklyn Bridge, City Hall (we saw a newly wed couple pass by), the court houses on Center Street (with the Criminal Courthouse on 100 Center St - insert theme of Law & Order), New York Public Library, CBGB's and Joey Ramone's Place (I forgot to get a T-shirt), Times Square, Madison Square Garden, Penn Station, Grand Central, Chelsea Hotel, United Nations, Waldorf-Astoria, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Public Library, Grand Army Plaza (with an American version of l'Arc de Triomphe), Park Slope Food Co-op, Princeton University (in Princeton, NJ) as well as the house where Einstein once lived... The Debt Clock... I had a great time - I hope Tweety did too.
Tuesday morning. Tweety and I were planning on what to see and do when Nuke calls. Strangely enough he didn’t get my message, but he read my E-mail. He sounds very nice over the phone. We arranged to meet in the hotel lobby the next day. Doug also called to check out the possibilities of meeting. We ended up agreeing on later that day for dinner and an improv show in Chelsea. Tweety and I had breakfast at the hotel (Raffles), and I was reminded why I never have breakfast at a hotel (unless it’s included); this one was expensive and in my opinion less than mediocre. We could’ve gotten two tasty brekkies each at another place for that kind of money. Outside it appears to be another rainy day as Tweety and I go for another shopping attempt. I finally get my pair of classic Angel brogues by John Fluevog. I’m so happy about it it’s simply ridiculous! (Ever since I saw Canadian actress Jessica Steen with the coolest pair of shoes I wanted a pair myself. When I visited Vancouver, BC, last year I somehow missed the Fluevog store...) We met with Doug at the post office at Penn Station, before walking into Chelsea. It’s obvious that Chelsea is where the boys are. We ended up at Better Burger where Tweety and I both had juicy organic beef burgers and air baked fries, and Doug a yummie looking salad. Afterwards I get a new cell phone (quad band) at Best Buy; I am content with the purchase (it certainly is cheaper than in my country). We then met up with Doug’s “hot date” (he’s got nice eyes) and went to the UCB theatre for the improve show. There’s a $5 cover charge, and that’s it. Apparently the show started at 6:30 pm and people were able to walk in and out freely. Even though Tweety and I didn’t get all the references, we both enjoyed it. After the improve we went back to Penn Station where Doug’s train’s just left and his date missed his. Tweety and I each get a donut at Dunkin’ Donuts; I remembered why I don’t eat them, Tweety didn’t like them either.
Anyhoo, we passed a lot of landmarks when we were in New York City: Empire State Building (King Kong), Chrysler Building, Rockefeller Center, One Bryant Park (the city's greenest sky scraper), Brooklyn Bridge, City Hall (we saw a newly wed couple pass by), the court houses on Center Street (with the Criminal Courthouse on 100 Center St - insert theme of Law & Order), New York Public Library, CBGB's and Joey Ramone's Place (I forgot to get a T-shirt), Times Square, Madison Square Garden, Penn Station, Grand Central, Chelsea Hotel, United Nations, Waldorf-Astoria, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Public Library, Grand Army Plaza (with an American version of l'Arc de Triomphe), Park Slope Food Co-op, Princeton University (in Princeton, NJ) as well as the house where Einstein once lived... I had a great time - I hope Tweety did too - and I've learned that traveling with company means I should let go of me being a control freak *gasp!* Thank you Tweety for pointing that out. Funny, that this side of me comes out most when I'm traveling... Or does it? Sounds like I still have some work to do.
Wednesday: Dutch Queen’s Day. I know it sounds wrong, but it’s really to celebrate the birthday of our Queen’s mom. Nuke called to inform me there’s a slight change of plans; we won’t be going to Brooklyn, but the Nuke family will travel into New York City and we’d meet them in the lobby later. Too bad he won’t be able to show me his comic store... Maybe next time? Nuke suggested we check out Rockefeller Center and an attraction called Top of the Rock, but on our way to Rockefeller Center Tweety and I passed a Borders and a Barnes & Noble. And guess what. I had to go in. (And we never made it to Rockefeller Center – we did walked by it before.) I did find some organic skin products in another store which, according to Tweety, are good buys. And talking about skin, mine seemed to get more irritated and redder by the day and I know it’s due to the wall to wall carpeting and the mattress. It may sound weird, but one word: mites. I’m allergic to them, and combine that with the fact that we can’t really open the window to let fresh air in (we tried it, until we found out firsthand our room was somewhere above some greasy food place).
Anyhoo, Tweety and I go back to the hotel and wait for my friends (who call in to say they were stuck in traffic). It was very nice to finally meet Nuke, Sarah and little Tirzah. They had swung by the comic shop and picked up their stock, and my first two volumes of Terry Moore’s new comic series “Echo”. I was pleasantly surprised to find out Nuke got me the special edition of vol. 1 (with the silver foil). Seriously; whoa! We walked to Bryant Park and enjoyed the nice weather. Tirzah’s one smart cookie - she takes after both her parents in that department. She told everybody she got bitten by a bird, and Sarah told Tweety and me that it scared her so much she didn’t dare putting on her PJs with dragons all over them, afraid they might bite her, too. The park is small but nice, and I point out to my friends we actually passed it a few days before on our way to our hotel and in search of a place to have dinner. We visit the New York Public Library (adjacent to the park) which is huge. And has exhibitions inside. Of course I ended up buying a book in the library store: “The Street Law Handbook – surviving sex, drugs and petty crime”. Nuke observed that it’s work related (and that there’s nothing wrong with that)... Heh.
Since Tweety and I basically skipped lunch (we had a “kosher” hot dog) we were hungry a little earlier than normal. Navigating through Little Brazil towards “Le Marais” Tweety and I noticed the similarities between this hood and a hood in Antwerp, Belgium (near Central Station) where all the little diamond shops are. Nuke tells me that some of the shop owners have families in Antwerp. There you go. He also tells me that the restaurant we were going to was one of the few ones that has tasty kosher dishes and dairy free desserts. Tweety and I both had the rotisserie chicken, and it was delicious. Tirzah and I bonded over French fries, which I found very amusing. While Tweety saved some space for dessert (a yummie chocolate cake) Nuke and I went for some Scotch. By the end of our meals we were stuffed (Tweety and I certainly were, and we were grateful for that short walk back to the hotel). Since Tirzah needed a nappy change we all went up to our room – which was in a bit of a mess since we were already packing our stuff. Tirzah got introduced to Kat Moose, aka Moose Lee, who she cuddled shortly before giving me back the stuffed animal. Thank you Nuke family for taking Tweety and me out for dinner; I think it was an excellent ending to our stay in New York City.
Anyhoo, we passed a lot of landmarks when we were in New York City: Empire State Building (King Kong), Chrysler Building, Rockefeller Center, One Bryant Park (the city's greenest sky scraper), Brooklyn Bridge, City Hall (we saw a newly wed couple pass by), the court houses on Center Street (with the Criminal Courthouse on 100 Center St - insert theme of Law & Order), New York Public Library, CBGB's and Joey Ramone's Place (I forgot to get a T-shirt), Times Square, Madison Square Garden, Penn Station, Grand Central, Chelsea Hotel, United Nations, Waldorf-Astoria, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Public Library, Grand Army Plaza (with an American version of l'Arc de Triomphe), Park Slope Food Co-op, Princeton University (in Princeton, NJ) as well as the house where Einstein once lived... The Debt Clock... I had a great time - I hope Tweety did too.
Little ol' me in the Big Apple
This was originally posted in APril 28th, 2008.
The flight to JFK Airport in New York City went smooth – and quick. It certainly helps to be in good company. It was obvious Tweety hadn’t slept much the night before, and after we switched places (I initially had a window seat) Elisabeth was out for almost two hours. She sure needed to catch up on sleep. I watched two movies, but they weren’t really interesting to me so I can’t really remember what I watched. Heh.
Once we got through customs and got our luggage we waited for a shuttle bus to take us to our hotel. The young lady who helped us was very nice, I was soon enough reminded of the fact there are plenty of rude people in the Big Apple. (No offense to all the nice people there!) The check in at the Radisson went quickly and Tweety and basically dropped our stuff before going out and explored the neighbourhood a bit. We had really bad sushi for dinner - although the chicken teriyaki was alright. Elisabeth was jetlagged and was sleeping by 8 pm, I was just slightly so, but managed to stay up watching tv till 10 pm. It became obviously clear Tweety’s never traveled this far (crossing multiple timezones) and I’m used to traveling solo. So we both had to adjust in our own ways; it certainly made for interesting dynamics.
I finished my warming up at the hotel’s gym and working out by 7:30 the next morning. Despite the early hour there were quite a few people.Good to know that. An hour later I had showered and dressed and I was ready for a light breakfast (omlette and mushrooms for me); we found a place called Long Wood Gourmet across the street that would become our regular brekkie spot during our stay. (The veggie schmear bagels are quite good, but bad for my insides.) After that we waited for Charles, our Big Apple Greeter who was going to show us around Park Slope (Brooklyn). Charles turned out a very friendly man, who could easily have been our dad (age wise) and he wondered why I chose Park Slope; most tourist want to see Manhattan. Well, I explained, since Tweety and I were already staying in Manhattan that wouldn’t be too hard to explore it by ourselves. I’d also read that Park Slope was an up and coming neighbourhood, which piqued my curiosity. Charles, who lives there showed us the hot spots and showed us how property prizes were slowly but constantly rising (a nice small 2-bedroom apartment + amenities would set me back about $1,200 a month if I recall correctly). Compared to the hustle and bustle that is Manhattan, Park Slope is a nice and quiet residential hood.
I was glad Charles explained us how the subway system works, and I was glad the man prefers walking to his destinations. New York City is a very walkable city. Me like! He also took us to Prospect Park, which is designed by Olmsted (hm... familiar last name) and Vaux – like Central Park. The Brooklyn Botanical Garden and the Brooklyn Art Museum are “next door” to the Park, as is the Public Library (which has a soundproof concert hall in its basement!) Next up was the famous Brooklyn Bridge. It was a nice and sunny day, so we had great views from the bridge and Tweety and I enjoyed our tour. Since Big Apple Greeters are volunteers and not allowed to take any money for their services I had decided to bring our guide “stroopwafels” as a little thank you gift (it doesn’t get more Dutch than that, eh?) which he appreciated very much.
Elisabeth and I ended the day with a yummie dinner at Organique (Gramercy) – which has organic bites on their menu. I don’t consider myself a health freak, but I really like eating and I do care what I put into my body. I remember visiting the USA for the first time back in 1999 and I was appalled by all the processed foods...
The next day I call my friend Doug at Princeton University. I was looking forward to seeing him (it’d been several years). He gave me directions on how to take the NJ Transit from Penn Station to Princeton Junction where he would be to pick us up. It was another sunny day and I had my Law & Order moment walking those steps of the court house on 100 Centre Street. Heh. There was an Italian couple next to Tweety and the woman was singing the Law & Order theme song as she filmed the building. Seriously! That cracked us up, though.We walked around through Chinatown and I got a haircut at one of the many salons slash barber shops on Pell Street. It actually took a moment before I realized I was seated on the men’s side. Woops. The lady did a good job (she modeled it into a faux hawk) and it was dirt cheap ($13 including a tip) so I was happy. We had a nice but simple dinner at a place called Mozarelli’s somewhere on Houston.
Saturday rolled around and Tweety and I headed for Penn Station a little after 10 am. I wore my Canada hoodie especially for Doug ;) and lo and behold who was holding a similar bright red hoodie with CANADA in white lettering across the chest, when Tweety and I arrived at Princeton Junction? My friend Doug. I thought that was cute. He packed an umbrella and extra clothing, just in case the temps would drop and the weather would turn for the worse (rain was predicted for the day...) Isn’t that just sweet? Knowing he likes stroopwafels, too, I gave him the pack I brought from home. He wanted to dive right in, then thought better of it and decided to save it till later. He drove us to downtown Princeton where we walked around the street fair. However, the first thing we saw were fire trucks, and Tweety couldn’t resist taking pics of them (like she’d been taking pics of Mack trucks ever since we got to the States; we don’t have them over here. Plenty of Volvo trucks, though). And like with Charles, Elisabeth didn’t talk much. I didn’t know what to think of it initially, until it struck me that talking in English isn’t second nature to her like it is to me. Made me look like quite a chatterbox. Heh. We had fresh (straight from the oven and into our mouths) organic veggie pizza, which was absolutely yummie and we had equally delicious ice cream (I had non dairy dark chocolate, blueberries and lemon). We watched Doug’s roommate Shiu demonstrate some form of martial arts. It certainly looked fancy, but highly unpractical. I wonder what Doug’s told her about me, but he told me she wanted to meet me... Shiu invited me to come onto the mat for some hands on experience and by the time I took on the invite the sensei had something else in mind and I thought it was inappropriate to get on the mat with them. Shucks. We ended the day with dinner at an Ethiopian restaurant called Makeda in New Brunswick, NJ and it was good! The only thing I didn’t get was the fact the cook had added shrimp (!) to the meat sampler. Huh?! Tweety never had Ethiopian food before, but she liked it, too. After that wonderful meal Doug takes the NJ Transit into NYC with us; he was going to line dance. I couldn’t persuade Shiu to come with us. Tweety and I were knackered by the time we got back at the hotel.
We slept in and had an early Sunday brunch (French toast for me) before checking out the UN quarter near the hotel. The light was strange; even though it was cloudy, the day light was strangely bright to me and I put on my sun glasses. I wouldn’t display this kind of diva behaviour at home, though, but it was good to see I wasn’t the only one wearing mine. Tweety and I decide to go to Times Square to try and get tickets to Avenue Q and to find EasyEverything Internet. I’m annoyed by myself for having trouble navigating correctly. In the end we find out the EasyEverything Internet thingy isn’t there (damn you, Lonely Planet!) and the TKTS box office is closed. By the time we have dinner (at a place called Osaka, off Broadway on 8th Ave) we’ve walked for 6 hours. (I told you NYC is very walkable.) Tweety has the veggie sushi, I have the chicken and veggie tempura, and the food’s good. Way better than the stuff we had for dinner on the evening of our arrival in New York.
On Monday Tweety and I were suddenly in the middle of a film shoot – a block or two up from our hotel on Lexington. Unfortunately, I didn’t catch the movie’s title nor the names of the actors involved. It was raining for the most part of the day, and after getting tickets to Avenue Q through the hotel’s concierge Tweety and I went shopping. The tickets were more expensive than I’d anticipated and I charged them to my VISA card (a first for me, since I’m partial to paying things in cash; that way I have a better overview of the amount of money I spend) but we had seats in the orchestra pit. They were worth it; Tweety and I enjoyed it (I was singing those Avenue Q songs for the rest of the night). And who’d have thought puppet sex full puppet nudity could be that hilarious? Tweety and I know now! Afterwards Tweety was craving sugar, so I suggested she’d try a donut American Style. We walked around Times Square, but couldn’t find a Dunkin’ Donut. Ain’t that typical?
Earlier that day I managed to call my friend Nuke, but had to leave a message (that’s what the pre-recorded voice told me). Tweety and I also went online at the hotel’s business center to – finally – sent our friends and family a shout out saying we were enjoying the Big Apple. (And to delete several dozens of E-mails, too.) I E-mailed Nuke to tell him I left a message and to contact me at the hotel. I also E-mailed Doug for another –possible – meet up before Tweety and I fly back. He already put up some pictures of the street fair on Facebook, including one of him and me, and one of Tweety and me. Funny.
I think my neurologist needs his head checked
This was originally posted on April 16th, 2008.
The last time I saw the neurologist it was to get results of my brain scan. I had a follow up appointment today, and I left even less satisfied than the last time.
Let me rewind here. I'm not dissing neurologists, I think I just happened to come across a floozy.
I am in need of a second opinion on my cabeza matter: I had a follow up with the neurologist today and left with a prescription to something called "Dogmatil". He said it's an older drug, and I asked him why he came up with Dogmatil - to which he replied "experience".
Now that, in my book, is a wrong answer. The last time I saw him he wanted me to keep a journal, even though I told him I already did that to check off anything that could be related to the headaches and dizziness. He basically waved off any of my remarks with "I've seen some girls with head problems..." I found it very derogatory - and why is he comparing me to those "girls"?! Seems like with every visit my regards of him lowers more.
I didn't have a good feeling about the drug so I googled it, and it turns out the active ingredient is something called Sulpiride.
I've checked with several medical sites and what I read annoyed me: why is he giving me a drug that is mainly used to treat psychosis?!
What the heck was he thinking?!
The last time I saw the neurologist it was to get results of my brain scan. I had a follow up appointment today, and I left even less satisfied than the last time.
Let me rewind here. I'm not dissing neurologists, I think I just happened to come across a floozy.
I am in need of a second opinion on my cabeza matter: I had a follow up with the neurologist today and left with a prescription to something called "Dogmatil". He said it's an older drug, and I asked him why he came up with Dogmatil - to which he replied "experience".
Now that, in my book, is a wrong answer. The last time I saw him he wanted me to keep a journal, even though I told him I already did that to check off anything that could be related to the headaches and dizziness. He basically waved off any of my remarks with "I've seen some girls with head problems..." I found it very derogatory - and why is he comparing me to those "girls"?! Seems like with every visit my regards of him lowers more.
I didn't have a good feeling about the drug so I googled it, and it turns out the active ingredient is something called Sulpiride.
I've checked with several medical sites and what I read annoyed me: why is he giving me a drug that is mainly used to treat psychosis?!
What the heck was he thinking?!
Juno
This was originally posted April 13th, 2008.
I finally saw Juno last night
I was excited driving down to Maastricht, and hoped my expectations of the movies weren't too high. In the screening room there were three elderlies behind me talking about the impacts of teen pregnancies, and I hoped they were aware Juno's not a bleak movie - despite the topic.
The "Geez, Banana! Shut your freakin' gob!" reminded me of Billy Elliot (the "gob" part) and cracked me up, but from the moment the store clerk told Juno: "That ain't no Etch-A-Sketch. This is one doodle that can't be un-did, Homeskillet." I knew the movie was going to be an enjoyable ride.
And I was right.
I thought the dialogues were witty, refreshing and more real than anything I've seen in a long time - although I have to admit it also reminded me a bit of the Wayne's World movies. The fact that the audience wasn't bombarded with the f-word was also a plus in my opinion.
At first I didn't know what to think of Jennifer Garner's character Vanessa Loring, until I realized she's just beside herself she doesn't know what to do with herself. From then on I thought she was alright.
I enjoyed all the musical the references throughout the movie (Vanessa in an Alice in Chains t-shirt, and the infamous Patty Smith album "Horses" in Juno's room). And Alison Janney as Bren (Juno's stepmom) especially rocked in the scene with the ultrasound woman. Or as Juno put it: "Bren! You's a d*ck! I love it!"
Bleek the running track geek is such a sweetheart. You can't help but like him. That scene in the hallway at school? I felt for him.
It's interesting to see Ellen Page (Juno) in another interesting lead after Hard Candy. (I know she was "Kitty Pryde" (how queer is that name?) in X-men: The Last Stand.) And it's hard to believe that at her age - she recently had her 21st birthday - she's already been nominated for a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe and an Oscar (and then some). Well, not hard; she's very talented.
I's got my eye on this little chica from Halifax, NS.
Ellen, if you read this: I play the guitar, too, and I don't mind visiting you in LA. Call me.
I finally saw Juno last night
I was excited driving down to Maastricht, and hoped my expectations of the movies weren't too high. In the screening room there were three elderlies behind me talking about the impacts of teen pregnancies, and I hoped they were aware Juno's not a bleak movie - despite the topic.
The "Geez, Banana! Shut your freakin' gob!" reminded me of Billy Elliot (the "gob" part) and cracked me up, but from the moment the store clerk told Juno: "That ain't no Etch-A-Sketch. This is one doodle that can't be un-did, Homeskillet." I knew the movie was going to be an enjoyable ride.
And I was right.
I thought the dialogues were witty, refreshing and more real than anything I've seen in a long time - although I have to admit it also reminded me a bit of the Wayne's World movies. The fact that the audience wasn't bombarded with the f-word was also a plus in my opinion.
At first I didn't know what to think of Jennifer Garner's character Vanessa Loring, until I realized she's just beside herself she doesn't know what to do with herself. From then on I thought she was alright.
I enjoyed all the musical the references throughout the movie (Vanessa in an Alice in Chains t-shirt, and the infamous Patty Smith album "Horses" in Juno's room). And Alison Janney as Bren (Juno's stepmom) especially rocked in the scene with the ultrasound woman. Or as Juno put it: "Bren! You's a d*ck! I love it!"
Bleek the running track geek is such a sweetheart. You can't help but like him. That scene in the hallway at school? I felt for him.
It's interesting to see Ellen Page (Juno) in another interesting lead after Hard Candy. (I know she was "Kitty Pryde" (how queer is that name?) in X-men: The Last Stand.) And it's hard to believe that at her age - she recently had her 21st birthday - she's already been nominated for a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe and an Oscar (and then some). Well, not hard; she's very talented.
I's got my eye on this little chica from Halifax, NS.
Ellen, if you read this: I play the guitar, too, and I don't mind visiting you in LA. Call me.
More tattoos for me...
This was originally posted on March 30th, 2008.
I completely missed this years Algarve Cup, since it wasn't aired on Dutch tv (not even the highlights). BUT I caught a few snippets here and there online. By snippets I mean "written reports" and I know the US team eventually lost to Germany (4-3 in penalties) ending the USA's string of consecutive Algarve crowns at three.
One of the newer additions to the US national team is Natasha Kai (she actually made her debut at the team at the 2006 Algarve Cup). Initially, I didn't really pay attention to her. Until she started showing some serious ink. (Yes, I can be that shallow.) And the pic below is of the one I really, really like. I now have to think where I want it. I've already been thinking my back...
I completely missed this years Algarve Cup, since it wasn't aired on Dutch tv (not even the highlights). BUT I caught a few snippets here and there online. By snippets I mean "written reports" and I know the US team eventually lost to Germany (4-3 in penalties) ending the USA's string of consecutive Algarve crowns at three.
One of the newer additions to the US national team is Natasha Kai (she actually made her debut at the team at the 2006 Algarve Cup). Initially, I didn't really pay attention to her. Until she started showing some serious ink. (Yes, I can be that shallow.) And the pic below is of the one I really, really like. I now have to think where I want it. I've already been thinking my back...
Handsome
Originally posted on January 28, 2008.
What would you do if a cute chica told you you're handsome? (That's what happened to me yesterday...)
Me? I blushed, looked away, and scuffed the toes of my shoes on the concrete before I thanked her.
It's definitely different from women calling me "cute" or "adorable"!
What would you do if a cute chica told you you're handsome? (That's what happened to me yesterday...)
Me? I blushed, looked away, and scuffed the toes of my shoes on the concrete before I thanked her.
It's definitely different from women calling me "cute" or "adorable"!
Scan
This was originally posted on January 20 & 27th, 2008.
After getting a referral to a neurologist I finally got to see one on Wednesday; an older guy who apparently is used to treating Asians.
He asked me several questions (where I grew up, how long I've been having the symptoms) to get some insight.
More about the symptoms: headaches and dizziness. The thing is I really don't know what is up with that. I suddenly started back in Oct. 06 - I never had headaches nor dizzy spells before, but suddenly I did and I was sick literally (throwing up and walking into walls and door posts) for a couple of days. Then I decided to not be such a baby and popped a few pills that are comparable to a combo/mix of ibuprofen and Tylenol or Panadol and went back to work.
After that I occasionally get headaches (imagine someone slowly pushing an ice pick through the back of your skull, and equally slowly extracting it). There are no signs to what causes them (it could be anything from working out to reading a book, or walking through a hallway - and I even checked with foods). The same goes for the dizziness. I just don't want to be driving down a highway and get a dizzy spell, only to find myself "parked" against a metal railing on the other side of the road. After getting back from my Hong Kong trip in March last year I went to see my doctor who was convinced I just needed a nice warm Summer.
I had a nice Summer in Vancouver and Halifax, Canada, but despite wonderful weather the symptoms came and went randomly. All I could do was hope I wouldn't stagger down the streets like some drunk.
Anyhoo, I got a nasty flu in December last year, that reminded me how bad the headaches and dizziness got (24 hours a day for several days straight). So I decided to wait out the flu, then go back to see the doctor and demand a referral to a neurologist. I got one - without having punch my little fist onto the doc's desk. Heh.
So, I went to see the neurologist Wednesday. Had to do some test; some with my eyes open, some with my eyes closed, he checked my sense of balance, my reflexes and my hearing (he found out I have excellent hearing *LOL*) but that didn't disclose anything. He told me the headaches are probably "classic" (regular) headaches but he couldn't find the reason for my dizziness, so he referred me to a radiologist for a brain scan *sigh*
Cross your fingers around noon this Friday!
***
I went back to the hospital on Friday to get the brain scan. It was quick and painless.
I admit I got a little nervous (thankgawd I didn't get anything stick to my head), but that was gone the minute I laid myself down and was then pushed into that tube that is the scan.
The radiologist told me I could open my eyes, which enabled me to see the inside of the machine. A moment later he turned it on and the part that was going to X-ray my brain was revolving around me like a little moon around a planet. I wasn't sure what the deal was, but if they wanted me to lie still I had to close my eyes; the revolving thing was making me dizzy and nauseous. And I don't think they want me to throw up in that expensive thing.
The CT scan made a "peep!" noise every few seconds and the table I was laid on was moving with tiny bursts (or so it seems); I was very comfy, but it wasn't exactly peaceful enough to snooze or have a 30-minute power nap. (The radiologist re-adjusted my head twice.)
And then it was over.
Now I have to wait till February 13 for the result (yes, people, that's 2.5 weeks).
After getting a referral to a neurologist I finally got to see one on Wednesday; an older guy who apparently is used to treating Asians.
He asked me several questions (where I grew up, how long I've been having the symptoms) to get some insight.
More about the symptoms: headaches and dizziness. The thing is I really don't know what is up with that. I suddenly started back in Oct. 06 - I never had headaches nor dizzy spells before, but suddenly I did and I was sick literally (throwing up and walking into walls and door posts) for a couple of days. Then I decided to not be such a baby and popped a few pills that are comparable to a combo/mix of ibuprofen and Tylenol or Panadol and went back to work.
After that I occasionally get headaches (imagine someone slowly pushing an ice pick through the back of your skull, and equally slowly extracting it). There are no signs to what causes them (it could be anything from working out to reading a book, or walking through a hallway - and I even checked with foods). The same goes for the dizziness. I just don't want to be driving down a highway and get a dizzy spell, only to find myself "parked" against a metal railing on the other side of the road. After getting back from my Hong Kong trip in March last year I went to see my doctor who was convinced I just needed a nice warm Summer.
I had a nice Summer in Vancouver and Halifax, Canada, but despite wonderful weather the symptoms came and went randomly. All I could do was hope I wouldn't stagger down the streets like some drunk.
Anyhoo, I got a nasty flu in December last year, that reminded me how bad the headaches and dizziness got (24 hours a day for several days straight). So I decided to wait out the flu, then go back to see the doctor and demand a referral to a neurologist. I got one - without having punch my little fist onto the doc's desk. Heh.
So, I went to see the neurologist Wednesday. Had to do some test; some with my eyes open, some with my eyes closed, he checked my sense of balance, my reflexes and my hearing (he found out I have excellent hearing *LOL*) but that didn't disclose anything. He told me the headaches are probably "classic" (regular) headaches but he couldn't find the reason for my dizziness, so he referred me to a radiologist for a brain scan *sigh*
Cross your fingers around noon this Friday!
***
I went back to the hospital on Friday to get the brain scan. It was quick and painless.
I admit I got a little nervous (thankgawd I didn't get anything stick to my head), but that was gone the minute I laid myself down and was then pushed into that tube that is the scan.
The radiologist told me I could open my eyes, which enabled me to see the inside of the machine. A moment later he turned it on and the part that was going to X-ray my brain was revolving around me like a little moon around a planet. I wasn't sure what the deal was, but if they wanted me to lie still I had to close my eyes; the revolving thing was making me dizzy and nauseous. And I don't think they want me to throw up in that expensive thing.
The CT scan made a "peep!" noise every few seconds and the table I was laid on was moving with tiny bursts (or so it seems); I was very comfy, but it wasn't exactly peaceful enough to snooze or have a 30-minute power nap. (The radiologist re-adjusted my head twice.)
And then it was over.
Now I have to wait till February 13 for the result (yes, people, that's 2.5 weeks).
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