Belly dancing in Vancouver

I went to my first belly dance class this Wednesday. It was a blast! Before the class started I was a bit nervous, because I haven't danced for over a year. However, the instructor was great and the class was basic, not tribal. I don't like tribal because it hurts my back. When I first arrived at class, I was also intimidated because EVERYONE had a jingle scarf. I actually own a beautiful jingle scarf, which my friend brought me from Egypt. But at my old studios, jingle scarves were for accomplished dancers or performances. I guess it's just easier to get a nice jingle scarf in Vancouver than it is in Saskatoon.

The instructor also gave us a music list, which I can post if anyone is interested.

Oscar watch 2005- Sideways

( Sideways, may contain some spoilers )

I think I want to read the book now.

Anonymous quotes

It has been said that being a freelance writer in Canada is a good way to slowly starve to death .


The pen is mightier than the sword, and much easier to write with.

Consumerism and girly-ness

The new Le Tigre "This island" is amazingly good. It's political and extremely danceable. I first heard the songs at their concert, but the recording is also amazing.

I had to buy new shoes today. I have not had shoes that fit Vancouver weather in the winter time. I bought myself a pair of inexpensive casual shoes at Shoe Warehouse, but this week I realized that they were not working. I was having constant pains in my feet and legs. I walk a lot, and am not used to the hills of Vancouver. So today I had to shell out cash for a pair of Doc Martens. I think I'm in love with them.

I'm not a very good shopper. I don't really like it. This is partially because I tend to get confused in stores. Sometimes I get overwhelmed by all the things around me and I quite often get lost in the mall, or in a big store like the Bay. I also have buyer's guilt. I feel guilty when I spend money, even for things I "need." I like fashion and having nice things, but I tend to freeze like a deer in headlights when I'm shopping. I also feel like I never have enough money to afford things, which makes me anxious. As a result, I shop like a man. Usually I have an idea of what I want in my head and then I just go out and get it. Often I end up buying multiples of things I like in various colours.

Girly-ness- I am pretty excited because this weekend I finally get to wear a dress that I bought in Mongolia. It's a very fancy cheong sam (typical Chinese dress.) It's lavender and pinkish. I even bought new makeup and tights to wear with the dress. I'm wearing it as I'm volunteering at the Gung Haggis Fat Choy dinner. Hopefully I'll be able to post some pictures of the event and me in my dress!

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This is so bizarre that I had to post about it.

I just wrote a letter intended for Tommy Chong's publicist. When I found out that Tommy was coming here to perform "The Marijuanalogues", I contacted the entertainment company responsible to see if I could get an interview with him. I'm interested in interviewing him for Ricepaper because of his Vancouver connection and his upcoming biography. He might also be the most famous mixed Asian person!! Anyway, the media contact for the company phoned me earlier this week and asked me to send copies of Ricepaper and a letter to her so that she can pass on the request to Tommy's people.

I think this is just surreal. Cross your fingers. I think it would be fun to interview Tommy. I need to watch some Cheech and Chong movies, as I'm never seen one. I'm dying to ask Tommy if he saw "Harold and Kumar go to White castle". I've read a few reviews which claimed it was the first stoner movies with Asian characters but Tommy's been doing it for a long time. (I'd also like to ask him if Ashton Kutcher is dumb, but I might refrain)

Oscar watch 2005

I'm looking forward to seeing what Chris Rock does on Oscar night. I don't always like Rock's humour, but I do like the way he tackles race relations and I think he should be an interesting host.

From an article I read in the Vancouver Sun:

As a kid in Brooklyn, Rock turned into the Oscar show for the host's monologue, then tuned out. "Any black people nominated? No, oh, back to bed," he said.

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( OC questions )

Belated thank yous

Just wanted to send thank yous to everyone who sent me Christmas cards this year. Due to financial constraints, I couldn't manage to send out a lot of cards and only sent them to old friends. I apologize.

So thank you, [Bad username or site: @ livejournal.com], [Bad username or site: @ livejournal.com], [Bad username or site: @ livejournal.com], [Bad username or site: @ livejournal.com], [Bad username or site: @ livejournal.com], [Bad username or site: @ livejournal.com], [Bad username or site: @ livejournal.com], [Bad username or site: @ livejournal.com] and [Bad username or site: @ livejournal.com]!

Life after the Oscar project

[Bad username or site: @ livejournal.com] asked me what I plan to do after the completion of the Oscar project. As you might have noted, the Oscar project is taking a long time to complete, and is pretty much on hiatus for this month. However, I'm glad she asked because I had been considering this myself. I considered embarking upon another type of project. My first consideration was a book related project, such as the Governor General's project, or the Pulitzer project. However, I've rejected this idea. Because I read so much for writing related reasons, I don't think I should try to govern my reading, as I'm sure it would feel like work.

I also considered following another aspect of the Oscars. I thought about watching all the Best Director or Best Screenplay movies. However, since the Oscars are so staunchly American, I have rejected this as well. What I may end up doing is collaborating a list from several books of cult films and foreign films. I will then try to watch movies on this list.

Love,
the biggest dork ever.