remember when they made cinnamon cream cheese?

maybe I've said this before, but, cloth napkins make me feel fancy.


as do all-neutral-tone outfits. I may have stolen this from Onesie a bit, but, hey... that's what roommates are for, right? to get creepily obsessive and copy you and climb into bed with you while you're sleeping. right?


rain, when I have things to do, gets very annoying. I wish I could bike in the rain to auditions but I'd get so muddy it'd take just as long to straighten everything out when I got there. hmmmm.

look, family,

stained-glass post-tops!
Mum, I was thinking you could do this sort of thing except with the broken blue-and-white china? rrrrright?


cakecakecakecake
if you are going on a diet you should tell me before I arrange for flourless chocolate cake with cinnamon cream cheese swirled in and popcorn for dinner. hahaaaa diet.

so fucking delicious!

Nick Rose is playing tonight at Cameron House and it's been too long since I've heard that guy's songs.
In case you NEEDED to know what I was doing tonight.

BYE NOW.

white bike gang

you make it easy to keep up beside you on my
junk-store bicycle
match your pace to mine
and check back to make sure I'm there just
behind you

white bikes under streetlights


Yard party at the Mrs's last night.
I was in exactly the right kind of mood for that party. Ahh so nice when it matches up like that.
I love yard parties because the price is right and the company is right and the atmosphere is like a patio only nicer and it's like a house party only better.

Into the mix of lots of people I already know plus a bunch of people who are probably great because they were invited over.
Not like a bar where you gotta assume (if you hate everyone, like I do) that most people are asshats.

Mrs bought gluten-free veggie burgers with me in mind.
I know, right?
Delicious.



My social life/arts life was changed 4 years ago when I met this crew.
I had an audition for a Ryerson short film which I ended up blowing off twice and then being late for. Then I was super awkward at the audition then I climbed over the desks on my way out instead of going around (I don't know why!) and almost fell over/broke things then said to the boys,
"I almost broke your school"

For some reason (pure sex appeal, I assume) I still got the part in this short.
The filming of that lead to meeting more people from that year at Ryerson, people including Mrs, Norman Yeung, the friends that made A Small Thing, and many others.

In the film I wore pajamas and no make-up. It was a quieter kind of a role and I was in the middle of a bunch of people I didn't know so I was a bit shy and not overly-friendly. Norman Yeung told me later that he thought I was a big geek (still true) and was surprised when I came out partying with them afterwards. He knew nothing of my party-all-the-time ways yet.

Mrs super-befriended me by making me come out with them, plus buying me drinks because I was beyond broke in that time period. Plus Mrs is very funny so her awkward humour was something I could get behind.



That summer is sort of legendary in our minds, I think. Some things were just beyond fun and the gang was new and fresh and fun and a lot of us were single or single-ish, under-employed, and ready to stay out until dawn.
Plus many of us had white bikes and a strong desire to go to New Ho King for cold tea at 3 a.m.


we admire our own persistence
chugging through sidestreets
on breaking-down bicycles
late night and we would never, ever be
sleeping
too much to see + to do
too much to see-through
we can't know how this night will end
and so we can't go home yet
we have to push though


And although I do think we romanticize it, I think it was romantic.
We had a time.

It was nice to sit around last night and pat ourselves on the back about how much we like each other and each other's projects and arts.
There is basically nothing more rewarding than loved and praised by the people you have the most respect and admiration for.

"But then Norman called at like 1am and he was like "Meredith, I'm coming to pick you up on my bike and ride you doubles the party is just getting started where do you live?" it was great. How can I say no to that?"
-from my Diaryland May 24th 2006

I keep finding out that more and more people who I think are great are reading this blog and appreciating it.
I'm so appreciative of anyone appreciating it.

(poems are from my zine, Et Puis #2, ha, remember when I used to make those? photos are from that summer.)

can I wear sweatpants to brunch?

I took pictures for my band, Entire Cities (notice that it says on their myspace that I am in the band, therefore I am not a liar), last night.
7 people in one shoot? So many eyes! So many eyes that could be closed! Too many closed eyes!
I thought it was pretty fun/funny though. I'm a funny photographer who isn't really sure about being a photographer at all. I'm down to take photos, though. And I take more photos than the average guy.. so I guess I'm a photographer. For a photographer, I sure don't know much, though.
Who wants to teach me???

I also went the Entire Cities show at Rancho. No one was dancing but I still danced but for one song only. But man, dancing on your own when everyone is standing slightly back from the stage? No good.
There's no way to not feel like a heel.
I love Entire Cities, though. So warm and lovely and I sing along all the way.

I also got to see our old pal, Slippers. You might also remember him as my husband.


I've spent a lot of time in my life having "fake" husbands, hey?
Oh no, have I actually never posted pictures from that wedding? Really? Only to facebook? Is that true? 
I hadn't seen Slippers in forevers, as he'd been living away for awhile.
Upon greeting him,
Meredith: "I've been unfaithful!"
Slippers: "What!"
Meredith: "But only once and it only lasted a minute and he pulled out! That barely counts, right??"

hahaa then later we were talking about how the first thing that many people (me) think about when something interesting happens is "Wow, this is going to make a great story, when can I tell it to people??"
Whereas Slippers said that was his 4th reaction. I asked what were the first three.
1) Can I make this sexier?
2) Can anyone else make this sexier?
3) Can I eat this?

He also added a #5:
5) Is there time to take a picture?

Ha. Classic!

Anyway.
Yeah, I went the gym both Saturday and Sunday.
So What? Do I deserve rewards? Probably. Do I deserve congratulations? Almost certainly. Will I keep this up? Very unlikely.

Before the gym I went and got my extreme flat tire fixed. I had just gotten my whole bike tuned up and fixed and then the next day I came outside to get on it and the front tire was so flat that it was almost off the wheel. Annoying!
So I took it up to the place on Harbord, what it called? Ah, yes, The Bike Joint. They were very nice and I liked it because the two women there were gently singing along to Regina Spektor.
Anyway, I also bought a bell shaped like a teapot.
IT IS SO CUTE.

I didn't even need a bell (though mine is broken-looking, it still works) but I had to have it.

It is similar to this one on Amazon, but with no symbol. It is too cute.
I saw one on a bike outside of Aunties the other day and I'd been thinking of them ever since.
Only $5 at The Bike Joint.


Nothing like riding a freshly tuned-up bike.
So smooth!
So free!
Now I remember why I like biking. So fun.

I also hit up Value Village yesterday. I bought another tiny teapot. I don't know why, it was just a teapot kind of a day. Also got a funny handbag that I need to put a long strap on so I can wear it across my back for bike-riding.

Also picked up some funny black sweatpants, they're sort of short and stylized sort of like ones you'd get at Am Appy and then people were wearing them to the bar for a bit and you were like "hey, why are you wearing sweatpants to the bar?"
Also, finally bought running shoes. I haven't owned proper running shoes since grade school!
These are super nice and simple. I knew Value Village would come through for me! They are navy and white and tough-looking.
People will know I am very serious about SPORTS.
ha, jk. No sports.

She & Him, eh? Volume Two, eh?
yeah I'm feeling it.

BRUNCH TIMEZ.

parrrrrrk parrrrk parrrrrrrrty

Hey these pictures are just like all the other ones. Quelle Surprise!




Niki's birthday happened earlier this week so we went to Bellwoods. Last park drink of the year? Maybe...

Here they are holding lighters in place of having actual candles actually lit.


Niki really hates having her picture taken (opposite of me) so every photo will not contain her face. Such is my birthday tribute.


Poppy has now taken to dressing like a voyageur. Perfect.


I brought snacks. I said I would bring snacks and then I did. Unlike last week when we gathered at Cheespie's house and Cpt. Heh said he would bring snacks and you know what? He didn't!

And we laughed and laughed and laughed.
Those brownies were really good. A bit less dense then I'd prefer -- almost like cake. Which is nice. A thick, gooey cake. Heck yes.


I also brought Maria Christina, seen here dribbling down my chin. Classic. Ughhh messy. That wine is so ridiculously sweet. I would even go so far as to say it is sickeningly sweet.


Let the flowers represent Niki, as she is not representing herself.

Haha Dollface and Kaya came and Kaya (is a dog and) was super over-stimulated and running around at top speed,

I'm pretty sure that's a picture of David trying to play with/knock over Kaya, but who knows...

The best was when the police cruiser drove into the park and we had multiple open wine bottles aaand a dog off leash. Classic.


The night of unflattering pictures!

Remember when we didn't used to have digital cameras? (only a year or two ago is you are me) That was weird.



I had a pretty funtime. Niki and I lay on our backs to practice our laughs. I've been working on a really fun HOOOO HOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOO one sort of like an owl but also not at all. Apparently it sounds a bit like crying but I don't think so really. It maybe sounds a little bit hysterical, fair enough.


I LOVE HOUSE.
I know all the reasons why it isn't that good but I don't care. I love House and Cuddy and when the show is over they will get married for sure. But they can't do that until the show is done because then the show will jump the shark just like when lois and clark got married and then they had floating sex in the air and then a baby got randomly dropped off at their house. That was weird.


Okay I want to leave a few minutes early today so that hopefully I can get some bike lights. As soon as I buy them it will become way too cold to bike, such is life.
It's still so mild out and nice. If I could transfer these nice days over into February/March (aka depression central) I would, though.

OKAY BYEEEEE NOW

I need to start keeping on top of things I've been up to

Last week hit up skateboarder night with some skateboarders at 751 (big surprise) with Dollface and JL, which should have been fun except one of the dudes with us couldn't get served because he had Quebec ID or some nonsense kind of annoying especially when those dudes go there about a billion times a week.
So we moved on. Not before I expressed my interest in getting a moustache...


But sometimes things turn out the way they should, or something..
ended up having kind of an awesome time at karaoke at The Dog's Bullocks (whaaaat the hell is that place, even?) with a bunch of blurry people



Aww we both have powershots.. I want to see what his pictures looked like


We kind of forgot that JL is an actual singer and his karaoke was really good. He did Tracks of my Tears, which a whole bunch of people didn't seem to know. Who doesn't know that song??

JL's playing Sneaky Dee's this Thursday (today) night first time playing Sneaky Dee's (I think?) should be funtimez!

I did Rocking Around the Christmas Tree and no one punched me in the head! So that was nice. People get mad about early Christmas cheer sometimes. Something about karaoke makes me insanely nervous and completely unable to breathe. Weird, hey?
I think it's because I know I can't really do it... yet I'm compelled to. Kinda dumb.

Couldn't convince Dollface to do a number which is pretty too-bad because she's a very good singer. I know. I've heard her.



CRAZIEST KARAOKE PERFORMER I HAVE EVER SEEN.
We are laughing very, very hard near the end of this video. I believe my cackle-laugh even happens. That means funny.
Also good are the smug pseudo-goth couple who run the night behind her and their comments. They were really quite smug and both did a couple of songs. He stayed at his stand and used a way better mic and did epic songs and she did a Dido song. It's not mean to make fun of people if they are smug. Right?

Good god that lady was insane, though. I know it was on purpose a bit but... Wow.



Also, the other night when I was biking home I was going up Shaw (at about 3 a.m. I'd wager) and there were people horsing around on the angels in front of the church, throwing leaves and laughing and they called out to me did I have a camera?? and of course I did!!







Pretty ridiculous! In the funnest way!



I have to email these to them, still.



The blonde one came over and we chatted and he told me he was a stylist and that he loved my boots! I don't have a picture of them, but they were nice and I did fold the tops down and then they were even better. Thanks, Payless!



Not to point out the obvious (always, all the time), but I love adventures...

quit chewing up everything!

Well look who it is:

Theresa, cord-eater!

Now that Theresa and I are best friends she seems less than impressed when I go out on the town too much. Poor lonely little lady.

She's very cute and nice. I just wish she would stop wrecking my things.






I have a ridiculous face. Lucky me.


I'm ready to book something soon, guys. Really ready.

Today I biked across town to go to a go-see (ha, sounds like I'm a model and shit) for being a body double/stand-in. I'm fine with doing anything like that. It's all money and work, ya know.
Someone hire me okay thanks.






This is my new favourite ring. I love it. It is way too gaudy. I saw a woman with what I presume to be a real version of this ring and I wanted it. It was a bit smaller and an engagement band. How come I never get engaged and get diamonds? That's weird.

Hands look gross close up. Just like lots of things. Thanks Captain Obvious. You're welcome.

Work tonight and I think it's going to rain but I'll bike down there anyway? I'm always late when I take the TTC always okay when I bike. Mostly. I'm a tardy kind of person. I don't want to always be. I blame the internet. And the patriarchy.

Oooohhh, speaking of which: you know what's annoying? When you try to point out sexism and then people defend themselves by telling you that it's a fact. Guess what? It's not a fact that a woman will always make more tips than a man. Too bad, it's not fact. Sure, maybe it frequently happens that way but it's not a guarantee. And arranging your staffing based on gender is sexism. Too bad, it's still true.

Sexism tires me out.

Actually, I'm tired all the time these days. Is it seasonal depression?? Maybe! I better take some vitamin D!

Hey guys come to see Deck's band, Born To Busk at Rancho Relaxo tomorrow night, okay? He has a pretty voice and 90s sensibilities.
And there'll be babes there. (Well, me at least.)

this post sounds drunk

SUMMERTIMES
FADING INTO
AUTUMNTIMES!

faaaavourite favourite favourite




Went to Slippers' going away party/show at the Tranzac last night.



Awwwwwwww. I'm not glad when people move away. Especially when they are tall and bearded and get fake married to me. I guess I will be up for fake-grabs again!



Poppy was looking (silly) nice and was chatting up babes. Oh yeah, Poppy's single. By the way...


He is pretty handsome but he always ruins it by yelling a lot.


Haha just like me.

(my hair looks weirdly long there, eh? And damaged!)

Party of one:


Cheespie was looking pretty hot all tight skirted up like that. What what.


Cpt. Heh was in a bad mood so I took unflattering pictures of him to cheer him up!







it was quite quite chilly last night but this morning was too warm for last night's outfit. I put on some summertime things and went out into it!
it was sunny and delicious out I believe I almost got a sunburn from hanging out in Trinity Bellwoods all afternoon.



Shambers fixed my bike!
All I had to do was say "Shambers! Fix my bike!" and then he did! Well he didn't make it quite perfect but it is much better now, running true and all of that. And now the brakes are more than just ornamental.
Being able to stop is an integral part of biking.

I don't remember if I nicknamed this one friend yet but she rides a fixed gear and she was spray painting her handlebars to have a monochromatic bike. mmhmm. It looked very good. All grey and stuff. Good story! I will call her Fay.
I do kind of like hanging out in the park while people work on bikes. It makes me feel like I have hobbies and interests.
I saw some people playing softball and I really wanted to play softball. Anyone?

Shambers was outnumbered by us ladies because it was just Cheespie and Niki and Fay and I and all of a sudden he was like "WHERE ARE THE MEN?" out of the blue like that and Chees repeated it while scouting across the lawn and there was a line of them walking towards us.
Sent from heaven.

Well, not quite.



We ladies went to Java House for food and sat on the patio and the group of people at the next table gave us their half pitcher of beer as they were leaving. Nice!

I put a teabag in some of it. It wasn't horrible. It wasn't great either.



My life is average.

Here is Fay:

It's not my fault she made that face. It's hers.

Here we tried to make it seem as though I were crying beer. It didn't work out. My life is average.




This post is brought to you by Cheespie's face!


Oh yeah, I watched Away We Go yesterday and guess what?
I loved it!
Yeah, it was a bit much in a couple of places but how great is Maya Rudolph? And John Krasinski too, for that matter? So lovely! I cried. I cry at everything!
Also so jealous of the place they end up in. Really fucking nice.

Here is the trailer if you are wondering what the hell I'm talking about:





Oh, yeah, also: Theresa's been out and about much more but she still refuses to come near me. She's currently half-asleep about 2 feet from me but if I get up she will certainly run and hide again. Poor pretty little beast. She's really quite perfect.
Aww I just tried to take her photo but the flash scared her away...