Lord of the Rings, check
52. Watch the Lord of the Rings trilogy right after each other
I crossed this one off my life to-do list yesterday. The day was probably one of my most lazy days ever, but hey, I start work next week so I figured it was a good enough excuse to sit back and tackle this one.
I’ve actually never watched the extended versions of the trilogy before. I didn’t have The Two Towers extended, but it was cool to watch the extra scenes in The Fellowship of the Ring and The Return of the King. I started the first film around 9 a.m., and finished the last one fifteen minutes before midnight. I did some other activities in between each one so I didn’t turn into a complete vegetable, but I completed them all in a day.
So call me a huge geek or whatever, but I absolutely adore this trilogy. It’s beyond epic, especially watched in such a short time period. Stories like this one remind us all that we are living in a story that is bigger than us. We are part of something – it might not be as tangible as orcs vs. elves or anything, but we are part of a world of good vs. evil.
“All we have to decide is what we are going to do with the times that are given to us.” – Gandalf
Our lives are meant to be lived for something more than our own small-minded objectives and preferences. That is why these movies make us cry (or is that just me?), why the hero’s rallying call inexplicably stirs our hearts.
“If this is to be their end, then I would have them make such an end as to be worthy of remembrance.” – King Theoden
Sometimes we need to be rallied; we need to be reminded. We are stuck in the small things; we are afraid of humiliation and rejection. We forget we are one in billions, yet created with a purpose unique from all others. We are part of a huge story, yet one that we must play a role in.
“Even the smallest of us can change the course of the future.” – Galadrial
Oh, and Sam is most definitely my number one favourite character.
“It’s all wrong. By rights we shouldn’t even be here. But we are. It’s like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger, they were. And sometimes you didn’t want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it’s only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something, even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn’t. They kept going. Because they were holding on to something.” – Sam
“And what are we holding on to, Sam?” – Frodo
“That there’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it’s worth fighting for.” – Sam
Are you dreaming?
If you have not watched Inception yet, go! It’s a must-see. It’s not just because it’s the first movie I’ve seen since arriving back in Canada that made me love it. The effects, the messing with your head … it’s good stuff. So go watch it, then tell me your theories/thoughts.
That is all.
The Standard Freeholder
I sent out only one resume. I had two interviews – one official, one informal. I sign the papers next week, but I can say with confidence that I am now the newest member of the Standard Freeholder‘s editorial staff.
I am so stoked. The timing was absolutely perfect: they had an opening just when I was moving back to Cornwall after five years, with a start date only a week after my family’s vacation. I’m not going to lie, I’m looking forward to receiving my first paycheque in about a year.
My job as a multimedia reporter begins on August 3. So all you Cornwallians out there – send me your story ideas! This position will be a change from my last journalism job. For starters, this is a daily paper rather than a weekly; a broadsheet rather than a tabloid. I also have no interaction with the layout, which I will actually miss since pagination was an aspect I really enjoyed and was a nice break from interviews the rest of the week. This newsroom will have a faster pace and a different approach to delivering the news.
I’m excited for the new challenge. I’m looking forward to being part of a team that provides the main source of news for the entire city. I will also have a greater awareness of my reader: for a change I will know many of them personally.
And so … the next chapter of my life begins. And it is looking good.
Colombia Day
Today is Colombia’s Independence Day. I’m a little bummed I’m not in Cali to experience such a huge holiday, but a few days ago I tried to recreate some of my South American experiences for my family.
For starters, I made breakfast …
Scrambled eggs - Emilse style. With pepper, onion and the best salt combo you've ever had. Seriously.
I successfully made arepa, which were a big hit.
… complete with agua panella.
I played Spanish music all day, showed a slide show of pictures from Cali, and gave out all the random gifts I bought for my family. They included Colombian traditional hats for a couple of my nephews, a hammock made in the colours of the flag, Colombian coffee, some Peruvian mugs and other awesomeness. Oh, and salt – seriously, this stuff will change your life.
And I made dinner …
Beans, rice, beef filets, fried plantain = awesome.
Mmmmmm
And fruit salad for dessert. Muy rico!
Two weeks later
I have been home from Colombia for exactly two weeks. I have adjusted … I am loving all this time with my family. Yet, Colombia calls to me. As a friend put it, I have the “Cali bug.” The South American country will always be a little piece of home for me.
I’m still processing all the things I’ve learned in my year down south; missing all the people I came to know and love; analyzing the differences in culture and attitudes; wishing for fresh pineapple and oranges; figuring out what to do with the rest of my life. (Note: I have an interview on Tuesday – woo!)
So, in honour of my year away from all of these fabulous family members, I am having Colombian Day today. I am making arepa and eggs, Emilse-style, for breakfast. For supper it will be arroz con frijoles, platano y carne. For you non-Spanish speakers, that’s rice with beans, fried plantain and beef filets. It’s going to be delicious. I’ll probably be speaking some Spanish, showing my fabulous elective’s class video, and playing music from South America, just to add to the environment. It should be good times.
Health kick
I’ve been running for probably about three years now. When I lived in the nation’s capital, I had this great route mapped out that took me about 10 kilometres. In Colombia, I usually only ran between three and five kilometres – going around in a circle is so much less motivating.
But now, I’m back in Canada … and living at my parent’s house (which could be another blog altogether), which happens to include a pool. So, despite this ridiculous humidity, I am planning to get some form of exercise every day and re-start my training for a more major run either this fall or next spring. I’m hoping to do a couple of 10k races in the next year, then work up to a half-marathon … and eventually a marathon. That is a few years down the road for sure, but I’m starting my progress!
So. After being ridiculously inspired by my super-fit friend Jackie, I thought I would do some blogging of my new health kick as a way to keep me accountable and motivated. Here’s a quick recap of my first week.
Monday: I went for a 2.2k run with my dad and my brother. I haven’t been running with other people in probably almost two years, so it was a different experience but definitely motivating. I’ve been talking up my jogging skills and pushing them to go with me, so it was pretty humbling when my dad set the pace and stayed in front the entire time. Though in my defense, he does have longer legs. I topped off the run with some crunches, push-ups and a jump in the pool.
Tuesday: Biking! I haven’t been on a bicycle in about a year, so it felt good to peddle again. If the markings on the Cornwall bike path are correct, I did roughly six kilometers in a half hour. And once again, a jump in the pool after.
Wednesday: I was pretty lazy, but I did some trampolining and a ton of swimming. I had planned to do a run as well, but then it started pouring.
Thursday: A ridiculously hot 2.5k run. I think I have to get up a like 5 a.m. to not melt on the road.
Friday: A 6k (approx) bike ride. And more swimming.
I was lazy and took Saturday and Sunday off. I know, I know, I’m throwing this blog up on a Tuesday. So what I have been doing yesterday and today? Swimming. I have family from out west visiting, so I probably won’t do much more exercise than hanging out on the volleyball court and trampoline and in the pool with them for the next week or so. I also think running around after my niece and nephews should count.
Anchors and the GG
- After 35 years, CTV’s national host Lloyd Robertson will retire late next year. I grew up watching him bring us the headlines every night; I agree with people who claim he is Canada most trusted news anchor. TV media won’t be the same without him.
It was just announced that Lisa Laflamme will be his replacement, which I think is a great choice. I hugely respect Lisa; I’ve watched her coverage from war zones and all over the world. - Tomorrow Germany and Uruguay will meet to play for the third and fourth places in the World Cup, just as I predicted. I can’t wait to see Sunday’s game – Netherlands vs. Spain – when a team that has never held the title will become the world’s best soccer team.
- David Johnston has been named the next Governor General of Canada. I don’t know much about him – other than that he’s a long-time political advisor and president of the University of Waterloo. From all I’ve heard and read, it sounds like he is a fantastic choice. I don’t care what people say about the monarchy, I’m glad it’s still around and I think the GG position is incredible. Okay, I’ll confess: I want the job someday!
On another note, I finally have a new picture posted on my photography blog. Check it out!
World Cup semi-finals
The Netherlands are still in it. They are the only one of my original picks that have made it to the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. I was so pumped to see them beat Brazil – the South American team has won five world cups, so I figured it was time to let another nation get the glory.
I’m just bummed the Netherlands are playing Uruguay, who happen to be my second-favourite team still in the competition. Key word: second. I’m still rooting for the Netherlands all the way.
As for the other two teams, I think I would like to see Spain beat Germany in tomorrow’s game. I was rooting against Spain for a while just because they are so popular, but then I realized they have never won a World Cup, while Germany has won three titles plus taken second place about four times.
So, my prediction/hope: Netherlands, first place; Spain, second place; Uruguay, third place.
Home
I’m home. I made it.
After a ridiculously long day of flights, turbulence, airports and cramped legs, I arrived in Ottawa last night. Today was spent mostly with my family – at least the members that live nearby. It was great to catch up with them all, and it feels good to be back.
And yet … oh, how I miss Colombia. It was difficult to leave Canada last August not knowing what I was getting myself into; it was more difficult to leave Colombia yesterday knowing what I was leaving behind. I even unthinkingly called Cali “home” in a conversation today. I guess that says just how much I enjoyed the last year. This next week or two is going to be interesting as I adjust to a new normal all over again and figure out what I’m going to do in this chapter of my life.
Last day in Colombia
Today is my last day in Cali, Colombia. Tomorrow morning I’ll begin my 12+-hour journey to Cornwall, Canada. My heart is hurting a little today, not going to lie. And it is because of so many incredible people that I’ve had the privilege to meet and call friends during my time in South America. Here are a couple pictures …
Last week, Luis and Lorena made Colombian-style hamburgers for Rocio, Jacob and I.
Sisters Magda and Lady have been incredible friends.
My girls: Magda, Lorena, Lady and Julie.
And then there are my students …
Daniel and Sara Soto - both had the highest grades in their classes, and Daniel was the only boy to win an academic award in high school.
Ahh, the kindergarten kids that melt my heart. They were so cute in their caps and gowns!
My Grade 9 girls: Shery, Angelica and Jemina, who won an award for best overall high school student.
Tonight is Grade 11′s graduation … and the majority of my goodbyes. Tomorrow morning, bright (actually, dark) and early I’ll be heading to the airport. It’s so hard to believe this year is over …
Cheryl