One week later…

~ the marking is done!!! Final papers, final portfolios, final exams – all marked, recorded, and filed. Alphabetically, even.
~ the garden is much improved. We planted two new crabapples, and I found a beautiful gardenia that I’ve put in a big pot so I can bring it inside this fall. In the meantime it smells heavenly. Much else is afoot, gardenwise, but I’m keeping mum til things are really lush and I can post a picture.
~ Belinda Stronach has dumped Peter Mackay on the national news crossed the floor. In a nutshell, reactions have been occasionally catty and very often deliberately sexist, prompting many counterreactions and turning the whole thing into a national self-assessment of our gender equality; the political implications have by and large been lost in the shuffle.
Personally, I am not at all surprised by the defection, since Stronach has never really rung true as a Conservative. I am also impressed with her rather Machiavellian maneoverings – if she had started out in the Liberal party, chances are she would have spent a decade clawing her way up through the ranks. Instead, she bursts onto the scene as a candidate for the leadership of the last best threat to the Libs, making sure that everyone in the country knows exactly who she is; spends only a couple of years with the new Conservatives, then crosses the floor at the moment best suited for creating a really big splash, and walks into a Cabinet portfolio and national attention.
~ I had my annual checkup, albeit almost two years after my last one. My doctor is happy that I’ve stopped smoking, but is now clearly obsessed with my weight. I did finally get her to admit that the pain in my knees is arthritis – for ages she’s been saying that I am too young to have arthritis. Apparently I am no longer too young. She says that if I lose 20 pounds, my knees will feel better. As for the frequent indigestion, if I lose 20 pounds, that should clear up. And, if I lose 20 pounds, the itchy scalp should be fine.
~ in an effort to make my doctor happy, then, I’ve had my bike tuned up for the summer, and replaced my lost helmet, so I can take advantage of the myriad bike paths and get some exercise. Unfortunately, the only day that’s been bike-worthy was the day that Colin was home from school.
Today is another rainy, cold, generally miserable day, so we’re having a late brunch of strawberry and custard crepes, then we’re off to the McCord for the ‘Growing up in Montreal’ exhibit.

7 Replies to “One week later…”

  1. No kidding re lack of surprise in Belinda Stronach’s move to Libs. Machievellian vs. Opportunistic? Same thing? Nevertheless, I still don’t take her seriously. Are there really no other capable, qualified women out there that can participate – if not lead – in federal Canadian politics? They must be out there; they’re just choosing not to get into it?

  2. Correction: I don’t take her anymore seriously than any other politician, despite her being trumpeted as the next best thing, blah, blah, blah – as she had been, and now, by anyone. At this point, it’s like anyone else (PCs [can you tell my age] Libs) who ought to be judged by their actions. Which is to say: poorly.

  3. Biking and pilates, that’s what I’m doing. I refuse to give up food. I gave up smoking, that’s enough sacrifice! So the strawberry and custard crepes, the fresh bread, the good cheese, etc., etc., are still on the menu. I’d rather be a few pounds over the “target” than skinny and miserable.

  4. I know life can be difficult, but especially so in the fact that really great food, the kind we use for comfort, is also bad for us. Doesn’t seem fair, somehow.
    I’m fortunate that I work very hard outside, walking miles carrying survey equipment, and I can reward myself with all sorts of sinful treats while staying in great shape – my total cholesterol is 119.
    The problem is, I can’t actually have the above treats because I dine with my beloved and she is in your situation, where all good things will happen if she just loses some weight. Life is just not fair, eh?

  5. I was at the doctor today, she wants me to exercise. I feel pretty much the same as you, except I’ve given up smokes, sweets and alcohol in the last 8 years so there’s nothing more to give up. She suggested sit-ups! Is there anything worse?

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