adaptation

I'm already feeling the effect of the summer heat. Today, by way of example, began at a low of 20 C. By 8am the forecast shows humidex reached 30 C. Whatever happened with the weather yesterday I was able to adapt. I sat still, or moved a bit when I was low down, sitting on the floor. But today I want to go outside!

Here's are some ideas I have for winning this battle with nature:

1. Attitude. It's not a battle. It's our reward for putting up with winter.
2. Water. Swim, then be outside when the thunderstorm hits.
3. Water. Drink it, cold, in large quantities.
4. Wind. Have fun. Run around. Maybe throw a disc.
5. Wind. Malls use heat pumps. They'll be able to keep me cool.
   

Employed by oral contract.

My fun begins. A 10k commute is going to be neat. Probably bus1, bus2,
walk, then *hopefully* run home. Or cycle both ways. I think I'd rather
cycle.

I'm overqualified, but that is good. I need a break and it feels like a
fun environment.

National Gallery of Canada

I confronted this beautiful building with about one hour of free time. This meant that I had to walk quickly through each room just to see it all. There was no chance of reading even half of the works' descriptions.

I was recommended the modern art section. To greet me there was a grotesque head. Ten foot diameter? Fifteen? Huge, and hollow.

The fake room stands out to me. So too does the fake truck trailer. A couple of "classical" Canadian artists caught my eye: all of E.J Hughes work and just one subset of Tom Thompson's.

Bright colours with sharp, contrasting lines of colour change attract my eye the most.

Supreme Court of Canada

Welcome to the Supreme Court!

First of all, I want to thank the security guards because they were very friendly and helpful. I did not pack to visit the courthouse because I did not think I would have the time. Therefore, I still had my arts and crafts safety scissors in my school bag. This is a no-no for court room visitors. The guards were willing to hold my pencil case containing the forbidden object while I toured. Thank you!

Second, my tour guide was terrific. L is going into her third year of a civil law program and adjusted her speech knowing we have similar backgrounds. She also added that her office down the hall from the conference room, and admitted to sneaking peeks of the Justices as they walk through the halls.

Lastly, the courtroom itself has a very rich feel. The web site photos give you an idea but are no substitute for a visit:
http://www.scc-csc.gc.ca/visitcourt/inside/courtroom_e.asp

Trapped outside my schedule

Now that I have been out of exams (I passed! success!) for a little
while there are two necessary updates:

1. My cousin has married.

This is what got me into the big city for a week which is slowly turning
into three weeks. Lots of parties before, and of course the evening of
the ceremony. Speaking of which, I marched. Now here's my question: Why
did my left arm go numb in a throbbing way just from standing there, all
still?

2. My plan from last summer failed; I have little self-motivation.

I'll call in my mom's excuse here. She thinks I need a vacation once in
a while. I disagree, but if days like today become normal I'm in
trouble. I got up earlier than the past few days and later, late
afternoon, accompanied my brother to the mall. Walking around was sort
of fun. Trying to guess what the next store would hold for us was much
less fun. I think we went from best to worst for our purposes: Old Navy,
H&M, (with quick walk-by's of Guess, Roots, and Tommy), Sears, and the
Bay. There's a Tommy Islands store, too, which was decorated how I'd
like my house/cottage to look. Very warm decor. Something like twice the
price of LL Bean though, which made us leave quickly for the sake of
finding him work clothes: the day's goal was made.