In Which I Finally See Cherry Blossoms (Which Are Mostly Dead)

Yes, finally. Finally we see cherry blossoms.  Probably.  And past peak bloom.  But we see them.

But first.  I don't know what my phone does all day or all night while it is sitting in my 600 square foot unit, but apparently it astral projects or something because every time I pick it up, it says this.

Look turtles!  And ducks!  And (not pictured) a small child exuding heavy Tiny Toon Adventures Elmyra vibes as she chased the terrified wildlife around the small garden park.  When she had them trapped on the roof, she crooned, "I want you, baby," as the squirrels and I exchanged Looks. Stay safe, squirrels.

There they are!  Maybe.  These were a different kind than what I'm used to.  For all I know they're some other plant altogether.  I don't care.  Pink.  Blossoms.  Sakura.  

#ThisIsTheFaceOfSomeone WhoDoesn'tCareIfIt'sReallySakura  #OrTheFaceOfSomeoneWhoAccidentallyHadTheCameraFacingTheWrongDirection #HardToTell

#YesOgawa  #Finally  #WithSomeBonusMud  #AndCelebratoryTireTracks

I have no idea what this enthusiastically frilly tree is, but I am probably allergic to it, and look at that blue sky!

This smells absolutely amazing.  

#PlantFriend says maybe https://klamathsiskiyouseeds.com/product/berberis-mahonia-aquifolium-tall-oregon-grape/

#IDoNot  #We'veDiscussedThis

There are kind of no words, but, wow.  

#Snort

Drunk on spring, I next went to the main event (a couple days later).  High Park.  Way past peak bloom for most of the trees.  Blocked off roads, so long limp there, around, and back.

#LateBloomersForTheWin

#I'veDecidedThisShouldBeMyNewWorkProfilePicture #ProbablyTryingToTakeAVideo #WithTheCameraFacingTheWrongWay #Again

Since this would 100% have been me at this age, I can throw no stones.  Also, she's not climbing any of the sakura trees, so bonus points.  #AdultSupervisionPresent

#Cardinal #ForOlderSisterWhoHasNeverUnderstoodWhyHalfMyPicturesContainBirdsAndNotPeople

Look, a heron!  Or a crane!  Or some other long bird that stabs things!

And some swan and a couple of Canadian Geese in their native land.

How fleeting is the beauty.  How long is the walk back up the hill to the entry.  Why does Toronto hate people with mobility issues so much?

Funny story.  I had nearly made it back to the entryway when a random stranger stopped me to ask, "Are you pregnant?"  I  . . . have no idea why this person A) did this or B) thought this was an appropriate question to ask a random stranger?  I mean, yes, I was wearing a winter raincoat and sweating to death (you're welcome, Toronto, because my sacrifice of comfort held off the rain until I got back to the transit station), but I don't know that that should prompt random pregnancy-related questions?

She was a small woman, so I didn't say, "Were you going to offer to carry me the rest of the way up the hill to the entrance if I said yes?"  #AlsoIDidn'tThinkOfThatUntilLater

#TheRaincoatOfDeathInQuestion #IfItRainedIHadToHaveSomethingThatCoveredMyKneeBrace

Ran home to change into pool PT clothes and grab pool gear.  This is the one time in the entire day I was going to be back in my unit during the 9-5 possible cleaning time.  100%ChanceThatWouldBeWhenHouskeepingCame #Sigh

#HumidHairFunAtThePool

When I finally got home from that, I synced up my activity tracker with my phone that lives in the unit.  I don't check first thing in the morning because I don't want it to be the boss of me, but oops.

I, uh, didn't see that before I did (waves hand at high park and physical therapy) this:

Please note all the hilarious math errors on my activity tracker.  This is why I can't take it totally seriously.

#YeahIFeelThatCherryBlossoms  #MayIRecommendANap

#ThanksHallsWrapperI'veBeenChasingAroundTheUnitSinceMarch

Instead of resting the next day, I decided to obtain quiche and walk past a bunch of trees I had been looking at while I drove by.  

 Yes, Basho, THIS!!  This is what I was seeking.  That cloud that settles around it when the wind dies down.  Those lovely moments when the breeze blows the scent to you from trees you can't see.

#SunriseIsUnrealisticDude

Hope your days contain some beauty in sight, smell, and deed!

Sakura denied, dishevelment, rain, tears, TV

I was hoping this would be my week for cherry blossoms, but I have been thwarted at every turn.  I planned to go to the Japanese gardens in Mississauga when the rain stopped for a bit even though it was cold, and there was absolutely nowhere to park within limping distance.  Discovered an amazing chai place, so not a total loss.

#NotThisTimeIssa #OrNextTime

I figured I'd stop by the main cherry blossom place that is near a transit station on my way to a medical appointment.  Then an emergency on the transit line shut down the main subway, and my 25 minute drive home tool an hour and 25 minutes, and there was no time.  (Not actually true.  I did the math, and I would have had 1 minute to commune with the cherry blossoms.)

#EmotionalSupportTaiyaki  #TheBestLaidPlans  #ThereWasParkingWhenIWentInForLunch  #NoneWhenICameOut  #IShouldRememberTheServiceThereIsLeisurely

I planned on stopping by the Mississauga gardens when it was raining on Saturday morning after pool PT, figuring no one would be parked there in the rain and cold on a Saturday morning.  I was incorrect.  I might have tried parking in one of the extortionary ramps, but the blossoms were definitely NOT at peak bloom, so I decided to try again next week.  There are a few times when it might not be raining!  #StayTuned.

#TreesAreBuddingEverywhere  #Yay  #Achooo

I am re-watching a looooooong and heartwrenching show, and I am skipping half of it.  #NoRegrets

I am actually avoiding most of the heartwrenching bits and going straight to the redemption bits. I suspect the only way I will ever be able to watch the whole thing again is if I am doing so with someone else as a way to share something great.  Also, I will probably complain a lot about the bizarre-to-me pacing and the bits that are less than awesome.  It will be very fun.  #FunForEveryone  #BringAllTheTissues  #AndYourA-GameForDiscussingMoralAmbiguity

#HealthTrackerIsProudOfMe  #NotToBragButIStillFeelLikeIWasLugging RocksUpAHillAllNight

I would like to point out that one of my useless super powers is dishevelment.  As soon as I put any clothing on, it is slightly crooked, slightly to majorly disheveled, or just generally doesn't look right.

Still wrestling with philosophy and work.  It's possible that one of the reasons I don't feel enthused about throwing all my experience away and starting again in some other area of the company is that I'm afraid that if putting in as much effort and creating as much improvement and change as I have over the last 14 years only resulted in heartbreak, what will happen if I do that again somewhere else?  If the people who decide these things decided that all that wasn't good enough, what makes me think I'll ever be good enough?  Is that you, Miette?!  #Meow  #LikeTheFootball

#SoundLovelyIssa  #AndEasierToThinkAboutThankThisMess

Amazon in Canada is wild.  It's very different from Amazon in the US.  Most recently, they sent a package that must have gotten absolutely mangled on the way.  The front desk refused delivery of the shredded or otherwise destroyed box.  My notification went from, "It will be delivered at 10:37 today to . . ."

They made me wait until the 28th, at which time I then had to place the order again, at which point the sale on one of the items was over.  There is no way to report anything or talk to anyone or ask for resolution.  I guess that's not legally required here?  Good thing it wasn't anything urgent, but that sale thing was something I needed for PT soonest.  #StayTuned  #ExternalFactorsLikeBeingRunOverByTheDeliveryTruck

#Exactly

Not-chili-but-fajitas went well!  I decided to take a chance on these diced veggies for other purposes and add them to chili.  Wasn't sure if it would be a good idea or a bad idea.  I realized after browning the meat and making the vegetables garlicky that there was no way I could also fit the tomatoes, beans, and corn in the single pan in my unit.  (Next time will likely just use the stock pot, but the brain isn't that great at changing directions on the fly.)  So I made some fajita seasoning from my random internet recipe and added it to the veggies and ground beef.  #AuthenticallyMe  #BePatientChiliYourTimeWillCome

#IDefyTheeLabels

Still resting a lot and trying to heal mentally, spiritually, and physically.  Hoping this happens some day soon!

#Where'sMyFaintingCouch  #AndHeavyLightBlockingCurtains  #IHaveMyBooksAndTea

April Showers Bring Transit Troubles, Work Stuff, Allergies, Beauty, and No Towels

It's been a week!  Some stuff happened!  Transit adventure this time was . . . A Thing.

#LikeFleeingToCanadaForAYear  #NotActuallyANon-SmartDecisision  #DefinitelyCinematic

I planned out my next transit adventure trip using my US phone on wifi in my unit.  I set my alarm early because the adventure started early.  I had to get BlueBeauty out of the garage by 8 AM for garage cleaning.  I . . . did not quite make it.  But.  The number of cars still in the garage on those levels made me feel better as I left.  

I drove to work, where there is a free parking lot!  And also I had a meeting.  Yes, on my day off, but it was really important and gave me an excuse to park!  Then I went to the end of the subway line where there is a big parking lot that is reasonably priced.  And then got on the train!  And then . . . I discovered that I had seriously miscalculated travel time to my first appointment.  My Canada phone (from the US) . . . has some problems sometimes with location and the Google Map app.  Like it can't tell where I am.  Or, for instance, the fastest actual way to get where I'm going.    By the time I realized it was messing with me, I had gone 15 minutes out of my way and was 15 minutes late.  #DeepBreaths  

What I learned: If I have to transfer from line 2 to line 1, the app lies, and I just need to ignore it and use my brain.  It's not my imagination that my phone gets lost, yay!

After that I went on part 2 of my #OmuriceAdventure.  I actually hated the omurice (not pictured because ewwww) but will be going back a few more times to try some of the other Japanese comfort food.  The pictured little soup buns were amazing.  And they have a mouthwatering-looking Japanese traditional breakfast and Japanese hamburg steak and rice balls that I will need to test for science.  Also a website that is MAYBE NOT SAFE due to ancientness.  And I am hydrated today because this waitress did NOT skimp on the water like the one a couple of weeks back at a place I tried.  It became a little comical, but since I always end up dehydrated on long adventures due to not carrying water and not knowing where public restrooms are available, I salute her for her service.  #ISeriouslyIngestedHalfMyDailyIntakeOfWater  #DidIBurnMyselfOnTheKaraage  #OfCourseIDid  #AtLeastItWasWorthIt  #SavedSomeForDinner  #WhereItWasAlsoDelicious  #AndDidn'tGiveMeFoodPoisoning  #Science

Then I limped down the streets of Greektown in the wind but no longer rain for a bit to Avoca for some jewel chocolates.  Hilariously, I walked in on the little old lady who owns the place swearing at customer service on the phone.  For . . . a while.  A bunch of probably college guys came in after me for gelato.  I felt really bad for the clerk, who had been on his way out on a break right as I walked in and then came in to help when his boss' swearing passed some sort of volume or parental rating threshhold for him.  #SoHilariouslyAwkward  #EveryoneSmilingAndNotMakingEyeContact 

I headed to the subway station on the way to my next destination: a movie.  I stopped at an Italian Cafe to get some amazing hot chocolate in a tiny cup because the weather was cold and wet and windy.  And because I like to live dangerously.  By drinking even more before getting on the subway.  And then going to a long-ish movie.  #BladderChallenge2024

The movie was . . .  Well, I am supporting the anime industry, so hopefully they bring the better movies.  I wonder if the authors of original works cry in the background when these sorts of movies come out.  All of their careful and clever crafting of a story just blown all the way up by people with a big budget.  I hope even if they do cry, they do so while collecting a decent monetary remuneration for their pain and are given a new burst of determination to make smart original content.  Especially galling because I feel like the original creators DID set up a section of the book to be made into a movie, and it just . . . didn't.  Anyway . . .

Ate my leftover chicken for dinner and hopped on the subway!  Saw this awesome poetry and was appreciating it when the train stopped.  They announced that someone was on the tracks between stations.  Everyone seemed surprised, as this is not a thing that usually occurs.  We sat for a while.  

Then the train inched to the next station and stopped for a longer while.  

And then they announced that the service between this station and the next was closed, so get off the train.  

I would have ridden back the other way if the next station had not been the one I needed to get to to transfer to the other line that would actually take me back to BlueBeauty.  So I got off with most everybody else.  And we all stood around for a bit.  

Then the announcement came that they had ordered shuttle buses, and they were on the way!  So we all exited the station to go wait for the shuttle buses.  And no one knew where they actually were (including the transit guy the person in front of me asked).  So, we all clogged up the sidewalk trying to figure things out for a bit.  I consulted my foot and ankle, and we decided that we would walk to the next station.  Our phone told us it was this direction and would take 5 minutes.  It was the other direction and took 18, but, thanks, phone.  At least you work for phone calls.  I hope.

And when I finally got back on the train, that car had the same poem, so, yay, plants!

Rode to the end of the line.  Found my car not stolen or further damaged.  Drove home, wondering, as I do every cleaning day, if there would be any towels or washcloths when I got home.  The garage . . . did not seem any cleaner than when I left it.  The used kitchen towels and washcloths were still sitting where I had left them, but there were towels and hand towels and washcloths in the bathroom!  I was excited.  But they were not hung up and folded like they usually were.  They were sort of haphazardly piled on the toilet.  I put them away.

Later, I was checking my email and came across this hilarious one:

"If your suite was slated to receive housekeeping today we wish to advise that due to extenuating circumstances your linens and towels were not replenished. However, all other duties were completed in suite as required.

"We regret the inconvenience which would have been caused as a result. Our team is working to ensure that the matter is resolved in the soonest time and thank you for your understanding."

#ThisIsMyUnderstandingFace  #AndHair  #LongDay

I threw everything into the washing machine and wondered if the housekeeping people were charging my company hundreds of dollars for this simple "service" they have not correctly provided once since I have been here.  #FirstWorldProblems

Speaking of my company, I dressed up and wore matching socks with my brace shoes.   And totally forgot that the brace chews up my skin through these kinds of socks.  #Owwwwwwwwwww  Celebrated Songkran (did not have any water throwing because pouring rain was predicted)!  Also tried Durian without spilling it on myself.  #Wins  #OrLosses  #ItWasA"Mellow"BreedOfDurian  #RelativelySpeaking  #AteOutsideUnderATent  #InTheGorgeousSunshine

Speaking of work, I am still feeling tired and nap-ish and trying to honor that request from my body.  Between transit adventures.  And exercise.  And PT.  And medical people visits.  And trying to think about my future and what I should want and how to get myself to want that.  Whatever it is.

#PreachJinshi

I had to come up with some goals and had finally gotten all the various managers to disgorge their thoughts.  Except they just switched me to a different manager, and I have no idea if his expectations will match anyone else's.  #TheAdventureContinues

#TruthFromRandomInternetGuy

#I'mTryingIssa  #MaybeWe'llGetThereEventually

I am glad that this is true.  I am less instantly rage-y whenever I think about the inciting incident from last year.  #Progress  #BabySteps  #SomeDayThisWillAllBeHilarious  #OrHeartwarming  #OrSomething

I mean, I too, love spring, Satoba, but I do need to keep my job.  Even if it still hurts my soul right now.  But the weekends, now, then I can enjoy spring.  Especially in a place where I have no other expected duties relational or otherwise.

#Yep  #GenerallyThePlan  #ButALittleGrim

#IfAnyoneAsks  #AndIRemember  #SoLikelyTheoretical

#LifeGoals #SeeI'mTryingIssa  

Went for a walk the OTHER way from my building.  I have not yet found a place to lay by a river and do nothing, but this bridge over the Humber River seems promising!  Found these . . . things . . . on my way back. 

#UpTheHill  #WhichISortOfDidn'tNoticeOnTheWayDown  #ButDidNoticeOnTheWayUp  #Didn'tTouchIt  #PraiseMeForThat  #ItWasGlisteningInAStickyWay #I'mProbablyReallyAllergicToIt

Hope you are having lovely days to be allergic to things!