What's The Story:
The spoiled emperor Kusco is turned into a Llama and with the help of the peasant Pacha the two set out to return the Emperor home so he can reclaim his human form and his kingdom.
Memorable Quote:
Yzma: Ah, how shall I do it? Oh, I know. I'll turn him into a flea, a harmless, little flea, and then I'll put that flea in a box, and then I'll put that box inside of another box, and then I'll mail that box to myself, and when it arrives... I'll smash it with a hammer! It's brilliant, brilliant, brilliant, I tell you! Genius, I say! [knocks over bottle of poison on flower, which shrivels up and dies] Or, to save on postage, I'll just poison him with this.
Lessons:
Be considerate of other peoples needs before your desires.
Have fun even when you're on your way to make an evil plot
work together
Have faith in the goodness of humanity
Main Challenges:
Spit like a llama
Llama Balloon Animal
Attitude:
Kusco: selfish spoiled, self centred, rude, stubborn, heartless, deceitful learns to be unselfish and kind, friendly.
Pacha: kind, thoughtful, honourable, helpful, brave, resourceful, innovative, (sees positive spark in Kusco)
Challenges:
Do my own theme music
Monday, August 30, 2010
But I Play A Hero
My husband and I boarded a train to Toronto, dressed as Wonder Woman and Superman, the 2 hour trip was fairly uneventful. Yes there were a few questions about what the heck we were doing dressed up, but mostly people said nothing other then exalting the occasional “Wonder Woman!” or “Superman!”
When we arrived at Union Station we went to our luxury hotel, The Fairmont Royal York, which had given rates to many a Star Fleet Officer or Vampire or some sort of fantastic Anime character. Not an eyelash was batted as Superman and Wonder Woman entered the elegant foyer. A few guests stared but that is probably because they hadn't looked down the street to the massive crowd of heroes, villains and fictional characters that was forming around the Convention Centre.
Over the past few months I have grown accustomed to being stopped to take pictures, wave to strangers and generally be whatever character I happen to be dressed as. Many people stopped us asking if they could take a picture. I of course, having had several months experience with embodying different characters held my hero pose and stood still for the pictures. I believe the ordeal was a little different for my husband who despite being often untouched by the joys of make believe seemed to enjoy being photographed.
I leaned over at one point and said. “Now do you understand why I love dressing up.” He quietly smiled. Not really an answer is it. Oh well, I'll take it as a yes.
Meeting Your Hero
I stood in line to see one of my heroes, Michael Dorn, who played Worf on Star Trek: The Next Generation. As I stood in line I realized that I had watched this man for many years on The Next Gen and Deep Space Nine. I watched him develop a character with depth and complexity, that endured many to him.
I was excited and wanted to say something to him, something that he hadn't heard before. The problem is, I am a bit of a smartypants when it comes to most situations, when I get nervous one of two things tend to happen one I blurt out personal things or two I say inappropriate things that can be considered offensive by some.
So picture it, I am already dressed as Wonder Woman and what keeps on going through my mind are sarcastic little comments like (after seeing him shake a thousand hands) “Did you wash those?” I ended up not even shaking his hand. (good going) When it came time to choose my picture for him as I was looking through all the shots of him as Worf, I wanted to say “What? No I AM Weasel? No Sandman from the Santa Clause 2?” Thankfully the little voice in my head said, “Shut up Robin!”
“Choose any one that you like.” he says. I look around and see the picture of him from DS9 my favourite incarnation of Star Trek. I point to it, and smile, he flashes me a nice little smile. Much more beautiful smile with gleaming white teeth then the fake Klingon ones that he used to wear. “Whose this for?” he says. “Robin” I meekly say. “With an I or a Y?” he asks, its I damn it do I look like one of those perky Robyns? Maybe I do. “I just like the bird.” I say, brilliant, now I'm impressing him. He signs away, slides the picture to me and says “There you go sweety.” He looks me deep in the eyes with his what Tyra Banks would refer to as Smeyes (Smiling eyes) and lets face it blends me into the background of the thousands of people he had seen that day.
I have in my possession a lovely autographed picture of a man who portrayed a character that I absolutely loved. I excitedly went keyed in my phone to update my Facebook Status “Micheal Dorn called me sweaty” Send. Wait a second. Sweet is like candy sweat is like stinky. Just so you know when you write things via your phone on Facebook apparently you can't delete it. As usual, I have embarrassed myself but hey, at least it has cemented in my head what Michael Dorn actually said. I will never forget it now. But calling me Sweaty certainly makes it far more funny. Hey, he's Klingon, that would probably be more of a complement.
When we arrived at Union Station we went to our luxury hotel, The Fairmont Royal York, which had given rates to many a Star Fleet Officer or Vampire or some sort of fantastic Anime character. Not an eyelash was batted as Superman and Wonder Woman entered the elegant foyer. A few guests stared but that is probably because they hadn't looked down the street to the massive crowd of heroes, villains and fictional characters that was forming around the Convention Centre.
Over the past few months I have grown accustomed to being stopped to take pictures, wave to strangers and generally be whatever character I happen to be dressed as. Many people stopped us asking if they could take a picture. I of course, having had several months experience with embodying different characters held my hero pose and stood still for the pictures. I believe the ordeal was a little different for my husband who despite being often untouched by the joys of make believe seemed to enjoy being photographed.
I leaned over at one point and said. “Now do you understand why I love dressing up.” He quietly smiled. Not really an answer is it. Oh well, I'll take it as a yes.
Meeting Your Hero
I stood in line to see one of my heroes, Michael Dorn, who played Worf on Star Trek: The Next Generation. As I stood in line I realized that I had watched this man for many years on The Next Gen and Deep Space Nine. I watched him develop a character with depth and complexity, that endured many to him.
I was excited and wanted to say something to him, something that he hadn't heard before. The problem is, I am a bit of a smartypants when it comes to most situations, when I get nervous one of two things tend to happen one I blurt out personal things or two I say inappropriate things that can be considered offensive by some.
So picture it, I am already dressed as Wonder Woman and what keeps on going through my mind are sarcastic little comments like (after seeing him shake a thousand hands) “Did you wash those?” I ended up not even shaking his hand. (good going) When it came time to choose my picture for him as I was looking through all the shots of him as Worf, I wanted to say “What? No I AM Weasel? No Sandman from the Santa Clause 2?” Thankfully the little voice in my head said, “Shut up Robin!”
“Choose any one that you like.” he says. I look around and see the picture of him from DS9 my favourite incarnation of Star Trek. I point to it, and smile, he flashes me a nice little smile. Much more beautiful smile with gleaming white teeth then the fake Klingon ones that he used to wear. “Whose this for?” he says. “Robin” I meekly say. “With an I or a Y?” he asks, its I damn it do I look like one of those perky Robyns? Maybe I do. “I just like the bird.” I say, brilliant, now I'm impressing him. He signs away, slides the picture to me and says “There you go sweety.” He looks me deep in the eyes with his what Tyra Banks would refer to as Smeyes (Smiling eyes) and lets face it blends me into the background of the thousands of people he had seen that day.
I have in my possession a lovely autographed picture of a man who portrayed a character that I absolutely loved. I excitedly went keyed in my phone to update my Facebook Status “Micheal Dorn called me sweaty” Send. Wait a second. Sweet is like candy sweat is like stinky. Just so you know when you write things via your phone on Facebook apparently you can't delete it. As usual, I have embarrassed myself but hey, at least it has cemented in my head what Michael Dorn actually said. I will never forget it now. But calling me Sweaty certainly makes it far more funny. Hey, he's Klingon, that would probably be more of a complement.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Heroic Shenanigans
I'm not going to lie to you, acting as though you are a superhero is fun. To gallantly try to come to someone's rescue is one of those things that you must experience for yourself to understand how much fun it is. I didn't want to be dressed as another dog this week, it really doesn't convey what to me, Bolt, is all about. Believing in the hero inside.
I decided that I would make this week the official Superhero week to coincide with Fan Expo, a huge convention in Toronto dedicated to Comic Books, Anime, Sci-Fi, Gaming and Horror. Throughout the week I had planned on dressing as different superheroes and parade through the Street festival (The Ironhorse Festival) and wave and smile at people . I missed one day and one costume, Supergirl, but I did dress as The Green Lantern, complete with my light up life size Green Lantern and my favourite girl, Wonder Woman.
For those of you who follow comic books, yes Disney does own Marvel, and yes technically I should have been dressed as Spider woman, the Black Widow or some other Marvel gal. I am a DC girl, though I read Spiderman, I don't feel the connection with Marvel that I do with DC. There I said it, and have completely let my proverbial pocket protector show. (Yes, I am aware that I am a geek)
Getting back to my adventures, I was clad in the delicate costume of one Diane AKA Wonder Woman's apparel hoping that I would reveal my soul rather then my dangerously unsecured ta ta's. I went forth certain that I would save the world or at least look good trying.
A Note to my readers: Some of my costumes are not as obvious as others, when I was dressed for Fantasia 2000, I had to stop and give a detailed description, I'm the ballerina from Fantasia, that was from the Steadfast Tin Soldier, which was part of a compilation of shorts that made up the musical film. It was exhausting, but dress up as Wonder Woman and no one cares why, they just seem to think that its awesome.
Who Needs a Hero?
I stopped in at the local police station all decked out in red white and blue, cape flowing behind me as I stood in classic hero stance. “I was wondering if you need my assistance?” I quarried. Heads cocked in confusion. I go into my song and dance routine “Yes I am living my life Disney...” They smile give a little chuckle so I lean over and say “I take that as a no?” Oh well, perhaps they don't see what a wonderful hero I make.
Sometimes I wonder if all we really need in life to stop crime is smiles, laughter and to be so full of joy that the thought of crime eludes us. I mean its difficult to hatch evil plans when your laughing, unless, of course, that laughter is maniacal. In which case all plots are guaranteed to be evil.
Moving on, I visited all my regular places and greeted the people who needed to be greeted, and every so often I was greeted with a “Wonder Woman!” a thumbs up or cheers and honks. The next day I would dress as one of my favourite characters the Green Lantern. I don't know if its the lantern, or the ring that one can use their will power to make constructs of green light that kick butt, I am a girl and we do like to accessorize.
A little tip about dressing in any costume: If you have a heavy costume, you will become tired when walking with a say, 5lb cool Green Lantern that lights up when you touch it with your ring. My day of being the Green Lantern was cut short by my weak girly arms that turned to jello after carrying a heavy object for 3 hours. The next day I had to use my superpower of cleaning up my incredibly messy house, superheroes don't come with maids, unfortunately.
I decided that I would make this week the official Superhero week to coincide with Fan Expo, a huge convention in Toronto dedicated to Comic Books, Anime, Sci-Fi, Gaming and Horror. Throughout the week I had planned on dressing as different superheroes and parade through the Street festival (The Ironhorse Festival) and wave and smile at people . I missed one day and one costume, Supergirl, but I did dress as The Green Lantern, complete with my light up life size Green Lantern and my favourite girl, Wonder Woman.
For those of you who follow comic books, yes Disney does own Marvel, and yes technically I should have been dressed as Spider woman, the Black Widow or some other Marvel gal. I am a DC girl, though I read Spiderman, I don't feel the connection with Marvel that I do with DC. There I said it, and have completely let my proverbial pocket protector show. (Yes, I am aware that I am a geek)
Getting back to my adventures, I was clad in the delicate costume of one Diane AKA Wonder Woman's apparel hoping that I would reveal my soul rather then my dangerously unsecured ta ta's. I went forth certain that I would save the world or at least look good trying.
A Note to my readers: Some of my costumes are not as obvious as others, when I was dressed for Fantasia 2000, I had to stop and give a detailed description, I'm the ballerina from Fantasia, that was from the Steadfast Tin Soldier, which was part of a compilation of shorts that made up the musical film. It was exhausting, but dress up as Wonder Woman and no one cares why, they just seem to think that its awesome.
Who Needs a Hero?
I stopped in at the local police station all decked out in red white and blue, cape flowing behind me as I stood in classic hero stance. “I was wondering if you need my assistance?” I quarried. Heads cocked in confusion. I go into my song and dance routine “Yes I am living my life Disney...” They smile give a little chuckle so I lean over and say “I take that as a no?” Oh well, perhaps they don't see what a wonderful hero I make.
Sometimes I wonder if all we really need in life to stop crime is smiles, laughter and to be so full of joy that the thought of crime eludes us. I mean its difficult to hatch evil plans when your laughing, unless, of course, that laughter is maniacal. In which case all plots are guaranteed to be evil.
Moving on, I visited all my regular places and greeted the people who needed to be greeted, and every so often I was greeted with a “Wonder Woman!” a thumbs up or cheers and honks. The next day I would dress as one of my favourite characters the Green Lantern. I don't know if its the lantern, or the ring that one can use their will power to make constructs of green light that kick butt, I am a girl and we do like to accessorize.
A little tip about dressing in any costume: If you have a heavy costume, you will become tired when walking with a say, 5lb cool Green Lantern that lights up when you touch it with your ring. My day of being the Green Lantern was cut short by my weak girly arms that turned to jello after carrying a heavy object for 3 hours. The next day I had to use my superpower of cleaning up my incredibly messy house, superheroes don't come with maids, unfortunately.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Bolt
What's The Story:
The canine star of a fictional sci-fi/action show that believes his powers are real embarks on a cross country trek to save his co-star from a threat he believes is just as real.
Memorable Quote:
Rhino: They need a hero Bolt, someone who, no matter what the odds, will do what's right. They need a hero to tell them that sometimes the impossible can become possible if you're awesome!
Lessons:
have faith in yourself
inspire others
follow your nature
loyalty
you don't have to have superpowers to be a superhero
Main Challenges:
dress up as a super hero and play like I have powers
act like a dog, stick my head out the window while in a car
Attitude:
Heroic, confidant, determined, innovative, Brave, relentless,
Challenges:
Play fetch
The canine star of a fictional sci-fi/action show that believes his powers are real embarks on a cross country trek to save his co-star from a threat he believes is just as real.
Memorable Quote:
Rhino: They need a hero Bolt, someone who, no matter what the odds, will do what's right. They need a hero to tell them that sometimes the impossible can become possible if you're awesome!
Lessons:
have faith in yourself
inspire others
follow your nature
loyalty
you don't have to have superpowers to be a superhero
Main Challenges:
dress up as a super hero and play like I have powers
act like a dog, stick my head out the window while in a car
Attitude:
Heroic, confidant, determined, innovative, Brave, relentless,
Challenges:
Play fetch
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Quiet as a Fish
As my Challenge this week I had to lose my voice. Its interesting, how much we rely on our words. Its not that we don't see the looks from across the room or the subtle body language but without words we are often stifled. I realized today that I do talk a lot. I use both my words, my body and of course my expressions to tell a tale.
I have been told on many different occasions that I am both dramatic and animated. I hope that its meant as a complement, I do get quite involved with my words and when I tell a story I tend to get my body totally involved. I make faces, move my body and my hands seem to think that I have mastered sign language. To me using my body to talk really didn't seem like too much of a problem. When I got to about the third person who said that they thought I would have trouble with this challenge I began to wonder.
Somehow I didn't find it all that funny when people were commenting about how difficult it would be for me to not talk. I wonder, do I talk excessively? I don't think so but, then again I am biased. I know that when I am in a conversation that I add to it, and sometimes I get so excited that I interrupt, I don't mean to its just I get so enthralled in a conversation that I forget my manners. I want to let the other people know, not only am I listening but I can relate.
I used the Disney magic of a whiteboard, you may think that it is cheating but I think you miss the fact that unlike Disney characters I need to explain my behaviour so I don't end up in a padded room. Not that I couldn't use the rest but I prefer to be restrained. I flapped my tail and did a sort of dolphin dance as I left each establishment, it was hard not to laugh out loud, I mean really laugh out loud not chuckle silently to myself and LOL.
My Favourite Princess
I will admit it, the Little Mermaid is my favourite movie. I have seen it so many times that I destroyed the VHS tape that I used to have of it. The first time I saw the movie I was 14, and listening to her say the words I bet you on land they understand, that they don't reprimand their daughters. Made me laugh, since I knew full well that daughters all over the world, and most likely the universe would be reprimanded I struck me funny.
Then there is my favourite Disney song. Les Poison, sung by chef Louis, René Auberjonois, who would later play my favourite shape shifting alien on Star Trek Deep Space Nine. Probably one of the most sick and twisted songs that Disney had ever featured.
Les poissons, les poissons
How I love les poissons
Love to chop and to serve little fish
First I cut off their heads
Then I pull out their bones
Ah mes oui, savez toujours delice
Les poissons, les poissons
Hee hee hee, haw haw haw
With a cleaver I hack them in two
I pull out what's inside
And I serve it up fried
Cause I love little fishes, don't you?
Here's something for tempting the palette
Prepared in the classic technique
First you pound the fish flat with a mallet
Then you slash off their skin
Give their belly a slice
Then you rub some salt in
'Cause it makes it taste nice
Zoot alors, I have missed one!
Sacre bleu, what is this?
How on earth could I miss
Such a sweet little succulent crab
Quel Domage, what a loss
Here we go, in the sauce
Now some flour I think just a dab
Now I stuff you with bread
Don't worry, 'cause you're dead!
And you're certainly lucky you are
'Cause it's gonna be hot in my big silver pot!
Tout-aloo mon poisson
Au revoir
I have been told on many different occasions that I am both dramatic and animated. I hope that its meant as a complement, I do get quite involved with my words and when I tell a story I tend to get my body totally involved. I make faces, move my body and my hands seem to think that I have mastered sign language. To me using my body to talk really didn't seem like too much of a problem. When I got to about the third person who said that they thought I would have trouble with this challenge I began to wonder.
Somehow I didn't find it all that funny when people were commenting about how difficult it would be for me to not talk. I wonder, do I talk excessively? I don't think so but, then again I am biased. I know that when I am in a conversation that I add to it, and sometimes I get so excited that I interrupt, I don't mean to its just I get so enthralled in a conversation that I forget my manners. I want to let the other people know, not only am I listening but I can relate.
I used the Disney magic of a whiteboard, you may think that it is cheating but I think you miss the fact that unlike Disney characters I need to explain my behaviour so I don't end up in a padded room. Not that I couldn't use the rest but I prefer to be restrained. I flapped my tail and did a sort of dolphin dance as I left each establishment, it was hard not to laugh out loud, I mean really laugh out loud not chuckle silently to myself and LOL.
My Favourite Princess
I will admit it, the Little Mermaid is my favourite movie. I have seen it so many times that I destroyed the VHS tape that I used to have of it. The first time I saw the movie I was 14, and listening to her say the words I bet you on land they understand, that they don't reprimand their daughters. Made me laugh, since I knew full well that daughters all over the world, and most likely the universe would be reprimanded I struck me funny.
Then there is my favourite Disney song. Les Poison, sung by chef Louis, René Auberjonois, who would later play my favourite shape shifting alien on Star Trek Deep Space Nine. Probably one of the most sick and twisted songs that Disney had ever featured.
Les poissons, les poissons
How I love les poissons
Love to chop and to serve little fish
First I cut off their heads
Then I pull out their bones
Ah mes oui, savez toujours delice
Les poissons, les poissons
Hee hee hee, haw haw haw
With a cleaver I hack them in two
I pull out what's inside
And I serve it up fried
Cause I love little fishes, don't you?
Here's something for tempting the palette
Prepared in the classic technique
First you pound the fish flat with a mallet
Then you slash off their skin
Give their belly a slice
Then you rub some salt in
'Cause it makes it taste nice
Zoot alors, I have missed one!
Sacre bleu, what is this?
How on earth could I miss
Such a sweet little succulent crab
Quel Domage, what a loss
Here we go, in the sauce
Now some flour I think just a dab
Now I stuff you with bread
Don't worry, 'cause you're dead!
And you're certainly lucky you are
'Cause it's gonna be hot in my big silver pot!
Tout-aloo mon poisson
Au revoir
Sunday, August 15, 2010
The Little Mermaid
What's The Story:
A mermaid princess falls in love with a human prince. She turns to the sea witch and in exchange for her voice is transformed into a human. The deal is that she must kiss the prince before the sun sets on the third day, or give up her soul to the sea witch.
Memorable Quote:
Ariel:(singing) Bet'cha on land they understand, that they don't reprimand their daughters.
Lessons:
curiosity can lead to danger
be mindful of your duties
if you make a deal with someone you don't trust you can be sure that they will try to sabotage you.
Singing for something makes it appear?
Being in love is obvious
songs help prove points
don't sign a contract without reading it
Dogs don't trust bad people
Main Challenges:
Body Language
Comb hair with fork
Attitude:
Friendly, curious, adventurous
Challenges:
Search for treasures or make up names and functions for common things
A mermaid princess falls in love with a human prince. She turns to the sea witch and in exchange for her voice is transformed into a human. The deal is that she must kiss the prince before the sun sets on the third day, or give up her soul to the sea witch.
Memorable Quote:
Ariel:(singing) Bet'cha on land they understand, that they don't reprimand their daughters.
Lessons:
curiosity can lead to danger
be mindful of your duties
if you make a deal with someone you don't trust you can be sure that they will try to sabotage you.
Singing for something makes it appear?
Being in love is obvious
songs help prove points
don't sign a contract without reading it
Dogs don't trust bad people
Main Challenges:
Body Language
Comb hair with fork
Attitude:
Friendly, curious, adventurous
Challenges:
Search for treasures or make up names and functions for common things
Superstitious
I've never really understood superstitions. There are some things that make sense like not walking under a ladder, but most superstitions seem to come from some sort of misinformation. When I endeavoured to be superstitious I wanted to try to understand the idea behind it. Being that I am quite a logical person
I dressed myself with my shirt on inside out, this superstition of it being good luck I can only assume is a kin to telling a bride that its good luck to have it rain on your wedding day, designed to not let someone feel bad for foolishly putting on their clothes wrong. Perhaps its also good luck to trip over painted lines on the ground, in that case I am quite a lucky girl.
I pulled out my face painting kit and painted the black around my eyes so that evil spirits wouldn't enter through there. Garlic around my neck, which I must admit was a mistake since it was a hot day and its kind of hard to tell the difference between garlic and BO. Needless to say I used a lot of deodorant. I filled a pouch with salt, just in case I needed to throw it over my shoulder and away I went.
One of the many superstitions was not to step on cracks, because I wouldn't want to break my mothers back.So get a visual here. I was walking down the street with my 10 year old son as I had my shirt inside out, my eyes painted like an Egyptian, wearing garlic and salt trying not to step on a crack. Its not enough that our side walks have a lot of cracks but did I mention that there is also interlocking bricks randomly placed on our downtown sidewalks?
I have size 10 feet and these 3 sided bricks are about 5 inches wide, you do the math. I did slip and stepon a few cracks, so naturally I spun around 7 times and spit on my fingers 3 times. So what did I learn? That being superstitious is exhausting and that St Thomas has way too many interlocking bricks.
I dressed myself with my shirt on inside out, this superstition of it being good luck I can only assume is a kin to telling a bride that its good luck to have it rain on your wedding day, designed to not let someone feel bad for foolishly putting on their clothes wrong. Perhaps its also good luck to trip over painted lines on the ground, in that case I am quite a lucky girl.
I pulled out my face painting kit and painted the black around my eyes so that evil spirits wouldn't enter through there. Garlic around my neck, which I must admit was a mistake since it was a hot day and its kind of hard to tell the difference between garlic and BO. Needless to say I used a lot of deodorant. I filled a pouch with salt, just in case I needed to throw it over my shoulder and away I went.
One of the many superstitions was not to step on cracks, because I wouldn't want to break my mothers back.So get a visual here. I was walking down the street with my 10 year old son as I had my shirt inside out, my eyes painted like an Egyptian, wearing garlic and salt trying not to step on a crack. Its not enough that our side walks have a lot of cracks but did I mention that there is also interlocking bricks randomly placed on our downtown sidewalks?
I have size 10 feet and these 3 sided bricks are about 5 inches wide, you do the math. I did slip and stepon a few cracks, so naturally I spun around 7 times and spit on my fingers 3 times. So what did I learn? That being superstitious is exhausting and that St Thomas has way too many interlocking bricks.
Obsessed
If you have been reading my blog or Facebook for the past twenty five weeks or ever met me, you may have picked up on the fact that I can be a little obsessive. Its not just the Disney project, its anything I put my mind to.
This week one of my challenges was to be obsessed with something. To be honest I could have chosen just about anything to be obsessed with cooking, balloon making, games but I decided to be practical, another one of my “annoying” habits, I decided to do juggling since I needed practice anyway.
I know its late in the week to be writing this, I wasn't lazy this week, its not laziness that ever really stops me from a task. The truth is I have been too obsessed with juggling to write about being obsessed. This is the problem with being obsessive its that it leaves little time for anything else, and if you're like me you will try to spread yourself so thin that you exhaust yourself in the process.
The good thing about being obsessed with something is that when you delve fully into something and become hyper focused on it, it tends to stick with you. Years ago I became obsessed with ancient board games, I researched them and recreated them to the point that I have at least one game from every continent. Like usual it all began with the words “I wonder...” two years, a large container and a book later and I have collected to my hearts content.
The bad thing is, no one wants to play my games, and they don't care that its a precursor to Connect Four or the real name for snakes and ladders originated in India and served as a moral lesson. I have often enthusiastically shared my obsessions with people only to get the blink, blink, that's wonderful Robin, looks. When obsessed sometimes you become blinded to other things around you.
I know how easy it is to become short sighted when I am obsessed with one thing. I also know that when you have an obsessive personality that it also comes with a touch of ADD where I may be in the middle of doing this things but look something shinny over there. So here I stand, juggling, arms sore, and yet my thoughts are a little lost in the fact that I need to learn to face paint, perhaps that will be my next obsession?
This week one of my challenges was to be obsessed with something. To be honest I could have chosen just about anything to be obsessed with cooking, balloon making, games but I decided to be practical, another one of my “annoying” habits, I decided to do juggling since I needed practice anyway.
I know its late in the week to be writing this, I wasn't lazy this week, its not laziness that ever really stops me from a task. The truth is I have been too obsessed with juggling to write about being obsessed. This is the problem with being obsessive its that it leaves little time for anything else, and if you're like me you will try to spread yourself so thin that you exhaust yourself in the process.
The good thing about being obsessed with something is that when you delve fully into something and become hyper focused on it, it tends to stick with you. Years ago I became obsessed with ancient board games, I researched them and recreated them to the point that I have at least one game from every continent. Like usual it all began with the words “I wonder...” two years, a large container and a book later and I have collected to my hearts content.
The bad thing is, no one wants to play my games, and they don't care that its a precursor to Connect Four or the real name for snakes and ladders originated in India and served as a moral lesson. I have often enthusiastically shared my obsessions with people only to get the blink, blink, that's wonderful Robin, looks. When obsessed sometimes you become blinded to other things around you.
I know how easy it is to become short sighted when I am obsessed with one thing. I also know that when you have an obsessive personality that it also comes with a touch of ADD where I may be in the middle of doing this things but look something shinny over there. So here I stand, juggling, arms sore, and yet my thoughts are a little lost in the fact that I need to learn to face paint, perhaps that will be my next obsession?
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Ichabod and Mr Toad
What's The Story:
Two Stories: The Story of Mr Toad who becomes obsessed with first a horse and carriage and then later a motor car which lands him into trouble.
The Story of Ichabod a school teacher from Sleepy Hollow who is greedy and superstitious. He falls for the rich farmers daughter and competes with a local boy for her hand but is scared off by the legend of the headless horseman.
Memorable Quote:
Narrator (Ichabod): Who's that walking down the street? Are those shovels, or are they feet?
Narrator (Mr Toad): News of Toad's disgrace rocked the nation. It seemed the courts were trying to make an example of him. Of course, his friends tried to help, but they were blocked at every turn. Why, they must have reopened the case a dozen times. They appealed to this court, that court, any court, but the decision stood: the case of J. Thaddeus Toad was closed.
Lessons:
Being too obsessed with something can lead to trouble.
When you misbehave all the time it is hard to prove your innocence when you are innocent.
Don't make your weaknesses obvious to everyone because they can be used against you.
Main Challenges:
Be obsessed by something (Juggling)
Live one day being totally superstitious (Friday the 13th)
Attitude:
Obsessive, greedy
Friends of Mr Toad: Understanding, helpful, logical
Challenges:
Friday the thirteenth is an unlucky day
An apple a day keeps the doctor away
Garlic protects from evil spirits and vampires
Clothes worn inside out will bring good luck
Step on a crack, break your mother's back (Avoid Cracks)
Ancient Egyptians believed that makeup prevented the evil one from entering your eyes.
Spit three times on your fingertips, then wave them in the air
You can break a bad luck spell by turning seven times in a clockwise circle
Avoid Black cats
Crossing your fingers helps to avoid bad luck and helps a wish come true
Two Stories: The Story of Mr Toad who becomes obsessed with first a horse and carriage and then later a motor car which lands him into trouble.
The Story of Ichabod a school teacher from Sleepy Hollow who is greedy and superstitious. He falls for the rich farmers daughter and competes with a local boy for her hand but is scared off by the legend of the headless horseman.
Memorable Quote:
Narrator (Ichabod): Who's that walking down the street? Are those shovels, or are they feet?
Narrator (Mr Toad): News of Toad's disgrace rocked the nation. It seemed the courts were trying to make an example of him. Of course, his friends tried to help, but they were blocked at every turn. Why, they must have reopened the case a dozen times. They appealed to this court, that court, any court, but the decision stood: the case of J. Thaddeus Toad was closed.
Lessons:
Being too obsessed with something can lead to trouble.
When you misbehave all the time it is hard to prove your innocence when you are innocent.
Don't make your weaknesses obvious to everyone because they can be used against you.
Main Challenges:
Be obsessed by something (Juggling)
Live one day being totally superstitious (Friday the 13th)
Attitude:
Obsessive, greedy
Friends of Mr Toad: Understanding, helpful, logical
Challenges:
Friday the thirteenth is an unlucky day
An apple a day keeps the doctor away
Garlic protects from evil spirits and vampires
Clothes worn inside out will bring good luck
Step on a crack, break your mother's back (Avoid Cracks)
Ancient Egyptians believed that makeup prevented the evil one from entering your eyes.
Spit three times on your fingertips, then wave them in the air
You can break a bad luck spell by turning seven times in a clockwise circle
Avoid Black cats
Crossing your fingers helps to avoid bad luck and helps a wish come true
I Aim to Please!
When I was young I went to camp, this was the first and last time I ever shot a real, sort of, bow and arrow. Yes I played around with the dinky dollar store beasts but they lack the grace and beauty and functionality of the real deal. As usual I had intentions of doing archery as my challenge. It was a good idea, however as I searched the internet for some place that had archery. I couldn't find anywhere, at least on the internet and if I wanted to invest, way too much money (to test if I liked it) I could buy expensive bows and arrows yet still have no place to shoot them.
Sometimes I just let things go, let the universe or Disney magic take over. I tell you Serendipity follows me where ever I go, the moment that I let go and stop worrying that's when things fall into my lap. I posted on facebook about how uncoordinated I am with a bow and arrow and lo and behold Wanda Taylor comes to my rescue and invited me out to her gun club at East Elgin Sportsmen's Association http://www.eesa.ca/ where every Friday in the summer they hold junior archery nights, costing $5 a family.
I joked around with Wanda about coming in wearing my costume, when she thought that was a great idea, I decided that it might be fun to show up and get a few pictures of me in costume shooting arrows. I am used to showing up at places in costume and answering a ton of questions. I can only assume that the people at the Sportsmen's Association have seen it all, because when I showed up in costume no one said a word. They referred to me as Robin Hood and nothing was said about the matter. Besides that my hair was too long to be Robin Hood's and that the real Robin Hood wouldn't need lessons, but I assure you I did.
I was given what I was told was a 30lb bow, which I assume means that it had the tension of thirty pounds not that it was that heavy. I picked it up, held the grip, placed my arrow on the string, odd feather facing me, popped the arrow in place, I extended my left arm and drew back the bow with my right hand, now I understood the weight of thirty pound. Get the pinky finger out of the way, hold my right hand until it is almost touching my cheek, aim as best as I could and let go. Off goes my arrow way above my target and sails to the back of the shooting range room. Oops. I learn quickly to lower my bow.
I am impressed by how powerful such a simple contraption can be, no lights, no whistles, no bells, just the sound of air being cut through by a thin projectile. I take my second shot and it imbeds in the board, no where near the paper target but deep within the foam board. My third arrow hits the paper on the target next to the one I intended but it does show a little bit of improvement. The man in charge calls out all clear, and instructs us to get our arrows. I retrieve my first one way at the back of the room and then walk to the target and have to use force to pull it out of its deep cavity. Wow, what a powerful bit of primitive machinery. I am hooked.
There were many rules to keep safe. I only broke one for which I had to do 10 jumping jacks as conditioning. I touched the arrows before I was supposed to. Oops. I was a little too preoccupied with what I had to do to listen to the rules. I never touched them again, the kids found it funny that I had to get punished for not listening, but even adults have to obey the rules especially when using a potentially dangerous weapon.
I hit the target a few times, and my aim and form improved, I may not have known what I was doing but I looked good doing it. The gentleman decided to let me try a wooden bow, and all I have to say is that I actually had better aim with it. So in the end I have to say, I think I found a new hobby. Look out world she's got a weapon!
Sometimes I just let things go, let the universe or Disney magic take over. I tell you Serendipity follows me where ever I go, the moment that I let go and stop worrying that's when things fall into my lap. I posted on facebook about how uncoordinated I am with a bow and arrow and lo and behold Wanda Taylor comes to my rescue and invited me out to her gun club at East Elgin Sportsmen's Association http://www.eesa.ca/ where every Friday in the summer they hold junior archery nights, costing $5 a family.
I joked around with Wanda about coming in wearing my costume, when she thought that was a great idea, I decided that it might be fun to show up and get a few pictures of me in costume shooting arrows. I am used to showing up at places in costume and answering a ton of questions. I can only assume that the people at the Sportsmen's Association have seen it all, because when I showed up in costume no one said a word. They referred to me as Robin Hood and nothing was said about the matter. Besides that my hair was too long to be Robin Hood's and that the real Robin Hood wouldn't need lessons, but I assure you I did.
I was given what I was told was a 30lb bow, which I assume means that it had the tension of thirty pounds not that it was that heavy. I picked it up, held the grip, placed my arrow on the string, odd feather facing me, popped the arrow in place, I extended my left arm and drew back the bow with my right hand, now I understood the weight of thirty pound. Get the pinky finger out of the way, hold my right hand until it is almost touching my cheek, aim as best as I could and let go. Off goes my arrow way above my target and sails to the back of the shooting range room. Oops. I learn quickly to lower my bow.
I am impressed by how powerful such a simple contraption can be, no lights, no whistles, no bells, just the sound of air being cut through by a thin projectile. I take my second shot and it imbeds in the board, no where near the paper target but deep within the foam board. My third arrow hits the paper on the target next to the one I intended but it does show a little bit of improvement. The man in charge calls out all clear, and instructs us to get our arrows. I retrieve my first one way at the back of the room and then walk to the target and have to use force to pull it out of its deep cavity. Wow, what a powerful bit of primitive machinery. I am hooked.
There were many rules to keep safe. I only broke one for which I had to do 10 jumping jacks as conditioning. I touched the arrows before I was supposed to. Oops. I was a little too preoccupied with what I had to do to listen to the rules. I never touched them again, the kids found it funny that I had to get punished for not listening, but even adults have to obey the rules especially when using a potentially dangerous weapon.
I hit the target a few times, and my aim and form improved, I may not have known what I was doing but I looked good doing it. The gentleman decided to let me try a wooden bow, and all I have to say is that I actually had better aim with it. So in the end I have to say, I think I found a new hobby. Look out world she's got a weapon!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Giving Hope
Some weeks are easier than others to write about. Its not that nothing interesting happened this week, plenty did its just that life sometimes has a way of getting in and taking up all the writing time. This week, dressed as Robin hood I walked down town and collected money for the United Way. People were more than generous as they dug deep to fish out change to help the more unfortunate people around.
I decided that I should stop by the food bank and drop off a few things as I have throughout my life had to rely on places like the food bank. What happens, I find, is that come thanksgiving and Christmas people remember to give to the poor but other times of the year, they forget.
Its easy to give money when you have it, but what do we give when we are low on funds? This was the question I asked over a year ago. We give what we have in abundance. You may have already guessed what I have in abundance, cheer, smiles, silliness, unbound joy. These are all things that are not only easy to give but make people forget what they don't have.
It was a great feeling hearing people drop money in the can. Its not the sound of money that is so delightful but the sound of hope, right now our town is in a state of need, for lack of a better term, and to hear people with very little money themselves digging around for change is a sign of hopefulness. A sign of hope should always be the most cherished of signs, it means a tomorrow and it means this too shall pass.
I decided that I should stop by the food bank and drop off a few things as I have throughout my life had to rely on places like the food bank. What happens, I find, is that come thanksgiving and Christmas people remember to give to the poor but other times of the year, they forget.
Its easy to give money when you have it, but what do we give when we are low on funds? This was the question I asked over a year ago. We give what we have in abundance. You may have already guessed what I have in abundance, cheer, smiles, silliness, unbound joy. These are all things that are not only easy to give but make people forget what they don't have.
It was a great feeling hearing people drop money in the can. Its not the sound of money that is so delightful but the sound of hope, right now our town is in a state of need, for lack of a better term, and to hear people with very little money themselves digging around for change is a sign of hopefulness. A sign of hope should always be the most cherished of signs, it means a tomorrow and it means this too shall pass.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Robin Hood
What's The Story:
The wicked prince John's taxes that have made the poor even more poor. So Robin Hood. a thief who robs from the rich and gives to the poor tries to make life easier for the people of Nottingham.
Memorable Quote:
Sis: Oh, he's so handsome... just like his reward posters.
Lessons:
try to keep peoples hopes alive
don't tattle tale
its alright to play make believe even if you're an adult
Main Challenges:
Try my hand at archery
Give to charity (collect money for Charity)
Attitude:
Hopeful, adventurous, playful. Skilled,
Challenges:
Make believe
The wicked prince John's taxes that have made the poor even more poor. So Robin Hood. a thief who robs from the rich and gives to the poor tries to make life easier for the people of Nottingham.
Memorable Quote:
Sis: Oh, he's so handsome... just like his reward posters.
Lessons:
try to keep peoples hopes alive
don't tattle tale
its alright to play make believe even if you're an adult
Main Challenges:
Try my hand at archery
Give to charity (collect money for Charity)
Attitude:
Hopeful, adventurous, playful. Skilled,
Challenges:
Make believe
A Playful Pig
Part of the joy of living Disney is that I get to discover different aspects of myself while exploring different characters. This week I was a psychic pig, as silly as that sounds its a lot of fun being in character, showing off my little pig tail and being playful. (FYI chose dice as my method of divination. Even numbers mean yes and odd numbers mean no.)
I was certain that going into this endeavour would change me, help to evolve, but I didn't realize how much of the “magic” of Disney would stick to me. Its not just the dressing up, though, I have to admit it is my favourite part, its the fact that I see the world through new eyes. I see the happiness hidden beneath people's eyes, even when I am not in costume I grin like a fool. I feel the happiness bubbling from within me and I can't help but spread it.
As I get close to the middle of this project I wonder, is this feeling going to stay with me? Is this joy I feel real? I was happy before this project, but now I feel; alive. When I think of that pig, I think of how seemingly happy pigs are, no matter what. Why can't we be more like pigs.
What might be surprising little tidbit of information about me is that I used to be miserable, angry and certain that the world was out to get me. I was a fool, but we are all fools in our own right because we all at some point in our lives feel exactly how I did. Helpless. The truth is we are seldom left helpless, its our outlook on life that can change everything. When my heart was filled with anger and fear I attracted those things to me like a magnet. Now my heart is filled with love and joy, imagine what comes my way.
Having a heart filled with joy protects it from all sorts of things. It is the true magic that we speak so little of. We are told by society that others will bring us happiness, that things will complete us but the truth is, other people and things should only add to our happiness not be the cause of it. The costumes I wear enhance my joy, as do the many Disney movies, but they are not the cause of my joy, my outlook on life is and life is my beautiful adventure.
I was certain that going into this endeavour would change me, help to evolve, but I didn't realize how much of the “magic” of Disney would stick to me. Its not just the dressing up, though, I have to admit it is my favourite part, its the fact that I see the world through new eyes. I see the happiness hidden beneath people's eyes, even when I am not in costume I grin like a fool. I feel the happiness bubbling from within me and I can't help but spread it.
As I get close to the middle of this project I wonder, is this feeling going to stay with me? Is this joy I feel real? I was happy before this project, but now I feel; alive. When I think of that pig, I think of how seemingly happy pigs are, no matter what. Why can't we be more like pigs.
What might be surprising little tidbit of information about me is that I used to be miserable, angry and certain that the world was out to get me. I was a fool, but we are all fools in our own right because we all at some point in our lives feel exactly how I did. Helpless. The truth is we are seldom left helpless, its our outlook on life that can change everything. When my heart was filled with anger and fear I attracted those things to me like a magnet. Now my heart is filled with love and joy, imagine what comes my way.
Having a heart filled with joy protects it from all sorts of things. It is the true magic that we speak so little of. We are told by society that others will bring us happiness, that things will complete us but the truth is, other people and things should only add to our happiness not be the cause of it. The costumes I wear enhance my joy, as do the many Disney movies, but they are not the cause of my joy, my outlook on life is and life is my beautiful adventure.
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