A New Chapter

Well, I have come to another chapter in my life. We all get around to it at some point in our lives, some earlier than others. Recently my younger brother moved out of the family home. He was the last to leave the nest and the one I’m sure my parents will miss the most. I find that I, like others who have gone through this am happy for my brother but sad for my parents. I mean, my parents are older and yes they have each other but my younger brother was company for them. Now my parents have decided to sell the family homestead which is also sad as I was one year old when we moved there. I will be there for my parents during this transition as I guess all of you have. As I look forward to the next year with my parents I also see the end of an era, the beginning of a new one and the memories that will linger on for a lifetime.

My Friend Andrew

Here I am once again writing after a long absence. It’s a Friday night and I am sitting here realizing how lucky I am to have my health and my family and my job. What has brought this new found appreciation you ask? Over the past week I learned one of my friends was assaulted and left for dead on a downtown city street. He survived the attack and is now on a long road to what we hope will be a full recovery. During this time I had gone to see him in the hospital and was not prepared for what I saw. To see a friend and co-worker in a state where his memory has been affected due to severe brain trauma as well as the person you knew before has disappeared before your eyes is quite an emotional rollercoaster I hope all of you never have to go through in your lifetime. I fear for my friend. I fear he will never be able to live independently again and to what degree will his standard of living be. The brain is a complicated and amazing organ capable of regenerating itself over time. I sincerely hope with all of my being that my friend will triumph over this hurdle and come back to us as the person we remember him as. If not, then we will care for him and nourish his soul to give him the best possible life there can be. Andrew you are in my thoughts and prayers.

The Return of Mikey

Yes I am back. I took a Hiatis from The blogging. My life has been a rollercoaster as of late. I find these days I am in a rut. I need a change in my life, some kind of new self awareness. Do some of you feel invisible in this life?. We walk around this crazy world and sometimes we dont feel as if we matter. I feel very isloated at times and wonder what this life thing is all about. I am sure some of you feel the same way. I find everyday is the same deja vu. Does it ever change? So much to say but not tonight, not tonight.

Movie Review "Creation"

Last Sunday was the movie for the week at the theatre. Viewer’s choice? “Creation” The story of Charles Darwin. First of all it is a miracle this movie was even shown at all in Canada after being banned in the UK and not widely released in the US due to the religious fanatics. The movie focuses on Darwin’s marriage and children rather than his theory of evolution. Throughout the movie you do see some scenes regarding his research and thoughts on how we have come to exist as well as the penning of his first book “The Origin of Species”. The acting is not bad, clearly the true star is Paul Bethanny, however he is often over shadowed by his real life wife as well as on screen wife Jennifer Connely. The movie is thought provoking as well as very moving at times especially when we see Darwin’s daughter become ill and die of an infection. In the end we do see the completion of the book but the movie does not go any further than that. If you are looking for an in depth chronicle of Darwin’s life, this movie is not for you. To sum it up I give this movie 4 stars and an A for effort.

Restaurant Review

As Today was my Birthday, my Roommate (Best Friend, and fellow Frenchman) took me to a Restaurant by the name of "Bumpkins". In one word "WOW" what a place! Bumpkins is a Classical French Restaurant set in a beautiful old building in Downtown Toronto. The interior is describable as a Russian tea room complete with 2 very large chandeliers overlooking the dining area. The color of the dining area is beige with gold accents and murals covering the walls. The Staff are very courteous, provide individualized service and make you feel as if you have been there a thousand times. The food is fantastic! The menu is large and offers a variety of fare. There are even options for vegetarians. The wine list is adequate and suggestions are made for menu items. If you are diet conscious, look elsewhere as the food is rich with flavour as well as plenty of calories. This is French cuisine people at its finest. The flavours of the food seemed to play in my mouth like a symphony as I would close my eyes and savour every bite. The desserts are very decadent and the portion sizes very decent. In closing, make reservations and bring your appetite "Bumpkins" will satisfy you in every way.

Birthday Thoughts

Well it's another work week ending and another work weekend starting. Yes that's right I am going to work Sunday as well this weekend. My boss is on vacation in San Fransisco. Thus i will be spending my weekend selling Cards and Gift items to the masses. This is another momentus occasion for me as it is my Birthday Tommorow (Jan 16th). I get sentamental about Birthdays. I feel its a time to reflect about the people in your life, where you have been and where you are going. A few more lines and hopefully a little more wisdom. I hope tommorow my Best Friend takes me on a nice dinner and i gorge myself to my hearts content.

Recipe's

I was thinking im going to start trying new recipies and I hope you will try them as well. I hope this experiment goes well, but im not perfect so please forgive me if you loose a finger or your stomach in the process.

First Recipie

Key Lime Pie

You will Need the following ingrediants:

1 1lb (454 g) bag of Key Limes
4 egg yolks
1 can (14 oz) Eagle Brand ( or other) sweetened condensed milk
1-9inch graham cracker pie crust

Preperation

First you have to squeez enough of those pesky little limes to produce
4oz (118ml) of juice (seeds absent)

Then in a medium size mixing bowl. Please combine the following and blend at low speed

the can of sweetened condensed milk
add 4 egg yolks slowly

add Key lime juice

after all ingrediants are blended realy well
pour filling into the pie shell

Put the pie in the oven at 350 for about 20mins

Take the pie out and put it in the fridge until chilled

adding whip cream puts an added touch for serving, drizzling rasberry puree in the plate before serving is especially wonderfull.

I hope you enjoy this recipie it's one of my faves

Bonne Appetit

Movies - The Young Victoria

This week I went to see a movie. The movie of choice you ask? The Young Victoria. The Young Victoria is basicly the story of Queen Victoria when she is a princess, becomes a Queen, Wed's Albert then continues to reign even after his death at 81.
In short. The movie I thought was too long. Too much talking very little action. alot like bad sex I suppose. Charector development was weak and Victoria does not seem passionate about much at all except for Albert, who sees himself as one who is not respected as the Queens husband. The scenery is typical english country side and the costumes dowdy and lack luster. The acting is very good actually and for a moment you feel as if you are in the movie yourself.My rating for this film is 3 1/2 stars out of 5. Invite someone over and make it a rental night.

First Official Blog

First of all I would like to say this is my first official blog. I have never done this before and I'm going to speak my mind with a little discretion thrown in. I have many things I would like to say and get off my chest. Let me start off by telling you about moi. I am a late twenties gay male who lives with his best friend in the Midtown area of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I work both Full Time and Part Time and thus have only one day off. I classify my personality as Kind Hearted, Hard working, Social and yes maybe a little vein. Also i find I'm the type person who needs space alone and quiet time to re-charge. I love my friends and Family and hope to someday have a dog, a westie actually. Please join me on my journey of self expression and adventure and in the process trying to re-awaken my tired soul and bring me back to life.