Monday 24 August 2015

Another One Bites the Dust: Degrees that is!

...And just like that, it all came to one grand anti-climatic end. Dissertation submitted. Masters degree complete.

THE final copy!
Confirmation of my title.
Let the hyperventilating begin...
(Photo credit: Lisa Ma)
(Photo credit: Lisa Ma)
Getting ready to upload... 

(Photo credit: Lisa Ma)
Makin' sure it looks purdy prior to submission...
(Photo credit: Lisa Ma)
Finito Muchachos!!
(Photo credit: Lisa Ma)
And now the wait for marks begins... 

-the Orange Canadian

Sunday 23 August 2015

And so it begins...

It's hard to believe in just over a week I will have completed my Masters. This year has flown by, and as a result, the time has come to start parting ways with the people I have shared this part of my life with.

On Friday night we had out last "Flatmate Family Dinner." It took some coordinating, but we managed to do it. Somehow, half of my flatmates had never been to Curry Mile, so that obviously needed to be corrected. We decided to go to one of my favourites - Mughli, which specializes in Indian street food. Sure they may have had false accusations of cockroaches found in their food in the past, but let's face it, we're probably eating much worse in the majority of the food we eat from the everyday grocery store. Plus, cockroaches are a pretty good source of protein.

Family photo! Sadly this was the best of them...
Anyway, we had one massive feed! I ate so much, in fact, that running the next morning was pretty tough, and I had to push off my breakfast date until the early afternoon. But let me tell you - it was worth it! Mughli is definitely going to be one of the things I will miss about Manchester.

Yesterday, I had a 'girls day' with my friend, MaCris. We went for late breakfast at 'the Moose' (basically lunch - which I just finished telling you...) and then did some shopping. It was supposed to be a rainy day, so this was going to be our 'don't feel guilt about taking a break from your dissertation' activity. Well, it didn't rain until much later in the day, but she was pretty humid all day. And, one thing I'll never understand about this place, is the lack of A/C in massive public areas. I felt sorry for the many retail employees we encountered throughout the day, as it would have made for one hot, sluggish day!

(Photo and collage credit: MaCris Gutierrez Cottle)
I'm currently sitting in the Learning Commons, where I've basically been living for the past few weeks. I'm putting the final touches of my dissertation together and should be able to submit any day now. A friend of mine and I were chatting last night about how silly it is that we're putting such a great emphasis on this project, when in a couple of weeks time it will be some past activity that doesn't really equate to much. I have to say, I'm pretty excited to soon click the 'submit' button and be done with it. For my next degree I focus on puppies, rainbows, or something far more uplifting than why people are awful...

Onward and upward though - plenty of things still left to see and many more memories to be made with friends before I finally get to pack up and head on home!

-the Orange Canadian

Wednesday 19 August 2015

One Hula've a Time: A lesson in hula hoopery

In an effort to maintain my 'do one thing a day that scares you' I embraced a whole new world of fitness: hula hooping. I know, it sounds crazy - that stuff's for little kids. But I'm hear to tell you this is no longer the case. Hula hooping is the ultimate workout.

Several months ago, my friend, Ros organized a wellbeing event for her program, and it was a success. When the university recognized the impact of that single event, she was asked (and perhaps with some push from herself) to take it one step further. This resulted in one awesome day long event! There were several sessions including talks, meditation, workouts, and of course a free lunch. I initially was only going to participate in the Zumba class (and the free lunch, of course), or what I'll now refer to as the second best ultimate workout, but a few friends had an interest in trying out the hula hoop session. Who was I to disagree?!

I have to be honest, I figured it would be nothing more than just me looking like an idiot with a hula hoop around my ankles - and it turned out that was the case for a lot of it - but it turns out it's a whole lot more than that. AND surprisingly, I've got a few skills I didn't even know I had. I mean, I'm not going to quit my job (ha! as if I had one...) and become a professional hula hooper (yet...!), but some of the tricks came to me a little easier than I'd thought possible! Seriously it was so much fun! And now all I want to do is talk about how awesome it was. It's kind of like when you have a crush on someone, and all you want to do is tell your friends about that person and you end up just casually bringing them up in conversation. I think I need help...

Anyway, have a look at some of the neat tricks we learned throughout the hour!


So with that sweet bit of hula hooping madness, I will leave you with that image permanently etched into your brains. You're welcome. You can also forward any therapy bills to me for sessions required after viewing that video*. But that said, Way to go, Ros! That was one fantastic afternoon!

Yours in hula hooping enthusiasm,
-the Orange Canadian

*I will not actually pay your therapy bills. That was merely a statement of self-deprecating humour. Do not forward your bills to me - I will not be able to pay them. 

Bathroom Etiquette for Dummies: Ladies Edition

Ladies - we need to talk. There's a growing epidemic of women who don't quite understand the beauty of an efficient and clean bathroom experience. Now, I'm not talking about your own personal washroom - what you do in the privacy of your home is your business. No, I'm talking about public, shared washrooms.

Perhaps I am quite naïve to think that we might all be in those enclosed defecation receptacles for the sole purpose of, well, havin' a tinkle. However, as I'm now coming to realize, this is not necessarily the case.

Over the last few weeks I have "conducted" a social experiment, in that while I stood impatiently waiting for my turn for the toilie (pronounced toy-lee), I silently stewed while plotting out how I can change this behaviour. You see, there is no reason why anyone needs more than a minute, maybe two in there. It's quite simple (unless you're not just peeing - which we'll get into momentarily!), you sit, grab paper in preparation, wipe, flush, exit. Easy peesy*! Of course there are always exceptions, but for the most part this should be a relatively simple task. Oh, and dare I say it - wash your hands. And swiping them under the water for 0.5 seconds does not count either. But, perhaps that will be a rant for another day!

No forget it, let's do this now. Here's how to wash your hands:

(Source: www.lung.ca)
And here's a little ditty for you to sing while you do it! Sure, they tell you to sing one round of Happy Birthday, but people tend to look at you funny when you do...


Unfortunately there does not appear to be a similar thing for public washroom etiquette. I mean, there are, but they only talk about flushing, not peeing on the seat, and other common-sense things that should equally be taken seriously. However, none of them (and I spent solid 5 minutes researching the available materials!) talk about time and efficiency. So, I've decided to make it my mission to create one. I don't know how or when, but I'm adding this to my list of things to accomplish before I'm 40. In the mean time, here are some useful tips:

  1. If you're in there alone, do what you please - BUT the moment you hear others enter, hurry up with your pees!
  2. Just because the doors are all closed doesn't always mean all the stall are occupied - so take a second and check before you create a lineup. Also, just because the water is still running from when the last person flushed, doesn't mean you can't go**! 
  3. If you're going number two, don't wait for everyone to filter out before you emerge from the stall - we're more concerned about not having an 'oopsie' than we are of how smelly your poop may be, or to even remember you as the 'pooper' should we run into you later on in the day. (See below)  
  4. You look fine - no need to clog up what little space there is in front of the mirror/sink making sure every single strand of hair is in place. Wash yer hands and move along! 
  5. I'm sure I will have more, but this is a good start.

In addition to the issue of mindfulness for fellow bathroom users, I have to ask - how on earth do you manage to get SO much water*** on the floor? I mean, how is this even possible?! Please. Someone. Tell me! I don't even want to get into the whole issue of how other bodily excretions make it onto places that are humanly impossible, unless you're doing a handstand on the toilet seat - and even then I'm not 100% sure it's possible! Seriously - what are you ladies doing in there?!

And ladies, might we have a word about (dare I say it) poop? Look we all do it. And, it's also pretty obvious if you're sitting in that stall for an obnoxiously long period of time. There's no need to practice your response to a potential run-in with a tyrannosaurus rex, I mean, you're not kidding anyone. There was clearly movement in there when someone walks into the washroom, so holding your breath and trying to to move isn't going to somehow trick your follow bathroom goers that you're not there! Why are we so ashamed of something that we all know we do? Sure it can be stinky, or be accompanied by unflattering sounds, but let's be honest here, no half-decent human is going to judge you for doing something they were most likely going in to do themselves. The fact that you are trying to hide what you're doing in there only holds up the line for the rest of us!

End rant.

But, here's one more for the road!



-the Orange Canadian

* Get it?! That was wee pun! Get that one, because it was a little pun about pee... Tough crowd.
**Have not actually tested this theory, but I'm willing to assume it is the truth.
*** I really hope it's water!

Friday 14 August 2015

Oh Mista Sheffield!

Anyone remember this fabulous television gem from the '90s?


So you'll no doubt understand why this was the first thing that came to mind when my friend suggested a day trip to Sheffield: (Skip forward to 2:56, or just reread the title of this post...)

(Sorry...couldn't find an actual clip from the show...)

This actually has nothing to with adventure number two of my pre-dissertation editing extravaganza, but, it's a great example of how my mind works.

Yes, folks, I made my way to Sheffield. I caught a mid-morning train, and sipped a good cup of joe while taking in the views along the way. I will say, as my time in the UK nears its end, I will miss the ability to just wake up, jump on a train, and see some of the most magnificent views of living simply.

Anyway, I arrived in Sheffield, and once again, the distance discrepancy kicked in. I arrived thinking I would need plenty of time to explore the town, but really only a few hours were needed. I didn't have any pre-determined points of interest upon arrival, but I knew there was an indoor garden and cathedral to check out. So, I just wandered around.

I immediately was taken by the old-timey buildings spread out amongst a series of far more modern structures. I noticed a church in the distance, which I thought might have been the cathedral and began walking towards it. It was not. It was actually the Cathedral Church of St. Marie. I walked in and sat down, as I usually do, and observed the interior. And before I knew it, I was in a prayer service. It was actually quite nice. And short too! After the service was over, I left the church in search of the cathedral.


That's the Cathedral Church of St. Marie poking out on the right hand side there.
It's almost entirely surrounded by shops, so it was hard to get a picture of it.
Classiest Sainsbury's ever!

When I eventually came upon the Cathedral there was only one phrase that came to find: Well...kinda hard to miss that, isn't it?! In other words, it was huge! And, since it was such a nice afternoon, there were plenty of people picnicking with family and friends, reading, and just taking a moment to soak up the sun. I walked all around it, and then entered. It was stunning. Probably one of the nicest churches I've come across along my travels. It's ancient and yet modern... I'm not really sure how else to describe it.

Sheffield Cathedral.
The Nativity inside the church.
While I tend not to take pictures in churches, this one I felt compelled to take. Why?
I couldn't figure out where Jesus was. And, it turns out that very TMNT Secret of the Ooze
cylinder that Joseph is holding there is him... Zero points for observation on my part! Oops...
One of the ladies working in the Cathedral told me to check out the Winter Gardens (the garden I had mentioned at the beginning-ish of this post). So, I made my way there, but noted the that the town hall and Peace Gardens were on the way. I didn't get a shot of the Peace Gardens, unfortunately, but mainly because there was some kind of a fair going on and there were 8 million* children running around screaming. Apparently Sheffield and I do not agree on the definition of "peace."

Town Hall
I'm not sure what I was expecting the Winter Garden to be, but what it was, was definitely not it! It's pretty much just a row of trees and assorted plants in the middle of a building. I'm not saying that this isn't worth taking a look at, because it makes for a nice escape from the sun, while still feeling outdoors. However, I suppose I was hoping to spend longer than 2 minutes wandering around a garden.

They don't have any dinosaurs, but they do have one pretty gigantic snake...
My final stop was for lunch and coffee. Upon the recommendations another friend, I paid Tamper Coffee a visit. Here I enjoyed one terrific cup of coffee and some pretty delicious food. I would definitely recommend a stop to anyone visiting Sheffield.

The sign outside of Tamper. It goes well with the super rustic charm of the interior!
After lunch, I made my way back to the station. A good day's break from life in Manchester and dissert-ing. Just as I did on the way there, I grabbed a seat and daydreamed as I gazed out the window of the train, taking in the landscapes.

Sheffield's got some pretty big balls.
A church in the distance on a hill overlooking the station.
Sheffield Station, and a super sweet water wall
-the Orange Canadian

*Slight exaggeration. Maybe 10s of children were running around screaming.

The Tour of Parks

Well, the first draft of my dissertation was completed on Monday, and sent out to the brave men and women* willing to give it a read over before I settle in to do the final edits. That said, I needed to take a few days to distance myself from the draft, so that when I do sit down to write the final product, I'm coming back to it with fresh eyes. I decided to do a few smaller adventures. On Tuesday, I thought I'd stick close to home and explore a bit of Manchester that I hadn't really experienced - plus, it was really nice outside, and I just wanted to be in the out of doors to soak up the rare sunshine. So, I slathered on the sunscreen, and made my way passed the Curry Mile. First point of adventure: Platt Fields Park.

Now, I'd been to this park once before, but it was dark, and a fake body was blazing on one massive fire. Now, before I really get into this, I must state that I have yet to fully acclimatize to the spacial discrepancy (is that even the correct term?) of UK maps versus those I'm used to from Canada. What I mean by this, is back home, I generally look at a map, and need a nap, because everything is massive there, and it takes time to get from Point A to Point B. When I look at a map of something within Manchester, I tend to have the same reaction. So, when I showed up at Platt Fields Park, and looked at the map, I thought to myself Great! I can spend a few hours here wandering around in this massive park! Maybe half an hour later, I'd walked the perimeter of the park and seems a few of the nifty little features of it.

Park map.
One of the entrances to the park
Platt Fields Park is home to the Costume Museum.
Holy Trinity Plant Church - currently undergoing some restoration work.
The 'boating lake'... Now contaminated with unhealthy amounts of algae.
A Canada Goose... yeah, I know...
Lots of Canada Geese!
One of the coolest spots in this park can be found in the less-than-stellar labyrinth. I say this, because I had no idea I was in it, until I read the sign telling me I was in the middle of it! Anyway, in part of it, there is a series of mosaic pieces, known as the Peace Mosaics. This was a project between a local artist and some elementary school children. While I may not be such a fan of children, I do love how they think! Below are some of the images they created within the project, and they're pretty powerful! So much hope for the future when I see things like this!

The Peace Mosaics in Platt Fields Park
See that pathway behind the creepy-isn tree there?
Yeah...that's the labyrinth pathway!
On the 'outskirts' of the labyrinth

The skateboard/BMX park.

Your 'Where's Waldo' task for the day - can you spot the green parrot?
And yes, you read that correctly...
Shakespeare Gardens
The park was actually quite nice. However, on a Tuesday morning, it's filled with potty-mouthed middle aged men, so...it may not have been the greatest place to plunk myself down and take in some rays while watching the Canada Geese explore the contaminated 'lake.' I decided to move on.

Next, I crossed the road, and began the trek to Birchfields Park. Okay, so trek is a bit of a stretch, but it was a nice road in between Platt Fields and Birchfields Park to stroll along. There wasn't much traffic, so i just took my time and wandered. I eventually came upon an entrance to the park, that was slightly sketchy. To be fair, it had started to cloud over, and there was a highly intoxicated couple having a very public argument about what, I cannot tell you. So, I entered an moved in the opposite direction.

The park itself was quite lovely. They have a few running trails, which I might talk my running buddies into using in the coming and final weeks of our time in Manchester. For some reason, this one felt much bigger than Platt Fields, even though it was definitely smaller. Here I found a squirrel, and yes, got overly distracted watching him run around!

One of the entrances to the park.
Slightly reminds me of one of my faves back home - Shubie Park!
Inside the park.
Squirrel!

I soon left Birchfield park and began the walk back to my flat. I took a different way back, and got to see another part of Manchester. It's really interesting to see how the architecture of the houses changes, often quite quickly from street to street. However, highlight of this adventure, was not found in either park, but along the roadside near my flat - poppies (I think...)!

Not part of the park, but found along the walk home.

-the Orange Canadian

*Not making light of military service peeps.

Sunday 9 August 2015

Moose-ing Around: The Nova Scotian

Well, it's not a tops off day today, but I hadn't quite had enough 'cultural research,' so my pal, Sarah and I decided to head to Moose Coffee for Sunday brunch. You may remember me mentioning this spot, as I had attempted to have a bite there on Canada Day.


We planned to meet around 11, and were surprised to be greeted with a full house. We had about a half an hour wait, but were able to enjoy a cup of coffee outdoors as we waited.

When we were seated, we were handed the menu and we had a glance. I have to say, it was one elk of a menu, I didn't know how to antler. They even had amooseing names for some of their offerings. Sarah ordered a mix of sides, and I, being a Nova Scotian, obviously had to see how the Nova Scotia sammy was.


The Nova Scotian, with a poached egg and coffee!
They don't buck around.
The food was really good. Everything seemed fresh, and the portions could have been about calf of what they were. And that's no bull!

But seriously, Moose Coffee specializes in Canadian and American dishes. It's the only place I have found real pancakes here. And from the plates of fellow dinners, they look pretty darn good. If you haven't checked them out yet, or if you're planning to visit Manchester (or Liverpool, where they have two other locations!), you don't want to moose out!

---

Afterwards, we took to the streets of Manchester, for a little extension of our cultural research. Basically this was our way of putting off working on our dissertations. Learning I hadn't been to the Central Library, we made our way in that direction, only to discover it was not opened on Sundays. Not to worry, though, we broke in* continued on, and eventually found ourselves along a different part of the canal.

Town Hall  
The Central Library
Closed on Sundays.
Library Walk
This is where the cast of Friends hangout. 
Along the canal

-the Orange Canadian

*Man I hope the library is not broken into today!