Today started with me breaking my hairdryer. I'm sure it still works perfectly except for the switch to turn it on, which broke off in my hand in the off position. What the universe doesn't understand is that having to figure out a time to buy a new hairdryer is just one too many things to have to do. It might just prove to be the thing that pushes me over the edge. It might just be what does me in. Also Universe, I don't get paid until Friday so I can't afford a new hairdryer until then, not having had a pay cheque since May, even if I could figure out when to get one.

Also Argos fans are way louder than Blue Jays fans. Though I can see the side of the Skydome from this condo, I've never heard a peep during a baseball game, but for the last half hour all I've heard is ARRRRGOOOOOOOS. Football is stupid.

7/11

Free Slurpee Day!!! (Dr. Pepper slurpee check)

In other news...

The octopus was right. And since Toronto is seemingly without a Little Spain, every street is free game for the honking. I actually think it is nice that we get so polarized about soccer here - a representation of how multicultural this city is - though allegiances seem to shift pretty fluidly. I can even hear the vuvuzelas above the "relaxing" (read deafening) tones of the fake lake/waterfall out back. If I were at street level, it would be highly annoying I'm sure.

Fringe over (check). This week, create the first cash flow in the history of the new job (ugh) and perhaps find a place to live. (sigh)

Remind me in future not to start a new job, look for a new place to live, jury a fringe festival and attempt to steer a $4 million capital campaign all in one week. It's a lot.

First days are strange. This one was fine as far as they go, we'll see.

The most exciting thing that happened today though was that I accidently saw the Queen. And she made me late for work. Now, I'm the boss so I wasn't all that worried about being late and quickly gave myself permission to be in order greet her Majesty at the Royal York Hotel. Much fun. I had been kicking myself since I was away on the weekend and missed her at the church. So if nothing else, starting the new job meant that I was up and walking past the Royal York at just the right time, so that's got to be a good thing.

Here she is. Moments after this was taken, she waved, but Mr. RCMP man stepped into my picture so you get the pre-wave shot. Another reason to dislike the RCMP!

Seeing pictures of the 4th of July fireworks in DC from the roof of the KC just makes me wish I was there. The rooftop terrace is really one of my favourite places in the world.

Today is the first day of the new job. I know I should be really happy to have found a job so quickly in this economy. I know it's a good "next stop" job and that it is a place where I can do some good I think. (plus fancy title) But it feels just like a stop on the road. And it isn't the KC.

And I'm still having a little trouble with that adjustment.

Five years ago I bet this condo would have had a terrific view of the fireworks. Tonight I can hear them but can't see a thing. Not even the glow of them, which is a little disappointing.

Note to self

"Business" attire in Toronto is way more casual than business attire at the KC. As I discovered at my first meeting with the hospital foundation folk today. I wore a suit. Others did not.

However, on my way home, this awesome exchange happened. I was approached by a young guy wielding a clipboard (you know the "can you spare a minute for sick kids" type). Except he didn't have the usual line, he started walking beside me and asked, "if you had a super power what would it be?". Now I've actually given some thought to this question so my response was,

"Well, I have always felt that if I had a super power it would be to make people speak in iambic pentameter". It's true and though some people think this is not a cool super power, I disagree and have been so validated today! He stopped in his tracks and said, "oh my god, I love you, that is so awesome. If only I was ten years older". This made my day. I did not correct him that 20 years would be more realistic nor did I sponsor a child from World Vision but still, I applaud his spunk and good taste.