She came... she saw...



and we drank cava!! Only a tiny bit but you know it's my poison so I do heed my drinking to accomodate...

The lovely Jo jo graced us with a visit this weekend. We had a great time doing a spot of shopping and some madness at Razmatazz when we went to go and see Tiga... but all was good. She is so lovely and looking quite lovely as well!

just when you think that summer is around the corner....

having a beautiful 21 degree day on Sunday followed by a nice pallea (and I even tried the fish one!) does not for one second mean that the lashings of rain and cold that happened here today were in order... brr me no likey.

I have FINALLY been paid... nothing like having to wait until march to be paid for Nov & December Invoices... Actually I'm still waiting for those but they managed to pay me for January first but who's complaining... money is good, even if it's already spent. Well maybe a bit less good but good nonetheless.

It's seestor's b'day tomorrow she be 33! and Also it's jo jo's birthday too! Jo jo will be arriving in the afternoon... sadly I can't even collect her from the bus she is arriving on from Girona as I have an EEEEEEEEEEEEVIL meeting but hey hoe... plenty of festivities planned for the weekend to make up for that. I hope seeestor has a good day. She'll most likely be busy shopping for shoes!

My one hour meeting at the agency this aft turned into a 4h one... I swear it's like a black hole going there it always swallows time... but it's worth it as I got Feb 26th gratzia while I was there... how sad... but how good? I'm soon to find out just what the 5quid IT bag is... and how I will never have it as it would have sold out two weeks ago... but hey, don't say you heard about it here first!

We've managed or moreso he's managed to paint over 90% of the really horrible dark brown borders that were around the doorframes and the tiles between the walls and the floor... the difference is amazing... what a great idea it was to do that! Now it's just sorting out the storage or lack there of issue... then we can decorate and buy some plants... and oh yea all the other things one can do when one gets paid!

Big hugs to joey for sending me the car package from London... containing yummies such as miso soup! You're an angel!!!!!

10,000 oceans

and perhaps one of my most favorite clever video concepts... i think we've all got a bit of us in the box...

In true rock and roll style

I'm stting at home alone on saturday night... building fredu's website, watching the princess bride (dubbed in spanish of course) and also watching the eclipse... handy thing is, is that I don't even have to leave my house as the window out to my terrace gives a good view. To be honest it's kind of giving me the creeps... to me it looks blue... the bbc says it should look orange... maybe I'm blinder than I think? I think the thing that freaks me out more is when they keep saying that this will not happen again until 2029... As I've written about before, whenever future dates are mentioned it makes me kind of anxious and I freak out a wee bit... wondering what I'll be doing, where I will be... if I will still be here? Will I have learned anything? How many stupid mistakes did I make? This goes on until it all snowballs into a massive wave of anxiety that can only be calmed by convincing myself that I really don't have much interest in astronomy so really, what's the point in worrying... meanwhile the neurosis continues to spin around the deeper recesses of my brain... but luckly by that point my conciousness decides to make a bowl of popcorn and keep watching the movie... and get back to work.

That's rock and roll baby*...

* No heads were shaved during the writing of this entry... And no re-hab facilities entered.

Grey Grey Grey

That is what today's weather is giving us... my head, grey hair and tomorrow... a meeting at Grey... I hope they have the 100's of back issues of Gratzia that are still being delivered there...


View from my bedroom window (loooks like the slums!!!)


View 2 from my bedroom window (cool old chimney)

I was swimming outside yesterday afternoon and the clock/temp gague just before the gym read 19 degrees. Nice. It's about the same today apparently but because of the grey it's just not as inspiring to gym...

The past week has been very full of some of my most prolfic time wasting... watching back episodes of 2 seasons of the L word. I remember way back when, Dan and I watched the first season giggling along... then quickly fell into dispair when we realised we would have to wait another7 months for the second season to start... well it's been many years now and thanks to you tube I have made up for lost time. I had no idea they were even on season 4... but now i'm all caught up and I must once again wait like everyone else for episode 8 to go up online...

My birthday is once again quickly approaching... 31 this year... I wonder when I'll actually start feeling like a grown up? I was thinking that finding my first grey hair would do that but I'm wondering if like a lot of things they've always been there and I've just never noticed as I dye my hair too often...

I am trying to coax some positive energy into my life by repeating to myself...
something good will happen today... something good will happen today.

I'm still waiting.

I've been a good little camper

I've been trying to go to the gym every day and I've also taken to swimming 1k each time before I hit the gym. Swimming is just so theraputic for me... maybe because I'm a piscean... who know, but whatever it is, it works for me. I've got to start remember to bring my sun tan lotion as it's nice enough to swim outsite... but the sun's rays are still surprisingly strong... I don't want to turn into one of those leather ladies who sun themselves on the deck outside for hours apon hours every day.

The lovely Vero is spending some time with us this week to try and clear her head and figure out what she wants to do... lots of changes in her life right now... I'm really enjoying having her around!

Time passes so quickly and before I know it miss jo jo will be ariving to celebrate her b'day here with us! Should be fun, lets just hope we come up with something sufficiently fun to do while she's here!!!

Vero and I have undertaken an adventure, we've sent an email to invite the gossip master out for a night of the 'real barcelona' as he is here with his boyfriend celebrating their first anniversary together. If they're up for it then madness will of course ensue. Lets hope that this time the pole dancing is kept to a minimum. I hear that whomever was doing that on the metro the other day is still covered in bruses...

I have fallen hopelessly in love...




with this little guy. I've been dying to have a puppy for a long time... I finally have a flat and time to train and care for it... but as fate would have it... no money to buy it! Anyone have a spare 500 euros for me as an early birthday gift?

I feel mildly like a 7 year old scholl girl yearning after a picture of a dog... but lets face it, public humilliation is what blogging is all about right?


My afternoon today was not spent as per usual attached almost physically to my laptop... no no this afternoon I had my picture taken for a feature that will appear in one of the national newspaper's sunday magazine. I'm not sure I will make the cut as they are shooting 20 women but it would be great exposure for the business if I do! I'm not used to being primped and styled and put in front of a camera. To be honest it made me feel wildly insecure paired with the mild feeling of nausea. Thank goodness Juan was shooting the pics as since I know him, it wasn't as scary as it could have been... but it's over now and we can but pray for the mercies granted by the special hand of photoshop.

An open letter...

Dear Barcelona transport system

I'm writing to thank you for your great, efficient and clean service offerings. Your metro system is quite pleasant in comparison to a lot of other systems. However it came to my attention this weekend that there is one area of service that you have perhaps not yet properly assessed.

The spaciousness of some of carriages within the metro lines allows for ample pole dancing access. This readily available entertainment space can be unexpectedly hazardous not only to the physical being of those whom utilize it but to their dignity as well. This doesn't even take into account the visual horror/pleasure of the innocent bystanders.

Possible improvements would be perhaps identity concealing disco lights to aid in the protection of the integrity of any parties whom see themselves clever enough (fueled by liquid courage of course) to display their talent or lack thereof in the art of pole dancing on the metro after an afternoon of drinking and eating with friends. Rest assured that I can appreciate that other than padding the poles, very little can be done to protect the physical damage that said pole dancers may experience.

Thank you for your time,

Sarah

Is suicide the new black?

It's a dreaful thought but I can't help but wonder. I am so sad for both the Princess of Spain who's sister died on wednesday and also for the ever troubled Anna Nicole Smith who also departed this earth yesterday. I remember when Anna Nicole's son died just after she had given birth to her new baby I felt really sad for her... of course I do not know her but how tragic! And then a mere few months later she checks out as well. All the gossip sites are screaming conspiracy... I think everyone should just leave them be...

On a more cheery note... I was chatting with danny baby about the book miss andrea bought for herself and I when I was over visiting a week ago. Mmm good book and yummy donughts!

I literally devoured the book (I would have if I could have) it was really nice. I reccomend it to all... I even told my mum to read it during her holiday.... She was mildly sceptcical fearing only slightly that I was making her read a self help book... I assured her that this was not the case and that it is only a work of fiction. Aces to my lovely bf who nipped out while I was finishing the last chapters of the book and returned with a box of donoughts (same as the ones on the cover) he is so sweet and so were the donughts!

I only wish the book could have helped the two afformentioned ladies before they met their untimely demises...

The ever truant sun

Has made a glorious return here today... and just in time if you ask me... It was starting to feel like perma-london grey!

I'm very excited as I am starting to work with a dear friend of mine from back in London who has his own company http://www.honestydesign.co.uk check out his work it's very very nice!

I've mostly been attempting to be constructive and productive of lately... i have a few of my paintings on exhibition in my friend's space here in bcn drop by and buy!!!




Creativity all around really which can only be good... good for the soul me thinks. I am quickly approaching my 666th blog entry, for which I am going to cook us something good and evil. 20 something posts to go... I've got a bit of time to come up with something crafty.

Mum is off to Puerta Vallarta on Wednesday and shortly young eric will be off to the caribean... all i can say is NICE! They both are well deserved of a rest... now just why neither of them are taking me with them... well that's another story entirely... clearly I have not worked hard enough :)

It's a musical theme lately

but I had the inspiration to make some delish cd's for kim who is braving winter in the great white north. I came across one of my favourite cover versions of all times. It's done by 08001 a band/project from Raval here in Barcelona. They are so brilliant. They are probably about as numerous as bran van 2000 (if you can remember them... Well any way, 08001 have a myspace page and on it they have their version of 'the forest' by the cure. I saw them perform it live 2 years ago at the Merce festival where they played the closing set at placa cataluyna. Check them out... I hope kimmie likes them.

My lovely assistant from my last job... aka mini-me has officially resigned today! I am so pleased for her. She is simply far too brilliant to work where she is anymore, and now she is off to graze in greener pastures! Congrats Chiara!!!

Singing along to the new tragically hip alblum

I feel that tiny bit more Canadian than normal. I’ve almost lived away from the great white north for almost 7 years now. Amazing really how time flies… but this new album is a pretty little nibble of Canadiana.

If I knew anything about astrology I would guess that mercury would be in retrograte for all Pisceans. Well for my sister at least. She’s certainly got a lot of major changes up her sleeve. I am also a Pisces and really hoping to dodge the wave of changes. I don’t think I could handle anything else right now. My dance card is full, and I don’t want to learn any new steps thank you very much.

I had a nice weekend back in London this past weekend and caught up with all the girlies. The lovely miss Andrea was kind enough to provide me a place to sleep. Poor Danny had to put up with the two of us giggling endlessly about nothing in particular. I know he just loves it when I come to stay (sic). Our tea and marmite supplies are now once again bountiful and we are not short of proper chocolate and twiglets too… with that said I feel obliged to dig out my gym clothes and burn off some of said bounty.

Hasta la proxima

If you needed any other convincing that the world…

Has gone crazy… you need not look much further than Spain’s recent obsession with the good old fashioned lie detector. All the shows are stuffed with celebrities putting themselves to the test to prove their guilt or innocence… mostly all related to some failed romance with some other celeb. I wonder why this phenomenon has not yet hit states side? I can just see oprah now with her very own dr. lie hooking up Tom Cruise and asking him if there are really aliens out there and if his child is the spawn of one of them….

Or perhaps the whole mess with UK celeb big brother is the second gong of the Armageddon?

Perhaps it’s just day time TV as a whole that is spiralling us all very quickly towards damnation.

Not too soon please… we just aquired a fridge, a washing machine and two sofas today… All we need now is a wardrobe and a lot of kick ass storage solutions and we’re open for tourist season… bit cold yet but you know it’s not far off… Internet will take a while but getting the credit card acceptance thing up and running is a lot easier than I thought… the 1000k worth of charges per 3 month period is a bit looming… but it’s only a 116 euro fee if you don’t ring up enough money…

bzzzzzzzzzzzz back to your regularly scheduled lie detector talk show....

Perhaps...

It's been the two days without properly digesting food (thanks to a nasty stomach virus) or perhaps it's the affects of frenadol on such an empty stomach... it's hard to tell... But sitting at home on Saturday night watching Hamlet on DVD I cam up with a stroke of genius.

Dear Angelina...

I know you are a very busy lady but I am one who never shys away from helping someone... even so far as to look ahead to foresee any possible problems and solve them before they happen. With this in mind I have found you a possible next husband. God knows why you would leave the lovely brad... but heaven help the eventuality of such an unfortunate occurance, I have for you some condolance. I have for you the most genetically suited individual lined up for you (his now wife will also have to forgive me for writing this) however lets get to the point. May I suggest mr Karl as a suitable replacement. I am not sure what his views are on children but lets face it, if there was a match then can you imagine how fab the lips on your kiddies would be??? Did I mention the sexy Irish brogue? Enough said. Angelina, just remember you are rich and famous and I am not... so donations to my own personal charity are of course being accepted. (I've got to pay a mortgage somehow!?!?!)

Angie meet Karl

Thanks for you time...

You friend, Sarah

ps. you better act quick as on reflection he kind of looks like Pete Doherty all cleaned up and off the smack... best get your bid in as you may have to mud wrestle kate to get him.

it's a beautiful

15 degrees here today in sunny barcelona. My new flat however I think is a bit (A LOT) chillier. We are such stoopid people... we did not realise that we were not yet properly connected to electricity therefore are not paying for it yet! This means crank up the space heaters!!!!!!! I think once we manage to get some furnishings in we will be a bit warmer as well. All in due time. We are still so pleased for having finally found somewhere!

I cant wait for the summer as our terrace is super sunny all day long!

Work is back on and finding time for my own projects is quite challenging... waiting at least a month until we can have our own internet connection is a bit of a pain but sometimes if we are lucky we can catch a free connection... thank goodness!

Xmas in Canada was really lovely. I think spending the full 2 weeks there really made a difference to me. Usually it is such a rush. I got to catch up with my friend Chris from highschool which was great! I saw the lovely saoise who is now 1 year old. She is so sweet and calm natured!

Here is a pic of me modelling my new sharky toy from my grandparents... cheeky grin and all.


Me and Sharky

On another more somber note the beautful Jan (whom I went to see back in London) passed away just before xmas. I was so happy that I had the chance and the joy of seeing them play while I could. We will miss you Jan!



Jan and his lovely daughter (and co-dj) Tamara at the Dragon (their last gig)

Success!

well after a long long long road and a lot of blood sweat and tears... we finally have a new abode! The contract was signed yesterday and we are the proud new renters of a flat! I really was begining to think that we would end up becomming professional couch surfers... next challenge will be to furnish the place and make it ours. However it is a nice challenge one that I am really looking forward to nesting!

Things here in the great white north are not so white... No snow at all this year, not even a flake! It has been really great to be home and de stress a bit. My mum has had the past two days off of work so we have been able to spend some good quality time together. Last night we went to the cinema and saw the film the Holiday... cheezy romcom yes, but it was sweet... I know a certain person who would have loved it. I will take him to see it when I get home (other home).

Yesterday mum bought an enormous canvas and has comissioned me to paint her a nude while I am here so she can hang it in her room. I had to be careful to not do anything too provocative! I really hope it comes out nicely! The costs of art supplies here when they are not on the xmas sale yet are just insane!

Today I am off to meet my sisters monsters (aka students) tomorrow to Saiorses 1st birthday party and then friday perhaps out with my friend Chris that I have not seen in over 10 years!

Congratulations



To Yvonne and Benoit who have become the foster parents for the very first time to a lovely baby boy. He is so cute. They will be great parents for him!!! He´s so tiny but he´s got huge hands!! He´s going to be a good basketball player!

if you turn the dial back on the way back when machine

to say about 10 years or so... you would find me mostly just about getting over a relationship... I wrote about it before... it was a guy I was seeing from Uni whom kind of dropped off the face of the earth. I really fancied the pants of him but then he just vanished... I wrote about this on my blog about 2 years ago when I had a similar experience with someone else i was dating... I was begining to wonder if :

1) I drove them away or
2) I just have a knack of picking people who are about to have a crisis (independant of their relationship with me) that causes them to vanish...

I guess it's easier for me to blame myself as then I can resolve it.... well sometimes there are happy endings. The guy from 10 years back sent me an email out of the blue the other day. He had obviously found my blog... and my story about him... I must admit I felt mildy mortified... I know this is a public space but I guess sometimes it comes as a surprise as to who actually reads this! All good news of course. He is alive and well and producing offspring in a hurried fashion... his 4th is due in Feb! Fab no? I am so pleased that he is well and has found happiness. Closure is good :)

Speaking of happy endings... I saw a movie last night called happy finishes or something like that... and no it is not porn! It was with Tom arnold, Lisa Kudrow, Maggie Glyddenhall... nice film!! I also saw another one with Ben affleck... i can't remember what it was called but he was an agent for screenwriters in LA... it was entertaining too! What a coup both films we chose were good!

Dear Mum...

I am writing to you as I can finally report that we have a strong possiblity of a place we want to call our home... I know you don't speak that much spanish but I am sure the pictures will help give you an idea...

Love Sarah


Just kidding... but what a cute/very alternative lifestyle place to live! Unfortunately it would not fit all my shoes...

Going by how bad my mariado (dizzyness) is becoming I think I should seriously look into becoming my own self sustaning source of energy... All this spinning! I could heat the house with this! I am trying to calm down and to not stress so that it subsides a bit but it doesn't seem to be working! One positive thing is that the long lost passport is now in my hands! It's a biometric jobby. It's funny as it expires in 2016... the date makes me feel funny like writing a date 10 years in the future makes me feel like there will then be accessible space travel and other strange futuristic things happening then... guess it would have been the same back when I was 20 and I had my first passport issued... who would have thought I would be writing about a biometric passport now? It's a very modern looking thing... however I am mildly convinced that they are able to track my every movement by this biometric mechanism so they know where I am at all times... paranoia? Did you call me an asshole? LOL

The ever so clever Sinead

Is in the front running for providing leads to the whereabouts of one mr. Woody Allen. It's hilarious! She informs me he was staying in London in a flat let out by the same estate agents I used while living in Notting hill... I'm sniffing along that trail... Lets see if my contact there still works there!

Congrats to her btw on finding a new and most fabulous job!!!

Today I am buried under numbers like you can not beleive! must tie everything up so that it's tickity boo before I fly to the great white north. I know it's 16-18 degrees here but it still feels chilly... I looked up the temp in Toronto yesterday and was reminded of a very different reality! Snow boots here I come!