The Many Adventures Of Donald Rees

Quote #8

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 13:19:54 GMT

If there are no stupid questions, then what kind of questions do stupid people ask? Do they get smart just in time to ask questions?
- Scott Adams

Closing Time

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 10:16:39 GMT

Heya.
This journal will no longer be updated, which isn't to say that I'm not continuing the online writing experience.
Please take a look at my website for all future correspondence!

WWW.DONALDREES.COM

2007 TRACK 07 - ANOTHER BELIEVER

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 03:18:19 GMT

I'm not a huge fan of Rufus, but there are a couple of songs of his that I do end up genuinely loving. This particularly brilliant song from the soundtrack to Disney's Meet The Robinsons is an absolute classic.

Just right click and save as to download Rufus Wainwright "Another Believer".

Fri, 10 Aug 2007 04:58:05 GMT

Two weeks off was not nearly enough.

I really need to get moving with my writing and acting so I can have time off when I want!

On a related note, this journal will no longer be updated at some point in the next two months as I will be moving everything over to my website...

Quote #7

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 02:09:30 GMT

How can you govern a country which has 246 varieties of cheese?
- Charles De Gaulle

Sat, 21 Jul 2007 05:51:54 GMT

Passed by the crazy Harry Potter event in downtown Calgary today and it was just that, Crazy. The streets were packed with all sorts of characters. I've always enjoyed the movies and only last month decided to read the books so that I could be a part of this history-making literary event while it was still going on. Slow to start, I am now at book three and I can easily see why the books have become popular. They are very well written, the characters and action very enjoyable. It has it's place in history with The Wizard Of Oz, Alice In Wonderland & Lord Of The Rings.

It's nice to have a few days off with Patrick. We'll be going on a vacation just the two of us at the beginning of August but then do to work schedules we may not see each other for almost two weeks, which is pretty drastic for us. Patricia, one of our old work buddies in Montreal, came by to see us today and it was wonderful. She looks great and there's always a great energy when we get together!

2007 TRACK 06 - LIVE FOREVER

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 07:18:26 GMT

Those of you who know me, know I'm not a big fan of eighties sounding music, still, if the lyrics are good and the melody is catchy there can be exceptions! That's the case with this song from one of the performer's of Alcazar!

Just right click and save as to download Magnus Carlsson "Live Forever".

Two things to say

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 07:53:25 GMT

And this is after repeated viewings...

I Love...

NAKED NEWS DAILY MALE
It may be my favourite news program. I genuinely think it's an entertaining, positive show.

&

HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER
Is a really well-written show, I'm surprised that I like it as much as I do.

There, I've said it.

The Insignificance of Cristisim

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 01:08:02 GMT

I have to say, Ratatouille was excellent, particularly with it's final monologue pertaining to critics and the art of criticism.

I can't even begin to word it as well as the film did, but it's to the effect that critics can sit in a position of luxury as they create nothing of their own. Critics are not artists though and they're words will not last as long as the art they criticize no matter whether what they have to say is positive or negative. It takes much more work to offer and create something yourself, no matter what that something is.

I've always thought this and I've always thought that reviews for movies or cds barely ever have any relevance to how I feel about them. I also think it's a lot easier to review something poorly, to be mean - and the world we live in seems to like getting meaner and meaner. Why not? Being mean and crude is easy.

I understand why many celebrities don't visit the internet. Not only is criticism over 'something' easier than creating 'something', it's a lot easier to be mean when you can be anonymous, such is the case with the internet - and this brings nothing positive to the world.

Websites like perezhilton.com and many message boards on the internet are breeding ground where people find it acceptable to be particularly judgmental and harsh without having to stand by their name. I think it will be interesting to see how this changes over the next few years as the internet is still a relative baby.

I know if I was famous I would probably visit the internet less, at least to see how people feel about my work, because let's face it - people are mean these days and say mean things regardless of the quality of the product - but nobody will remember criticism because at it's very essence it is nothing but an opinion and the world is full of opinions. The only person to fit to judge anything is you and your judgement is only true to you. However all creation and all art lasts forever. All art creates joy and inspiration, passion and anger.

Funny, eh?

Sat, 30 Jun 2007 04:55:44 GMT

First off, in my venture into summer movies I have been surprise. The things I've been excited to see have let me down and the things I expected to let me down have been pleasantly wonderful. While Pirate Of The Caribbean and Shrek were just okay, Evan Almighty and Vacancy were surprisingly well put-together films. In the case of Evan Almighty I genuinely enjoyed the performances of Steve Carrell, Molly Shannon & Wanda Sykes and the special effects were well placed in a story that stood on it's own and was easily superior to Bruce Almighty. I found the film touching, predictable, but perfect for what it was and even-though Vacancy overstepped it's happy ending, it still managed to create great suspense and genuine concern for it's characters. I wonder how Ratatouille and The Simpsons movie will pan out, plus of course the next Harry Potter film.

Speaking of that, I've decided to start reading the books before the last book comes out and I'll have missed out on all the hype so I am trying to rush through them in order to have read the fifth book in the series by the time the next movie comes out later next month. It's a race against time so we'll see how I do.

Speaking of that, while I was working today I thought it would be funny if I was doing a flight from Orlando and if I made an announcement and told all the kids that only Tinkerbells pixie dust could make the plain fly and that she was sick and dying and if they didn't clap loud enough before we took off the plane would crash. I think it would be hilarious, I picture all these little kids crying and clapping as we barrel down the runway.

Finally, the spice girls are coming back together for 11 tour dates in December. I think it's brilliant and about time. They are innocent, wonderful, timeless pop and something positive in a world of negative. I will definetely be trying to attend with friends, though probably in LA as that's the closest date to where I live.

Keep it spicy!

Pictures Of Europe!

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 22:15:35 GMT

Take a look!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=3362&l=e8495&id=508053201

2007 TRACK 04+05 - IF I CAN'T DANCE / CATCHES YOUR LOVE

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 01:58:12 GMT

In my continued attempts to energize your world with my odd and fascinating taste in music I've put up two songs for you to taste (and hopefully wiggle your bum too).

The first is a fun little number from Sophie Ellis Bextor's new album, "Trip The Light Fantastic". I love her voice, she always sounds like Sophie Ellis Bextor.

Just right click and save as to download Sophie's "If I Can't Dance".

Finally I'm able to post Ann Lee's new single "Catches Your Love", a high energy dance song that is perfectly suited for clubs and a real grower, listen to it a few times and it will be stuck in your brain.

Just right click and save as to download Ann Lee's "Catches Your Love".

Europe

Sun, 03 Jun 2007 15:47:14 GMT

I have returned from Europe with my mind refreshed but my feet sore.

It all began in Paris, which is now one of my favourite cities. The most amazing pastries (pain au chocolate) and the freshest breads (baguettes at the brioche doree or pomme de pain, i'll take any day). It rained the whole time we were there. Paris in the rain. Well almost the whole time we were there, but it didn't stop me from falling in love with the city. I could stay here a week next time, two days of which would be spent inside the Louvre (I looove the louvre) and the rest on the Champs Elysee. The city is so rich in history. From the Eiffel Tower to the Moulin Rouge, there's not a corner of Paris that doesn't hold some mystery or history in it. Oh, and on the last day we went down to the catacombs which is where they put the skeletons exumed from cemeteries. Tunnels with bones piled floor to ceiling went on for miles, really puts the insignificance of our lives into perspective. Looking at all the art in the Louvre you start to wonder what have you done with your time on Earth? What will you leave behind that people will still wonder over thousands of years from now? It certainly won't be your online blog.

From Paris we went to Amboise, Blois and Versaille, each of them had their own charm. Chateau Versailles was over-priced (almost double the louvres) and I encountered a souvenir both in every second room which I felt detracted from the historical sense of the place. I was awed by the church and the theatre, but the rest of the Chateau left much to be desired. The towns of Blois and Amboise were charming in their own ways, relaxing and very different from our first few days in Paris.

Then it was on to Monaco (where they were setting up for the grand prix) and Nice. Nice was nice. And Monacle (as I like to call it, i imagined on the train there that they would hand out monacle's) was stunning. The pizza we had there was delish, and the water...I just wanted to jump in. In Nice Patrick and I tried Quickburger (a french fast-food chain) which had the best burger I've ever had.

Onwards to the overnight train to Venice. The overnight train...fascinating (but I'm not sure if it's in a good way or not) reminded me of why I didn't want to stay in any hostels. I don't like strangers. But Venice, I could stay there for a few days next time instead of just an afternoon. Instead of streets you have canals, instead of crosswalks you have bridges. Dogs walk around freely (why not, no cars) and Venetian masks and art are on display in nearly every shop window.

Venice to Florence. Not much to say about Florence. Spent the night in Hotel Montreal in Florence and my parents enjoyed some of the best pasta of our entire vacation. The next morning we were off to Siena (a town in Tuscany) which was just...we had lunch on the patio of this tiny restaurant on a street that was very steep. Our chairs and table were cut short on one side so that we could sit level even though the ground seriously was not. One wrong move and you and your chair would roll down the hill.

Then Siena to Rome. Our hotel in Rome was out of the way, but exactly the kind of place you want to be at in Italy. Our windows opened to a yard filled with flowers and vines. The Roman Forum impressed me more than the Colosseum and got me very excited for the next stop in our trip. Italy to Greece.

Our first few days in Greece were spent in Corfu (a small not so touristy island) on the Western side of Greece. We stayed at the top of a hill overlooking the ocean at a family-run hotel. The food was delicious and the view at sunset was the perfect way to end the day at the beach. Athens was crazier, but again the most delicious affordable food. Our day up to the Acropolis was rained out but I loved Athens so much, I would like to go back there and also visit Mykonos and some of the other islands we didn't have a chance to visit.

As our trip came to an end we went back to Italy (visited Milan which seemed nice) then spent one day in Switzerland which was extremely expensive but worth the stop. Being in the Swiss alps and seeing the difference in laguage and architecture was the icing on the cake of such a fantastic voyage.

Two weeks just flew by, and it all feels like a dream. I'm so lucky to have visited so many historical, beautiful places with my parents and Patrick.

Now I just need a few weeks for my feet to come back to life and for my bank account to stop crying!

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 12:08:32 GMT

i am back in town but will write more as soon as I get back home to Calgary, which will be tomorrow.

Mon, 14 May 2007 13:51:16 GMT

Very excited, I leave today for Europe.

I'll be back June 1st.

International

Sat, 05 May 2007 04:45:30 GMT

Bonjour! Ciao! Ellinika!

In less than two weeks (ten days) I'm heading off for what will be my 2nd trip across the Atlantic. Last time, I visited England and Spain with Marc and Mireille. This time, I'm going with my parent and Patrick and we're backpacking through France, Italy, Greece, Monaco & more! Not only am I excited about visiting places I've never seen before, but I'm excited for my parents who have never travelled anywhere other than North/Central America.

There are plenty of differences compared to my previous Europeen trip. When I organized my last trip, I treated it much like any other trip I organize. I booked one hotel in London for five days, and one in Barcelona for five days and just organized day trips that always brought us back to the same 'home'. I've had almost no involvement planning this trip. Patrick has been to Europe quite a few times, and since I've shown him what I know (Disney, Vegas, etc) we decided to give him a chance to show me what he's seen and experience a vacation style I've never tried before: that's right, the four of us are backpacking through Europe...

Well, with some very Donald-esque differences.

We aren't staying at any hostels. I like the idea of hostels, but they're not for me. To me, meeting people and experiencing cultures is what I do during the day, at night I like my privacy - so during the trip we're staying at a variety of 'boutique' style hotels in a multitude of cities including: Paris, Corfu, Athens, Rome & Florence.

And as for the backpacking, I'm sort of cheating. At first I insisted on roller-bagging but Patrick said that was a bad idea, for compromise I splurged and bought a roller-backpack whic can be either a backpack or a roller bag depending on what you need in a particular situation.

It's all very exciting.

Weirdness

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 20:05:04 GMT

Weird things have been happening to me.

For example, Patrick has been making me watch Seinfeld. I used to hate that show, but now I don't mind it. I'll turn to it if it's on even. Now as opposed to before, I can see why it's well written and what's funny about it. What's up with that?! I hated his show back in the day. I think the fact that I really like "The New Adventures Of Old Christine" made it easier for me to change my tune on Seinfeld. I still see the value of the traditional sitcom. I can't stand reality tv, I appreciate shows that are written and sitcoms are affordable to produce. They are like a hybrid between tv and theatre cuz there's the audience for that immediate gratification for the actor. One day.

Oh, and I've been meaning to write about how awful Calgary movie-goers are, but I haven't had time. They laugh at everything too hard, too loudly, like they're trying to prove they get the joke. They make me want to not laugh, even if something is funny. And if something is crazy, they scream and act all stupid. So annoying. And I've been meaning to write how some people eat in a really annoying way, but I haven't had time for that either. I've been studying for my flight attendant annual exams and it's been consuming all of my energy. One day.

2007 TRACK 03 - PROTECTED

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 21:53:21 GMT

Sporty Spice keeps on making her music. After being dumped by her record label, she created her own record label for the release of her own music and other under appreciated artists. This song is from her new album, "This Time"/ Enjoy and please let me know if the link doesn't work.

Just right click and save as to download Melanie C "Protected".

QUOTE #6

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 19:34:00 GMT

On my income tax 1040 it says 'Check this box if you are blind.' I wanted to put a check mark about three inches away.
- Tom Lehrer

The Landlord - Will Ferrell

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 00:10:01 GMT

2007 TRACK 02 - MAYBE YOU'LL GET LUCKY

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 05:27:40 GMT

My second song recommendation for the year is a fantastic song by the Canadian dance producers, 'Sound Bluntz" featuring vocals from the lovely lady who did vocals for Madison Avenue. Enjoy and please let me know if the link doesn't work.

Just right click and save as to download Sound Bluntz "Maybe You'll Get Lucky".

Buns and Get Togethers.

Wed, 11 Apr 2007 17:36:29 GMT

I was in Montreal last week, and well, I guess my last journal entry was actually read by a few people cuz my schedule was FULL the whole time I was there! So full, in fact, that I never got a full eight hours sleep before work.

My schedule was bringing me to Montreal for three nights (for overnights, not on holiday) then a very exciting Orlando overnight!

On the first day, I saw Patrick, which is more exciting than it sounds because we hadn't seen each other in over a week. We went to Belle Province and it was wonderful. Then the next day, my parents came toget me. We went to St-Hubert and I helped them pick out a 1400$ dishwasher. It's very sexy and for their cottage. My mom also convinced the guy at Corbeil to throw in some free dishwashing detergent which again, doesn't sound exciting but they're stuff is weird. The dishwashing liquid is good for three years cuz it's uber concentrated (you only use a capful) and valued at 40$ a bottle. On the third day Marc and Michel picked me up at the airport and we had some Moe's Smoked Meat and since I had too much coffee to drink I was filled with random comments and the shortest attention span possible. My Orlando overnight was delicious. The sun was warm and our hotel is located right across from Sea World soon to be new waterpark "Aquatica". I went for a long walk to find a Bath & Body Works (I LOVE B&BW!) and now have new lotions called "Perfect Peach" and "Cinnamon Bun...something", I also bought an 8$ lip balm called "My favourite lip balm". It was nice to be in Florida, but all it reminded me of was that I can't wait to go back there again!

Got back to Calgary and Patrick and I finally have a few days off in a row. FINALLY! We're just hanging around playing monkeyball and Super Paper Mario on the Wii and seeing movies we've been meaning to see like Blades Of Glory and Meet The Robinsons.

Yesterday we had dinner with some old friends from the airport in Montreal. We reminisced about how nice it was during a certain period, and how awful Calgary is. Hollow city with no culture.

We laughed how there was a section of the menu that said "Served until 4pm" which was just over a selection of low-priced sandwhiches and such, but just to the left of it there was some bolded text that said "Tray our basil mayo". We debated for a few good minutes about whether it was the mayo or the sandwhiches that were served until 4pm, and it was hilarious. Moxie's had awful service and Beliini's lacking in alcohol! Never go people!

Walking out we passed by this cinnamon bun stand that sold coffee and ....uhm...cinnamon buns and they had the most genius sign up. It said "Drink Coffee! : Do stupid things faster with more energy."

Amazing eh?

Well, Jennifer is arriving now and Patrick and I are gonna pick her up. The reunions never stop!

View From The Top

Mon, 02 Apr 2007 06:27:37 GMT

Right now I'm travelling at 536 mph, 42113 feet above the ground and no I'm not high. A few moments ago I could see land, but now there is nothing but clouds. Miles and miles of clouds. The land I could see was Mexico. Mostly nature, lush vegetation, waves hitting sandy beaches. We are somewhere between Culacan and Los Mochis, flying South East on route to uhm...somewhere Mexican that has an x in it's name...

I normally wouldn't have time to write while working, but we are only ferrying the flight down from Vancouver to Mexico to bring people back to Vancouver, which means the plane is empty. That's not true. There are two pilots flying the thing and the three other flight attendants required to transport passengers back to Vancouver besides myself are scattered around the otherwise empty cabin. One is reading, one is eating, I'm on my computer. The flight is five and a half-hours long, I'm being paid, but there is nothing to do, no one for me to serve, so I am writing this now to be posted when I am back somewhere with an internet connection.

How is my life going? I feel now's a good time to talk about it. After all, I'm above the clouds. I can look down at the world, at life below me and wonder about what I see. Maybe I can do the same with my life. Maybe I can take a look from up above, globally, and see how it's going.

My family is doing well. My grandma has made a great recovery, and eventhough the house is crowded now, it doesn't feel any different than it used to. For those of you, since my Nanny's health scare in December both her and Uncle Marky have moved down to my paren'ts place. It's still home, it still feels that way. I'm happy that everyone's health is strong, though I don't like seeing my parents constantly feeling the need to 'escape' either to the cottage or through vacationing. I don't like it, but I understand, and for the time being that's how it has to be.

My friends are doing extremely well, or so it seems. Marc and Michel seem to be doing dandy, and the same goes for Sebastien and Jennifer. Peggy and Julien are still on par for a 2008 marriage, and Orlando is hopefully taking steps to fix the things he can fix, the fixable things. My only concern with my friends, is my relationship with them. I know from experience that it doesn't take seeing somebody every day to make a friendship work, but looking out my window on the plane I'm wondering if sometimes they don't realize how distant I feel. Life goes on just the same back at home, but having moved away, I wonder if they know that the few chances I have to see them, I want to see them, because when I am not seeing them, life is not the same. Life is me and Patrick in our house in Calgary, and when he's not around, it's quiet. You can hear the wind blow. When it comes to my friends, I wonder if they know that I need things to look forward to, like trips and outings, or just plain old hanging out's, because I'm not getting that elsewhere, I'm cut-off.

My home in Calgary is shaping up. This past week we installed lighting and put in some plants and the place feels homier than ever. I do love it, I just wish it wasn't in Calgary. I still don't like Calgary. Everyone is here to make money, it's all very shallow. I don't like it. But the weather is nice, if not unpredictable.

My Patrick is wonderful, as always. I don't need to write about him, to know how I feel you can read any journal entry about any time I refer to him, I always feel the same. I was watching "Never Been Kissed" in the hotel yesterday and a line Drew Barrymore delivers really sums up how I think we both feel. I'm paraphrasing but she says something along the likes of, when describing her hopes for her first kiss, that it will be the most amazing thing, when it feels perfect, and just through that kiss you know you've found the one and you feel this incredible amount of warmth in your heart because you know it's just perfect and you feel so lucky and scared at the same time, lucky because you know how magical what you've found is and scared that anything should happen to take it away. That's how it is with the two of us.

The only thing I don't like about my window seat is we're often not together for long periods of time, and that is hard. Absence makes the heart grow fonder...I think that's how it goes....maybe it's Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder. One of the two, and while I do feel that's true (the absence, not the Absinthe) it's starting to drive me bananas. I can't say driving me nuts anymore, I just start laughing, because of this joke someone told me.

So this pirate walks into a bar with a steering wheel in his pants and the bartender is like Whoa, hey buddy! Di d you know you have a steering wheel in your pants? The pirate nods and in his very thick, piraty voice says, "Arrr. It's driving me nuts!"

That's why I have to say driving me bananas now.

The clouds are gone, I can see land again.

youtube: puppet up!

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 22:20:27 GMT

take a walk over to youtube.com and do a search for puppet up! which is a new improv show from the jim henson company. it's doing the rounds at different festivals and it's HILARIOUS! The host is an actor from the old Ellen show and I love the theme song. If anybody hears about this coming to Canada, let me know!

Ski

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 01:53:30 GMT

Back from Ski Lake Louise 2007 (my third year in a row skiing the rockies!) and I had a great time, though I am a bit confused.

How the hell was skiing more functional as a group trip than Vegas? Seriously, our group managed to stick together pretty much throughout the entire day - and we still had a blast! Yeah, we waited as Mireille kept falling down the mountain, and I did take an incredible spill while going very fast, but nobody saw it. A burger nazi kept her eyes on the buffet so we all only got one burger each, but I guess that was for the best.

It was great to see Vanessa D and Lauren who both looked very sexy, and it was fantastic to meet Sebastien for the first time. I loved bringing my parents back to the act of skiing and I think they surprised themselves with how much they enjoyed it. I still don't understand why my dad is such a good skiier and poor Mireille went head over feet so many times I felt bad for her, but the trip was a great success that I look back at fondly.

AND-with the help of my parents we've put up some new lighting in our appartment and placed a few plastic plants around to bring it to life!