After waiting for almost 30 minutes, someone in a TTC car pulls up and informs us that, hey, the 25 no longer operates north of Steeles and we need to cross the street to catch the bus. THANKS FOR THAT!!

Exhibit A:
They don’t actually bother to post a sign or anything saying “hey, the bus no longer comes this way, cross the street!” Much better to inconvenience people trying to get to work. FYI, the person who informed us of the change then taped a note onto the bus shelter - a note that was missing the next morning.

Quite annoyed at this point, I cross the street. Keep in mind that while I was waiting on what is now the wrong side, buses were going by about every three minutes. I had to wait at least 15 for another one to show up. This brings me to

Exhibit B:

After driving for approximately two minutes, driver stops the bus on some side street, gets out and spends 5 or so minutes enjoying his morning cigarette. His back was facing the bus the entire time, but that’s definitely what he was doing! My apologies for the crappy picture quality, I think I’m one of the few people who does not yet own a Blackberry or iPhone.

I considered filing a complaint with the TTC directly, but I’ve done that in the past and, shockingly, never heard back. This is much more effective

I was watching Word Travels, this amazing show about travel writers that you should all watch. I think they were in Venezuela and spent a night sleeping outdoors in a hammock. I then started to reminisce about my night sleeping outdoors, surrounded by nothing but sand and sky.

It was in August 2007, undoubtedly the hottest time of year in Israel. In August temperatures range anywhere from 42 - 50 Celsisus (108 - 122 Fahrenheit). It’s unforgiving - this weather smacks you in the face and then says “yeah, take that!” Like being in a sauna during the sun-filled days, there is no way to escape the heat. Not even the slightest breeze blows through the streets. It is like walking into a brick wall of unrelenting heat that leaves you sweaty and disgusting within five minutes of stepping outside.

On this particular humid day, we were driven to the Mamshit Camel Ranch about 45 minutes from the Dead Sea. The first part of our overnight adventure involved a camel ride through the desert.

After our camel ride, they served us delicious tea and coffee that was made through a special process. I can’t remember exactly what it was, but I think it may have involved steeping the tea in a kettle-like object and then burying it in the sand for awhile. Whatever they did with it, the tea was amazing! We then had a delicious meal - potatoes, rice and vegetables (plus chicken for the non-vegetarians). Food really does taste better when it’s eaten outdoors.

My favourite part of the experience was sitting around the bonfire. Someone had brought their guitar with, and at my request played Under the Bridge by the Chili Peppers, which we all sang along to. It was a pretty amazing moment sitting there under the stars. No streetlights, computers or cellphones - just endless nature. It was so refreshing to not have those daily distractions present.

In the early hours of the morning we called it a night. I lay on my thin mattress a few minutes before falling to sleep, staring through the open sides of the large tent and marvelling at the beauty and serenity of the desert.

That same morning we were woken at the crack of dawn to head over to Masada and watch the sunrise, signalling the end of that particular outdoor adventure.

The gist of it:
Alcohol prices at bars and restaurants might stay the same after the HST is implemented in a few months.

HOWEVER, alcohol prices at the LCBO might increase. Or they could possibly decrease. Or maybe just stay the same. It’s a crapshoot, really.

10. Gingerbread and snowman soap, courtesy of Demo Soap.
Adorable, inexpensive AND they help keep that pesky H1N1 away.

9. Dexter seasons one to three. Because I’m sick of rewatching it online/waiting to borrow it. And I wouldn’t say no to some Six Feet Under either.

8. The 8GB Nano, in purple or turquoise.

7. The new Blackberry Bold 9700. Perfect for avoiding awkward silences and emanating an aura of importance.

6. Pontiac Vibe, 2010. Now that the DriveTest strike is over and I can FINALLY get my G2.

5. This amazing blue bustier dress from H&M, or the equally beautiful purple one from Le Chateau. For New Year’s.

4. Tiffany’s carved heart pendant in turquoise. Beautiful, simple, classy and my favourite colour.

3. A donation to Free the Children. I worked for them when I was in high school, and they are an organization that does truly amazing and inspiring things.

2. Canon Powershot SD980IS. My existing digital camera is pretty much on its last legs.

And, last (first?) but DEFINITELY not least, all I want for Christmas is…

1. The Elixir Box of hot chocolates from Soma Chocolatemaker in the Distillery.

Happy Holidays!

For anyone who is reading this, I would be super appreciative if you’d vote for me in The Globe and Mail’s Journalism Dream contest. Grand prize is a trip to Vancouver in 2010 to cover the Olympics. I studied journalism in undergrad and this would be such an amazing opportunity for me.

Voting ends November 22 and you can vote for me once a day. You do have to register in order to be able to vote, but with every vote you get entered in a draw to win either a laptop or digital camera.
Thanks!

If this is them caring about the station’s appearance, I’d rather not think about what “not caring” looks like.

Speaking of kids, someone who is missing their conscience has stolen a truck of donated toys meant for needy children.

Signalling the end of the Rogers monopoly, Bell and Telus customers will soon be able to use the iPhone.

Finally, the Jonas Brother make a surprise appearance at Toronto’s We Day. The screams of tweeners are still echoing through the streets.

Have a fantastic day everyone. And support Free The Children!