Have a moment to update:

So what is on tap this weekend... well, Ikea possibly? Primark maybe? Morrisons? Definitely. Well, there is both the DrownedinSound and Clash xmas parties. I have to make appearances at both. I also plan on walking down to Camden for a visit to Fresh n'Wild for my favourite Icelandic Yogurt, Skyr (it's only sold there). I know I'll spend a lot of money, money I don't have, but it's all good. It's life sorting time.

Work is work. One more week to xmas... xmas! in London! woot!

Oh, here's a fun video I like. A friend of mine does the promo and the animation is really good.

Hiya,

Quick update. I've moved into my flat. If anyone wants the address, lemme know. It's an amazing flat; so happy! It's hard to explain the flat to people, as 1: it's an absolute maze to find it and B: it's oddly shaped. You enter from the top and the flat is reversed, it goes down... and finding it in the neighbourhood is nearly impossible. It's tucked away in the back of a private housing estate that is an absolute bitch to walk around, because it's shaped sort of like two inverted 'T's perpendicular to each other; Really, can't explain it. You just have to come and see it. More than welcome you are.

Here's a video I like... It's neat.

To London....

I am seeing Boys in a Band tonight (www.myspace.com/boysinaband). They are friends from the Faroe Islands. And it is in London. I am starting to get used to this city, slowly but surely. It's not Amsterdam, as it a massive, busy, faceless place sometimes, but it has a lot of heart and a strong sense of community within community, and I like that. I've found a place to live. It's in North London, just 1 stop north on the tube from Kings Cross, which is basically one of the centres of town. It's also a 15 minute walk from Camden, which means close gigs, bad food and hipsters alike. It is far enough away to still be safe. I love it.

Now I work full time and do school spare time.. It's fun. A lot of work.. speaking of...

I don't update this much anymore;

I am at work and really, do not have time. I do want to accounce I signed a lease for a new flat in London, which is exciting. I'll be living in the North of the city, sorta near Camden Town. I like privacy, so that's as descriptive as I'll get. In addition, things are chugging along; thesis is coming together, all is wonderful with Alice and I'm looking for better work, even though I have enough jobs to keep me busy. I don't have enough to keep me fed. Such is life. More soon. I'm seeing Hayden and The National tomorrow in Amsterdam; should be fun.

Until then, here's a widget:

Hello...

It has been raining in London for three days straight. I go back to Amsterdam tomorrow. That is all.

Update....

I have had no time to update this blog, let alone do anything aside from work and school. Yesterday, I said to hell with it for a few hours and caught up with some old friends before watching 'Who Killed the Electric Car.' If you haven't seen that movie, it is well worth renting; very interesting and disturbing. Made me happy to live in Europe.

There is very little time when you live in two cities. It's funny how romantic my life seems to outsiders, especially when I saw I live in two cities. But the romanticism of it all is not true, as really, it's tough to keep on top of everything when you are constantly in flux. I am adapting, though, and all is well.

Thesis is coming along, slowly but surely. The next two weeks will surely be hell school wise, but every November a time like this comes and kicks your ass. I remember complaining about the same thing at Leeds and McMaster. It's the same here, except more individualistic; I don't really have classes, just priorities and commitments.

So today marks the first frost in Amsterdam. Winter has officially begun. The weather has been actually fine as of late, but very cold. It feels, well, more like Canada. Other than Amsterdam or London, I have stayed put as of late. I plan on heading to Rotterdam and Utrecht in the next few weeks, as well as Wales in December and up into the country north of London, but that's all. I certainly am slowing down for a bit. More traveling in 2008 will happen, but not at the level of 2007. I travel too much.

Hope all is well with everyone, really. I'm smiling.

nothing to report...

really. I had a crap flight yesterday. BMI = incompetence. They are just wretched. Large update on the way this week.

Listen to Kae Sun

Update....

I am in London now, just catching up on some work whilst trying to get ahead of other. I made a promise to myself and my thesis advisor that I would have 1 (hopefully 2) full chapters, in addition to the one that is already 3/4 done completed by the end of the month. I am freaking out a bit, but I think I'll get it done. I've also started house-hunting. I don't know who, if anyone, reads this, and I like privacy, so I won't say where. It is in London though.

I miss Amsterdam; the city is so beautiful in the fall, especially when it's crisp and you can sit outside at a cafe, beside a canal, and just relax. I'll be there every weekend in November, and I am looking forward to it to a point you cannot even believe.

Other than that, I'm just settling into work, plugging away and focusing on Kae Sun for 2008. I will also be home for a few days in January. Fun!

love x shain

Reasonable Sized London Update...

I am a bit swamped with articles of various sizes and trying to keep my life organized so updating this when you live in two countries is, well to be a honest, not a priority. Plus, no one reads it, so I am talking to myself here. Well myself, here we go. I have nothing important to report, nor do I really ever do. I worked a full week in London this past week, and it was nice. My job is OK; it's a challenge, especially dealing with school (which is becoming a MASSIVE priority in November)...

I saw Asobi Seksu this week, finished the Iceland Airwaves Review, went to a DiS relaunch party and am seeing Rufus Wainwright on MON. back to Amsterdam on TUE. Things are good. more soon.

x Shain

Back in London...

meh.

quick post...

I am late. Buck 65 is on soon. So are The Magic Numbers and Cut Off Your Hands. I missed Plants and Animals again.

Well, leaving Iceland tomorrow and it's been a whirlwind experience. I will hopefully upload more pics, or at least link to some. I went for a hike today in the mountains with a friend and her and I had an amazing time. She did make me walk at least ten miles, but it was amazing. Bubbling hot springs, mountains, waterfalls, sheep, trails, complete and utter isolation. Fantastic. That is why I am late. We got back to Reykjavik a bit later cause we were enjoying the hike and everyone is already at the venue. I just bought a pizza for 14 quid, munched it down while watching Daily Show, had a shower and am off. I did laundry too, but it didn't dry. It's on the Rad now and I'm wearing damp jeans. Fun.

Iceland is a special place. I'll come back soon.

x

Iceland Day Three...

I have been writing up a storm this morning, in addition to cleaning our flat. We had amassed stocks of garbage because we were unaware of where to put it. Little did we know, a dumpster is right outside the flat. We mopped too.

I am once again addicted to Icelandic Yogurt. It is divine and far and wide, the best yogurt in the world. It is called Skyr and comes in various flavours. It's thick, delicious, creamy and surprisingly fat free. I am eating some now.

So we've been here for five days now. It is going by way too quickly. I am also way behind on my school so I am sitting here for a few hours catching up on work. I am excited to get back to business next week, but I wish I could stay here. I love Iceland. Met more new people last night, and all are lovely. I didn't see much music though. I got caught up in a conversation with someone new and the night flew by. I saw a solo set from mum's new singer and Grizzly Bear. I plan on seeing a shitload of music today. I need to catch up.

Everyone has left now. it's quiet. They went to explore the town and get some coffee while Liz is in the shower. The calm before the storm, I guess. Makes things feel or seem quite introspective. I like this. I like this a lot.

I'm also addicted to my friend Dave's cardigans. I've worn a different one each day and apparently they make me look 'smart'. And on that note...

Iceland Post Two:

I hurt my leg. Yup. And in true Shain fashion, I have no idea how I did it. I even stretched yesterday. I had to walk to the Nordic House for a conference, quite a bit of a walk, and I turned on my ankle because I was busier watching the ducks than myself. Now I'm in a considerable amount of pain and have a nice limp. Fun. Last year in Iceland I had a cold. There's sod's law for you.

Our flat is turning into the 'meeting' or 'party' flat. Last night we had 15 people here from 1AM -> 3AM. We also had people who locked themselves out of their flat staying. It was a party, to say the least. We're actually polishing off a lot of the booze we brought, and we brought a lot of booze. It's also warmed up considerably. it's raining today. I just went to a thermal pool with Matt. It's just a community centre with a volcanic hot pool on the patio outside. You get all dolled up in a swimsuit and head out in -1 weather only to find yourself in an eggy smelling hot-tub. It's much better than it sounds. My leg does feel better.

I have a lot of work to do today, so thankfully it is raining. I have a conference later, plus articles to write and emails to send.. Lots to do. I could also use a shave. Lots of bands are playing tonite, which is muchly anticipated because all the bands were rubbish last night. I saw 'Solid Gold' and 'Lights on a Highway' and both were garbage. Absolute garbage. Just went to a pub with fellow DiS'ers instead and drank expensive beer whilst talking to a girl named Osk. Awesome indeed.

Off to update the DiS blog. Check it out Here

Iceland!!!

It is colder than a witches' teet. Really, it wasn't this cold last year in Iceland. It is easily -10 or -15 celcius when the wind comes off the glaciers and hits you. It is insanely cold this time. Still, it is absolutely gorgeous. I love this country. I'm so happy to be back, and this time I know when I'm going and I know my way around the city.

We arrived yesterday and spent much of the day mulling about, drinking coffee, the occasional beer and getting sorted. I rented a three bed flat for us (6 people) and we have a full kitchen, so we hit up the grocer and spent some cash stocking up. We had a fantastic meal last night surrounding by friends Icelandic and Expat (I made poached whitefish in rum with roastic garlic and lemony rice for them an a caramalized omelette for me) and then went to a famous pub, Sirkus, for drinks with the editor of Grapevine, a magazine I'm beginning to work with (Iceland's English mag) and a few others friends.

We have rented a car today and are headed off to see the golden circle. I'll be back tonite to do some work and then enjoy another meal. We're also heading off to our friend Anna's summer home for waffles, rhubarb jam and hot chocolate, as well as a traditional Icelandic swim in a frozen lake. Shall be lovely.

I need to be here.

Lovely Morning;

It's a beautiful morning in Amsterdam. It's bright, surprisingly sunny and fresh, almost as if you get up and the canals are whispering mist that makes all this worth it. I love this city. I know some people who don't, and to be honest, it is not the easiest to move to. Amsterdam has its reputation, of course, but when you live here and deal with it's odd day-to-day you realize that the reputation is false. Sure, the tourists are placated with pot and hookers, but living here is different. It's difficult, annoying, claustrophobic, rainy and filled with needless and sometimes never ending paperwork. Yet, it is quiet, clean, boring, friendly and gorgeous. It is the most inspiring city in Europe - in my opinion - and I am surely going to miss it when I head to London. A morning likes this engenders reflection. it's that nice. The window is open, the birds are hanging out, it's all just that relaxing. I love it here. I do. Too bad life, financial security and my future lies in London. I do like London. I like it a lot. But nothing is Amsterdam. It's just gezellig here (that means cozy).

The flatmates are in Bratislava and I'm heading back to London this afternoon. I'm off to High Wycombe tomorrow night to meet friends and then flying to Reykjavik on Monday morning. I can't believe this year has flown by so quickly. I remember arriving in Iceland last year - starry eyed, confused, exhilirated - and this year is the same. Except now I know people and my way around.

Other than that, all is, well much of the same really. I have a lot of work to do, but it's slowly working itself out day-by-day. I'm also back to dealing with immigration. I wonder how many 24 year olds deal with the amount of immigration I do. You learn a lot about the system and how to deal with it, but it never gets any less annoying. But, it's a part of life being an ex-pat. There are lots of things we take for granted at home that I can't here; just basic stuff like taxes, health insurance, finding doctors, immigration etc.. It took me two weeks to find insecticide in Amsterdam. It just doesn't exist. Well, it does but its hidden at Etos.

I'm rambling a bit here cause I rarely have time to update this and I thought it could use a good, strong update. I bet when I'm old and read all this I'll wonder why I wasted all this time complaining and stressing about useless things, because I'm realizing it all just doesn't matter. Life is one big shitstorm; It's the umbrella you carry that makes the difference, methinks. Was that even a cogent metaphor? Ah, well, who cares.

It's so gorgeous today. I'm listening to the Arcade Fire. I'm at home. For the time being, I am the happiest person in town. At 4PM I leave. It's 10:10AM. Till then.

Quick...


I am a bit too pooped to add a big update. I just spent the weekend in Paris with my family, which was the first vacation I have taken with them in, well, ever. It was Paris, so it was gorgeous and the weather held out, and I saw a lot of city I haven't. I usually do nothing in Paris.. see friends, drink, relax. My brother and sis-in-law added a lot more touristy things to the mix this time, which was refreshing for me. Seeing my mom marvel at the sheer beauty of the city was also something else. It made me feel that sometimes, once in a blue moon, things are great. That is a good feeling.

I have a busy week here. London -> Amsterdam -> London -> Iceland in a week. I started a new job. A real one. I'm keeping the details a secret though.

Post #195...


I don't give much in the way f details on this blog anymore. Publicizing one's life is good to a point, but really, I'd rather remain mostly anonymous. I know that when I read these posts in a few years and re-remember all the things I forgot, I'll be pleased I included details. Still, from now on, things will be more generalized. It's more fun to talk about other people than myself. I'm boring as fuck. I don't know how boring 'fuck' is, but I heard it can be a doozy. I like the word doozy. Good word. It shall be reclaimed.

Nothing much is happening in my fantastic international travel lifestyle. I partied with some Swedish movie stars yesterday. OK, that's a lie. I did watch Michael Moore's 'Sicko'. Not sure what to think about it yet. It's standard Michael Moore jam-my-opinion down-your-throat-by-making-other-people-seem-worse-than-you rhetoric, but he sure has a point. The US medical system is in desperate need of reform. One should contribute via their means and receive for their needs, as universalized healthcare dictates in principle. Saying that, I still am not his biggest fan. I do prefer him to, well, any American governmental official except for Dennis Kuscinch. That hasn't changed.

I also went to Den Haag twice. Once to submit a passport application and another time to pick up a temporary one. I ran out of pages on mine. Yup, that happens. It's a bitch too when it does. And it's expensive. La-dee-da-dee-da. I'm also addicted to the show 'Dead Like Me' on TV Links, and I'm catching up on a shitload of reading. I think I have a shitload. It's a lot to the exponent of several times a bunch plus two. Oh practical math. To those unaware of the joke, a long time ago friends of mine and I decided to pursue the art of quantifying practical math. Like, how much is a shitload? Is many + a few = a lot? and so on.

Amsterdam is cold, rainy, cold and windy. I know I used cold twice. I bought a frilly multi-coloured scarf. Now I look like a field hockey player. It's fantastic, I promise. I also did heaps of laundry, but our flat is too cold for my jeans to dry. Ever put on damp jeans? Hell on earth.

OK, I'll leave you with a link now. Not going to tell you what it is. Just search 'wanker' in Amazon and see what comes up. work can be so much fun.

Ta.

Title Maybe...


For some reason when these are uploaded into facebook, they lack a title. Well, I tried to title this one. I have a few minutes before class here; Dealing with governmental paperwork mostly right now, as not only do I need a new VISA, but also my passport is out of pages. Both are problems and are a pain to sort out. I am surely looking forward to this one. Ever try to get a Canadian passport picture in Amsterdam at a photo shop? God, at home people take so many things for granted it's insane.

I have to update my website too; I'm hoping to do that this weekend, amongst many, many other things. Living in two countries at once is an organizational struggle. Yet, it sounds cool when you tell people, 'ýup, I live in two countries.' Maybe others are enthralled in the sheer exoticism of the travelling, the adventure. Really, it's all a big pain in the ass for the most part. It does give me something to talk about, and most people are pretty easy to entertain, so there you go.

Seeing Stars on Saturday. They are a band if you don't know. a Good one.