I’ve been having voice problems for a long time; I lose my voice all the time. It’s been going on for more than 3 years, actually.
I’ve finally been diagnosed with vocal nodules.
The nodules are benign, nothing dangerous, but I have some trouble speaking and it’s getting worse. Now I’ve started coughing and experiencing a lot more discomfort.
I’m pre-scheduling a long period of silence in August. No speaking whatsoever. I should start it sooner, but I have too many commitments with the Niagara Jazz Festival. I’ll be speaking as little as possible between now and the festival, then taking a proper silent retreat once it’s finished.
So that’s my summer! Don’t expect me to be very social for the next while. See you in the fall.
Dahon folding bike from Mountain Equipment Co-op for sale.
This is the previous model of the MEC Origami bicycle.
This is a compact, high quality folding bicycle bought at the end of the 2012 season. I rode it for one season in 2013 when I was working in Toronto. I would ride it to the bus terminal, put it on the bus, and then use it again when I got to Toronto.
Now that I don’t work in Toronto any more I don’t need it as I also have another regular bike. It was in storage for the entire 2014 season. It’s hardly been used and is in excellent condition.
This bike was original $650+ and has hardly been used. Folding bikes can get expensive so this is a steal at $350.
The specs according to MEC are:
Centre hinge allows lightweight aluminum frame to fold back on itself.
20 x 1.5in. tires provide plenty of cushioning.
ProMax V-brakes are powerful and easy to maintain.
Nexus 8-speed internal hub allows rider to change gears whether pedalling or not. Gear range suits most city riding.
Folded size is approximately 34 x 67 x 64cm (13.3 x 26.1 x 25in.).
Adjusts to fit riders from 125 to 188cm (4ft. 10in. to 6ft. 2in.).
Designed to support a maximum weight of 105kg (230lb.).
Seatpost telescopes into the frame.
Handlebars telescope and fold flat.
SunTour pedals fold against crank when not in use.
Comes with a canvas carrying case, fenders, and a rear rack.
I love being a nerd. We’re leaving on our trip tomorrow and I’ve just created these maps.
The following maps have tags for all of the things I might like to see, or restaurants I might like to visit, while in each city. I’m the kind of person who likes to have good options laid out in advance, but then can feel free to wing it based on where the wind blows me on the day of the trip. We’ll have 3.5 days in Rome, one day in Athens, 1.5 days in Istanbul and one day in Naples.
Our cruise has 2 other stops but I think we’ll just wing it in those locations which seem to be more straightforward.
The Damzels in this Dress 20 year anniversary is coming up! In honour of this amazing milestone, I thought I’d start a page devoted to the dresses that I’ve loved and word proudly from their collection since 1998.
#damzels20th with Frankie Manning, 2008An oldie but a goodie! A birthday dress, photo taken during my dance jam. Circa 1999. #damzels20thAn oldie but a goodie! A birthday dress, photo taken during my dance jam. Circa 1999. #damzels20th#damzels20th photo taken in 2008, dress is originally from maybe 2002?This is a Damzels skirt that I’m wearing while teaching with #FrankieManning in 2006. The skirt is probably orignally from 2000ish? #Damzels20th#Frankie100 fashion show in New York City, May 2014! #damzels20th#Frankie100 fashion show in New York City, May 2014! #damzels20thA Damzels dress integrated as part of my Halloween costume in 2008. #Damzels20thThe Damzels making an appearance in Moscow, dancing in front of the Kremlin! Circa 2003. #damzels20thBeing flousy in Herrang, 2007. #Damzels20th
It’s September 5th and a scorcher outside, but by the school calendar summer is over.
This summer I used July to recover from closing and passing on the studio. I was able to get in to Toronto for some social visits and enjoyed going to Canada’s Wonderland with Bryan and eating doughnuts with Laura. Zoey came and spent a few days with us which was nice.
In August, Geoff and I took a trip to Cedar Point amusement park which was quite fun. Even more exciting was the visit to the fabulous Greenfield Village and Henry Ford Museum. I can’t believe I’ve never gone before! It’s fabulous. So much so that Geoff is there again this weekend for an old car show where the cars are from 1931 or earlier. I’ll join him next year.
Then it was the first Niagara Jazz Festival. It was a wonderful event and I’m excited to be a part of what I’m sure will be a growing and prosperous festival in the years to come. It was nice of Chachi to come and help out.
Finally, last weekend I attended Swing Out New Hampshire. This is a really great camp. Sadly, I got the blues while I was there, but the camp is wonderful and I highly recommend it. I also really enjoyed zipping in to Boston for the day with my new pal, Melvin.
Yesterday I signed the termination agreement and finalized the settlement; 750 Yonge is no more. I’m completely burned out and won’t be dealing with much of anything for a while. I have 70 emails that I haven’t abandoned but can’t bring myself to deal with yet so if you’re waiting to hear from me, I thank you for your continued patience. My next step is to wrap up a bunch of accounting and organize my home space. Other than that, I won’t be making any major decisions until later this summer.
HOLY MOLY. The test results are all negative and Geoff is basically considered CURED! (Other than follow up CAT scans every 3 months for 2 years to make sure he stays cured.) So emotional. So grateful to everyone who has supported us and to the Canadian health care system.
We actually received the news on May 3rd. Today is May 12th and I’m still processing what this now means. There’s still lots of emotional healing that will need to take place, but I’m glad to be able to share this video of Geoff’s little speech and him and our friend Kevin Sue beating up the cancer pinata.
On Saturday night, I was blown away by the suprise community fundraiser that was held to raise money for Geoff and I to go to Disney World. Geoff has been undergoing treatments for testicular cancer since September and it’s certainly taken its toll on us.
From me to the community:
How can I express the depth of my thanks? How can I explain the incredible power of community to people who have never experienced something like it? I am overwhelmed by your generosity. It’s been a terrible 4 months & we’re not sure how much longer it’s going to take. Geoff deserves some lighthearted simple pleasure and you’ve made that possible. Please accept our sincerest gratefulness.
From Geoff to the community:
“To our dear friends: Mandi and I (especially I) are completely overwhelmed at your thoughtfulness and generosity. I was so surprised to hear about the amazing fundraiser to send us to Disneyland after chemo is finished. The last couple of months have been the most difficult in our lives and your kindness and caring have turned it around into one of the most heartwarming experiences ever. I have she’d more than one tear thinking about how blessed I am to know such wonderful kind people! I can’t find words to adequately describe our gratitude. In a couple of weeks, ill be getting re-tested to see what condition the cancer is in now. I’m anxious but have faith that the results will be more than encouraging. And if additional treatment is need, at least it won’t be the dreaded chemo! Again, we wish to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. I wish I could have been there to see all the crazy Disney costumes Mandi told me about but thanks to your generosity, we will be seeing the real characters soon enough! Yayyyyy!!! We’ve got something wonderful to look forward to! Thank you thank you thank you!!!”
It’s been tough. Really tough. A month surrounding the surgery followed by 13 weeks of chemo that just beat Geoff into the ground. Next he has a blood transfusion on Wednesday and then 2 rounds of tests before they determine if he’ll need to have surgery and/or radiation. But thanks to the community, we’ll be able to squeeze in a much needed break and change of scenery for Geoff.
I’ve come this far I’ve fought the fight Together with my team,
I’ll hit this gong And share with you all The reaching of a dream.
Geoff hitting the gong to mark his final chemo treatment.
