serendipityoucity

Yesterday I went to Change Camp Ottawa, a pretty fine event put on by some geeks and nerds!  A delightful Senator participated, as did 3 Ignatieff staffers, some Feds, some really engaged and interested City of Ottawa Officials, city councilor advisors, private sector geeks, academics and engaged community association organizers.  There was a ton of intelligent earnestness and some pretty smart and people coming together.  I was coaxed into giving a session that was really well attended (30+/- people) on data access where I learned that I am not a bad group moderator.  The session generated some excellent conversations with people who are interested in learning and working together. Overall, a pretty good day.

The beverage part of the evening was conducted with a fine small group of people.  My partner in crime was the ever so wonderful Mark Tovey whom I had not spent time with in a while and a few other really fun people.  One of the younger fellahs was feeling a little emasculated though, because, as I overheard him whisper, this mature woman, was drinking him under the table!  What can I say, this younger generation has not learned the art of teleological drinking as Michael calls it.

We wound up making it to the terrible bar the Camp recommended, moved to a real bar The Brig, followed by a mini Ottawa tour for the Torontonian and the French guest now residing in Quebec through the Chateau Laurier to see the Karsh Portraits, climbing into the War Memorial Statue where we pondered scale, war, the impetus for that statue and rested in the incredible detail.  At this point, it was time to find a late night fallafel at Shawarma City, and a lychee martini with China Doll wearing one of her best pink laame mini dresses at the Shanghai. 

Mark got me up to sing my first ever karaoke song (beijing york would have been proud!) Do the Time Warp Again!  Oh my! This is where I learned that I have to looooooosen up.  Mark on the other hand was smashing.  So, I vow to explore and embrace some goofyness! My friend and neighbour Helen is a pro at this! And watching myriad versions of the Zombie Jambori on youtube while nursing a bit of a post party daze brought that home (The Sexy Harry Belafonte version on the Muppet Show was the best!). Coaxing and advice most welcome.