Today has has not been a good day...
I just found out a co-worker, who has been fighting Cancer for the last few months, isn't expected to survive much more than a day or two. She is suffering from an infection that has resulted in the beginning of massive organ failure. I don't have the courage to go to the hospital to see her, all wired up to the machines etc, as I want to remember her as the spunky, loud, and laughter filled individual I knew her as. She even donated to my Underwear Affair run this year. This was one woman who never thought about herself first as evidenced by her generousity and spirit.
I'd be lying if I said I was terrifically close to her, but this is the second time, in less than 4 months, in a small department, that we will have lost someone (or in the previous case, a coworker lost their son). And it's not good. It's not right. I'm torn between being angry, tired, frustrated, upset, sad, happy? only that she's not suffering (think massive morphine and induced coma). She's a good person. No, she's a great person and she will be missed.
I'll get back to regular updates soon - just a shitload of things going on right now... some good, some not so good, and some just plain annoying, but I'll be around...
Enough Said...
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
I'm Dating A Surfer...
What a weekend. I mean, it was seriously fucking fantastic. In short, I took JC to what can be called a local paradise, Tofino, on the west coast of Vancouver Island, we stayed in a beautiful (like amazingly beautiful) bed and breakfast on Chesterman Beach, and she learned how to surf. We ate like royalty at some local eateries (seafood stew, fresh organic lox and bagels etc!), and thoroughly enjoyed the exploration of the beaches and town throughout the weekend.
It was great... but that's not the whole story...
from the beginning...
JC and I had planned this trip to get away following her exams, and we were going to stay at a local 2 star motel because of the price and the ability to use travel points. This didn't work out, so I told her that we were staying in some ramshackle hut, in the middle of nowhere, and the bathrooms etc were outside (outhouses etc.) etc. I played it up pretty good and in the end, when we pulled into the bed and breakfast, to say she was surprised is an understatement...
And then we saw the room in the bed and breakfast. "Harvey House", run by this very friendly British Couple, was one of the most amazing places I have ever seen in my life. The "Turret Suite" was huge, it had sitting areas, a double soaker tub, and in general, just exceeded all of my expectations, which made the surprise for my GF just that much more sweet!
So off to the beaches we went. We walked along Chesterman beach, watched some of the waves, investigated the town, and just had a good afternoon on Friday. Dinner was at a local joint called SoBo, which stands for Sophisticated Bohemian. The food was amazing, and the lime margerita that JC had was stellar. A few oysters later, and we were having a fantastic meal! We caught the tail end of a chilly sunset (a cold win was blowing off the ocean), but the wine kept us warm!
Of course, on Saturday, JC was going to learn how to surf for the first time. I was excited for her, though she was nervous. We got up early, grabbed our gear, and headed out onto the waves. The Pacific Surf School did a good job of ensuring that they had all of the information about the waves, swell, how to stand, etc. In the end, despite a number of very acrobatic wipe-outs, she stood - if only for a fraction of a second! Whenever I saw her wipeout, only to pop up with a bog goofy grin, I knew she was hooked!
I managed to get out on the water too, and caught 5 or 6 good waves on Saturday morning - and my surfing addiction was satiated for the time being. The waves died down, and JC needed a break, so back to the b&b we went to chill, relax, and plan our evening.
Dinner on Saturday was at a place called Shelter, and it was a very nice romantic eatery right on the main drag of town. It was the kind of place where you could get a burger and a beer, or a $300 dollar bottle of red wine. Suffice to say, we stuck with the burgers, but enjoyed the ambience and conversation all night. We made it to the beach in time to watch yet another amazing sunset, and we looked at the amazing houses along the beach and dreamed of owning a place in Tofino!
Sadly, we had to leave on Sunday, but not before getting a most amazing breakfast from our hosts, that included baked eggs with herb cheese sauce, fresh blueberry muffins, home made granola, fruit and yogurt parfaits. Not to mention fresh coffee, orange juice, and home made jams... It was amazing!
We spent a good chunk of Sunday travelling to different beaches in the town, exploring Tofino and Ucluelet, and we found 1 beach in particular that was very quiet, but incredibly beautiful...
Then we had to head home...but with smiles on our faces...salt in our hair...and plans to go surfing again, VERY soon.
Enough Said...
It was great... but that's not the whole story...
from the beginning...
JC and I had planned this trip to get away following her exams, and we were going to stay at a local 2 star motel because of the price and the ability to use travel points. This didn't work out, so I told her that we were staying in some ramshackle hut, in the middle of nowhere, and the bathrooms etc were outside (outhouses etc.) etc. I played it up pretty good and in the end, when we pulled into the bed and breakfast, to say she was surprised is an understatement...
And then we saw the room in the bed and breakfast. "Harvey House", run by this very friendly British Couple, was one of the most amazing places I have ever seen in my life. The "Turret Suite" was huge, it had sitting areas, a double soaker tub, and in general, just exceeded all of my expectations, which made the surprise for my GF just that much more sweet!
So off to the beaches we went. We walked along Chesterman beach, watched some of the waves, investigated the town, and just had a good afternoon on Friday. Dinner was at a local joint called SoBo, which stands for Sophisticated Bohemian. The food was amazing, and the lime margerita that JC had was stellar. A few oysters later, and we were having a fantastic meal! We caught the tail end of a chilly sunset (a cold win was blowing off the ocean), but the wine kept us warm!
Of course, on Saturday, JC was going to learn how to surf for the first time. I was excited for her, though she was nervous. We got up early, grabbed our gear, and headed out onto the waves. The Pacific Surf School did a good job of ensuring that they had all of the information about the waves, swell, how to stand, etc. In the end, despite a number of very acrobatic wipe-outs, she stood - if only for a fraction of a second! Whenever I saw her wipeout, only to pop up with a bog goofy grin, I knew she was hooked!
I managed to get out on the water too, and caught 5 or 6 good waves on Saturday morning - and my surfing addiction was satiated for the time being. The waves died down, and JC needed a break, so back to the b&b we went to chill, relax, and plan our evening.
Dinner on Saturday was at a place called Shelter, and it was a very nice romantic eatery right on the main drag of town. It was the kind of place where you could get a burger and a beer, or a $300 dollar bottle of red wine. Suffice to say, we stuck with the burgers, but enjoyed the ambience and conversation all night. We made it to the beach in time to watch yet another amazing sunset, and we looked at the amazing houses along the beach and dreamed of owning a place in Tofino!
Sadly, we had to leave on Sunday, but not before getting a most amazing breakfast from our hosts, that included baked eggs with herb cheese sauce, fresh blueberry muffins, home made granola, fruit and yogurt parfaits. Not to mention fresh coffee, orange juice, and home made jams... It was amazing!
We spent a good chunk of Sunday travelling to different beaches in the town, exploring Tofino and Ucluelet, and we found 1 beach in particular that was very quiet, but incredibly beautiful...
Then we had to head home...but with smiles on our faces...salt in our hair...and plans to go surfing again, VERY soon.
Enough Said...
Monday, June 09, 2008
Have I Mentioned That I'm Going Surfing?
This weekend.
My girlfriend and I.
Her first time.
Tofino!
SWEET!
Enough Said...
My girlfriend and I.
Her first time.
Tofino!
SWEET!
Enough Said...
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Drunk Blogging - May 30 2008
Well, it's Friday night and I've had a good deal to drink. It's almost 2:15am, and going beyond the red wine, I've just gotten home after a few more pints.
It's been a fun night. Interestingly enough, it has not been spent with my amazing girlfriend...nope, she's been tired this week so off to bed she has gone, and I've been relegated to the proverbial bachelor.... well, not really, but you know what I mean. I went out tonight with my former roommate, and her brother and his friend... it was fun, I definately had a good deal to drink.
the next few months, or even year will be interesting, if a little tough...
First, there are several situations where my girlfriend will be away, in other places in Canada, working on her medical degree. Where I will be at home, in Vancouver, missing her like crazy. Between Halifax, Toronto, and perhaps a rural location too, it will be a challenging situation for the summer...
Oh well, it's been a good week, and in a sense I miss my girlfriend like crazy... yes, I am head over heals for her... but a few days now, and a few weeks later will not be a horrible situation and I'll just have to deal!
Ok, off to drink some water, then crash....
Enough Said...
It's been a fun night. Interestingly enough, it has not been spent with my amazing girlfriend...nope, she's been tired this week so off to bed she has gone, and I've been relegated to the proverbial bachelor.... well, not really, but you know what I mean. I went out tonight with my former roommate, and her brother and his friend... it was fun, I definately had a good deal to drink.
the next few months, or even year will be interesting, if a little tough...
First, there are several situations where my girlfriend will be away, in other places in Canada, working on her medical degree. Where I will be at home, in Vancouver, missing her like crazy. Between Halifax, Toronto, and perhaps a rural location too, it will be a challenging situation for the summer...
Oh well, it's been a good week, and in a sense I miss my girlfriend like crazy... yes, I am head over heals for her... but a few days now, and a few weeks later will not be a horrible situation and I'll just have to deal!
Ok, off to drink some water, then crash....
Enough Said...
Friday, May 16, 2008
May Long...
Ah yes...Friday afternoon, and getting ready to enjoy a long weekend in a surprisingly summery May Long Weekend. The weather this weekend is always iffy, and as a result, I am planning on sitting on several patios over the next few days, enjoying a few pints and absorbing some much needed Vitamin D. In Vancouver you've got to enjoy the sun while you've got it...because in 14 short weeks, it starts raining again and doesn't stop until next year :).
I've read it a few places that Vancouverites are quite fickle about the weather (it might have been Douglas Coupland). After about 2 weeks of rain or mist (not quite fog, but not quite rain), we start to get a little depressed and people start to complain about the weather. It may be urban legen, but it is said that the local First Nations had 12 words for rain! While it is raining down here of course, the Mountains are getting the good white stuff on which to ski. Then, out of the blue (literally) the sun shines through... people with convertables drive through town in near zero degree weather, people start jogging at the beach, and the patio seats at coffee shops fill up... and we all fall in love with the city once again...if only for a day...
Sarah (over at Hollywood North Report) wrote a good blog article about the opening of the pool at Kits Beach. My Gram, who was born and raised here in Vancouver used to tell me stories about the pool. I think it used to be larger (150 metres?) but I think a leak caused them to close one end of the pool. I could be wrong and I can't find any information. But more often than not, my gram was on the ball about Vancouver history.
Despite the percieved nature of Kits as being fake or contrived, it is still one of my favourite communities in Vancouver. It is never boring; there are lots of things going on in the summer (the now cancelled Soap Box Derby used to be so much fun!), but Greek Days is always a stomach filling good time! And of course the Beach... There is no better place to people watch, grab a coffee from the Starbucks up the block, and relax in the sun and pitter patter of people, kids, joggers, rollerbladers, in an urban oasis.
One of my favourite spots in this area too is so-called Dog Beach. Just up and around the point from Kits Beach, near the Vancouver Maritime Museum, is a small little Bay with an off-leash area for dogs. On a nice summer day I bet there are 200 different dogs with their owners playing in the water around here. If anyone is having a bad day I challenge you to walk down here, watch the dogs having the time of their lives, and leave without a smile on your face.
I should do one thing however, and offer a shout-out to AmyD, who as of this weekend will be AmyB! She was one of the first regular commenters on this blog, and despite not meeting her face to face, I consider her a good friend, and wish her nothing but happiness this weekend, and always. Hmmm... I will be in Toronto in all liklihood this summer for about 2 weeks - perhaps there's an opportunity to meet AmyD,and/or Ms. M...???
My next adventure is a planned weekend excursion to Tofino for a little surfing. My girlfriend and I are hopefully heading over in June... here's to hoping she doesn't have to work a shift that weekend - because that would TRULY suck...
Enough Said...
I've read it a few places that Vancouverites are quite fickle about the weather (it might have been Douglas Coupland). After about 2 weeks of rain or mist (not quite fog, but not quite rain), we start to get a little depressed and people start to complain about the weather. It may be urban legen, but it is said that the local First Nations had 12 words for rain! While it is raining down here of course, the Mountains are getting the good white stuff on which to ski. Then, out of the blue (literally) the sun shines through... people with convertables drive through town in near zero degree weather, people start jogging at the beach, and the patio seats at coffee shops fill up... and we all fall in love with the city once again...if only for a day...
Sarah (over at Hollywood North Report) wrote a good blog article about the opening of the pool at Kits Beach. My Gram, who was born and raised here in Vancouver used to tell me stories about the pool. I think it used to be larger (150 metres?) but I think a leak caused them to close one end of the pool. I could be wrong and I can't find any information. But more often than not, my gram was on the ball about Vancouver history.
Despite the percieved nature of Kits as being fake or contrived, it is still one of my favourite communities in Vancouver. It is never boring; there are lots of things going on in the summer (the now cancelled Soap Box Derby used to be so much fun!), but Greek Days is always a stomach filling good time! And of course the Beach... There is no better place to people watch, grab a coffee from the Starbucks up the block, and relax in the sun and pitter patter of people, kids, joggers, rollerbladers, in an urban oasis.
One of my favourite spots in this area too is so-called Dog Beach. Just up and around the point from Kits Beach, near the Vancouver Maritime Museum, is a small little Bay with an off-leash area for dogs. On a nice summer day I bet there are 200 different dogs with their owners playing in the water around here. If anyone is having a bad day I challenge you to walk down here, watch the dogs having the time of their lives, and leave without a smile on your face.
I should do one thing however, and offer a shout-out to AmyD, who as of this weekend will be AmyB! She was one of the first regular commenters on this blog, and despite not meeting her face to face, I consider her a good friend, and wish her nothing but happiness this weekend, and always. Hmmm... I will be in Toronto in all liklihood this summer for about 2 weeks - perhaps there's an opportunity to meet AmyD,and/or Ms. M...???
My next adventure is a planned weekend excursion to Tofino for a little surfing. My girlfriend and I are hopefully heading over in June... here's to hoping she doesn't have to work a shift that weekend - because that would TRULY suck...
Enough Said...
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Interesting...
It's funny, when I was single, I always found something to write about. My last date, my worst date, why I couldn't get a date... and ideed, for a long time that was the premise behind most of my posts.
But now I've got an amazing girlfriend, someone who I am head over heels for, and I find that my mind is generally at rest and the crazy random thoughts that I had have subsided and are no longer dictating my days.
Sure, I could complain about many things - but really, if it is something I have no control over, isn't it better to accept things? Such as snow in April in Vancouver? Or things I have control over, isn't it better to get involved and engender to try and make a difference? I could bemoan the fact that I don't get as much time with my girlfriend as I would like, or I can embrace and enjoy the time I do get, and at the same time be thankful that she and I are able to have our own lives with our own friends on our own time.
In reality, the only thing I'm bummed out about is the difficulty I have had in getting to go surfing... few of my friends surf, it is tough to get to Tofino from here, and it can be expensive... So I accept it. I might have to make a bigger effort to go soon! Then again, I can do what I was thinking before, and learn how to sail... it's still the ocean, and the wind, just not quite in the same way.
In short, embrace, accept, adapt, and adjust...
Enough Said...
But now I've got an amazing girlfriend, someone who I am head over heels for, and I find that my mind is generally at rest and the crazy random thoughts that I had have subsided and are no longer dictating my days.
Sure, I could complain about many things - but really, if it is something I have no control over, isn't it better to accept things? Such as snow in April in Vancouver? Or things I have control over, isn't it better to get involved and engender to try and make a difference? I could bemoan the fact that I don't get as much time with my girlfriend as I would like, or I can embrace and enjoy the time I do get, and at the same time be thankful that she and I are able to have our own lives with our own friends on our own time.
In reality, the only thing I'm bummed out about is the difficulty I have had in getting to go surfing... few of my friends surf, it is tough to get to Tofino from here, and it can be expensive... So I accept it. I might have to make a bigger effort to go soon! Then again, I can do what I was thinking before, and learn how to sail... it's still the ocean, and the wind, just not quite in the same way.
In short, embrace, accept, adapt, and adjust...
Enough Said...
Monday, April 14, 2008
Life Just Gets In The Way...
If it wasn't for life, I'd have time to do all of the things I want to do.
Ironic perhaps, but true. I've got an increasingly growing 'to do' list that I can barely touch without deleting 1 thing, but adding 2 more... suffice to say, to do lists have never been my strong point.
So, what's on my current to do list? Here's just a small example...
Ironic perhaps, but true. I've got an increasingly growing 'to do' list that I can barely touch without deleting 1 thing, but adding 2 more... suffice to say, to do lists have never been my strong point.
So, what's on my current to do list? Here's just a small example...
- Pay off my line of credit (currently scheduled for mid to late August! WOOT!)
- Save more money (also scheduled for mid to late August - notice a trend?)
- Spend more time with friends
- Write an article for Planning West (after all, I am an Urban Planner!) - I'm half way there, but never find the time to finish the article, let along seek out some outside comments!
- Clean my apartment (it's not that bad, but it could be better!)
- Empty my fridge (see above)
- Buy new bed sheets - I'm in desperate need of some new sheets...if only I could afford them!
- Drink less coffee - working on this one...but I've got a headache
- Work out more and find more time TO work out...2 nights per week of dodgeball is good, but I need some more muscle mass...
- Learn how to sail
- Go camping.
- Go surfing (see above - possibly at the same time!)
Of course, it would end with surfing... but I'm hoping to get out on the water very soon... we'll see!
Enough Said...
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Planning The Summer…
It should come as no surprise that I’m already thinking ahead to this summer when I will find myself with time, money (with debts being paid off), and several weeks where my girlfriend will be somewhere else in Canada (damn you med school!!!) That being said, summers in Vancouver always go far too quickly and I’m planning on enjoying my summer even moreso than usual!
So, what’s a guy to do? Well, Party? Travel? Surf? All are on the table…
Thoughts I’ve had so far include:
The world famous Calgary Stampede? I’ve never been before, and this year I have a couple of friends who are living in Calgary which means free, or at least, reduced costs of accommodation.
I’m already signed up for the Underwear Affair for my second year. I’m hoping to make this an annual event, and considering how much fun I had last year (meeting JC and getting absolutely plastered while in short shorts), how can I refuse! If you feel like donating, you can go here.
Another event that has come to my attention is the Pemberton Music Festival – in Late July – just North of Whistler. The line up is amazing, the location is stunning, and well, it should be a pretty good time! I’ll probably get my ticket before the end of the week as I know a few people who are going up for sure.
The last time Jack Johnson was in town, I had just broken up with my ex, and I didn’t feel like going to the concert with her and her new boyfriend (despite her asking me to). Who can blame me, right? So instead, I sold the tickets back to her (in retrospect I should have sold them to her for more than what I paid!). This time, however, I’m going to the concert at Thunderbird Stadium at UBC in August, and no matter what happens – whether I’m going alone or not, I’m going to be there. I know a few friends and my proverbial big sister who are going, and I’m looking forward to the Concert!
Other than that, there’s always the thought of hitting a surf camp in Mexico for a week; or maybe buggering off to Hawaii for a week also. I think though that once August is over, and my basic debts have been repaid, things will settle down for me significantly and I might be able to more reasonably justify some of these fun things...
I can’t really justify a significant vacation again this year, but then again, perhaps a European Getaway isn’t what I should be aiming for and instead I’ll hit all sorts of local shows, go camping up near Whistler and Pemberton away from the concert time, and even make a couple weekend jaunts to Oregon or something similar.
Enough Said...
So, what’s a guy to do? Well, Party? Travel? Surf? All are on the table…
Thoughts I’ve had so far include:
The world famous Calgary Stampede? I’ve never been before, and this year I have a couple of friends who are living in Calgary which means free, or at least, reduced costs of accommodation.
I’m already signed up for the Underwear Affair for my second year. I’m hoping to make this an annual event, and considering how much fun I had last year (meeting JC and getting absolutely plastered while in short shorts), how can I refuse! If you feel like donating, you can go here.
Another event that has come to my attention is the Pemberton Music Festival – in Late July – just North of Whistler. The line up is amazing, the location is stunning, and well, it should be a pretty good time! I’ll probably get my ticket before the end of the week as I know a few people who are going up for sure.
The last time Jack Johnson was in town, I had just broken up with my ex, and I didn’t feel like going to the concert with her and her new boyfriend (despite her asking me to). Who can blame me, right? So instead, I sold the tickets back to her (in retrospect I should have sold them to her for more than what I paid!). This time, however, I’m going to the concert at Thunderbird Stadium at UBC in August, and no matter what happens – whether I’m going alone or not, I’m going to be there. I know a few friends and my proverbial big sister who are going, and I’m looking forward to the Concert!
Other than that, there’s always the thought of hitting a surf camp in Mexico for a week; or maybe buggering off to Hawaii for a week also. I think though that once August is over, and my basic debts have been repaid, things will settle down for me significantly and I might be able to more reasonably justify some of these fun things...
I can’t really justify a significant vacation again this year, but then again, perhaps a European Getaway isn’t what I should be aiming for and instead I’ll hit all sorts of local shows, go camping up near Whistler and Pemberton away from the concert time, and even make a couple weekend jaunts to Oregon or something similar.
Enough Said...
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