I didn't realize it had been so long since my last post. I knew I was putting it off and putting it off...but those days they just add up!

So Christmas happened last weekend. It was good. I went out to East Sooke on Christmas eve, bringing my bags and containers of candy and goodies I had been busy baking over the previous couple weeks. Almond Roca, Pecan Roca, Gingerbread, and Peanut Brittle. My last batch of Almond Roca didn't turn out as well as the first...I think I put too many almonds in it and it took away from the toffee and it wasn't as brittle...but oh well. Mom and Dad had a little open house in the afternoon, for neighbours and family. In addition to the Christmas regulars (Grandparents, Me, Gord, & Brandy), Aunt Margo made it out with John & Marcia, and mom's cousin Rob came out with his family (whose names I'm sorry but I just can't remember off the top of my head). Humphries, Stopes, and James' were there too. I tried to visit as best I could...but I really don't know most of these people that well and I didn't have much to talk to them about.

That evening was Christmas Eve church service. I am not forced to go anymore, but I go to appease the family. Church and religion are not my thing, but I am spending Christmas (a religious holiday I am well aware of...I just follow along because it's easier than not) with my family who, at least on mom's side, are religious and church-goers. I do not enjoy church...I find it boring and repetitious. Church songs, especially the Christmas ones, are so stupid too. They try to fit any sentence into the tune of the song...sometimes you're holding a note for 3 seconds, raising and lowering your pitch, while in the next verse they've jammed 10 words into that same space and you race through it. I'm not sure what the people that write church songs are smoking, but it's pretty potent I think. Seriously...they write one verse that sorta matches and fits with the music they've concocted (which, in the case of church music, all sounds pretty much the same and is basically just cut and pasted from a master list of notes and sequences)...then they write 5 more verses that basically say the same thing (gotta drive that message home!), but don't necessarily rhyme or fit with the music. Here's an example...an off the cuff original from me (pick a tune...any tune...in church they'll make it work):

(1)
Jesus was born in a manger in Bethlehem
His mom was Mary, his Dad was Joseph, amen
Oh wait, his dad was actually God, cause Mary was a virgin
But Joseph will take care of him
(Chorus)
Oh praise Joseph, father of the king
We love you Joseph, a good man you will up bring
Praise Joseph, husband of the virgin
We love you Joseph, you can handle the burden
(2)
The three wisemen, they rode in on camels
Hopped off and walked in amongst all the animals
Gold, and Myrrh, and Frankincense they brought for Jesus
Glad to see their king was out of the womb and not just a fetus
(Chorus)
...

You get the idea? Maybe they're a bit better than that, but that's about the jist.

Anyways, I went to church, I sang along, I stayed quiet while they prayed, and it was fine (although it was friggin warm in there).

Christmas day came around and I was sleeping on the couch in the middle of the living room. It's a bit of a trick to get out of bed and into the bathroom without anyone seeing you when you're right out in the open...but it can be done. You gotta be quick and quiet. I didn't get up until about 10am I think. Sometime in my late teens, Christmas lost it's excitement and I stopped getting up earlier than everyone else and started sleeping in. As it happens, we didn't get around to any present opening until Gord & Brandy & Desirea (Brandy's sister) arrived around 1. Stockings were first, followed by presents. Brandy had drawn my name this year, and she went all out on my present. It was a basket full of goodiess...from DVDs to picture frames to poker cards and a new razor, it was very cool. I was very spoiled, and the gift was far more than I had expected.

Christmas dinner was excellent, Gord & Brandy had raised their own turkeys this year (from eggs hatched in their incubator), and what an fantastic bird it was. Mom did brussel sprouts really nicely this year, and I actually had seconds on them! Everything was great, mom outdid herself on the cooking, and I know the Grandma's contributed as well. Brandy made a great Chocolate Amaretto cake for dessert, alongside Grandma P's strawberry & lemon fluff desserts. It was all so good!

We played Scattergories as usual after dinner...it was fun as usual. Desirea and I were a team...we didn't fare too well until the last couple rounds, but that doesn't matter.

OK, so that was Christmas. I came back into town with Grandma on Boxing Day. Avoided all the sales...there's nothing of interest at them for me right now. I worked that night...the last Monday Night Football was airing in Citytv. It was a bit of a mess, but it worked out ok in the end. The rest of the week was fairly busy...Tuesday I helped Choy move his bigger furniture items from his house to his new condo, then work (after a good brunch at De Dutch). Wednesday I played squash with Choy, Q, and Herch...I didn't win any games, but I took a couple of them right up to the top and got a lot of good practice in. Thursday I had lunch with Dad and we talked computers as he was wanting to get a new one (finally!)...we ate at Pagliacci's which was great as one would expect. We got there at the right time...when we left the lineup was out the door and about 5 metres down the sidewalk. Friday, Ian and Jenn came over for a day visit before they left for Mexico. I hadn't seen Ian in over two years, and Jenn (his fiance) I had not yet met. She's very nice and cool...I definitely approve. Ian seemed good and happy. We had a good time catching up and reminiscing. I took them for brunch at Floyd's where I of course Mahoney'd it and won the toss (3 for 4!). Gave them a tour of the station, then showed them the pad. It was a quick visit, but a good'n. A thanks goes to Gord too, for swapping vehicles with me so I could chauffeur them around in comfort, rather than all squeezing onto my small bench seat.

New Years is almost upon us! Rol & Katie cancelled their party because of sickness, so I'm not sure what I'll get up to now. It's the first New Years I've been back in Canada and not had to work (although 2 years ago I was off by 10pm, so that wasn't bad). I hope something cool crops up in the next 21 hours...I'm sure it will.

So stay tuned for the New Years post, and hopefully I'll post more frequently in '06.

Baking mode continues...I made gingerbread people yesterday, and pecan roca tonight. It didn't look like the pecan roca was going to work, although now that it's setting up, I think it will be all right. I may have put too many nuts in it, or not cooked it quite long enough...we'll see. It's amazing how much butter is in roca...it's like pure butter almost. The gingerbread tastes good...it's a bit of a tedious process though, so I don't think I'll be doing it again soon.

Chalk up another fun filled weekend for the Planman! It started friday night with the newsroom party at the Executive House Hotel...A-Channel, CH, even some CTV people (I think) were in attendance. I couldn't make it until after midnight because of work, but it went well past then and it was good times. Many Stellas were drank, blooper reels were watched, and people came and went and came back and went off again. In the end it came down to a handful of us...Becky (who was the official keeper of the room), Yeech, Herch, Frenchie, Spic-Wop, and I. I don't even remember what we did or talked about...just hangin' is all. Numbers dwindled even more until Spic-Wop was passed out on one couch and Hercher appeared to be on the other...so I said good-bye to Becks and headed for my bike which was at the station. It was 6am. I rode, somewhat inebriated, on frosty roads, past businesses opening up for the day and got into bed around 6:30. Apparently Herch left soon after I did...so I could have had a couch to crash on...but it's probably better I went home anyways. Fun night though...and I discovered that Stella doesn't give nearly as much of a hangover as Lucky. Oh, I remember one thing we discussed...Stella ads. They are well done.

Saturday, after sleeping in (not too late though, surprisingly), I had some perogies for "breakfast", then got around to making my gingerbread people. Q had some DVDs he needed printed up, so he was hangin' in my suite for much of the afternoon using my DVD capable printer...it was cool. That evening, Yeech managed to get tickets to the Salmon Kings game in the CHUM box courtesy of Richard (the boss). How could I pass up that invite?! We met at the station, and Richard appeared shortly after (we hadn't planned to meet him there, but he was going to the game too, so we walked up with him). We waited for Becky & Mira out front of SOFMA. Jack Smack approached us asking for change to go buy a six pack...we didn't have any for him. He told us his story...some of it anyways. He showed my his lack of right eye, which was a tad gross (really it's just white in there...but still creepy). He eventually went off to talk to other people. Becks & Miza showed up and we went inside. The Box is cool...my second sporting event viewing from a box (the other being a rugby game in Eden Park, Auckland). Food and drinks were provided (paid for by the station) and Mira and I got into the red wine (I think Richard partook of some too). The game was lame...the Salmon lost 8-0. We ended up watching the Canucks game on the suite TV...better hockey, although the Canucks lost and they really should have had it. It was very cool to be in the box though. Herch & Amanda came by later on (they'd been at the game but in VIP seats that she had gotten through work) and ET showed up for the third period...so it almost got filled up which is good.

After the game I headed to Jason & Lianne's, where a Christmas party was underway. It was kinda funny, cause Brian & Jen were there...Brian being a guy from work (we go back as far as college though), and Jen being Jen Crosby from CH (she and Lianne are friends...I had forgotten that). It was a decent party...Q&S and Choy & Laurel were there as well. I had brought my Scene It game, so we put that in party mode and did some movie trivia. We did a gift exchange too...I brought a 6 in 1 game (chess, checkers, backgammon, etc) and a Hot Wheels car...I ended up getting a variety of chocolates. There was a lot of stealing involving a bottle of beer, and a moose. Most of the people I knew left around midnight, but that was just too early for me, so I stayed on with the remaining seven and we played "Things..." which is a pretty decent game (you are given a topic, and think of a thing based on that topic...then everyone's answers are read out and people try to guess who wrote what). I did not win, but I did guess out a few people and placed not to shabilly. Home a little after 2am.

Sunday I didn't have much in the way of breakfast foods in the house, so I ended up going to Ricky's and having a Triple Awesome Chorizo Benny...I like Bennys. Then Q, Choy, and I played squash. Choy killed us both, but Q and I were fairly evenly matched. We played 5 games and I won 2 of them. I went out and saw Sara, loaned her a TV my Grandma gave me (I have no use for it right now, and Sara has just a little TV, so I thought she could use it) and delivered some of the baked goodies I had made in the past week. We visited for a bit, then I headed home and sat my ass on the futon and haven't moved it a whole lot since.

One day (or month) I will read through my history of posts and reminisce. I know I write lengthy sometimes, and I know I include names and places and events that many people will not know or not care of...but you know what? When it comes down to it...I do this weblog for me...like a diary. It's a public diary. I enjoy that I have friends, family, and possibly random surfers able to read a bit of what I do in my life, but I do not gear my postings (most of them anyways) towards them...it's just my record. It's been over two years now...it doesn't seem like that.

Speaking of over two years, I have been at my current job for two years and three months, which is the longest job I have ever had! Yay me! and Yay CHUM/CIVI! I think I will be there for many more years...I have no reason to leave.

This falls more into the pondering category, but I'm curious...what the fuck is baking powder? Baking soda I understand...it's sodium bi-carbonate, but they gave it an easier name. Baking powder seems more generic...and there are several powders used in baking, so it shouldn't be as easily identified...yet there is only one baking powder. Flour is a powder, so is icing sugar, so is baking soda, and what about cream of tartar? How did whatever is in baking powder become known as THE powder in baking?

This is what runs through my mind...well, some of the time.

I've been spending a lot of time standing in front of my stove lately. I think my cooking slump is coming to an end!

I've made peanut brittle and almond roca in the last couple days. The brittle I took to work and is now all gone...they loved it. I will make more. The roca I just made and will take some to work, and distribute more to friends and family. And I will make more if it is well received (I think it's pretty good...but it's up to other people to confirm that to me). I have to see what other kind of goodies I can make...it's pretty fun when you get into it.

I'm making Thai Green Curry for dinner...mmmmm.

I am a pathetic womanizer. By this I mean that I am pathetic when it comes to womanizing, and not that I am pathetic because I womanize. Is womanizing even still a word?

The weekend was busy and good. I worked late on Friday night, as there was only one of the regular part timers able to make it in. I tells ya, working with Natalie in the same room when soft core porn is being broadcast is a little awkward. We really don't have much to talk about to start with.

Saturday I met up with Choy and we played some squash. I followed him in and managed to get away without paying. I figure it's ok, cause I was a UVic student at one time, and I never took advantage of the facilities then. Choy is quite good at squash, and with I being a beginner, I got my ass whooped pretty good. He was good to me though...he taught me some strategy and technique, and I put it into practice a bit. I'll get there! Becks called while we were playing and invited me to come watch rugby in James Bay, so after squash I cleaned up and headed to MacDonald Park. It was a sunny day, and I was still warm from playing squash, so I wore shorts and a t-shirt...not even a jacket. It was a bit windy and chilly in James Bay, especially once the sun went down. Maybe not that smartest clothing move I've made...although I wasn't really freezing. JP was there, as was JC who was shooting the game. Yeech showed up a while after I did. James Bay won and the game was pretty decent. I'm still no rugby expert, but I can follow it.

That night was the A-Channel Christmas party. I went stag, cause that's what I do. It was fine...Bannan and I pooled in via taxi (paid for by work) as we're both in the same area of town. Table space was at a premium in the Victoria Event Centre, but I managed to find a space to eat. I made it a goal to meet and mingle with people I had not yet met at work...I did fairly well. There's still a few people in various departments that I have not officially met. I dranketh of the open bar, and I played photographer for a while, until my battery died (I forgot to charge the cam up before heading out), then I got back to the mingling and eventually the dance floor. Nuvo Wavo and DJ Skeptic rocked out the tunes and it appeared to me that a good time was had by all. There were a couple of incidents involving guests or crashers where things got a little ugly and some punches were thrown...I'm not really sure what happened, but it got dealt with by guys who were paying attention and the peace was kept. There were many attractive ladies in attendance and I grooved with them on the dance floor late into the night (I never really danced with anyone in particular, I just made myself available on the dance floor for whoever wanted to join me out there). Things wrapped up around 3am...there were still probably 15 or 20 of us (the hardcores!). We didn't have to wait too long for cabs at that time...I pooled over the bridge with JP, SL, and Blainey. My head was spinnin' when I went to bed, but a couple glasses of water seemed to do the trick, cause I was not hungover on Sunday.

Sunday, I got up around 1pm and milled about for a bit, then headed to UVic to play squash again...this time with Choy, Yeech, Herch, and Herch's friend Tiff (and her friend Jim). Once again I sucked it up...I did ok against Choy to start, but then my first three games versus Herch I lost 9-0, 9-0, 9-1...ouch! I had one good game versus Yeech where I got 8 points, and Herch and I had a good final game where I came so close to winning...but it ended at 11-9 for him. That evening, Q&S and I went over to Sara's for a small get together. Sara made some wonderful food, and we had drinks and played Scene It! which was pretty cool. It was a nice way to wrap up the weekend.

Sometimes I just want to die...but not today.

I rent movies through zip.ca. For the most part, it's a pretty slick system. I like it. They have over 40,000 titles (up 22,000 since I joined 14 months ago), there are no hidden fees, and lately their service has been quite good. The last few movies I received have only taken a couple days to get here in the mail. Canada Post is doing well this season. I received Blade Runner the other day...it would not play in any of my players. I sent it back this afternoon and I see they have already sent a replacement copy out. That makes me happy. I guess this sounds like a bit of an ad for zip...it's not. I just thought I should write about them. Although this does inspire you to sign up for their service, contact me first and I'll recommend you...cause then I get free movies.

I bought a squash racquet today. I went for the cheapest one I could get...but it was on sale, so it really isn't the cheapest one out there. It's a Dunlop Max Lite Ti. I haven't played a game with it yet, but I'm playing this weekend, so I'll give it a good workout.

Staff Christmas party coming up on Saturday...should be good!

Dust is the bane of my existence...but I don't care about it enough to wipe the surfaces in my place on a very regular basis. It's so discouraging...you wipe it and it just comes back. It's like a weed.

Last week was pretty blah, which is why I didn't have much to update. The weekend was decent. Saturday morning I had to get up early because Q&S had Sears coming at 9am to clean the carpets. I moved some of my furniture out of the suite to clear up space so they could clean. We went to Floyds while we let the carpet dry. I Mahoney'd it again, and this time it was a wicked type of eggs benedict, with pan fries. Very yum (as always with Floyds). Of course I flipped for it, but this time I lost the toss, so I had to pay double. Losing the toss isn't that bad when you're already up two, so I had nothing to fuss about. Carpet still wasn't totally dry when we got home, so Q & I went to Future Shop to kill some time. I want to get an MP3 player, but it has to be capable of playing Ogg files (which I ripped my music collection to...just a different digital audio format). Samsung, iRiver, and MPIO all make players that play Oggs, so I just need to wait until the price gets right. I like the new Samsung player, and one of the iRiver models is pretty good too (although a little pricey still). We didn't buy anything, and we always have a good laugh about how we know more than the sales guys. I spent the rest of the afternoon putting my furniture back and working on a DVD project.

In the evening I went to see the Trailer Park Boys Comedy Team featuring Mr Lahey and Randy. It was at Sugar and it was pretty cool. The guys were in character for most of the night, and they told stories and did skits and trivia and contests. When I got there, they had people coming up from the audience and measuring their gut spread...fully extended/bloated gut to fully sucked in gut. Randy's spread was 6 inches. Much of the audience members that went up had about a 5 inch spread. It was good fun. I shoulda gone up for the gut spread...I think I have a pretty decent one. Herch, Jack, Blainey, Ashton, and Yeech were all there as well. Most of us went for some beers after the show, then we ended up at Paul's Motor Inn for some cheeseburgers (in honour of Randy). 'twas a good evening.

Sunday I picked up Grandma and we met up with Mom and Dad and headed up to Shawnigan Lake to cut a Christmas tree. Gord & Brandy met us at the tree farm and they both selected their trees. I don't put up a tree, nor do I decorate. We enjoyed some cider at the tree farm, then we had lunch at Friday's in Mill Bay. I had the smoked salmon eggs benedict (big benedict weekend for the Planman)...it wasn't bad, but nothing special. Checked out Gord & Brandy's place as they had some new furniture...it looked good. Got back to town by 5 or so. Dad let me drive the Dodge for the whole trip. I've said it before, and I'll say it again...I love driving that thing! Such a torque monster, such a throaty diesel growl!

This week has been pretty tame so far. Mom and I tried out Flying Floyds (different from Floyds) for lunch on Monday. It was good...a little pricey, but not outrageous. Good soup, good sandwiches.

Ian and I are doing another potluck for dinner at work tonight (last week we did honey garlic pork dry ribs (brought by me), and salad (brought by him). Tonight I'm bringing penne pasta with wine chorizo sausage sauce (it makes such a good sauce), and he'll bring salad and garlic bread. It's a good collaboration.

Dust is the bane of my existence...but I don't care about it enough to wipe the surfaces in my place on a very regular basis. It's so discouraging...you wipe it and it just comes back. It's like a weed.

Last week was pretty blah, which is why I didn't have much to update. The weekend was decent. Saturday morning I had to get up early because Q&S had Sears coming at 9am to clean the carpets. I moved some of my furniture out of the suite to clear up space so they could clean. We went to Floyds while we let the carpet dry. I Mahoney'd it again, and this time it was a wicked type of eggs benedict, with pan fries. Very yum (as always with Floyds). Of course I flipped for it, but this time I lost the toss, so I had to pay double. Losing the toss isn't that bad when you're already up two, so I had nothing to fuss about. Carpet still wasn't totally dry when we got home, so Q & I went to Future Shop to kill some time. I want to get an MP3 player, but it has to be capable of playing Ogg files (which I ripped my music collection to...just a different digital audio format). Samsung, iRiver, and MPIO all make players that play Oggs, so I just need to wait until the price gets right. I like the new Samsung player, and one of the iRiver models is pretty good too (although a little pricey still). We didn't buy anything, and we always have a good laugh about how we know more than the sales guys. I spent the rest of the afternoon putting my furniture back and working on a DVD project.

In the evening I went to see the Trailer Park Boys Comedy Team featuring Mr Lahey and Randy. It was at Sugar and it was pretty cool. The guys were in character for most of the night, and they told stories and did skits and trivia and contests. When I got there, they had people coming up from the audience and measuring their gut spread...fully extended/bloated gut to fully sucked in gut. Randy's spread was 6 inches. Much of the audience members that went up had about a 5 inch spread. It was good fun. I shoulda gone up for the gut spread...I think I have a pretty decent one. Herch, Jack, Blainey, Ashton, and Yeech were all there as well. Most of us went for some beers after the show, then we ended up at Paul's Motor Inn for some cheeseburgers (in honour of Randy). 'twas a good evening.

Sunday I picked up Grandma and we met up with Mom and Dad and headed up to Shawnigan Lake to cut a Christmas tree. Gord & Brandy met us at the tree farm and they both selected their trees. I don't put up a tree, nor do I decorate. We enjoyed some cider at the tree farm, then we had lunch at Friday's in Mill Bay. I had the smoked salmon eggs benedict (big benedict weekend for the Planman)...it wasn't bad, but nothing special. Checked out Gord & Brandy's place as they had some new furniture...it looked good. Got back to town by 5 or so. Dad let me drive the Dodge for the whole trip. I've said it before, and I'll say it again...I love driving that thing! Such a torque monster, such a throaty diesel growl!

This week has been pretty tame so far. Mom and I tried out Flying Floyds (different from Floyds) for lunch on Monday. It was good...a little pricey, but not outrageous. Good soup, good sandwiches.

Ian and I are doing another potluck for dinner at work tonight (last week we did honey garlic pork dry ribs (brought by me), and salad (brought by him). Tonight I'm bringing penne pasta with wine chorizo sausage sauce (it makes such a good sauce), and he'll bring salad and garlic bread. It's a good collaboration.

This past week was a decent one, what with the concert on Tuesday and a somewhat busy weekend.

Saturday I didn't get up to too much during the day. I ran when I got up...5K. The weather was awesome. I picked up Rol's hard drive to get some music for a DVD project I'm working on...then I spent the better part of the afternoon searching through it for said music. In the evening, I got all dressed up in my black pants, white dress shirt, and black vest. I was the bartender at a wedding...the wedding of Juan's sister Kerrie. It was at Luxton Hall out in Langford...a dated, but capable facility. The ceremony and reception were all in one in the evening. It seemed to go all right. Things never got super busy at the bar, which is how I like it. I don't bartend much, so keeping it steady but slow is good. As usual, there's always things that get forgotten about, or not ready in time...but it all worked out. I made some money and got to visit with Juan and her family for a bit. Apparently I missed out on a shitty comedy night at Murph's Pub with the crew from work...so it was defintely better to have bartended. I could have gone out afterwards, but no one called and I wasn't gonna call them in case they'd gone home early (which they had...some reluctantly).

Sunday, I played squash in the morning with Yeech, Herch, and MiLo. I lost every game I played, but I did improve from a 9-0 loss in my first game, to a 10-8 loss in my last game. I think I need to get me a squash racquet. Maybe I'll wait till the Boxing Day Sales.

After squash, Yeech, Herch and I had lunch at Floyd's Diner. I Mahoney'd it again, flipped for it again, and won again...so I have yet to pay for a meal at Floyd's. I like it! My meal was good too...a burrito type thing, with panfries...very yum. I think I'm going there next Saturday with Q&S when our carpets get cleaned.

In the afternoon, Herch and I watched the Grey Cup at the Shark Club. Becks joined us for the 4th quarter, after seeing Oklahoma at the Mac (which she said was good). The game was good...Montreal looked very aggressive and tight, but Edmonton dominated at the beginning, then it got a little back and forth, and eventually went to OT...which was pretty exciting. Definitely some good football going on. I'm not a big football fan, but I know how it works and I can get into it...usually around playoff time.

So ya, not a bad weekend at all...made some money, had a social life, got free lunch! Nothing to rant about right now...well, there probably is, but I'm not gonna bother.

This past week was a decent one, what with the concert on Tuesday and a somewhat busy weekend.

Saturday I didn't get up to too much during the day. I ran when I got up...5K. The weather was awesome. I picked up Rol's hard drive to get some music for a DVD project I'm working on...then I spent the better part of the afternoon searching through it for said music. In the evening, I got all dressed up in my black pants, white dress shirt, and black vest. I was the bartender at a wedding...the wedding of Juan's sister Kerrie. It was at Luxton Hall out in Langford...a dated, but capable facility. The ceremony and reception were all in one in the evening. It seemed to go all right. Things never got super busy at the bar, which is how I like it. I don't bartend much, so keeping it steady but slow is good. As usual, there's always things that get forgotten about, or not ready in time...but it all worked out. I made some money and got to visit with Juan and her family for a bit. Apparently I missed out on a shitty comedy night at Murph's Pub with the crew from work...so it was defintely better to have bartended. I could have gone out afterwards, but no one called and I wasn't gonna call them in case they'd gone home early (which they had...some reluctantly).

Sunday, I played squash in the morning with Yeech, Herch, and MiLo. I lost every game I played, but I did improve from a 9-0 loss in my first game, to a 10-8 loss in my last game. I think I need to get me a squash racquet. Maybe I'll wait till the Boxing Day Sales.

After squash, Yeech, Herch and I had lunch at Floyd's Diner. I Mahoney'd it again, flipped for it again, and won again...so I have yet to pay for a meal at Floyd's. I like it! My meal was good too...a burrito type thing, with panfries...very yum. I think I'm going there next Saturday with Q&S when our carpets get cleaned.

In the afternoon, Herch and I watched the Grey Cup at the Shark Club. Becks joined us for the 4th quarter, after seeing Oklahoma at the Mac (which she said was good). The game was good...Montreal looked very aggressive and tight, but Edmonton dominated at the beginning, then it got a little back and forth, and eventually went to OT...which was pretty exciting. Definitely some good football going on. I'm not a big football fan, but I know how it works and I can get into it...usually around playoff time.

So ya, not a bad weekend at all...made some money, had a social life, got free lunch! Nothing to rant about right now...well, there probably is, but I'm not gonna bother.

The Simple Plan concert was good...I enjoyed it and I'm pretty sure Becks did too. We got there midway through the opening act, which turned out to be The Planet Smashers. For the first bit, we thought they were Hedley...only because we hadn't heard of any other opening acts, and we weren't familiar with Hedley (although we didn't think Hedley was a ska band...which The Planet Smashers are). They were awesome...I love ska. If I'd stuck with my trombone playing I coulda been in a ska band. Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda, Didn't.

We had a "jumbo" hot dog during the break between bands...it was good, although pricey (what else to expect from arena fare?). We walked around the arena...there wasn't much going on. We were a little old for the crowd...but whatever. Hedley came out after a while. They were ok...their sound was very Simple Plan, and their antics were very...um, gay. The lead singer was drinking from a penis bottle in the beginning. The bass player like to spit a lot...at one point he and the singer spat on each other (or at least in each other's direction)...another time the bassist walked over and spat on the guitar player's chest. Kinda funny, kinda weird.

Another break between bands...we just stayed in our seats (which actually weren't our seats cause some kids had taken ours...so we just sat beside them). Simple Plan hit the stage in full force and they rocked the arena pretty good with a lot of energy. The crowd was a little small...nowhere near sold out...but the band didn't seem to care (although sometimes when they tried to get crowd interaction going on, it was a disappointing response). I wasn't familiar with many of the songs from their second album, but I I knew the ones from "No Pads, No Helmets, Just Balls" and often found myself singing (or shouting) along. SP was definitely louder than the opening acts...a little too loud as there was some distortion...but maybe I'm just old. At one point, the drummer (Chuck) came out from the set (and the other members re-aligned temporarily) and decided to run out into the crowd. He ran up the stairs on the opposite side of the arena from us...which was disappointing for Becky as she has a thing for him. Oh well...can't complain about free seats. He is a pretty good drummer...I was quite impressed. Apparently he is the brains behind the band too...which is pretty cool.

After the show we sought out some food and ended up at The Mint...I had the lamb curry. 'Twas a good, fun night.

Today I hung out with Sara until work. Went to her place and watched some South Park and chatted. Always good to chill with a good friend.

I rock at the casino! (and so does Choy...but I rock more). Choy convinced me to go again on Saturday (he didn't have to try too hard), and we both ended up coming outta there with more money than we went in with. Blackjack was the game, as usual, and the game was on. I will not let this make me a gambling addict though...gotta keep it real and in perspective.

After casino, a bunch of us went bowling. I rocked at bowling too...and was consistent as well (2 games, both 128). I'm on a roll! Bowling was fun...hadn't been in a while. It was busy too...lots of young people (read young women). Lane 14 was nice...

After bowling, us A-Channelers went to the station to meet up with the crew after the municipal election show. Many of us ended up at Hugo's, on the restaurant side (which was much more relaxing than the dance side). HHM bought a round, which was very nice. As happens when work friends hang out...work issues were the topics of the evening (which is fine by me...I like hearing what's going on in other areas of the building).

Sunday I had brunch with Sara and Ross at 6-Mile, then watched hockey and football in the afternoon (BC lost...poop). Pretty tame.

Went skating at Esquimalt this morning...Herch was out too. It was good...not many people and we get to practice up with our hockey sticks (and plastic or sponge pucks). Last week, Wednesday was crazy...the kids get outta school early and it just gets way too busy. Thursday's rock though...it's free, and barely anyone shows up (last week I had the ice to myself for the first 5 minutes!). Using the stick takes my mind off the fact that I'm skating (somewhat)...it's good. My stickhandling sucks pretty bad though...but I manage.

Simple Plan concert tonight...Becky and I are going. I seen 'em once before in New Zealand. I like 'em enough...not my favourite, but not terrible. I have their debut album. Not really familiar with the opening act, Hedley.

And that brings you up to speed.

I plum forgot my bike helmet when I rode to work on Monday. I don't know how I forgot it...I put my gloves on, which are stored inside the helmet. I guess I just put the gloves on and then off I went. I didn't even realize it until I got to work and I had no helmet to remove. Oops!

I'm also not sure why I decided the write "plum" before "forgot". I don't really say, "I plum forgot", and I've never written it before. It is a saying, isn't it? I swear I've heard people say "plum" when describing how they forgot something...but why "plum"? What is it about the tasty purple fruit that has to do with the memory of the human brain? Does the molecular structure of a plum adversely affect the flow of blood to the medulla oblongata (that's the only part of the brain I can think of right now)?

I love Family Guy. When it first started, I never got into it (not that I gave it much of a chance)...but at the suggestion of friends, I started watching it (lovin' the Myth for recording it whenever it's on!) and it truly is well done. I'm not sure who my favourite character is...either Stewie, Peter, Quagmire, or Brian. The writing is excellent and the way it's done with the flashbacks and sidenotes is awesome. I'm also lovin' The Daily Show and The Colbert Report...and Simpsons is still good...and I like Corner Gas.

I watch too much TV.

MetalMike and I were reminiscing about some good old times in Chetwynd last week. Fun times in the production booth making radio ads, making fun of some of the people we worked with, remembering all the dog fucking we used to do. Ah, they were great times. There are aspects of Chetwynd I miss, and some I don't. At least I have my memories...

This past weekend was pretty good. Friday I hung out with Yeech for most of the day...we had lunch, did a bit of shopping, watched some TV (this funny British show called "Little Britain"), and saw Jarhead (which wasn't too bad...sort of Full Metal Jacket meets Three Kings). Later that night I met up with Polly and Melinda at Steamers (hadn't been there in a long time) to see this band, Dirtfella (one of Polly's co-workers is the lead guitar player). The band was great and the crowd was decent. They threw some CDs out after their set, and I got one (as did the girls). The following band was a bit interesting. They're singer had laryngitis, so they were relying on crowd members for the vocals. They invited anyone up on stage, regardless of if they knew the lyrics. One guy got up and sang a bit...they didn't have the mic turned up much, and I'm not really sure if he was singing proper lyrics or just rambling on. The second guy who got up, actually had the lyrics scribbled out on paper by the singer...plus he was a fan of the band and knew how the songs went. He did well...kept tune and belted out the vocals pretty good. 'twas fun!

Saturday I didn't do much in the day. Had dinner at Montana's with Q&S, Rol, Hoju, Slefler and Ms Soon to be Mrs Slefler. Q&S & I hit up the casino after dinner and that turned out well (for me at least). I played Blackjack and played a bit more aggressively than usual. If I won a hand, I let my winnings ride (sometimes). I ended up walking away with more than double my starting amount...and that made me happy! After casino, I met up with Yeech & Amy, Becky, & Hercher at Murph's pub (the old Tally Ho) for some stand-up comedy. The pub was very, um, non-urban. The comedy got off to a rough start...although the MC was hilarious (in that he was completely hammered and about to fall over). The first "act" was some kid who thought he was funny (I assume), but was so not. His "humour" was all sexual and his delivery was terrible (not that a better delivery would have helped, as the jokes just weren't jokes). He got a few pity claps, but everyone was glad when he left the stage. The second act was a magician. He was ok...his tricks weren't very spectacular, but he didn't fuck them up so at least he's got the delivery part pretty good. Third act was a ventriloquist. She wasn't bad, although you could see her lips moving most of the time. She was capable of throwing her voice though...as she proved when she brushed her teeth and ventrilled (?) at the same time. I think she just needed to work on honing her skills. He act was ok...not overly funny, but not dumb. The main act, Richard Latch, turned out to be not bad. He got off to a bit of a rocky start, but soon got into his groove and carried out the evening well. He had a whole range of topics...from everyday stuff, to rude and crude. He was even a tad Carlinesque at times, which was nice. All in all a decent evening (and free except for the beers, which don't really factor in).

Sunday I hung out with Sara...had breakfast with her and Ross at John's Place (we didn't even end up having to pay, as Ross' friend took care of us...'twas a pleasant surprise). Ross offloaded Sara onto me after that, and we did a little shopping and walking, and talking...then we finished off the afternoon with some Blizzards...mmmmm. That evening, the dog that Q&S are taking care of got out of the backyard...so I helped in the search effort. He was found, near the house, after not too long of a time. I had made my way down to Saxe Point when they found me. Silly doggie.

I forgot to mention that a good portion of my friday night...before meeting up with the girls to see the band...was spent shredding paper. I got myself a decent cross-cut shredder, with bin and autostart, for $30 at XS Cargo. It works great and I'm glad I held out until I found the right price. I had quite a bit of paper for shredding saved up. I'd like to see someone paste those precious documents together now...hahaha!

Wow! When you're not asking $19,000 for a car, Craigslist works great! I just posted 2 items in the "free" section and within 5 minutes a guy called about one of them. He showed up 45 minutes later, took the item he'd called for, plus the other one, plus another thing I hadn't posted, but didn't want anymore. Done...gone, all inside of an hour. Awesome! Now I have some space in my place again.

The human race bothers me. I know I'm part of it, and I'm sure I'm part of some of the problems we create and compound...but there's others that do a lot worse. There are several topics I could rant about on this, but the ones that have been most prevalent in my life the last couple days are the entertainment industry (of which I am a part), and business. Let's do entertainment first.

The topic that "cropped" up yesterday was Jennifer Aniston's appearance on the talk shows (promoting her new movie)...but of course the question on "everyone's" mind isn't her movie, it's who she's dating. WHO THE FUCK CARES? It's not just Aniston...it's all celebrities. I know they've chosen a life that is in the public eye, but really...why should anyone care more about these people than anyone else? The tabloids/media...they scrutinize every move they make. It's sickening really. I know this isn't a revelation or anything...I just wanted to state my point. Nothing's gonna change, but since it doesn't affect me personally (yet anyways), I'll just go on not paying that much attention.

The other topic is business...particularly ethical practices. I'm reading "Fast Food Nation" right now...which is quite excellently organised and presented. There is a lot of information on the business side of fast food operations, as well as the industries that supply and are involved with the restaurants. When the author writes about the history of these industries, they seem to have started small and humble and with a genuinely good focus and reason...but somewhere along the line, the focus became money...lots and lots and lots of money. I know money has become important in modern society (not that I agree with that...but it's a fact that no one can just disregard), but it's insane how profits and margins influence business decisions. They put people at risk, they lie, they ignore, they just don't seem to care about anything except bringing in more green. How do people get like this? I mean, I think I was raised pretty ethically...I know my rights from my wrongs (although I've still wronged...but at least I know it's wrong) and I can't think of anytime when I would put money before anyone's well being. Are these business people just being raised wrong? Are they being brainwashed? Or are they truly just assholes? I did have a first hand taste of being involved with what I perceived as unethical business practice at my job in New Zealand. While it wasn't anywhere near the extremes I've read about in "Fast Food Nation", I wasn't comfortable when we overcharged for services or tried to sell our "product" that wasn't anywhere ready for release. The boss wouldn't want me to talk much during potential client meetings, because I was too honest...and honesty doesn't work when you're trying to pull a fast one.

All right, I think that's the jist of what's been on my mind lately. I may not have spit it out onto the screen very well, but you get the idea, right? It's not new stuff...I've probably even ranted about it in a prior post.

I have other issues I want to rant on, but I think I'll save those for another time.

I haven't exactly been a pillar of health lately. My eating habits have gone a little south...not that many vegetables in the mix. I haven't been running since the half marathon either...I need to get back at it. I haven't even biked to work that much...I drove Monday and Tuesday this week, and I'll probably drive today as well...various reasons. Driving my truck...no more P5. I don't necessarily miss the P5, but I don't exactly enjoy my truck. My vehicle decisions in the last 15 months haven't been very smart. Let's see...I flogged my family's Sierra, which was a good solid truck that only cost gas and some maintenance to keep going. I flog it to get my P5, which I would have been paying for for 7 years or so. Good car, nothing wrong with it...it's just that I was paying a lot of money for something I wasn't using all that much. So then I have a brilliant idea to buy another truck (cause I like trucks) and sell the P5. Well, my first mistake was buying the truck before the car sold...I just assumed that P5's would be in demand and I'd have no trouble selling it. Boy was I wrong. I didn't think I was asking too much...after all, it had quite low kilometers and was in good shape. So I had to keep dropping my price because I had the debt of two vehicles to deal with and I wanted to get rid of the more expensive one. I handled it all ok...but not my brightest moment. So now the car is gone, and I don't regret selling it (it has gone to a good home with Polly), but I'm now dealing with a truck that I didn't think much about before buying. It needs a tranny. It needs a battery. It gets terrible gas mileage...I've already run out twice (well the first time was a close call...I basically drifted into the gas station) because I didn't think the tank could be empty after so few kilometers. But, it does run, and the amount I use a vehicle, it's really all I need at this time. So I can live with it.

Hindsight truly is 20/20 though...if only I'd kept the original truck that I owned outright, I'd be in a better financial situation and wouldn't be feeling like such an idiot. But I can't change the past, so fuck it. Shit happens and I keep on truckin'.

In other news, my mullet is gone. I'm now sporting a very short do. It's comfy and low maintenance...a little cold though. I'm liking it for the most part. I do sorta miss the long hair a bit. Many people wanted me to keep the mullet...but I just didn't feel like it. It was fun while it lasted.

I am currently the proud owner of a kick-ass mullet! I don't think it will last long, but while I have it, I am enjoying it. My hair was longer than I realized, but now it is just long in the mane. It was a sad moment when I had those hairs that had been with me for the last 14 months cut off. Those hairs had seen a lot.

So why did I get the mullet? Well, it had been suggested that I cut the mullet for the staff Christmas party. But then I decided it would be better suited for Mira's birthday, which coincided nicely with Halloween. I went as a "Langford Man"...complete with a red/white 3/4 sleeve T-Shirt with a 70s Vette on the front, black jeans with a rip on the left knee, ragged sneakers, a short mustache, classic sunglasses (thanks to Choy and Triggy Wiggy!), and of course the mullet. People enjoyed the getup, and were even more impressed when they realized that I had actually cut my hair into the mullet (no wigs here).

The party was this past Saturday, and it was a gooder. It was held in the presidential suite at the Executive House Hotel...everyone in attendance had chipped in for the room, with leftovers going towards booze and food. Many people showed...some in costume, some not. The room was fairly impressive...awesome view, lots of space, nicely furnished. But there was some issue with the hotel and things didn't go as well as they could. I didn't think the party was that loud or rowdy, but the consierge had us kill the music at midnight. Also there was something said about an agreement that had been signed stating that everyone would leave by 11:30 or 12:30, otherwise the deposit would not be returned. I'm not sure what became of all that, but I do know that we were on the verge of getting kicked out...which seems like a bit of bullshit since a fair schwack of cash was paid for the room. You'd think it would be a bit more soundproof.

So after the issues started to arise, we shifted location to Steve and Ang's house, which was on the right side of the bridge for me anyways. The party continued and I got into the shots a bit. I tried Becky's chocolate cake shot...which was good...it did taste like chocolate cake somewhat. I also had a couple shots of Scotch with Steve, a shot of Vodka, and then some Frangelico I think. I also polished off my little bottle of Fireball, and of course I had a six pack of Lucky (part of the costume), which when I finished each can, I crushed them on my head (or at least tried to). Party people started dispersing around 4am (3am if you take the time change into account...which you should). I walked home...and I could not walk a straight line for the life of me. Amazingly I managed to change all my clocks when I got home, before going to bed.

Sunday I didn't feel too super when I got up, but after getting some grub and water into my system, I was fine and dandy. Didn't get up to much...Q drove me downtown to get my truck (Thanks Q!), then we used it to pick up his tablesaw from Home Depot. I put the party pics on the site, then we went and carved punkins at Rol & Katie's. I had a nice looking punkin, but I just bit it on the creativity and my jack-o-lantern was shite. Rol did a nice one of a whippet...very simple, but very good. Melinda did a pretty wicked owl...she took first prize (a DVD). Katie's cousin, Mary, and her boyfriend (I can't remember his name) also had nice carvings...a bat hanging from the ceiling, and a guy in jail, hanging from a wall on chains (it was done in 3D...one pumpkin inside another...very creative). Polly and Teddy did Bert and Ernie, Q did 2 punkins...one the Autobot symbol from the Tranformers, and one the Deceptecon symbol...they turned out nice. Sara had to leave early, but she did a nice flower one. Sarah sorta gave up on hers once she had the basic cuts done (Q cleaned it up for her before judging began)...it was kinda scary looking. You can have a look at them here.

And that wraps up another weekend. I must get back onto the rants and the heavy thinkin' and such...it's been much too long. I would like to go off on a good rant. Nothing's been super bugging me lately though...so kinda tough. I'll find something.

My apologies to my loyal readers...I just didn't feel like writing an update until now. Let's catch up:

Last Thursday I went skating with some folks from work at Oak Bay...they have late skating on Thursdays. It was fun...I practiced snowplow stopping (a prelude to the popular/cool side stop), turnarounds (going from forward skating to backward skating), and skating backwards (actually continuing to move once I have turned around). I still need a lot of practice.

Friday, nothing much happened. Choy and I moved Q's poker table over to his house for poker night on Saturday. Then I washed my car. Work kinda sucked.

Saturday was fairly busy. I got up at a decent hour as I had to finish cleaning up the car (vacuum, wipe down) as Polly was coming to take it for the weekend as a test drive. She showed up around 11 and I gave her the keys. She was planning to go around and test drive some other cars with her mom (her car got written off the previous week cause some lady (and I use the term loosely) cut a corner tight). She seemed very excited...having never driven a P5 before. I then went to watch rugby over in James Bay with Becky, Herch, and eventually, Yeech. It was the James bay teams playing the Oak Bay teams. The girls were up first...but they lost. Then the Div 1 teams played and it was quite a good game...we had a beer for the game. James Bay won. The Premier teams played last and we moved to the bleachers. More beer was gotten and the game was pretty good. I got a call early into the 2nd half...it was Polly. She wanted to buy my car! So I left the game early and went home to meet up with her and complete the transaction. I heard that James Bay ended up winning (they were down when I left).

The car thing was pretty straight forward. I had the transfer form partly filled out already. Polly completed her bit, and then she wrote me a cheque. Since it was too late for insurance or banking, we post dated things until Monday. It is now past Monday, and everything has worked out nicely. So ya...I don't own the P5 anymore. I'm a trucker again. It feels good to have lessened the debt load...and I like that the P5 hasn't moved that far away and I can still visit it.

Saturday night was poker night. Choy hosted, and I sorta organized, a 20 person game (ended up being 21 people) at his house. We had two tables setup...the plan was to merge them once they each worked down to five players. Problem was, one table whittled down to 5 players before the other table lost one. Oops! (I was one of the early ones out). There was some waiting around...then we decided to divide everyone up again randomly to get things moving. Sooke sucked it up, as Choy, Q, and I were all out well before the money kicked in. The other players were my co-workers from A-Channel, and Choy's classmates from law school. Some law school guy, Mike, ended up taking first, while Herch took 2nd and Jack (from A-Channel) took 3rd. 4th went to Jasmine...who was the girlfriend of one of the law school guys. It sucked being out early...but it was a good night nonetheless.

Sunday I went skating at Oak Bay with Rol and Herch (and a shitload of kids). It was ok, but so many people were on the ice, it wasn't very good for anything except skating in circles. I almost ran over several kids. Rol loaned me his hockey gear...in case I actually play some hockey this season. In the evening, Q and I picked up the poker table from Choy's place. Choy's roommate Krista answered the door...she's friggin' cute and nice. Later, I watched The Last Temptation of Christ...it was pretty good.

Monday was work...nothing much special. Tuesday I skated at Esquimalt with Sara and Herch...it was much better than Sunday. Lots of room, barely any people, cheaper, and they let you take a stick out on the ice! I'm getting better at the skating...but I've still got a long way to go. Then I met up with Polly and got my plates back from her and then went and cancelled my insurance. Woo Hoo!

That's about it...my life for the past few days. And that's all I'm writin' for now.

2 new pedals and an oiling of the chain...my commuter bike is like new again. Well...sorta. Still doesn't downshift properly. I have to wait until the selector decides it will allow me to downshift. It's a bit of a pain in the ass, cause it often won't allow me to shift when I'm approaching (or on) a hill). It just means that my legs get that much better of a workout. I did need to do that maintenance though...the old right side pedal was broken, and the chain hadn't been oiled at least since I acquired the bike back in June.

Sometimes I think I should just put the road tires back on my good bike and go back to riding it to work. But then changing the tires is a pain the butt...and I may go mountain biking again. One day. I haven't been in months...partly on account of my knee. My knee does seem pretty good now...no issues with it other than when it stays stationary for long periods of time. Fuck physio! I don't go to doctors and those types of professionals if I don't have to. I probably should go to the dentist though...it has been a while. I need to floss though. I'm terrible at remembering to floss. It's such an uncomfortable activity.

I am now the proud owner of a pair of CCM Custom Tacks ice skates. Picked 'em up today, they molded them to my feet using CCM's F-I-T system (they heat them up in an oven, then I wear them and the foam molds around my feet). Got 'em sharpened up and now I'm ready to go skatin'. I better get out enough this year...I think I will. Archie Browning Arena has plenty of skating times, as does Oak Bay. Becky and I went skating on Thursday morning (I just rented skates) and I did ok (didn't fall!). The knee doesn't seem to be a problem.

Had something of a busy weekend, which was nice. Friday I worked a day shift, so I was able to spend a friday night with the crew. Q&S hosted, and we played some $5 poker. In attendance were Rol, Jeff, Jason, Lianne, and her friend Pam. Sarah cleaned up at poker...although she got 3 lucky hands in a row which helped her big time (not that she didn't have mad poker skillz). I held my own, but got in too deep on a couple hands and couldn't recover. Following the money game, we just stayed around the table and played some "First Nations" poker. This is where you are dealt one card, and you hold it on your forehead for all to see (you don't see it). Your betting is based on the other cards you see, and how other people bet (because they see yours). It's actually pretty fun, although I don't think it works for big groups too terribly well. We were very serious, as there was no money involved. It was good fun though. A few card tricks were shown, and we played a few other games and made a mess of the table by the end of the night. Pam seemed pretty fun...I wouldn't mind seeing her again. She introduced us to the idea of a cuddle party...which sounded sorta cool. I could be into that.

Saturday, Becks called and invited me to watch rugby with her, Yeech, and Herch over by UVic (Velox). I hadn't really watched rugby since I was in NZ. It was pretty cool...James Bay (who we were cheering for) trounced Velox 35-3 (or something like that). It was a nice day...too hot at times, but good to be out in. There's still some parts of rugby I don't quite understand, but it's better to watch than football cause it moves a lot more. That evening we met up at the Shark Club to watch some hockey and have some dinner. The battle of Alberta was on, and we cheered for Calgary as that was Herch's team. Adam came out as well...another Calgary fan. I'm pretty indifferent on the Alberta teams...I can go either way. I do like Kiprusoff though...it is amazing to watch him goaltend. He was on fire Saturday night too...he shut out Edmonton and looked good doing it.

Through the game, the others lost their energy and party mood that they'd had earlier. We blamed the sun (and the 2 hours of squash that Yeech and Herch had played). Becky got a call from an Ottawa friend of hers, Chris, who had just moved to town, so we did end up meeting with him and his girlfriend, Mary-Anne, downtown and had a beer at Garrick's Head Pub. Mary-Anne didn't seem too thrilled about Victoria or BC...but I think she'll come around. We parted ways around midnight. It was a nice, relaxing evening out with friends and I was able to drive home and not have a hangover the next day! Just goes to prove that you don't have to drink your face off to have a good time.

Sunday I got my skates, then went for brunch with the family. Gord & Brandy had picked up their wedding photos, so we looked through those. Very nice! I was happy that my hair had stayed tamed for the day. Brunch was at Six Mile Pub...it was ok, but we got there late into it and some of the food was gettin a bit old. The spread changes from week to week, and I didn't care for as many of the dishes this week as I have in the past. The Eggs Benny had been cooked too long and the yolks were dry and flaky and yucky. Still pretty good though. Following brunch, Gord, Brandy, and I went shopping for their wedding present (I had decided what I wanted to get them (a bookcase), but wanted them to pick it out as they are the ones to use it. They ended up choosing one from Dodd's, which is the place I felt had the best stuff at the best price. Gord even managed to get the price down a bit as he had done some installations or maintenance on their heat pumps in the past and our salesman recognized him...plus we told him it was a wedding present. It's good to have contacts!

Sunday evening, Melinda came over as she had been in town on a date. We chatted, watched some TV, and reminisced. I ate meatloaf, she drank her cleanse juice as she is fasting.

I seem to be just describing my weekend activities lately...not much philosophising or thoughts or whatnot. It's just the way it goes. Sometimes this serves as a sounding board, other times it serves as a diary. There are no rules. Ha! I love it!

Colds suck...thankfully mine never became a full blown one. Sore throat and a runny nose, and now it seems to be on it's way out. Good riddance.

Q, Sara, and I ran the Royal Victoria Half Marathon yesterday morning (at 7 frickin' 30!...I was up at 5:15). I got off to a great start and felt good for the majority of the run. I was ahead of both Q, and Sara, although I started ahead of them, so not a big feat. 10K came and went like nothing. But around 16K I started to feel it. I grabbed a water at one of the aid stations and walked to drink it (earlier I'd tried drinking a Gatorade whilst running and it didn't work so well). The walking felt good and gave a good rest, but trying to get running again proved pretty hard...very heavy legs. I did get going, but wussed out again at the next kilometre marker and walked again. I did this for the last 4K...walked about 3-400 metres of each kilometre. I'd wasted my energy at the beginning of the run and I had nothing left to finish on. I shamed myself...I wanted to truly run the entire half marathon. It doesn't feel "true" having walked part of it. But you know what? Fuck it! I was somewhat sick, plus I'd missed out on two months of training time this summer due to my wrecked knee...so I think I did ok. I hadn't run 21K in my training...I'd only ever made it to about 16 or 17...which is where I made it yesterday morning before needing to walk. I'm sure if I'd really forced myself I could have run the whole thing...but I didn't want to deal with the reprecussions after...it wasn't worth it. Q caught up to me at the last K, and we crossed the finish line together...just over 2 hours.

Overall it was a great experience. I may eventually work up to a half marathon again...I don't think I'll ever do a full marathon. 10Ks are no problem. I will keep up my running...but I think I'm gonna take a couple weeks off. I need to get with the skating now...Becky said she go skating with me anytime, so that's cool. Rol said I could borrow his hockey gear, so that's cool too. I'll be shootin' puck in no time.

Went to Evolution on friday with Becky and Sean after work. Polly was there with some guy on a sort of date...but she did invite us out, so it wasn't like we were intruding. I hadn't been to Evo in at least six years...it was good. Better music than most other clubs...although it wasn't all great for dancing to. It's a modern rock club. No heavy drinkin...just a couple, then home.

Saturday, Rol invited Polly and I out for some sailing. Polly's car was still at Evolution, so I picked her up. On the way to get Rol, we saw a girl running to catch a bus, but she missed it...so I stopped, honked the horn, and told her to get in. She hopped in the back and we drove her up behind the bus and she got out when it made an official stop. There's my good deed for the day.

Sailing wasn't much in the way of sailing...there was pretty much no wind. The water was super calm. We floated for a couple hours, then motored back in. Grabbed a beer and some swanky appys at at swanky pub in Sidney before heading home. Not really my type of pub...too fancy, it wasn't comfortable cause you felt like you had to be on your best behaviour.

That evening I joined some people from work at the Shark Club to watch the Canucks game. It was Steve's birthday too...not that I really know him that well...but I'm always up to help someone celebrate. I'd never been into the Shark Club before...it was a good venue for watching a game (that's what it's setup for). I left after the game, as I had to rest up for the run the next day. Jack was leaving at the same time, so I gave him a ride home.

Thanksgiving dinner was Sunday evening out at mom and dad's. I drove Grandma out...Gord and Brandy didn't make it down as Gord wasn't feeling well. It was a good dinner...quite simple compared to previous years, but I like simple. I was pretty tired, so we didn't stay too late.

All in all, a good weekend, except for my sniffly nose. Back to work today...Monday Night Football beckons.

Gol dang I love driving my parent's Dodge Ram...I feel indestructible in it! So much torque, so much power, so high up.

Gord and Brandy got married yesterday, after eight years of togetherness. The wedding went very well and it seemed that a good time was had by all. I was a groomsman, as well as the MC for the reception. The months of planning all came together for a beautiful evening. I'll attempt a recap from my perspective:

Friday afternoon I headed up to Mill Bay around the same time as mom and dad. We settled into the Shawnigan Lake house mom and dad had rented for the weekend as our base. Soon after we journeyed to Arbutus Ridge...the venue for both the ceremony and reception. Band equipment, presentation equipment, and decorations were all setup and a short rehearsal was done. The weather looked promising. That night, dinner was hosted by mom and dad at the house (lasagna). Gord and Brandy presented us groomsmen and bridesmaids with gifts...I received a quality poker set, something I had been wanted to get for myself at some time. After the guests left, poker was played by us house stayers...just for fun. Gord took the pot at 1am when we wrapped up...a good sign that things were going his way. Bed (although I wasn't anywhere near tired, so I watched "Waiting for Guffman" on my laptop).

Saturday was fairly lax in the morning. Ceremony wasn't until 3pm. Hung around the house for a bit, then went into Duncan with Gord and Frank (the best man) for some last minute items. Then we stopped in at the venue and made sure everything was in order. The weather was iffy...it was raining on and off with big clouds passing overhead. Decorations were set, music was ready to go, all we needed was Gord's tie, which he'd forgotten at his house (where Brandy was getting ready). Steve, who delivered the flowers to the girls, picked up the tie and was to bring it to Gord at Arbutus Ridge before we left to go to the house to get dressed (I hadn't showered yet, so I had that extra step...plus shaving). Steve got lost between Gord's house and the venue, so we waited longer than ideal for him to arrive. Once he did, we were outta there. Hit the house, I hit the bathroom...shave, shower, dressed, hair, done...well, almost. I had to get Frank to tie my tie (as did Gord and Jon). I rarely wear a tie...why do I need to know how to tie it? Thankfully Frank was in the know and he did a nice job (he also ironed all our shirts earlier...what a guy). All suited up, we headed back to the venue and were right on schedule arriving at 2:30.

Guests were arriving, greetings were made, emotions were out. The weather was still on and off with the rain. Close to go time, I escorted Jay, Mother of the Bride, down to her seat (which was wet because of the weather). Soon after, the wedding procession began...in the rain. Many guests had run to get their umbrellas at the last minute, a few got caught up in the middle of the procession (which was a lengthy walk down a brickwork pathway complete with bridge). Brandy appeared with her Dad and she looked lovely in her dress. She was crying...I'm sure they were tears of joy, but I had wondered at one point if she was upset that it was raining. Regardless, she stayed composed and she and Gord got hitched. I was little unimpressed with the JP...she mispronouced both last names during the ceremony, plus she fumbled her words a few times. During the signing of the registry, Papa Planman and family friend, Linda, sang/performed a lovely duet, "On Your Wedding Day". The rain did let up near the end. Once they were announced as husband and wife, they lead and the rest of us wedding party people followed. At the top of the hill, we held off on pictures for a bit because family and friends came up and the whole meet and greet and congrats thing went on...despite the fact that the couple had not planned on having a receiving line. I held the train on Brandy's dress up off the ground as it was wet (Gord started out doing it, but he needed both hands for all the hugs and handshakes going on). We did pictures down where the ceremony had taken place...family ones first, wedding party ones second, then bride and groom only at the end. They took off around the golf course for a while, and the rest of us mingled (and I checked that things were ready to go and setup for my video presentation).

Right on time, the couple returned from pictures and the reception entrance was made (thanks to Rol for making the introductions, as I, the MC, was also in the wedding party). No sooner had Gord and Brandy made it to the head table, then the glasses started "tinking". They kissed. I got up and became the MC, set the record straight on the kissing situation (it was kiss for kiss...you show them how you want them to kiss, and they'll do it), and said dinner would be in a bit. When dinner was ready, I got the head table and the two immediate family tables up first...then drew random numbers for the remaining eight. I've come to the conclusion that no matter how fair you try to make table selection...people still get annoyed with you and your choices (when they're last). Oh well...they got to eat and they really didn't have to wait THAT long. I waited until the end, even though I was seated at the head table...it seemed only right what with me being the MC. Dinner was awesome...great salads, good veggies, and sweet meat! I went back for seconds, as did many others. Following dinner was the cake cutting, which went well...and little Isabella (Frank & Veronica's daughter) was very cute looking over the edge of the table at the cake. Speeches followed, and that was Brandy's grandmother, Lois, with a wonderful toast to the bride, followed by Frank and Desirea (the best man, and maid of honour) with a heartfelt toast to the groom. Open mic brought about a few stories of the couple, and in that time I setup the projector for my video presentation. When it seemed that no one else was going to talk, I introduced and ran my video...it went slick. I had had it sitting in pause on the first frame which was black, and all I had to do was click the mouse anywhere on the screen to get it started. I had Rol hit the lights, and all I needed to do was adjust the volume on the audio. The video played without flaw and I'd set it up so that when it finished, it was cut to a photo of the couple that I'd taken earlier when we were doing pictures (it was one of them kissing). It was the slickest and smoothest playing of a video via an lcd projector that I'd ever seen...not to toot my own horn or anything (I'm not referring to the content of the video...although I did receive many compliments on it...I'm referring to the fact that there was no fumbling with inputs or trying to get the video to play...no time was wasted, and the computer desktop never made an appearance). There were a few more comers up for open mic, then mingling. Dancing got underway just before 9.

The first dance was "This Year's Love" by David Grey...a song I wasn't much familiar with, but it was very nice and appropriate. "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong was song #2 for Gord & Mom, and Brandy with her Dad. Song #3 was "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton for the Bridal Party, family, and halfway through, everyone. I danced with my new sister in-law, Desirea. The Moon Dogs (mom and dad's band) got ready to go after that, and they rocked things up pretty good. I decided to not act like my usual self and do some dancin'. The dance floor stayed empty for the first couple minutes of the Moon Dogs first song, so I encouraged Uncle Don and Auntie Bernice and cousin Jaimie to come up with me to the floor. Uncle Len and Auntie Dianne were on their way up too...and some others came out. Before we knew it the floor was full and everyone was having a good time and enjoying the good tunes. Whenever the floor died down a bit, Desirea and I took it upon ourselves to drag some people up...she was having fun (as was I). At one point, Desirea's boyfriend, Greg, asked me to dance...I'm not sure if he was bored, or drunk, or just adventurous, but whatever. I refused at first, but then he said, "oh c'mon", I said what the hey. We only lasted a minute or so, then switched to some girls. The Dogs played for about an hour before I stopped them so we could do the bouquet and garter toss. That went good...Gord managed to get the garter off with his teeth (although she pulled the dress up so he didn't have to hunt for it). The Dogs played for another half hour or so and then Rol took over for the rest of the evening. A lot of people left after the band finished, but enough stayed on until about 1 and fun was continued to be had on the dance floor. I was out there a lot...groovin' and head bangin' and goofin' off. This other guy, Jeffrey, was a crowd pleaser and knew what he was doing out there. The bar closed down around 1 and that's when things wrapped up. We packed up the band gear and decorations and the night was over. It was great fun. Gord and Brandy were very happy from what I could see.

Sunday was the gift opening at the house on Shawnigan. The whole family was over, plus some others. Breakfast was served and the wrapping paper came off. They got a good haul. Once everyone was gone we packed and cleaned up the house and were outta there. I stopped off at Gord & Brandy's to pick up the rental suits to take back to Victoria. They offered me some cake from the centre tier of their cake...chocolate cheesecake. Gord cut me a big piece...it was yum (and rich). Then, to take home, Brandy cut me a huge chunk...good for 4 or 5 slices. I was on my way home.

So...it was a good weekend. Overall, the wedding went well. There were little hiccups, but I think the couple was very pleased, as were the majority of the guests. So congratulations to Gord & Brandy! Thanks for planning yourselves a great wedding.

So ya, apparently there is a by-law in Esquimalt that says you're not allowed to park a car on a street with a for sale sign on it. Seems pretty stupid to me. There's gotta be a fair bit of leeway on it, cause people have for sale signs in the window all the time and they visit friends in Esquimalt and stop in at stores and such. but whatever, I detached the top pieces of tape from my sign so that it hangs down when it's parked. I'll tape it up when I go anywhere. I don't think the sign does much anyways, but it can't hurt to have it. It would be nice to just sell the car and not have to worry about it anymore.

What a lovely day, what with the rain and all. Actually, I don't mind having the rain...I'd just have preferred it to have waited until after the weekend. Hope it lets up for the wedding on Saturday.

It's amazing how many people play guitar. With the difficulty in learning to play, I'd think more people would get discouraged and give up. The placing of the fingers on the fretboard is just so unnatural at times, and painful until you build up some callouses. I've only been trying for the past couple days. I've got some basic chords, but I'm nowhere near knowing them from memory. C, A, E, D, G, and the minor variants I can seem to handle. F seems like an impossible chord...so I'm steering clear of that one. I realize it's going to take time to learn, but it can be frustrating. It's been so long since I learned an instrument..the last being trombone in grade 8...15 years ago! Guitar will be cool though...maybe I'll finally know what I'm actually doing when I air guitar.

I'd still like a set of drums and a proper place to play them one day...but that'll probably be a while. My constant mouth, knee, and object drumming seems to have died down in the last while...not sure why.

Caramel, Butterscotch, Toffee: Are these different names for pretty much the same thing? I never really understood. Same thing with Chocolate and Fudge. At McD's you can get a hot fudge sundae...but it seems pretty much the same as a chocolate sundae at any other place.

I'm getting to a stage in my running where 10K is becoming the norm. It used to be that 10K was the goal, but now that my goal is the half marathon, which is around 21K, I've had to up my normal run distance and it seems to have become 10K. I did that this morning...pretty much no trouble. It feels good...maybe not starting out, but I get into the zone. I should get a portable audio player though...I could use some tunes when I run. I usually end up going through the same song in my head...not even the whole song, just usually the chorus, or one riff. It gets a bit lame after about 20 minutes.

I got a ticket on my car yesterday. Didn't notice it until this morning and that's only cause I went for a run. Since it's very foggy and damp out, the ink on the ticket disappeared, so I can barely make out what it says...but it's something about it being illegal to park a car with a for sale sign on it. It's only a warning ticket, but I'm gonna go into the municipal office and ask what the fuck is going on. I should be able to park my car outside my residence, for sale sign or not. It's bullshit!

Well, let's wrap up yet another busy weekend (this is the second time I wrote this as the first time it didn't save for some stupid ass reason).

Saturday was the first annual Victoria Street Hockey Tournament. A-Channel had two teams playing...Hot Properties, and Hope & Faith (both named by our station manager after two of our new shows this fall). They closed down a few blocks of government street, set up caged rinks, and 24 teams partook in the event...which was a fundraiser for something. I was there to cheer on both our teams, and I arrived midway through Hope & Faith's first game. They lost, but they played hard and the team they had played ended up going on to finish second. Hot Properties played right after and they ended up winning in a shoot out which was pretty cool. Some others were around to cheer on the teams and by the end of the day I think we had the best cheering squad! Hope & Faith didn't do so well and didn't make it past the consolation round...but Hot Properties went on to finish fourth overall! Not bad for a makeshift team of TV people who didn't practice or even prepare much. Pires was rockin' in goal, and Permack & Salvi were the scoring leaders...but everyone scored at least one goal I'm pretty sure. They were all quite tired and sore by the end, but it was agreed that it was a fun event. I enjoyed watching it and cheering. There wasn't much in the way of injuries...a bit of road rash here and there. Becky probably took the biggest one, having a guy from the TC follow through after a shot and smacking her arm and cheek with his stick...her arm bruised up pretty good and it'll be sore for a while (I annoyed it a couple times throughout the course of the evening, which is described below).

That evening, about 7 of us...players and cheerers had some beers and dinner at Irish Times for couple hours. The numbers dwindled until it was just Becky, Salvi, and I. Becky and I were meeting up Polly and her friends, including Yeech and Herch, at the Tapa Bar in Trounce Alley for Polly's birthday. I drank Sangria...as it seemed to be the thing to do. It was ok...pretty fruity. Not something I'd choose on my own. Following Tapa, most of Polly's friends went home and it was just us A-Channelers along with Polly and Melinda who headed for Darcy's. Well, Darcy's had a lineup, and Upstairs didn't, so we hit the club instead. I hadn't been in there since it had become Upstairs (I'm pretty sure)...I think the last time I was there it was The Planet. Upstairs was pretty good, although the $8 cover wasn't. I despise paying for the privilege to pay for overpriced booze...but what the hey. We got there just as things were starting to get going. The DJ was decent, and there were many girls all fancied up. I believe at one point I was head banging to a remix version of Madonna's "Like a Prayer". Polly heard about a friend of hers that was in town unexpectedly, so we left at about 12:30 to go find her at Irish Times. We did and sat with her and her friends for some more beers. Yeech and Herch were workin' on a couple of chicks, and Becky (plus Polly for a bit) were chatting up some of the Shamrocks who were there with their freshly won Mann Cup. We got kicked out of there at around 1:15 and our entourage (A-Channelers, Polly, her friend Kirsten and her friends) went to Big Bad John's. We got there close to closing time, but managed to get a beer (and I didn't even pay for it...some guy just handed it to me and wouldn't take money when I offered...I'm not sure if he was part of our group or what...but cool nonetheless). It was here where I became aware that a couple people I know have an interesting relationship...although I'm not sure what it's all about, so I'll say no more. We got kicked out of BBJ's around 2 and hit the street where some guy from Legends had a little mega-phone (more like a mini-phone) and was telling people to clear the area and go home. It was kinda funny. We walked towards the station where Yeech had his car. Some semi-random guy, Eric, ended up with us...we think he was sort of a friend of Kirsten's, but she wasn't with us anymore. Herch raised the issue of Eric wearing sandals to the bar...and I gotta side with Herch on this one: guy + bar + sandals != cool. Herch took off walking for home, Yeech picked the rest of us up, standing in the middle of Douglas St, then we found Herch and ended up at his place for a while more...drinkin' and talkin' til about 4am. Yeech drove Polly, Eric, and I to the station, where we all parted ways. I walked home and got there about 5am (my best time for the downtown walk home yet!).

Sunday I didn't have much of a hangover...I had drank enough water! Yeech, Herch, and I (Becky was supposed to come, but her arm hurt too much...and I'm sure everything else did too) hit All-Fun for their last weekend of the year. We did the batting cages, go-karts (which Battle showed up for with the family in tow), and mini-golf. I did ok at batting, lost on the karts (because Yeech spun me out), and lost at golf because of a damn 9 on one hole! Doesn't matter though...it was a fun way to spend a couple hours and it was good to be outside. When I got home I rested for a bit, then went for a 15K(ish) run which felt pretty good. I don't know exactly how far it was...took me an hour and a half though. I was impressed with my stamina, plus I had no problems with breathing. My shins hurt a bit, but I grinned and beared it and it was all good. I'll be ready for the half marathon in two weeks.

So ya, that was a lot of writing and it still wasn't that detailed. Oh well...that's what ya get.

I can't seem to shake this crush I have. It's not healthy as I'm pretty sure nothing will ever come of it. Still, I just can't stop thinking.

Short work week for me coming up...taking Wednesday through Friday off to be available for Gord and Brandy should they need any help preparing for their wedding on Saturday. Gotta prepare myself too. Plus I get vacation days, so I may as well use them.

My ass has been broken since Saturday morning. Drinkin' doesn't do a body good (unless it's only milk you're drinkin'...then I hear it does).

There is so much dust in my place...I really need to vacuum and run a cloth over everything. I hate dust. Why must there be dust? Stupid fine particles.

Almost a week til Gord and Brandy get hitched. I'm a groomsman and the MC. I hope everything goes smooth...I guess I should write some stuff to say. I'm sure I have tonnes of stories about Gord, but I just can't think of them. Why is it at weddings that people tell stories of the bride & groom? I mean telling stories of them together seems appropriate, but telling baby stories or individual tales just doesn't seem to make sense. It's not a roast/toast...it's a wedding. People just seem to take that opportunity to tell a story they want everyone to be in on. It's strange when you think of it. I can't say much though, cause I've told stories at weddings just like everyone else.

May the Schwartz be with you.

I don't know much about this David Blaine guy...I've heard his name and a bit about what he's done here and there, but never really seen any of his stuff. Tonight I watched one of his specials on TLC...he was just walking around various cities, doing tricks for people. It was pretty impressive. I don't know how much of it was TV "magic", but the people's reactions seemed genuine enough. There were a couple of tricks where I could figure out or even see the slight of hand, but some were just downright amazing (as long as there wasn't any TV "magic" which I have a feeling there was).

Well, I had another (third in a row...something weird is going on) good weekend...and a long one at that! Took friday off to partake in Gord's Stag party. It was a good time...much of which I am bonded by the unwritten code of bachelor parties never to tell. Dinner at the Keg (mmm, prime rib), Monty's for a spell (a pretty long spell), and closed things up at Irish Times. Gord's Best Man, Frank, got him a room at Swans (which was quite awesome) and I ended up crashing on the hide-a-bed while Gord took the bedroom. I was groggy on Saturday, and only got probably 4 hours of sleep at best, but I managed through the day (some people looked at the P5 (so I had to wash it first), plus I helped a friend of Q's out with a video project). Went out with Q&S to Rachel's party, which was good...but since we weren't drinking and didn't know a whole lot of the people there we left after about three hours. I had gotten a call from Hercher (guy from work) earlier saying that he and some others from work were going out and wondering if I wanted to come. I was a bit surprised, as I had never gotten a call from Herch (although we get along fine..I'm just not usually on the contact list), but I was definitely in and as soon as Q, S, & I got home, I was out the door again. The previous week Becky had met Polly at beerfest and they'd gotten along well...so Becks wanted Polly to come out too (not that I didn't too...it's just that I don't know Polly THAT well and I probably wouldn't have thought to call her up to come out with people she barely knows). I called her, and she and her friend (it starts with a T, I just can't remember it...d'oh!) met up with me at the Stinky Winky, where we met the others (being Hercher, Becks, and Yeech). I was still recovering from the stag, but I had a couple ryes and we all conversed and had jolly good times. Matt got his ass grabbed by a cougar, and Polly got hers slapped by some drunk guy (I was gonna confront him on it, but Polly was already all over it). We all ended up at Herchers apartment for a couple more drinks before we finally dispersed at a little after 4am. Second winds are great!

Sunday, I decided to throw Hercher a curve ball like he'd thrown me the day before. I wanted to go to the driving range, cause my clubs have been sitting on my floor for the last month and a half, I haven't been golfing in almost 2 years, and it was a nice day. So I called him up and asked if he golfed and then we agreed to meet at Blenkinsop Golf Centre (which is now Valley Golf Centre I think) to drive a bucket or two. I woulda called Yeech (and Becks if I had her number), but I knew they had other things going on. Herch was pretty hungover, but I was feelin' fine (I'd driven home, not having drank much)...we both hit the balls fairly well. I had some bad ones, as usual (except my five iron is usually good to me and it wasn't). I got close to putting a few balls into a barrel that's about 50 yards out...but when my aim was on, my distance was not, and vice versa. Went to Maude's afterwards for some lunch and caught the end of the Seahawks game.

I went for a 10k run in the evening...my calves hurt a bit, but it felt good. No trouble with that distance...now I just need to work on doubling it in three weeks. The knee gives me no trouble for the running. The only times it hurts is when it's been stationary for a long time (like after sleeping).

Q and I setup his old slot car track in garage on Sunday night. The 5V power supply he had picked up for it just wasn't cuttin' it...so we suped it up with a 12V supply. That cooked the motors good! I think we're gonna aim for like 9 or 10V. It was kind of fun, but one car wouldn't run very well...the pinion was slipping I think...so we couldn't race.

I came about three inches from a collision yesterday...it wasn't my fault though. I was coming down Cedar Hill X Rd, from the UVic side. There was a girl with a friend or two in a black Cabriolet/Golf waiting to cross the road from whatever road it is on the right to the plaza entrance on the left. I could see her inching out, but waiting for traffic to clear. I signalled and changed lanes to the right, but that was a decent distance away from the intersection still. As soon as I started going through the intersection, she started to pull out. I noticed right away and jammed on the brakes. I think I turned a bit left too, but it happened so fast I don't remember. All I know is that my front end slid past her car, so if she hadn't stopped when she realized I was there, I would have hit her. When we both came to a stop, we were about three inches apart, with her front end aimed at the passenger side of my hood. I gave her a goofy look...no road rage, no anger...I'm quite sure she realized she was in the wrong and didn't need it rubbed in any more, started up the truck (it stalled when I locked up the brakes) and got out of there. Lucky no one was immediately behind me.

I think that's the closest call I've had in a vehicle/vehicle incident.

It's been a good week at work. I got a raise (as did everyone else I'm pretty sure), football went well on Monday, and apparently Becky put in a good word for me with Hudson about my TD training.

Got a call about my car today...sounds like he'll come see it on Saturday.

Wow, two good weekends in a row! What's wrong with me?

Yesterday was the Great Canadian Beer Festival. I mentioned before that I bought tickets for the gang, and they all paid up when I handed them their ticket, so it got off to a good start. Rol, Melinda, and I bussed it from my place to downtown. I was under the impression that the bus ticket that came with the beerfest ticket was good for a ride to and from the fest, but I was wrong. So we used the ticket to get there. Q and Mike would meet us there later. We met up with Sara, Polly, and Reed at the gate. I won't go into the play by play, but the fest was good. Tree was there with her sister and some others. Choy showed up. There was a tonne of people from work there and I ran into them from time to time. It was all good fun...music, people, beer, etc. I sampled several brews...so pretty generic, some fairly exotic. There was a pumpkin one that stood out as quite tasty (and I'm sure they ran out quickly). Rol left his glass on a table when he went to the can and it was gone when he returned...so he had to buy another one for $3 (it was later discovered that Reed had grabbed it, but we didn't see him for a couple hours). There were a few stag and stagette parties going on and many of them were themed with shirts or hats or viking helmets and were entertaining. We spent almost six hours there and left when things were wrapping up. I had a brilliant idea, turned around, and shouted, "anyone not using their bus ticket?". Within 5 seconds I had about six tickets. No worry about the bus ride home now.

Polly, Melinda, Rol, and I walked up to Cook St and waited for a bus, then decided to start walking, then decided to get some dinner at Vietnamese Garden...so we did. It was good, but I've had better Vietnamese. Walking out of the place, we didn't have much of a game plan...although we thought Maestro Fresh Wed was going to be playing at the Trackside Art Gallery and had planned to go to that. I spotted Becky, LA, and J-Piggety on the other side of the parking lot, so I called out and they invited us to tag along with them. Becky assured us that Maestro was not playing, as he had had a family emergency. So we ended up at a penthouse in the Mosaic on Fort St...the home of a bartender that they knew from Irish Times. It was a cool pad and he was a good guy letting us hang with the rest of the crew (there were others from work there). Choy called later and wanted to come over...so I passed it by the guy and he was cool with it...so Choy showed up. I mingled and was able to carry a few conversations and such...it was good. I think the others managed ok too (I know it's awkward to be at a party when you barely know anyone). We got booted out at 11, so we walked down to Polly's place. Rol and I hung out there for about 15 minutes, then realized we could still catch a bus to get home, so headed for downtown and did just that. Home by 12:30...which is pretty much the norm for me.

Sunday was brunch at 6 Mile Pub with the gang...most of them anyways. Once again it was good...although the English Muffins for the Eggs Benny weren't toasted much. There was plenty of them though, and fresh. I had two platefuls, plus some dessert. No one was very hungover, and I was surprised that everyone was up and ready to be there at 10:30. Q&S, Choy, and I hit Costco, and Sara showed up later cause she was gonna meet her cousin there. I didn't buy anything, but the others did. Then I went to my staff picnic at Pemberton Park in Fairfield (I guess that's where it is...maybe Oak Bay). It was good...there was probably 20-30 people there with their families (if they had one). Played some softball...just fun style, not serious (nor enough people for two full teams), threw a football around for a bit, mingled a tad and left by 3:30.

I ran this evening...first time since my knee injury. It felt fine...a little pain, but nothing excruciating or damaging (I don't think). I did 5K. I think I'll go again tomorrow morning. Maybe I'll be ok to do the half marathon in a month...

Quote of the night: Letterman talking to Jamie Oliver (The Naked Chef) - "you know Kraft? Kraft? well, they make a macaroni & cheese...all in one box. nice neat package. It's just wonderful..." Ha! I love it!

First off I must thank Sara for the use of her computer and particularly her scanner over the last couple days. It's been very useful to scan photos of my brother and his fiance for the photo show I am putting together for their wedding at the end of the month. I thought I could get away with shooting them on my digital camera, but that proved too difficult to light and compose, so the scanner has been very useful. Thank you Sara!

Tonight we aired our first Monday Night Football on Citytv (and yes, I'm well aware it was Thursday...but that's the name of the show and tonight's when NFL/ABC decided to start their season). It went fairly well...to the viewer, they probably wouldn't have noticed any problems, except maybe for halftime. The cues for breaks were pretty good, but there were a couple times where I didn't exactly know what we were supposed to be running...the format wasn't completely clear, and it gets modified slightly. But we managed ok and it was kinda exciting.

Wednesday I did some more switcher/TD training with Becky. I'll get the hang of it yet. I was trying to follow along somewhat with the rundown for the late news tonight. I just need to get comfortable with the DVE and how it works for each of the things we get it to do.

I got two calls about my car last night, and one of them actually followed up today (early morning for the Planman) and we got to the point of talking money. We're at a difference of $500 and I don't want to let it go for any less. He said he'd have to consider it some more. We'll see if he gets back to me. The second caller said he may contact me on the weekend. I'd like to sell it, but I don't want to rip myself on in the process. I think what I'm asking (or rather, what I've set as my bottom line) is fair. It's got low kilometres and is in good overall shape.

I should go to bed, but I think I got my second wind as I'm not really tired anymore. I should be...I'm going on about 3 hours of sleep.

It's been a good weekend...no suicidal tendencies at all. Actually, except for a couple piss-me-off occurences at work, this whole past week has been pretty good.

Last weekend I offered to pick up tickets to the beer festival for whoever wanted to go. There were six, then seven. So Monday afternoon I went into work early and walked down to Swans to get the tickets. I knew there was a chance they'd be sold out, as they'd been on sale for over a month already. Swans was sold out, and the girl at the counter said that she'd heard pretty much everywhere was sold out. Ick! I made a call to the Strath, and they were sold out too. Uh oh. Tuesday morning and checked the website and started calling all the places that were listed as ticket vendors. Only a couple calls in I found Bedford Brewery, which just so happens to be over on my side of the bridge! He had plenty of tickets left, so Sara and I picked up the seven we needed that afternoon. Pretty cool spot too...it's a U-Brew type place, but they don't use syrups (I've never U-Brewed, but I guess most places use syrups or something)...they brew just like a microbrewery would, from raw ingredients. I think we need to get a group batch goin'. So I got the tickets for everyone and was happy that I'd located one of the last places selling them. Then, later in the week, Melinda asks for one for her guy, and I also find out that someone else (who I was under the impression had one) needed a ticket as well. Town was completely sold out...but luckily, Merridale Cidery in Mill Bay stil had some. I just so happened to be in Mill Bay yesterday to see Gord and Brandy, so I stopped in and picked up the tickets. I aim to please! I also got some berry cider, which was pretty good. So getting tickets for everyone, like I said I would...that made me happy. As long as they all pay up before or at beer fest, I will remain happy.

Another thing that has made this weekend a gooder was poker on Saturday night. I played again with the crew from work. There were ten of us in all, but there wasn't enough room for ten at the main table, so we broke into two groups of five until two people were taken out..then we merged for the remainder of the night. I was fairly middle of the road most of the night...I was down a bit, then up a bit, but pretty much maintained my stack. I won some nice hands, although we had very few straights or higher...it wasn't until at least 3 hours in that a flush showed up. Once it got down to the final four, I wasn't looking so good with the short stack of chips sitting before me. I can't even remember the details, but I must have a had a couple of decent hands (or bluffs) because I managed to rake a couple of nice piles into my area. We lasted quite a while with four players...and the blinds kept going up. We got up to 1600/3200, which was a far cry from the 25/50 that we started with. It hurt to put down that 3200 and then check your cards to see a 5 and a 9 off suit...but that's how the game works. I doubled my chips when I went all in against the person who ended up pulling third place...I believe I had a pair of aces (not pockets though) and she had a pair of queens. So it was down to two...Hercher and I. I had plenty of chips (I didn't even bother stacking them...it was just a pile in front of me) and was basically able to bully the rest of the game from him. The blinds were killing him and it didn't last too long with just the two of us as I was able to meet any bet he made, but it just drained him to meet any bet I made (and having the better cards most hands helped too). It played right to the end though...final hand he went all in following the flop which gave him a mid value pair (sevens or something). I met his all in (holding my K/2) and we flipped our cards. I saw his pair and was a bit concerned...although I was nowhere near out if he won this hand...it only made him double stronger. We saw the Turn (which did nothing for me or him). Then came the River...a King. Matched with the King in my hand that made a pair higher than his and the game was done. I took home a cool $120, plus the $20 I had put in myself. 'Twas a good game and had lasted a long time...almost five hours. I've finished in the top two both times I've played with that group.

Court and Chris were on the island this weekend too. I had planned to go see them in Chemainus (where they were camping) on Sunday, but in days previous, Choy and Tree had gone up and convinced them to come down to town. So Sunday I had only to go to Tree's place and meet up with them. We went for the brunch buffet at 6 Mile Pub. It was great (especially for $11) and Choy, Tree, and I want to try and get a regular group thing going every Sunday there. It'd be a fun, regular get together. After brunch we hung out at Choy's house for a bit, then Court and Chris had to leave to catch the ferry.

After they left I went up to Mill Bay to see Gord and Brandy (as I mentioned earlier). I visited with them for a few hours, saw all the pets...the turkeys, the chickens, the cats, the dog, etc. Gord made a good (although quite spicy) beef/seafood curry for dinner, and Brandy made a nice apple crisp. I played with Bailey a lot and gave him a decent workout having him chase his toy all over the house. I even gave him a couple of airplane rides. We talked wedding a bit and it definitely is crunch time. I got a schwack of photo albums and other pictures from them so I could put together a little presentation of the two for their reception.

So as I said in the beginning...it was a good weekend, and overall a good week.