Walking Among You

Winter Cold

2012-01-17T07:55:00.011-07:00

Every year I tolerate the winter cold. I don't enjoy it, I don't even have time to enjoy winter sports any more to fake that I enjoy it.
Needless to say I could live happily without winter for the rest of my life.

We have had a great winter so far with very little cold and very little snow but as every one around here knows it was on its way.
Yesterday the cold finally came in and gave the province the feeling as if it had a bad head cold.
It just makes you want to stay in bed and wait till it passes.

I hate being cold.

Today on the way to work the temp read -32C and with a wind chill the news said it was -40C. I know this isn't the coldest we've been through but not great all the same. ( Yes the picture is blurry because I was shivering . )

The Dream.
If we sold everything we owned except for a few essentials, where could we move to that doesn't have winter, bugs that kill you when you sleep, terrible natural disasters or high crime rates ?

Does this place exist and if yes can we afford to live there ?

Any ideas ?

Mid-Life Epiphany Anyone?

2012-01-03T12:10:00.003-07:00

Just because I refuse to call it a crisis.

For the last few months I have been feeling this strange sensation like there is something I should be doing but I'm not sure what that may be.

I keep feeling it and keep thinking about it.

Is this what people go through in mid life? A feeling that they need to do something, anything just the throw their life into " Crisis " so that it becomes interesting again.
Or is it that people start realizing what is truly important to them in life and start to go for it.

Is this new just go for it attitude coming out, totally out of character from what people are used to seeing a " crisis " or is it an epiphany.

I have been told a few times in my life, jokingly and seriously that I must be going through a mid life crisis and that is why I have done or are doing the thing I am doing.

I always had good reasons for the big changes in my life and I believe these big changes came on the decisions I made because of epiphany moments. " Just a feeling that it was the right thing to do. "

I am sure that one of these moments is right around the corner just teasing me right now. Is it a New Job, City, Course to take, New House? No honey not a New Wife.
You were the result of a big epiphany years ago and the best big decision I ever made.

Nope not sure what it will be but when It happens please don't think I am in Crisis.
Just know that some overwhelming feeling has come over me that I will need to experience with the goal to be happy and content with life.

Halloween Art

2011-11-01T21:13:00.008-06:00

I'm not a big fan of dressing up, actually dislike it with a passion. Not sure why that is but I like to carve pumpkins and decorate. As Daniel usually decorates and has the drive and passion to decorate he does it. I am good with that because honestly I don't really have the time to fit it in with everything else going on.

But I do like art and like to create so I allow myself a little time to create some Jack-O'Lanterns and here they are.

Angry Bird Pumpkin

Orc Pumpkin

All Black Skull Pumpkin.

Land Rover Defender and Longing for Adventure.

2011-10-19T11:36:00.004-06:00

Many people start out with a dream of adventure and we want to love the adventure that a Land Rover Defender will provide. It is in fact the poster truck for adventure as it is shown in many print advertisements and movies ( Tomb Raider ) but in the end it never lives up to it's reputation at least for many in North America where you can't own one until it is old and tired. (importation laws)

I mean it is more trouble than it is worth unless you live somewhere that you can get parts and service readily or have a lot of money to keep it going.

Also lets not forget living with this uncomfortable, smelly, leaky ( oil from everything that holds it to the roof when it rains ) truck is an adventure in itself but not the kind most people are after.

The adventure I want is not if I can make it from A to B but that I will enjoying the trip along the way.

I follow another blog of this amazing photographer that loved his Defender as well but needed to give it up. He is now driving something newer and I have no doubt will make his adventure much better.

Lately, craving adventure and having owned a couple of these defenders in the passed has got me thinking, What would be the best expedition adventure vehicle for Canada and the United States ?

Suggestion ?

Change is Good.

2011-09-26T07:47:00.003-06:00

Well it has been a while since my last post but I have a excuse, I have been rather busy.
I have finally made the jump from my job of 18 years and 1 day to start with a new company. It has been just over a month now and so far the grass has stayed greener. Not sure if this is the job I have been waiting my whole life for but it will do for now. New office, (never had a full on office before ), Company car, (That is new to me as well), and people I work with seem to care for the most part. ( which believe me is a change from where I was.) Oh yes and the job isn't all that bad either just working my way through a huge learning curve.

On the non job front I have sold my old stinky truck and purchased a small 2 seater convertible sports car. Yes oh so midlife of me but who cares. When I drive it I feel really good and to me that is all that matters. House projects are coming along really well and many of the small things I have been neglecting have been getting done. I am working out harder at the gym lately too and do I believe to the fact that I am not so depressed having left that soul sucking job I had.

Life is good right now. I feel good. I have goals that are being worked on. Everyone I know and love are healthy and I believe happy so I can't complain.

So cheers to change. Have a great day.

Mixed Slo Pitch Not So Much Fun.

2011-06-23T08:20:00.001-06:00

This is a letter to the Editor I wrote and submitted today to the Sherwood Park News.
I hope it gets published and someone in the league takes notice.

My Wife joined the Sherwood Park Mixed Slo Pitch league in order to have fun and let her kids come out and watch her play. She had been talking about it for a few years and finally decided to join. She was so excited to finally be doing it. She found a team in the D division because she hadn’t played since grade school and she really doesn’t know what she is doing but that being said she is eager to learn and have fun. The coach informed her when she started that not to worry it was at the fun level and that she would do fine. Have I mentioned Fun enough times yet? Anyway for the most part she is learning and enjoying the experience, Making that great hit or catching that fly ball. That is what she was after when she signed up.
What she didn’t sign up for was having a Man twice her size run her down from behind because she was not in the correct position, with no warnings to look out or get out of the way, just a knee and an elbow to the back knocking her to the ground. Really is this the fun level?
Yes I agree that she was probably standing where she shouldn’t have been. But this was the first time she was in 1st base position and yes I agree that her coach should not have put a player that had only played a few games ever into that position. But what I don’t agree with is a Big Man running down a woman from behind without any warning in a D division fun league.
Isn’t hitting from behind in hockey a game misconduct or at least a penalty? All my wife got was the other team yelling at her team to get or first base player to stand in the right position. No apology for intentionally hurting her, nope nothing. Now battered and bruised she is probably going to quit what she had been thinking of doing for years because it isn’t all that fun. The game is fun yes but when you get a Big Jerk mowing you down it kind of changes your prospective on the game.
I hope that the SPMSPL does something to curb this sort of activity by suspending players who try and intentionally hurt others. I also hope that the Big Man who mowed down my wife finds this letter so that someone can read it to him and explain to him that what he did was wrong.

Hola Todos

2011-06-21T08:30:00.003-06:00

Recientamente he estado tratando de hablar más español en mi vida cotidiana. Leí las noticias en el internet y mirando vídeos también. Ha sido la práctica buena. He estado estudiando muchos años ahora y una esperanza un día para ser más fluido. Un día, un día.
Todavía debo utilizar un programa para ayudar a traducir mis oraciones a veces.
Necesito más tiempo espero.

Time to Sell Stinky

2011-05-30T12:48:00.004-06:00

Yup Stinky,

I started to call the truck I purchased a little over a year ago stinky because of the Diesel smell on start up. It is a project although fun to work on and drive not all that practical in the winter time. I could make it more so but that would also involve more time and money, both of which are in short supply. If only we lived in a place where there was no winter then there wouldn't be a problem. So as this adventure / project comes to a close I wonder what the next thing I will get into. Maybe some relaxation for a change.

2011 Subaru Forester Start Problem

2011-03-11T10:24:00.005-07:00

Well, we purchased a brand new Subaru Forester about 2500kms ago now and it is a pretty good vehicle. I Like the way it drives and I like that we are getting on average 24mpg around town. There was just one thing. It starts like an old Chevy that has been sitting out in the field for a while. Now I'm pretty mechanically inclined but since it is on warranty we decided take it into the dealer for testing at 940kms.

Here were the results..."All is good, Subarus all start a little slower than other vehicles but take it home and if the problem continues comes back and we will look at it again." Of course we knew that there was a problem but we said OK we will monitor the issue. A few days later the car was acting up again.

It took 2 tries to get it started. Then that same night it took until the 3rd try. The next morning it was struggling as well. Needless to say we were not impressed.

I looked over the test reports again and being as upset as I was at the time declared that this was " B *%LL SH $% " and that I was just going to fix the problem myself instead of being inconvenienced by having to once again drop off the car at the dealer for them to not find anything wrong.

In looking at the test reports it was obvious that the battery specked out for this vehicle was too small. Upon starting the Voltage dropped way below 8 volts and the drop in voltage caused a spike of the amperage that the battery just couldn't supply.

Need less to say I bought a battery with 720 CCA and we have not had a problem since.
Why oh why do car companies provide only the basic minimum and the dealers have to cover for this fact. I'm not sure if I should call up the dealer and let them know what I have done or not.

Would it even make a difference ?

Dec 9th 2011 Update.......

Well this morning the car had a tough time starting again. 3 times my wife held the starter to get the forester going and it finally fired. It isn't even cold. Maybe 2 degrees Celsius.
With all the views on this post I am sure they have a problem. Has anyone got anywhere with Subaru in this regards to this poor start problem ? I have a feeling it is in the computer program but of course I'm not expert. Post if you have more info please !

Jan 11th 2012 Update......

Well we have had a few more issues with it having a hard start. I have put the old original battery back into it and what a difference. Very slow to turn over compared. I have only put the battery back into it to sell off the Forester or to trade it in. In general it has been a good car. Except for the occasional hard starting and the windshield that cracks if a feather falls on it the only other issue we have had is the heated windshield section by the wipers is a bad idea. It melts the snow turning it into water. The water starts to freeze on the windshield wipers making them almost useless. Oh well can't win them all. Almost been one year of ownership and it is time to change hopefully to something that starts every time below 2 degrees celsius.

I'm trapped inside this cubicle, please send help.

2011-03-07T10:10:00.000-07:00

On my way to work this morning I feel the anxiety grow.
The closer and closer I get the more the sadness wells within my soul.
What can I do to escape this feeling, I feel like I’m trapped.
This is a prison sentence of society’s expectations and crap.
Pay the bills and buy a car, Make sure the rent is paid.
When will this feeling of anxiety end or even start to fade.

I’m trapped inside this cubicle every day it seems
With time off for good behaviour but only occasionally.
I need to break free to run away and see the world
If only a could just drive away, just me and my girl.
We would find simple jobs free of society’s stress
That would be the ticket out of this frustrating mess.

But as I stare at this computer screen day in and out
I dream about the future and what it could be about.
Will we end up in the mountains or on a beach somewhere?
Either one sounds pretty good so I don’t really care.
It is the change I seek a life more laid back.
One that makes me smile every day and wards off heart attack.

But still I’m in my cubicle hoping to be released.
From my day to day sentence so I can find some peace.
It is my mind that keeps me here.
The unknown of the future and bad decisions I fear.
All I need is a safety net to help bring me courage.
Then I can make the leap and not be discouraged.

Why have I been trained this way it’s not the only way to survive?
People up and change their lives and they seem to thrive.
But still my mind traps me in this cubicle and I want out.
What is going to trigger the change I just want to shout?
I make plan after plan to make my future change.
But I still sit in this cubicle becoming more deranged.

I’m trapped inside this cubicle so can you please send help.
Life is passing by too fast to miss these feelings I’ve felt.
Travelling, loving and laughing in a stress free life.
I know it sounds like fantasy but it just feels right.
Why not change and run away to somewhere nice.
One day I’ll just have to gain the courage to roll the dice.

My Hand

2011-02-12T21:40:00.005-07:00

When I started I never thought my hand looked like this. It is funny. When you draw something your brain thinks it looks one way but it actually looks different. I do recognize my own hand but to draw the correct lines to make it actually look real, well that is another story.

You may notice that I am not wearing my wedding ring right now. I hurt my finger and currently it is too swollen for my ring to fit.

Stupid Rock Climbing why did you hurt my hand. Boy do I want to go again.

Recently Inspired

2010-12-21T20:35:00.006-07:00

Recently a friend of mine has taken up drawing and it has inspired me to get back into it again myself.

I haven't drawn in a long long time but I really enjoy it.
It calms me down and becomes almost like meditation for me.
Tonight I decided to take a break from studying and pick up a pencil and sketch pad for the first time in I don't know how long.
After a few minutes of messing around with a few drawings I decided to draw Nathan who was busy playing video games next to me on the couch.
I had to draw fast cause he moves around quite a bit.
It really felt good to draw again.
After about 5 minutes he had changed positions drastically enough that I couldn't continue with that pose anymore but that is OK because I was done.

Not bad for a rusty old artist.

Kiwi EV / Gavin Shoebridge

2010-12-10T08:35:00.005-07:00

Now I am going to take a moment to comment on someone who I believe is one of those people who is a pioneer and a dreamer. Someone who is taking a seemingly impossible idea and running with it. This is a very rare thing now a days and I only wish I had the time to pursue his dream as well because it is also one of mine.

Hey one day I just might.

I have done a lot of research in regards to building an ELECTRIC CAR ( that's right ) and came across Gavin's website and videos.. I watched as he went through the process of trial and error to get it all figured out. He doesn't have a lot of financial backing like the big corporations. He is just a man with a dream and a willingness to pursuing his dreams which is very admirable.

The car companies make it seem like creating a plug in electric car is such a big deal but with people around the world like Gavin showing us all that it is possible now with off the counter parts makes me realise how full of it they really are.

I contacted Gavin a while back to commend him on his project. It is too bad he lives 10,800 kilometers away or I would have gone to meet him by now to learn all I could.

For now I will just keep reading and dreaming.

Keep up the good work Gavin and good luck on KIWIEV2 !

You can find his web site HERE.

Today.

2010-12-07T13:57:00.003-07:00

I feel a bit off today like my whole body has butterflies.

Kind of like being kicked in the gut. I'm not sick but

I think the stress may be getting to me.

Land Rover Defender 110

2010-11-26T09:21:00.007-07:00

Yes I own one of these bad boys and it has been an interesting ride up until this point with all the frustration and doubt that one can handle in owning and old truck but I have, Well I believe I have finally reached a point where I have come to an understanding with my truck.
I understand that it is a little older ( 1991 ).
I understand that it is a lifetime on going project.
I understand that it will never be as comfortable or luxurious as my previous car. (BMW 330i )
I understand that it will be a truck that I as the owner, operator, mechanic and basic care giver will be the only one that fully understands all the idiosyncrasies involved.
I understand that many other people would get annoyed by many of these quircks that I am ok with.
It is simple, to some ugly but to me very photogenic.
It is tough. I can drive over curbs and through ditches if I want. Although I haven't yet.
It is equiped to drive across rivers but I'm not sure if I am.
As I am finding out more and more it is a lifestyle. I get looks, smiles, pointing, comments, All good so far and general nods of approval.
When I drive it I am slower and not in a hurry as it doesn't like that so it slows me down as well.
On winter roads with it's great tires, heavy weight, and low end torque it is like a freight train. No slipping, sliding or pulling by a little snow at the side of the road. Yes once I get the temperature in the cabin to a reasonable level winter is when it shines.
People drive slower and don't expect you to go as fast although some never learn.
To these people I slowly drive by their accidents, fender benders abandoned vehicles in the ditch and feel better about my slower pace again.

As I said I will aways have work to do, a little TLC here and there but I am starting to understand why these trucks have a following. I feel good behind the wheel even if it is on the wrong side.

Lately

2010-11-25T08:42:00.002-07:00

Lately I have been overwhelmed by all I have to do in life and of course want to do.
I don't even think the 1 week trip to Mexico slowed my brain down all that much. Doing part time school work and working full time isn't for the lazy that is for sure. Include a family life that is always in top gear and life goes from really busy to crazy. Putting priority to people,events and tasks becomes difficult but I don't want to miss out or neglect anything or anyone... This isn't easy as well.
After preparing for our family trip by pre-doing all my school work to returning home, catching up on new school work and settling back in I have neglected some things that I am now trying to get back to.
First and foremost is my wife. She has been real supportive even if she gets frustrated with my time away from her she still goes above and beyond in doing most everything to make sure life doesn't fall apart around me and the kids. For this I am truly thankful and I need a good number of date nights in the near future.
Next is the kids. Spending small moments with them to either help them with school, a small personal project or just playing games.
Something else that has been bothering me huge is my negligence in gym attendance. Over the last 3 weeks I have probably worked out 3 times. Studying to be a personal trainer is taking away my gym time. Kind of funny hey.
Spanish group is falling behind quite a bit. It is more of a hobby I have taken up over 6 years ago and I am doing it less and less. I enjoy it so much but everything else is really more important. I am just glad I was a founder in the group over 4 years ago and we have anywhere from 4 to 20 people show up every Wednesday night. When life slows down again I will be more involved.
From house projects to maintaining vehicles to staying sane I just don't know how I am doing it sometimes.
All I do know is that I have the right women with me, taking care of me, loving me.

Truck in Canmore

2010-09-20T09:46:00.002-06:00

Just a few pictures of my truck from our recent Canmore/ Banff trip.

It is basic and smelly but it is fun to drive.

I just want to go.

2010-09-03T11:53:00.000-06:00

It is time to travel. I need to go explore the world.
Where first ?

Hmmmmm

My First Photo Walk.

2010-08-30T09:35:00.003-06:00

I went along on a photo walk with some budding photographers on Saturday Morning.

It was a little chilly but all in all a good day. I love architecture and being in a run down parkade was pretty cool except for the garbage and needles. Everyone around me had really expensive and cool Camera equipment but I didn't mind. My little point and shoot has always done well for me.

Today's Work

2010-08-26T09:41:00.000-06:00

Today like so many others days at work is slow and boring. I feel drawn down by the feeling of wasting time. I mean I could be out doing so many things with my precious time. Especially in summer instead of sitting in my office surfing the net to try and keep busy. Like all the jobs I have ever had in the beginning it is new and exciting. You are learning something new and are busy because you truly don't have a grasp on what is going on yet.
After a while you start to settle in and come up with a routine. This is when you feel the best. You know what is going on you are finally good at it and you appear to be the star. The one who has it together and can get things done.
Then after a while the jobs all start to get too easy and you get almost too good at your job. This is when at the star level the job that would take you an hour now takes 15 mins and you know the routine so well that you can do it in your sleep.
At this point is when the boredom sets in. Your 8 hour work day is now 6 hours of nothing and 2 hours of easy work. At this point you begin to crave a change so you can feel excited again. You start to push back work that you can get done super fast just so you will have something to do later.
This is the hardest part of my job.

Waiting.

You could go ask for something more to do but if you did that then the new tasks would then become part of your job. If it ever picks up and gets busy then you would be overwhelmed so you just keep quiet.

Does this change when you actually like what you do for a living ?

Edmonton Folk Fest

2010-08-06T07:56:00.000-06:00

Last night was my first Folk Fest experience. It was as expected. Pretty Great. Now this is what a festival should be like. Other than the Urinal Troff Tent. I don't need to experience that again.

Awake

2010-06-11T10:12:00.000-06:00

I don’t know why I am so tired this week.
Does 1 late night in the middle of the week make you tired all week.
Are we so on the edge of being over tired that 1 late night is all it takes….

Time to investigate and spend more time with my pillow to find out.

4 Provinces and 4 States in 3 Days

2010-05-18T15:42:00.000-06:00

Recently I sold my car and went on the pursuit for a new ride....

This is where my adventure begins. I was searching over the internet when I found the truck I was looking for. It was in great shape and it was exactly what I was after. The only thing that made this an adventure it that it was in Ontario, 3320 kms away from home.
After internal arguments and uncertainty I e-mailed the seller and started working out the details on how I could buy this truck.

After a few days it was all set. I flew out to London Ontario and I purchased the truck. After doing all the money and registration things one must do to legally drive a vehicle I was off.

I left Stratford Ontario at 10 am Monday morning. I wished this was a slow trip back home where I could stop and take in sites along the way but I had limited time to get home before I was due back to work. So I had to drive and drive I did.

After 36 plus hours and 3320 kms I arrived home at 9:30 pm Wednesday night. Not too bad if I do say so myself. I saw allot of sites from the drivers seat of my new truck, I got to visit with the in laws in Winnipeg who put me up for the night and fed me.....Thanks again. I got to see 1 province and 4 states I had never been to before and I got to find out the the truck I bought was reliable enough to bring me back home..

All in all a good trip just way too fast.

Truck Project Update April 2010 6 Months Later.

2010-04-12T07:54:00.001-06:00

A forward of my blog from Oct 8th 2009 I have made little progress on my Truck project. School has gotten in the way but as of this past weekend I am almost finished my first 3 classes at Nait..
Wooo Hoooo

I got to work on the truck a bit this weekend and started to sort out the wiring. The truck came to me in pieces and obviously it was just slapped together by the previous owner to sell off quickly. It was his parts truck and it shows.

Most of the parts have been supplied but still many more are missing. I purchased many of these missing parts but now it has come down to working on the truck and figuring out how to put all those parts on.

Wiring AAAUUUUGGGHHHH !!!!

After Many hours going over the wiring up to and including this weekend it has become painfully apparent that I am going to have to re-wire the whole truck.

I believe that the wiring harness that was put into this truck is not original for this truck. There are lots of extra wires going to accessories that don't exist and it is becoming too difficult to figure out what is needed and what is not.

I had to dig deep into the truck to figure out where everything was going.

At least now I have a good idea on where I need to go with this project. Next step. Removing all the wiring and designing a new system. I need to think about lights, heater controls, stereo, gauges and the engine. I actually enjoy this design stuff. I have re-wired a motorcycle before but it was a little simpler than this is going to be.
I know if I am patient and take my time I will have a well set up electrical system to fit into my custom built dash.

Small update to this blog. I have sold this truck for what I put into it so not too bad. My patients on this one had just worn too too thin.

Silver Skate Festival

2010-02-26T16:08:00.000-07:00

I liked this festival. Maybe it was the limited amount of people or the live band playing music in the cold in front of a large snow movie screen that did it for me.

Maybe it was the snow sculptures.

Who knows. I just liked this one. I have to say thou it would have been better if we brought our skates and skated on the huge cleared off lake at Hawrelak park. They didn't just clear a spot on the lake. They cleared to whole thing. They did have skate rental for a reasonable amount but we didn't have any cash on us. As we wandered around there was a big ice slide. I think this is a staple for winter festivals at least it appears to be. Also there were a number of Tee-Pees set up all with wood burning stoves. There were lights, music, camp fires and yes the most important thing. Free Hot Chocolate and small donuts. Not mini donuts I think you had to buy those but some small donuts around the hot chocolate area that you could have. Not a bad touch I think. It wasn't the most exciting but it was a nice little festival. I rate this one a 5.5 out of 10. Once I have time I will post the pictures. It is to bad we couldn't stay for the burning sculptures later that night but it was too cold. Oh well.

Family Day Churchill Square Activities.

2010-02-18T16:00:00.000-07:00

This was a boring festival. We walked around a bunch of events set up for really small children.
Not much more to mention than that. You can see more in Donna's blog here .
I rate this event a 1.5 out of 10....
I still had a good time with Donna as you can see from her blog. It was a really nice day outside but this event wasn't worth the stop.

Yet another trip to Vancouver.

2010-02-17T10:23:00.000-07:00

My third trip to Vancouver in the last few weeks.
I basically flew out to have lunch and then flew back.
I started out in Edmonton and it was a sunny, clear -7c, not a bad day at all.

This time instead of flying into Vancouver I flew into Abbotsford. It is a much smaller airport but a lot less hassle to get in and out of. It was raining and +4c. Still better than snow.
Again I was picked up and went out to site to do a final inspection on a project for my work. All in all it took about half and hour to complete. We ended up going out to a really nice Greek restaurant for lunch... MMMM I like Greek food.
Then it was back to the Vancouver airport for my flight home.
It was the day before the Olympics opening ceremony and the talk on the radio was that you needed to be at the airport 4 hours before your flight to get through security... Well that must have been on the international side and not the domestic flight side because it took me a whole 5 mins. I did manage to see a few athletes and coaches and lots of people from different countries. That was cool.

While hanging out and studying again waiting for my flight, glancing out the window occasionally to watch the planes take off and land I started head bobbing. Boy was I tired. I had to stop studying to prevent falling asleep.
Ok time to treat myself . I grabbed a coffee and a chocolate chip banana bread to wake me up...
Not to bad. I just relaxed and waited to go home.... Not a bad day at all...

Just another long day....

Second Day Trip to Vancouver.

2010-02-10T13:12:00.000-07:00

Well it looks like I'm an avid traveller and I wish I was but this was just another trip for work. I didn't get any cool non-work related photos this time. I did take a few but no cool fog shots. I felt a bit more comfortable as if I do this all the time. Very relaxed I took my time getting on and off the plane. I had my home work to study while on the plane. I was sitting back reading away having my coffee and cookies like I was at home....no big deal.
Still when you look at the little TV screen in the back of the head rest in front of you and it flashes your location and that you are travelling at 580 mph at 38,000 ft and when you land there won't be any snow how can you not feel something. I hope that feeling of " this is totally cool " doesn't ever fade away. I love travelling and I don't want that feeling of adventure to be lost.
While doing my work again in Surrey I was outside in only my shirt and the sun was warm. The temperature was +12c and it was great to be outside. No wonder they are having so much troubles keeping snow in the mountains for the Olympics. To think a 1 hour and 15 min flight and it is summer...
Once back in the airport and looking out at the planes landing and taking off while I ate dinner I felt calm and relaxed and content. I felt great....
As I waited for my plane I watched the sun set over the green fields of the airport... then back home to realty -7C and snow everywhere.... but still back home to my love..

Art Gallery of Alberta

2010-02-02T13:03:00.000-07:00

We went to the grand opening of the Art Gallery of Alberta on Sunday Night. The building has been totally redesigned and rebuilt. It has a very controversial design but I think it looks pretty cool. It might be a little much for Edmonton but you have to make progress some how. I was also was glad to hear they used 60% of the old building in the making of the new one. More environmental for sure and at probably at a higher price.

No upset here. I am more for the environment when it comes to projects like this than the money spent. The government is going to waste money any way so might as well do it environmentally. Since it was the grand opening there were a lot of people. I think they were running guided tours of about 40 people at a time to keep everything flowing which worked very well.

Our first stop on the tour was a sound exhibit called " The Murder of Crows " It was a my favorite of the whole tour. Not for the exhibit itself but how the group of people acted in the room.

Picture a large rectangular Warehouse with flat white walls, ceiling and floor. There are a number of chairs in the center of the room with an old Phonograph speaker on a table as the focal point. The lights lit up the center of the room and faded to the corners. There are 98 speakers situated around the room all making a different sound. Now the sound moving around the room was interesting and certain sounds were moving from speaker to speaker which was like listening to a very large stereo. The sounds were varied and tried to evoke emotion and to some it probably did but not for me. What I liked the most was watching the people move about the room listening to the different speakers. It was almost like water spilling into the room as people started to wander around almost clockwise. Then at certain points everyone in the room stopped and just listened. Then again people started to move a little here and there. I don't know it was just interesting to watch.

The rest of the Galleries exhibits were pretty standard with photographs, paintings, sculptures and abstract art. All in all I had a nice evening out with friends and that is mostly what it is all about. After the Gallery we went out for a quick coffee and then home. For a while I even forgot the stresses of my school work waiting for me ....

You can see more on the Art Gallery of Alberta Here.

I rate the opening night of the Art Gallery of Alberta a 5.5 out of 10.

Day Trip to Vancouver

2010-01-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I flew out to Vancouver for work.
It was a quick trip to go in and inspect a project we have going on in Surrey B.C.

I got up at 5am to get myself ready for the day and not to long after I was on the road.
Driving along I saw the temperature kept dropping until it reached minus 27c not that warm this morning I thought. Good thing I'll be warm in a few hours.

My plane left a little after 7:30am.
We had to be de-iced first before we took to the skies.

Once I was in the air it felt like it was only a few minutes until I was looking down at the mountains. I love the mountains.

The clouds were filling valleys like pools of water. It looked so beautiful...
I know I'm a guy but it still was very beautiful.

Here I am landing in Vancouver 1hour and 20mins later.
Hmmm. No snow and + 4c. I could get use to winter like this.
It had only snowed 1 time for them this winter and it only amounted to 3 cm.

I could feel the warmth and humidity when I got out of the Airport.
It was a big difference - 27c to +4c.

I snapped a few good photos during my 1 hour taxi ride between Vancouver and Surrey and all while my very informative taxi driver was babbling away. Wow.
The 2 below are my favorites.

Bridges and fog always make good photos.

The Inspection part isn't all that important. I did my work and went out to lunch.
Finished up and got a ride back to the airport. Done

It managed to make it up to +11c in the afternoon. What a great break from winter.
I boarded the plane at 5pm for my trip home.
Here is a shot looking back at the Airport in Van.

When I landed in Edmonton it was only -19c , clear and calm.
Back to the cold. Was that just a dream ?
I walked into the house at 8:05pm.
What a long day...

Festival # 1 Ice on Whyte

2010-01-19T09:12:00.000-07:00

This is an ice carving festival that we attended on January 15th 2010.

It is an ice carving competition and artists from Canada, Sweden, Africa, New Zealand and Russia create spectacular ice carvings in hopes of being voted the best.

There was an Ice Maze , I huge Ice Slide and many many carvings and sculptures. We were there on the evening after the day it opened and because of all the warm weather they looked to be a little behind schedule on their projects. All in all there was some amazing work being done by the artists. Also you can see information and winners photos on it here and a review of it here.

It is a small festival so your not going to spend alot of time here but it is interesting seeing all the art work created in this type of medium.

Carving activity

Sculpture of a Lady.

It is very interesting to see the tools they use to make all this happen.
I rate this festival a 4 out of 10.

2010 Stay-cation and the Year of City Festivals

2010-01-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

We plan on doing a stay at home vacation for this year. Not to say that a few small trips won't happen but in general our focus is going to be Festivals and events around or City and Towns. There are a number of them every year. Way too many to go see them all but we are going to put forth a good effort to try to catch as many as we can. I don't know if we want to include the New Years Eve Festival that we went to a few weeks ago because that was really still 2009 but It was a pretty good fireworks display for the -25 to -30 C temperatures. It was quite a quick attendance to that one.
I will be posting pictures of all the events we attend and there location and a small write up of what I thought. Maybe a rating on them as well. I still have to figure that one out. So stay tuned.

Cozy Warmth

2010-01-10T16:58:00.000-07:00

It is a warm day today at +6 c.
I went outside to clear some of the snow from the drive way and while doing so I started to get quite warm. It felt so good. It has been quite a long time since I have felt the warmth from the sun like that. Probably months.

I finished with the drive way and put the shovels aside and proceeded to take off my winter coat. Facing directly into the sun I just stood there on the side walk with the sun shining on me.

There was a slight chill in the air but the cozy feeling I was getting felt wonderful. I could feel the beams warming my skin. I closed my eyes and just felt how good this feeling was.
Cars were driving by probably looking at me like I was crazy or something but I didn't care. Slowly I turned around and the warmth travelled around to my back . I think I stood there for a good 5 mins. I could have stood longer for sure but I was distracted by my thoughts and my mind started going again. I was thinking about how many people really stand and appreciate small things in life like this and how often. I thought about the kids and if they have any moments that stop them in their tracks or are they just going all to fast in this world like so many others.

Even when dead lines and head lines, life, family and friends occupy you mind in good ways or bad one should alway take time to stop and feel the warm. Look around ones self and take it all in.

Laughing

2010-01-08T08:02:00.000-07:00

When people are joking around with one another and something is funny enough to make them laugh that is good.

When some one laughs long past when everyone else has stopped that makes you wonder if they have the correct dose of medication.

Happy New Years 2010

2009-12-31T20:40:00.000-07:00

Today is New Years eve and a very cold one in deed. We just got back in from the fire works and they were again pretty good this year. They actually do a real good job of them every year. It is Dan's 12th B-day so we are spending time at home playing board games and watching TV / movies while Daniel and a friend are playing video games and watching movies down stairs. All in all a pretty relaxing New Years.

The Fire Works

The boys posing with an ice sculpture (-31c).

Nathan enjoying the show on my shoulders

Boxing Day

2009-12-26T22:17:00.000-07:00

Today is the day of Sales and Gimics.
Of course most of the deals are on electronics and since I was in need of a lap top for school I tagged along with Donna and Daniel on their Boxing Day adventure to search for a deal myself.

Dan really wanted an I-Pod touch like his friends have but they are really expensive. So Donna spoke with his father about helping Daniel with some of the purchase towards it and then we would buy a stereo to use with it. His father agreed and he worked out his deal with Dan and we decided on the shopping adventure to have him pick out the stereo himself.
Donna and I had talked for a while about getting him a stereo so why not work together with his father on it. Right?

Dan was allowed to pick out what type and color of I-Pod and Stereo he wanted of course with in reason and we could take care of it all during the sales events of Boxing Day Week. Excellent. A little early for his birthday but Dan didn't mind.
At the end of the day again too much money was spent but we got everything we were looking for.
Daniel's father bought him the I-Pod he wanted and we bought him a stereo...
He is sure one happy boy.

Also on the adventure I picked up the lap top I was after plus a printer the whole family can use.
I really hate spending money on things I don't need but in this case we actually did need this stuff.
The lap top will help me to study away from all the noise of the world and keep all my school work organized and the printer is a basic requirement for school work at any age, grade or level.
We haven't had a printer in well... forever so it has caused a few too many problems in the past.
So all in all it turned out to be a successfull day.
This is my first Blog from the lap top and it is going to take a bit to get use to.

The Holidays

2009-12-16T15:17:00.001-07:00

Not just holidays because I absolutely love those but " The Holidays " , or the holidays season.
The most frustrating time of the year. Everyone is so busy that one can not even slow down to enjoy it.
Every year is the same thing, rush rush rush.
I just want to enjoy it with out all the furry of activity that happens around it.
Maybe a nice trip some where warm where you could just sit back and have people serve you food and drinks .
Just relax and look out upon the ocean and wish all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

December 13th

2009-12-13T20:43:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday
to Me.....

Doors

2009-12-13T20:17:00.000-07:00

I have always liked architecture.
Especially interesting doors and seem to take many pictures with doors as the subject.
Here are a few of my favourites from my travels.

3 Things

2009-12-07T11:59:00.000-07:00

My good friend Matt had recently asked 6 to 10 people he knows very well to write to his girl friend and tell her 3 good personality traits about him and 3 bad personality traits about him. She is going to compile the data and provide it to him. That way he won't know where the comments came from.
This is all being done so that he will be able to answer the all important questions during an up coming job interview.
He is going for a job with the Fire Department. He has worked real hard to get to this point and we are all super proud of him.
He has been through this process before and knows some of the questions like:
What are 3 positive things that your friends and family would say about you ?
As well
What are 3 negative things that your friends and family would say about you?
As he is very analytical he thought he would ask his friends and family for their actual thoughts.
I hope he gets what he is after and it helps him in the interview.
It made me think if I was to ask my friends and family that same question what would I get back ?
The hardest part of the exercise was saying negative things about a person that isn't a bad person. Some one I actually respect.
Picking out the character traits that he lacks or that you know bother some people. No one likes to hear the negative about themselves.
Normally people are the hardest on themselves but they hope that others don't recognize or see what they see.
It really makes you think about who you are as a person. I've been thinking about this allot lately.
What kind of person am I really ?

Snow has finally arrive and lots of it.

2009-12-04T13:01:00.000-07:00

Well here we are again. Snow. I officially don't think winter arrives until there is snow on the ground and we are getting about 20 cm of the stuff today. This is the day also that all people with 4x4s that never go off road or use it for the requirements of pulling or hauling can justify there driving a big gas guzzling hunk of metal.
Also those SUV drivers that don't need the room to haul things or people around. Again justification.
Besides that this is the first snow day. The yard work that has been neglected is all covered up and out of mind. The only work needing to be done outside is shovelling and x-mas lights and decorations put up and then taken down.
Yes it is a cozy season of being indoors most of the time.
For me the only snow I really like is the first snow fall when everything is bright and white I'm at home warm looking out the window and sipping something warm while relaxing. Either watching a movie or TV or possibly even reading a book. Also a nice fire in the fireplace crackling away.
After that I hate the stuff. Skiing in the mountains is the only place snow should be in my life. Not on the roads not stuck to my car. Not down my back or in my boots. Just when I decide to spend time on it.
I could give up all the remaining first snow falls just to not have to live in it ever again.
I have enough memories of snow in all forms to last my life time.
A beach, warm air and water all year round sounds much nicer.
I think living in Canada for half the year and then somewhere warm for the winter months would be the dream come true don't you.

How oh how can we make that happen?
I be working on this one.

Bien Así, Castellano.

2009-11-26T08:25:00.000-07:00

Finallamente esta es el tiempo para escribir un Blog sobre Castellano. Hace cinco años ahora yo he estudiado Castellano en Edmonton. Es muy dificil a estudiar una otra idioma en una paise que no hablan la idioma. En esta Blog no voy a usar una sitio a transducir mi primer lengua entre Castllano. Sé que estoy no puedo escribir o hablar castellano tan bueno pero cada semana con un groupo social yo practicar y trato ser un poco mejor con esto. Ojalá que la lengua venga a mí más rápido pero no tengo la cabeza a aprender cosas como eso. Un día asistiré una escuela de Castellano en Mexico para aprender más y ser en la cultura sin ingles al menos dos or tres semanas. Esta es una sueno para mí pero probablamente no voy a hacerlo hasta 2011. Todo en bien tiempo. En la primavera yo voy a empezar a aprender a ser una entrenador personal. Es una programa de 3 años pero yo voy a tratar de hacerlo en menos. Así a todos las persons que quieren leer un nuevo Blog desde yo. Aqui es. Tengan un buen día. Chao

Horse Radish

2009-10-27T09:50:00.000-06:00

Well this past weekend I went over to mom and dads to make Horse Radish again. It was a big hall this year. I think we came out with about 26 containers worth of various sizes. It is a good time just hanging out with mom and talking. Also you know when the Horse Radish is ready when the smell makes your eyes water and your sinuses clear....

MMMMM Good..

2009 Deck Project.

2009-10-12T20:38:00.001-06:00

This Deck Project started on July 23rd 2009 and finished September 14th 2009 which is actually pretty quick.

I want to thank all those who helped me with this project because without you I might still be working on it.

Enjoy the video and we will get to enjoy the Deck when the snow leaves next year..

On to the Next Project.

Defender 90

2009-10-08T15:09:00.000-06:00

Well we have decided to get another project going.

Nope it isn't more home renovations they will never end.

This is a project truck. I have been researching for over a year now what I would like to get and last night the search came to and end and I found what I have been after.

A very simple mostly mechanical no computer operated Diesel 4x4 go anywhere truck.

It's a Land Rover Defender 90. I'm not sure of the year is was made but it is in between 1986 and 1990 I think. It was a BATUS truck which means it was in the British Army Training Unit in Suffield Alberta. So it has a bit of history to it as well.

I recently joined the Alberta Land Rover Enthusiasts in order to gather information and find a truck. See these are so rare in Canada that they are virtually all sold through word of mouth. You can import one from Britain but they are almost all right hand drives and cost a bit to buy and bring over to Canada.

Well I found a left hand drive for a good price. Reasons being the person who owned it built another one and didn't need this one any more. Had a wife who wanted to park her car in the garage this winter because for the last 2 she couldn't and thirdly it is kind of in pieces. I know it has a little 2.5L diesel and a standard transmission and transfer case but I haven't seen them yet. They are at another club members house. That is how I got a good deal on this truck.

Now I just need to put in some time to put it back together and learn all about it but most of all include the kids in the project and get then learning about cars and trucks and mechanical things. They will learn allot of important things that will help them later on when they are driving and having to maintain a vehicle. Probably save them allot of money in the end as well.

Anyway that is one of my reasons and I'm sticking to it....

Here is a pic of the truck when it was not in pieces last year. It looks a little different than that now but it give you an idea of what it is all about.

Quick Moment

2009-10-01T14:19:00.000-06:00

I seem to have a really quick moment of down time right now. I have checked everyone elses blogs that I follow and realize I haven't done one in awhile. I have some good blog ideas but I haven't had time to do them..... I hope after we finish putting in the floor upstairs I will do some blogs and study some more Spanish as well.
Slowing down to a more manageable pace is in the future I know that but right now we are still going all out.
Well interrupted again. Got to go back to work.

Honey ( Donna ) I need some help with that video blog......Pretty Please...

Surprise

2009-09-08T08:26:00.000-06:00

Well I have been building a deck for the last little while now and I really would like to get it to a usable state before the snow flies. I guess I push my self pretty hard when it comes to projects like this. I get focused on what I'm doing and time just flies by. After long hours I just narrow in on what is in front of me and don't notice much else.

The other night I was working away putting the last bit of stain on the structure of the deck. It was nice and quiet no radio, no kids, nothing to distract me. I didn't even notice to much that it was getting darker. I was just working away with the goal of finishing in mind when I got an interesting surprise. I was just rolling my last board and out of the corner of my eye I spotted some movement. At first I thought it was a cat. We have lots of cats in our neighbourhood and they are always in our yard. I decided to take a second look since it had stepped on to the garage pad about 15 feet from me and was coming my way. I looked up and there it was. I was looking face to face with a cat sized skunk. He didn't smell at all and he looked pretty cute how ever I wasn't to interested in getting any closer. We both stopped and looked at each other I slowly put down my paint and roller and I backed away. He also turned and took off the other way. I went around to the front door and banged on it like crazy. Donna let me in wondering what was going on . All I said was "There's a skunk in the back yard get the camera". We ran around and took a few pictures. This was the only one that kind of turned out. He eventually ran across the road and out of site..... Pretty cool.

It was cool although ever since that night we have smelt him around the house and I am nervous about working in the back yard after dusk. So to put me more at ease I put on more lights and turn up the radio a little louder and back to work I go.

Married

2009-09-02T08:55:00.000-06:00

Yes I have married my best friend and I am without doubt that I am complete and with her I will be able to do anything.

Things on My Mind.

2009-08-06T07:45:00.000-06:00

These are a few things on my mind lately and in no particular order.

1 - My upcoming wedding. I'm not really all that worried about it. I believe it will be great and a good memory no matter what happens. I know in all I am that she is the one for me.

2 - Taylers 15th B-Day party this weekend and the life she is living going to live and which direction it will go and how her life is now. I wish she would share.

3 - The Boys, how I don't think I really know them. I mean yes I do and I see how they act and can predict how they will handle most situations but how they think and feel about things. I hope one day to be able to have those talks....

4 - Building a deck off the back of our house. We have started and can't go in the back door right now so we must continue. I can't complain about this at all. I love to build and create and am quite content doing so. I also like that Donna doesn't need much direction when helping either. She knows what she is doing most of the time and jumps right in. She is awesome.

5 - The Gym. With such a busy life it is hard to make it to the gym all the time and I realize that but I love going and I feel I am neglecting that lately. Also I haven't swam in a while and If I want to keep learning I'd better.

6 - Learning Spanish. Well just finished another course and it taught me a bit more. It will all fit into place one day. I've been studying it 5 years and 3 months now and I had a 10 year goal to be fluent. I think I will hit my target.

7 - Work, Of course I can't leave out work. It is crazy busy for me right now because of staff being let go and then I am taking on more to do....I don't much like my job but it pays the bills. I am still on that mental search for the perfect job for me. I just need to have something click...

8 - My parents... They are retired and doing their thing. They are keeping very active which is good. I wish my mom would do more at the gym to help her with some of her aches and pains but I can only say so much. Dad looks to be doing real well and appears to me to be more fit than he has been in a long time..... Go Go Mom and Dad. I want you happy and healthy for as long as possible.

9 - Friends... We have a few good friends right now but we don't get to see them as often as we would like. We do have the occasional party and gathering but everyone is so busy. I do wish I had a few more good friends in my life. The more true friends the better.

10 - Fall.. With fall comes kids in school and sports activities, a whole different being busy. Running around trying to schedule everything for everyone and making everyone happy. Life is to short. Fall will fly by too quick I want it to slow down so we can enjoy all these events.

11 - Visitors and House guests. We have had many this past year and I real have enjoyed it. I hope to have more in the future. It is nice to be connecting with people from Donna's family back in Winnipeg. I believe if we lived closer we would see them allot.

12 - Blog writing.... Too busy to write all the time but I do have ideas. Just other priorities.

13 - Money. Well no need to say more, most people think about this one....

I think that is about all for today. Just thoughts random topics. Of course there are many more but that is for another day.

A todos personas en mi vida espero que tengan un buen día hoy !
Chao

Small Pleasures

2009-07-09T15:34:00.000-06:00

You have to love them.

I've been real busy lately and I have been losing weight.

I think it is because above working out at the gym and running around at work I have just not had that time to sit and relax or even eat all that much for that matter.

So I decided to eat an unhealthy snack to make up some of the calories I require to keep my weight up. I know not a real big problem for most people.

Well here it was , 2 Eggo waffles , Ice Cream and Maple Syrup.........

MMM MMMM Good..... Now that is one small pleasure with big Calories.

Freedom with Direction

2009-06-18T09:47:00.000-06:00

Now this just spells freedom with direction to me...

Not exactly my freedom with direction but I can only imagine how travelling around doing what you love and having some sort of purpose would feel right.

Banff Wedding Preparation Weekend.

2009-06-07T09:22:00.000-06:00

Well we just had amother great weekend in Banff last weekend. Not our usual weekend hiking and exploring that we normally do when we are there. We just went for the weekend to check everything out for our Wedding. Our friends came out to join us and we had a great time.

The bonus is I believe that we got everything done that we wanted to accomplish.

We booked out hotel, restaurant, after dinner party bar, and found a great place to take pictures. We also got to walk around town and shop a bit. It was a really great weekend...Oh yeah I said that already.

Well here are a few pics from our trip. For those of you that know me please check out Our wedding website for more pics.

City Bird

2009-06-05T16:04:00.000-06:00

I have been thinking a lot lately about a calmer life in a better location where one would always see fantastic scenery and breath fresh air.... Just take life in slow and easy enjoying every part.

That being said.

When I was little I thought what if I were a cat where would I want to live ? How would I act ? How would my life be? and so forth. I thought about many different animals and which one would I most want to be and it turned out that the birds are the ones that always stuck with me the most. I used to always think If I were a bird where would I live. I mean I could just fly there right. I've got wings and don't really need a home. I could just go and find a nice place to hang out and be. I wouldn't want to hang out at McDonald's for fries like so many sea gulls do. I wouldn't want to live in a nest under a bridge on the freeway like some of the Pigeons do. I wouldn't want to live in a nest on the side of a building like we have seen Hawks do. If I was a bird I would want to live out in nature. Maybe by a lake or near the ocean. Possibly I would love to live in the mountains or in a jungle. I used to look at all these birds in the city and wonder why they were living there. Why?

Why in deed. I never really came up with an answer as a child and I still don't know if I have one now as an adult but recently I have looked at it all a little bit different than before.

If I was a bird and I was wondering what would it be like to be human what would I think. Where would I like to live ? What would my life be like? How would I be ? I wouldn't want to have to go work at the same old job in a dusty dirty industrial area everyday. I wouldn't want to have to work all the time without time to rest, relax and take in the scenery. I wouldn't want to fight traffic all the time and breath in those exhaust fumes. I think I would like to live where one could see fantastic scenery all day, breath in fresh air, and take in life a little slower so that it could be fully appreciated. I mean humans have legs they can just walk there. Heck they have cars , bicycles and planes they can even get there easier. They have unlimited options. So why do they choose to live these lives in the cities with all the stress. Stress that kills some of them and for what.

So as I think about this now when I am older and getting older. I think that I have been that city bird just doing what I am doing to survive but not really seeing what the other options are out there. Well I am now starting to see those options and the future looks so much more than I could ever have thought my life could be.

I am going to start to live my life to enjoy it not to just survive it like a city bird.

Don Amero House Concert Pictures

2009-05-19T14:20:00.000-06:00

Hope you enjoyed the Pics.

Don Amero House Concert

2009-05-19T11:36:00.000-06:00

What a busy weekend we had. But it was so worth it.

We put on a house concert Friday night and it went really well. Of course those people that didn't show up sure missed out on a good time and some good music.

Don is quite a performer and his music definitely moves you.

We started out Friday morning cleaning up the house and setting the stage for the concert.

We had the house clean and all the food and drinks set up by around 5. Don and his brother Rich showed up and set up the equipment for the show. They were both exhausted from driving so many hours in the last few days but that sure didn't slow down Don from putting on a really great show.

For us the added bonus was that Don and Rich were staying with us so they didn't have to pack everything up right after the concert. They could just sit and hang out with us.

After most of the people left the concert a few of us were just hanging out in the living room and Don started to play again. Tayler also picked up her guitar and played with Don for a bit. It was a very relaxed evening and we would definitely do it again if Don asks.

On Saturday we all got up and I cooked a big breakfast for every one. It turned out pretty good I think. I haven't cooked for that many people before so I wasn't sure how much to make but it turned out to be just the right amount. Donna and I headed off to Ikea to pick up some things for Don and Pam so Don and Rich could see West Edmonton Mall. Of course beyond getting the things we went for we ended up buying more than we expected. We just love that store.

That night Don asked Donna and I to work for him at a table selling his merchandise at the Esquao Awards. It was at the Shaw Conference Center in Down town Edmonton and he was hired to preforming a few songs during the show. We of course agreed to help him out. Don scored us a couple of tickets for the show so we got to enjoy a really nice dinner and at $150 a seat it should be.

There looked to be around 1000 - 1200 people there and it was really well organized. Lots of awards were handed out and the Mayor of Edmonton was even involved and gave a speech. It was a really great experience to be there and help Don out. That night our house guests left and I have to say we enjoyed having them both stay with us.

We wound down over the next couple days shopping in Edmonton and eating lunch on a roof top patio. We also went to the gym and worked off those extra calories from the previous days.

What a great weekend with friends and family. Again I have to say what a great concert.

The Peter Principle

2009-05-05T09:55:00.000-06:00

The Peter Principle is the principle that "In a Hierarchy Every Employee Tends to Rise to His Level of Incompetence." While formulated by Dr. Laurence J. Peter and Raymond Hull in their 1968 book The Peter Principle, a humorous treatise which also introduced the "salutary science of Hierarchiology", "inadvertently founded" by Peter, the principle has real validity. It holds that in a hierarchy, members are promoted so long as they work competently. Sooner or later they are promoted to a position at which they are no longer competent (their "level of incompetence"), and there they remain, being unable to earn further promotions. Peter's Corollary states that "in time, every post tends to be occupied by an employee who is incompetent to carry out his duties" and adds that "work is accomplished by those employees who have not yet reached their level of incompetence".

Well this is what I have been thinking about lately. Of all those people in positions above me many of them appear to be incompetent and it seems that I am accomplishing my work and sometimes other peoples work as well.

So my questions are.....
Am I stuck at this level in my career because I have reach my competence level or because all those above me have reached theirs ?

Has everyone above me reached their levels of incompetence or is it just one person causing career gridlock ?

How would you know unless you actually feel incompetent in your job ?

New Obsession

2009-04-30T14:26:00.000-06:00

Recently I have acquired a new cell phone and it has this little game on it called "BUBBLE BREAKER".

Sadly it has taken quite a bit of my time lately. I think mainly because Donna beat me at it big time the other night. I, one for not taking defeat lightly am always up for a little challenge and competition. Especially in a fun way with my love.

For those of you who don't know what this little game is all about it is simply to break bubbles of at least 2 or greater of the same color that contact each other horizontally and vertically. But no diagonally connections will work. Also when you break the bubbles all the bubbles above fall down to create new connections. The trick is to line up as many bubble connections as you can of each color because the more that break at one time the more points you get.

Simple and fun. Although some strategy does come into play.
Well I am now proud to say I have the high score. Hee Hee
Donna your Turn..

Our Wedding

2009-04-27T11:53:00.000-06:00

For those people out there that don't already know Donna and I are getting Married.
Yup it's true.

Please see our Web Site http://www.mywedding.com/terrylovesdonna/index.html.

We have enjoyed setting it up and maintaining it.
It isn't easy to maintain with our busy schedules but we will try to keep all informed of our plans.

Pride

2009-04-27T07:58:00.000-06:00

I have to say I feel very proud of myself today.

With anything we do, if we do it long enough we should get better at it right?

Well I feel that after 3 homes and being a regular renovator since 1998 I have finally got better at it. I don't think I am bragging or anything and I do say these statements modestly but I was quite surprised with what I accomplished this weekend and it all came out of my head.

Very Cool !

I had this idea brewing up inside that head of mine for a while now and I finally pushed forth and did it. I decided to create a Coffered Ceiling in our house not only to bring a higher end look to the place but to cover issues in the ceiling with a previous wall removal and flood damage.

The past few weekends with the help of Donna, I worked on and completed all the drywall work and framing for the new ceilings. It already made them look better but how could it not. They were covering up Duct tape and plastic or this big hole to a furnace duct.

I then gave it a few weeks and filled in mine and Donna's time cleaning up wall damage and painting walls. I had this un-easy feeling inside about how this project was going to work out. I mean I saw it in my head but to actually create it in real life is a different story. (Speaking of past failures.)

But through all this angst I went forth and purchased the crown moulding and trim that I believed would work well for this project. I should have probably picked it out before I framed everything up but again I framed everything based on the picture in my head and that couldn't be wrong, Right ?

I brought everything home and when I had some time I started in on the smaller ceiling in the basement. I figured if it didn't turn out then I only wasted a little crown moulding and could return the rest for credit.

After about 4 hours and a lot of hiking up and down stairs cutting out in the garage because of the wet snow coming down. ( insert violin music here) I had finally figured out all the angles and finished with all the priming of the ceiling. I was almost finished.

It looks great. I even received positive comments on it from Donna and all the kids so that tells me Its not just me.

Next step is to still paint it but for now I just can't stop staring at it.

I am very proud of myself and how it turned out.

Now it is time to start in on the Kitchen !

Over Whelmed

2009-04-20T15:08:00.000-06:00

Ever feel Over Whelmed. Well I feel that way today. Normally I am quite good at dealing with the stress of the day to day running of my life but for some reason today it is getting to me. I just feel hot and I want to go. I don't know where just go.

I am scheduling everything and then completing the schedule all while more things seem to be adding to that schedule. There is so much coming up soon and so much to do in preparation.

AAUUUGGGHHHH!!!!
Hey this bird just flew past my head..... Hold on a sec.

Now talking about stress, this little bird is trapped in our office section at work. It must be stressed out of it's mind. I can't even imagine what the stress level could possibly be for this little guy.

I decided to open the back door leading to our warehouse to let it out. I figured It was the best chance to escape this building of horror but sadly it flew the other way further into the office area... I really hope it doesn't have a heart attack from being so scared & trapped.

It just made me realize my stresses don't compare to what other stresses there are in this world. I feel better now. Well still a bit sad for the bird. I am going to go out side and cool down for a bit.

Art Family

2009-04-14T14:38:00.000-06:00

Great Weekend

2009-04-13T10:43:00.000-06:00

Well we just had April long weekend / Easter weekend. It was the first day this year that we could walk around outside without coats on.

Most of the snow has gone until tonight that is.
They are calling for a little but that is OK because the end is near.

Here is a list of the things that happened this weekend to make it great.

- I wasn't cold when I went outside.

- A moment in the truck on the way to the Dump with Daniel just listening to music.

- A walk with Donna around a different neighbourhood with Nathan riding his bike for the first time this year.

- A fire in the back yard with the kids roasting Marshmallows.

- Sitting on the front deck having a beer in the sun with Donna and Nathan.

- The first Thunder Storm of the year.

- Movie night with the family.

- Dinner at Mom and Dads house. Good Food.

- Playing PS3 racing games with Dan & Nathan.

- Getting all I planned done on the house this weekend.

- And of course last but not least. Meat on a Stick. Courtesy of my love Donna.

Yup it was a Great Weekend.

How do you make a Prius Cool ?

2009-04-08T11:45:00.000-06:00

There has been something on my mind for quiet a long time now.
I have been looking at how much gas we are burning in our regular cars and trucks and it seems pretty crazy to me that Electric cars and trucks are not on the road yet in mass quantity.

I mean really we have the technology but what does it come down to ? You guessed it money, money, money and mostly from Oil and Gas revenue and Government subsides to the auto maker. Well I guess you also can't forget all those taxes on fuel the Government collects every year either.

So this prompted the research I've been doing into a better way to travel these roads of ours. I started about 2 years ago researching how to build an EV ( Electric Vehicle ) always hoping that a car company out there would finally come up with one that was a reasonable price and that would work for the average consumer. Then I could just buy one and life would be so much easier right ? I mean it would save me a lot of time and I'm sure a lot of aggravation as well not having to build my own EV.

What the world seems to be stuck with right now for economy driving other than the micro car are the Hybrid Vehicles and Blue Tech Diesels.

Most of the Hybrids do help fuel economy numbers verse their counter parts without the hybrid drive but for the price they aren't worth the difference for most consumers. The economy numbers would have to come down while maintaining performance numbers even more to make up the difference in price premium of the hybrid system.

The Blue Tech diesels on the market do get better fuel mileage than the equivalent gas vehicles and still maintain great performance but are expensive to buy also. I do have to give the new Blue Tech diesels the high 5 though because they do run allot cleaner than previous diesels but sadly they are still burning more fuel than I want to burn in my daily commute.

I would like to buy a fuel efficient vehicle in the next year or so and because of this my research has stretched from the unavailable EV to all the possible cars on the market today. So far I have reviewed a number of cars out there that have caught my eye and have been weighing my decision to purchase a new vehicle based on fuel consumption ratings, performance numbers and features offered. But for me there is still a major factor to consider in regards to buying a new car.

Yup "The Coolness Factor". Now a days most people need the best looking, sexiest, attractive things of all sorts of sizes from shoes and tattoos to Trucks, Car, and Motorbikes with loud pipes. This all goes back to " The Coolness Factor ". I can't say I am above that and probably won't be any time soon and is why it is one of my major factors. Right now I drive a 2001 BMW 330I and of course I have modified it with all the suspension goodies and extra horse power adders. It does look cool and drive great with tons of performance. I even have that feeling of being cool driving it. The sad thing about this wonderful car is that it is not good for the Environment and it burns allot more fuel than I would like. Those factors are what is bothering me the most. Hence the research I've been doing and the movement toward a better more environmental car that burns less fuel while saving me money.

Now all that being said this has created an internal dilemma for me . Power vs. Economy, Coolness vs. well not so Coolness, Good vs. Bad for the Environment and so on.
Sadly in my opinion anyway there are no real cool and affordable fuel efficient vehicle on the market today. Yes some of the cool cars are more efficient in recent years than earlier models but they still aren't that great on fuel. As well some of the economical cars are more cool than previous years but they almost have to work at being cool. Which isn't really all that cool is it.

Now there are some un-cool cars on the market for 2010 like the Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius that have caught my eye recently. They are technologically cool but that isn't really the cool factor I'm talking about now is it. They have around the mileage that I can live with and they are much more practical than anything else on the market in that fuel efficiency range. They have a bunch of cool features and options but they still aren't cool cars and with still no affordable electric vehicle on the market yet to be un-cool with what am I to do.

So the ultimate question for me is,

How do I make a Prius a Cool Car ?

Schedules

2009-04-07T15:36:00.000-06:00

I have found in the last year or so that I have not been all that organized. Granted I have a lot more going on now than I ever have before but I don't want to give any of my Projects, Activities up. I keep a day timer now which I never thought I would ever need but feel I can't live with out and it is packed.

This is a list of the top 5 things on my mind right now.

1 - Finish Dealing with a Bell phone issue that has been going on for 11.5 weeks now. It should hopefully be cleared up tonight...

2 - Spanish Class Starts tonight and it is the highest level class I have ever taken....I have a little fear right now over how I will do.

3 - Wedding plans... Working out all the details in advance for a wedding just shy of a year from now in Mexico is a little nerve racking but I do have faith that everything will work out.

4 - Renovations.. I have set a dead line for some of our home renovations to be complete and I have taken every Friday off until the dead line to make sure it happens.. With hard work I don't see a problem with them getting completed.

5 - Lawn Mower repair. I decided in the middle of winter that it would be a good idea to clean up , repaint and do general maintenance on the lawn mower. Well I think I am about 2/3 completed now and the snow is almost gone so I better get moving on that.

I got a lot more going on up there in that head of mine but I am off and running leaving work early to get some home life stuff done....

I think I might need more time off work. I wonder if they would still pay me for that.

Another Day.

2009-04-06T10:34:00.000-06:00

Well this is it my first statement to the world and the beginning of my blog.
It seems lately that I have no time at home to get done what I want to accomplish but yet at work I am bored out of my mind. So I thought to myself what a good time to start my blog and start sharing with everyone my thoughts on the days and filling up my time at work with this little spot on the net.

All though I am quiet busy at home that doesn't mean that I am not enjoying it. Actually I am very content doing projects keeping busy and running around. I love my home life. I am in the middle of renovations right now and that is kind of a funny statement because I see no end to them so it is hard to believe I have reached a middle.

I had a great weekend with my fiancée Donna. We had a date night friday night and went an saw an absolutely awsome Canadian produced movie at a small and I mean small basement theater. The movie was titled " One Week " and if you can find out where it is playing in your area it is a definate recommendation. After the movie we headed out to have coffee and wander around Chapters book store. It was a very relaxing night with my best friend.