wanted to update but just didn't find the time
In the past week, there have been several times where I've said "I'll blog about that" but not once have I actually done anything about it. Now it's tough to remember everything that has happened of late.
I think the most notable thing is conquering my stupid fear. The day was December 28, 2004. The scene was Blue Mountain for Snowboarding. The time was about 2:30 pm in the afternoon. As we were going up one of the chairlifts just joking around as usual, Etch, Tom, Rachel, JLo and I were having a good day. Then, at the top of the hill, I promptly took a huge spill after getting off the chair lift. Stupid Blue Mountain doesn't clean the area under their chairlifts and that particular chair exit is so steep AND icy. Anyway, I fell. I twisted my knee and it turns out that I actually tore my MCL in my left knee. I was rolling around in pain and couldn't put wait on it. Etch thought I was crying wolf and kept telling me to get my ass up but I couldn't. In the end I had to go down in the snow stretcher, strapped in and pulled by some ski patroller on skis... It was quite the site I'm told. Thank god no cameras were present.
So, this time around, it was the same day. December 28, 2005. Same chair lift and actually worse conditions cause it was rainy and gross. Well, I got off the chair lift fine and had a day of snowboarding without any issues.
So, I am over it. And I guess I'll see how the next time goes. Stupid Blue Mountain! Take that.
What else can I tell you about? Well, my friend Sam (originally from Sydney, OZ and now living in London, UK came to visit for about 4 days. She was here from Monday the 26th until Friday the 30th. It was a lot of fun hanging out and totally a last minute kinda trip that actually worked out perfectly. My friends took such good care of her and made her trip that much more fun and gave her that much more of a "localized" experience as opposed to a touristy time. While she was here, we partied for Kristian's bday on Monday night, had Dim Sum and did some shopping on Tuesday. Saw the Toronto Marlies play some AHL hockey on Tuesday night. Went snowboarding on Wednesday. Then, she went to Niagara Falls all day on Thursday and at night, she met up with my friends Cris, Cam and Hedia (and their posse) and they had a girls night in Toronto. Friday she got a great tour of the city (thanks Cam) and then we met up for a late lunch on Baldwin before going to the airport. All in all, Sam said she had a GREAT time so I'm glad we were able to show her nice the city is. Although we didn't see the sun or any blue skies at all (until her last day).
This week, I've done a little shopping and going around the city (kinda touristy things). A couple major things stood out. FIRST and FOREMOST - WHY DON'T THEY PUT LIGHTS ON THE CN TOWER DURING THE HOLIDAYS??? I really don't get it. The structure is totally unique and could totally be set out among the skyline (even if it was just for a week or two). Did they used to do that? I am totally sure that they did when I was a kid. Also, my parents and I went driving around downtown on Christmas Day (in the evening). It was so dead and there weren't many lights or anything anywhere. Also, it didn't seem like there were too many people out. I was surprised cause if you go to cities like New York or Chicago - so many people are out and about at Time Square or Navy Pier or something.
And I'd be remiss if I didn't speak to the latest shooting in Toronto that occured on Boxing Day. It's just the latest in a string of violence that has continued all year long. I think the reason this is getting so much more attention because it was an innocent bystandard and I'm sorry to say - but she was an attractive blond white girl. More people definitely take notice once it's someone outside of the gangs that are killing each other. One thing that I just don't get is - WHY ARE JAIL SENTENCES SO LIGHT? WHY CAN SOMEONE ON A GUN RELATED CRIME GET OFF ON BAIL WITHIN A WEEK? What is the motivation for Politicians to allow criminals/gang members, etc who use guns to get off so easy? I just don't understand why there aren't tougher rules and laws. Over the next few days/weeks (and definitely tonight for NYE) we'll see a bulked up police presence. Let's see how long that continues. I'm sure it won't be long enough.
So, 2006 is only 9 hours away. Pretty crazy how quickly the years go by. 2K6 is gonna be a great and exciting year for me. I can't wait to see how it goes! I'll keep you all posted about my plans...
Cheers to everyone for a safe and happy new year.
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Good Times
Last night, the top floor of the Philip St. Townhouse posse had a bit of a reunion. Cdawg was in town from Vancouver and we chilled at Etch's place. It was a blast. Cris joined the boys for a little while and overall, we had a fantastic time. Just great to reminisce about old times and joke around. The infamous Sept 11 story was shared yet again and numerous other ones. We had a little "fresh air" on the balcony and man was that ever good. Just relaxed and chilled out for the night. Oh yeah, Cdawg and Etch made some killer natchos. Just like back in the day. All we were missing was some tuna melts (the other Philip Street favourite).
Looking forward to more times like this during the holidays...
Etch just sent a hilarious forward. Watch this Jay Leno video (all the way to the end).
Last night, the top floor of the Philip St. Townhouse posse had a bit of a reunion. Cdawg was in town from Vancouver and we chilled at Etch's place. It was a blast. Cris joined the boys for a little while and overall, we had a fantastic time. Just great to reminisce about old times and joke around. The infamous Sept 11 story was shared yet again and numerous other ones. We had a little "fresh air" on the balcony and man was that ever good. Just relaxed and chilled out for the night. Oh yeah, Cdawg and Etch made some killer natchos. Just like back in the day. All we were missing was some tuna melts (the other Philip Street favourite).
Looking forward to more times like this during the holidays...
Etch just sent a hilarious forward. Watch this Jay Leno video (all the way to the end).
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
BUSY BUSY BUSY
Wow, the holidays are here and unfortunately, they are still far away. Man, this last week has been nuts and the next few days (until year end) will be just as bad. This is definitely the busiest time of year for us (at work) because of fiscal year end and I think I thought I was done all my stuff so I kind of underestimated it this time around. Anyway, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. It's dim but hopefully it will brighten up shortly.
In other news, I went to the Symphony last night. I saw Handel's Messiah performed by the TSO at Roy Thompson Hall. I think I went there back in the day but I don't know for sure. Anyway, it's quite a beautiful building and definitely very impressive on the inside. The performace was okay in my books. I mean I liked the instrumental part for sure (and the trumpet solo was definitely the highlight for me). But the vocals (the 4 soloists anyway) weren't doing it for me. Too much religious singing I think (but I guess that's what Handals' Messiah is about right?) The Toronto Mendholson Choir was also there and that was pretty impressive (there were about 120 of them in total I think).
I would definitely go back and see another symphony show BUT I think I would prefer a show that had much more instrumental music (and less vocals). Oh yeah, and I definitely wanted more percussion.
I saw a couple movies last week.
Syriana was quite good. Definitely a flick I've gotta see again. So much going on and so much information. It was quite interesting to see how involved everything is with oil in the middle east and I guess oil in general. There is such big money and everyone gets so greedy to have any piece of it. Also, they showed one storyline that followed some youth who had no other options to earn money or feel important. It showed how easy it was for them to be manipulated into thinking that certain malicious ideas (like bombing or taking out innocent people) are actually acceptable. That these things will promote and create positive changes. It's a thinking movie for sure and quite jumpy with multiple scenes similar to Traffic.
Walk the Line was a really good movie. I didn't know anything about this film before watching nor did I know anything about Johnny Cash. But man, that was a solid film. Joachim Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon acted very well and they did all of their own singing in this movie (found that out after). The rise and fall and rise again of Johnny Cash was quite the story. Reminded me a lot of the movie Ray actually... The scene in "Ontario, Canada" was interesting - I wanna know if that actually happened.
Unfortunately, it looks like volleyball is done for the year. Tuesday night, Thursday night and Saturday afternoon are all done for the holidays so now, I've gotta wait for next year. I can't wait to get back on the court. In the mean time, I've found a squash buddy in the condos across the street so I'm definitely gonna try and get some squash in over the next little while.
Wow, the holidays are here and unfortunately, they are still far away. Man, this last week has been nuts and the next few days (until year end) will be just as bad. This is definitely the busiest time of year for us (at work) because of fiscal year end and I think I thought I was done all my stuff so I kind of underestimated it this time around. Anyway, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. It's dim but hopefully it will brighten up shortly.
In other news, I went to the Symphony last night. I saw Handel's Messiah performed by the TSO at Roy Thompson Hall. I think I went there back in the day but I don't know for sure. Anyway, it's quite a beautiful building and definitely very impressive on the inside. The performace was okay in my books. I mean I liked the instrumental part for sure (and the trumpet solo was definitely the highlight for me). But the vocals (the 4 soloists anyway) weren't doing it for me. Too much religious singing I think (but I guess that's what Handals' Messiah is about right?) The Toronto Mendholson Choir was also there and that was pretty impressive (there were about 120 of them in total I think).
I would definitely go back and see another symphony show BUT I think I would prefer a show that had much more instrumental music (and less vocals). Oh yeah, and I definitely wanted more percussion.
I saw a couple movies last week.
Syriana was quite good. Definitely a flick I've gotta see again. So much going on and so much information. It was quite interesting to see how involved everything is with oil in the middle east and I guess oil in general. There is such big money and everyone gets so greedy to have any piece of it. Also, they showed one storyline that followed some youth who had no other options to earn money or feel important. It showed how easy it was for them to be manipulated into thinking that certain malicious ideas (like bombing or taking out innocent people) are actually acceptable. That these things will promote and create positive changes. It's a thinking movie for sure and quite jumpy with multiple scenes similar to Traffic.
Walk the Line was a really good movie. I didn't know anything about this film before watching nor did I know anything about Johnny Cash. But man, that was a solid film. Joachim Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon acted very well and they did all of their own singing in this movie (found that out after). The rise and fall and rise again of Johnny Cash was quite the story. Reminded me a lot of the movie Ray actually... The scene in "Ontario, Canada" was interesting - I wanna know if that actually happened.
Unfortunately, it looks like volleyball is done for the year. Tuesday night, Thursday night and Saturday afternoon are all done for the holidays so now, I've gotta wait for next year. I can't wait to get back on the court. In the mean time, I've found a squash buddy in the condos across the street so I'm definitely gonna try and get some squash in over the next little while.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Holiday Season in Full Gear
And what does that mean? A whole lot of eating and entertaining. Man, I feel like that's all I do every weekend now - go to someone's house for a dinner or potluck and then just get stuffed. Man, I've been eating well but I really gotta do it more in moderation. It's just TOO MUCH at times but it's so hard cause most of the time, the food is SO good.
Last weekend (after returning from Chi-town), we had our annual holiday dinner with the Marathi crew at K&R's house. It was a mexican themed potluck and I tried making something new. Some corn pancakes and a peach salsa. Surprisingly - they were actually quite good. Bapat made empanadas (three different varieties too so they were awesome!) G made some kick ass fajitas and Samp made enchilladas and guac. The feast was crazy. We all had food the itis in full effect after that! Played some fun games and then a few of us crashed there. We also met K&R's cat "Puppy" for the first time. And for the record, Puppy is not a fat cat! He is just quite furry. Oh yeah, he pees standing up (like a person would). I didn't see this with my own eyes but this is what Kdot tells me. I'll believe it when I see it though.
Sunday was a regular lazy day just doing laundry, expenses, etc. Lord of the Rings was on and of course, I was mesmorized by that and had to watch it.
Last week - I played volleyball THREE TIMES. It was wicked!!! Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. I had some good games overall and my hitting is improving each time I play. The other part of my game that is getting better is blocks. That is huge and I'm no longer intimdated to jump up and try. I'm also keeping my eyes open more and more now ;o) This Tuesday - my team (the Rednecks is our name I think) are in the finals so that should be fun. And I'm also planning on going again this Thursday and Saturday so that will be great again.
Yesterday, the UW crew got together for our annual Holiday Party. This time, Flo and Art hosted it. I had a great time playing cranium, eating takeout chinese, watching 40 year-old virgin, playing XBox NHL 2K6, watching Byron's home videos and generally just chilling. We also did a gift exchange which was quite hilarious. Byron's nurse outfit for Mae definitely was the topper. While playing cranium yesterday, I got one of the "acting cards" and I had to act out a "Swimsuit Calender". That was priceless. I wanna see some photos of that - actually maybe I don't. The key is that our team got it and we didn't end up in last place or anything so I'm happy about that.
Tonight was another holiday party with some other friends. We had a mexican theme again (different crew) and the legendary Guacamole was a success once again. I had retired for a bit but brought it back in full force tonight and it turned out great. We also had chili, tacos and quesadillas - all of which were very yummy. The host is pregnant and she's actually gonna pop any day now. Her due date is this Friday so any day this week could be the one. The couple don't know if they are having a boy or girl (they chose not to know after the Ultrasounds). I think that's cool. I wish more and more people did that. They are also giving birth at home with a midwife. I don't know much about that so I can't really make an opinion one way or the other with respect to that one.
This week, other than vball. I have tickets to the Raptors/Bulls on Wednesday night. Then next weekend - it's more food and sitting around having fun at holiday parties. I also gotta do some shopping which I'm gonna try to do during the week and preferably during the day (malls on weekends are just silly this time of year).
Happy Holidays all...
And what does that mean? A whole lot of eating and entertaining. Man, I feel like that's all I do every weekend now - go to someone's house for a dinner or potluck and then just get stuffed. Man, I've been eating well but I really gotta do it more in moderation. It's just TOO MUCH at times but it's so hard cause most of the time, the food is SO good.
Last weekend (after returning from Chi-town), we had our annual holiday dinner with the Marathi crew at K&R's house. It was a mexican themed potluck and I tried making something new. Some corn pancakes and a peach salsa. Surprisingly - they were actually quite good. Bapat made empanadas (three different varieties too so they were awesome!) G made some kick ass fajitas and Samp made enchilladas and guac. The feast was crazy. We all had food the itis in full effect after that! Played some fun games and then a few of us crashed there. We also met K&R's cat "Puppy" for the first time. And for the record, Puppy is not a fat cat! He is just quite furry. Oh yeah, he pees standing up (like a person would). I didn't see this with my own eyes but this is what Kdot tells me. I'll believe it when I see it though.
Sunday was a regular lazy day just doing laundry, expenses, etc. Lord of the Rings was on and of course, I was mesmorized by that and had to watch it.
Last week - I played volleyball THREE TIMES. It was wicked!!! Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. I had some good games overall and my hitting is improving each time I play. The other part of my game that is getting better is blocks. That is huge and I'm no longer intimdated to jump up and try. I'm also keeping my eyes open more and more now ;o) This Tuesday - my team (the Rednecks is our name I think) are in the finals so that should be fun. And I'm also planning on going again this Thursday and Saturday so that will be great again.
Yesterday, the UW crew got together for our annual Holiday Party. This time, Flo and Art hosted it. I had a great time playing cranium, eating takeout chinese, watching 40 year-old virgin, playing XBox NHL 2K6, watching Byron's home videos and generally just chilling. We also did a gift exchange which was quite hilarious. Byron's nurse outfit for Mae definitely was the topper. While playing cranium yesterday, I got one of the "acting cards" and I had to act out a "Swimsuit Calender". That was priceless. I wanna see some photos of that - actually maybe I don't. The key is that our team got it and we didn't end up in last place or anything so I'm happy about that.
Tonight was another holiday party with some other friends. We had a mexican theme again (different crew) and the legendary Guacamole was a success once again. I had retired for a bit but brought it back in full force tonight and it turned out great. We also had chili, tacos and quesadillas - all of which were very yummy. The host is pregnant and she's actually gonna pop any day now. Her due date is this Friday so any day this week could be the one. The couple don't know if they are having a boy or girl (they chose not to know after the Ultrasounds). I think that's cool. I wish more and more people did that. They are also giving birth at home with a midwife. I don't know much about that so I can't really make an opinion one way or the other with respect to that one.
This week, other than vball. I have tickets to the Raptors/Bulls on Wednesday night. Then next weekend - it's more food and sitting around having fun at holiday parties. I also gotta do some shopping which I'm gonna try to do during the week and preferably during the day (malls on weekends are just silly this time of year).
Happy Holidays all...
Friday, December 02, 2005
sickie
So I had a decent week in Chicago. Man, it was a LLOONNNGG one though. Spending close to 7 hours each day at our booth at the trade-show was pretty grueling. Standing on my feet all day, shaking hands, being polite - all that fun stuff. And to top it all off, I got sick. I was there from Saturday to Thursday and by about Tuesday night, I was starting to feel it. It hit rock bottom on Wednesday and the the pinnacle was definitely flying home yesterday evening. My flight was delayed by an hour. I didn't get home (to bed) until past 2:00 am this morning (Friday morning). Flying when you are all congested and sick has gotta be one of THE worst feelings too. Man, that was just way too much.
The bright side is that Cris and I did get some good shopping done. And some good walking around Chi-town on the Magnificent Mile, etc. It was definitely a good time. Monday night of last week, I had a good time hanging with some of my old "classmates" from the training program I went through a couple years ago. It was especially good to catch up with Michael who got married about 15 months ago. He (and his wife Heather) are great people so I will definitely look them up if I go to NYC in the future. I also got to spend some quality time with Yollanda and Cristine - talking about work, life and the pursuit of happiness.
Speaking of happiness, I think the Raptors are probably relieved. They won their first road game of the season. Who was it against you ask? Well of course, the lowly Atlanta Hawks. Quite possibly the only team that is worse than Toronto in the entire NBA. Tonight's stellar matchup was definitely one of the worst matchups in the history of modern professional sports. That said, it was actually a decent game - probably because both teams felt like they had something to prove. The tandom of Bosh and Villenueva is looking good and with Calderon tossing dimes around, it should be a bright future. Let's see what pieces of that pie actually stick around for the long term though.
I guess I should try to sleep this cold off so goodnight y'all.
So I had a decent week in Chicago. Man, it was a LLOONNNGG one though. Spending close to 7 hours each day at our booth at the trade-show was pretty grueling. Standing on my feet all day, shaking hands, being polite - all that fun stuff. And to top it all off, I got sick. I was there from Saturday to Thursday and by about Tuesday night, I was starting to feel it. It hit rock bottom on Wednesday and the the pinnacle was definitely flying home yesterday evening. My flight was delayed by an hour. I didn't get home (to bed) until past 2:00 am this morning (Friday morning). Flying when you are all congested and sick has gotta be one of THE worst feelings too. Man, that was just way too much.
The bright side is that Cris and I did get some good shopping done. And some good walking around Chi-town on the Magnificent Mile, etc. It was definitely a good time. Monday night of last week, I had a good time hanging with some of my old "classmates" from the training program I went through a couple years ago. It was especially good to catch up with Michael who got married about 15 months ago. He (and his wife Heather) are great people so I will definitely look them up if I go to NYC in the future. I also got to spend some quality time with Yollanda and Cristine - talking about work, life and the pursuit of happiness.
Speaking of happiness, I think the Raptors are probably relieved. They won their first road game of the season. Who was it against you ask? Well of course, the lowly Atlanta Hawks. Quite possibly the only team that is worse than Toronto in the entire NBA. Tonight's stellar matchup was definitely one of the worst matchups in the history of modern professional sports. That said, it was actually a decent game - probably because both teams felt like they had something to prove. The tandom of Bosh and Villenueva is looking good and with Calderon tossing dimes around, it should be a bright future. Let's see what pieces of that pie actually stick around for the long term though.
I guess I should try to sleep this cold off so goodnight y'all.