The end is here
And just like that, summer is over. Tomorrow the traffic starts again in full force. Everyone will be back to school and back to work. No more lazy summer. This past weekend, I took Thursday afternoon and all day Friday off so I had a wonderful 4.5 day vacation. I went to Darien Lake with some friends (just outside of Buffalo) for the Coldplay concert on Thursday night. It was a GREAT show. I'm not a huge fan of the band and don't know all of their music but damn, it was awesome and everything sounded so close to CD quality - that was definitely a treat. The only downside was this one ANNOYING couple. Every few minutes, they would let out this scream that was utterly disgusting. I'm sure I lost some hearing capabilities in my righ ear. The chick especially was terrible - such a shrilly yell - it was so annoying.
I watched a bunch of movies this weekend and they were all quite different.
1. Napolean Dynamite - actually, I didn't watch the whole thing but from what I did see - all I kept thinking was "what is the deal with this movie? why does everyone love it?" I just don't think that i get it.
2. Mad Hot Ballroom - AWESOME and so CUTE. watching little 11 and 12 year olds from NYC learning how to ballroom dance was really a treat and totally entertaining. The kids were so funny especiallly when talking off the cuff for the camera.
3. The Ring 2 - first of all, I HATE HORROR MOVIES. I am the BIGGEST WIMP IN THE WORLD. I was somehow convinced to watch this movie with some of my closest friends Ashwat, Kdot and Raquel). Needless to say, I watched it and I wasn't actually that scared. My buddies told me though that the first one was totally crazy and spooky. I was especting that about this one but it just didn't live up to the hype. Probably a good thing for me though.
4. The Original Kings of Comedy - Bernie Mac, Cedric the Entertainer and the gang do standup routines in Charlotte, NC. Totally going for the black vs. white humour which was absolutely hilarious.
Today, I played nearly 4 hours of beach vball at Ashbridges and now, I am quite tired and sore. Tomorrow, I've got DB practice and our final race of the year is next weekend (Sept 10-11) at Ontario Place so I'm sure it'll be a tough practice.
Guess it's time for bed.
Gotta actually get up early tomorrow.
:o(
Monday, September 05, 2005
Thursday, September 01, 2005
The lowest of the low
This morning on the news, I heard that conditions in New Orleans are definitely not getting better at all. In fact, they will only get worse. No water. No food. No shelter. No sewage treatment. No hope. But there is something going around...
#$%$@#$))%##$$ ASSHOLES!!!
That's right. Organized gangs of looters are now going around and robbing people at gunpoint. They are actually going into people's homes and stealing from them. Also, they are stopping delivery trucks with supplies for the needy and stealing from them too. This is absolutely ludacris! Apparently several of these "gangs" are using guns they already had and ones they've looted from stores. Walmart in fact has been ransacked and all the guns that they sell have been taken. Maybe the US will start thinking twice about their gun control laws.
Anyway, I really hope that authorities and emergency personnel can do their job. It's really scary to think that they are up against this idiocy in addition to the natural disaster they are trying to cope with. Apparently it'll take at least a month to get the water out of New Orleans and a month at minimum to let people back into their homes (or whatever is left of them).
Donating money is pretty much the only thing I can do from this vantage point so that will be my contribution. I hope that as many as possible are saved...
This morning on the news, I heard that conditions in New Orleans are definitely not getting better at all. In fact, they will only get worse. No water. No food. No shelter. No sewage treatment. No hope. But there is something going around...
#$%$@#$))%##$$ ASSHOLES!!!
That's right. Organized gangs of looters are now going around and robbing people at gunpoint. They are actually going into people's homes and stealing from them. Also, they are stopping delivery trucks with supplies for the needy and stealing from them too. This is absolutely ludacris! Apparently several of these "gangs" are using guns they already had and ones they've looted from stores. Walmart in fact has been ransacked and all the guns that they sell have been taken. Maybe the US will start thinking twice about their gun control laws.
Anyway, I really hope that authorities and emergency personnel can do their job. It's really scary to think that they are up against this idiocy in addition to the natural disaster they are trying to cope with. Apparently it'll take at least a month to get the water out of New Orleans and a month at minimum to let people back into their homes (or whatever is left of them).
Donating money is pretty much the only thing I can do from this vantage point so that will be my contribution. I hope that as many as possible are saved...
Old Skool Reunion
So, I just saw a guy tonight that I havne't seen since (we think) Grade 3. That is about 19 years by my calculations. Crazyness for sure. His name is Jigar and he used to live close to me. We were in JK, SK and Grade 1 together. I don't remember Grade 2 and then he left the school in Grade 3. We reconnected through Friendster last year. And have been messaging since cause he lives in Scottsdale, Arizona and was doing a lot of travel for work (but not to all the glamourous places that I get to go to). Actually, I think it's kinda the opposite...
In any case, he know works for the same company as me in a Healthcare Consulting role and we now know many of the same people which is hilarious. It was totally good to reconnect with him tonight. Completely out of the blue.
I think I may try to head out to Arizona at some point this Fall or Winter - it seems like it is quite beautiful out that way and there will definitely be tonnes of outdoors stuff to do.
I'm out. Gotta rest up for a busy weekend.
And I can't wait cause it's an EXTRA long one for me this time around...
p.s. One last thing - all the looters in New Orleans and the surrounding area should be hung. They are absolutely scum of the earth preying on people when they are down. Actually, i'll qualify this. People who are stealing water and food for survival - i can sympathize with for sure. But those @#@$#@!@##%$@!#$#@!$! that are taking TV's, jewllery, clothes, furniture, etc - WHAT THE HECK FOR??? Also, if you are able bodied enough to carry around all that, why don't you actually go and try and save/help people who are stranded or who have experienced some trauma.
So, I just saw a guy tonight that I havne't seen since (we think) Grade 3. That is about 19 years by my calculations. Crazyness for sure. His name is Jigar and he used to live close to me. We were in JK, SK and Grade 1 together. I don't remember Grade 2 and then he left the school in Grade 3. We reconnected through Friendster last year. And have been messaging since cause he lives in Scottsdale, Arizona and was doing a lot of travel for work (but not to all the glamourous places that I get to go to). Actually, I think it's kinda the opposite...
In any case, he know works for the same company as me in a Healthcare Consulting role and we now know many of the same people which is hilarious. It was totally good to reconnect with him tonight. Completely out of the blue.
I think I may try to head out to Arizona at some point this Fall or Winter - it seems like it is quite beautiful out that way and there will definitely be tonnes of outdoors stuff to do.
I'm out. Gotta rest up for a busy weekend.
And I can't wait cause it's an EXTRA long one for me this time around...
p.s. One last thing - all the looters in New Orleans and the surrounding area should be hung. They are absolutely scum of the earth preying on people when they are down. Actually, i'll qualify this. People who are stealing water and food for survival - i can sympathize with for sure. But those @#@$#@!@##%$@!#$#@!$! that are taking TV's, jewllery, clothes, furniture, etc - WHAT THE HECK FOR??? Also, if you are able bodied enough to carry around all that, why don't you actually go and try and save/help people who are stranded or who have experienced some trauma.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Can't beat Van City
I just had an awesome weekend in Vancouver. I didn't blog about it last week cause I didn't wanna take any chances and potentially give away my secret. About 10 days ago, I decided to fly out to Vancouver for the weekend to surprise Sach and Medini for their wedding. It was definitely a great surprise for them and also the rest of the guests that I've known for a long time. All in all, a great time and so much fun to catch up with the old Vancouver Marathi posse - you guys are a load of fun! And I'm definitely looking forward to chilling with you when some of you come to town for the Toronto reception.
As always, I fell in love with Vancouver yet again. It was perfect weather - blue skies, sun. Days like that in Vancouver just make it a city that is VERY hard to beat. It's got everything and of course, just looking up and seeing the mountains is definitely the kicker. It was also awesome to hang out with Vas who has totally become a west coast boy who I doubt will ever be back in Scarborough (and really, I don't blame him at all).
Wow - many people in the Marathi posse are pregnant or have young kids. It was so much fun seeing all the kids run around and enjoy themselves. Totally fun to play with them as well. I got some great photos.
Got back to town LATE last night so I am quite tired and gonna hit the sack soon. I did have a vball game tonight though. It was Sun of a Beach's last game for the summer. We started out well and ended well but the middle was a little annoying. In the end, it was a great FREE season so you can't go wrong with that. Great job Etch, Danielle, Mike and Piyali! It was fun to share the court with you guys this summer.
Good night all.
And of course - Happy Birthday Raj!!! Talk to you soon bro.
I just had an awesome weekend in Vancouver. I didn't blog about it last week cause I didn't wanna take any chances and potentially give away my secret. About 10 days ago, I decided to fly out to Vancouver for the weekend to surprise Sach and Medini for their wedding. It was definitely a great surprise for them and also the rest of the guests that I've known for a long time. All in all, a great time and so much fun to catch up with the old Vancouver Marathi posse - you guys are a load of fun! And I'm definitely looking forward to chilling with you when some of you come to town for the Toronto reception.
As always, I fell in love with Vancouver yet again. It was perfect weather - blue skies, sun. Days like that in Vancouver just make it a city that is VERY hard to beat. It's got everything and of course, just looking up and seeing the mountains is definitely the kicker. It was also awesome to hang out with Vas who has totally become a west coast boy who I doubt will ever be back in Scarborough (and really, I don't blame him at all).
Wow - many people in the Marathi posse are pregnant or have young kids. It was so much fun seeing all the kids run around and enjoy themselves. Totally fun to play with them as well. I got some great photos.
Got back to town LATE last night so I am quite tired and gonna hit the sack soon. I did have a vball game tonight though. It was Sun of a Beach's last game for the summer. We started out well and ended well but the middle was a little annoying. In the end, it was a great FREE season so you can't go wrong with that. Great job Etch, Danielle, Mike and Piyali! It was fun to share the court with you guys this summer.
Good night all.
And of course - Happy Birthday Raj!!! Talk to you soon bro.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Prairie Goks
Sitting at the airport in Saskatoon about to board my flight... Surfing on wireless internet. Pretty cool I'd say. Why the heck can't Pearson in Toronto do something in conjunction with Bell Sympatico and provide a similar service. Instead, there is nothing. But here - you can surf wireless using SaskTel service. It's something like $5.00/hour but totallyg ood and a great way to kill the time.
This week, I've been in Saskatoon, Regina and Moose Jaw. All happening metropolis' in Saskatchewan. Good times indeed! In Moose Jaw on Tuesday night, I stayed at the Temple Gardens Mineral Spa and my room had a jacuzzi in it! It was huge!!! Totally random but pretty cool. I definitely took advantage of that. too bad i was the lonely salesman on the road. Last night in Saskatoon, I stayed at the Sheraton and had the luxury of sleeping in one of those Heavenly Beds. MAN - THOSE BEDS ROCK. They are so damn comfortable.
Okay, time for boarding for my flight.
Until we meet again.
p.s. Mad shoutouts to John and Sandra for taking some tie to stop to chill with me during their drive home from Toronto to Peace River (yeah, that's about 45 hours or something...). It was great to see you guys here in Saskatoon!
Sitting at the airport in Saskatoon about to board my flight... Surfing on wireless internet. Pretty cool I'd say. Why the heck can't Pearson in Toronto do something in conjunction with Bell Sympatico and provide a similar service. Instead, there is nothing. But here - you can surf wireless using SaskTel service. It's something like $5.00/hour but totallyg ood and a great way to kill the time.
This week, I've been in Saskatoon, Regina and Moose Jaw. All happening metropolis' in Saskatchewan. Good times indeed! In Moose Jaw on Tuesday night, I stayed at the Temple Gardens Mineral Spa and my room had a jacuzzi in it! It was huge!!! Totally random but pretty cool. I definitely took advantage of that. too bad i was the lonely salesman on the road. Last night in Saskatoon, I stayed at the Sheraton and had the luxury of sleeping in one of those Heavenly Beds. MAN - THOSE BEDS ROCK. They are so damn comfortable.
Okay, time for boarding for my flight.
Until we meet again.
p.s. Mad shoutouts to John and Sandra for taking some tie to stop to chill with me during their drive home from Toronto to Peace River (yeah, that's about 45 hours or something...). It was great to see you guys here in Saskatoon!
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Wow - that was some rain!!!
I have never seen rain like I did yesterday. And then in such absurd conditions, I had to drive in it as well. That was equally nuts. Cars were literally stopping on the 407 cause we couldn't see what was in front of us or behind us. We were all going at like 20 km/h with our 4 way flashers on. It was pretty freaky. And of course, there were idiots on the road who didn't turn on their headlights so you couldn't see them at all. All that said, I was surprised to see that there were no accidents (where I went anyway).
On the home front there was a little accident... Our basement slightly flooded. In the basement TV room, we have a door to the outside. The screen on the screen door was slightly open and as a result, water seeped in. It wasn't just a little though. A good 40% of the carpet in that room is wet and we had to move the TV and a bunch of other stuff. I think my old Nintendo was ruined in the water. I haven't fully dried it yet to try it but I think it's a goner (as are the games so that is equally sad).
The reason I was driving in that horrid weather last night was to go to my buddy John Roppa's wedding. It was a great evening (I was just super tired). John and Sandra make a great couple and the day was awesome. I haven't seen John that much in the last few years but it was great to be invited and to see his parents after such a long time. Like any good Italian wedding, there was definitely a FEAST. A huge antipasto bar, followed by a great dinner (pasta, fillet mignon, seafood, salad, veggies). Next was a splendid dessert spread (cake, fresh fruit, Italian pastries and a chocolate fondue fountain). And at midnight, they carted out this "porscetta?" Basically, it was this marinated pork and they were making these amazing sandwiches. Man, it was pretty awesome.
On to another wedding this evening (that'll be Number 12 for the year)...
I'll let you know how that one goes.
I have never seen rain like I did yesterday. And then in such absurd conditions, I had to drive in it as well. That was equally nuts. Cars were literally stopping on the 407 cause we couldn't see what was in front of us or behind us. We were all going at like 20 km/h with our 4 way flashers on. It was pretty freaky. And of course, there were idiots on the road who didn't turn on their headlights so you couldn't see them at all. All that said, I was surprised to see that there were no accidents (where I went anyway).
On the home front there was a little accident... Our basement slightly flooded. In the basement TV room, we have a door to the outside. The screen on the screen door was slightly open and as a result, water seeped in. It wasn't just a little though. A good 40% of the carpet in that room is wet and we had to move the TV and a bunch of other stuff. I think my old Nintendo was ruined in the water. I haven't fully dried it yet to try it but I think it's a goner (as are the games so that is equally sad).
The reason I was driving in that horrid weather last night was to go to my buddy John Roppa's wedding. It was a great evening (I was just super tired). John and Sandra make a great couple and the day was awesome. I haven't seen John that much in the last few years but it was great to be invited and to see his parents after such a long time. Like any good Italian wedding, there was definitely a FEAST. A huge antipasto bar, followed by a great dinner (pasta, fillet mignon, seafood, salad, veggies). Next was a splendid dessert spread (cake, fresh fruit, Italian pastries and a chocolate fondue fountain). And at midnight, they carted out this "porscetta?" Basically, it was this marinated pork and they were making these amazing sandwiches. Man, it was pretty awesome.
On to another wedding this evening (that'll be Number 12 for the year)...
I'll let you know how that one goes.