Next few days, A few days ago, and the first of many camping trips.
A few days ago, I went to Waterloo to see Jasse. Well, yesterday. It was fun. We went out and he helped me get some camping gear for the summer. Now, I could have saved a trip out to Waterloo and did this here in Pickering, but I figured why not, go see Jasse, and chill. I got a spiffy new Coleman Stove, and a comfy new camp chair.
Then, Tara and I went out that night, to see a movie. We caught "Chronicles of Riddick". I'm still indifferent towards the movie. I liked parts of it, and I wish other parts were better. I also felt that it took elements from
Star Trek III- Search for Spock and based an entire storyline upon it.
But today, I was getting things ready for my camping trip to Prescott. It's with the Ajax Scuba Club again, so I'll be doing some diving. Hopefully I'll be good enough to be qualified for some Wreak Dives after this weekend. We'll see though.
Trippy: How's things? I should be around Saturday.
Steve: I may be kickin' up to Ottawa one night...
Sean: Where for art thou?
Tara: how's the movie? I still don't want to Fondue
Anyone else: What's up?
Diving, relaxing, and Mr. Martin.
I've been busy since a few days ago. I went diving up at Burleigh Falls. It's about 20 minutes north of Peterborough. It was amazing. Everything was fantastic, and I think I did well.
Also, since I was supposed to be up there for both days, I drove out to Colborne to see Alex and his family. It was nice to hang out with Alex, and chat. We went to a pub in Coburg, and I taught Alex to play checkers. He's pretty good for a first timer.
Then More Diving, and I came home. I went over to Chris' for a bit, and then that was my weekend.
Monday, I went to Gnu Books out in Ajax, and picked up some more comic books. I got 2 new titles. One is "the End of the Marvel Universe", and the other was a re-release of "He-Man, Master of the Universe". I used to be a fan of He-Man as a kid, so I had to get that.
Tonight, I went out with tea with Steve and Tara. Again, a nice and relaxing night.
Oh, as it stands, Paul Martin and Co. (the liberal posse) are in the lead. Can I say congratulations, Mr. Prime Minister? Or is it too early?
And As well, I'm glad that ol' Jack Layton has got a few more seats, and is going to be a force to reckon with. I think it's going to be an exciting few years.
And Mr. Harper, I think you're nice, but I can't see you as the next Liberal. A bit too Right wing for my tastes, and this Neo-Conservative Christian belief doesn't quite jive with me. However, I'm just one voter. On the bright side, you'll be a good opposition leader to make for some interesting debates!
Anything else? Sean, I may not be around for the Long weekend. I might be camping...Sorry dude.
Diving, Finishing Touches, and Dodge Ball.
Well, this weekend is going to be another Diving weekend. I'm going up to Burleigh Falls with the Ajax Scuba Club. It should be fun. My neighbour (who introduced me to the ASC) is going as well.
I had to go into work and finish up some stuff off for the season, and I feel great. I'm done!!!!
Tara and I went to see Dodgeball last night. I've heard mixed reviews. Here is mine; Funny movie. If you're up for a light-comedy with some strange things, predictable storyline and some interesting cameos, go see it.
This movie will not change the world, nor be up for any awards, but it's pretty much entertainment.
Oh Sean: I may not be around for Canada day. I'll have to let you know for sure on Monday.
All I have to say..
I AM DONE ! ! !
Sorry Trippy, but I had to call and gloat.
Steve, how's things with the Sumemr job?
Sean? Where for art thou?
Chris, Bleh...beer soon.
Tara, You'll be a grade three Teacher...soon...
Busy Few Days...
Well, I had a huge project which ended today. And it went off without a hitch, so I'm happy about that. I'm feeling the effects of the burn-out, but who knows? It'll be all over in a few days.
What else? This weekend I'm going on my first Club Dive with the ASC. That should prove to be fun.
For some reason, I feel something is amiss, and I'm not sure what, or why. It's a busy time of year, and maybe because of tempers being high, patience being low, and knowing the end is in sight may be the reason.
Again....Who knows.
Oh, public speaking is fun...
Just an Aside..
Sean Wilson is behind 5 days.
Take that, Mr. Evil.
Drinking, Dragon Boating, and 3 more days...
Friday was o.k, but Friday night, I went down to Trippy's with Steve. We showed up after a barbecue hosted by Brad and a guy named Jeff Paris. Not a bad evening, as we had a few beers, and enjoyed chillin' and relaxin.
Then, Saturday I got up and headed over to the Ferry Docks to get to Centre Island. DRAGON BOAT! I ran into some of my team mates, so I was happy that I could just follow them to where we had to go. We got there, and found out that we weren't racing until later that day. We were on the island at 7:30, which is pretty early for someone who went to bed at 2:30am.
The day was fun. Our first race was feeling a bit shaky, but we had a good time. With a tail Wind, we had 2:26. Which is not bad, but we came in last in our heat. It's a good thing that it's just the qualifying, as we would have felt bad. Our 2nd heat, we were feeling more together, and we got 2:27, which wasn't bad, as our Strokes people were not ready when the gun went off. It's not their fault....yo, peep this..
The Strokes are the people at the front of the boat who maintain the timing of our paddling. And to start the race, we had a nasty cross wind that would push us into another lane, which would bad, so they were 'drawing' or holding the boat in place for us to get ready. Before they could get in starting position to paddle, the gun went off, and we lost a few seconds because we were caught off guard. Oh well, we came in 5th.
Sunday, was the actual race day. We were racing at 10:00 for our heat, and then at 12:50 for our specialty cup. Our race at 10:00 was ok, we got 5th again, but all the times were within 2 seconds. It was a good Close race.
Alas, the last race was our own race, our Specialty Cup race. We were up against like teams in our trade and a boat made up of our trade administers. For us, this was the race to win, as we didn't want some other team taking out what was rightfully ours.
We got ready, and sat in ready position. As we were waiting for the gun, I basically blocked out the world. It was a scary feeling, as all I knew at that point was the paddle, the time, and that I needed to give everything for this was the last race for us for the season.
Bang! The gun went off, away we went. I was pulling and going as hard as I could. I could hear and see my team mates around me going at it as well. Glancing over, I could see the other boats behind us. Our Coach, not letting up keeps screaming at us to keep going, and push. All of a sudden, we surged forward, and started to leave.
I glanced again, and saw the Administrator's boat starting to take the lead. No freakin' way were we going to let that happen. As we approached the finish line, we kept up hard...and finished First.
We won our 1st place cup. 'nuff said.
Results, are
Here...
Workshops, Naps, and a lil' Neon on the Run.
Today, I had to go to a workshop about a programme that is pretty much crap. However, it was nice to hear the presenter acknowledge that fact, and say that he's just doing his job, and he'll not candy-coat or make it seem like its more than it is.
Then I got to come home early, which was nice. I got home, and relaxed, and had a nap. Wow, I miss naps.
Then, I went out for a drink with Steve Little. Again, just fun to chill, and relax. I took him to where I work, to show him, as he's never seen it, and then came home.
My parents got back from their cross Canada drive, and were telling me about it. I still think it's funny that the place they disliked the most was British Columbia. Take that, West Coast!!!! (just joking....'nuff respect)
Then my mom told me that Jasse's lil' Neon got stolen tonight from a non-descript mall in Waterloo. My first reaction? I laughed. I commented to Jasse that "Someone actually got it right this time." About a year ago, someone tried to steal Jasse's car from Pickering, and left their wallet in it.
Oh well. Whoever has it. Enjoy. You are the proud owner of a 98 Black Neon which needs a lot of work! Only good thing...it's got a brand new transmission in it.
Busy day, Not Green/Red Zinger Tea and Steve Campbell
Well, going out to a workshop is more work than one would like. That work, plus all the other projects trying to get finished is tough.
But alas, I did, and I think I can sort of chill for Thursday.
So, I got Steve Campbell, and we went for Tea at Just Desserts tonight. We were meeting Chris, but when we got there, he had brought his girlfriend, Jacquie along. Pleasant surprise, as we weren't expecting to see her.
We chilled, talked and relaxed. The conversation was as diverse as the selection of tea we were brought. Huh?
Well, when I ordered a Red Zinger tea, I got some other kind. It was black, and didn't taste like Zinger. I was curious, so I told Hanifa, who owns JD. She brought another tea, which was the exact same type...Not Zinger. After 2 pots of tea, we finally got a tea.
Next, I ordered a Green tea, and it was good. The 2nd pot was like the first non-Red Zinger tea...Which was strange.
All in all, I finally got my tea. Hanifa is looking into this mix-up.
wow, this blog is at an all time low....
ugh, I'll be better tomorrow.
Retirement Parties, National Debate, and a lil' cat named Tabby.
Well, Let's see. Tonight after work, I went to a retirement party for a woman I've worked with for less than one year. Actually, about 9 months, 3 weeks. It was nice, as everybody (save one) went to the party.
Sure, on my staff, there are 3 new people, including myself. I know that I didn't really know this woman, however, working with her entitled me to go, and meet other people. Did I meet anyone? Not really, but it was just for support.
I know I was talking to Scott about this, and people go to these things because of one thing my dad said...
"Your work friends are your family. You will share good and bad with them". Well, that's not an exact quote, but you get the picture.
It goes back to this one individual at work who doesn't participate in anything. At first, I thought it was just me who noticed that she was a bit of an odd duck, but it's everyone. I've mentioned her a few times in this blog. She's the one I've talked about how people are really nice to her, but behind her back, they're not. Again, what's better? Sparing someone's feelings? I'm not sure.
Tonight was the National Debate. Again, I like Paul Martin, but I also like Jack Layton. I'm not a big fan of Steven Harper, nor am I a fan of Gille Duceppe's politics. I think I'm a fan of Gilles, just because he spoke very well, considering it was his second language. I'm not sure who 'won' the debate, Per Se, but it'll be interesting to see what the papers say about it.
And for honourable Mention, I'm going to mention my cat, Tabitha. She's been having a great ole' time with me. She's outside right now, checkin' out the hood, but she'll be back.
Movies, Cruises, Weddings, and Rain.
Again, to Sean, it's been a busy weekend, so that's why It's been a few days. I'm not dead, and no reason to have the Rawlio Blog Vigil.
Friday night, Tara and I went on a Boat Cruise of the Toronto Harbour. Very very fun. There was a Salsa dancer, and good music. We had a blast. Tara's convinced I have no rhythm, but I contest that it's the difficulty in the steps that caused being off beat.
Saturday, I did some work, and relaxed. Then I took the train downtown to see Brad, and meet Steve. That night was fun. Again, I miss hanging out with these guys, and just chill. Later, we went out to a bar, and it was nice not to come home smelling like an Ashtray. Again, Kudos on the Smoking ban in Toronto and Durham.
On Saturday night, Steve told Brad and I the date of his wedding. December 30th. Now, this will cause some inconvenience...Not because it's the day before New Year's, but check this out. For Steve and Vicki, December will turn out to be a very expensive month. Christmas on the 25, Steve's birthday on the 27, and now his anniversary on the 30th, and then New Year's Eve on the 31st. Ugh...Double Ugh! But It'll be fun. He's asked me to be the MC, which I accepted. 'Twill be fun!
And Rain...Rain, rain. Monday was really humid, which was perfect weather to bring in a Tornado/severe Storm warning. Triple Ugh...
Just for an update, My parents on Thursday night were in Hope BC, and then I got a message from them on Saturday night. They were in Montana. Man, are they motorin' across this continent.
Oh, this Saturday and Sunday is the Dragon Boat Race in Toronto. I'm getting nervous now.
Ah, it's Friday...
It's nice out (well, cooler than the last couple of days), and stuff.
Tonight, is a boat cruise from the 'company'. Well, more from the union, but it'll be good. I'm going to go home first, change, and then come and get Tara, and head over to the landing to get the Cruise.
I want to go home first to make sure Tabby is o.k. As well, it'll be nice to take a quick shower to wash the work off of me.
I just read all of Chris' blogs. Wow, he's getting quite political, or just he's got lots of time on his hands...
I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Chris seems to be leaning towards the ol' NDP. I say ' wowser', as he doesn't usually like talking about the politics.
Which I'll make a quick commentary. The New Conservatives are in the lead in the polls, which to me, is scary.
Stephen Harper for Prime Minister? [shudder]...
Busy Busy before the end of it all...
Sorry for the delay. I should get on this, as Sean will no doubt comment on my tardiness...
Dragon Boat practice on Wednesday night was fun. Tough, but good. It was our last practice before the big race on June 19/20. When I got home, I talked to Tara for a bit, and went to bed.
My story for everyone, which I'll relay here is this..
Tuesday and Wednesday were both really hot. Where I work, I'm on the upper floor, with no A/C. Since Hot air rises my room was really really hot. It was about 29-31 degrees, not including humidity. Just brutal. At the end of the day, my co-worker, Scott and I went for a drink after work. Now, some people were staying for a late meeting, but we didn't want to go. For me, I couldn't understand why someone would want to stay. At that point, I was ready to kill someone.
Anyway, Wednesday afternoon came, and it was the same thing. I felt really angry, and frustrated. While driving to the practice, I was drinking water, and trying to re-hydrate myself. I was actually considering turning around. Instead, I decided to do up my windows, and close the sunroof, and turn on my Car's A/C.
Wow, in 5 minutes, I felt great. I was thinking clearly, and felt like a new person. That's when I realized how bad this heat was, and what it was doing to me. So, instead of trying to enjoy my car's sunroof, I'll just see how I feel first.
It's amazing what you do when you're cool...
Whew! It's hot.
No air conditioner....and 32 of us in a room.
ugh.
Just so you know, it's 29 degrees in my room. Sweat is unreal. why, oh why?
Ok, Tampa bay won. I know I called it a while ago, but I'm still sad.
What else? Tara came over last night, and we watched the game and Dazed and Confused. Nothing really exciting about that.
Yesterday was an o.k day, but it's gonna get stinkin' hot today, and I'm trying a new 'summer casual' look, with sandal's.
I brought my Birks today to see which I like, or if my 'dress sandals' were comfortable enough...
Again, not sure.
Yes, I am a girl. I can't decide on what's best to wear.
So far, the consensus has been good..With the dress sandals. One person said between Birks, and the dressy sandals, go for Dressy.
Are Birks too Hippie?
Quick note: I remember when I bought my birks (wow, when I finished high-school, 1995), so they are like 9 years old. At the time, I was upset at the price I paid, as I didn't want to spend $80 on them. In retrospect, that was one damn good investment, as they've been with me since, and I can always rely on them. Wowser... 9 year old birks...And they're in pretty decent condition!
Hugh and Sarah, Brad Tripp, Harry Potter and other stuff.
Last night I saw Harry Potter with Tara. It was good. Tara actually enjoyed it as well. However, I'm still trying to get over a cold, and apparently I was having a fever during the movie. I wanted to know why it was so warm in the theatre to which Tara looked at me strangely. She said that we should go because it wasn't good, but I wanted to see the movie.
Today, I'm just doing some work. Huge project due next Monday, so I'm trying to finish it early. So far, so good.
My parents took off for Bamff today, which is exciting. What's even cooler is that they got a cell for the trip.
Oh, why is Trippy on the header? Just because.
Tea with Chris, Fishing buddies, and catching a cold
So, tonight, Chris and I met at Just desserts for tea/coffee. Durham has adopted the No Smoking By-law along with Toronto a few days ago, and it's nice to be there and not smell smoke.
I got to sit in my old seat once again, which was really nice.
Whilst we were drinking, fishing and Camping came up, and Chris was saying that he wished he had some fishing buddies to go with. I was mentioning the fact that I would like to go fishing again, and so I think we agreed to be that. I used to fish as a child up in Picton at Pt. Traverse. Jasse and I would love going camping/fishing with our parents, but since we got older, times to go became less and less. I hope that Jasse will take Angeli camping and fishing soon.
So, Chris and I decided that sometime in July we'll go. Why so late? Well, June has pretty much booked up itself, so availability is limited. Ugh.
What else? I'm adding a new link....Andrew's site. He added me, and his blog is more interesting and complex than this so go check it out.
Oh, I think I have a full blown cold. Scott Woodland, my colleague, says that it's about time, as we've been going pretty strong at work, and eventually something's got to give. Unfortunately, it's not a good time to be burdened with 80% of your faculties. I think he's right, and I can't wait until the end of June, as it'll let up some. Which would be nice.
Time for me to Exit, Terminator-X it!
Brad Mike, Dragon Boat, and Andrew Taylor.
Today was an o.k. day. Nothing too exciting, but some interesting things to find out about.
First, while on my way to the Dragon Boat Practice, I was on Lakeshore Blvd. West, and I saw Andrew Taylor in his car. I honked, and he heard, and we had a conversation going 60 km/h for about 5 minutes. It was really funny. Dangerous, maybe, but funny. It's nice to see him again. He looks good.
Then Dragon boat practice was good. I didn't stop during the runs, and I think I'm hurting less, so my muscles are getting used to this strain. Wow...SCUBA on the weekend, and dragon Boat during the week.
Then, I came home, talked to Tara, and checked my email. I got an email from Mr. Mike himself, brad. It was nice to hear from him. He seems to be doing well, save for his psycho room-mate/ex-pat friend who seems to enjoy always having the better story.
Brad also sent some pics, which are pretty cool. Again, I know I can get pictures of NZ anytime I want from the internet, but I do feel that pictures taken by a friend for a reason hold so much more weight.
What else? On Thursday, some friends at work want me to go Jogging with them. Do I ? I'm still undecided.
The tide is high, and I'm moving on....
Having an average day
So, nothing really new to report. I returned my equipment to the Ajax Scuba club, and came home. I called Tara, but she was busy watching Canadian Idol. Interesting commentary was heard from her mother in the background about Ben Mulroney. For the most part, I like him. I think he's o.k, not great, but I can put up with him.
Since she didn't want to miss any of the exciting Canadian action, she suggested that I watch the Last episode of Enterprise I had taped. I obliged the lil' lady, and did just that.
Wow, I'm mixed....a colleague at work has been asking me if I watched it, and wanted to talk about it. I didn't think it would have ended quite like that.
I'm not sure how I feel about that ending. I'm kinda getting tired of the storyline of getting stuck back in time, and having to get your stuff together to be able to return back to your own time without too much disruption of the timeline.
Which brings us to the idea...Time travel? Ok, another blog...
What else? I'm going to help Alex move some stuff to Kitchener this weekend, so I'll try to hook up with Jasse while we're there. That should be fun.
other than that? Nuthin..
Shadowy Rawl on a Shadowy Planet, is what I say.
