The Waiting Game
Unlike the Crying Game, this one hopefully will end with no real big surprises.
Check this out: I reserved a Mini Van to haul up Andrew, Tripp, a Stand-up Bass and my self up to Southampton for the wedding. I figure that this time of year is very busy, so I booked it at the beginning of December.
On a whim, I decided to check out the rental place yesterday, and make sure that the reservation was there, and that things were good. They told me the van was there, but not ready until like 12:00pm. I said that I booked it for 7:30am, and that I was going to be here at 7:30am. They said that there's nothing they could do, and that it's too bad.
The part that I'm upset about (see Sean, I do get upset!!!) is that they didn't even want to call me to tell me there would be a delay in picking up the Van. If I was called, I would be a bit upset, but at least I would have been informed. I don't know what I would have done if I went in and was told to relax for 5 hours.
Ah, let's see what happens.
And, I'm gonna try to Blog on the road. It's fun. Did it Ottawa, did it in Quebec City (!) and now I'm gonna try Southampton.
Headin' out on Wednesday!!!
Well, I'm gonna be off for a few days. I don't know if I'll get the chance to blog on the road, but I'll try. I have to pick up Trippy and Andrew and head up to Port Elgin/Southampton. I'm hoping that the place we're stayin' has an Internet port, as I'm going to take the cables. Again, lots of stuff to take.
and I can tell Steve is getting nervous.
oh, Enterprise Rent-a-Car sucks. Really large.
Happy Boxing Day.
unfortunately, Steve Campbell had to work today, (well, boxing day) so we weren't able to do a repeat performance of what we did last year. What did we do, pray tell? We lined up outside of Best Buy in Ajax at 4:00am to get some really good deals on electronics. Steve picked up a TV for $150, and I got a DVD player, surround sound system and walkie-talkies.
This year, the deals didn't look that great, so I'm not too disappointed. And I'm not hearing of anyone getting a super fantastic deal on anything from any Boxing day sales.
What else? I have to agree with Linda on her blog about shopping for Christmas presents early, like in the Summer/Fall. It's a time when you have cash, and time to actually thing about what you would like to get your friends/family. I may try to do that next year, and then enjoy the holidays without getting too stressed about shopping for people.
Any insights from today? Naw, just my normal fawning over pop-stars.
Happy Christmas Eve, Everyone.
Last night was Ady's 30th surprise birthday party. Again, it was fun. I was originally going to leave and come home, but I decided to spend the night at Tripp's and have some fun. Again, the night was fun, and I paid for it this morning.
Today, just did some errands to get ready for the holidays tomorrow. And wow, it's like 1/2 way through my holidays. Ugh...and I'm still tired.
Tonight, I'm hoping to play Santa and drop my presents off to my friends. Hopefully that goes over well. And then tomorrow, it's family day, with Turkey!
Not much to report. Any insights? Lots of snow, frozen doors (my car...), empty grocery stores, and other things.
Oh, I did buy those shoes.
It's all done!!!
What's all done? Well, let's see: 95% of my Christmas shopping. However, this percentage could be a bit off, as I didn't buy for one person, who I'm not sure what to get.
What else is done? For the past 3 days, I've been going over to Steve Little's house to help on the Wedding Slide-show. We've finished it today, and it looks great. Music selection is good, same with the effects.
Now, here's the dilemma. I was walking through the mall, and found some shoes for 50% off. I wanted to get a new pair, so I wandered in, and found some pairs I liked. I want to buy myself a pair for the wedding, so I did. Now, they had some other pairs that I liked, as I realized I haven't bought a new pair of shoes in about 9 months (or longer, I think).
Do I buy myself a 'present', or do I wait? I'm leaning towards going tomorrow and picking up another pair.
I'll let you know....
It's been replaced!
What's been replaced? Just Desserts. It's open. I've heard rumours of it being open, but today Steve and I drove by and saw it open.
We went in, and it had a sign on the front door : White Sands Cafe.
Bleh. But why not try it. We walked in. And it was a stripped down JD, in all her lost glory. Many signs were gone. Some of the warmth and memories gone, but it's the same furniture, and same set up. Not too bad, really. Steve and I sat down, and found out that they were not officially open, but just doing some test runs. Official opening is Jan. 15. I'll be there.
Is it going to be good? Who knows? But they're back. Sorta.
Oh, Sean: When are you kickin' into the 'ring?
Moving at my own Monday pace...
Being Monday, today was pretty relaxing. I did some decorating of the house and then took my suit to clean. Since it was cold, I tried to start my car, but it first kinda did nothing. I got scared, pumped the gas a bit, and then....ra...ra...ra....Roar!!!!
Sweet. My lil' car is going to be fine. I was thinking of plugging her in to keep the engine warm, but I'm not sure. She's old, which is why I'm thinking it might be a bit easier on the start if the engine block is warm.
This afternoon I went over to Steve's place to work on his slide show. Well, it was more of a scanning pictures/editing pics kinda day, so we did that. Tomorrow, we'll assemble 'em all in iMovie, and then add music. That's where the fun comes in.
Then tonight, Steve and I hooked up with Dave Haywood. We went and played pool, which I am not a pool player by any stretch of the imagination. I managed to win a few games, as Steve or Dave sewered the 8-ball during some points of the game.
Ah, busy busy day.
What a wedding!
Tom and Sue's wedding was great! I had a blast, and I am still paying for it right now. At the wedding, I ran into some old friends I haven't seen in 8 years, so that was an experience. Marty Uesson was a guy I used to hang with all the time, and I found out he's still around. I'm quite happy about that.
What else? Tomorrow, I'm going to see Steve Little to work on the Wedding-slide show. Again, the lil' iBook comes through with flying colours.
And I'm quite tired from the weekend. Ugh. And double Ugh.
Chillin' at Steve and Brett's...
It's Saturday morning, and I'm sitting on Steve's new computer watchin' Scooby-Doo, having a tall glass of water, and bloggin' away. How did I get here?
Well, I left work, and got home. Ah, the holidays. I had to get everything ready for the weekend in about 1 hour, as Chris was coming to pick me up to head to Laurence's place.
Laurence's place was fun. We spent the evening punning, story telling, and other super-hero type activities. Again, quite fun, with some interesting things in between. After, Chris dropped me off at Steve and Brett's place so I could crash. Since the Wedding is on Saturday, and we're all heading to the same place, why not chill for the night, and kick out at the same time.
So, getting to Steve and Brett's place at midnight, we had a few more drinks, planned our day, and then passed out.
Which brings me to now...watching scooby-doo. Ah, Shaggy. You're so silly.
Busy Weekend coming up..
So, for me, the fun won't stop until Sunday evening, in which I hope it's not too busy. Friday night, Chris and I are going to hook up with Laurence to chill. It'll be fun, as Laurence is quite entertaining.
Saturday night, Tom Sturges ties the knot with his girlfriend/fiance, Sue. She's a really cool chick, and know it'll be quite fun. I'm going with Steve Campbell and Brett Donald. These guys were Tom's room-mates, so I'm quite in with the crowd for being at the wedding.
Sunday, Uncle Dan is having a Christmas party. Well, technically, it's a holiday party, but who's really checkin' the religions at the door. Being a Hindu family (for the most part), it's funny to have a Christmas party. Again, as stated before, Christmas has transcended from the birth of Jesus to the a celebration of family and friends. I can dig that. Even those atheists can appreciate that. Again, I once knew a guy who loathed secular events, which I find strange. Understandably, it's not logical, but hey, where's the fun in not celebrating?
Next week, I think I've double and triple booked myself for days and times. I'm supposed to see a person from work to help them with some computer problems. As well, I wanted to hook up with Alex to train and chill. Then I want to see Steve Little and Brad to just hang out (since it's been a while) and also go out with David Haywood.
Jeepers! It's going to be a busy couple of days.
Oh, Sean: Not a Piper Skin Flute, but more of a 'Bell tolls for thee' kinda deal. If you go back in the archives, there's a story about a pilgrim trying to be enticed by the devil. The idea that the devil was telling the Pilgrim that the bible is just a guideline, and you don't have to follow it. This story, is linked to the Piper playing his flute, and doing what he said. Little do people know that the Piper got screwed from his money, and came back, and took the children and led them into the water to die. Seriously.
Holy posts, Batman!
Jeepers, I didn't realize it's been a while since I posted. What's new in the life of Rawl?
Well, the official word came back on the reviews of the Piper's songs. And it's a bit of a mixed bag. All in all, it was good, but with a dash of mis-understanding along with a touch of back-peddling, it was copacetic.
What does this mean for an encore? Well, I'm pretty much all go for an encore, and I'm not afraid to play any song. Yeah for me.
Holy Opaque Batman, could you be more clear? Well, let's say no for now.
What else? Christmas is almost upon us, and because of Steve's wedding, we've all decided to hold off on buying Christmas presents for the lot of us. It's good, as cash this year will be tight with Two weddings and a whack of birthdays.
Any thoughts of prolific significance? Um, Gift Certificates are both practical and the easy way out. Is it really appreciated? I think so. Do they take much thought? Yes and no. Yes, because you don't want to give the person something they won't use, but you want to put your money to good use. No, because you can just make up that excuse, and save yourself the hassle of shopping.
Moral: Buy, and support the commercialism of Christmas!
Where is Sean?
Since Monday, he's failed to post. Has he gone the way of the Dodo?
What else? I was out with Chris and Logan last night. We went for a drink in Whitby, and then went to Logan's house. Logan bought a house with a friend, and it's pretty nice. It's really funny to see that it's a house that 2 guys live in. The decor and the layout is like two single guys. Just amazing.
As well, Chris and I played Halo 2. That's a cool game. I got my elbows kicked really bad, but it was fun for all.
Yeah for Canada.
Yesterday, the Supreme Court of Canada has allowed that gays can get married. And it's interesting the kafuffle that this piece of legislation is causing.
In the Toronto Star, they have some quotes from people to see what their reaction is. It's amazing to see that many people see it as 'wrong' or that marriage is a 'union between a man and a woman'.
I have to wonder about in ancient Greece when they talked about people or citizens, they only referred to Educated men. If you were living in Greece, and you were a minority, woman, child, or just some shmo who wasn't educated, you would have no rights.
Let's go back about 80 years when Women weren't allowed to vote. Back then, the argument was that Woman didn't know enough, and that only men were smart and knowledgeable enough to vote.
It boggles my mind to see that people are still quite close-minded, and unwilling to allow for changes in society.
I'm glad. Good for you, Supreme Court of Canada!
Quick, Fast and Dirty...
Not the weather or some people I know, but this post.
Last night went well. Afterwards, Scott (Woodland, not Thibideau) and I went out for a post Volunteer Drink. 'Twas nice, as we just had a chance to chill and talk. And over a nice cold Keiths, it's always a pleasure.
Two more days until the weekend. And I pick up my suit tonight.
Yeah.
Oh, Steve's wedding....Hotel is booked, and now the rental van.
Giddy-up!
Volunteer time, Where you been and just plain strangeness.
What's this about? Well, the strange weather in the GTA. I won't comment anymore, as weather is a cope-out for a blog entry.
Last night, I went to the gym, and then came home, and checked email. I chilled for a bit, and kicked to bed after reading for a while. I was supposed to call Linda, but it totally slipped my mind. Sorry, Linda.
Today, just relaxing at work. I'm helping out with a...well, a show for my work and I'm required to be here. Chris and I were talking about the 'required volunteer' expectations with your job. Again, as is, volunteer means "...to act, on one's own free will, not constrained..." (Concise Oxford). But if the consequences lean on the side of dismissal, or serious job action, can that really be held as 'volunteer'? I guess calling other names doesn't sound as good, but essentially it's free work.
Ugh.
Snow, and some things about life...
Holy Smokes did it snow today. And holy smokes will it disappear as fast as it came. Again, life is in a constant state of flux.
This reminds me of a time in University when I ran into a friend at the local Bar. We just got out of classes, and were having our requisite 'Philosopher' Drink when he asked me how I've been doing.
"Same ol, Same ol" was my response.
"Really? You're saying that your life is never changing. It's in a stalemate? C'mon! Life is in a constant state of Flux! Remember ol' Hereclitus? You can't step in the same river twice! You're life is changing, and is always. Look closer!"
"...[gulp, blink blink, gulp]..."
And then realized that yes, I must look closer. It's almost a cop-out to say that my day is Status quo. Technically, everyday is quite different, it's just how close do I look at the differences.
Damn my friend. He made me think.
Moral of the story? Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
Birthdays, Suits and Dancing (?!?)
Saturday, I went to my Uncle's birthday party. He's my Uncle Malco, who's a retired teacher who taught Wayne Gretsky. That's kind of a cool fact. Anyway, the gathering was quite fun, as my other uncles and aunts were there, and I found out about some of the Family history and other neat little tid-bits. As well, there was my brother's God-parents in attendance (not mine, but that's a long story). Those two people are quite interesting, and that's all I'll really say about that.
Saturday night, I went out to a club with Scott Thibideau. It was for another birthday of a girl Scott kinda digs. It was quite enjoyable. We didn't really drink, but we hung out, and danced. It was a nice cheap night, as I spent a total of $3.25. Someone bought me a drink. My expenses were for coat check ($2.25), and then tip ($1.00) for getting my coat back. I quite enjoyed the night.
At the club, I met some of Nora's (the girl Scott digs...) friends. One was a chiropractor, and the other was a teacher. They were pretty cool. I know their names, but one I can't quite figure out how to spell. I'll find out another time.
And that brings us to Sunday. I went and purchased a nice classic slick looking black suit. It's for steve's wedding. And since I have like another wedding to go to on the 18th, it'll be a good way to break this suit in.
Again, nothing too exciting this weekend, nor are there any interesting pieces of life I would like to share. Ah, maybe another time..
How long do you wait?
I'm supposed to be meeting some people today, and I think they're late. We've scheduled an appointment for 10:15, and it's way past that time. I think that waiting 30 minutes is fine.
Yeah, that's my justification.
Quite a bit, but not really much.
Hmmph! I just wanted to say that.
Last night, I was going to blog, but I got on the phone with Linda, and it was quite late when we got off, so I opted to sleep.
Yesterday, not too bad. I was supposed to hear about the official reviews of the Piper's song, but alas, a breakdown of communication has left me high and dry. I'll try again on Thursday.
At the gym, I was minding my own business, when I looked over and saw Perdita Felician, Pickering's Olympic Woman's Hurdler, training right beside me. Holy moly! I wanted to go and say hi, and tell her that I supported her, and will continue to do so, but I wasn't sure if that would be creepy or just kinda not good. Apparently she trains at this gym, so it's just kinda neat to see her. Man, that's just kinda cool.
What else? A colleague and I are working on a Food drive at work, and I came up with some cheesy slogan that we're going to put on our posters. The boss heard it, and loved it. When she found out that I made it up, she apparently didn't say anything, and looked a bit mad. Again, just kind of interesting.
See, quite a bit, but not really. Oh,
Mark Beldan's birthday is on Dec 2nd, so if you know him, and read this, drop him a line.
