We had a full weekend. My sister came down to celebrate my kids birthdays. Sam was on the 18th and David is today (27). We had a dinner with a bunch of the family on Saturday. Got a cake for David since Sam already had a cake for herself the weekend before. David was quite happy to open his gifts. He loved the Crane set, the Jeep, trailer and quad set. He has a Scramble game (2 player perfection)that was a joint gift for him and Sam. Both Kids loved the gifts that Michelle and I got for them. They each got a watch and they were quite happy about that. Then they opened their second gifts. Ottawa Senators Jerseys. David has an "Alfredson" Jersey and Sam has a "Meszaros" Jersey, their favorite players. It warmed my heart to see the joy on their face when they opened it. The shrieks of joy was beautiful music. David threw his arms around Michelle's neck after she read "Alfredson" for him. He was quite happy.
Well that was on Saturday. Sunday we had a little breakfast with Nat, Dan and Jon. They left early wanting to be in Timmins for the evening. Michelle spent a good part of the day putting plastic window covering on all the windows upstairs. We are hoping that it will help with the heating this winter.
Sunday afternoon was dedicated to round 2 and 3 of the cakes that we had to celebrate. Michelle's mom, Janice, made 2 cakes. The first was a family recipe carrot cake (The best I've ever had) and the second was a chocolate with chocolate chips with no icing as per the instruction. These cakes were for Bobby(30th) and Christine (24th). Now we are caked out. I didn't actually have a piece of the chocolate cake opting for the best in the world Carrot cake. But I did have a few crums of it. I was afraid that it would have been dry but it was very mosit and quite good.
Yesterday, my Christmas present arrived. I got 2 Car seats and Floor mats and a steering wheel cover, all with the new Senators Logo. I put them in my car and it looks really sharp.
Today, I will leave work early to take David to a movie this afternoon. Then we are bringing him to the restaurant of his choice, Lone Star. It hope he has a special birthday.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Friday, November 23, 2007
Winter Tires
I got my winter tires onto my car last night. When I bought the car it came with 2 sets of tires. So I didn't have to go out and buy winter tires. However, I hadn't gotten the winter tires on. I drove for 2 days with my "all season" tires. They got me around fine. I'd spin when I started moving and stopping, well.. that required a little more skill. With the "all season" tires, breaking quickly would send the car in a tailspin. I was amazed at the difference in traction that the winter tires made.
I read a few articles about tires. Basically, the concept of an "all season" tire is bogus. All season tires were created to appease the car manufacturers in order to appeal to consumers. But in the end, they ended up being summer tires with a little more thread, that really don't work well in the winter.
If you don't have winter tires, I recommend that you get some. They do not exagerate when they say that you get 30% more traction. If you find buying winter tires a little price, you can always get some used ones. My father-in-law got 4 winter tires on steele rims for only $300.00 and they were practically brand new. The previous owner said that he only put about 8-900 Km on them.
Don't skimp out on this one, it is for your safety and your family's safety.
I read a few articles about tires. Basically, the concept of an "all season" tire is bogus. All season tires were created to appease the car manufacturers in order to appeal to consumers. But in the end, they ended up being summer tires with a little more thread, that really don't work well in the winter.
If you don't have winter tires, I recommend that you get some. They do not exagerate when they say that you get 30% more traction. If you find buying winter tires a little price, you can always get some used ones. My father-in-law got 4 winter tires on steele rims for only $300.00 and they were practically brand new. The previous owner said that he only put about 8-900 Km on them.
Don't skimp out on this one, it is for your safety and your family's safety.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
First Snow.
Today was the first (real) snow fall of the year. The drive in this morning was interesting. I was lucky enough to not be delayed by any accidents. Mind you a plow had broken down in the middle lane of Innes Rd just in front of Rona. That cause a slight delay but nothing to be too concerned about. I found that the Queensway moved along fairly well.
I've been in Ottawa for 15 years now. I know what to expect. Keeping yourself relaxed and not rushing is key on this dreaded first snow day. Actually, this applies for any day that snow is accumulating. There is a lot of wisdom in taking it easy.
I am still riding on my summer tires. I meant to change to my winter tires, but life has been getting in the way. This morning, the drive was ok, where the raod was salted I had plenty of traction, but the last mile into work was on an unplowed road,
I drove slowly, knowing that the traction wasn't that great. All was well, until I got to my turn off, I slowed down a little too quickly and I went for a tailspin. It was quite fun actually. I knew that there was no danger of hitting anything, the person following me was quite far and no one was coming in the opposite direction. It would have been more of a risk to try to stop it. I wasn't going fast so I wasn't worried.
On the weekend, while I was busy helping out for my daughter's b-day party, my father-in-law changed the tires on his car. When he was done he put his summer tires in the back shed. I guess to make more room in the garage, he thought that he would put my tires back there too. I just bought my commuter car and it came with a set of winter tires. I had just left them in the garage so that they would be convenient for when I wanted to take them to my mechanic to sawp them out. Well, now I guess, I'll have to dig them out of the shed.
I've been in Ottawa for 15 years now. I know what to expect. Keeping yourself relaxed and not rushing is key on this dreaded first snow day. Actually, this applies for any day that snow is accumulating. There is a lot of wisdom in taking it easy.
I am still riding on my summer tires. I meant to change to my winter tires, but life has been getting in the way. This morning, the drive was ok, where the raod was salted I had plenty of traction, but the last mile into work was on an unplowed road,
I drove slowly, knowing that the traction wasn't that great. All was well, until I got to my turn off, I slowed down a little too quickly and I went for a tailspin. It was quite fun actually. I knew that there was no danger of hitting anything, the person following me was quite far and no one was coming in the opposite direction. It would have been more of a risk to try to stop it. I wasn't going fast so I wasn't worried.
On the weekend, while I was busy helping out for my daughter's b-day party, my father-in-law changed the tires on his car. When he was done he put his summer tires in the back shed. I guess to make more room in the garage, he thought that he would put my tires back there too. I just bought my commuter car and it came with a set of winter tires. I had just left them in the garage so that they would be convenient for when I wanted to take them to my mechanic to sawp them out. Well, now I guess, I'll have to dig them out of the shed.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
A Date
Last night Michelle and I went out, just the 2 of us. It had been a long time. It was nice to have a quiet dinner in a fancy restaurant without having to get up to bring one of the kids to the bathroom halfway through the meal. We don't get much of a chance to go out like this. Even if we have live-in babysitters, we don't like to abuse that priviledge. We already tap into taht twice a week to go to the gym, after the kids go to bed mind you, but we still appreciate them being there for us to be able to do that.
After dinner, we went to a movie. Must be the worst movie I have seen in years. The Heartbreak Kid had the usual crude scenes that you would see in a movie of it's gendre, the usual occasional swear words, I was however surprised by the brief nudity. In the end none of those things would have mattered had the plot been different. The story goes, single guy who just turn 40, finds a girl, who he convinces himself that she is a great girl. after 6 weeks they get married. On their honeymoon, he realizes that she is "OFF". So off course that gives him the right to pursue another woman. As far as I was concerned, it was a bad decision followed by another bad decision all through the movie. Kinda reminds me of some projects that I have worked on ;-)
We were going to walk out of the movie at some point, but I opted in staying hoping that they would end the movie on a positive note. With maybe a lesson about all the things that were done wrong and a way find peace with all the people involved. But instead the film ends on the same low moral note that it played all along. Silly me!!
My recommendation is to stay away from it.
After dinner, we went to a movie. Must be the worst movie I have seen in years. The Heartbreak Kid had the usual crude scenes that you would see in a movie of it's gendre, the usual occasional swear words, I was however surprised by the brief nudity. In the end none of those things would have mattered had the plot been different. The story goes, single guy who just turn 40, finds a girl, who he convinces himself that she is a great girl. after 6 weeks they get married. On their honeymoon, he realizes that she is "OFF". So off course that gives him the right to pursue another woman. As far as I was concerned, it was a bad decision followed by another bad decision all through the movie. Kinda reminds me of some projects that I have worked on ;-)
We were going to walk out of the movie at some point, but I opted in staying hoping that they would end the movie on a positive note. With maybe a lesson about all the things that were done wrong and a way find peace with all the people involved. But instead the film ends on the same low moral note that it played all along. Silly me!!
My recommendation is to stay away from it.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Movement
There is a lot happenning in my professional life.
There may be big changes coming and the status quo may remain.
All is good, many people are contacting me, so that is good.
The right one will come eventually.
There may be big changes coming and the status quo may remain.
All is good, many people are contacting me, so that is good.
The right one will come eventually.
Monday, November 05, 2007
What a weekend
Friday after work, I picked up my commuter car. A 1996 Mazda MX-3 Precidia. It was fun to zip aound in it all weekend. I dropped it back off on Sunday cause I'm getting the bottom repainted to address a bit of the rust and som minor dings here and there. I feel like I got a good deal on that and since my father in law is away this week. there is no better time to get it done.
I took it a little earlier than my mechanic wanted me to since he hadn't had a chance to clean it. I didn't mind driving it for a couple of days while it was still dirty. He going to make sure that it is good and clean when I pick it up after the paint job.
I had planned to do some outside work this weekend. Well, mostly on Saturday. But, alas, I laid in bed all day with no energy. I got hit with a chest cold that sapped the energy right out of me. I slept through most of Saturday. Getting up briefly to find myself drawn back to my bed. It has been a long time since I had a day like that. I was discouraged by this, since it was a beautiful Saturday, not sure how many more we are going to get, plus I have a pile of things to do outside before the snow comes.
Sunday I was expelled from the house with the kids while Michelle hosted a Signature HomeStyles party. I was more than happy to oblige. I wouldn't have wanted to be there at any cost. So, off to Mike's I went and the kids played with his kids while we hung out. After the party was over, we headed back to my place to have supper. The kids got to play some more in a home and home series. It was the first time that the 4 kids both got to play at their friends house and at their own house.
I took it a little earlier than my mechanic wanted me to since he hadn't had a chance to clean it. I didn't mind driving it for a couple of days while it was still dirty. He going to make sure that it is good and clean when I pick it up after the paint job.
I had planned to do some outside work this weekend. Well, mostly on Saturday. But, alas, I laid in bed all day with no energy. I got hit with a chest cold that sapped the energy right out of me. I slept through most of Saturday. Getting up briefly to find myself drawn back to my bed. It has been a long time since I had a day like that. I was discouraged by this, since it was a beautiful Saturday, not sure how many more we are going to get, plus I have a pile of things to do outside before the snow comes.
Sunday I was expelled from the house with the kids while Michelle hosted a Signature HomeStyles party. I was more than happy to oblige. I wouldn't have wanted to be there at any cost. So, off to Mike's I went and the kids played with his kids while we hung out. After the party was over, we headed back to my place to have supper. The kids got to play some more in a home and home series. It was the first time that the 4 kids both got to play at their friends house and at their own house.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Trick or Treat
What a blast we had last night.
We met up with our friends, Mike and Louise.
We had supper with them before going out, trick or treating with our 4 kids both family combined. The children got their fill of candy and they were happy to spend time with each other.
I was cute to see the little ones running from door to door. They all amassed a good bag full and were happy to head back before the parents were ready (weird switch).
We hung out with Mike and Louise for a little bit afterwards, had a bit of dessert. Mmmm those were good Rasberry cheesecake/cookies thingies that Louis made. I could have eaten them all.
I think we found a new tradition that we will be able to share for a few years to come.
We met up with our friends, Mike and Louise.
We had supper with them before going out, trick or treating with our 4 kids both family combined. The children got their fill of candy and they were happy to spend time with each other.
I was cute to see the little ones running from door to door. They all amassed a good bag full and were happy to head back before the parents were ready (weird switch).
We hung out with Mike and Louise for a little bit afterwards, had a bit of dessert. Mmmm those were good Rasberry cheesecake/cookies thingies that Louis made. I could have eaten them all.
I think we found a new tradition that we will be able to share for a few years to come.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Sore Back
I find very little to be more frustrating than a sore back. On Sunday, I moved dirt, from a big pile into a flat area that we are going to call our garden next year. Everything went well. I had Michelle's help for the most of it and when I was done, I was tired but not to worst off for wear.
For supper that night we went out to Local Heroes on Bank to celebrate my brother-in-law's(Chris) birthday. With a large group you are usually there for a long time. With the low back wooden chair I found myself unable to get comfortable. After we had eaten, it had been 2 hours I go no longer stay there. So we went home. Popped back a couple of Advil, Michelle put A535 on my back and a hour or so later I felt loose enough to walk around again. Yesterday morning I was a bit stiff, but was alright to move around. After a day of work, by the time I got home, I could barely stand straight. I find it extremely frustrating to be in this place. I find myself unable to pick up my kids and play with them. They love to jump on me and rough around. When I am in this place I am unable to do that. I was very grateful that they understood and were compassionate, sometimes I needed to remind them, but they know that it is a time of being gentle with daddy.
Today is a new day, my back is getting looser, I am hopeful that I'll be able to play with the kids when I get home. I miss it.
For supper that night we went out to Local Heroes on Bank to celebrate my brother-in-law's(Chris) birthday. With a large group you are usually there for a long time. With the low back wooden chair I found myself unable to get comfortable. After we had eaten, it had been 2 hours I go no longer stay there. So we went home. Popped back a couple of Advil, Michelle put A535 on my back and a hour or so later I felt loose enough to walk around again. Yesterday morning I was a bit stiff, but was alright to move around. After a day of work, by the time I got home, I could barely stand straight. I find it extremely frustrating to be in this place. I find myself unable to pick up my kids and play with them. They love to jump on me and rough around. When I am in this place I am unable to do that. I was very grateful that they understood and were compassionate, sometimes I needed to remind them, but they know that it is a time of being gentle with daddy.
Today is a new day, my back is getting looser, I am hopeful that I'll be able to play with the kids when I get home. I miss it.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Fun Week
This week looks like it will be a fun one.
I am going to make some progress at work with the stuff that I am working on. So that is exciting. I know that there is a lot to do here so I don't expect to be anywhere done in the next couple of weeks. But being able to carve out a chunk is exciting on it's own.
Halloween, is on Wednesday. Our kids are excited about partnering up with some friends kids to go trick or treating together. It should be a good time to hang out with friends and see the bunch of kids enjoying themselves together.
Thursday evening, I have a wine tasting event with a consulting company that I really want to work with. It will be an excellent time to network and connect with some old friends that I don't get to see very often. I look forward to connecting with people and possibly expanding my contracting network a little bit. Who knows, from this event my next contract may be launched.
All in all it is looking very good for this week.
I am going to make some progress at work with the stuff that I am working on. So that is exciting. I know that there is a lot to do here so I don't expect to be anywhere done in the next couple of weeks. But being able to carve out a chunk is exciting on it's own.
Halloween, is on Wednesday. Our kids are excited about partnering up with some friends kids to go trick or treating together. It should be a good time to hang out with friends and see the bunch of kids enjoying themselves together.
Thursday evening, I have a wine tasting event with a consulting company that I really want to work with. It will be an excellent time to network and connect with some old friends that I don't get to see very often. I look forward to connecting with people and possibly expanding my contracting network a little bit. Who knows, from this event my next contract may be launched.
All in all it is looking very good for this week.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Heading into the weekend
It seems like it has been a long week. Then again, it may just be because I've been particularly tired this week. We joined a gym last Thursday night. This week we started going. Our routine will be every Monday and Thursdays after the kids go to bed, we are going to go. It is an hour and a half twice a week that will hopefully help return to a more fit shape. Fridays we take the kids to the wavepool, all a part of our membership.
So Monday, after we got home and got showered, I was wired until 1:30 and I didn't get to sleep until about 2:00 AM. 6:00 came very quickly and mercilessly. Last night it wasn't as bad, I actually felt tired at 12:00. But now, I'm dragging myself.
This weekend is full to the rim. We have a lot a bunch of things that we need to finish around the yard. We have a messy garage, that I would like to clean up. We have to finish a bunch of miscellanous itmes in the pool area. Set ourselves up for winter.
We also have 2 birthday parties to go to. Combine that with the lousy forcast and it deson't fare too well to getting everything done. We will do what we can. Afterall, that is our mission, to do what we can ;-)
So Monday, after we got home and got showered, I was wired until 1:30 and I didn't get to sleep until about 2:00 AM. 6:00 came very quickly and mercilessly. Last night it wasn't as bad, I actually felt tired at 12:00. But now, I'm dragging myself.
This weekend is full to the rim. We have a lot a bunch of things that we need to finish around the yard. We have a messy garage, that I would like to clean up. We have to finish a bunch of miscellanous itmes in the pool area. Set ourselves up for winter.
We also have 2 birthday parties to go to. Combine that with the lousy forcast and it deson't fare too well to getting everything done. We will do what we can. Afterall, that is our mission, to do what we can ;-)
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Crazy Times
It's been a while since I have blogged.
At the end of August I returned to normal work days. It has help with the home budget but I do miss spending the afternoon with the kids. It was easier for my father-in-law who car pools with me. That is until a few weeks ago when his hours got changed from 8-4 to 9-5. Generally, I like to work 7-3, but I accomodated my hours so that we could save gas and did more of a 7:45-3:45. I'd drop my father-in-law half an hour early and it was good all around. Picking him up at 4:00 meant we didn't get home until 5:00 (or slightly before) with the heavy traffic and having to drive through the core.
Now, I leave at 3:00 and I'm home at 3:30. Avoid the whole traffic thing, that is very nice.
Life has been busy...as usual. We found 1 free weekend in our schedule in the last 3 months and we used it to go visit my parents in New Liskeard and my sister in Timmins. So a free weekend became a busy weekend.
Last weekend we had a Fall Comedy Classic ( the first annual) at Mike and Louise. Given the time of year, they made it into a Halloween party at the same time. It was a great time.
On Sunday the only thing that Michelle and I did was work on our budget. It wasn't as painful as we thought it would be. It felt good to get that done. Then we spent the rest of the day vegging. Something that we hadn't done in a while. I watched a few movies with the kids. Michelle did a lot of reading. Truly a day of rest.
This coming weekend we have 2 b-day parties. Leigh-anne and Chris. One on Saturday and one on Sunday. That fills out the schedule quickly. Plus we want to do alot of work around the yard, the garage, finish in the pool area and look at the car. I'm going to petition to be given a third day on the weekend.
At the end of August I returned to normal work days. It has help with the home budget but I do miss spending the afternoon with the kids. It was easier for my father-in-law who car pools with me. That is until a few weeks ago when his hours got changed from 8-4 to 9-5. Generally, I like to work 7-3, but I accomodated my hours so that we could save gas and did more of a 7:45-3:45. I'd drop my father-in-law half an hour early and it was good all around. Picking him up at 4:00 meant we didn't get home until 5:00 (or slightly before) with the heavy traffic and having to drive through the core.
Now, I leave at 3:00 and I'm home at 3:30. Avoid the whole traffic thing, that is very nice.
Life has been busy...as usual. We found 1 free weekend in our schedule in the last 3 months and we used it to go visit my parents in New Liskeard and my sister in Timmins. So a free weekend became a busy weekend.
Last weekend we had a Fall Comedy Classic ( the first annual) at Mike and Louise. Given the time of year, they made it into a Halloween party at the same time. It was a great time.
On Sunday the only thing that Michelle and I did was work on our budget. It wasn't as painful as we thought it would be. It felt good to get that done. Then we spent the rest of the day vegging. Something that we hadn't done in a while. I watched a few movies with the kids. Michelle did a lot of reading. Truly a day of rest.
This coming weekend we have 2 b-day parties. Leigh-anne and Chris. One on Saturday and one on Sunday. That fills out the schedule quickly. Plus we want to do alot of work around the yard, the garage, finish in the pool area and look at the car. I'm going to petition to be given a third day on the weekend.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
A nice treat
I've been getting up really early this week. My goal is to be at work at 6:00 AM. Work a short day and spend the afternoon with my kids. When it's nice we spend time in and around the pool, when it's not so nice we play games inside. So far I'm loving it.
Often when I wake up and get ready for work Samantha wakes up as well and she sees me off before I leave. She is an awesome presence in the morning and it is nice to see her in the morning. David is usually sound asleep and sometimes he'll sleep till 9:00 or later.
This morning as I was getting ready, he came down to see me off. It was a very nice change since I usually don't see him until I get home. He is very affectionate and likes to snuggle with me. This morning he sat on my lap giving me a big hug. It was a very nice treat, one that I know I will not get very often at 5:30 in the morning. He went back to bed after I left, hopefully he got enough sleep to be well rested.
Often when I wake up and get ready for work Samantha wakes up as well and she sees me off before I leave. She is an awesome presence in the morning and it is nice to see her in the morning. David is usually sound asleep and sometimes he'll sleep till 9:00 or later.
This morning as I was getting ready, he came down to see me off. It was a very nice change since I usually don't see him until I get home. He is very affectionate and likes to snuggle with me. This morning he sat on my lap giving me a big hug. It was a very nice treat, one that I know I will not get very often at 5:30 in the morning. He went back to bed after I left, hopefully he got enough sleep to be well rested.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Canada Day Weekend
We had a great time as a family this weekend. We started Saturday with some friends, Mike, Louise, Jolene and William. We drove down together to Morrisburg to visit Prehistoric World. The kids had a great time looking at all the life size dinosaur. They had their pictures taken with each of them. It was amazing to see the amount of work that has gone into the creation of these over the last many years. Mike was there over 20 years ago and he remembers many of the dinosaurs that were there then but he also noticed that there were many more. It was a great outing that really targetted the age group of our combined families (2-6 years old)
We drove back to Ottawa, stopping to pick up some cheese, honey butter and fresh pick strawberries. It was nice to be invited back to Mike and Louise's to let the kids play together. We very much enjoy Mike and Louise's company. They seem to be a good fit for us, we are at a similar place in our lives, so everything gels when we are together.
Sunday, Canada Day Pool Party!!! It was a good time. We had about 30 friends come and go. A little less than anticipated, but then again, the temperature wasn't what we were hoping for. A few degrees warmer would have been nice. A few people bravely went into the water. I found it a little chilly outside for my taste. We had a great time as a household. We got to hang out with friends and family.
Off on Monday, what a day it was to have very little to do. Spend the day entertaining the kids, again too bad the weather wasn't warm enough to jump in the pool, but we had fun nonetheless. I spent a good part of the afternoon playing Lego Star Wars on the Game Cube with Sam and David. Samantha is actually pretty good.
I had my sister and family come over for supper. They came down to camp in Cumberland to spend some time with us. It will be nice to visit with them for the next little while.
This morning reality came crashing, I had to get back to work...drag.
We drove back to Ottawa, stopping to pick up some cheese, honey butter and fresh pick strawberries. It was nice to be invited back to Mike and Louise's to let the kids play together. We very much enjoy Mike and Louise's company. They seem to be a good fit for us, we are at a similar place in our lives, so everything gels when we are together.
Sunday, Canada Day Pool Party!!! It was a good time. We had about 30 friends come and go. A little less than anticipated, but then again, the temperature wasn't what we were hoping for. A few degrees warmer would have been nice. A few people bravely went into the water. I found it a little chilly outside for my taste. We had a great time as a household. We got to hang out with friends and family.
Off on Monday, what a day it was to have very little to do. Spend the day entertaining the kids, again too bad the weather wasn't warm enough to jump in the pool, but we had fun nonetheless. I spent a good part of the afternoon playing Lego Star Wars on the Game Cube with Sam and David. Samantha is actually pretty good.
I had my sister and family come over for supper. They came down to camp in Cumberland to spend some time with us. It will be nice to visit with them for the next little while.
This morning reality came crashing, I had to get back to work...drag.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
The move is done.
It's been over a week since we moved my in-laws in with us. It was a bit of a dsiaster area for a while. But room by room we are starting to win the battle of getting the house back to normal. Last weekend we had a yard sale to get rid of the surplus. It was amazing to see the stuff go. There was alot of nice stuff and it was nice to make a few dollars in the process. It atleast paid for the pizza Saturday evening and breakfast on Sunday morning. I figured that we deserved the break. It had been a hectic couple of months.
On the horizon,
Next weekend is our Canada Day Party on Sunday. That should be a blast. On Saturday we are going to a Dinosaur park with some friends of our. The kids are looking forward to that.
When things settle down a little, it will be time to start building my wall in the basement. When that is done, my office will be closed in and I will have a TV area. Now if I could only get rid of all my inventory that I have sitting around in the basement it would be all the better.
I look forward to spending lots of time with the kids this summer. I have a 4 day weekend every weekend starting in July ending at the end of August. It will be nice to spend extra time in the pool.
On the horizon,
Next weekend is our Canada Day Party on Sunday. That should be a blast. On Saturday we are going to a Dinosaur park with some friends of our. The kids are looking forward to that.
When things settle down a little, it will be time to start building my wall in the basement. When that is done, my office will be closed in and I will have a TV area. Now if I could only get rid of all my inventory that I have sitting around in the basement it would be all the better.
I look forward to spending lots of time with the kids this summer. I have a 4 day weekend every weekend starting in July ending at the end of August. It will be nice to spend extra time in the pool.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Finally, the move
Tomorrow is the day that we have been waiting for. For the last couple of months, we have been getting ready; finding a place for everything, painting, moving furniture. Tomorrow, is when it all happens. Michelle's parents are moving in, Caroline too. There will bealot of people in the house, but that's ok, there is still alot of space. It will be an intersting change to all of our lives, we will need to adjust and adapt to the new situation. We are all going to have our own little havens. My in-laws will have a sitting area in their room with a TV, so when they need to get away they'll be able to close their door and be left alone. Caroline will have her room, with her computer, she'll be able to retreat there when she needs to. She spends alot of time out. So she should be good. The main family room will be the kids tv area and where Michelle can record and watch her shows. We are also making a TV room in the basement where we can watch TV later at night and not disturb people that are trying to sleep. It has been an exciting and tiring time getting ready for this. Tomorrow, we get it done.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
First Swim
I spent the better part of Saturday cleaning the pool. It was a hot day. Along with cleaning the pool I helped Michelle with a bit of yard work. I cleaned a bunch of things from the pool area.
All of this while I kept my eyes on the seemingly refreshing water so close to me. When we were done, we were hot, the kids had been bugging us about going swimming. We couldn't resist. Unfortunately, by this time the temperature had started dropping and it looked like rain was on the horizon.
That didn't matter, the kids and I were undeterred. We were going in that pool no matter what. I was the first to go in, then Samantha, then Michelle and finally David. The water felt cold, we had been working out side for a long time, it was about 75 degrees Fahrenheit. David got out pretty much right away. Michelle stayed in for a few minutes but when her feet started getting cold she got out. I stayed with Sam, she was having a blast. splashing in there. Every time the water hit me, it was cold, but I knew she was having fun. After a while, seeing how much fun his sister was having, David came back in. He played for a while and then the time came for all of us to get out.
So Saturday June 2nd was the first day of swimming at our house. Hopefully, we will have a nice summer and we will be able to get some good use out of the pool.
All of this while I kept my eyes on the seemingly refreshing water so close to me. When we were done, we were hot, the kids had been bugging us about going swimming. We couldn't resist. Unfortunately, by this time the temperature had started dropping and it looked like rain was on the horizon.
That didn't matter, the kids and I were undeterred. We were going in that pool no matter what. I was the first to go in, then Samantha, then Michelle and finally David. The water felt cold, we had been working out side for a long time, it was about 75 degrees Fahrenheit. David got out pretty much right away. Michelle stayed in for a few minutes but when her feet started getting cold she got out. I stayed with Sam, she was having a blast. splashing in there. Every time the water hit me, it was cold, but I knew she was having fun. After a while, seeing how much fun his sister was having, David came back in. He played for a while and then the time came for all of us to get out.
So Saturday June 2nd was the first day of swimming at our house. Hopefully, we will have a nice summer and we will be able to get some good use out of the pool.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
To Vince, A big THANK YOU.
After a weekend of getting stuff done around the house. It was a treat to have Vince help us out. He was a bigger help than he could have imagined. With out him this weekend, not nearly as much would have gotten done. I just wanted to take this time and blog space to give him a sincere thank you. He's the best.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Senators are doing incredibly well
Now that they are playing in the third round, conference finals, stanley cup semi-finals. It is great to see them playing as well as they are. The Ottawa Senators looked amazing in Game 1 against the Buffalo Sabres. They were able to stop every advances that the Sabres were trying to make and they got away with a few short hand chances (BTW:Nice shot Mike Fisher)
In Game 1 it was hard to tell if it was Ottawa that looked so good or if it was Buffalo that look so bad.
Now to Game 2, Buffalo came out strong, it seemed like they had found a way to keep Ottawa against the rope as they proceed to deliver blow after blow and take the lead of 2-0 in the first period. I expected Buffalo to come out strong. Heck, I even expected them to WIN. but by the end of the second period, Buffalo didn't look so good anymore. They were being stopped by Ottawa and it got to the point where from that point on most of the game was played in the Buffalo end (Not a good thing when you want to win, but it was great for Ottawa Fans) With 5.8 seconds left in the third, Miller (goalie) on the bench, the sixth attacker out there, Buffalo tied the Game. All of us watching the game's heart stopped, we couldn't believe it.
An entire overtime period goes by, no score, but fantastic hockey. Less than 5 minutes into the next overtime period. It came to a quick end with a beautiful point shot by Joe Corvo.
Ottawa is up 2-0 in a series. That the first time in this franchise history. First time they win in overtime in a playoff. It is an exciting time to be a Sens fan
GO SENS GO
In Game 1 it was hard to tell if it was Ottawa that looked so good or if it was Buffalo that look so bad.
Now to Game 2, Buffalo came out strong, it seemed like they had found a way to keep Ottawa against the rope as they proceed to deliver blow after blow and take the lead of 2-0 in the first period. I expected Buffalo to come out strong. Heck, I even expected them to WIN. but by the end of the second period, Buffalo didn't look so good anymore. They were being stopped by Ottawa and it got to the point where from that point on most of the game was played in the Buffalo end (Not a good thing when you want to win, but it was great for Ottawa Fans) With 5.8 seconds left in the third, Miller (goalie) on the bench, the sixth attacker out there, Buffalo tied the Game. All of us watching the game's heart stopped, we couldn't believe it.
An entire overtime period goes by, no score, but fantastic hockey. Less than 5 minutes into the next overtime period. It came to a quick end with a beautiful point shot by Joe Corvo.
Ottawa is up 2-0 in a series. That the first time in this franchise history. First time they win in overtime in a playoff. It is an exciting time to be a Sens fan
GO SENS GO
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Busy Season
With my in-laws set to move in at the end of June. We have been pretty busy setting things up around our house. We have reorganized the garage, Build a platform for a shed and moved my father-in-laws shed into our backyard. Poor Wallace threw out his back in the process. We have many other projects that need to be accomplished in the near future. We need to move the Workshop out of my father-in-laws basement and into our garage, merge the one that we have in the basement (although it's a jungle in there) into the garage as well. Move the Freezers into the area that the Shop is occupying. Move Michelle's Craft and business supplies where the Freezers are now. Organize the low basement. Build wall in the high basement. Reorganize the office. Clear out Samantha's bedroom, move our room into Samantha's room. Paint our room. Clear our the guest room. All of that in the next 7 weeks.
The weekend that they "move" we want to have a pool party. Our second annual Canada Day Pool Party. I hope that things can move along faster than they have been lately.
We have all these things that have been added to our plate on top of the usual stuff that we need to do. Like keeping the house tidy, doing the yard work, maintaining the pool. It's going to be a crazy couple of months. On top of that, the Senators are having a very successful play off run. So my time gets interrupted by the games.
The weekend that they "move" we want to have a pool party. Our second annual Canada Day Pool Party. I hope that things can move along faster than they have been lately.
We have all these things that have been added to our plate on top of the usual stuff that we need to do. Like keeping the house tidy, doing the yard work, maintaining the pool. It's going to be a crazy couple of months. On top of that, the Senators are having a very successful play off run. So my time gets interrupted by the games.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Now & Then
I find myself living in a tension. I love the advances in technology. The wonderful vehicles that are available out there. The great PCs, the TVs, and the myriads of toys that we can add to our collection.
At the same time I look at the state that our planet is in. We are setting ourselves on a self destruct path. Everything is manufactured for the landfill. Everything has such a short life. Nothing is built to last. That is only the only the beginning of the problem. We are so dependant on electricity, fossil fuel and other things that are ruining our planet.
We mine everywhere and everything, leaving the area desolate and useless. We as consumers have bought in to the idea that buying a cheap item to throw away when we are done with it is a good thing. We no longer value our possessions, since they are disposable.
200 years ago, we lived off the land. We needed the land, we took care of the land. The little farm that you had was all you needed to make a go at life. It's true that the treats of life were few, but what you had you appreciated, you took care of and you fixed.
In our day and age, even those living on limited budgets, have the luxuries of life. TV, computers, video games, radios. It's true that we have some people in our midst that do not benefit of these things, but as a society, we do not understand them, we blame them for their own misery.
The point being that when one of our toys break, we stick it at the curb and buy a new one. Who has ever gotten a microwave fixed? If it break, you throw it out. Why fix it when it is going to be cheaper to buy a new one.
You hear about global warming, water table being contaminated, huge mining areas that can no longer be used for anything, the ozone layer, nutritional value of food not being exactly what they used to be. Makes you wonder where everything is going.
This is where I find myself, between enjoying the toys, I know that it sounds shallow, and wanting to get back to our roots where we honored the planet and gave thanks to God for our bountiful crops, that we got by the sweat of our brow. It would take the entire infrastructure to collapse to save this planet. Nothing like facing certain doom.
At the same time I look at the state that our planet is in. We are setting ourselves on a self destruct path. Everything is manufactured for the landfill. Everything has such a short life. Nothing is built to last. That is only the only the beginning of the problem. We are so dependant on electricity, fossil fuel and other things that are ruining our planet.
We mine everywhere and everything, leaving the area desolate and useless. We as consumers have bought in to the idea that buying a cheap item to throw away when we are done with it is a good thing. We no longer value our possessions, since they are disposable.
200 years ago, we lived off the land. We needed the land, we took care of the land. The little farm that you had was all you needed to make a go at life. It's true that the treats of life were few, but what you had you appreciated, you took care of and you fixed.
In our day and age, even those living on limited budgets, have the luxuries of life. TV, computers, video games, radios. It's true that we have some people in our midst that do not benefit of these things, but as a society, we do not understand them, we blame them for their own misery.
The point being that when one of our toys break, we stick it at the curb and buy a new one. Who has ever gotten a microwave fixed? If it break, you throw it out. Why fix it when it is going to be cheaper to buy a new one.
You hear about global warming, water table being contaminated, huge mining areas that can no longer be used for anything, the ozone layer, nutritional value of food not being exactly what they used to be. Makes you wonder where everything is going.
This is where I find myself, between enjoying the toys, I know that it sounds shallow, and wanting to get back to our roots where we honored the planet and gave thanks to God for our bountiful crops, that we got by the sweat of our brow. It would take the entire infrastructure to collapse to save this planet. Nothing like facing certain doom.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Easter Sunday Brunch
My wife and I are hosting a Easter Sunday Brunch (potluck) this year. We thought it would be an interesting time to get together with friends and share our food as we remember what Christ has done for us. Since we meet on Wednesday night for our Kinship with Freedom Vineyard. We are always free on Sunday. Easter being a special Sunday, we decided to have a brunch.
Saturday, we'll be doing a bit of egg painting with the kids. Another great Easter tradition (not too sure where it started, but it is fun for the kids)
If you are going to be at home with nothing to do on Easter morning. Let me know, we'd love to have you. Just inform me off what you can bring and we'll go from there.
He is risen.
Saturday, we'll be doing a bit of egg painting with the kids. Another great Easter tradition (not too sure where it started, but it is fun for the kids)
If you are going to be at home with nothing to do on Easter morning. Let me know, we'd love to have you. Just inform me off what you can bring and we'll go from there.
He is risen.
Monday, April 02, 2007
B-Day Weekend
It was nice to be surrounded by friends on Saturday in the celebrating of my birthday. We went to LoneStar which is always a good place to eat. After the meal and I was asked to stand on my chair and a special song was sung to me by the LoneStar crew. We went back to my place. It was great to see the kids enjoying themselves, 7 of them in total. It was a joyous sound. people hung around we all at a great time. We got to have some cake, man..Loblaws make good cakes. There were berries and whipcream. It was a great day. I really enjoy having people over and hanging out. That is truly me.
Sunday, we went over to Michelle's parents for dinner and an awesome Carot Cake for dessert. Talk about being spoiled.
My birthday isn't until tomorrow (3rd). I will be going to watch PPV hockey game at the Theatre. Senators vs Devils. Should be interesting to see it on the big screen.
Sunday, we went over to Michelle's parents for dinner and an awesome Carot Cake for dessert. Talk about being spoiled.
My birthday isn't until tomorrow (3rd). I will be going to watch PPV hockey game at the Theatre. Senators vs Devils. Should be interesting to see it on the big screen.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Michelle and I (and a bunch of other friends) discovered Facebook this week. We are really enjoying it. It puts us in touch with old friends and really promotes the development of communities. It is a very dynamic site. If you haven't been there, I encourage you to check it out. Visit me at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=527751170.
Wow. A little bit is alot
Since Michelle broke her arm it has been really busy. My personal time has been minimal. The little extra things have been building up. I have been tired, very tired since Thursday. An 8.5 hour wait at the hospital did not help get this thing to a good start. I'm still doing all the stuff that I am suppose to do, plus I have to help Michelle with all the things that she can't do with one hand.
It is very frustrating for her, plus there is the pain that she has to deal with. The pain is a lot more tolerable than it was a few days ago, she is now able to sleep through the night without having to take more painkillers.
Our lives have been turned around since Thursday. I go to work, although these days I really don't feel like looking at a computer screen and designing Crystal Report solutions. If I could be at home fulltime for the next week or so, it would go a long way in allowing me to rest proberly.
For this week this is my life. So if you see me and I look like a zombie. Don't be alarm, once I'm rested up, it will be all be good.
It is very frustrating for her, plus there is the pain that she has to deal with. The pain is a lot more tolerable than it was a few days ago, she is now able to sleep through the night without having to take more painkillers.
Our lives have been turned around since Thursday. I go to work, although these days I really don't feel like looking at a computer screen and designing Crystal Report solutions. If I could be at home fulltime for the next week or so, it would go a long way in allowing me to rest proberly.
For this week this is my life. So if you see me and I look like a zombie. Don't be alarm, once I'm rested up, it will be all be good.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Michelle broke her arm.
Yesterday morning, while I was at work. I got a phone call from my wife. There was obviously something wrong, I could tell by the way she told me that I had to come home right away. She told me that she had slipped on ice and broke her arm, at least she thought it was broken. I rushed home, as much of a rush that you can do in 9:00 AM traffic going through downtown. Her mother got a ride from home and was able to get there quick and tend to her as well as she could. She managed to get David packed up and ready to go. I helped Michelle get ready for the trek to the hospital. David skipped school, instead he had a field trip to grandma's work. I dropped them off at grandma's work and brought Michelle to the Emergency at the General Hospital.
At the hospital we proceed to waiting..waiting. From room to room we waited. We were sent to the X-ray lab. We waited there. We return to the emergency, we waited there. We were given a room in the Emergency area. That is where we waited the longest. We saw a med student, then a doctor, then a nurse. The nurse brough pain killers for Michelle. After being in the room for 3 hours, I enquired about some progress. The girl told me that I have to wait in the room. I told her that we had been doing that for 3 hours. She then told me that she would send the nurse.
An hour and half went by an no nurse came by.
Then all of a sudden the plaster doctor came by and told us that no one told him that we were waiting. He was very apologetic. He quickly set the bone in it's place, put the cast on, then set us to have another X-ray. After the x-ray we were walking back to the Emergency room, we saw him in the hallway. He took the slip and told us he would meet us in out room. A few minutes later, he shows up with prescription for pain killers, a slip to book an appoinment a week from now and he told us that all was good and we could go home. We waited 8.5 hours for something that took half an hour.
never the less we were just glad to be leaving. We were quite hungry so we stopped at Local Heroes, had a quick bite and went to pick up the kids at Michelle's parents. The kids were glad to see that mommy was doing fine, they can't wait to write on her cast now.
A few weeks and Michelle should be back to normal. I am just glad that she is ok and that it was a "good break" as the doctors put it.
At the hospital we proceed to waiting..waiting. From room to room we waited. We were sent to the X-ray lab. We waited there. We return to the emergency, we waited there. We were given a room in the Emergency area. That is where we waited the longest. We saw a med student, then a doctor, then a nurse. The nurse brough pain killers for Michelle. After being in the room for 3 hours, I enquired about some progress. The girl told me that I have to wait in the room. I told her that we had been doing that for 3 hours. She then told me that she would send the nurse.
An hour and half went by an no nurse came by.
Then all of a sudden the plaster doctor came by and told us that no one told him that we were waiting. He was very apologetic. He quickly set the bone in it's place, put the cast on, then set us to have another X-ray. After the x-ray we were walking back to the Emergency room, we saw him in the hallway. He took the slip and told us he would meet us in out room. A few minutes later, he shows up with prescription for pain killers, a slip to book an appoinment a week from now and he told us that all was good and we could go home. We waited 8.5 hours for something that took half an hour.
never the less we were just glad to be leaving. We were quite hungry so we stopped at Local Heroes, had a quick bite and went to pick up the kids at Michelle's parents. The kids were glad to see that mommy was doing fine, they can't wait to write on her cast now.
A few weeks and Michelle should be back to normal. I am just glad that she is ok and that it was a "good break" as the doctors put it.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
March Break Trip
Since the kids were off for March Break. I took a Thursday and Friday off, to give a long weekend, and we went up north to visit the family. We spent a few days at my parent's. Hung out with my baby sister and her guy. It was great to see Samantha using her French to communicate with my parents. David still has difficulties in that department. His most common responses are "What does that mean" or "I don't understand French". In due time he too will be fluent. It was a great time to relax with the family. I really like being up there. Every visit leaves me pondering ways to make a living in the quiet community.
Saturday, we had lunch back up the Jeep and drove to Timmins. The first time we'd been there as a family. It was interesting to trek into Shania Land. Everywhere you go there is a Shrine to the Country singer. They are very proud of her there. My sister, the oldest of the 2, moved her family there last September. I had been there with her to look at the house when they bought. But the rest of the family had not. It was a long drive. 2.5 hours north of New Liskeard. The furtest we had ever been with the family. I had worked in Timmins for a summer when I was 18. Being there brought back alot of memories.
My niece (14) is really not happy about being there. She just entered high school and feels that she is being plucked away from her friends. Time will play out and she will realize that it was a good move. My brother-in-law had been working there for over a year before the family moved as well. For a while he was travelling back every weekend, renting a little bachelor apartment. I was hard on everybody to be away so much of the time.
I think that my sister did the right thing by moving there. I just wish that it would have been somewhere closer to Ottawa. But you got go where the work is I guess. My sister sacrificed a satisfying job, a job she loved, to be with her husband and keep the family together.
The drive back on Sunday was long. We left Timmins at 11:00 am. Stopped for a quick lunch. They drove with the minimal potty breaks and got home at 8:00pm.
The family was good at that point. But I unload the Jeep, got back in and went to pick up Bernie (dog). That took up the better part of an hour.
Long and Tiring trip, but in the end worth it. It's good to see family.
Saturday, we had lunch back up the Jeep and drove to Timmins. The first time we'd been there as a family. It was interesting to trek into Shania Land. Everywhere you go there is a Shrine to the Country singer. They are very proud of her there. My sister, the oldest of the 2, moved her family there last September. I had been there with her to look at the house when they bought. But the rest of the family had not. It was a long drive. 2.5 hours north of New Liskeard. The furtest we had ever been with the family. I had worked in Timmins for a summer when I was 18. Being there brought back alot of memories.
My niece (14) is really not happy about being there. She just entered high school and feels that she is being plucked away from her friends. Time will play out and she will realize that it was a good move. My brother-in-law had been working there for over a year before the family moved as well. For a while he was travelling back every weekend, renting a little bachelor apartment. I was hard on everybody to be away so much of the time.
I think that my sister did the right thing by moving there. I just wish that it would have been somewhere closer to Ottawa. But you got go where the work is I guess. My sister sacrificed a satisfying job, a job she loved, to be with her husband and keep the family together.
The drive back on Sunday was long. We left Timmins at 11:00 am. Stopped for a quick lunch. They drove with the minimal potty breaks and got home at 8:00pm.
The family was good at that point. But I unload the Jeep, got back in and went to pick up Bernie (dog). That took up the better part of an hour.
Long and Tiring trip, but in the end worth it. It's good to see family.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Jeep Maintenance
I took my Jeep in for some maintenance last week. The usual oil change, tire rotation, plus I needed my serpentine belt replaced, get the passenger front window looked at (it doesn't work anymore) and get the new seat installed. I left the jeep with the mechanic for the day and went on to work.
I picked up the truck in the evening. Turns out I need a new window motor for the passenger front. That should be done soon. I was excited on getting a new seat installed. You know, one that doesn't rock back and forth.
The new seat is in. It doesn't rock. It looked like it was going to be more comfortable. But I'll let you know that it is not. I drove around a little with it and it kills my back. I was mad. Go through all this trouble to get a new seat, have it installed and now I wish I had my old broken rocking seat.
I'll see if I can get the back of my old seat onto the new seat. that should resolve any issues there. The status quo doesn't work. I guess I'm getting old and I have a bad back now. What can you do?
I picked up the truck in the evening. Turns out I need a new window motor for the passenger front. That should be done soon. I was excited on getting a new seat installed. You know, one that doesn't rock back and forth.
The new seat is in. It doesn't rock. It looked like it was going to be more comfortable. But I'll let you know that it is not. I drove around a little with it and it kills my back. I was mad. Go through all this trouble to get a new seat, have it installed and now I wish I had my old broken rocking seat.
I'll see if I can get the back of my old seat onto the new seat. that should resolve any issues there. The status quo doesn't work. I guess I'm getting old and I have a bad back now. What can you do?
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Pain in the Back
I've been on site here at Innovapost for just over 6 weeks. The overall atmosphere here is great. The people are friendly. My teammates are a great bunch of people. We are all being relocated to being a little closer together. Until this week, we were literally spread out across the building. So having everyone in the same area should prove to a good thing. Everything is going well here, except for my chair. I've tried 3 or 4 different chairs. All of them are not doing any good for my back. I actually bought some Robax Platinum today to cope with the pain. I sent an email to my manager asking is there was anything that could be done early this morning. I haven't heard a thing. Most of the chairs here don't seem to be for me. There is a model chairs in the building here that might come close to addressing the problem. Everywhere else that I worked I had a high-back chair. Here they seem to be sold on the low-back chair. When I first started here I noticed that my lower back was getting sore. In the process of protecting my lower back, I've neglected my upper back. Not a comfortable place to be in.
I know that the solution is simple. I just need a little bit of time addressed to this from my manager. If he comes back and tells me that there is nothing that can be done. I'll bring in my own chair. I have to protect my back. I just need to exhaust my options before I get to that. I also need to know that I'm allowed to do that. I know some places cause a bit of a fuss over something as trivial as that.
I know that the solution is simple. I just need a little bit of time addressed to this from my manager. If he comes back and tells me that there is nothing that can be done. I'll bring in my own chair. I have to protect my back. I just need to exhaust my options before I get to that. I also need to know that I'm allowed to do that. I know some places cause a bit of a fuss over something as trivial as that.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Not always as planned
Weekends don't always go as planned. As I had mentioned in a previous post, I was going to be spending time with my niece. Turns out Michelle got food poisoning on Friday night. Well we think it was food poisoning. Being unsure of that on Saturday, we opted on not having the baby in the house. Michelle had a really rough night, throwing up throughout the night. I'm glad we have a spare bed.
I took David to a b-day party for one of his school friends on Saturday over lunch time. The Sam and I went out to run a few errands. That gave Michelle a bit of time to rest. When I got back, I was informed that they were taking my niece to Cosmic Adventure and wanted to know if I wanted to take my kids. So I loaded Sam into the car, picked David up from his party and trotted of to Cosmic Adventure. What could be easier than taking the kids to an indoor playground. The kids had a blast. I played with my niece, everybody was happy.
We got home in time for supper. I think all in all it was a great day for everyone. The kids had fun, I had fun and Michelle had the entire day to rest.
I took David to a b-day party for one of his school friends on Saturday over lunch time. The Sam and I went out to run a few errands. That gave Michelle a bit of time to rest. When I got back, I was informed that they were taking my niece to Cosmic Adventure and wanted to know if I wanted to take my kids. So I loaded Sam into the car, picked David up from his party and trotted of to Cosmic Adventure. What could be easier than taking the kids to an indoor playground. The kids had a blast. I played with my niece, everybody was happy.
We got home in time for supper. I think all in all it was a great day for everyone. The kids had fun, I had fun and Michelle had the entire day to rest.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Time with my niece
I got a call from my wife earlier informing me that we were having a special guest tomorrow. Her sister and husband are doing their Valentine's on Saturday and we are looking after their daughter. She is so precious, she's a year and a half, she is full of joy. I love having children around. She is one of my last babies. So whenever she come over, she is mine. I play with her and entertain her. So I am really looking forward to that. My kids love to play with her too and they love to play with me while I play with her. So we are going to have a few hours of fun the 4 of us. I'm sure Michelle will have fun too, but the kids are for me ;-)
The seat is good
I had a look at the seat yesterday. It seems like it is in good condition. Half an hour after I said that I would take it, they called me to let me know that it was ready. I was all the way across the city at this point. So this afternoon, right after work, I'm picking up my new used seat. I guess I have something to do this weekend.
Looking forward to a driver's seat that doesn't rock back and forth.
Looking forward to a driver's seat that doesn't rock back and forth.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
New Seat.
I've been trying to find a replacement driver's seat for my 2000 Jeep Cherokee. It's broken and it rocks back and forth. Everynow and then I hear a new crunch which results in making to rocking motion a little more pronounced. It's a common thing for the Jeep Cherokee, so I am told.
When I had the Jeep in the shop in the fall, the shop manager told me that he couldn't locate one. I tried calling a dealer and he said that they couldn't get something like that.
I've been looking online for quite some time for aftermarket seats that might work and got nowhere. Yesterday, I came across Dave's Truck and Auto Parts. It's a scrapyard in Carp. They have a 2000 Jeep Cherokee with a smashed up front ent. Had I known this in the fall I could have saved a few dollars on my tailight. Nonetheless, it is good to know that someone has parts for my Jeep, as long as I don't need anything from the front-end.
So I am going to have a look at this seat. Hopefully, this one will not be broken. If it can last another 7 years then that will be great.
Here is hoping.
When I had the Jeep in the shop in the fall, the shop manager told me that he couldn't locate one. I tried calling a dealer and he said that they couldn't get something like that.
I've been looking online for quite some time for aftermarket seats that might work and got nowhere. Yesterday, I came across Dave's Truck and Auto Parts. It's a scrapyard in Carp. They have a 2000 Jeep Cherokee with a smashed up front ent. Had I known this in the fall I could have saved a few dollars on my tailight. Nonetheless, it is good to know that someone has parts for my Jeep, as long as I don't need anything from the front-end.
So I am going to have a look at this seat. Hopefully, this one will not be broken. If it can last another 7 years then that will be great.
Here is hoping.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Larry the Cable Guy
Michelle and I went to see Larry the Cable Guy last night. We had an awesome time. Larry is part of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour. We got introduced to them a few years ago by L-A & Jay. In my opinion it is one of the best stand up comedy package out there.
I gave Michelle the options: Josh Groban, Rod Stewart, Barenaked Ladies and Larry the Cable Guy. Her choice was clear, not even a debate. Larry was the show that she prefered to see.
The people sitting around us were all laughing like we were. But none laughed as much as the people behind us. That made the experience all the better. Usually when you go to concerts or games, the people being behind you being too loud can be a distraction or a nuissance. But in the case of stand up comedy, it provides an atmosphere that is condusive to laughter for yourself.
Larry is on tonight again, if you get a chance, go. It's good for a few laughs.
Get'er done!!
I gave Michelle the options: Josh Groban, Rod Stewart, Barenaked Ladies and Larry the Cable Guy. Her choice was clear, not even a debate. Larry was the show that she prefered to see.
The people sitting around us were all laughing like we were. But none laughed as much as the people behind us. That made the experience all the better. Usually when you go to concerts or games, the people being behind you being too loud can be a distraction or a nuissance. But in the case of stand up comedy, it provides an atmosphere that is condusive to laughter for yourself.
Larry is on tonight again, if you get a chance, go. It's good for a few laughs.
Get'er done!!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Waiting, waiting, waiting
I'm pretty much done extracting Business Rules here at work. For the next little while I am to stay here to support the Business Analyst in case they have questions. They are supposed to be done by Friday, we were suppose to be done ahead of them, so everything is cool. Now I just sit and wait for emails, nudges when they have questions. So far today there as been 2. But I see the number being pretty much nothing for the rest of the week.
I am suppose to be transfered over the development manager. I am just waiting now. Days are long.
I am suppose to be transfered over the development manager. I am just waiting now. Days are long.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Weekend at the Cottage
There is nothing like taking a break from winter to enjoy winter. I spent the weekend at the cottage with my brother, father-in-law and 2 brothers-in-law. To tell you the truth, we didn't do much while we were there. We did a little bit of walking outside, enjoying the winter scenery. Much of our time was spent indoors watching movies and having a few drinks. It's a tradition that started years ago.
My father-in-law loves to show off is culinary skills, using nothing but the wood oven all weekend. We had the best breakfast, that any restaurant could offer, every morning. A delicious roast beef marinaded in a peppercorn/ranch and red wine gravy. We always eat well when we are at the cottage.
I've always found it to be a great time to bound with the guys in the family. Of course, with my little brother there, there is always a bit of wrestling that takes place. Ahh, now that's male bonding at it's best.
Lately, I've been finding it more difficult to get away like that. I find that I end up missing my kids and my wife. No matter how much fun I have with the boys, my family is my center. It is difficult to be away from them. It is all the more rewarding when I come back. I get to see the smiles on their faces and the joy at seeing me again and as a father and husband, there is no greater reward.
My desire is that I can one day bring my children to weekend winter getaways to the cottage. Hopefully, Gerry (Michelle's uncle) will keep the cottage and continue to offer it to us even as time goes by. Gerry is extremely charitable with his cottage and for that I am extremely greatful.
My father-in-law loves to show off is culinary skills, using nothing but the wood oven all weekend. We had the best breakfast, that any restaurant could offer, every morning. A delicious roast beef marinaded in a peppercorn/ranch and red wine gravy. We always eat well when we are at the cottage.
I've always found it to be a great time to bound with the guys in the family. Of course, with my little brother there, there is always a bit of wrestling that takes place. Ahh, now that's male bonding at it's best.
Lately, I've been finding it more difficult to get away like that. I find that I end up missing my kids and my wife. No matter how much fun I have with the boys, my family is my center. It is difficult to be away from them. It is all the more rewarding when I come back. I get to see the smiles on their faces and the joy at seeing me again and as a father and husband, there is no greater reward.
My desire is that I can one day bring my children to weekend winter getaways to the cottage. Hopefully, Gerry (Michelle's uncle) will keep the cottage and continue to offer it to us even as time goes by. Gerry is extremely charitable with his cottage and for that I am extremely greatful.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Ottawa Senators take on Ovechkin
I took my brother to a Sens game last night, his birthday is on Friday, so I got him an early present. The Sens were playing Ovechkin and the other people that he brought with him that are a part of the Washington Capitals. Ovechkin is an awesome player and when he has the puck something is going to happen. That is probably why all the Caps players keep feeding him the puck. The Kid has skill there is no doubt about it, but the Caps are not a well formed team. Too much depends on Ovechkin. They may have other talent in the line up but the way they played last night I couldn't it.
The Sens did well at stopping Ovechkin. They were formidable on the offence as well. They came out with a 5-2 victory. They seem to have found their rhythm and I am quite content about that.
We enjoyed ourselves at the game, even though we were in the nose bleed section. The players look little from up where we were. Nonetheless, there is nothing like being able to see the whole ice and all the plays. I do enjoy watching the game at home, and that will continue to be my most common method, but it was nice not being limited to the camera and the short piece of the ice where the puck actually is.
With 18500 people in attendance it was great to be a part of the City spirit. We saw and were part of the wave going around the bowl 5 consecutive times until there was a break in the play and it died off.
I love my city and I love the team my city has. I am just glad that they are faring well these days. But in the end it doesn't matter, because this is my team, because this is where I live.
I hope to be able to go to a few more games.
The Sens did well at stopping Ovechkin. They were formidable on the offence as well. They came out with a 5-2 victory. They seem to have found their rhythm and I am quite content about that.
We enjoyed ourselves at the game, even though we were in the nose bleed section. The players look little from up where we were. Nonetheless, there is nothing like being able to see the whole ice and all the plays. I do enjoy watching the game at home, and that will continue to be my most common method, but it was nice not being limited to the camera and the short piece of the ice where the puck actually is.
With 18500 people in attendance it was great to be a part of the City spirit. We saw and were part of the wave going around the bowl 5 consecutive times until there was a break in the play and it died off.
I love my city and I love the team my city has. I am just glad that they are faring well these days. But in the end it doesn't matter, because this is my team, because this is where I live.
I hope to be able to go to a few more games.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
On Site at Innovapost
It's been a week now since I started at Innovapost. I've reacquainted with old friends that have either stayed here for the last 10 years or have found their way back like myself. The application is at it's 11th version with multiple releases having gone out for each version. It is exciting to see something that I have worked on be in usage 10 years after the making. But in application development 10 years is a good long run and the time to rewrite is at hand.
My duties for the next month or so, is to validate that the business process requirements (BPR, document) matches what the code is actually doing. It is a fairly extensive application, it has to be, since it is the front end to the Canada Post business.
This application has been the benchmark to which I compare all other applications. It is completely object oriented. Well has much has it could be in vb4, it certainly pushed the envelope back then. Now with .NET it could go even further if we are permitted to do so. Most applications that I have worked on since, have been poor implementations with no or very little architectures. So on that front it's good to be back on the application.
I look forward to the next few months, it will be interesting to see where this application is going to go and who else from my past will join the team for the rewrite.
My duties for the next month or so, is to validate that the business process requirements (BPR, document) matches what the code is actually doing. It is a fairly extensive application, it has to be, since it is the front end to the Canada Post business.
This application has been the benchmark to which I compare all other applications. It is completely object oriented. Well has much has it could be in vb4, it certainly pushed the envelope back then. Now with .NET it could go even further if we are permitted to do so. Most applications that I have worked on since, have been poor implementations with no or very little architectures. So on that front it's good to be back on the application.
I look forward to the next few months, it will be interesting to see where this application is going to go and who else from my past will join the team for the rewrite.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)