riskyblog

morning

2010-02-16T02:06:00.000-08:00

It 5am in the morning and I thought I would post a quick blog.

I have watching the Olympics like everyone else in Canada.
Love the sport where they snow board against one another and not because the Canadian won.
The womens' hockey has to become more competitive!
And why anything in Vancouver, they don't get winter there.

Since my Father died in October, I have known 3 others that have died. Not close, but close to friends of mine.
Now I get news that my son's godfather's father had a major heart attack on the weekend and the end is near.
I know death is part of life and we have to accept it, but it is getting tiresome.
My thoughts are with this gentleman and lets hope there is little pain in the next while. Actually my thoughts are with his family as well!

Saturday evening!

2010-02-06T18:59:00.000-08:00

Here I am on a Saturday evening, blogging.
That's alright, this is something I like to do.
Funny though, I would have never thought that I would be home on a evening like this and be blogging.
My past, it would have been drinking!

Since our holidays, my wife has had vertigo and a sore neck. I nagged her about going to a doctor in case it was a inner ear infection or something more serious.(she finally went, they don't know yet)
So last night we went to a bar for her friend's 40th birthday. Afterwards we went to a dance club that her sister goes to for latin dancing.
I questioned this with her vertigo and sore neck, but she insisted we go.
Spinning around and drinking is not good for her ailments.
I don't dance with her because she tries and leads all the time and it drives me crazy and we shouldn't be there anyways.
I know I sound like a nag, but I was right.
All day today she laid down and did not much.
Rest is what she needs, and she is sleeping now. 10pm!

Fun!

What happen to the weekend!

2010-01-31T17:06:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting here and all of a sudden it dawned on me, it's Sunday evening and I have to get ready for work tomorrow.
We can sit and here and think back from the last two days and examine what we did.
I've drawn a blank.....
Well lets see, I've cooked and baked all weekend.
Coached with my buddy, two days which took a total of 4 hours.(we won 9 to 1 today)
Had a few guest last evening.
Picked up the kid from snow boarding this afternoon.
Huge workout on Friday evening.
Made a pot of homemade soup.
Argued with my wife, about our lack of time together.
All the laundry.
Grocery shopping.
Geez, I guess I was busy!
Happy Monday!

Do you or don't you?

2010-01-26T14:17:00.000-08:00

My question is not really to anyone in particular, just my subject for today.

From my previous blogs, I've stated that I have been 100% faithful and my wife has not, and not just once.
Basically I have given her certain conditions that she has to abide by in order to make this work. And I've made it very clear that even if these are done, there are no guarantees. So far, almost zero done!
The timetable, 2 years remaining, give or take a few months.
My question, do I date a lady who is interested in me and vice versa?
My wife has done whatever she has liked for at least the last decade, so do I do what she has been doing?
Morally I know the answer, but I'm talking selfishly.

What I am doing?

2010-01-25T17:44:00.000-08:00

Since I have been away for over a year here, I'll give details of what I have been up to.
I've been reading past blogs and deleting alot of them.
A common theme in my blogs has been my weight and exercise.
These days I have my weight under control.
At the end of 2008, I was about 240lbs.
I am currently 215 and my waist size is down from 40inches to 36inches.
My goal is to drop another 10lbs and 2 more inches off my waist by the end of 2010.
I found late last year, I was lifting too much and was gaining more weight, abeit muscle.
This year I decided to increase my cardio and decrease my lifting.
Tonight I ran 3 miles (slowly) and did about 40 minutes of weights.
Lots of stretching and ab work as well.
My bitching will not be about my weight anymore.
I'll bitch about other stuff though!
Like my sore, burning legs right now.

Two in one day

2010-01-24T17:22:00.000-08:00

I feel like blogging today!

During the last year I've had to deal with other serious issues in my life.
To be blunt, infidelity!
Not me, my wife.....Again!

Obviously having a parent sick and eventually dying takes up time and soaks up lots of emotion.
One day I'm on my wife's gmail account and she has a letter drafted to a girlfriend.
I read it and she confesses for love to another guy. There is more but the point has been made.

Instead of putting it off, I confront her immediately.
I've dealt with this in the past and was passive, but not anymore.
I asked her to do some work if she wants to save our marriage and she agrees.
It's been 9 months and nothing has been done.
I do remind her about this, but too little avail.

What I've done now is gone out and started a life for me.
I have no choice!
She resents this, but I don't really care.
I've put alot of work into this marriage and she hasn't.
She wants it to work, she is going to work it like I have in the past.
And I told no guarantees either way.
I have been brutally honest with her.

My biggest beef with her about this one is the timing.
With my Father getting sick and dying, I was vulnerable emotionally.
I needed her behind me, for support.
The last thing I needed was to have to deal with this at this time.
Actually anytime!
Does not look good moving forward!
One thing though, we get along in every day life, so existing together is not that bad.
We have tough decisions to make, apart and together.

two days in a row

2010-01-24T15:53:00.000-08:00

After not blogging for ove a year, I'm here two days in a row.
These days I'm not being nice, not protecting some people's feelings.

When my father had his stroke, I was the son who had to phone and email all our relatives, seeing my parents were out of the country when this stroke happen.

It happened to be the toughest thing I have ever done in my life. Calling your uncle and having him cry on the phone is unbelievably heart wretching.
My Mom's sister cried, as a few cousins as well.
5 days later I realized that I probably made 50 phone calls and at least the same amount of emails.
I was completely spent, emotionally exhausted.
That day I received a email from my Mother, baasically saying they didn't know how long Dad could hang on.
I showed it to my Mother in law(who is a retired nurse) and she said "you should go over right away." I get choked up thinking about it right now.
I booked, used my airmiles, and was there 2 days later.
Again, the first day was emotionally exhausting.
Walking in the stroke ward and seeing your father there unable to do anything but cry.
I cried for awhile, but obviously the tears dried up.
The rest of the time I spent there was actually nice, just because I got away from my everyday stressful life. (meaning very emotional calls)
The last day I was there was tough, for the reason that I never thought I would see my Father alive ever again.
I did!
But it was very difficult to see a big, strong man, destroyed by a horrible illness.
He was my Dad, but now are roles were reversed.
He was the man who took care of everything, now we were in that position.
This wasn't gradual as well....
But this is life and we have to deal with it.

13 months

2010-01-23T20:40:00.000-08:00

My first blog in 13 months, do I have any excuses?
Yea, I've been busy!

What do I say after not being here for so long, what kind of news about my life do I post here. Do I post alittle, or alot, go reader digest version, or maybe a bunch of novels.
I'll give a reader digest version. And instead of being protective about others feelings, I'm going to be brutally truthful.

As anyone read before, my Father had a stroke in April 2008.
He never recovered and he passed away in October 2009.
My Mother's birthday actually!
I phoned my Mother a few days before her birthday to see if she wanted to go out for dinner. We would hire my Father's caregiver for a few hours overtime and get my Mother out. My Mother was eager to get out, as she hadn't been out at night since last Christmas.
Half way through dinner we received a call that he was breathing funny and not responding the was he usually would.
We left immediately, returned to my parent's place and the paramedics were doing compressions on his chest.
My Mother put a stop order on and he died on the living room floor.
I watched him die.
To be honest, it wasn't that bad. He had been real sick for a while and his quality of life was poor.
He was never going to recover.
The tough part of the evening was watching my Mother tell the paramedics to stop.
My Mother is doing alright, despite losing her husband of 50 years.
More later....and not 13 months later, promise!

Christmas

2008-12-17T16:59:00.000-08:00

Everyone ready?
Of course you all are!
Me, almost, but I have to take my 14 year old son/IT manager to get his mother's gift.
I haven't even been to any Christmas parties yet, but some this weekend.
Two weeks ago my company had a party 45kms away. Normally this distance isn't a big deal, but I arrived home to get ready and put on the tv on the traffic cameras and the traffic was so bad, it would have taken over an hour and a half to get there.
I said forget it!
Last weekend I bailed from my cousins's party, I had some sort of mild stomach virus and didn't want to spread germs.
This weekend we have two Saturday parties, and we're going to try and make both.
The first being an annual party that old neighbours of mine have for years.
Since my Father is incapable of going and my Mother to stressed to go, I'll go on behave of my parents. Kind of sad really but that's life.
The second being a birthday party for the wife of a childhood friend of mine. And it's at a bar, which I like since I don't get out to these places very often.

I have been working out 3 times a week and it's starting to show. My biceps are getting bigger and the chest is more musucular, but I still haven't lost enough weight. I know muscle weighs more than fat, but....
I started this just trying to prevent man boobs and keep a healthy heart.
It's working!

My Father is still in the hospital. His discharge date is Friday, but the doctor doesn't think this will happen.
His heart rate is low, and they haven't figured out why. So much for his pacemaker!
My Mother has started looking for long term care facilities on the advice of her case worker and this really depresses her.
They've been married for 49 years and she's not ready to give up hope yet, but at the same time she has to be realistic.
I just booked off Friday at work to be able to help my parents if they need it.

Plus Friday we're supposed to get a bloody big snowstorm and at that time I'll have 45 hours already for the week, so I won't need anymore hours.

Driving a rig in a snowstorm is as bad as you would think. The thought is worse than actually doing it.
Just go slow and don't hammer the brakes if you can help it.
But a day at home sounds nicer.

me

2008-11-16T08:47:00.000-08:00

Well I turn 45 today!
My wife asked me what I want and all I wanted was to spend an hour with my Father and family, particularly with my son. There may not be another year to do that!

So last night we went too see the Quantim of Solace. Not as good as the last one, but still pretty good. Action was furious, story not as good as before. Still Daniel Craig is the best Bond, period. Sean Connery is close though.

Going to work out in a hour, still keeping that up most of the time. Haven't lost much weight but am much stronger. My golf game this summer, most of the drives were quite abit longer.
Too bad the rest of my game sucks.

Busy Life

2008-11-14T18:22:00.000-08:00

I just realized that I haven't posted in a while....Life is like that these days.

My Father who had a massive stroke in April, has been in a rehab facility the last couple months, with a discharge date of this week.
Unfornuately he had a setback last week, two seizures with the second one being pretty severe. He stopped breathing for a minute or so, fortunately a nurse was in the room with him at the time.
We didn't know if he would make through the night, but he did. He's weak, but stable now and not coming home anytime soon.
Poor guy, he's been through way too much that anyone should have to.
As bad as it is for him, I really feel for my mother.

As for me, I'm fine. I'm resigned that my Father won't ever be the same, but I'll always be there for him and my mother.
It would be nice to have a conversation with him one more time.....

More news

2008-08-31T19:24:00.000-07:00

My life has been a holding pattern for the last few months.

With my Father having a massive stroke in April while on vacation in England, my Mother having to deal with that and me moving to a new house, life has been busy and alot of questions were unanswered.

Now the questions are starting to get answered!

Our move has been typical, money going on lawyers, taxes, and broken suprises through out. Most of this has been dealt with.

This is my first house that I really want to spend my years until retirement, and maybe beyond. Now I have to get my wife to think the same way!

My Mother moved back to my hometown on Friday. The same day my Father was accepted into a long term rehab centre. Now he can get the proper treatment to determine how he will live the rest of his life.

That might be at home, or a nursing home, but at least he's going to find out in the coming months.

My Mother was so relieved the other day. No commuting two hours north in the winter months and being able to keep a eye on her husband. I was relieved as well!

Rainy here

2008-08-15T20:57:00.000-07:00

Well I'm back!

It's been crazy for me this summer.

We moved, Dad is still not improving alot, which means I've been taking the 2 hour drive up to there place quite abit and there isn't more than 24 hours aday and 7 days aweek, which I need.

I haven't even been playing hockey, just no time. I finally made it back to the gym after a 5 week absense and I survived that. I went to go back to hockey two weeks ago and I stubbed my toe and broke the damn thing. Awfull shade of purple and black and the darn thing puffed up to double its size. It somewhat back to normal now. Still alittle sore though!

Went to Wonderland with my son and went on most of the big rollercoasters. I haven't been on one in 20 years or so and I still liked them. Maybe Disneyworld this winter for a vacation.

I don't know what the weather has been like elsewhere, but we set the alltime yearly rainfall last week. In the weekend newspaper it said we still had sunshine all but 4 days. I planted my sickly tomato plants 4 weeks late and as of 5 hours ago, most of them were around 5 feet tall. All we need is tomatoes now. If they don't grow alot of tomatoes, I wouldn't be upset, I've put zero effort into them. I hope there is some fruit on them, hmmmmm tomato and cheese sandwiches.....

Time off

2008-07-11T18:42:00.000-07:00

My favourite time of year, no work for two weeks.

I'd call it holidays but we're really not going to a place to kick back and relax.

We're heading to my sister's place in the States for around 6 days and doing things around here the rest of the time.

I'll go and see my Father in the second week. Speaking of which, he's making progress now. They got him a custom wheelchair and once he figured it out, he snuck outside two days ago. This is the same guy who was bedridden three weeks ago. His right side is responding alittle and my Sister made him curse during speech therapy. Baby steps, but that's good....

One thing I'll do during my time off is rid the main floor of all boxes and get the kitchen organized the way we all want it. Also, I want to park a car in the garage, so getting rid of more crap in there. Wow, exciting holidays....

At least I'm not working.

Stressed and tired

2008-06-20T20:47:00.000-07:00

I said I'd would write more and I will.......

Yesterday I went to visit my Father at the hospital, he's doing the same. Which is not good.

A massive stroke has to have immediate progress or recovery becomes less likely, which is looking like whats happening.

My Mother has to do a thousand things and I feel for her. So many questions, so little answers and not much she can do.

On top of all that, we moved last weekend and now are living out of boxes. Place looks great and

I love it, but alot of work.

Stessful and I haven't worked out lately and that's coming to an end next week. Seeing my Father like he is now, makes you want to stay healthy. Poor guy!

Good news, the kid graduates on Monday, high school next year.

Golf tournament tomorrow and my team sucks. Oh well, let's hope the weather is nice.

Happy Friday

2008-05-16T20:04:00.001-07:00

Long weekend here in Canada, Victoria Day.
Happy birthday Queen Victoria.
Thank you for the extra day off with pay.....

I just spent a week in England to be with my ailing Father and support my Mother, so at least I feel something towards England these days.
I'm going to get back under better circumstances soon.

My parents were on vacation when my Father had a massive stroke.
The English healthcare system has been wonderful, can't say as much towards the insurance companies.
They've been harassing my Mother this week, but thankfully my siblings are there right now.
We need a bed in Canada, near Toronto, ASAP.

Anyways my Father is slowly making progress, but has a long way to go. I tell you one thing, a stroke is nasty and can make a strong man mere mortal in seconds....

Happy everything!

2007-12-29T16:44:00.000-08:00

Not trying to be politically correct, but it's past Christmas and all, so....

I've had the last 8 days off and I figured that I would post here a few times and work out a bunch and this and that, but I've no bloody time to do anything.
We started by having close friends over last weekend, then Sunday after shopping, the kid's godfather shows up. Nice to see him but give us notice. Actually he was real generous to our son and actually read his report card and had some interest.
Christmas Eve, mass and more guest after.
Christmas Day is what it is!
Boxing Day my son and I got up at 4:30am to go shopping for specials. He didn't get the game he wanted, but bought a router for 75% off and I bought a camera, phone, MP3 and a scanner, and saved about 50%..
Went to a party that night and was cold shouldered by a friends wife.(more on that later)
Thursday went to a movie, and then just before we purchased a ticket, a friend phoned.
so instead of a movie, my wife and I went for drinks and food and got home at 1:30am.
Last night was free, but this morning went out downtown and met my cousin for brunch. Got home at 4pm and after laundry and dinner, here I am!
Oh yeah, tomorrow a childhood friend of my wife is in town and they are meeting at the science centre. I got out of that one!
Busy busy busy.....

Friend's wife is moody anyways.
Last time we played hockey, we were talking about Christmas day and what we were doing. Since his father died a couple months back, I had more interest than usual. He casually asked me over for a drink, no strings.
I said if I had time, sure but no guarantees.
I ran out of time on Christmas day.
Soon as I walked into the Boxing Day party, I knew she was mad and I said sorry.
I went to my buddy and said the same and he was fine and we had a drink and bitched about The Leafs.
When they met, she was rude to me for about 3 years, before she was nicer.
I felt bad and now I don't because she doesn't deserve it.
My buddy does though...

October already!

2007-10-13T13:14:00.000-07:00

Now that about ten weeks have past since I last blogged, I thought I'd try to get my average up alittle.

For some reason, I had problems accessing this account, but I somehow figured it out.

I just had my 19th wedding aniversary, yeah 19!
We went golfing one day and out for dinner another. Not too romantic, but it was on a Monday and it wasn't 20.
Next year, I want to go to Puerto Vallarta, it will be our 20th then.
I've been researching properties and prices recently, so I think we'll be able to go for a good price. And tequilla of course!
I love tequilla, straight up, yum yum.....

One reason I haven't been blogging is that my son does mega homework on this computer and my wife does her work here.
That and I've been facebooking lately.(crackbook) It's cool that it's so easy to keep in touch with high school friends and relatives.

I'm going to make an effort to blog once a week, honest.

Much ado about What?

2007-08-02T19:00:00.000-07:00

In my efforts to improve myself, my better half suggested we see Shakespeare in the park.
My son and I kind of went along with the idea, though my son less, as he brought his book to read.
Really nice evening out, bring the lawn chairs, some beverages and we were set.
This play starts...........
What is this......
More importantly.....what are thay saying?
This is English?

I couldn't understand a freakin word of this, nor could my son. My wife said she understood, but I have doubts.
I grab the program to at least see the storyline.
People in the audience were laughing. What? They understood?
Then the actors were playing different parts, I figure just to screw with my head.
The first half finished and I heard people chatting of much they are enjoying it.

Second half starts, I understand alittle more, so I enjoy it alittle more.
I'm thinking sub-titles would be good.
I don't mention this to my wife, who is enjoying everything.
The play is over and I stayed awake.
So did my son.

I can understand one's appreciation with this art, but it's not for me.

Next day my wife says we should go to Stratford Festival next year and see a couple plays.
Maybe with sub-titles.

Details....

2007-01-24T14:13:00.000-08:00

Well my weekend post just happen on Wednesday, again busy busy busy.......
Mexico in more detail....
We arrived on the Saturday around 1sh in the afternoon. They lost our luggage at the resort until almost dinner time. We were not impressed!
Luckily I told my family to wear a bathing suit under their pants so we could enjoy the outside world right away.
First day was sunny and around 90, very tough to take.
On Sunday we started to explore and realized that this place is huge. So large that they have a trolley system to get you around.
The resort has 3 main hotels and a hacienda. Ours was the oldest, but right on the beach and very central. Our room had a lovely view of the Caribbean Sea, which I made every effort to enjoy everyday.
On Sunday we really did just enjoyed the whole resort and the weather.
On Monday we went to the other hotel to enjoy their beach and bar. They had this bar that had swings for seats, and I used them.
We took side trips the Playa De Carmen, Xel Ha and the Tulum ruins.
Playa is a quaint town known for shopping about 20 minutes north of where we were staying. I enjoyed sampling all the beer that I could not get at the hotel.
Xel Ha is a natural water park, snorkling and stuff like that. That was a good day!
Tulum ruins was interesting, but the beach there was gorgeous. That day we there it rained all morning at the resart and was hot and sunny at the ruins.
The beauty of where we stayed is that we could take the local buses to get to these places and it cost very little. Organized excursions from hotels are costly.
The food was good most of the time.
My son now likes sushi and lobster, nice $$$$$$
It rained half a day and 1 evening and the weather never got under 83ish.
My son and I loved it and would go back in a second. My wife thought it should be warmer and probably wouldn't go back.

I'll write more about it later....

Home and tan all gone!

2007-01-18T17:51:00.000-08:00

Go home last Saturday from Mexico and have been busy ever since. Will write more on the weekend and will even visit other blogs.
My son and I had a blast and my wife, well........
The weather was good except one day and one evening, but rain and 85 is better than Toronto in January.
This place was huge and beautiful, abit too big.
Will explain more in detail on weekend!
Off to bed...

Little time till Christmas

2006-12-17T09:58:00.000-08:00

My son and I went out yesterday shopping for his mother/my wife.
Everything was successful and we actually had a good time in the mall.
Crowded, but we seem to fit just in between the cracks and the line ups weren't that bad.
The parking lots were the worse, as people get behind the wheel of a car and they get instant stupid, or as my Father say's "another brain fart."

Then last evening went to this friends of the family Christmas party and had a good time. It might be their last one as the lady who is pushing 70, finds it too much stress and work.
It's funny, her hubby of 49 years is loaded and always wants this party, but does little of the work. He could have it catered no problem, but he insists that "they" do it.
How loaded?
Next year it's their 50th aniversary and he's taking all four of his grown children and spouses to a Caribbean cruise for a week. Minimum 3 grand a person!
The last cruise he tto with his wife was in Asia and it cost over 30 grand.

I would like to start having a annual Christmas party around now for a few friends, relatives and neighbours so if they cancel theirs I might do it in some similar form. Next year of course. And with my wife's approval.
Anyways Christmas is only 8 days away, yahoo....

Fresh and positive

2006-12-12T18:33:00.000-08:00

Well my wife finally has gotten rid of her hangover. Saturdy night to Tuesday morning beats my record. I don't think our son is scarred over this and I don't think he wants to drink anytime because of her.

My neck is alot better today, but I still didn't play hockey. I figured 1 jolt and I'm screwed and I can't work with that much discomfort.

I was talking to a guy at work today, 37ish and the "flow" problems he was having.
Enlarge prostrate was one of the main problems. He's on medication for that now, after having it examined.
He said that wasn't that big of a deal compared to the probe they stuck up his uretha.
Never does he want that to happen again, along with the pissing of razor blades.
Sucks getting old sometimes.

Haven't got anything for my wife for Christmas, nor have I got any idea what to get her.
She wants perfume but we're going away in less than a month and buying it duty free will be about half price.
Thought about a necklace, but were on a $100.00 bdget.
I may be screwed!

Happy November

2006-11-03T20:49:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's already November, where did the summer go?

Tuesday I had my follow up from my physical, and everything is fine! I just have to lose some weight, again!

I heard a commercial on the radio about hearing loss. I'm not joking! Why? I can understand it on television or in print, but on the radio?

I had a meeting with my pension representative this week. Good news is that eventually I'll be able to retire. Bad news, it's going to be in a couple of decades.

It's been almost two months since I had any beer, you know the weight thing. I've lost eleven pounds and I'm down to around 223. I figure I'll be around 215 for Christmas and the same for our trip to Mexico.

I've asked around and the concensus is that the place we're staying in Mexico is nice. Ten weeks away! I'll be drinking beer by then!

Getting old

2006-09-23T16:14:00.000-07:00

After my last blog, I've decided to make a short blog about getting old.
Eye appointment because I need bifocals.
Physical because of those damn lumps and prostrate has to get checked because I'm older than forty and my Grandad died of this disease.(at age seventy-eight)
Orthotics because all those years of pounding my feet and legs took from being overweight and doing alot of sports.
Dentist, because I never looked after my teeth when I was younger and now those silver fillngs have to be replaced with inplants, crowns and white fillings.

It took me two full days to recover from my golf outing and I never even drank too much. American friggin beer even!
And now I'm going to wake my wife up from one of her rare naps now because she was in a early morning golf tournament.

At least when I got my haircut today, my hair was hardly grey and was full on top.(all natural I might add)

I guess getting old is better than the alternative!

Guy's weekend

2006-07-26T18:40:00.000-07:00

Though a few days have passed, I thought I'd outlined my weekend with my son, minus the lasy of the house.

First was off the the video store, dvd's to be rented and it was a war theme . Movies that Mom wouldn't let son watch.
Then off to KFC to buy food(?) that Mom wouldn't let son eat.
We got home and ate in front of the tv.(again not allowed)
Saturday morning watched second movie until noon. Luckily the weather was not great so staying inside was allowed.
No beds being made, that's my rule.
Saturday evening went to friends house whose leading lady was also at same cottage.
Steak for Dads, hamburger for kids. Video games were also allowed.
Then we all went to Pirates 2, with Johnny Depp. Good but too long!
Sunday morning was raining so we watched 3rd movie during breakfast.
Afternoon cleared so we went to golf 9 holes and clouds to the west were almost black.
So driving range was all we could do.
Went to Chapters and kid bought a book.
Came home and started dinner and the lady came home.
House was cleaner than when she left and a roast was in the oven.
She didn't have a great time.
Too bad, my son and I did.

Just wondering!

2006-07-21T21:12:00.000-07:00

A few things in life that make me wonder and ponder and maybe a few other things.
Why is it that when I was a teenager I never got zits, yet right now I have this huge one on my nose?
Why do women pluck their eyebrows, and then pencil them back in?
I'm listening to Michael McDonald right now on PBS. Why is it he sounds decent as a solo act and completely sucks as a member of The Doobie Brothers?
Why would someone cut a truck off only to turn a hundred yards down the road?
Why do we as Canadians complain about the weather in July when it is going to be minus 3 in about 15 weeks?
Why do people say beer tastes better in the summer? It's good all the time!
Why are all the fun things in life seem to be bad for you? Example: food and booze!

Side note: I poured myself a rum and coke this evening and realized it's my Father's last drop of rum from when he quit drinking a couple of years ago.
It tastes good as usual, but it seems alittle lonely. I usually have a drink with my father when he is in town, but since his heart problems he quit cold turkey.
He needed to quit and he is healthy and my mom is happy as well!

I'm back!

2006-07-04T17:01:00.000-07:00

I've been on a self imposed exile for two reasons.
One, every night I've been trying to exercise on way or another instead of sitting here on my fat ass. Walking or biking at least 5 times a week with throwing in a game of hockey around 3 times a month. Lost around 5lbs and I can still eat pretty well what I want. (I've cut vasts amount of sugar out of my diet)
Two, I've felt I haven't had alot to say in a positive manner, so I didn't write. No sugar, pissy mood!

A few things about me that you may or may not know:
1) I can burp anytime I want. My son can fart anytime he wants. It's a gift that only a guy could understand and appreciate.
2)I have more restrictions in my life now than I did when I was growing up. My wife told me I was wrong.
3)I wear size 12 shoes
4)I have hazel eyes
5)Though I love hard rock music, I like dance music. Not to listen to in my truck or car, but at a party or a bar with friends.
6)I can't listen to The Rolling Stones anymore. Sell outs!
7)Same with Zeppelin and The Who.
8)Lately I've had this minor thing for red headed ladies.
9)I've only ever gone out or married brunettes my entire life.
10)I can't drive a boat.
11)It seems everytime I wash my car, it rains.
12)I've been so broke, I had to sell my first home.
13)I didn't like that house anyways.
14)I've told a owner/boss to go "F" himself in front of a whole office staff and I didn't get fired.
15)I don't think I would do that again.

Sunday in June

2006-06-11T08:04:00.000-07:00

I woke up at 6am this morning, then lied in bed till around 7am listening to my wife's breathing.
Peaceful!
Then I went downstairs, made a coffee, went out to the front porch and read the newspaper for and an hour and a half.
The quiet was wonderful!
It seems like the simple things in life can be so grand.

We watched Electra starring Jennifer Garner this weekend. An older dvd(I had a free coupon) that had lots of action and typical cliches',but a scantily clad Garner made the decent movie much more watchable.
I don't know what it is about her, but she is like the girl next door, but not movie star gorgeous.
She is a good actress though, her tv show is good, though I've only seen it a few times. It's too bad she is married to Ben, one of the most over-rated actors of this generation.

I bought a cd last weekend from Jack Johnson, called "In Between Dreams." I haven't stopped listening to it in my car for a week now.
Mellow, bluesy, acoustic, beachy and maybe alittle jazzy could be a way of describe it.
I'd recommend it!

Expensive week

2006-06-01T17:29:00.000-07:00

I'm driving to hockey on Tuesday afternoon, you know when it was 35 degrees celcius. I'm stuck in alittle traffic when I look down at the guage and it says hot.
I look at the hood and nothing and I keep driving and hoping.
No luck, I overheat on the 401 in Toronto at rushhour.
After getting a tow an hour and a half later I get the car to the dealership.
My wife picks me up at this place and takes me home.
At this point I'm hot and drained and I need cool.
I get home the the cental air is not working. 3 friggin years old and it's blowing room temp.
I not impressed!
Somehow my karma is F'ed up!
Breath deep...........breath deep.........
Think positive......think positive.......
Ok I feel alittle better.
Next day I get the news on the just paid for vehicle.
Thermastat and fan motor.
$$$$$$$$$$$$
Then we find out that the A/C parts are covered, but we would have to wait a week.
They said between 8 and 4, so my wife had to wait all day for this.
Peckerheads!
I need some positive news and karma in my life right now, so I'm purging all evil and negative thoughts out of my head.
No more peckerhead thoughts.
In laws are wonderful.
Yoga ladies from weekend out of my head.
Boss are good guys.....
Now everything will be wonderful.
Thanks for listening

Man it's hot!

2006-05-29T18:06:00.000-07:00

35 celcius today, and really humid.
No complaints just yet, but the Toronto Transit Commission went on a wildcat strike today and left 800,000 riders to fend for themselves. Needless to say traffic sucked!

On the weekend we went to my cousin's party in Toronto. She had to get another apartment because the couple who owns these dwellings sold to a developer, so she had a eviction party.
Cousin is a single lady in her late 30s who happens to be a yoga instructer and massage therapist. So are her friends so most of her guests were healthy looking and flexible.
A single man would have been in his glory, but they weren't there.
Then at the end, they complained about all the jerks in the dating world and there seem to be a shortage of good men.
I disagreed for obvious reasons.
The landlords property taxes for his two properties is over 20,000 dollars and going up, so that's why he decided to sell.
To bad, they are in a beautiful area in the city and my cousin really likes it there.

Golf

2006-05-21T08:44:00.000-07:00

We went to this quaint 9 hole course with our son and his friend yesterday at 5:30 in the afternoon.
Beautiful day around 17 celcuis, sunny and alittle wind.
Also a bonus was that it wasn't crowded at all, especially since that my son is new to golf and my wife is a slow golfer.
We're golfing the 7th hole (taking about 2 hours and 15 minutes at theis point) when the dude who runs this place drives over to us and says we're taking too long and we're holding him up.
Excuse me!
After him messing up my chip shot, I'm thinking this guy has a course that's empty on a beautiful evening in a year where we have had alot of rain.
We told him we didn't think there was a time limit on a empty course and we would finish the last two holes.
The next tee shot, I drove it about 5 feet from the hole.
The frigging nerve of the guy.
If you want to get home, then get out of the service industry.
You rotten bastard, you upset my kid and my wife and made me miss a easy chip shot.
Not going back for a while and I will tell about 50 people my experience.
Ha ha!

We have a long weekend going on right now, Victoria Day.
I know little about Queen Victoria, except what we read about her in the newspaper, but I would like to thank her for my paid "off day."

Why am I in here?

2006-05-13T11:50:00.000-07:00

Saturday afternoon and it's nice out and I'm in here blogging.
Why?
They've been calling for rain all afternoon so I decided to have a power nap after lunch, then I wake up and it's nice still.
I'm going for a walk soon.
And I feel much better.

What's better than a game hockey with the regulars on Tuesday?
Free hockey, free beer and free food with the company you work with on Wednesday.
The only problem was that it was on an olympic size rink and being old, fat and slow, it really doesn't suit my style. I had fun though.
One guy I work with brings his two grandsons to play. One a goalie and the other a big, quick kid around 20 years old. I couldn't catch him on the large ice so during one play I decided to playfully tackle him. He fell on my stick and it broke in half. And to make it worse my back up stick cracked in the final moments, so I have to find 2 cheap sticks so I can play on Tuesday with my buddies.

This is a typical conversation with my wife:
Her, "I have no clothes!"
Me, "then why do you a a closet full then?"(she does)
"I don't know, maybe I'll clean up what I don't wear."
"If you need clothes then buy them."
She cleaned her closet out and now I'm going to pay.
That's alright!

My Hockey Game

2006-04-11T19:11:00.000-07:00

I played like complete crap this evening.
I couldn't even trip and hack properly!
At least I was invited to a golf tournament in June.
But I play golf worse than I play hockey.
At least I can drink while I golf.
At work I was asked if I wanted to play on a soccer team this summer.
Hhhhhmmmmmmm........
I'm fat, so why would they want me.....
Last guy picked syndrome.
Maybe I'll play.
If their invite was a joke, then wait till they see me play.

One of my favourites

2006-03-23T18:35:00.000-08:00

1994 in the spring, at a hospital in Toronto.
Was in the delivery room and was told to leave because they had to do a emergency c-section. Mil was there and she is a nurse so it was reassuring that she said it would be alright.
20-20 hindsight, I was kind of glad not being there, I had a really weak stomach for blood.
Anyway in the waiting room for the duration with my Mom and mil.
The're yapping away and I'm nervously pacing the hallways.
One asks if we picked a name, which we did on the way to the hospital.
They then ignored me and started yapping again.
About 1 hour had passed, but it seemed like forever.
The nurse that kicked me out walked by and I flagged her down.
"Well what did we have?"
She would of walked right by if I didn't get her attention.
She told me a healthy boy, 8lbs 3oz and they would bring him out in a few moments as they had to clean him up.
As my wife was completely out in recovery, I was the first to hold him.
They brought him to me and the first thing I thought of was "I have to hold a baby."
I then held him and looked at him, he looked exactly like me.
A tear welled up in a eye and a big lump in my throat.
Wow, love can be that strong.
I found out that holding your own baby is easy, as is being a parent.
My wife had a rough first week or so and a slow physical recovery to get to her somewhat normal self.
That baby is now my almost 12 year old it manager and almost the same height as his mother.
Oh yea, he still looks like I did at that age.

Happy St. Pat's

2006-03-17T18:07:00.000-08:00

I'm not Irish but I enjoy beer, so I had one with dinner. My Irish descent wife is out this evening but she has to drive so I imagine I'll have a sober wife return in around 2 hours or a phone call to pick her up.
I'm betting on the first one!
I've done a family history on both my fathers and mothers' side of the family.
From what I've learned I'm alot English and Scottish, with alittle Welsh thrown in. Grandmother's maiden names are Ramsey and Lockwood, not too Scottish eh?
On the Greatfather's side is Richardson, Crebbin, and Gibson. Just alittle English!
I can't give the wife's ancestory names but I'll give a hint, there are common Irish.
So our son has Irish, Welsh, English, and Scottish. I think that covers the British Isles!
Damn, we even gave him a very Scottish first and middle name and he has a tint of red in his hair.
Anyways I wore a nice green shirt today to celebrate this day. It matches my hazel eyes!

The sportsman show was good and alot of people there wore green. Maybe that was camouflage I saw in the hunting section.
We enjoyed the part on the peregrin falcon and we also saw the largest eagle from around three feet away.
It was also nice not to get up so bloody early and get waken up by my son instead of an alarm.
Tomorrow my wife and her friend (one of the nice ones) go shopping all day and I have free time. I have plans to straighten out the garage and work in the basement alittle.
And sleep alittle, you know a nice little power nap, around 2pm.

One more work day

2006-03-15T18:31:00.000-08:00

I booked Friday off to be with the kid, it is March break here. So tomorrow is my last day of the work week and I'm glad.
I haven't had a long weekend since new years weekend and I'm kind of burnt out.
On our day off, the two of us are going to the sportsman show. We went last year and really enjoyed ourselves and plan to see even more this time.
That and sleep alittle more!

As far as Montreal goes for a tournament, most of the guys who will go are faithful. They just want to drink more than their wives would approve of and maybe go to the ballet.
During these tournaments, it's hockey, drinking, eating, and more, not always in that order. Sometimes the wives don't like the schedule and we don't want to listen, so that's our reason and I'm sticking to it.
We also have to get enough guys there to enter, not as easy as you may think.

I stopped a puck with my bicep yesterday and now I have a purple bruise the shape of a puck. Hurts like hell and I didn't get any sympathy, go figure!

Trouble with typing

2006-03-04T06:37:00.000-08:00

For some reason I'm having trouble typing today.
It's always poor anyways but for some reason it sucks extra today.
I took typing in grade 10 and my teacher was this really gay dude. Until I met his beautiful wife. A cover or the guy is straight, either way I couldn't care. I think he pass me so he wouldn't have to teach me anymore.
In college we had a typing course we had to do and I cheated so I could pass. Didn't break any rules, just bended them to pass and get out of there alive.
So my maximum is 20, maybe 25 words a minute. Thank god for spell check and the computer.

My work week was long, almost 59 hours. The beginning was brutal, I wasn't feeling well and I still managed to make it to work.
On Thursday in my area that I drive, they received alost a foot of snow, which made driving difficult. In the place I pick up my truck, not a trace of snow.
Ahhhhh....... Only a couple of weeks till spring.
I don't care about cold weather for the most part, but snow and ice make my job alittle harder. I do like easy work days, you know , few calls, delays and a nap here and there.

I kind of feeling normal now. Last night my 11 year old came into our room at 3 in the morning complaining of being warm and having a headache. My wife gave him something and he went back to sleep. This morning he's doing a science project at my bil's house (who is a teacher) but I think he may have what I had last weekend.
My wife is at the accountant's right now, which means all will be negative this weekend.
She has to stay positive, otherwise she will drive me nuts.

This week she must have blamed me for all things wrong in her life. After pretending to listen I said to her that I must be evil.(I like that line)
Anyways she's got the winter blahs and it doesn't help when I work as much as I do. She feels overwhelmed with her work load and all things going on during the week with the house and son.
To be honest, I would change positions with her in a minute, not our jobs though.
I like being home and she doesn't as much.

I don't know about some of these

2006-02-23T17:08:00.000-08:00

In my truck, driving and listening to tunes and then comes on the biggest piece of crap that I heard almost ever.
Nickelback singing a tune called "Photograph."
This poor excuse for a slow tune was turned off imediately and another station put on.
Def Leppard was on singing another piece of slow crap.
Aaaaahhhhhhh........
Almost punched the channel buttons to talk radio.
Had that on for awhile until I tired of all of Canada whining about the hockey loss to Russia.
Put on the music again and another piece of crap from I think Poison.
Now I like almost every type of music and can tolerate most of which is not for me, but I don't know about metal bands singing ballads.
Some musicians can pull it off, ie: Lenny Kravits can and I don't really even like him.
Neil Young is another, along with The Rolling Stones, Zeppelin, The Foo Fighters, Nirvana and countless others.
My contention is that these bands who try and do slow stuff and it stinks, must know there selling crap to their buying fans.
Plus I have to listen to it!
My rant won't help get this crap off the face of the earth, but it made me feel better.

A quick note about Olympic hockey, which I know Michelle is looking forward to reading.
Canada lost and came 8th and you would think that someone important was shot and killed.
It's hockey guys, get over it.
We're not the only nation on earth who plays this sport and that is what it is, a sport.
Plus so far we have 20 other medals in other sports and we should be proud of all ot them.

What was I thinking?

2006-02-21T19:13:00.000-08:00

Saturday, we were invited to friends in the neighbourhood. European family, married 15 years with 2 children, a boy the same age as our own and a girl , 7 years old.
This fellow likes to drink tequilla and so do I. He found this out and
he also doesn't like to see your glass empty, at all!
This gentleman goes to Mexico around twice a year on business, so he has 8 different bottles of tequilla sitting at his home.
The two of us polished off a bottle and a half on Saturday evening.
OUCH!!!!!!
What the hell was I thinking?
I had trouble doing that when I was 25, let alone 42, which I'm supposed to be now.
I had a hangover that would have killed a horse on Sunday.
This had reprecussions that went to Monday.(Just dry as a desert)
I'll never drink that much again.
Well at least until the next time.
Which will not be anytime soon.

During my hell state on Sunday, we managed to watch "Ray." Though my head ached, my stomach heaved and I laid on the couch like I was dead, this movie didn't do it for me.
I thought it was good but vastly over-rated and Jamie Foxx was good but not worthy of a Oscar.
I was disappointed. (at the movie, not my stupidity)

Saturday Morning

2006-02-11T08:21:00.000-08:00

The kid is off to Rochester with his grandmother to visit his cousins and uncle. Me other half is having a mid morning nap, because she is feeling exhausted and just because she can.
So here I am with a half hour alone to write a blog and to read a few.

What's going on with my life?
Well I haven't mentioned here too much that my tendonitis in my left shoulder has bothered me for 3 months and is as bad as it ever has been. I finally went to the chiropractor last evening and today everything is much better, not perfect though.
My chiro gave me some exercises to do and said to keep icing it down.
Believe it or not, this has affected my back on the left side, and the front of the shoulder muscle right down to my chest.
I asked if could be genetics and the chiro said probably not and then I mentioned my family history and then she said it was possible. My father, brother and I think my granfather have been affected by this.
It sucks!
On the positive side, it forces me to exercise.

We have our annual valentines party this evening, which is abit of work, but will be nice to see old friends. I think people expect us to have this party, but next year we might do something different, like go out to a club with all these people.
Sil won't be there, along with her hubby, they planned a romantic evening, which might be cancelled due to a sick kid. Sucks for them!
Wife's best friend that I don't like is bailing, like a good friend would on a regular basis.(sarcasm)
Must go and do chores!
Go Canada go!

My Saturday

2006-01-28T20:37:00.000-08:00

Today in Toronto was like a spring day, about 10 degrees celcius, so I washed my car.
First time this winter, so it took about half the afternoon. It was a beautiful day!

In the morning I had to go to my annual Transportation meeting at a hotel by the airport. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Excuse me, I was dosing off just thinking about it. Same old about insurance costs, fuel prices, safety, recruiting , etc........
One funny thing happen though. I received a aniversary pen for me being there 5 years. They showed a picture of me on the slide presentation that had to be the worse one I ever took. When they took the picture was a few weeks back at work at 6 in the morning. I was doing my paperwork at this table, leaned over, hand on face, hair messy and still really tired when safety man says "Scott, look up." I did and he took the picture.
When this went up today, all the guys at my contract were laughing and I'm sure I'll hear about it sometime next week.
The pen I gave to my wife, it's too wide for me to use at work. It is nice though!
Maybe one day they will give money as aniversary gifts, but I'm dreaming.

Small world out there.
My son's buddy's mother dropped him off here and I was chatting with her. It turns out she knows my sister and she actually even went on this girls weekend away with her and bunch of other girls. Her ex sil is a close friend to my sister as well.
In this area where we live, there is a couple of thousand people, so it still is a small world.

Nosey bloggers

2006-01-28T19:51:00.000-08:00

You want to know about this woman I don't like, here goes.
C worked with my wife for about 4 years or so, a fellow sales rep, like my wife.
You would figure a sales rep would be anything but shy, but this woman would never carry on a conversation with me. Trust me when I say that I'm very easy to talk to and not threatening at all. Basically I'm a really easy going guy. Nice as well! You can add polite to that! Well you get the idea about me.
Anyhow, she would whisper in my wife's ear right in front of me instead of talking out loud. If you have something to say privately, go in another room or talk on the phone the next day. Anything but whisper. I hate whispering!
When she was a single woman(actually she was a single mother) she would drag my wife to every bar, not that my wife's arm needed that much twisting. My wife was a married woman, not that both of them cared at the time, but in my books a true friend would say something like "you are married, maybe you shouldn't be double dating with me."
I investigated my wife's behavior and C was involved with her at least 3/4s of the time.
A couple things sealed my opinion of her.
First was a concert, that huge outdoor concert in Toronto with The Stones and AC/DC among others. I love music, going to concerts but because of costs and the fact they are really loud and my wife doesn't like loud anythings in her life, I haven't gone to one with or without my wife in ages.
What does my wife do, she goes to this bloody concert with C. What does C do, tries to set her up with another guy. Nice eh? Double dating at a Stones concert. I really get angry just thinking about it.
Two, at my wife's birthday party a couple years ago, a bunch of friends went to a club to celebrate. C showed up with her boyfriend and spent the evening ignoring everyone and playing pool across the bar.
Her boyfriend is a piece of work as well. The nicest lady in the world went up to them and started chatting, you know trying to make them feel welcome and just being friendly. When she found out he was an electrician, she jokingly said that maybe he or a friend of his could do some hired work for her.
His reply, "you couldn't afford me or my buddies." Actually she could, paid off house, good job, no kids and no husband, sounds like she could easily.
We have this annual Valentines party every year and she's coming this year. I tell my wife that I would prefer she doesn't invite her but she still does.
Oh well she won't talk to me anyways.
Trust me when I say there is more.
Now they work for competing companies with the same territory and they still talk shop, blows my friggin mind.

Re-reading that makes my wife sound not so good. Oh well, she wasn't! She occasionally snoops around and reads these, thinking that I'm up to no good.
Ironic isn't it, but never once have I strayed or done anything harmful to this marriage/relationship.
I'm loyal, hard working, don't do drugs, hardly drink(I do like beer) honest, decent provider, good cook, great father, have all my hair, slightly over weight but not fat, and pretty good looking, so I think that infidelity hasn't been my fault at all. Funny, I used to blame myself about her affair but I figured that I wasn't the readon eventually.
Why am I with my wife?
Well I don't know exactly and when I figure that out I'll let all you nosey bloggers know with a nice long blog.
What I do know is that I'm here and my son is downstairs watching a movie with his buddy and tomorrow we'll be together as a family. That wouldn't happen if I wasn't here and that is what is important to me most of all.
Maybe that's the reason, but I think there is more than that.
My wife seems to be better and that's good for the 11 year old IT manager, and for me, for now....

New bed

2006-01-22T07:37:00.000-08:00

Well I was dragged to a couple of furniture stores yesterday in search of bed posts and dressers yesterday. The more I go into furniture stores, the more I realize I hate shopping.
Anyways we're in these stores and I'm looking at the prices and I'm thinking two week vacation instead of a dresser. I see bed posts and I see the ocean, lounge chair and cold beer. Bed side tables are visions of sand between my toes and sunscreen at 9 in the morning.
Ahhhhh....... dreaming.........
I guess eventually we are going to buy this stuff, after all our bedroom furniture is old, cheap and shabby. We're just starting to look and when we find something we BOTH like we'll wait for it to go on sale and then buy it. I'm figuring a year or so will be the timeline.
I say BOTH because it will be my wife picking it and if I don't hate it, then that will be us BOTH agreeing on it.
This morning she asks me my opinion on this bed spread we have. I told her I hated it! She was suprised and she said she never knew that. I'm a man, why would I offer my opinion on a bed spread?
My take on bedroom decor is not to make it look so "girly."

Last evening we watched "The 40 Year Old Virgin." What a funny movie and we both enjoyed it. Kids should not see this movie, abit too adult.
The part with him getting his chest hair waxed is priceless.

The kid and I recently watched Serenity, a sci-fi flick. Not bad, about a 3 out of 5!

Today the Christmas decorations are getting packed properly and stored in the basement crawlspace the right way. We put them in boxes and off to the side when we originally took them down. I might even get on the roof and take the lights down since we have no snow or ice here.

Next week I have my annual transport meeting on Saturday. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Anyways I'll have to bring up the vacations again to the head cheese. 2 years ago we had this management goofball do our schedules and all he did was bugger it up. Last year someone else did the vacations when Mr. big cheese received alot of complaints about goofball. This year goofball is doing the vacation schedules again. Yikes! Nip the problem in the bud, maybe....

Tomorrow in Canada is our federal election. After 13 years the Liberal Party seems headed down to defeat.
I'm not a Conservative, Liberal or a leftie per say, but I really have to say that the Prime Minister is looking bad.
Usually I vote for the local candidate, a person who could get things done for our area. This election I want the Liberals out, but our Conservative candidate is complete whackjob. What to do? The NDP is an option, though I don't believe in their platform.
I met Jack Layton once. He was at the St. Lawrence Market in Toronto and he was standing outside in a poncho and moccasins. I went over to meet him and shake his hand. At the time he was a local politician who always look after his area with alot of press, good and bad.
But a pontential Prime Minister in a poncho and moccasins, I don't know.......
Anyways I am going out tomorrow to exercise my right to vote!

I didn't realize!

2006-01-18T16:52:00.000-08:00

What I didn't realize is that I haven't blogged or read others lately.
I just have been busy and haven't thought about it.

Yesterday we had a ton of freezing rain and driving was tough. I was driving to this town called Burford and I had to drive half on the gravel shoulder to get to this customer. I decided to just go back to my warehouse after that and I was lucky that it was early.
I was home early and the worse of this storm came after I was done work.
Today it snowed in my work area, which just made it the roads had the zamboni on it.(that is a ice cleaner for you non Canadians)
Tomorrow will be about 5 degrees, which is good since I'll be on the shore of Lake Erie.

I'm being beckoned by the kid, it's American Idol night.
See you later!

This week is "the rude people week"

2006-01-13T21:54:00.000-08:00

Maybe I'm used to the Christmas season when there is goodwill between all or maybe it is the January blahs, but what alot of ignorant peckerheads out there.
Today I'm going for a coffee and I open the door for a lady on the way in and she doesn't say a bloody thing. I even let her order before me and not a thank you or acknowledgment.
On the way out I hold the door for someone else and the same damn thing.
These wern't young people either!
Oh well!

My sister had a bone removed from her hip and grafted into her hand today. From everything I know(which isn't much) she seems to be fine. That's the news from my parents anyway which is good enough for me.

I broke down twice this week and that makes it 4 times this year already. That's about as much as last year total. Thank goodness I'm paid by the hour.
At least I thought until I received my pay stub and all my down time wasn't paid for.
Phone the payroll clerk and it was taken care of, but still I would have like that money now.

The weather here has been mild for January, up around 10 celcius. All the snow has melted and being a trucker I like it that way.
Kind of feel sorry for the ski resorts and the kids who got ski equipment for Christmas.

Follow up to Margaret who I wrote about last week. I saw her in the video store and she was drunk out of her mind. That was at 6:30pm. Something is not right there and that's too bad.

Sunday Evening

2006-01-08T16:51:00.000-08:00

The last day off for the 11 year old IT manager and it's been long enough. I don't know why the school board does this but they should have been off the Wednesday before Christmas and back last Wednesday.
Oh well, he enjoyed the time off. Most people here had to work last week, except of course the teachers.

We took all the decorations down today and I finally looked at the remainder of my gifts. One was a cordless drill given to me by my mil and her hubby. My mil has a habit of taking everything given to her back so when I saw the receipt in the box I was tempted to take it back, like she does.
But I didn't because I doing the right thing.
It would have been poetic justice and kind of funny though.

My new years resolution is to exercise more.
Well it starts next weekend with a small workout on Friday on the way home from work.
I'm tired thinking about it!

My sister's broken bone is actually a disease and she has to have a operation this week. It could become cancerous if left too long. It was caught in time and everything should be fine.

Hopefully work this week will be reasonable, last week I worked 52 hours in 4 days. That's too much! Taxes kill me with that many hours and besides, I'm kind of lazy.

Happy New Years!

2006-01-01T04:23:00.000-08:00

What a way to start the new year, up after 4 hours of sleep because of all the food I ate last evening.
Well at least I like the solitude!

What we did on New years Eve?
My family went the next town east of here and went skating at 8ish. At this complex they also had musicians, face painting and decorations everywhere, so it was nice.
I've played hockey there before but I forgot how nice this rink actually is. Truth be known, the place I play is a dump, but it is where my buddies play and ice is ice.
We then went to this families' place right after for snacks and drinks. This family is mostly Italian so the word snack should be replaced by 4 course meal.
That's why I woke up, I'm just not used to eating that much period, let alone after 9pm.
It was nice to be in that environment though, kids running around everywhere and not quiet.
I was completely dry last night, not one drop of booze.
I decided to stay this way earlier in the evening when I said I don't need anything at the beer or liquor store. I still find it different to not have one drop, but it certainly nice to wake the year up feeling not hungover.

My feelings on New Years celebrations differ from most friends. Some go completely nuts and drink their faces off, which means to me a hangover to start the year.
Some do the same old boring stuff every year. I have this buddy who goes to the house of this other friend with his wife and then sometime in the next month they kind of complain that it was boring. I bet you that they do the same thing next year.
I like to be with family and I like to try something alittle different every year. Last year we went for appetizers and then a movie. We've been to parties, dinners, dances, outdoor events, concerts, well you get it....
Nothing fancy, but with the people you want to be with and different.

Another topic!
We were at this Boxing Day party last week and I have this issue with these friends.
I've known these guys since I was a kid, literally. 3 guys were there and me, I known them since I was 7, 14 and 15 respectively(wives and kids were there as well)
2 of them go out to the garage and get stoned and I think it is rude to keep on doing it. I used to smoke dope, alot of it, but curtailed my use as I got older and became a dad.
I figure if they invite me over with my family they could wait for a few hours and do this shit later.
I'm stuck sitting there in a room by myself waiting for them to come back. I'm talking about 2 hours out of 5.
The one guy does this and he has a teenager. What's Daddy doing out there doesn't hold water anymore and he's going to deal with that sooner than later.
I'm not against smoking dope and I'm not a teetotaller, but I'm against rude and thoughtless people.
The one guy I left out is a toker as well but he actually cares how some people feel and he finds it rude as well. He may go out once for 10 minutes and that's it. He can wait for the kids to go bed and he may do it then.
The patience thing wears thin as you get older.

New Years resolutions!
To be healthy and happy!
Read more.
Be with friends more.
Make some new friends.
Exercise more.
Be more patient and understanding.

Happy New Year to all my blogger friends, good health and happiness to all of you!

Boxing day

2005-12-26T11:08:00.000-08:00

Today is a paid day off in Canada and I'll take it anytime they offer it.

Since my son received numerous gift cards he wanted to spend some of them.
We went to Future Shop (a Canadian version of Best Buy) to spend his money and to get me a surge bar.
This store was packed!
What the heck was I thinking?
Anyways he bought a video game and gave me the rest for this surge bar. That was nice of him, good kid and all but the this surge bar is for him anyways. We lined up to pay for about 15 minutes so it wasn't to bad.
Then we walked to the book store which was a 5 minute walk. He didn't buy anything because he couldn't make up his mind and the store was also packed. He received abut 4 books yesterday so he will be busy for a month or so anyhow.
Then it was off to Blacks to process some digital photos. We played around there for a 1/2 hour and printed about 5 photos.
For the first time in I don't know how long, I actually enjoyed shopping.
Shhhhhh......... Don't tell the lady of the house!

Christmas Day

2005-12-25T12:34:00.000-08:00

Well the day is finally here and here I am blogging.
Turkey is in the oven, veggies are prepped and ready to cook and the table is set.
We had a late lunch, church service went to around 130pm and we had leftover Chinese food. Then sil phones and asks if we can come over by 5pm, but we'll have yet to eat dinner at that time.
Plan was originally to walk over there after dinner and open presents and have dessert.
Sil said her kids go to bed by 8pm and blah blah blah.....
Not!
She has her in-laws over and they will look after the kids, so my bet is she and hubby have plans to go out.
We'll get there around 7pm after we eat, like the original plan.
Bah humbug!

We usually go to Christmas Eve mass, but this year due to time restraints we went today at noon. Not as crowded and that's the new tradition, all agreeing.
Priest was alittle dry and bland though!

Son received a new tv today and he had no idea he was getting that. My idea of course, really wanting to reclaim my livingroom.

My wife and I had a budget for each other and we were supposed to adhere to it. We both did!
I got her a dozen pink rose, some books, golf stuff and other stocking stuffers. The flowers were her favourite.
I received some clothes and some reading material.
All in all a nice Christmas!

The last day of running around

2005-12-23T06:35:00.000-08:00

I have today off! Not waking up at 430am is nice and I could get used to it, but unfortunately I picked one of the worst industries for regular sleep.
I'll have to pick better next time.
Already at 930am and the panick is starting to set in. Not for me, I could care less, but for the lady of our house.
Food for Christmas Eve, Christmas dinner, breakfast for two days, clean bathrooms, let's wrap this, is it enough, what about the turkey, money money money, and now calling from her cell phone asking about things we already discussed.
My way of thinking is that you do what you can do and if it is not enough that Christmas will happen anyways.
Plus I'm professionally trained in the kitchen(though I've lost most of my skills) and cooking and preparing food is not a chore for me, it's kind of fun.
I woke up this morning and my son was eating breakfast already. I was alittle disappointed that I didn't get to make him that meal, so I immediately made him lunch.
My way of nurturing and feeling important.
That and I like to eat!
So after all the store chores this morning, that's it. (except running to the local grocery store tomorrow for one perishable thing)

4 days to go

2005-12-21T17:24:00.000-08:00

My son has a Christmas hyper going, any others having the same thing?

Phyllis Gretzky passed away this week from lung cancer. I mention her because she is the mother of Wayne Gretzky, arguably the best hockey player of all time.
Wayne's talent as a player are obvious but I figure the way he has represented Canada over the years, he is a better person.
It was from his upbringing!
Thoughts are with his family.
My area where I drive my truck is Brantford, the Gretzky's home town. Brantford is a kind of run down blue collared town about 30 minutes west of Hamilton.
When Wayne became rich and famous, he offered to buy his parents a new house. They refused and still live in the same house and in the same town. They never abandoned this town and basically put it back on the map. (after Alexander Graham Bell)
Listening to most people I deal with there, there is always a Gretzky story, and always positive.
I find that quite impressive!

My wife announced that she wants to see this movie with me. Brokeback Mountain is the name of it.
It the story of 2 gay cowboys.
Well I consider myself open minded and definitely not phobic, but I really don't want to pay 30 dollars to see this movie.
I'm trying to figure out if it is because they are gay, or I hate to see most chic flics at the theatre. I don't know!
I saw Philadelphia and I quite like it, but that was on video.
We have a friend who is a opera singer and some of her friends are gay. I thought they were nice and it didn't bother me when they were being affectionate. (bothered my wife though)
She's going to see it with a girlfriend.

My day off on Friday is going to be interesting. I'm supervising a skating party for around 150 kids. Actually I'm one of many who are voluteering and I'm looking forward to it.
I like field trips with the kids.

Played hockey last evening.
We have this lady who plays with us, a decent player. She brought a couple guy friends to play with us.
One in particular was a rather slight guy with long red hair peekig out of his helmet.
We couldn't figure out if this person was a guy or girl at first.
First shift he went after my defence partner by chopping his stick at the other guy's. I skated over and gave him a fore arm and he went into the boards lightly.
My partner laughed and said I might have hit a girl.
A couple of shifts later he was getting alitle rowdy in front of our goalie. One play he had a clear chance to score and I went over and pushed him over, without even trying. He fell to the ice and avoided me the rest of the game.
We still at this point didn't know if this person was a guy or girl.
He was a guy!

A few things about me!

2005-12-16T21:30:00.000-08:00

A few things that maybe you didn't know.

1: I'm a terrible typer
2: I'm 6'1" and weigh 220lbs
3: I have all my own original hair
4: most of it brown
5: I like to be cold
6: though I like southern vacations
7: wanted more than 1 child
8: but I think my kid is the best
9: I'm the youngest in my family
10: I think my parents like me more than the others
11: I know they trust me more
12: they made me executor of their will when I turned 18
13: afraid of drinking too much, might lead to a drinking problem
14: did every drug around by the time I was 23
15: quit cold turkey without 1 single problem
16: I like to cook and I'm good at it
17: I like to eat and I'm good at it
18: I'd like to read more but I can't seem to find the time
19: I'd like to exercise more
20: always find an excuse not to exercise
21: used to think I should be smarter, sometimes still feel that way
22: usually don't care though!
23: tequilla is my favourite alcoholic drink, straight up and on ice
24: I'm having one right now
25: I drank the same brand of beer for almost my whole beer life
26: I drink premium and brew pub beers now
27: I don't drink whiskeys
28: they make me go weird
29: I know too much about alcohol
30: I know little about computer
31: my 11 year old shows me
32: I worked part time and stayed home with my son until age 5
33: wouldn't trade one minute of that time with him
34: I'm not vain
35: though I consider myself good looking(thanks Mom)
36: I like my job
37: I would like to do something else one day
38: Not a clue of what to do though
39: only ever dated one non brunette in my life
40: haven't been on a date in 19 years(wife not included)
41: I've been asked out a few times on dates while married
42: didn't go, but ego felt good, real good
43: don't remember my dreams
44: don't own any animals
45: consider myself a cat person though, they don't bite
46: best fight I ever saw was between 2 girls
47: like action, sci-fi and bio films
48: like hard rock, blues, reggae and some classic rock.
49: don't mind some jazz as long there isn't a brass section
50: opera and classical, no thanks
51: a friend of ours is a opera singer I like to watch her sing
52: like roller coasters, wife doesn't, son working on him
53: don't play cards, wife hates them so I just stopped playing
54: horrible at trivia, choke under pressure
55: don't get this poker craze
56: love play-off sports, any
57: forgot, like comedies
58: pornoraphy bores me, but doesn't offend
59: like genealogy, but haven't research in over a year(time, time, time)
60: like to garden

11 days till.......

2005-12-14T16:27:00.000-08:00

Well really if you count the fact that today is almost over, then there really is only 10 days to go.

Starting sometime tomorrow and ending Saturday, we are supposed to get a foot of snow. Yes 30cm of snow in the Toronto area!
Anyone who lives in areas that don't get snow and dreams of a white Christmas, well we're having one and you can have it.
Once it is all said and done, Christmas day will be pretty and then comes the 26th. Christmas is done at that point and the snow should melt and we should have a mild winter.
Well that's what I ask Santa for!

11 days and I haven't got a gift for my wife. Worse is that I don't even have a clue of what to get her.
We decided to keep it simple for each other and I hope she keeps to that. Otherwise your going to read a blog dated the 27th about the great gift I received and how comfortable the couch is for sleeping.

I returned to work on Tuesday to find my replacement had drove over a metal chock(a safety block for the wheel) and punctured a trailer tire. Good way to start the week!
Later I discovered he hit a fence post and put a 12 foot scrape on the side of the trailer and also ripped off the placard holder at the same time. I got that fixed this morning.
This is a easy, well paying truck driving job. All you have to do is drive safely, deliver the product, do the paperwork properly and be nice.(once in a while)

I'm going to bed in a few minutes since I'm going to have a really long day tomorrow. Snow sucks!
To be honest I like winter, just not when I work. There is too many morons on the road who can't drive in winter weather.

Finally Friday is here

2005-12-09T20:12:00.000-08:00

I usually don't feel that way about the week, but with the snow we had today, a long day is a REALLY long day.
Too many deliveries and about 6 inches of snow meant a 13 hour day.
On the way to work I saw a tractor trailer jackknife and then heard another truck hit it. Luckily for me I was going west and these trucks were going east. I hope the drivers weren't hurt.
It sound selfish on my part, but to witness that before you even get in your truck really sets the day off in a negative way.
I'm a safe driver and everything was fine today.

This weekend is the start of a few long weekends in a row, being that I'm not taking my vacation.
Mind you I'm going to the dentist on Monday which is what I always like to do on a day off.
I'm looking forward to the extra sleep more than anything.

The kid got his report card today, 1 "b" in french and the rest A's. We have a parent teacher meeting on Monday afternoon.(another day off favourite)
Of course I like to participate in his school academics but a parent/teacher meeting about a kid who gets mostly A's is kind of boring.
Usually it goes like this, "S has no problems, he's respectful , polite, pays attention, participates and is quiet."
To say a negative they usually say his writing is messy, which it is.
He wanted to get his phys ed mark up, being that he doesn't like most sports, particularly team ones. So he asks me how to get higher marks this year in that class.
I told him to participate in all events and try your hardest and get the highest possible mark in the health segment.
Last year he got a B minus and this year a A plus, pretty good eh?

My parents are down tomorrow and we're all going to the same party. Though they will be here at Christmas it will still be good to see them.
It will be interesting to see my Dad at a party and not drink. For a 3 rum and coke guy a night to cold turkey about 6 months ago, I haven't seen him in a social situation yet.
He had no problems quitting whatsoever.

zzzzzzzzz type of weekend

2005-11-28T18:21:00.000-08:00

Well that describes my weekend.
Chores, babysitting for our friends and more chores, wow!

Minus 10 with the wind chill last Thursday to 14 degrees tomorrow, global warming anyone?

I sent a letter the The Toronto Star about truck safety and now they want to publish it. I have to get permission from my Transportation company first to use their name, but that shouldn't be a problem. I wrote them in a positive light after all. I will keep everyone informed about my new found writing ability.

Now I'm off to watch the end of the Leaf game!

Time to myself

2005-11-23T17:27:00.000-08:00

My wife and son are at a play this evening, so I get some time to myself.
What to do?
Write a blog!
Well mere moments before I sit down at the computer, I did about an hour worth of chores. I love that type of time to myself. And my damn Leafs are already behind 3 to nothing.
At least I won't be staying up late to watch the game.

Tomorrow we're supposed to get our first winter storm. Up to 15 centimetres which is alot for this area this time of year.
I don't mind winter, but it really sucks to work in it. Thursday has the potential to be a really long day. I'm tired thinking about it.

We haven't found a new vacation spot as of yet, but we're still looking. Cuba looks like a possibility. I really don't want to go there if I had any choice but the beach there is nice and it will be warm. Cheap, cheap, cheap is the reason.

just busy

2005-11-21T18:15:00.000-08:00

9 days since my last blog and this one will be short.

I hadn't even checked my e-mail since last Thursday, which for me is unusual.

Last week was my birthday and I feel old. Awwwwww.......

Got a ipod shuffle, cool little thing and now I have to re-claim it from my 11 year old.

On a diet lately, lost around 17 pounds, about 8 more to go.

Have to look good whenever I go down south.

Actually my knees and back feel better.

Saw the Harry Potter movie on the weekend. Pretty good, especially for the 11 year old.

Going to bed.

I'm going to catch up on my blog reading later in the week and I'll write a nice long, rambling blog about essentially nothing, which is what I seem to be good at!

Sick Saturday

2005-11-12T12:17:00.001-08:00

I've haven't been feeling well all week, a cold and touch of the flu. Why on a Saturday? Anyways I'll get over it.
Yesterday we received free tickets to the Toronto Raptors game. 10 rows up from the floor, and they cost $272.00 for the pair. Freebies, because who in their right mind would pay that much cash to watch a horrible team?
Earlier this week, I was coming home a 6pm down our local, kind of busy road. It was dark and when I turned to go on this road, a great big bloody deer ran in front of me.
I slammed the brakes on and just missed it. This buck stopped and looked and then ran off into the orchard to the left.
I went slowly down the street, heart pounding like hell and about 300 metres down the road, he ran out again in front of me. I missed him again.
Yesterday when I came home in daylight, I saw him grazing about 50 metres from the road.
This buck is not shy!
Because I'm sick, I'm only doing chores that won't tire me out. Which is not bad, but boring.
Tonight the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs are on tv. Guess where I'll be a 7pm?

Ohhhhhh.......

2005-11-08T16:45:00.000-08:00

That's the sound of me sitting down after going non-stop for too long.

The jack and jill was nice and we had a good time.
Just before my wife and I walked in, she mentioned that we might not know many people there. The first person we saw at the door was a college teacher of mine from 1988.
She remembered me as I was a good student and out spoken at the time.
She was telling me that this teacher who I didn't take any s t from died a couple years ago.
The guy who died was this big Austrian man who physically tried t
o intimidate his students. He'd grabbed by the collar or threaten with poor marks if he didn't get his ways.
One time I was in an economics class at 8am and I put my head on the desk, resting my eyes, but wide awake. He threw his keys at me, I caught them and I took them to the Dean.
Others were scared, but I was a mature student who was also as big as himself.
He once was charged with road rage incident and he always would talk about it, thinking that people would be scared or impressed.
Anyways there is more stories that I could tell, but that's for another blog.
I feel for his kids, but a jerk is a jerk, dead or alive.

Anyways this teacher I saw there knew the bride, as I, and several others who were there. It was nice to see her!

The party itself was pretty good, but the groom looked like a deer in the headlights. At 24 and a decade younger than his bride, I think he maybe over his head. I hope their marriage is a long and happy one!

Day off

2005-11-04T13:07:00.000-08:00

I took today off with the kid today.
He had to go to the doctor's and I had to get blood work done, so I booked the day off to hang as well.
I needed a day of rest as the weekend looks anything but...
First of all my mil's hubby's mother died this week, she was almost 90. Cancer took her and she died peacefully with 3 of her daughters at her side, at home. Her funeral is tomorrow in Fenelon Falls which is 1 hour and 20 minutes away from here.
Then we go to a party in the evening back here.
Sunday we are going to the travel show, I think by the Toronto airport.
Somewhere in there I want to put my son's room back together. My wife wants to shampoo the carpet first and mil owns one but they are not there for us to get it.

Anyways, I want to talk about something different.
This party we are going to is called a jack and jill. Some call it a buck and doe, stag and stagette, etc.....
Anyways this person getting married is a friend of my sil, age about 34, I think. This is her third kick at the married can.
My question, why?
One about the party and two about the marriage.
After two times I personally think that I would never do it again. For some marriage doesn't work, no matter what.
I like this lady, enough to go to her party, but why more celebration?
I may be cynical, but do we go to her 4th jack and jill 6 years down the line.
This lady is really good looking, always has been. From my sil I've known her for amost 20 years, when she was a teenager.
Anyone of my male friends who has seen her can't believe how hot she is. It seems that any of her ex'es always seems to be not good looking being beside her.
Now she is in her mid thirties and new hubby to be is younger then her. He doesn't even look like he is in mid twenties, actually like just out of high school. For the first time I ever seen her with guys, she actually looks old to me, because of him.
Getting back to marriage, I've known so many bitter peopls from it, I'm still surprised some are still getting hitched.
I still wish them happy lives, but.......

Halloween

2005-11-01T17:33:00.000-08:00

A belated happy halloween.
My son was a mean clown and he scored tons of candy.
Last year it took him months to eat the crap. We actually threw some out and we expect to do the same this time around.
This year was the first time that my son went without us, of course freaking my wife out.
He went with 3 buddies and everything was good.

Relaxing Sunday afternoon

2005-10-30T08:37:00.000-08:00

The weather is decent today so I'm going outside after this blog.
Chores include; Mow grass and rake, re-level patio stone, trim bushes in front, tidy garage, find and put on air conditioning cover, clean and put air in car tires, sweep and hose front porch, and then put all compost in the leaf bag for the town to pick up tomorrow.
In between I have to get dinner ready and do some laundry.
I love relaxing Sunday afternoons!

And my stinky Maple Leafs lost 8 to nothing to the Senators. Crap!

Have a great Sunday!

Oh well

2005-10-22T12:38:00.000-07:00

It's ironic that we can plan a trip for whatever reasons, that can get wiped out by 48 hours by mother nature.
It just goes to show that you can't beat mother nature, even though that was one of the reasons why we planned the vacation n the first place.
It doesn't matter anyways, what is more important is that everyone in that affected area is going to be alright.
We have travel insurance!
Sil, when she got married this summer, her honeymoon was cancelled by the tour company the day before and they gave them an alternative place to go.(which they took)
The world looks at Canada as a frozen barren land, 12 months a year. Actually here in Southern Ontario nothing could be further from the truth.
When I got married many moons ago, it was 80 degrees out and it was October. We get around 4 months of snowy weather here, with the snow never getting to more than a foot at one time. In my 41 years on earth here, I remember only a few times where we received more than a foot.
The rest of the year is decent and the summers too humid for my liking.
Anyways, getting away from the Canadian winter for a week is a nice break. Makes the winter seem not so long.(and depressing)
We will go somewhere!

I worked 58 hours this week. That's too many!
I returned from my run yesterday to my depot. My afternoon boss asked me to move trailers around after I worked for 12 hours. I freaked at him and gave him a large piece of my mind.
I don't mind doing things around the yard to make extra money, but not because of lazy, selfish drivers.
I told him that I work hard(for a driver) and after 12 hours I should be going home to my family. They get their moneys worth out of me and then some.
We have drivers who won't do anything extra unless forced. I told him it was time to force.
I did what he asked, and some other stuff he didn't know about and I took my friggin time. He was really paying for those trailer moves.
I have a real problem with incompetence, selfishness and lazyness as far as trucking goes.
What is worse is that we have this guy retiring next week and his replacement is a lazy dog f 'er. An old manager who went back to driving, and he is bitter as well.
I'll growl at him and try and scare him off.
When I left last night, my manager meekly wished me a nice weekend.
I am now!

Now I'm off to the kids room to paint.

Yawn.....

2005-10-19T17:41:00.000-07:00

8:41pm on a Wednesday evening and I'm going to bed in a few minutes.
I just can't seem to be awake no matter what I do today so I'm just going to bed.
Besides I don't have much to say for a change!

I've decided that once I get the time I'm going to update this blog. Well I have to figure out what to do first, without the help of a 11 year old son.

Good night all!

My neck and back

2005-10-16T09:36:00.000-07:00

After the masssage yesterday my neck and back started to get really sore.
My wife thought I would feel alot better immediately, but I knew better. Some muscles that were not sore were massaged and that led to it being kind of bruised, for a lack of a better explanation.
We went out for our "date" which was a movie.(Elizabethtown) Thankfully it was one of these new AMC theaters, as I was in alot of pain and the seats are looking AT the screen, instead of up.
I had to go home right after, much to my wife's chagrin, she wanted to go out. When at home I iced my sore areas and popped a couple of pills. I then rubbed some cold ice oitment before sleeping.
Well I woke up this morning in around half the pain and able to do a few things around the house.
After this I'm resting and icing, again much to my wife's chagrin.

Elizabethtown was alright, like a 3 and half out of 5. Kristen Dunst was pretty good, but Orlando Bloom(better known as Legolas) was unimpressive.
The story goes that Bloom is coming back to his father's hometown in Kentucky after his father had died. He get's to know his father's past and all his friends and relatives as he is planning his funeral.
Kristen Dunst is a flight attendant he meets on the way there and they keep in touch and fall in love, blah, blah, blah....
Actually her character is abit flaky and one of the better aspects of the movie.
Cameron Crowe writes and directs, so that means the soundtrack is really good.(his wife is Nancy Wilson of Heart)
Wait for it to come out on dvd, but I'll buy the soundtrack soon.

A rather busy time

2005-10-11T19:13:00.000-07:00

Our weekend up north was nice.
My Dad is feeling and looking good and has alot more energy. He's stopped drinking his 3 rum and diet cokes a night and my Mom is extremely happy for that.
Dad figures that he has saved about a thousand dollars already.
A mere 5 days after his angioplasty he was going for a walk with us.
He showed us a picture of his heart before and after. He showed us the blocked artery and how it looked now. Cool stuff. Sort of!

We had a lazy sports watching day on Sunday. Included was hockey, football, baseball and golf. No drinking though, which is fine with me, I don't drink that much.

On Monday we arrived home and my mil invited us over for dinner.
It's kind of funny that my mil's hubby can paint, wire a house and do basic carpentry, but can't cook.
He tries and thinks he does a good job, but....
The veggies were good, due to the season, but they just mangle the roast.
He's trying to tell my bil that he'll teach him how to cook a roast the proper way.
I'll teach him and I would help mil's hubby if he wasn't stubborn.
Anyways the roast was passable and we had a nice time.

The talk was who's doing Christmas dinner and they looked at us. We didn't tell them but I'm hoping to arrive at airport on Christmas eve or day from a tropical island.
Then we plan to go out for dinner on Christmas day. (Toronto has a large Jewish community)
Talk about anti-social.
Oh well!

Sense of humour

2005-10-03T17:11:00.000-07:00

While reading Michelle's blog about jokes between her and her daughter, got me thinking.
My son and I prank each other all the time and my wife thinks we are childish, especially me. I am!
My son will walk by me and give me a wet willy.
I'll zing him with a bunch of elastics when he is reading.
He'll walk by and fart.
I'll burp when I go and give him a kiss.
Farting under the covers and then smothering one or the other is a favourite.
I could go on, but you get the idea....
We have a good time!

One of my favourites recently was to a guy I play hockey with.
His wife asked him to catch a mouse that was in his garage I believe. Put a trap up and then let the thing go in a field or something, that sort of thing. This 6'3" guy is afraid of rodents. Same guy who didn't stop playing hockey when going through chemotherapy treatments.
He didn't do what she asked.
Later that week he's getting changed into his hockey equipment and he is ready to put his skates on. He puts his foot in one skate and screams!
His wife put a fake mouse in one of his skates, much to all of our enjoyments.

Work,work, work and more work

2005-09-28T18:36:00.000-07:00

35 hours in three days and tomorrow I have my furthest call.
At work they have their year end inventory and we have to have extra duties done by Thursday. I'm done!
Go on google, type the word failure and then hit I'm feeling lucky.
Good night all!

Sunday Evening

2005-09-25T18:19:00.000-07:00

Quickly I'll go over my day;

1: Woke up and immediately made muffins
2: After coffee, started to re-organize kitchen
3: Made lunch for family
4: Built shelf for cupboard
5: Finished re-organizing
6: Made dinner for Sunday and Monday
7: Made bread pudding for dessert
8: Cleaned dishes
9: Swept floor
10: Made lunches for tomorrow
11: Got coffee maker ready for tomorrow
12: On computer at 930pm
13: Ice my back
14: Going to bed

At least my tv is in the same area as my kitchen. It was a great day for sports, as golf, football, junior hockey, baseball and auto racing was on.

Tired

2005-09-22T17:40:00.000-07:00

I'm tired!
Yesterday due to the complete lack of knowledge my manager has for his job, I worked 14 hours.
He asked me when I returned to our depot, "how was my run?"
I told him it was one of the worse ones I ever had.
He thought I was joking. I wasn't!
I told him it wasn't a joke.
Today was better, but had to take my tractor in the shop for a new radiator. I get paid to take it, but it still takes time at the end of the day.

I watched this new show called "My name is Earl." I thought it was pure trailer trash and I love it.

Because of the impending hurricane, gas prices here are supposed to almost double tomorrow. There was huge line ups at every gas station this evening.
Talk about looters, these gas companies taking advantage of a dependent consumer. There is nothing we can do about it.
Time for bed and it's only 9pm.

Tuesday evening non hockey night

2005-09-20T16:15:00.000-07:00

I'll be alittle less cheeky with this blog.

I have a slight hip pointer so I thought I would take the night off from playing hockey and watch the son start the fall session of karate.
Well isn't that wonderful!
Karate starts on Thursday and everyone left me here alone.
The kid went out to play with his buddy down the street and the lady went to the gym and then to a friends for an hour.
Hmmmmmmm............
What to do? Well I'll catch up on reading some blogs and I'll write this.
I have to have a bath so I can soak my hip and then stretch it. Then I'll ice it! I should just go to the chiropractor and get it massaged and adjusted, but I can't afford it just now.
Look what I'm writing about, I'm getting old. Hips!
When the kid comes home I'll hang with him and we'll read with either the tube on or some music playing in the background. He's a good kid!

My son and his friend were asking me about rock bands from when I was a kid. Seems that they are into the bands from the 70s and they are downloading some songs. Rush was the one most asked about.
Rush is a Toronto band and anyone who liked rock and is around my age, probably has a Rush story.
The first concert I ever saw was Rush when I was I think 13 years old. Up until I was in my early 20s, I have seen them around 4, maybe 5 times.
If I wasn't so broke and tickets weren't so bloody expensive, I might go see them or someone else.
This week U2 and then Pearl Jam played Toronto. Your looking at a few hundred dollars per concert.
My son asked if I would ever take him. I said sure, but I would have to take his mother first. He asked why? I said she would feel excluded and this way she would realize she hates loud concerts and after that she wouldn't care if she wouldn't go.

We picked up the travel magazines for our tropical winter vacation on Sunday. It looks like Mexico and probably just a week.
We have to determine a date and then we will book it. This has to be booked by some date in December for payment plans purposes.
I have a week off in December, the week before Christmas. My wife would like to go away that week, but I tell her that there is alot of winter after that.
My preference is late March, because I think we could pull off two weeks. My plan would be if we are going then for two weeks, then I would work through my vacation in December and leave my holiday pay alone for four months.
Four extra months to pay off a two week vacation, an extra weeks pay and more money to come home to after two weeks.
Sounds good to me!
I'll take a week anytime to be honest with you.

Butts

2005-09-19T16:02:00.000-07:00

While waiting in line for that hamburger on Saturday(the one that the politicians ran out of) I was talking to a elderly couple, around late 70s. Nice couple, friendly and with an accent.
They told me they have been in town since the mid 70s, and raised their two grown daughters here.
They asked me if I knew either one of them. They said their names and nothing clicked. They spelled the last names and then it clicked. They were from the tiny Dutch community that settled on the east side of town.
I knew their younger daughter, as we were in quite a few classes together.
Why after all these years did I remember her?
I used to sit behind her so I could look at her butt. And she had a nice one from what I could remember.
Forgive me, I was a horny teenager then, and not blind.
I kind of felt guilty talking to this nice couple.
Oh well!

Anyways it got me thinking about friends who lives close by. They have 6 kids, 5 of which are girls, 3 of those teenagers.
My buddy has to deal with guys like I was at that age. I feel for him, I really do. I'm really glad I have a son.
I have other friends with daughters and they will have to deal with this soon.
I am really glad I have a son.

Getting back to butts!
When I was growing up, I used to get teased about the size of my butt. Picture this, a skinny 5'10" teenager with a bubble butt.
I've since grown into it, thankfully!
Now when I'm at best weight, I think my butt looks porportional to the rest of my body.
I think it actually looks good to some.(to me)
I think I was before my time!

A question. Do you notice when a man checks you out?
Today I was going in for a coffee and this lady was ahead of me about 20 feet. She had a nice butt with painted on jeans. There were guys outside having a smoke and they stopped everything when she went by.
She must have notice, as I did and I thought it was obvious and funny.
Would it bother you? It didn't seem to bother her.

Tonight I watched this Canadian show called "Corner Gas." It's the best Canadian show out there. It stars a guy named Brent Butt, honestly.

One of the best Seinfeld shows was the one where Kramer got licence plates with the letters "assman." There was a mix up with a proctoligist and the dmv.

Today I see on my work travels, young ladies who wear their pants to the point where their butt cracks are exposed. It seems to be like the newfound clevage. I call it a plumbers butt. Then there are the ladies who do this and have a rather large tattoo to show off. Wait till they get older, they will being wearing too many clothes on a hot summer day to cover up. They just don't believe in gravity.
One thing I do know, you don't see many men showing off their butt cheeks. Not intentionally anyways.
I generally like the look, but some aren't meant to show off butt clevage.
We have this friend a half hour east of here. Mid 40s, female and overweight and she wears these leather pants that she bought around 40 pounds ago. Plumbers butt city there! I like this lady, but please.....At least wait until dinner is finished.

A second thought, definitely not

2005-09-13T16:49:00.000-07:00

More rock trivia from my head.
I'm listening to a ZZtop cd on my way to work and it got me thinking. Remember this was the band with the two guitarist with those really long beards and the drummer with no beard and short hair.
Well the drummer's name is ironically Frank Beard.
More useless rock trivia, but this time the music is good.
Their best cd's in my opinion are Deguallo and Fandango.(excuse the spelling)

This evening we went to "meet the teacher night" and there was a bbq as well. Nice man and I'm glad my son has a male teacher this year. He has had mainly women teachers up to now and this provides a slightly different prospective.
He was commenting on how our son answers and thinks differently than most of the others in his class.(in a good way)

A thought, maybe not!

2005-09-12T17:33:00.000-07:00

While writing this, Whitesnake is playing in the background. What ever happen to these guys? Remember the video with the chick slithering all over the car? Tawney Kitaan(I think) was her name and she was charged with assault for beating up her husband. His name ws Chuck Finley, this huge baseball pitcher. That's way too much useless information in my head.
I could use that wasted space for something useful!

All that new hockey equipment and I can't use it tomorrow. Meet the teacher night and I miss these too much, apparently. There's always next week.

We just finished watching Sahara. Not bad and I'm glad I didn't go to the theatre.

my money

2005-09-11T15:36:00.000-07:00

I received my quarterly safety bonus on Friday. Yeah!!!!!!
I decided to spend MY money on some hockey equipment that I need. I went and bought a helmet and hockey pants, costing a 150 dollars, and then I still got it on sale.
Next year I'm going to try and join a league, as I only play for fun now.
I still need shoulder and shin pads to be properly protected for a league.
When I told my son about joining a league, he said I would have to play clean because there would be referees.
Nice, my son thinks I'm a dirty player.(I am)

With the remainder of my bonus, the three of us went golfing today, a nine hole course just north of here.
My son did well for him, my wife was alright and I as pretty good. Straight drives on all but 1 hole and I shot a 45, which is good for me.
The weather was perfect as well.

Next year I'm going to invest my all my bonuses into my retirement plan. I figure it will help our tax situation and my future, abeit 20 years from now. It is fun to spend it as I want, but I'll have all new hockey equipment by then, which should last 10 years.

nice day

2005-09-05T17:10:00.000-07:00

Well regarding my last post, that was just a rant. Today was a perfect weather day and we just hung around the house.
We got our outside chores done and did some relaxing.
A drink here and some reading was just the right tonic.

Yesterday we went to my cousin's about an hour and a half east of here, in the middle of nowhere.
Funny how a distant cousin can be your closest one. Anyways we had lunch with them and she was glad we were there.

Saturday we did our chores and then went to friends for pizza and drinks. Yum.......

Overall, a decent weekend.

Labour Day

2005-09-05T08:21:00.000-07:00

Normally my politcal leanings are to the right of center, but these days it is swinging back to the left.
In my mind if things are difficult at work, I think that if unhappy, get yourself a better position in life. I mean, stop whining and get another job or go see management to sort things out.
Now with the cost of fuel spiralling out of control, taxes not getting lower and keeping household expenses from not skyrocketing, I'm starting to get pissed.
Inflation like that is kind of out my control!
I need a car to get to work. The governments here haven't expanded public transit properly in 30 years, so the train or buses are not a option.
I could get another job, but I lose my pension and seniority. I currently work weekdays and a dayshift which are really difficult to get, so basically another job means really crappy hours.
I may be whining, but being loyal and hardworking means absolutely nothing.
I can't wait for our annual work meeting come November. The dude in charge gives a "state of the company address." He will tell us about how poor the company is doing due to the rising cost of fuel and insurance. Meanwhile they are locked in at a lower fuel rate and they just past the cost on to the customer anyways. It's called a fuel surcharge and it's on every invoice.
As far as insurance goes, we the drivers are at a record low for accidents and infractions.
I need more money!
The company has to keep up with the industry standard or they will have a mass exodus.

How about that for a whine?

New Orleans

2005-09-01T16:34:00.000-07:00

I fell kind of guilty complaining about alittle rain storm which put my phone and computer down for aweek or so.
Can you imagine living in the southeast USA.
The pictures and reports from that area are simply awesome in a negative way.
It just goes to show you that you can't screw around with mother nature with New Orleans being below sea level.
Nature can be powerful and cruel at the same time, and we as humans are a small part of it.
My heart goes out to everyone affected by the hurricane.
The one picture that stands out in my mind is when a CNN reporter was in front of a building and he reported that this building moved as a whole about half a mile to that spot.
This was a casino that had to be 30,000 square feet.

The day of the hurricane, before all of the carnage, they played a song here by a Canadian band named The Tragically Hip. The song, New Orleans is sinking. I haven't heard it since.

Big Storm

2005-08-25T16:01:00.000-07:00

Sorry about not blogging but our computer got fried in a storm last Friday. Right now I'm at the library using the computers here before I go home, you get a hour free.
Around 3pm last Friday in Southern Ontario, storms starting with really heavy rain and lightning.
Tornadoes were spotted about 75 kilometres northwest of here.
Floods were all around the city of Toronto.
Along with our computer, the phones were shot and our fax is history.
I didn't think I would miss the phone, but I did. Just not having the convience of it was enough for me.
Of course I miss the computer, but not the fax.(it's my wife's, for her work)
So we have about 500 dollars damage total. Our deductible is that amount.
Our computer is leased so Dell owns it and that's free. We just have to wait and I suppose that will be another week.
We have to get 5 phone jacks fixed, we have one working.
The fax will be replaced in a month or so. Our fax is 16 years old, so my wife doesn't mind getting a new one, they work so much better now and are smaller.

Other than that there is nothing really going on in my life that is exciting.
Oh yea, I scored 3 goals in hockey the other night, which is the first time that has happen in years.

We were at our friends last Saturday for a bbq. At the end of the evening, this couple got into a huge fight in front of us. Pretty wild for us, we don't argue that good ourselves. Anyways alittle awkward and we left shortly there after.

Hopefully I can do a blog from home soon.

Sunday morning rampage part two

2005-08-14T09:17:00.000-07:00

Again another Sunday morning rampage, this time it's the two of us on the receiving end. Too much and I'm not going to take this every weekend morning.

We saw "The Upside of Anger" last night on dvd.
Pretty good chic flic with Kevin Costner and Joan Allen, I would recommend it. Good story and good acting!
As a family we also watched "Mr. 3000" staring Bernie Mac. We're not talking any great acting here but it was funny and entertaining.

Canadian justice system

2005-08-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

Seems that we've had liberal governments here in Canada forever.
One of the biggest drawbacks is how the justice system works.
There was a murder in the early 1990s of a university student named Lynda Shaw.
Her remains were found about a week after she was missing in a forest area.
She had been raped among other atrocious things.
They found her killer this year from DNA testing. Hurray you say!
Not so fast!
The scumbag is dead, he committed suicide in 1994. Because he is dead, they can't name him for privacy reasons. He can't defend himself!
The DNA in this case is right, the odds are one in a trillion they may be wrong.
Oh yea, the guy was out on parole for the double murder of a undercover cop and a taxi driver.
Due to our lax penal system, he was on full parole. This poor excuse for a human shouldn't have ever seen a free moment for the rest of his life.
Luckily some of the newspapers named him anyways.

Nothing to say!

2005-08-12T20:00:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here at this computer at 11pm on a Friday evening with nothing really to say.
Actually reading my past blogs, I really haven't said much anyhow.

Work was easy today until I was trying to get to my depot from my last customer today.
Excuse tha language, but the god damned highway was closed due to a accident. A 50 minute drive back took over 2 hours. I hate that on a Friday!
Oh well, they pay me by the hour, but I just want to get home.
I get home a 730pm(13 hour day) and dinner was bought, not made.(someone was home today, working though, but home nonetheless) I had to put it together and heat it up.
The appreciation for my hard work, hmmmm...... Let's say I'm not impressed.
That's enough for the self pity!
Well one more thing or so.....
945pm, someone is falling asleep on the couch and it's not the guy who feels unappreciated.
The kid goes to bed at 10pm and I'm alone, again.
What a life!

I've decided that when this heatwave ends(almost 2 months) that I'm going to start exercising on Friday evenings. I need more energy, not from coffee, so exercise is the answer.
Now it's 2 rum and diet pepsi's and sleep by midnight.

Speaking of rum, bil and sil gave me a bottle of Cuban rum for me helping out during their wedding and honeymoon after.(babysitting)
Since I did very little, I told them it wasn't neccessary, but the bottle is on my counter now.
I'm drinking Jamaican rum right now.
Cuban rum will be in the fall!
No cigars came my way. They bought some, but they seem to think that they can sell them on e-bay and make some money. Good luck!

Sucky jobs

2005-08-08T17:25:00.000-07:00

Reading Steph's posts about her crappy job got me thinking about my negative job situations. Here are a few!
I was an assistant manager at a fast food chain in the late 80s. I was transfered to this store where the general manager had a reputation of being a hot head, among other things.
The first thing he says to me is that he makes the deposits because he doesn't trust the bank. Ok, I then verified every deposit I ever made under his command.
One day he freaked out on the floor and grabbed me by the arm and screamed at me. Ok, time to nip this in the bud, fast.
I suggest to him quietly that we talk in the office downstairs. He disagreed! We were down there in about 2 minutes after I said to him to get his ass downstairs.
When we were there, I grab him by the shirt and said if he ever touched me again, it would be the last act as manager he would ever do.
I love being a rather large man.
For the remainder 2 months we spent together, he was rather polite and understanding.
I ended up getting him fired for stealing money from my verified deposits.
A few years later when I became a truck driver he was a manager on my route. He changed his name, but I still called him by his old one. I basically made him squirm everytime I saw him for the next 6 months or so.
Life ws grand!
My next job was managing cafeterias for this corporation. I had a iron clad contact about raises and permanent locations after 3 months.
My district manager was gutless, so she never stood up for me when I addressed the big boss about my contract.
One day I'm in this huge corporate account of there's and they are giving a tour for this guy I knew. I went to college with him, his name was Darrel.
After this tour was done I went over to speak to him. He was interviewed for my job. After I informed him that was the job I was currently doing, he laughed and said he didn't think he would like working there.
My plan was to walk around with a resignation in my pocket and wait for the right moment.
A couple of days later I come in to work and there is a message that the big boss would be there in the afternoon, after lunch of course.
She came in and I gave her the resignation and told her to F' off, in front of clients and employees.
We then met a few minutes after that in the cafeteria and I yelled at her for several minutes, to embarrass her.
It worked! Her face was red.
Basically I made too much money and they didn't want to pay.
In trucking there are all kinds of cockroaches, too many to mention.
When I quit the last job I had before the one I have now, they stiffed me out of severance, vacation and regular pay. They actually said I owe them pay, as they over paid me for a period of time.
I took them to the labour board and it took about a year before I got my money.

Sunday morning rampage

2005-08-07T07:12:00.000-07:00

Quick blog, I can hear my wife yelling at the son while cleaning abit of the basement.
Why?
Some questions need to be answered, but this one will have to wait.
I'm going out to my refuge, the garage. I'm sure my son will be joining soon.
I tell her every once in a while to get a managers job so she can boss people around there.
See you soon!

Saturday afternoon part 21

2005-08-06T11:02:00.000-07:00

I realized that I seem to blog on Saturday afternnon alot, so that's why it's part 21.(it's just a number)
I was going to blog last evening since the wife and kid were out with other kids and another girlfriend.
I was going home from work yesterday when I saw my friend's work van sitting at a coffee shop. I pulled in and had a coffee with him, which was nice, after all we are all family guys and there never seems to be enough time.
I've known this guy since I was in grade 9, we sat beside each other in a couple classes. He got into some trouble with the law then and most people bailed on him.
I always stuck by him and would to this day.
He doesn't get into trouble anymore.
He had this long time girlfriend over 20 years ago and I went out with her best friend for over a year.
Since then he has had a couple of wives and mine has been friends with both. Actually his ex lives about 20 doors down from here with her new hubby.
Anyhow we chatted for an hour and then I went home.
I was washing up when another friend called and asked if I wanted to golf a quick 9.(our wives and kids were out together)
20 minutes later I'm on a golf course.
Not a bad game either.
Went back to his place and had a beer with our wives and the screaming kids were at another part of their house.
When we got home I watched alittle tv and went to bed at midnight.
I woke up finally at 10 am, which is great for me.
Right now I feel great, except for my right pinkie finger.

Yesterday at work, I dropped a 80 pound drum against my finger. I cursed and then punched the side of the trailer.
My finger turned purple and swelled up to twice the size. It looks cool actually! It's just alittle sore now, but difficult to type.(easy to golf)
My week at work was better than this other driver.
He was fined by the police for having a insecure load, 390 dollars. Not only that, he loses his quarterly safety bonus, so we're talking 740 dollars. And he has to take at least a day off to fight it in court, so when it is all said and done, it will easily be over a 1000 dollars.
All this for a pump truck that wouldn't have moved or caused any damage anyhow.
We were teasing him at work when we found out, and then he admitted he called the lady cop "sir" when she approached. He didn't look first.

It seems that most new friends that I make, either on-line or in person, are women. I wonder why that is?
Anyways most of my blog friends are women or non Canadians.
I'll explain something that is very male oriented with a huge Canadian slant, hockey.
NHL brand to be specific.
My team is the Toronto Maple Leafs. For years if they wanted a player, they basically bought him. Of course this was at the expense of poorer teams and it pissed off alot of fans of other teams.
Even though they were a good team for the last 15 years they never won the big prize, The Stanley Cup.(they haven't won it since 1967)
The Leafs have the largest following of all hockey teams. They make near the top in merchandising, tv revenue and gate receipts. They are filthy rich! Other teams are not.
The NHL had a labour dispute with the players for lower salaries and they just settled. They now have a team salary cap and revenue sharing between teams.
In other words, the Leafs have to cut their player salaries and give other teams revenue money. Lose, lose situation you say. Not! They will make more money than ever.
But now they will have a lousy team for a couple of years. They can't sign or buy players now and are screwed.
They will get better eventually, but for a couple of years the lessor lights will have their time in the sun.
So this winter I'll try and not bitch too much that my team will suck. I'll be patient!

Plane Crash

2005-08-02T18:06:00.000-07:00

As you may of heard on the news, a plane ran off the runway at the international airport in Toronto.
Alittle after 4pm, I'm travelling north on highway#427 in my truck. The skies were darkened by a lightning storm, so much that I had to put on my regular glasses as I would for night driving.
The rain was pelting down causing poor visibility, but in a truck you don't get splash from the road or cars so I could see safely.
Up ahead I see a plane going west, ready to land. I'm thinking it's pretty high for a landing and I cannot believe they're letting the thing land.
I turn east on highway#401(away from airport) and go back to my depot.
An hour later I'm finished work and I'm in my car. The radio is on and there are reports of a plane on fire at the airport.
I'm thinking it's the one I saw.
I get home and see the news on tv.
It was the one I saw!
Apparently no one died and only a few minor injuries.
The plane blew up after landing and everyone got out before it happen.
A miracle?
I think so!

My Dad, his heart

2005-07-27T19:23:00.000-07:00

My father had his angiogram today.
Good news and bad news.
First the good news, it was about what my father thought and he seems to be the most positive of my mother and I, who were there.
The bad, he has 1 artery 90% clogged and from some special xray he has a weak heart.
They have to so a nuclear test to confirm their findings(in 2 or 3 weeks) and if they are correct they will put in a confibiler(excuse the spelling) to control the irregular heartbeat.
If it is a weak heart, then no operation to clean out the artery, it won't help the weakness and there is too much risk.
So when it is said and done, mild exercise, no drinking, weight loss and better living will be in order.
Not easy for anyone, but for a 68 year old stuck in his old ways.

Both my parents are still alive, so this news today makes me think that what I've always cared for and taken for granted that they always are there for me, will eventually not be.
Kind of scary and sad at the same time.
With my sister living in Boston, she obviously couldn't be there. My brother who lives close by(closer than me) doesn't even know about the test and my father's condition.
That's sad and he will regret it one dad. My uncle did the same thing and he still regrets it 30 years later. My bro and uncle are more alike than they both know.

A quick note on hockey. With my father in the hospital, they had this tube stuck in his groin and he explained to me how they did it.
I cringed!
I then told him about this guy who last year had cancer and was going through chemotherapy. He played pick up hockey with us during this time, he said he had nothing better to do.
yesterday he didn't show up because he tweaked his groin muscle. That's fine!
I find it funny that guys will protect that area over anything else on their bodies.
This fellow was picking off his fingernails and was bald and yet he has a small groin injury and he can't show up.
I'm not criticizing, but I find it funny.
Most guys are the same.

Hockey fight

2005-07-26T19:25:00.000-07:00

As you may know, I play pickup hockey, early on Tuesday evenings. I've been doing this for 20 years or so now, so I think I've seen alot of different situations.
Tonight might be the the most weird of all.
After we finish there is a womens' league that plays after us. This just started this year so there is a few things that we as male hockey players have to get used to.
The main thing is to put a towel around yourself when walking to the shower. Tonight when I was doing this, this lady commented that I was lucky that I was wearing a towel. I told her that maybe she was lucky and then we laughed it off.
Anyway I'm finished showering and I'm upstairs in the bar having my beer.
This place you can watch the games and still be in the bar. I'm watching these ladies when a fight starts out on one of the benches.
This is odd, even in men's hockey.
Behind the bench it looks like they are beaking up 2 players. They were not! It was the lady who commented on my towel attacking her male coach.
They escorted him out and the palyers were high fiving each other and this particular lady was still playing.
They won!
I wonder what this coach did to start a revolt like this.

Anyways my game was as follows, the beer tasted great.

In-law weekend results

2005-07-25T01:57:00.000-07:00

Quick post, Monday morning before work.
Was supposed to be ready by 8pm Saturday evening and I get home a 5pm with my wife freaking and bossy.
I basically told her to get out of the kitchen and leave me alone and I'll make a nice dinner, It'll take 15 or 20 minutes.
Viola, everything calm and a nice dinner for all.
Wedding was on the beach and was nice. All her siblings were there with spouses except for Montreal's pain in the butt, which was good.
Sil looked good and was organized for her but they forgot one thing, what to do with the kids after a certain time!
Not my problem, I have the eldest kid and he has never, ever been a burden at any age.
Wife asked me if we should transport the other kids 25 minutes east back home and then come back. I said watching her kids for the better part of a week was more than enough and the other kids were her siblings' problem. She agreed!
Anyway we were home by midnight and in the morning we heard about the problems everyone had putting their kids asleep and now were cranky.
Caring, not!
I thought it was a nice evening!
Sidebar; some guy had a heart attack on the beach and the new groom had to perform CPR about 15 minutes after the ceremony. Good for him and a cool story to tell for years to come. He had a shot of tequilla when he got back, to clean his mouth out. He doesn't really drink!

Saturday afternoon

2005-07-23T10:18:00.000-07:00

Another hot day, but not as smoggy and less humidity.
I was reading the paper this morning on the front porch and over heard that my neighbours, Mr. and Mrs. Peckerhead are moving to a condo in downtown Toronto. I feel for their neighbours!
Anyways, they were moving today, her bro and friend with borrowed 5 ton truck and guess what Mr. Peckerhead was doing? Yea. cutting the friggin grass at 8:30am, while his help were moving chesterfields, dressers and light stuff like that. Anyone associated with him I feel for, honestly.

Sil gets married this evening and things are starting to get "hairy" around here. Well not for me, I just have to do some laundry and iron some stuff later, before her kids come over. I told the wife I wasn't watching the kids, there is plenty of other aunts, uncles and grandmothers around to do that. Plus once sil's kids get all dressed up, I don't responsibilty for them getting all dirty.

A quick explanation about marriage therapy.
My wife and I get along fine. We don't argue much and agree on child rearing, financial and other important stuff.
Our problems are in the bedroom, one way or another.
She has been unfaithfull in the past and has gone to a shrink to figure things out.
She has a disorder that has her on meds and under her shrinks care. Everything for her personally is going pretty well.
I feel that she doesn't take the same care when it comes to me and our marriage. This is how I feel and have for a number of years.
She asked me recently if I was happy, and I explained to her the same I did here,only more in detail.
Instead of it being all about her, like I feelit almost always does, I made it about me.
So going to a therapist is the next step for us. She needs it for us and for her. I don't expect much because my wife gets in the same routine it's hard to get her out. Why would she change now?
I hope I'm wrong!

2005-07-22T17:21:00.000-07:00

Two nights in a row, could this be a trend of the future.
Friday evening, hot summer night and what are people talking about?
Hockey!
Figures, it is Canada.

My wife and I are going to marriage therapy starting in a few weeks. We're going to see her doctor, which I'm happy because it won't be all about her.
We tried this before and went to therapists who didn't know us and they have to ask questions. Then it turns to out to be an hour about her and nothing about me. I find it frustrating!
Funny, I find it's the same thing with golf lessons, 55 minutes for her and the remaining 5 for me.(I'm quite abit more advanced)
Anyways, the majority of our problems stem from her and not me.(we both agree on that point)
I'd like to get these things worked out, it's been along time.

My Father has his angiogram next week and my Mother isn't staying with us. They got a discount from the hospital and she is staying at a hotel in Downtown Toronto. She was alittle nervous driving to our place in the suburbs so I will go visit her from work Wednesday and keep her company for a couple hours. Oh, and I'll visit my dad as well!
I'll be glad when they do this procedure, just to find out what is wrong and then try to fix it.

SIL gets married tomorrow. Their honeymoon was cancelled because their hotel in Mexico was damaged. They are going to Cuba instead.
So this weekend is going to be all in-laws everywhere. Yea.......
It will tough trying to hide at all.

No one is home

2005-07-21T16:09:00.000-07:00

Got home at 7pm, entered the house and yelled "hello" and no answer. Car is at the front so they must be at her sister's house down the street.
I like the quiet right now. A note would have been nice, but that's alright.

Since most of my fellow bloggers are female, maybe you can help me with this question. I figured after all these years, maybe I would have the answers but....
How is it when a lady gets all dressed up and a guy looks at her(not drooling, but a glance) this guy gets labelled a pig? After all, why is it that a lady would get dressed up in the first place? If I'm going to get all "impressive" it usually is because of the social situation, but I still like to get noticed, even being married for a thousand years or so. Just curious!
I just can't figure women out! Doubt I ever will.

It still is hot as hell here! 6 weeks of record hot weather is draining me.
Whatever happen to 75 and no humidity. Alittle rain wouldn't hurt as well.
I find with this weather, I'm worn right out by the end of the week.
Sounds like I'm getting old!

Control situation

2005-07-17T10:43:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon, kind of rainy out and most chores are done.
Finished cooking lunch for family and before that, served tea and cookies to the in-laws who popped in unannounced.
I do alot around this freaking house, more than 50%.
Anyway, I tell my wife I'm going to the store for some fine gravel(for re-leveling patio stones) and the grocers for a few items.
She tells me I can't, or I shouldn't!
Excuse me!
Why on earth do you have a problem with me going to the store?
You can't control everything in your life, so don't try.
I tell you in a few years when the kid is a teenager, someone will have a real tough time letting go. It won't be me!
I'm going go to the store now, someone has to deal with it.

I'll try again

2005-07-16T07:29:00.000-07:00

I hit the wrong button and 20 minutes worth of blogging gone.
Oh well! I'll try again this morning.

Last evening my son and wife went to the Harry Potter events at the local Chapters and then got his book by 12:05am. He is reading it right now on the couch since 8am and it is now 10:30am.
He has to stop soon to get active for a few hours before it gets too hot.

Speaking of heat, it has been hot for about 5 weeks now. Records heat in the 30s(90 and up in the old system) and little rain.
Our town has a water restriction(voluntarily) but our neighbour, Mr. Peckerhead continues to water his lawn and our furniture on our front porch. If he does it today, I'm going to aim it directly at his front door.
They sold their house and I hope the closing date isn't too far in the future.
They "fudged" the statistics on their house to get more than it is worth. I know people embellish to get what they are looking for, but to lie about the size of the house.
Good-bye Mr. and Mrs. Peckerhead!

I'm going to watch The British Open, so I'll see you in a while!

Cooking

2005-07-12T17:30:00.000-07:00

I was reading Steffers blog(I should put blog addresses up on my blog, eventually I will) about cooking and I thought I would give some thoughts regarding to it.
I can cook and quite well!
I'm better than my wife, everyone in my family and also my wife's family. Actually I'm better than most of my friends as well!
Why? I like to do it.
When I was 15 or so, my parents used t0 go away without us kids quite abit. My mother would make extra dinners and freeze them, like a homemade tv dinner.(they weren't too bad)
My problem was that we always had a half side of pork and beef in the freezer and it potentially tasted better. We had a family business which was food processing, heavy on the veggies.
One time when my parents went away, I got my Mom to show me how to cook some chops and veggies.
I watched my Dad bbq.
I then started to do this myself.
All trial and error.(that line for you Steffers)
After a while, friends wanted to come over early for the no parent parties as I would cook something up.
A hunting buddy then started to bring over venison and bear roasts and I would cook them.
Camping would become a feast as well as an outdoor party.
I worked in my family's business for 6 years after high school, when financial problems took these businesses down. I decided to go to college.
I took a food management course for two years.
Lots of business courses and lots of chef classes.
I was lousy at baking, but pretty decent at everything else. I was lucky that my cooking partner Jackie was an excellent baker and we were a good team.
Actually I don't mind to this day that I'm an average baker, I would be really fat otherwise.
I lasted a few years in the food business after college, but got out, the hours really sucked, as did the pay.
I now cook almost all meals when home.
On Sundays I cook two dinners so my wife doesn't have to cook anything the next couple days.
My problem now is time.
Mind you I did skip dinner tonight, nothing made.

Right!

2005-07-08T11:50:00.000-07:00

Just finish talking to the wife and asked her about snooping on my e-mails. She denied which makes me think that she must think I'm stupid.
Well, I'm not honey!

Just winding up my holidays and it has been nice. The kid and I went up to my parents for three days and had a nice visit. Checked out the local area and saw a couple of movies. They were "Batman Begins," which was very good and "War Of The Worlds," which was just okay.
Yesterday the whole family went to the zoo, which I enjoy, but damn that was alot of walking.
In a few minutes I'm taking the kid and his friend to the indoor swimming pool where there is a water slide. We're also supposed to get a thunder storm later, the remnants of a storm called Cindy. Thunder storms are always a good reason to swim inside.
My kid's buddy is a son of my long time friend.(around 30 years) This kid is very sullen, kind of mopes around which is the opposite of my kid. His mother gives him the option of doing sports or not and he chooses not to, which at 11 years old I think is wrong.
I think that if a kid excels at sports and not school, then you balance it out with academic options, like tutors or extra work.
The same goes with if you are good at school and not sports, then you balance it out for them. My kid hates sports, but fully understands why we put him in activities.

Well I'm at the library finishing this blog. The pool is in the same building and I can get this done without my wife breathing done my neck.
She complains about the time she can't spend on her job, you know getting the kid ready in the morning and meeting him after school. For the most part I understand, but this morning I questioned her.
I was looking for her and I couldn't find her in the house. She was talking to her friend that I don't like.
I said if your time management needs improving then personal calls can wait. She got pissed, saying that we got along well yesterday and now I bring this up.(trying to change the subject)
This lady now works for her competitor(they used to work together) and I think time can be better spent not talking to her during business hours.
Well, she does what she wants and that includes not listening to me.

I'll give some reasons for my dislike of this person.
Number one is the fact she does sales and the 5 or 6 years she has known my wife she still can't look me in the eye and have a conversation. Doing sales must be tough if you can't talk. I'm not joking, we have never had a conversation, and I've tried. Think what you like about these blogs, you have to admit, I can talk. I can listen as well!
Two, I think she is sneaky. My wife used to go out on Thursdays alot for drinks with this person. She used to change clothes at her place after getting ready at our place. Her choice of clothes are not what I would agree to. I know this was my wife doing it, but most true friends would have said something.(and no, I'm not controlling)
Thirdly, arranging for her then boyfriend to bring guys along to meet up with my wife. Again I know my wife is an adult, but true friends.......
Dance lessons together until I said I want to join. Damn they lost interest in a hurry.
To many graphic details of my wife's sex life, again a true friend might have to say that she has a spouse.
The one that bugs me the most, is when we are at the same social situation she whispers in my wife's ear. Rude, rude, rude........
One time we had a milestone birthday party for my wife at a club/bar. All our friends were there and this person was with her boyfriend. She and her boyfriend ignored our friends all night, and my friends are really easy to talk to. This was weeks after she saw the same crowd at one of our parties, which she ignored everyone as well.
This year we had another party and she didn't show up, no phone call or apology. Boyfriend problems and did she want to go out drinks at a later date.
I could go on but I think you get it.

Anyways off to watch these guys swim!

Life8

2005-07-02T21:54:00.001-07:00

We were out all day and I caught the replay on tv here.
Over all I thought there were some pretty good performances, like Pink Floyd in London.
I thought Paul McCartney should have carried right on with the Seargent Pepper song with U2 but he only did the one song with them.
Joss Stone is a firecracker for a teenager!
Annie Lennox can still belt out a tune.
Will Smith acts better than he sings.
Elton John can sing but I have trouble looking at him, it's the rug thing.
Bryan Adams bores me.
Bare Naked Ladies can work an audience.
Neil Young has to be my favourite songwriter.
Canada has alot of great artist like Blue Rodeo, Great Big Sea, Randy Bachman, Sam Roberts, Gordon Lightfoot, Jann Arden and Sarah McLaughlin.
I'm suprised Madonnna can still work an audience and for someone who apparently has no talent, she has been around for 20 years.
One last thing about the Canadian concert. The reason it wasn't held in Toronto was the two largest venuse were taken up. The Skydome(Rogers Centre) is home to the AA convention and the Downsview sight is the temporary home to an automakers overflow.
Anyways, I guess all for a good cause. I just have trouble with a 2nd rate musician from another country trying to bully our Prime Minister around.
What happen to all that money raised 20 years ago!
I guess all the dictators are living off that money.
Poverty is a shame but the one of the reason it is so rampant in Africa is from all the heads of State who are crooked henchmen.
Enough of the politics!

Today we went to a Highland festival in Cobourg, Ontario. Seeing all things Scottish was cool since I'm from that background(along with English) and I named my son with the most Scottish name ever.
Watching the strong men toss the polls around was impressive.
Then we went to the beach area and wondered around. It is a really nice town and I could see myself retiring there in a couple decades.
It is right on the shore of Lake Ontario and is just far away from the big city to get the small town flavour but not to be to far from civilization.

I don't mention this often but I'm really into genealogy. In the last year I haven't done much because I'm at the point where I have to go into the research centre, not just get information off the computer or the local library. Basically I have to get off my duff and get searching elsewhere.
Seeing all the Scottish clans today and Cobourg being the port in Ontario where the immigrants first arrived in the 18th century, got me thinking about this again.
By the way, both my grandmothers come from Scottish families!

Canada Day

2005-07-01T21:03:00.000-07:00

Today was the 138th birthday of Canada.
Here in this country we don't celebrate like the Americans do, we're alittle more reserved, but we are stilll a very proud nation.
I received a phone call from a friend saying he was going down early to Rotary Park to save a picnic spot and put his bbq there. He invited my family there for a outdoor lunch.
They had lot's of red and white at this park and tons of stuff for the kids to do. It had too many people there and lot's of long line ups but that's alright when your with friends.
Then we went to another friends for drinks and dinner.
After that fireworks in our neighbourhood.
All in all, a good day and a nice way to start my holidays.

I found out my sil and her boyfriend are going to Mexico for 2 weeks in late July without their 3 kids. They are getting married!
I personally think it is too long without kids and too expensive for someone who is having financial problems. But that is just me and certainly no in laws have ever listen to me.
Did I mention my wife is looking after them for 4 days, at their house?
I sincerely wish them the best!

We're starting to plan a winter vacation soon. The deal we get is where kids 12 and under are free and have to be booked sometime in the next few weeks.(in August sometime) I want to go to Costa Rica but I also want to go for 2 weeks and I don't know if I can afford that.
We'll probably end up in Mexico sometime in February, hopefully for 2 weeks.

Oh yeah!

2005-06-30T17:20:00.000-07:00

My work week is over and I'm off for the next 10 days. Oh yeah!
We're not flying anywhere, but that's fine, just getting out of that daily grind is good enough for me.
On Sunday, the kid and I are heading up to my parents for around 2 days. My wife is pissed that she is not going, but she is working and I'm not changing the date arranged with my mother.
I told her that I've literally watched her and the kid go away without me at least half a dozen times and it does suck. When holidays don't coinincide, stuff like that happens. Besides we've already been to Jamaica together as a family this year and we have a week a Christmas together.
On Thursday I'm going to the Toronto Zoo with the kid and maybe my wife will go. I know she isn't fond of the zoo but it is our kid's pick.
A round or two of golf and a movie and there is my holidays.
That and some much needed catch up sleep and some mild exercise.

Come Autumn, I'm going to start working out again. With my quarterly safety bonus I'm going to buy a bench press and weights and then start some sort of aerobic exercise.
I need to be more solid, alittle lighter and I need more energy.
I used to work out like crazy about 5 years ago but got out of it for various reasons, none of which matter. Poor health doesn't always need reasons.

Ahhh..... 10 days off.....