Industrial orange
I always get something of a nasty shock when I arrive at the checkout counter of Home Depot. Invariably, the trip ends up costing about two and a half times what I expected it to.
We had our agent in today to appraise the house. We didn't get a final number yet, that comes on Wednesday, but I expect we'll end up listing somewhere around 195 K and selling around 190 K. Pretty sweet deal considering we bought the place for less than 120 K.
The goal is to pay off everything, the car, student loan, credit cards, everything, and still be able to buy a house outright in Winnipeg. I'm not sure that's going to happen, but we'll get a good portion of the way there. The expenses keep mounting, though: agent's commission, legal fees, mortgage penalty, moving costs; then all the same costs again to buy the new place. It sure eats away the profit margin.
The place goes on the market July 15. Our man wants to hold off because there's a number off places for sale in this building. The theory is that if we're all on the market at the same time it's actually detrimental to our bottom line since we're competing for buyers and driving our sale prices down. It's fine by us anyway since there's so much to be done to get the place saleable. What it means is two weeks of sanding, painting, varnishing, replacing and installing for David.
That two weeks began tonight, with a midnight trip to Home Deeps. July is going to be one hell of a month.
Vacuosity
Sunday, June 30, 2002
Five weeks and counting
I spoke to Greg on Friday and let him know for sure that I will be leaving at the end of July. I had spoken to him about it before, but just confirmed it for him. He wasn't happy about it, though I suggested that 5 weeks notice was probably better than no notice, which is what would happen if I just up and quit. That's a pretty strong possibility at this point.
I spoke to Greg on Friday and let him know for sure that I will be leaving at the end of July. I had spoken to him about it before, but just confirmed it for him. He wasn't happy about it, though I suggested that 5 weeks notice was probably better than no notice, which is what would happen if I just up and quit. That's a pretty strong possibility at this point.
Saturday, June 29, 2002
12:00... 12:00... 12:00
It was bound to happen. Yesterday Jordan's technical proficiency eclipsed my own.
We're playing an original Playstation game, but to maintain our progress, we've had to keep the game on the whole time since the save feature wouldn't work. When we first realized that it wasn't working, Jordan said, "Oh, I get it! We need a Playstation memory card because it's a Playstation game."
"I don't think so Jord," I said, "It's supposed to be compatible." Surely I wouldn't have to buy a PS2 card for PS2 games, and a PS1 card for PS1 games?
"Yes," he says, "I'm telling you."
A week went by, then two, and I start thinking about Jordan's suggestion. Could it be? It was a question for the Game Freaks at Microplay.
Yesterday, in Rogers Video, they were selling off some of their older game accessories, including a PS1 memory card. I bought one, and sure enough it worked.
The whole thing foreshadowed for me the years of Dad "not getting it". Eventually I will be the bumbling equivilent of someone who can't figure out their VCR. When that happens, Jordan will quietly shake his head to himself, as a touch of pity crosses his face, and do it for me.
It was bound to happen. Yesterday Jordan's technical proficiency eclipsed my own.
We're playing an original Playstation game, but to maintain our progress, we've had to keep the game on the whole time since the save feature wouldn't work. When we first realized that it wasn't working, Jordan said, "Oh, I get it! We need a Playstation memory card because it's a Playstation game."
"I don't think so Jord," I said, "It's supposed to be compatible." Surely I wouldn't have to buy a PS2 card for PS2 games, and a PS1 card for PS1 games?
"Yes," he says, "I'm telling you."
A week went by, then two, and I start thinking about Jordan's suggestion. Could it be? It was a question for the Game Freaks at Microplay.
Yesterday, in Rogers Video, they were selling off some of their older game accessories, including a PS1 memory card. I bought one, and sure enough it worked.
The whole thing foreshadowed for me the years of Dad "not getting it". Eventually I will be the bumbling equivilent of someone who can't figure out their VCR. When that happens, Jordan will quietly shake his head to himself, as a touch of pity crosses his face, and do it for me.
Wednesday, June 26, 2002
Observation
An obsession is not a substitute for a purpose in life.
At long last, it's your turn. Thanks to Enetation, the comments function is now up and running.
An obsession is not a substitute for a purpose in life.
• • •
At long last, it's your turn. Thanks to Enetation, the comments function is now up and running.
Tuesday, June 25, 2002
The big question
The idea was to come back from Winnipeg and make a decision about whether we're going to move there. Unfortunately, Amy and I are still in two minds about it. It wasn't great enough to say we have to go, on the other hand it wasn't bad enough to say we can't go.
After discussing it with many locals, the two major drawbacks, winter and mosquitoes, both seem a little hyped and not so bad in reality. The job prospects look good; I got a lot of interest. And, while the houses aren't really $20 000, they are cheap, even for big, nice ones.
Winnipeg is very small, however. I mean small. We drove the entire city in one day, through practically every community. What's cool is that highway 101, called Perimeter Highway, circles the entire city. To get from one side to the other, just jump on the highway and zip around, instead of going all the way through. I think that goes a long way towards preventing traffic difficulties in Winnipeg, since there didn't seem to be any. There was a rush hour on Friday afternoon, but I think it lasted only about 30 minutes. I must say, though, that the fact that you can get onto the highway, drive as fast and hard as you can, exhaust your gas tank, and still be no farther away, seems like a bad omen. I am reminded of what one young boy in dreads and ultra-baggy jeans said to me: "Visit, but don't stay too long, or Winnipeg will suck you in. Then you're trapped and you'll never get away."
As I discussed it with a co-worker today, he pointed out that Winnipeg is tremendously isolated. It's at least 10 hours in any direction to get anywhere. That's a little frightening; you are sort of stuck unless you can afford to fly.
On my way home though, I thought, "Sell our place, buy a nice home, pay off our car, live debt and mortgage free, and work for one of the premier agencies (there are some good ones) in Winnipeg... that's nothing to complain about." Never mind the fact that the government is going to pay Julia to operate her recruitment advertising business for almost a year. Sweet.
I do know there's a week or two ahead of me in which I will vacillate wildly. Go, don't go; risk it, play it safe. The funny thing about living in Toronto is that we don't really do much. We stay at home in a city that has an unprecedented amount of possibility. but the idea of moving to Winnipeg, where there is so much less available to you, worries us. There's a comfort level in knowing that if we wanted to go do something, we could.
I have learned over the years, to trust my gut. I don't always know the reasons why I feel a certain way, sometimes I just do, and there's no way to deconstruct that. Right now, my gut thinks it's right, and I'm inclined to agree.
The idea was to come back from Winnipeg and make a decision about whether we're going to move there. Unfortunately, Amy and I are still in two minds about it. It wasn't great enough to say we have to go, on the other hand it wasn't bad enough to say we can't go.
After discussing it with many locals, the two major drawbacks, winter and mosquitoes, both seem a little hyped and not so bad in reality. The job prospects look good; I got a lot of interest. And, while the houses aren't really $20 000, they are cheap, even for big, nice ones.
Winnipeg is very small, however. I mean small. We drove the entire city in one day, through practically every community. What's cool is that highway 101, called Perimeter Highway, circles the entire city. To get from one side to the other, just jump on the highway and zip around, instead of going all the way through. I think that goes a long way towards preventing traffic difficulties in Winnipeg, since there didn't seem to be any. There was a rush hour on Friday afternoon, but I think it lasted only about 30 minutes. I must say, though, that the fact that you can get onto the highway, drive as fast and hard as you can, exhaust your gas tank, and still be no farther away, seems like a bad omen. I am reminded of what one young boy in dreads and ultra-baggy jeans said to me: "Visit, but don't stay too long, or Winnipeg will suck you in. Then you're trapped and you'll never get away."
As I discussed it with a co-worker today, he pointed out that Winnipeg is tremendously isolated. It's at least 10 hours in any direction to get anywhere. That's a little frightening; you are sort of stuck unless you can afford to fly.
On my way home though, I thought, "Sell our place, buy a nice home, pay off our car, live debt and mortgage free, and work for one of the premier agencies (there are some good ones) in Winnipeg... that's nothing to complain about." Never mind the fact that the government is going to pay Julia to operate her recruitment advertising business for almost a year. Sweet.
I do know there's a week or two ahead of me in which I will vacillate wildly. Go, don't go; risk it, play it safe. The funny thing about living in Toronto is that we don't really do much. We stay at home in a city that has an unprecedented amount of possibility. but the idea of moving to Winnipeg, where there is so much less available to you, worries us. There's a comfort level in knowing that if we wanted to go do something, we could.
I have learned over the years, to trust my gut. I don't always know the reasons why I feel a certain way, sometimes I just do, and there's no way to deconstruct that. Right now, my gut thinks it's right, and I'm inclined to agree.
Wednesday, June 19, 2002
Soar
So, it's 12:30 and I'm putting together some resumes to take with me to Winnipeg this weekend. By some miracle, everything is booked, I'm all packed, and thanks to Julia the resume packages are ready, they're just waiting for the actual resume.
I'm pretty happy with the idea: a theme of retro aeronautics. The resume comes in a four inch box. It's also four inches square, and folds out to ten panels. Actually it works more like a flip book. It includes pictures of old style planes, and the resume itself is structured in altitudes of job detail. 50,000, 30,000, and 10,000 feet, with more detail at each level. Sitting on top of this, in each box, is a small retro die cast metal airplane.
It better garner some interest, 'cuz it's a lot of work and ain't too cheap either.
I just made myself a coffee. I have no choice, I have to stay up. Let's just hope I can drag my sorry buttocks into work tomorrow for the 9 am manager's meeting. What a joy.
So, it's 12:30 and I'm putting together some resumes to take with me to Winnipeg this weekend. By some miracle, everything is booked, I'm all packed, and thanks to Julia the resume packages are ready, they're just waiting for the actual resume.
I'm pretty happy with the idea: a theme of retro aeronautics. The resume comes in a four inch box. It's also four inches square, and folds out to ten panels. Actually it works more like a flip book. It includes pictures of old style planes, and the resume itself is structured in altitudes of job detail. 50,000, 30,000, and 10,000 feet, with more detail at each level. Sitting on top of this, in each box, is a small retro die cast metal airplane.
It better garner some interest, 'cuz it's a lot of work and ain't too cheap either.
I just made myself a coffee. I have no choice, I have to stay up. Let's just hope I can drag my sorry buttocks into work tomorrow for the 9 am manager's meeting. What a joy.
Charge it
I just heard that yesterday was "National Splurge Day". Tell me that's not another capitalist invention to spawn consumerism.
I just heard that yesterday was "National Splurge Day". Tell me that's not another capitalist invention to spawn consumerism.
Monday, June 17, 2002
Praise be
We've seen a miracle here tonight brothers and sisters. Do not deny it, lest ye forget. Our poor, poor brother had departed, laid down in that eternal sleep. But I called, I say I called upon the powers that be, the powers great and glorious, the power aboooove me.
I called upon those powers, and they, in their infinite wisdom and compassion, paid heed to my call. And they granted us a miracle this evening, for I have seen the resurrection. Those powers, wondrous as they are deep, granted our dear friend another chance.
So let hope brother and sisters, nay let us pray, that he avaaaaiiils himself of this great mercy, and saves his soul from eteeerrrrnal damnation. Yea, let us pray. Amen
Translation: I'm back online. Time for a new computer.
We've seen a miracle here tonight brothers and sisters. Do not deny it, lest ye forget. Our poor, poor brother had departed, laid down in that eternal sleep. But I called, I say I called upon the powers that be, the powers great and glorious, the power aboooove me.
I called upon those powers, and they, in their infinite wisdom and compassion, paid heed to my call. And they granted us a miracle this evening, for I have seen the resurrection. Those powers, wondrous as they are deep, granted our dear friend another chance.
So let hope brother and sisters, nay let us pray, that he avaaaaiiils himself of this great mercy, and saves his soul from eteeerrrrnal damnation. Yea, let us pray. Amen
Translation: I'm back online. Time for a new computer.
Friday, June 14, 2002
One hundred children
Tonight's just me and the sweets. Julia and Jordan are in bed, but someone isn't tired. And she's eating the remote.
When I was a kid we lived in a huge white house that was just west enough of the beaches to be distinctly untrendy. In that house we had more than our share of ugly days; but not always.
I remember some times when the whole family was there on a Friday night. Elizabeth and I would get a half glass of apple wine while the rest of the family drank Sacremental. The record player always had a full night's listening queued up; Tom T. Hall, Johnny Cash and Tammy Wynette were favorites among that country music loving gang.
We would play giant games of Monopoly or Pit, two of the few games that can accomodate eight players. It was a busy kitchen table. Other nights we'd just sit around in the living room in the orangy glow of fabric lampshades, laughing while the wine gave us a warm, happy feeling in our bellies.
Those were the evenings that made it seem like everything might be alright.
Tonight's just me and the sweets. Julia and Jordan are in bed, but someone isn't tired. And she's eating the remote.
• • •
When I was a kid we lived in a huge white house that was just west enough of the beaches to be distinctly untrendy. In that house we had more than our share of ugly days; but not always.
I remember some times when the whole family was there on a Friday night. Elizabeth and I would get a half glass of apple wine while the rest of the family drank Sacremental. The record player always had a full night's listening queued up; Tom T. Hall, Johnny Cash and Tammy Wynette were favorites among that country music loving gang.
We would play giant games of Monopoly or Pit, two of the few games that can accomodate eight players. It was a busy kitchen table. Other nights we'd just sit around in the living room in the orangy glow of fabric lampshades, laughing while the wine gave us a warm, happy feeling in our bellies.
Those were the evenings that made it seem like everything might be alright.
Thursday, June 13, 2002
My boy
I've said it before, but I hate being sick. Yesterday I took my first sick day in about a year, and was really glad I did. By the afternoon I felt horrible; all shaky and weak. I would have stayed home today too, but couldn't. I have too much to do.
As it was, I took Jordan to the foot specialist to cure his ingrown toenail, which by that point had grown swollen, red, and pussy. He wouldn't even let me touch it; he would scream and cry in pain. He was pretty brave at the doctor's, though. He gripped my hand and screwed up his face in pain, but he never flinched, and he didn't cry. He earned his sucker.
The disappointing part was having this doctor, whose fridge magnet I've had holding up notes for three years, is pretty much unable to do anything about my deformed toenail. I was counting on this guy to make it halfway normal again. There's a whole world of sandals out there that I'll never wear.
While we were there, from across the room, Jordan picked out a typo on a poster hanging on the office wall. It was a misplaced apostrophe. That's my boy.
Warning: I may have blogged this previously, but I can't remember, so I'm putting it down anyway.
When the *NSYNC song 'Dirty Pop' came out, I was a little taken aback. After avidly despising anything remotely associated with the Dork Ensemble, here was a song that I had to admit (albeit grudgingly) was pretty good. I was even more surprised to hear that one of them, Justin maybe, had written the song himself. WHAT? Could it be that someone among them has something resembling... dare I say it... talent?
This notion took some work to accept, but it still wouldn't sit quite right. It taunted me as an anomaly in the pop continuum.
I recently read, though, that the song was produced and mixed by none other than my hero: BT. That explains the slick grooves, the hyped bass, the funky percussion and all the great electronic that make it so good.
All is right with the world.
I've said it before, but I hate being sick. Yesterday I took my first sick day in about a year, and was really glad I did. By the afternoon I felt horrible; all shaky and weak. I would have stayed home today too, but couldn't. I have too much to do.
As it was, I took Jordan to the foot specialist to cure his ingrown toenail, which by that point had grown swollen, red, and pussy. He wouldn't even let me touch it; he would scream and cry in pain. He was pretty brave at the doctor's, though. He gripped my hand and screwed up his face in pain, but he never flinched, and he didn't cry. He earned his sucker.
The disappointing part was having this doctor, whose fridge magnet I've had holding up notes for three years, is pretty much unable to do anything about my deformed toenail. I was counting on this guy to make it halfway normal again. There's a whole world of sandals out there that I'll never wear.
While we were there, from across the room, Jordan picked out a typo on a poster hanging on the office wall. It was a misplaced apostrophe. That's my boy.
• • •
Warning: I may have blogged this previously, but I can't remember, so I'm putting it down anyway.
When the *NSYNC song 'Dirty Pop' came out, I was a little taken aback. After avidly despising anything remotely associated with the Dork Ensemble, here was a song that I had to admit (albeit grudgingly) was pretty good. I was even more surprised to hear that one of them, Justin maybe, had written the song himself. WHAT? Could it be that someone among them has something resembling... dare I say it... talent?
This notion took some work to accept, but it still wouldn't sit quite right. It taunted me as an anomaly in the pop continuum.
I recently read, though, that the song was produced and mixed by none other than my hero: BT. That explains the slick grooves, the hyped bass, the funky percussion and all the great electronic that make it so good.
All is right with the world.
Tuesday, June 11, 2002
Speed blog
Stress, busy, tired, girls fighting, discussing Winnipeg, ideas, plans, decisions, first steps, sleep.
Stress, busy, tired, girls fighting, discussing Winnipeg, ideas, plans, decisions, first steps, sleep.
Monday, June 10, 2002
Phew
The second story in our series of eye injury stories comes to us today from my brother James.
Apparently James, who likes to be called Jim, almost gouged out his eye with a green-handled Robertson.
He has been working steadily, remodelling an apartment that he plans to move into eventually. This project for him is something akin to my cupboards.
Anyway, as he was trying to pry something with a screwdriver, it slipped and the tip went straight into his eye socket. He felt the blood trickling down his face, and went to the mirror. It was one of those "I have to look, but I'm afraid of what I'll see" moments.
As it turns out, he has a very neat square hole just beside his left eye. * pause, be thankful, breathe, continue *
The second story in our series of eye injury stories comes to us today from my brother James.
Apparently James, who likes to be called Jim, almost gouged out his eye with a green-handled Robertson.
He has been working steadily, remodelling an apartment that he plans to move into eventually. This project for him is something akin to my cupboards.
Anyway, as he was trying to pry something with a screwdriver, it slipped and the tip went straight into his eye socket. He felt the blood trickling down his face, and went to the mirror. It was one of those "I have to look, but I'm afraid of what I'll see" moments.
As it turns out, he has a very neat square hole just beside his left eye. * pause, be thankful, breathe, continue *
Sunday, June 09, 2002
Visine
I brought Julia and Jaimeson home today. They have been at her parent's all week. Her mother asked me if I had missed Jaimeson. Truth is, I didn't; not until this morning, which was the first chance I had to actually think about it.
She has changed a lot this week. She babbles now, sits up really well, and is great with people.She smiles all the time and has great facial expressions. It seems like she understands a lot more of what's going now, instead of just watching and trying to figure it out.
As I cleaned the bathroom today, and inhaled the harsh chemicals, I was reminded of Julia's mother. She had to transfer from her job cleaning scopes at the hospital because of the damage the chemicals were doing to her throat and lungs. It made me realize what it was probably like for her. I felt a bit bad for not giving it much consideration when she talked about it.
I thought too about when I worked for a small contractor. By that I mean that the contracts were small, and the guy's company was small, not that the contractor himself was small (even though he was).
I mostly did industrial cleaning for him, but sometimes we'd go out and do construction work too. He specialized in tuck pointing. We would also clean old brick with industrial chemicals and even hydrochloric acid.
I was quite shaken up when, my first day on the job, there was a careless accident (I wasn't involved, thankfully) and one of the workers was sprayed in the eyes with acid. It was pretty awful; he was screaming and they tried to flush them out with water from the truck but the water was hot and he was nearly burned on top of it all.
We took him to the hospital and everything seemed alright for him after he was treated. My boss, Jim, gave him a few days off with pay, which was the least he could do since it was his fault. At the time, I said the only thing I could think of to make it any better.
"I read recently that the eyes are the fastest healing part of the human body."
Jim is a terribly nice man, and it would have killed him to have been responsible for any permanent injury. He grabbed onto that line and repeated it a couple of times like it was the only thing that might assuage his guilt.
As for the other guy, I never saw him again.
I brought Julia and Jaimeson home today. They have been at her parent's all week. Her mother asked me if I had missed Jaimeson. Truth is, I didn't; not until this morning, which was the first chance I had to actually think about it.
She has changed a lot this week. She babbles now, sits up really well, and is great with people.She smiles all the time and has great facial expressions. It seems like she understands a lot more of what's going now, instead of just watching and trying to figure it out.
• • •
As I cleaned the bathroom today, and inhaled the harsh chemicals, I was reminded of Julia's mother. She had to transfer from her job cleaning scopes at the hospital because of the damage the chemicals were doing to her throat and lungs. It made me realize what it was probably like for her. I felt a bit bad for not giving it much consideration when she talked about it.
I thought too about when I worked for a small contractor. By that I mean that the contracts were small, and the guy's company was small, not that the contractor himself was small (even though he was).
I mostly did industrial cleaning for him, but sometimes we'd go out and do construction work too. He specialized in tuck pointing. We would also clean old brick with industrial chemicals and even hydrochloric acid.
I was quite shaken up when, my first day on the job, there was a careless accident (I wasn't involved, thankfully) and one of the workers was sprayed in the eyes with acid. It was pretty awful; he was screaming and they tried to flush them out with water from the truck but the water was hot and he was nearly burned on top of it all.
We took him to the hospital and everything seemed alright for him after he was treated. My boss, Jim, gave him a few days off with pay, which was the least he could do since it was his fault. At the time, I said the only thing I could think of to make it any better.
"I read recently that the eyes are the fastest healing part of the human body."
Jim is a terribly nice man, and it would have killed him to have been responsible for any permanent injury. He grabbed onto that line and repeated it a couple of times like it was the only thing that might assuage his guilt.
As for the other guy, I never saw him again.
Sweetness
Wow, what a day. I won't go into exhaustive detail but suffice to say that today was extremely busy; and now I'm whipped.
I just watched Sex and the City; and I have to say that I am endlessly fascinated with Sarah Jessica Parker. I could watch those tilts of the head, quirky smiles, and limitless facial expressions all day. Only she could pull off a corny line like "No you di-int" in a mock hispanic New york accent and not just make it work, but make it good.
I never saw "Square Pegs". I became aware of SJP only somewhere around the L.A. Story years, but I've been hooked ever since. I'm not obsessed, and I'm not infatuated with her; just fascinated. I know she's an actress, and the perkiness is manufactured, but she's just so damned good at it.
I just found out that she hosted the MTV video awards tonight, and I missed it.
All I can say is Matthew, you're a lucky man.
Wow, what a day. I won't go into exhaustive detail but suffice to say that today was extremely busy; and now I'm whipped.
I just watched Sex and the City; and I have to say that I am endlessly fascinated with Sarah Jessica Parker. I could watch those tilts of the head, quirky smiles, and limitless facial expressions all day. Only she could pull off a corny line like "No you di-int" in a mock hispanic New york accent and not just make it work, but make it good.
I never saw "Square Pegs". I became aware of SJP only somewhere around the L.A. Story years, but I've been hooked ever since. I'm not obsessed, and I'm not infatuated with her; just fascinated. I know she's an actress, and the perkiness is manufactured, but she's just so damned good at it.
I just found out that she hosted the MTV video awards tonight, and I missed it.
All I can say is Matthew, you're a lucky man.
Saturday, June 08, 2002
On fire
Today, I'm all about productivity. I've done several loads of laundry, cleaned up the kitchen, arranged for the Focus's brakes to be done on Monday, given Jordan a bath, cleaned up the kitchen, and prepared Julia's and my 2001 tax returns; all before noon. After lunch, we're off to Chucky Cheese's then over to the track for a run.
It has nothing to do with those two extra-large extra-strength mugs of coffee; nothing at all.
Today, I'm all about productivity. I've done several loads of laundry, cleaned up the kitchen, arranged for the Focus's brakes to be done on Monday, given Jordan a bath, cleaned up the kitchen, and prepared Julia's and my 2001 tax returns; all before noon. After lunch, we're off to Chucky Cheese's then over to the track for a run.
It has nothing to do with those two extra-large extra-strength mugs of coffee; nothing at all.
Friday, June 07, 2002
Gotta dance
I bought the game pad that goes with the dancing game. It was only twenty bucks; I paid an extra five for a burnt copy of the game. I can't play it though since my PS2 isn't modified to play copied games. Now that I'm home, I realize my friend Lydia already had this game, like, a year ago. She was pretty hooked on it too.
The instructions with the pad are pretty funny; here's a sampling:
• Make sure to pave the cushion.
• Don not put it near the furniture and other odds and ends.
• Young children must be guided to use it...in case be tumbled by it.
• ...do not apart, separate, or fix it anyway. Or the damage can not be guaranteed.
• Do not keep it in the quite high or low temperature environment.
• Do not use it outdoors or in other occasion.
• Please put it on a flat floor, but not too smooth.
• Do not wear sharp shoes when using it.
• Pay attention to keep your feet safety.
• Please do not jump strongly, that may bring troubles to the other person.
I bought the game pad that goes with the dancing game. It was only twenty bucks; I paid an extra five for a burnt copy of the game. I can't play it though since my PS2 isn't modified to play copied games. Now that I'm home, I realize my friend Lydia already had this game, like, a year ago. She was pretty hooked on it too.
The instructions with the pad are pretty funny; here's a sampling:
• Make sure to pave the cushion.
• Don not put it near the furniture and other odds and ends.
• Young children must be guided to use it...in case be tumbled by it.
• ...do not apart, separate, or fix it anyway. Or the damage can not be guaranteed.
• Do not keep it in the quite high or low temperature environment.
• Do not use it outdoors or in other occasion.
• Please put it on a flat floor, but not too smooth.
• Do not wear sharp shoes when using it.
• Pay attention to keep your feet safety.
• Please do not jump strongly, that may bring troubles to the other person.
Paper wings
I watched The Mothman Prophecies tonight, which was sufficiently spooky. There's nothing like a tantalizingly frightening film. I wish we had rented the DVD which is sure to have some extra background info. It would be interesting to know which of the "true events" that the movie was based upon, are actually true.
Tonight Jordan and I stopped at Pacific Mall, a chinese mall near his school. This place seems like it has been transported straight out of Hong Kong. It's different, but cool; kind of like a trade show where everyone just has glass booths rather than their own store. They have a great video game arcade there, and its games are awesome. They're all Japanese/Chinese imports that put North American games to shame. Both Jord and I like it there. The trouble is that we have difficulty understanding how to play some of the games since we can't read the instructions.
One game we have been eyeing for a while is this dancing game where you have to step on the correct square of a lighted floor in time to the music. At first glance it seems pretty simple, but the kids who play are really good at it so it's misleading. As the levels progress, the game becomes more complicated so that it's actually teaching you dance moves.
Neither of us have played before since there was always a whole crowd of kids around it, or at least too many for us to want to make fools of ourselves. Last night, though, there was almost no one there. So we gave it a shot; and yes, it was pitiful. I made it past only the first level, while Jord got eliminated right away.
I've been thinking about it ever since, just wanting to try again. We might stop by again tonight. I think I've seen a similar game for PS2, of course at Pacific Mall. I think I might have to get it. At least that's a productive way of gaming; a game that will get you fit.
I watched The Mothman Prophecies tonight, which was sufficiently spooky. There's nothing like a tantalizingly frightening film. I wish we had rented the DVD which is sure to have some extra background info. It would be interesting to know which of the "true events" that the movie was based upon, are actually true.
• • •
Tonight Jordan and I stopped at Pacific Mall, a chinese mall near his school. This place seems like it has been transported straight out of Hong Kong. It's different, but cool; kind of like a trade show where everyone just has glass booths rather than their own store. They have a great video game arcade there, and its games are awesome. They're all Japanese/Chinese imports that put North American games to shame. Both Jord and I like it there. The trouble is that we have difficulty understanding how to play some of the games since we can't read the instructions.
One game we have been eyeing for a while is this dancing game where you have to step on the correct square of a lighted floor in time to the music. At first glance it seems pretty simple, but the kids who play are really good at it so it's misleading. As the levels progress, the game becomes more complicated so that it's actually teaching you dance moves.
Neither of us have played before since there was always a whole crowd of kids around it, or at least too many for us to want to make fools of ourselves. Last night, though, there was almost no one there. So we gave it a shot; and yes, it was pitiful. I made it past only the first level, while Jord got eliminated right away.
I've been thinking about it ever since, just wanting to try again. We might stop by again tonight. I think I've seen a similar game for PS2, of course at Pacific Mall. I think I might have to get it. At least that's a productive way of gaming; a game that will get you fit.
Wednesday, June 05, 2002
Sticky soles
Jordan and I went to see Star Wars Episode II tonight. Strange, very strange. It appears that George Lucas has decided to abandon traditional movie-making elements in favour of schtick. And it did abound. There was no shortage of strange creatures, many who spoke English but with some earth-inspired accent (Chinese, Irish, Greek, Jamaican).
There were fabulously imaginative sets, machinery, and wardrobe. But a lot it of came off a bit like the telling of a story by a seven-year-old.
Yoda definitely earned the best fight scene award, but it begs the question: If the short, green 900-year-old can manage a double back flip, is the cane just for show?
Jordan and I went to see Star Wars Episode II tonight. Strange, very strange. It appears that George Lucas has decided to abandon traditional movie-making elements in favour of schtick. And it did abound. There was no shortage of strange creatures, many who spoke English but with some earth-inspired accent (Chinese, Irish, Greek, Jamaican).
There were fabulously imaginative sets, machinery, and wardrobe. But a lot it of came off a bit like the telling of a story by a seven-year-old.
Yoda definitely earned the best fight scene award, but it begs the question: If the short, green 900-year-old can manage a double back flip, is the cane just for show?
Blah blah blah
I'm getting sick of posting about work, but it's the only thing in my consciousness right now.
My first thought of the day is about work: how early can I get there? what is due today? could I call in sick? Then I get there, work all day, try to get stuff done before the end of the day, and I have to leave again. Once Jordan is at home, I have to decide whether to come back or can it wait until tomorrow. Then there's the weekend which is just one long procrastination of the work I didn't get to during the week.
I'm losing touch with the world, I think.
I'm getting sick of posting about work, but it's the only thing in my consciousness right now.
My first thought of the day is about work: how early can I get there? what is due today? could I call in sick? Then I get there, work all day, try to get stuff done before the end of the day, and I have to leave again. Once Jordan is at home, I have to decide whether to come back or can it wait until tomorrow. Then there's the weekend which is just one long procrastination of the work I didn't get to during the week.
I'm losing touch with the world, I think.
Monday, June 03, 2002
60 clicks
I did make it after all. It was a beautiful day for the ride, despite a strong headwind both ways. The wind really takes it out of you. As Adam and I covered the home stretch, he voiced my own feelings saying, "You know, the only thing keeping my going right now is the fact that I can stop soon."
All things considered, it was a relatively pain-free ride; not too much of a struggle. It's really not that far, even though our fifty KMs became almost 62 between getting down there and back. We chatted amiably the whole way up, and before we knew it we were at the top, York Mills, and we were turning around to come back down.
Coming down is much more fun too since it's almost all downhill. We got back to the CNE grounds in under 50 minutes. I was really glad that Adam called and got me out there, or I would have missed it like I did last year. It would be such a shame to miss the once-a-year opportunity to cycle the highway we drive every day. I encourage any Torontonian who hasn't done it to get out there next year and do the ride. You won't regret it.
Today could have been, quite possibly, the worst day yet. I was in by 8 am and left at almost 7 pm. I took no break, no lunch, no nothing, Lydia was kind enough to bring us sandwiches, or else we would have gone hungry, and we ate during a meeting. If I could spend a day like that and be caught up, I wouldn't worry about it. But I left today feeling no further ahead then when I got in. Driving home I felt truly unwell, as if I had a terrible flu. I realized though, that I'm not at all sick, it's just stress. Winnipeg is looking more appealing all the time, mosquitos be damned.
I did make it after all. It was a beautiful day for the ride, despite a strong headwind both ways. The wind really takes it out of you. As Adam and I covered the home stretch, he voiced my own feelings saying, "You know, the only thing keeping my going right now is the fact that I can stop soon."
All things considered, it was a relatively pain-free ride; not too much of a struggle. It's really not that far, even though our fifty KMs became almost 62 between getting down there and back. We chatted amiably the whole way up, and before we knew it we were at the top, York Mills, and we were turning around to come back down.
Coming down is much more fun too since it's almost all downhill. We got back to the CNE grounds in under 50 minutes. I was really glad that Adam called and got me out there, or I would have missed it like I did last year. It would be such a shame to miss the once-a-year opportunity to cycle the highway we drive every day. I encourage any Torontonian who hasn't done it to get out there next year and do the ride. You won't regret it.
• • •
Today could have been, quite possibly, the worst day yet. I was in by 8 am and left at almost 7 pm. I took no break, no lunch, no nothing, Lydia was kind enough to bring us sandwiches, or else we would have gone hungry, and we ate during a meeting. If I could spend a day like that and be caught up, I wouldn't worry about it. But I left today feeling no further ahead then when I got in. Driving home I felt truly unwell, as if I had a terrible flu. I realized though, that I'm not at all sick, it's just stress. Winnipeg is looking more appealing all the time, mosquitos be damned.
Sunday, June 02, 2002
Me and my big mouth
"Sure, I'll come. No problem." Right.
How tired am I, you ask? I went to the fridge to get milk for my cereal and stood for about a minute and a half, apparently waiting for the milk to come out by itself.
I am now chugging a large mug of coffee, my bosom buddy of late, in the hopes of resurrecting the motivation I know I felt at some point.
I can say that this at least beats my condition the first year I did this ride. Then I had had about 3 hours sleep, I was dehydrated and, I think, still under the influence.
So help me, here I go.
"Sure, I'll come. No problem." Right.
How tired am I, you ask? I went to the fridge to get milk for my cereal and stood for about a minute and a half, apparently waiting for the milk to come out by itself.
I am now chugging a large mug of coffee, my bosom buddy of late, in the hopes of resurrecting the motivation I know I felt at some point.
I can say that this at least beats my condition the first year I did this ride. Then I had had about 3 hours sleep, I was dehydrated and, I think, still under the influence.
So help me, here I go.
Saturday, June 01, 2002
Addendum
As I clicked 'Post', Explorer crashed. Thankfully, milliseconds before that happened, the command was routed off to parts unknown, and managed to execute. * sigh of relief *
As I clicked 'Post', Explorer crashed. Thankfully, milliseconds before that happened, the command was routed off to parts unknown, and managed to execute. * sigh of relief *
Welcome to June
Allow me to vent my frustration with this computer for a moment. If I make through this blog without it crashing on me, I'll be a happy boy.
I don't know what is wrong with it. It could be any number of things, but I'm guessing that the hard drive is faulty. Yesterday it wouldn't even boot at all. I say it's time for a new one, but the budget says different. We've suffered its whimsy too long. The Dell packages look appealing.
How's this for a twist? At exactly 6:30 AM tomorrow morning, I am scheduled to arrive at my friend Adam's house, to head down to the Ride for Heart. I'm attempting a brief 50K jaunt up the Don Valley even though it's been pretty much a year since I've even been on a bike. The last time I rode was at the 24-hour. And even that was a bit silly since I hadn't ridden for pretty much a year before that. I'm considering this a bit of forced training, since I'm signed up the 24-hour again this year. I need to get my cycling legs back.
And now I'm off. 5:30 comes early.
Allow me to vent my frustration with this computer for a moment. If I make through this blog without it crashing on me, I'll be a happy boy.
I don't know what is wrong with it. It could be any number of things, but I'm guessing that the hard drive is faulty. Yesterday it wouldn't even boot at all. I say it's time for a new one, but the budget says different. We've suffered its whimsy too long. The Dell packages look appealing.
• • •
How's this for a twist? At exactly 6:30 AM tomorrow morning, I am scheduled to arrive at my friend Adam's house, to head down to the Ride for Heart. I'm attempting a brief 50K jaunt up the Don Valley even though it's been pretty much a year since I've even been on a bike. The last time I rode was at the 24-hour. And even that was a bit silly since I hadn't ridden for pretty much a year before that. I'm considering this a bit of forced training, since I'm signed up the 24-hour again this year. I need to get my cycling legs back.
And now I'm off. 5:30 comes early.
It's not word, but it's a state of mind.
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