Back to the mountains

So I decided to head back to Alberta for the May long weekend to visit my family (parents in Devon and grandparents in Jasper). I didn't really realize it but I haven't been back in Jasper for over two years. It's amazing how much I miss the mountains. The fresh air, the bright blue sky (when it's not covered in clouds), and the majesty of the huge lumps of rock thrust into the sky and capped with snow. Quite breathtaking. I'll throw up some pictures later but for now I'm heading back outside to work in the garden and maybe go for a hike. Hope everyone has a good long weekend.

From Camry to Malibu

As I mentioned before, I just bought a new car. Yesterday morning I went and picked it up. I'm really happy with my choice. Even with some of the stupid drivers on the road, I couldn't help driving around with a smile on my face yesterday.

The sad part is that in getting a new car, I had to say goodbye to my old one. Granted, it was getting on in years and it's seen a lot of kilometers but that car still felt like a pair of broken in jeans. It just felt comfortable and still drove very well. There was the matter of the huge dent in the hood from ice falling off of the garage a couple years ago and the broken driver door handle on the outside from the door being frozen shut and me trying to pull it open, but it still held its own. I'll miss the Camry but I think I'll be happy with the new Malibu for many years to come.

Here's a few pictures of the old car and the new one...






















































There are more pictures up on my Facebook page if you want more.

Did you miss me? I'm back!!

I've decided to foray back into the world of blogging. Not for any specific reason but I feel that this might be a good time to start posting again. I won't go into too much detail into what is going on in my life right now but suffice to say, I'm still as busy as ever. Here are some highlights right now (which will likely be expanded in following posts):

• I just bought a new car...YAY! It's a brand new 2009 Chevy Malibu. I know, I know, some people are worried about domestic cars (especially with the current economy) but I like the car and it seems to fit me well. I believe that Chevy will be around through the current crisis and even if not, there are enough Malibus around that there shouldn't be a problem getting it serviced.
• My active lifestyle has been hampered of late due to a completely torn ACL in my left knee. This has been at times depressing but mostly just annoying and I miss playing sports and being active. It happened back in October but at first the doctors only thought it was an MCL sprain. After an MRI in March (yep, I had to wait that long), I found out the MCL was healed but the ACL had also torn but the doctor couldn't tell due to the MCL sprain and swelling. Long story short(er), I'm going to have reconstructive surgery. Of course the wait list for that is fairly long so it likely won't happen until the fall (probably September). Looks like it'll be a long summer. At least once I get my brace I can do some light physical activity and for now I don't have any pain or discomfort walking around or anything.
• I recently moved to a condo that I'm renting in the west end of Ottawa. It's fairly big and comes with an indoor parking spot and a large storage locker. The building is very nice and has many amenities. If anyone from out of town (or even in Ottawa) wants to visit, there's plenty of space to stretch out the futon :)

Well that's about it for now. I'm going to get back to jamming away on the guitar for a bit. Great way to spend a Friday night. I might even get back to finishing some of the songs I've been writing. Keep an eye out for future posts, I should be back at it again soon, maybe with some pictures of the new car.

-Dave

Christmas is coming

How is it already the middle of December? Time has just flown by in the last month and a bit. I'll try to summarize it all fairly briefly since I have to get to reffing soon. Let me see: my curling team won a bonspiel and out fall league, volleyball continued, many parties came and went, I reffed whenever I could and got my level III, the snow has arrived and the ski hill has opened so patrolling has started up again, and probably most importantly, I started dating Kim a few weeks ago. It's been a hectic but good last month or so (with the exception of being sick last week). Sorry to those that have been looking for an update but I was busy and when I sat down to write, other things came up. Hopefully when I'm back in Edmonton/Devon for Christmas, I'll have time to vent some thoughts and stories from the past little while. Until then, Happy Holidays to all. If I don't see or talk to you, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Thank goodness for the time change

For the last two (almost three) weeks, I've been having problems sleeping. I just couldn't fall asleep no matter what I tried or how tired I was. It was beginning to wear on me but I finally got some sleep this weekend and felt better today than I have in a while. The extra hour from the time change helped too. Other than that October was a long month for me. The new job and the changeover in sports have brought about a bunch of change and though at times it seemed to fly by, it also seemed to take forever to get to Halloween and the end of the month. Now we're into November and it's all snowballing (only figuratively since we don't have any of the white fluffy stuff yet) into Christmas. Speaking of which, I'll be back in Edmonton from Dec. 19th - Dec. 30th
for those that are there during that time. I'd like to see as many people as possible so let me know asap when you are free and if you have time to get together.

Anyway, I'd like to keep this proper sleeping pattern up so I'm heading to bed right away. Hopefully I can stay rested and healthy until Christmas.

Back to the ice, back to the court

As you all know, I do a crazy amount of activities, sports or otherwise. Well, it's that transition time again. Changing from the ultimate field and the beach volleyball courts back into the gyms for volleyball and the ice for curling and reffing hockey. I've had a bit of a crazy transition this year because of all the fall ultimate I've been involved in but it's been fun. And even though I've been a bit sore and at times, actually injured, it's been worth it. I love sports too much to quit anything and it's been really hard for me to make the decision to cut ultimate from the winter activities list. I've just decided that volleyball twice a week, pool on Mondays, curling Sunday evening, reffing whenever I'm free, and soon ski patrol on the weekends is enough to keep me quite occupied.

There really isn't a point to this post, just to let those that care know what I'm up to since I haven't had much to post about lately. I'd rant about my job and so on but really there's no point; for the next 8 months it will be just that: a job. Something to toil away at during the day and a way to pay the bills. It won't probably be a source of much joy or fun in the next 8 months but I'll work through it and move on. For now I'll take more joy out of my social life (maybe I'll even get lucky and the position of girlfriend could be filled...okay, that's a little unlikely) and enjoy all the sports.

Weekend filled with emotion

The past week has been filled with a large range of emotions. I was going to write a post last Friday night, then Saturday morning, then Sunday night...I still find it a bit hard. As many of you who read this blog know, Ross Moroz committed suicide last Wednesday. Ross was a close friend of mine growing up (we've knew each other since we were babies). I didn't find out until Friday morning but it started a torrent of emotion. Since this event sparked the strongest reaction, I thought I'd start with it.

Grief: This is a pretty obvious one. I grieve for myself because of the loss of a special person and someone who was a good friend. I grieve also for his parents who remain close with mine, and his sister who I count as a friend. No family should ever have to go through this and I extend my deepest condolences to both his family and his friends.

Regret: This wasn't so obvious at first but now becomes a bit more apparent. I lost touch with Ross a bit in the last few years. In high school he decided to go to school in Edmonton instead of Devon, our home town, and he lost touch a bit with some of us there. With our families being close, we managed to stay in contact but it wasn't quite the same. In University we walked different paths but managed to run into each other on campus enough that we stayed in contact. The regret comes with losing contact with a great guy like Ross. I know I can't keep in contact with everyone but I feel like I could have made more of an effort just to reconnect with him every few months or so.

Anger: A common reaction in some situations like this. It is such a tragic loss and I am angered by the senselessness of it all. Unfortunately there is nowhere to take out my anger. But then again, this isn't the kind of anger you can really expel.

Sadness: This has come a little more that I have thought about it and the grief is a few days old. For someone that had the ability and strength to touch so many lives in so many positive ways, I am sad for those that didn't get to know Ross as well as they could have and those that will never have their lives improved for having known him. It is kind of a hollow sadness. My small town and its close knit inhabitants growing up, along with all the people close to my family and our close friends, can be struck deep and have a part of ourselves ripped out by an event like this. I thank heaven that there is such a strong support network and that this newly formed hollow can be filled with love and fond memories to help combat the pain for all affected.


As an instant follow up to this event, my weekend took a turn for the better. Beatrice and Brian were married on Saturday afternoon. I had the honor of playing my guitar at the ceremony for the beautiful song that Beatrice wrote for Brian. Another one of our friends, Lisa, sang the song. As many people commented at the wedding, Lisa has the voice of an angel. It was very moving and I am thankful that Beatrice and Brian allowed me to help share in the moment and celebrate their love. The whole wedding, reception, and party after, helped me work through the negative emotions brought on my Ross's death and fill my heart with joy as one of my close friends here starts her new life with her partner.

Joy: As I mentioned, and as is expected, I felt utter joy at seeing my friends tie the knot. Just seeing the looks on their faces as they joined their lives together was very moving. Beatrice usually has a huge smile on her face that lights up the room but I've never seen her so happy. I know they have found a true love in each other and that brings me great joy.

Hope: Along with the happiness of the whole occasion, I feel a certain hope that comes from the joining of two lives together. Maybe part of it is the sappy part of me that can't seem to find a girlfriend at the moment, but I take pleasure in the belief that there is someone out there for everyone and rejoice in the fact that Bea and Brian have found each other. Now I just have to find my special someone :)

Privileged: This feeling comes from two sources. I feel privileged to be able to take part in their special day and honored that they would allow me to play the special song that Beatrice wrote. I also feel privileged to have such wonderful friends. Not only Beatrice and Brian, and not only those that were at the wedding, but all my friends here, across Canada and around the world. I am blessed with many great friends that I trust and care for absolutely. So much so that I think I often take it for granted. I have friends that I have known for my whole life and are more like family to me. Dan and I have been friends since before we could even eat solid foods and such a rare friendship is not taken lightly. But I also have close friends here in Ottawa that have only become an intricate part of my life in the last 4 years, or even more recently. This group of people has helped shape my development as an adult almost as much as my friends growing up. I am truly blessed to know and have befriended such a wonderful group of people. And I am lucky to have had so many special people touch my life.


I can't express all my feelings here right now because I just don't have the time or words to be able to express myself fully, but know that this is but a sample of the range of emotion I have gone through in the past 5 days. Add on top of all of this my work life and the general happenings of my life from week to week and you can see why I've been a bit of a wreck lately.

Lastly, before I head to bed for some much needed rest, I just want to thank all of you that touched my life and have supported me through everything I do. I only hope I can reciprocate your love and support whenever you need it (and even when you don't).

Rest in peace Ross, you left us long before we were ready to lose you and though you were on this Earth for slightly less than 25 years, the impact you had on those lives that you touched was immense.

Gotta love those union meetings

See, told you I'd post again soon...

Just thought I'd share a little bit of joyous news after that little rant I wrote a few minutes ago. We had our union CS sub-group Annual General Meeting today (say that three times fast). Thankfully, Kerri convinced me to spend my lunch there instead of playing cards in the caf like usual because I won a $100 gift certificate as a door prize. There were 10 prizes at varying locals but I managed to snag one for HBC (The Bay). Pretty sweet! And so I conclude that union meetings are not always a complete waste of time. What else happened at the meeting? I think we talked about...maybe something was mentioned about...oh, who am I kidding, I was there for the cookies and the prizes, and it was worth the trip :)

Okay, I'm really back

I have about 4 half finished posts that I just never finished but instead of finally finishing those ramblings, I'll just start anew...again.

So it's September all of a sudden. I don't know where the summer went to but apparently it's over. We've survived another crazy humid summer here in Ottawa (though at times it hasn't been that bad). I'm now well into my last three weeks in the Tax Data Division at Statistics Canada before I change positions (move to my next rotation). So far, this recruitment/rotation system has been a big load of ____...well, you fill in the blank. The lack of communication and organization throughout this process astounds even my forgiving nature. I'm ticked and I think a bunch of people at work (and my friends that put up with my incessant complaining) have figured it out. Unfortunately, they haven't yet figured out exactly what is going on. Apparently I'm scheduled to go to one project...where I'm actually going to sit and who I report to and all those other trivial details (or kind of important if you look at it from a certain angle) are still a mystery. The thing is, no one has still officially told me anything including. I've only found out what I know through the grapevine and official inquires have been met pretty much with a resounding silence. Just what I'm looking for. Anyway, I complain enough about this and despite this experience I still believe that the government is not a bad place to work but just suffers from some illogical decisions and bad communication management. Of course those things can combine to make an interesting workplace but I digress. I'm happy at Stats Can for the most part but who knows what this new placement will bring. I'm hoping for something interesting but fearing (and rightfully from what I hear) the worst. Either way, it's only an 8 month posting and then I'll be moving on again...hopefully finding out about that one a little sooner.

And so I make my triumphant return to my blog with a rant. No doubt I will have more of these to come...here's a quick subject to ponder for next time: why are stupid people aloud to drive and/or procreate? Until next time (which will be soon, I promise)...

The long absence from and now return to blogging

Well I took a big break from writing in the blog but it doesn't seem like a lot of you noticed. I figured as much and since I was busy doing so many other things, writing here took a major back seat. I'm starting to get back in the mood but I'm not sure how much I'll end up writing. For now I think I'll try once a week but who knows. There's been lots of stuff going on with me but I just don't think I have enough time to write it all...so I'll just mention things if they seem important.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day Mom!! I wish I could be there for today but don't worry, I'll see you soon.

Too tired to write

Why can't I ever seem to catch up on my sleep?...especially when I've a couple of really long days at work. Here's my two cents of the day before I fall asleep at my keyboard.


- Sens won game 1...WOO HOO!!
- The weather in Ottawa is awesome right now but man is it ever humid...where was the thunderstorm they promised us today?
- Golfing Saturday as part of Tyler's batchelor party...went to the driving range yesterday...I'm so very rusty.
- Can't wait for the PEI road trip next week...it's going to be a blast.

Seriously though, I'm dead tired, and I have to get up for French tomorrow. Maybe I'll kill some time at work (if I can find some free time at work) and post some updates like I keep promising.

Back online but in a slightly different local

I know I disappeared for a while and I really could have posted from work but I just never made the time to sit online at work. So I waited until we had the internet hooked up and until I wasn't busy. It turns out that the first night that happens is tonight (and this is after pool).

As previously mentioned, I'm now living downtown with a friend from pool. It's an old building split into five apartments (one on each floor, plus two small ones in the basement) but it's spacious and very nice. It's actually a heritage building (over 100 years old). So far Tora and I have been getting along great and I'm really enjoying living here. It's also going to be a lot easier on the old bank account so that's a good thing. There's so much new right now and a lot to write about but I'll save most of it for later. Suffice to say it's been an incredibly busy few weeks with the moving, my parents visiting, and life in general...so I'm tired and I need to get to bed. I'll write again soon though and with me back online at home, I should get back to regular updates in addition to some catch up posting this week.

Not the best time to feel sick

We'll call this my update for yesterday since I felt like complete garbage last night and was still bad this morning. I think it's my body's way of telling me I tried to do to much this week on not enough sleep (and possibly not enough food). With running class starting (and an extra run thrown in), two intense volleyball matches, and all the packing for tomorrow's move, I really haven't had enough rest this week. Hopefully I can finish packing early tonight and then have a good sleep before getting up to go the Uhaul tomorrow morning.

So about those two volleyball matches...we lost both of them. Yep, that's right, the #1 seed in the B-tier lost in the finals and the #1 seed in the A-tier lost in the semi-finals. Sucky! Both teams I played on just didn't step up the play enough when the other team did. This was especially true in the B-tier final. That being said, it wasn't like we played bad, the other team just played the best volleyball they've played all year and we didn't step it up to match them. Oh well, there's always next year.

One other thing I didn't mention when I talked about the end of the year for patrolling is that I was the recruit of the year (well one of two) at Mont Cascades (the hill I patrol at). I was honored to be recognized even though I don't think I did too much special this year. I'm already looking forward to next year's ski season but I think I'll enjoy the beautiful weather this summer first and spend some time on the beach (playing volleyball) and the field (playing ultimate).

Well I should get back to packing but before I do, here's a link to a little animation/video that video game nuts like me will enjoy: Haloid.

Friends don't let friends do crackbook

Crackbook (or Facebook as it's more commonly known) is invading my social circles. I had recieved so many tagged photos and invitations to join that I pretty much had to see what all the fuss was about. I'll admit it's pretty adictive but I believe it'll still just be a passing fad. Nevertheless, I'm signed up so you can find me there but I can't promise I'll pay too much attention to it. It will definitely not replace my blog but it may be the only place I put photos up for now (with the exception of the odd one here; it's not like I post many now anyway). Anyway, that's my latest online excursion so why not make it a link of the week: www.facebook.com

So I've been pretty crazy busy. So busy that I totally forgot to write last Thursday. Anyway, the week in a few points:
- Hockey playoffs have started (YAY!!) so I'm watching as much as I can in what little spare time I have. I'm in a few drafts/pools including one that I'm running at work (1st so far).
- Volleyball playoffs started for one of my teams last week (after a bye week for both teams). We won of course and play in the B-final this week and I play in the A-tier semi-final as well this week.
- It was my last poker night at the old place (of course it's not really the old place until I move on Saturday).
- Which brings me to: I'm moving on Saturday so I'm panicking to prepare for that.
- The ski season is officially over now with our sunset party happening last Saturday night (see my facebook album for pictures). A good time was had by all.
- Curling is also over due to summer (though you couldn't tell from the weather we're having). We unfortunately lost a close game for the league championship and lost 8-7 with a miss on the last rock...sucky, but still fun.
- Finally, work; crazy busy and it looks like there may be some overtime in the next few weeks (I know, crazy for a government worker but we need to get some testing done and it's just not working). I don't know where I'll find the time but if it needs to get done, I'll be there. I've also started a new term of French classes (Bloc 4). Hopefully I continue to improve my speaking skills because that's what I need to work on the most. Maybe I'll post in French once just for practice and to change it up a little.

See, I told you I was busy. Now there's other news (like about vacation plans, etc) but I'll save that for a mid-week post or Thursday's update. Have a good week everyone.

The End of the Long Weekend Streak

This is my last long weekend for a while (or maybe only a few weeks). I've had three in a row now so it's going to be hard to get back to work (especially since I had a two day conference last week) but luckily it's still a short week this week. My next term of French classes should also be starting up sometime this week.

So my big Easter dinner yesterday went really well. There was plenty of delicious food (the ham turned out really well) and some excellent company. I kind of wish there were a few more people to share in the bounty with us but on the other hand it was nice just having the 4 people I had over. We played some games, then ate, then played some more games...then ate some more. Good times were had by all (at least that's what I'm assuming). Looks like I'll be eating leftovers for a few days but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Hope everyone else's long weekend went just as well.

The next few weeks promise to be pretty busy and action packed. I've got volleyball playoffs (in both tiers) and curling finals. We also have our pool tournament coming up. And of course, in two weeks I move in with Tora. That should be fun but unfortunately I can't just wave my arms and have all my stuff transport itself downtown. The packing and moving will probably be a pain but hopefully I can coax some volunteers to lend their muscles for an afternoon (beer and pizza are in the offering for any movers). Despite the long weekend, I'm still ready for bed already. Have a good week!

Happy Easter Weekend!!

Okay, okay, I missed the regularly scheduled posts this week. It was a busy week though and quite frankly I just crashed most of the nights this week (good thing it's an extra long weekend). I'll get back to the regularly scheduled program next week. So Happy Easter weekend to all.

Most of my friends in Ottawa are gone home/have family plans this weekend so it looks to be a pretty lazy weekend. I had a grand plan to make supper for those still here but it seems that there is only 4 people really interested. Oh well, I'm going to make one heck of a ham dinner to show up those that doubt my culinary skills (I'm actually a little excited to actually make a big meal for people for once - well not for once but it has been a while). I'm also making a Babka (sweet-ish bread that my Grandma always makes). I'm just hoping I don't screw it up but I know I'll never live up to her awesome food.

Well, I'd better get to bed so I can get up early tomorrow. I need to clean up this sty so I can watch hockey and bake Saturday night and then cook Sunday afternoon (after going to church of course). Enjoy your weekend, be it with friends and family or a relaxing weekend alone.

Spring has Sprung

It was a beautiful day in Ottawa. It looks like Spring has finally arrived. Good thing I have the day off tomorrow to enjoy the sunshine. I'm already getting geared up for Ultimate and beach volleyball but right now I'm trying to evaluate how I spend my time. I'm always on the go to one sport or activity or another and sometimes this causes either a lack of sleep or a procrastination to do necessary tasks. The simplest example is cleaning. I just put off things like doing the dishes for too long some weeks because whenever I finally get home from wherever I am that day, I just want to relax a bit and play a game or read a book. Unfortunately, by relaxing, I use up the little time I spend at home not doing work that needs to get done. Does anyone have any suggestions for me to try and organize my time better or motivate myself to do some more work around the house when I do have the time? All that being said, I don't live in a total sty and I do get things done...eventually. I'm just somewhat unhappy with myself when it comes to some of the things I know I have to do but always put off. Guess that's just a side effect of a busy life.

Monday update on Tuesday

Yeah, I'm late a day...so what. I'm still recovering from the weekend. I was out all weekend, mostly at the hockey rink. I did 10 games in 3 days (and only one was on Sunday). And to top it off, I also patrolled on Sunday and curled (we won our last game of the regular season, yay). So yeah, I'm a little tired and I have a wicked headache. So yeah, this post is short and late but I'm just too tired and beat up to worry about it. Don't get me wrong though, I did enjoy most of the weekend, it's just the after effects that I don't like. Hope everyone's weekend went well too.

Here's the link of the week. Quick little video clip from MADTV with some Mac and political humor rolled into one: http://www.glumbert.com/media/irack

V-Ball Week

This week was filled with volleyball. Tons of volleyball. Monday, we won 4-1, yesterday my B-team won 5-0 (as usual), and tonight my A-team won another match 4-1. Both teams are first in their tiers and we'll be getting a bye in the first round of the playoffs (which start after next week). Boy am I tired after all that hitting. Luckily, I have tomorrow off so I can get caught up on my sleep and get some cleaning done around the apartment.

Oh, and for those that haven't seen 300 yet...go see it, especially if you like war/action movies with some gore. If you're a woman (or a guy) who doesn't like that kind of movie, you can pass and go to one of the chick flicks out right now instead. Or coming tomorrow...TMNT (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)!! Sweet!! I've been told it's a good new rendition. I can't wait to see it.

Well, off to bed now. I'm beat. Enjoy the weekend!