Too much of a good thing

As I have repeated several times...I love this time of year! That being said, there are two problems I have with all this hockey. The first is obvious...I don't get any sleep. Especially now that I'm in the Eastern time zone. Those 10:00pm EST games are a killer, especially when they go into double OT. So as you might guess, I didn't get much sleep this week and post work naps just didn't work out as planned (I take about 30 min to fully recover from what should just be a short power nap).

The second problem is that the powers that be at CBC suck. Why could they not split the network better when they have two games to broadcast. I'm really not happy I didn't get to watch the last Oilers game because not one of the 8 CBC channels I get (I recounted after the last post) is carrying the game. If they weren't going to be able to broadcast both the Calgary and Edmonton games to a broad audience, why not shop it out to another network. It seemed kind of a waste for them to have a whole crew doing the game and everything while only broadcasting to Edmonton and Windsor (two stations I don't get on timeshifting). Anyway, this just proves again why I need the NHL Centre Ice package next season.

Hopefully this just won't happen again, especially if in the next round the Oilers are playing Calgary (assuming Colorado finishes of Dallas and both Calgary and Edmonton win their remaining best of 3's). Well, I should clean some more stuff up before hockey starts up again this afternoon. Triple header today...woo hoo!

GO OILERS GO!

Tis the season...for beach volleyball

After work today I did something I didn't think I'd be doing for a few weeks yet...played beach volleyball. We went to Mooney's Bay after work and played some 3 on 3 for a couple of hours. Granted it was only about 12 degrees out but it was clear, sunny, and generally beautiful despite the cold sand. It was good to get back into it, I can't wait until it becomes a regular occurance at least once a week. Maybe I'll even get back into shape (a shape other than round anyway).

In other news, many of you know I bought a couch from IKEA but much to my frustration, when they came to deliver it we couldn't quite get it through the door from the hallway into my apartment. I'm none too pleased but I guess that's the way it goes. Now I'm stuck looking for a couch...again. Hopefully I can find one this weekend.

Well, I'm going to get cleaning. I'd be watching the Oilers' game but none of the 7 CBC's I get (including all my timeshifted channels) get the game. I'm not too impressed. Guess I'll have to listen to it on the internet radio (which I'm doing right now and they just scored...yay). If they can pull it off tonight they have a great chance at completing the upset. GO OILERS GO!

OILERS WIN!!

HUGE DOUBLE OT WIN!! And for the second night in a row I'm going to bed after 2am and I'll be getting up before 7...I love playoff time.

GO OILERS GO!!

IT'S GO TIME!

Let the second season begin! NHL Playoffs start now! GO OILERS GO!

Happy Long Weekend

Well, Thursday's volleyball didn't go quite as planned and we ended up losing (again). Oh well, it was fun playing with that team and in the competitive division. I think we're all going to play again together next year and I might play beach volleyball with some of them as well. The couch and TV shopping yesterday didn't go so well either. Everything in Ontario was closed so Anne-Marie and I went to shop on the French side. I did manage to purchase a webcam though so if anyone (especially those already on my messenger list) have a webcam (or even a mic) and we can chat a little easier. Anyway, today is kind of crummy weather outside (as opposed to yesterday when it was beautiful) so I think it will be a cleaning day. Oh, and time to finish my French homework. Enjoy the long weekend everyone!

Updates Galore

Okay, so I've been lax the last couple of weeks so this is a long update and I'm going to roll several posts into one. Go get a glass of water or something to drink, you might want something to drink while you read. Go ahead, I'll wait... ... ...back already, okay, here it goes...

B-Tier Champions!!

So in the Statcan league we play in the B Division and tonight we won the division championship! Yay us! It was a hard fought battle but we played probably our best match of the year at just the right time. Tomorrow night it's off to play with half of the team that we just beat in the Statcan league when I play in the competitive division of the OSSC league (Ottawa Sport and Social Club). It should be a lot of fun and since it's the last game of the year and it's a long weekend coming up, it should be a fun evening. I'm still trying to decide if I should play beach volleyball in an organized league or only take my net down to the beach and play with friends. We'll see.

Movies

In the last couple of weeks I saw a few new movies. I still haven't seen Ice Age despite a few attempts to get to that one (don't laugh, I like some kiddie movies). However I have managed to see V for Vendetta and Inside Man. Both were pretty good flicks and I would recommend them. The one catch is that you have to ignore a small part of V near the end because it cornballs the whole movie. Inside Man is awesome though. If you like cop movies, or especially if you liked a movie like Oceans Eleven, you're going to like Inside Man. Go see it.

Music & TV

So I've been watching Grey's Anatomy quite a bit lately (I even bought the first season on DVD). That show has some really awesome music. One of the episodes is where I first heard Anna Nalick. If you like stuff like Missy Higgins (Australian artist) or some accoustic and piano stuff, you'll like Anna Nalick. She actually opened for Rob Thomas on his recent tour. I picked up her CD a little while ago. You should definitely check her stuff out (if you like that kind of music). Also check out Grey's Anatomy since it's such a good funny drama.

Apartment Update

Well, I've been living here for a while now and I'm pretty much settled in. I spend most of my time at home either on the computer, reading a book, or playing guitar. As much as the TV is often on (to provide some background noise/music), I don't find that I'm watching it that much. Despite that, I really should get a new TV. But really what I need is a couch...at least sometime before my housewarming at the start of May. So I'll post some pictures soon, honest. I even have a few on my drive of sunsets from my balcony but I'll get some of the inside once I finish getting furniture.

Work and the rest of my life

Well, work pretty much is most of the rest of my life. Besides pool and what I've mentioned so far, there isn't much going on that isn't work. A couple weeks ago I took a course on a piece of software a lot of Statcan uses for a few days. I've also been pretty busy doing normal work. On top of that I just started my French language training. Laugh it up...soon I'll be able to...introduce myself and ask you what your profession is (actually I can already do that but it's only the beginning).

Anyway, that pretty much wraps it up for now. Obviously I can't really leave updates this long. I realize now that I even managed to leave out any talk of hockey (which is pretty hard to do at this point in the season but that can wait for later). Well I'm tired after all that typing so I'm going to strum the old guitar a bit and go to bed.

Happy Hump Day

Mid-week...and it's a good day. It's a beautiful warm sunny day outside in Ottawa and though I'm stuck inside at a course, at least I can look out the window. And it was nice to be outside this morning. The other reason it's a good day, volleyball tonight. It's playoff time in the Statscan league and we are looking to win the whole B division. It should be an easy game tonight but I'm sure it'll be fun. Tomorrow I'm subbing for the same competitive team I subbed for last week. Hopefully my legs hold up a little better this week. Well, break's over so it's time to get back to the wonderful world of SAS *yuck*.

Saturday night hockey update

Well, two periods in the book for the Habs and Leafs and Sens and Flyers. Also, the University of Alberta Golden Bears are on their way to defend their title tomorrow as they dominate the McGill Redmen 5-1. GO BEARS GO! I can't wait until tomorrow's final. I wish I was still in Edmonton to be there for it. I'm sure there will be some partying done tonight...and hopefully tomorrow.

As for the NHL games, the Sens came out really flat and were lit up for 4 goals pretty quick. With the help of former Oiler goaltender Mike Morrison who relieved Ray Emery, the Sens are on the march to get back in the game, scoring in the second (almost two goals but I won't get into that). The Habs let Toronto get the first goal of the game in the other important Eastern matchup but came back to buildup a 5-1 lead going into the third. This could be the knockout punch that pushes the Leafs out of the playoff picture (hopefully). Maybe the sports news networks can focus on teams that still have a hope of making/going far in the playoffs rather than the practically done Leafs.

Well, back to the game...I love Saturday nights!

Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey

It's that time of the week again. And tonight is an even more special night because the U of A is playing in the national semi-final as well as a major night for 5 of the 6 Canadian NHL teams. So as the games start I'm going to park my butt and cook up some mozza sticks.

Go Bears Go!
Go Oilers Go!
Go Sens Go!
Go Habs Go!

(in that order...aproximately)

Legs of Jelly

Boy it feels good to play competitive volleyball again! Not that the Statscan league isn't good, it's challenging in its own way and is a whole lot of fun but the team I subbed for tonight, wow. It's the competitive division of OSSC (Ottawa wide sports and rec organization) and we played one of the top teams (the team I played on is a basement dweller in the division but still pretty good). It was fast, hard hitting and I played pretty good for someone who hasn't played at that level for a couple years. And of course since I can jump (somewhat less than what I used to be able to do but still better than most) I was stuck playing middle, a position my short stature is not built for. But I had some huge blocks on some 6'2" guys and a couple of major kills. Plus I played some pretty good defense and dug up some huge hits (some luck was involved in this). Anyway, my legs are killing me and we only played 3 games but they were intense and I loved it.

That all being said, I'm headed for bed. At least tomorrow is Friday.

Hockey Night in Canada

Well, it's Saturday night and guess where I am...parked squarely in front of the glowing box as are many Canadians on every Saturday night. I do have one major issue with the sports broadcasting in Canada (more specifically in Ontario) and that would be the intense focus on Toronto. Not that this is a whole lot different than a lot of other news coverage or anything in Canada but for sports it just annoys me that much more. Every set of sports highlights starts and ends with something to do with the Maple Leafs, or the Raptors, or the Jays. Even when the Leafs aren't playing that night or didn't have a game the night before, the geniuses at Sportsnet and TSN still find some little bit pertaining to the Leafs to show and waste our time. CBC is even worse. Did you know that Toronto plays every Saturday of the season and is always the the early game on Hockey Night in Canada this season? That's just rediculous. At least tonight I don't have to put up with the lame Leafs thanks to my timeshifting cable package and coverage of the Montreal game (which is turning out to be a great game by the way). At least soon we won't have to hear as much about the Leafs because the playoffs are coming and I don't think Toronto is going to make it...yay!

Speaking of the playoffs...I think the Oilers could go deep this year...seriously for real this time. I was hesitant at first but Roloson has found his place in Edmonton now and it looks like he's starting to settle and play like the #1 goalie we were looking for. And Samsonov...what a great pick up. 4 points already with the oil drop on his chest and I think the good times will only get better. We'll see how the Oilers do tonight against Detroit but I'm definitely looking forward to the game. Well, I'd better make some supper before Don Cherry comes on so it's ready for the second period of the Habs game.

GO OILERS GO!!

Video Clip

I just had a friend send me this link to a really cool video clip. Take a look, especially if you like the Simpsons.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=49IDp76kjPw

And yes...for those that are wondering, I am going to post again soon. Right now I'm just a little hungry and would like to eat first.

I'm a procrastinator

Yeah, yeah, it's been a few weeks since I posted. And despite my best efforts to start a post, I always end up saving the draft of it and putting it aside to finish it later. Well it's later, and I don't feel like finishing those posts. Some about the olympics, others about the NHL trade deadline (about to hit in 15 min by the way which is why I'm on the net right now at work), others about random thoughts.

Here's a summary of the olympics first:

Canada did extremely well. Despite the many 4th place finishes that could have been medals had the athletes had that extra little push or training (I blame some of this on lack of amature athlete funding) we still managed to finish with the best medal total at an olympics ever (for Canada). This is also in spite of the men's hockey team not medalling (don't get me started, it still is a sore spot with me). Much of this total comes from Cindy Klaussen. Amazing athlete and my vote for Canadian athlete of the year...not to mention athlete of the games. Ok, so there's my olympic wrap minus the rant that I have let defuse.

Summary of the NHL and the trade deadline:

As I write this post the last few trades will trickle in so pardon me if I interrupt myself with an update. So far there hasn't been any really huge trades with the possible exception of Theodore for Aebischer. It's still been incredibly exciting for me and I love watching the rumor sites and message board discussions over possible trades. Next will come the analysis of what happened (or didn't happen) and that part is almost as fun. As for my Oilers...we lost possibly our best goalie (Morrison) to Ottawa on waivers but gained an even better one in Roloson coming back in a trade with Minnisota. I was a little unsure of Rollie the Goalie at first but I think it'll prove to be a good trade. Hopefully he's the answer to the goaltending problems in Edmonton and the Oilers go deep in the playoffs (or all the way to the cup if we're lucky). I'll probably end up writing more about hockey in the next couple days but again, we'll see.

Summary of my life right now in general:

Good. Not super fantabulous or anything but everything is going well. I've been getting some exercise playing badminton and volleyball, I'm still enjoying pool (and am back to helping run the league), and am getting more and more comfortable in my new place. I still need a couch and TV though. The one snag that has hit is that I need a smaller couch or at least a couch that can fit through my smaller front door. This could be a problem but one that I'm going to have to work around. Work is going well and I'm starting to get a lot of stuff to do. Not all of it is glamorous and exciting (to some of you my job is never that) but it's a living and I enjoy the people I work with and most of what I do.

Anyway, that's the update as it stands right now. Hopefully I'll write again soon.

Olympic Hockey is turned sideways and some good shows to watch

First off, let me just say that I am sorry for not posting my hundreds of olympic thoughts from these games. I get ready to post almost every day and then something comes up (usually more olympic coverage) and I end up going to bed instead of getting on the computer. Tonight I finally had enough and will forsake the extra 15 min of sleep so that I can post some thoughts.

Olympic thought #1: Women's Hockey...Canada "running up the score" in the round robin. First off, that is competitiveness and not unsportsmanlike. If goal differential held no meaning, I can see some people believing that but come on, these ladies train hard to play at their peak level. If that level is too much for other nations that are just beginning to develop their programs, and sorry if this sounds a little harsh, TOO BAD. You can learn a lot by playing the best team in the world and getting your butt kicked. Now the other shocker in Women's hockey is of course the upset of the USA by Sweeden in the semi-final. This creates the first major championship game that is not US vs Canada in Women's international ice hockey. Good for Sweeden and good for the sport. I'm not going to say this is a free gold medal now for Canada because upsets do happen but...well, it's pretty much a lock. That being said, good luck to the ladies in red and white and bring home another gold.

Olympic thought #2: Men's Hockey...what else can I say besides, "What the hell are you guys doing?" It's one thing to have a slow start and have to come back. It's another thing altogether when you don't even get close to having a comeback. Their play in the last two games has been horrendous. Sure they got a lot of shots on net and had some good scoring chances. Sure the goalies in both of their last games have been running hot and made some great saves but still. They're basically an NHL all-star team and they can't get a goal (that was called anyway) in back to back games? Come on. They'd better wake up quick or the Slovaks are or Russians are going to pound them in the quarter-finals. I think they need a swift kick in the ass so give'em hell Gretz because Pat Quinn just sucks and he can't seem to do it.

All other olympic thoughts will be left for another time because I'm getting tired...so on to the other topic of this post, great shows to watch.

For those Sci-Fi freaks (like me) there is Battlestar Galactica. A show that I have been repeatedly told was amazing (and according to Wei is the best show ever) but that I had never actually sat down to watch. So I started watching it from the beginning, starting with the miniseries and moving on to the actual series. I have to say it's pretty good and I can't wait to watch the next episode when I have time.

Another Sci-Fi show...Stargate Atlantis. If you liked the first one, this one is pretty good too. I haven't gotten totally into it but it is a good show and when the first 2 seasons finish downloading I'll be sure to watch them all.

Next is a show that I might take some flak for watching (kind of a girly comedic drama)...Grey's Anatomy. I recommend you at least watch a few episodes. The last few weeks were awesome. Plus there is some really kick ass background music in a lot of the shows by some relatively unknown, but great, musicians. Check out the show's website to see some of the songs if you want to know what they were after watching the show.

Last but definitely not least...The Daily Show. I can't say enough about Jon Stewart and this show. Even if you don't understand a lot of American politics this show will still crack you up. Check it out for sure.

That's about all I have to say right now but I'll be sure to get some more olympic thoughts in soon...plus some musical thoughts as well. Good night for now.

Hooked up

I have internet! I have cable! It's all ready to go. So far I'm pretty impressed with the Rogers digital cable and the high speed here. We'll see when I start to test the download speeds and when there are Oilers games on the timeshifted channels but hopefully everything keeps up with expectations. So those that have been missing me on messenger (probably isn't too many of you), I'm back hooked up and will most likely be spending more time in front of the computer again...so drop me a line.

On another note, the Olympics have started and I'm already filling up my time with TV coverage. Congratulations to Jennifer Heil on winning the gold in Women's Moguls! A great competition for a great Alberta girl. Let's hope the rest of the Canadian Olympic Team can keep up the roll. Anyway, I'm going to get back to cleaning and watching sports. Go Canada!

TGIF

Well, the weekend is finally here. It's been a long week of setting up stuff in my new apartment and getting stuff done at work but now it's time to relax (well, almost since I'm still at work writing this). I'm pretty much moved into my new apartment (finally, right Anne-Marie), just my clothes left to move. If you didn't get my new contact info (I just sent out an e-mail) then let me know and I'll forward it to you.

What else is exciting? Anne-Marie is going to visit Jay in Sweeden for a couple of weeks. Another friend, Kevin, is going to Germany for a week and a half (for work). Half of my division is taking off to some corner of the globe in the next month or so (or have already done so). And I came second in a poker tourney at Wei's house last weekend. That only gave the poker bug that has been gnawing at me a taste for the cards and chips again...it still hungers. That's probably why I'm playing again this weekend. And one of these days I'll have to get in on a normal weekly game again (or start one up myself) but I'm nost sure when that'll be yet.

Well, I'd better get back to work. Those database diagrams don't draw themselves (unless you ask them nicely). Have a good weekend everyone.

Dave has an apartment

Well, it's official now, I have a place to live. I signed the lease yesterday so I guess I'm stuck for a year anyway. The place seems quite nice and I can't say enough about the view (I'll post pictures eventually). Now all I need is furniture...and dishes...and food...and everything else you normally need in a living space. That'll all start tomorrow, and probably continue on for about a year or so until I'm finally settled and then decide to move again. Just the way this type of thing works. At least I'll have my "Ralph Bucks" to help me pay for furniture and the like (if you don't know what Ralph Bucks are or can't figure it out, you probably don't know much about Alberta but I'd be happy to explain it later if you don't get it).

On the job front things are starting to pick up quite a bit. I have a few things on the go right now. Nothing urgent yet but stuff that needs to get done and as of this afternoon, things that are frustrating. Not that most of you would understand the problem (it's a computer database thing), but suffice to say that the company that makes the database software could have made a few things a little more easy to track down. Guess I'll just have to figure out some way to get around it, that's what makes the job interesting.

The Apartment Search

Well, as many of you know, I have been searching for an apartment here in Ottawa for the last week or so. The last couple days I've looked at 4 different buildings, two being kind of ghetto and the other two (the two I looked at today) being quite nice. Is it the management company that runs the buildings that makes the difference? I'm sure starting to think so.

The places I looked at today were clean, well maintained, and looked to be well prepared for new tenants. This compares to the other ones which had okay suites, but the building isn't as well kept and the attitude of management shows. Again, the people that showed me the places today were very friendly helpful and not really pushy (which kind of surprised me a bit, being a young single male looking for "party pad"). Anyway, in case you haven't guessed by now, I'm pretty gung ho about one of the places I looked at today. I actually put in an application and if I'm serious about it going ahead (which I believe I am), then tomorrow I'm going to put down my last month's rent deposit (instead of a damage deposit for those familiar with that alternate setup). There are a few "issues" with the place but I believe they are worth it.

First, the rent is a little higher than I was first planning on paying. Granted, this place is also nicer than I was first thinking. Second, it doesn't have either a dishwasher or insuite laundry. Again, not a huge issue but did cross my mind. Now the biggest issue is the bus ride. I was planning on getting a place really close to work so I could just walk to work. You know, sleeping in later, less hassle. The kicker is, most of the places near work (the aforementioned "ghetto" places) aren't super nice. Not saying that they're all not good, I know there are nice places too. But the more I think about it, the more I realize that it's more important (especially without a car) to be close to groceries and other facilities than close to work. A 15 min bus ride isn't a big deal to work (even though a bus pass is kind of costly) and it beats the heck out of walking 25 min in the snow with 10 bags of groceries. At least I could be right across the street from a major (24 hour none the less) grocery store. And a Wal-Mart 10 more steps away to boot. Anyway, I'll let you all know how everything turns out.

For now I'm heading to bed. At least this morning I got out of bed relatively easily (only hit snooze twice) and got to work on time.

One week done...next one's beginning

Sorry about the lack of posting this week. For the most part, I was busy when I wasn't at work. And of course, while I was at work I couldn't be busy even though I should have been. Why, you ask? Because I didn't get a computer account until Thursday afternoon. And I didn't have a fully working account until Friday morning. At least now I can get down to work...and work I shall.

Other things taking up my time...volleyball, pool, movies, and of course catching up with friends. Oh and then there was today which was spent entirely in my pyjamas and either in front of the TV or in front of the computer. At least I was semi productive in finding some apartments to check out tomorrow and Tuesday. Hopefully I can find something by the end of the week. There are a few places that look promising but I'm still not exactly sure what I should be looking for. If anyone has any suggestions (places or qualities that I should be looking at), let me know. Anyway, it's about time for me to get to bed so I can actually get up and go to work without being rushed.

First Day of "Work"

Well, I'm back to being a government worker. And in typical public service fashion, I couldn't do any real work today due to the fact that there are layers upon layers of red tape. First I needed my security pass (less of a hassle than I thought it would be), then I need to fill out another form for computer accounts. Oh wait, I signed that Friday. Oh well, take that up to the help desk to get my accounts. Wait, they can't just issue an account because you have clearance already and are already an employee. They have to do another security check of some kind and, "You'll get you accounts sometime between 2 days 2 weeks". So I read what little documentation I could, visited a bunch with those I didn't talk to on Friday, and then pissed away the rest of the day. Not overly unlike my first first day there (where we had an extended lunch and did nothing but really play around on the computers...at least we could get on them). At least Jarett and I got some orientation like stuff done last time. I don't need much orienting (is that a word?) this time...I just need work to do and a computer to do it on. Anyway, hopefully *crosses fingers* I will have an account tomorrow...or Wednesday at the latest.

At least tonight I got to go out and play some pool. I forgot how much I missed it. Not just the pool but the relaxed and friendly league that I play in (and used to run) which leads to meeting a lot of really nice and friendly people. Good to see some of the old gang back and still shooting but I missed a few people I thought might still be there. Guess the location move in the last year and other life changes chased a few people off. I at least had a respectable 4-4 record while shaking the rust off. I also managed to squeak out 2 games of Snooker over Mike. Fun stuff. I'm already looking forward to next week.

Well I'd better actually get some sleep. Hopefully it won't just be another long day of sitting on my butt in my office staring at a login screen that I can do nothing about. Here's hoping.