To celebrate Father's Day and my birthday (because I love my dad so much I decided to come into this world to coincide with a day to celebrate him), my dad and I finally got in a game of golf.
Monday started out looking pretty bad weather wise. They were calling for rain. That would not have been good since we had already rescheduled this game. But, the weather did hold out and we had beautiful weather on the course.
Unfortunately, we did not have a beautiful game. Dad had a couple of great holes, but we also seemed to have some bad ones to go along with that. But, the beer girl was by numerous times and that made up for everything.
I had not had a good day at work, so I am hopeful that that is what caused my extremely bad performance.
We then had dinner at the Devil's Harp to cap off our great evening. Thanks for a great birthday Dad!
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Happy Pride
I made it downtown today and caught up with my friends Heidi and Jen and Heidi's brother, George. They had staked out a great spot for the pride parade and it was just an absolutely gorgeous day.
Now, Heidi and Jen have been in Ottawa for a few years now and I have not had the pleasure of their company for Toronto Pride. So, it was very nice to hang out with them today. But, I did miss hanging out with Andi, Liz and Michelle and everyone from the gang. Of course, normally that is a Saturday Dyke March day and crazy dancing night.
Maybe next year I will get to hang out with both groups and Pride will be perfect :)
At one point as we were watching today, I looked up and saw all this yellow and a bunch of math symbols. University of Waterloo! Woo hoo. What other crazy group would have math symbols on their shirts?
Now, Heidi and Jen have been in Ottawa for a few years now and I have not had the pleasure of their company for Toronto Pride. So, it was very nice to hang out with them today. But, I did miss hanging out with Andi, Liz and Michelle and everyone from the gang. Of course, normally that is a Saturday Dyke March day and crazy dancing night.
Maybe next year I will get to hang out with both groups and Pride will be perfect :)
At one point as we were watching today, I looked up and saw all this yellow and a bunch of math symbols. University of Waterloo! Woo hoo. What other crazy group would have math symbols on their shirts?
I didn't take too many pics at pride, but here is another. When we saw the firetruck we were hoping that there would be some hot women along with the hot firemen. But, alas, only men.
Happy Pride Everyone!
Woodall Number
Did you know that there is a 'Woodall number'? How did this never come up in one of my math classes?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodall_prime
Woodall number is a natural number of the form n · 2n − 1 (written Wn).
Woodall numbers were first studied by A. J. C. Cunningham and H. J.
Woodall in 1917, inspired by James Cullen's earlier study of the
similarly-defined Cullen numbers. The first few Woodall numbers are 1,
7, 23, 63, 159, 383, 895, ... (sequence A003261 in OEIS). Woodall
numbers curiously arise in Goodstein's theorem.
Woodall numbers that are also prime numbers are called Woodall primes;
the first few exponents n for which the corresponding Woodall numbers Wn
are prime are 2, 3, 6, 30, 75, 81, 115, 123, 249, 362, 384, ...
(sequence A002234 in OEIS); the Woodall primes themselves begin with 7,
23, 383, 32212254719, ... (sequence A050918 in OEIS).
Like Cullen numbers, Woodall numbers have many divisibility properties.
For example, if p is a prime number, then p divides
W(p + 1) / 2 if the Jacobi symbol \left(\frac{2}{p}\right) is +1 and
W(3p − 1) / 2 if the Jacobi symbol \left(\frac{2}{p}\right) is −1.
It is conjectured that almost all Woodall numbers are composite; a proof
has been submitted by Suyama, but it has not been verified yet.
Nonetheless, it is also conjectured that there are infinitely many
Woodall primes.
A generalized Woodall number is defined to be a number of the form n ·
bn − 1, where n + 2 > b; if a prime can be written in this form, it is
then called a generalized Woodall prime.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodall_prime
Woodall number is a natural number of the form n · 2n − 1 (written Wn).
Woodall numbers were first studied by A. J. C. Cunningham and H. J.
Woodall in 1917, inspired by James Cullen's earlier study of the
similarly-defined Cullen numbers. The first few Woodall numbers are 1,
7, 23, 63, 159, 383, 895, ... (sequence A003261 in OEIS). Woodall
numbers curiously arise in Goodstein's theorem.
Woodall numbers that are also prime numbers are called Woodall primes;
the first few exponents n for which the corresponding Woodall numbers Wn
are prime are 2, 3, 6, 30, 75, 81, 115, 123, 249, 362, 384, ...
(sequence A002234 in OEIS); the Woodall primes themselves begin with 7,
23, 383, 32212254719, ... (sequence A050918 in OEIS).
Like Cullen numbers, Woodall numbers have many divisibility properties.
For example, if p is a prime number, then p divides
W(p + 1) / 2 if the Jacobi symbol \left(\frac{2}{p}\right) is +1 and
W(3p − 1) / 2 if the Jacobi symbol \left(\frac{2}{p}\right) is −1.
It is conjectured that almost all Woodall numbers are composite; a proof
has been submitted by Suyama, but it has not been verified yet.
Nonetheless, it is also conjectured that there are infinitely many
Woodall primes.
A generalized Woodall number is defined to be a number of the form n ·
bn − 1, where n + 2 > b; if a prime can be written in this form, it is
then called a generalized Woodall prime.
Wonderland
Christi and I had a great time at Wonderland. Beautiful weather and short lines. The longest line we had to stand in was about 30 mins. That was for White Water Canyon. I haven't been on that ride for a long time because the line is always too long.
Our first ride of the day was Top Gun. I don't know why I stand in line for this one. It's definitely not one of my favourites. But, it is the first ride when I get there so I can't seem to resist. We checked out the new Tomb Raider ride. It's kinda of cool going through the ride lying down, especially when flipping upside down. My favourite is still the Psychlone. Christi and I went on that ride twice. We also hit a number of water rides and were soaked for most of the day. A ton of fun!
My friend Karen had her last day at work this week before going on maternity leave. We went out for lunch at this Indian pancake place. Huge amounts of food! A whole year without Karen at work :( But, soon a new baby for me to spoil.
Friday night my friends Lisa, Mohsen and Anna came to Mississauga for dinner for my birthday (it just keeps going). We had an excellent dinner! After they dropped me off, I decided to head out to Crocodile Rock to go dancing. I was so in the mood to dance. It's odd going to a bar by yourself. But, I found some people to dance with and had a great time.
Saturday I was supposed to go on the Ride for Sight to Trenton. Unfortunately, my friend Tim was in a car accident and couldn't ride his motorcycle (concussion). Feel better soon Tim!
Today I am hoping to head down to Toronto for the Pride parade and to watch the Portugal / Netherlands soccer game at Mohsen and Anna's. Looks like it should be a great day for the parade.
Our first ride of the day was Top Gun. I don't know why I stand in line for this one. It's definitely not one of my favourites. But, it is the first ride when I get there so I can't seem to resist. We checked out the new Tomb Raider ride. It's kinda of cool going through the ride lying down, especially when flipping upside down. My favourite is still the Psychlone. Christi and I went on that ride twice. We also hit a number of water rides and were soaked for most of the day. A ton of fun!
My friend Karen had her last day at work this week before going on maternity leave. We went out for lunch at this Indian pancake place. Huge amounts of food! A whole year without Karen at work :( But, soon a new baby for me to spoil.
Friday night my friends Lisa, Mohsen and Anna came to Mississauga for dinner for my birthday (it just keeps going). We had an excellent dinner! After they dropped me off, I decided to head out to Crocodile Rock to go dancing. I was so in the mood to dance. It's odd going to a bar by yourself. But, I found some people to dance with and had a great time.
Saturday I was supposed to go on the Ride for Sight to Trenton. Unfortunately, my friend Tim was in a car accident and couldn't ride his motorcycle (concussion). Feel better soon Tim!
Today I am hoping to head down to Toronto for the Pride parade and to watch the Portugal / Netherlands soccer game at Mohsen and Anna's. Looks like it should be a great day for the parade.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Happy Birthday to Me!
Today is my birthday and so far I have had a great weekend leading up to it. On Friday I went out with some friends for a stagette / slash birthday party. Christi's friend Jen was getting married so Mr. Stud (see below) invited us out for night of dancing, drinking and naked men (they were not that naked).
Some of you have been out with Mr. Stud and some of you may never have heard of him. No one seems to be really sure on th origins of Mr. Stud, but my first encounter was with Lisa for some stagette and I have now become the keeper of Mr. Stud. He's been to Grand Bend, made out on a pool table, crowd surfed and had many dances with different bouncers. Mr. Stud tends to be the life of any party!
Two of my sisters were also able to join the festivities on Friday, which was so great. I hadn't seen my sister Jaime in two years and it had been almost a year since I had seen Lindsay. We had so much fun dancing. Then we all headed out to the strip club. Apparently we got there late as there were not very many acts left to dance. We still had fun, maybe too much. I was pretty hung over all day. No more champagne for me, it is never a good idea.
I was supposed to go to a pre-pride party on Saturday, but due to the above mentioned hangover and this stupid iron deficiency (diagnosed again, explaining my extreme lack of energy lately), I didn't make it to the party. Happy Pride everyone, sorry I missed the party!
Sunday was Father's Day and normally, since my birthday coincides with this day to celebrate dad, my father and I normally go golfing. But, I was ditched this year.
After learning my Father's Day was free, my friend Lisa (from hockey) and I were to go for a round of golf. But last week she broke her ankle in hockey. She's out for 6-8 weeks. How crappy is that?
Today Christi and I are heading to Wonderland for a day of rollercoasters and waterslides. I'm so excited. I love Wonderland. What an excellent way to spend a birthday! Can't wait for the funnel cakes.
Some of you have been out with Mr. Stud and some of you may never have heard of him. No one seems to be really sure on th origins of Mr. Stud, but my first encounter was with Lisa for some stagette and I have now become the keeper of Mr. Stud. He's been to Grand Bend, made out on a pool table, crowd surfed and had many dances with different bouncers. Mr. Stud tends to be the life of any party!
Two of my sisters were also able to join the festivities on Friday, which was so great. I hadn't seen my sister Jaime in two years and it had been almost a year since I had seen Lindsay. We had so much fun dancing. Then we all headed out to the strip club. Apparently we got there late as there were not very many acts left to dance. We still had fun, maybe too much. I was pretty hung over all day. No more champagne for me, it is never a good idea.
I was supposed to go to a pre-pride party on Saturday, but due to the above mentioned hangover and this stupid iron deficiency (diagnosed again, explaining my extreme lack of energy lately), I didn't make it to the party. Happy Pride everyone, sorry I missed the party!
Sunday was Father's Day and normally, since my birthday coincides with this day to celebrate dad, my father and I normally go golfing. But, I was ditched this year.
After learning my Father's Day was free, my friend Lisa (from hockey) and I were to go for a round of golf. But last week she broke her ankle in hockey. She's out for 6-8 weeks. How crappy is that?
Today Christi and I are heading to Wonderland for a day of rollercoasters and waterslides. I'm so excited. I love Wonderland. What an excellent way to spend a birthday! Can't wait for the funnel cakes.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Cottage and Poker
At the beginning of June Lisa and I headed to the cottage for a weekend with my dad. We left Toronto around noon, but didn't make it to the cottage until around 5pm. No, the traffic wasn't bad. Apparently, we shouldn't stop in Barrie on the way to the cottage. We stopped to get something to eat and didn't want to leave the patio (beer just tastes so much better on a patio) and then we had some running around to do. Finally we made it to the cottage and had a very relaxing weekend.
Dad was actually up at the cottage for a 'boys weekend' with the guys at the cottage down the road. Golf and poker. Lisa and I actually got invited over for the poker. (This after Lisa had been cheating at cards. Now, she says she just wasn't paying attention.) Lisa did really well and came in second in the tournament. I was fourth, so much better than I expected. It was fun.
Saturday was pretty miserable (except for the beautiful double rainbow - I couldn't get the entire thing in the picture) so we just stayed in the cottage and watched a really bad movie. Please stay away from the movie 'Casanova'. It just kept getting worse as it progressed. It's a good thing Heath also made 'Brokeback Mountain' last year it would be pretty bad if this was the only movie he made last year.
We were invited back for more poker on Saturday night. I actually went out in the first hand, but had fun dealing for the rest of the evening. Lisa ended up in third. So, a good Texas Hold 'Em weekend for her.
Sunday was much nicer and we were outside most of the day cleaning the boat. It was hard to leave the cottage with the weather being so nice. But, it is just the start of the summer.
Last weekend Lumina and I hosted a surprise baby shower for our friend Karen. We almost pulled off the surprise, but her husband driving up to the house at the exact same time kind of wrecked that element of surprise :) But, everyone had a great time (I believe) and I don't think Karen hates us too much.
Saturday, my friend Christi and I headed to Guelph for her friend Jen's stag and doe. It was in the cutest little church / schoolhouse. We had so much fun. I was in charge of the poker table as the dealer. Another weekend of Texas Hold 'Em! The first game I was out pretty early, but made up for it in the next two games where I came in second and first. My poker playing seems to be improving (I hope). I think it is time for another trip to Vegas.
That's about it for me. The sports are going okay. My lacrosse team is definitely doing well (no thanks to me), hockey we keep improving and baseball is definitely alot of fun.
This weekend is super packed again. Stagette and a pre-pride party, a possible golf game and then a trip to Wonderland. I hope I find the time for some rest.
I almost forgot to mention the book I just finished. I am highly recommending this one to everyone: 'We Need to Talk About Kevin'. It definitely makes you think, not a happy book by any stretch of the imagination, but definitely worth the effort.
After that, though, I needed to go for something a little less intense and I'm now reading book 3 of Anne of Green Gables (Anne of the Island).
Dad was actually up at the cottage for a 'boys weekend' with the guys at the cottage down the road. Golf and poker. Lisa and I actually got invited over for the poker. (This after Lisa had been cheating at cards. Now, she says she just wasn't paying attention.) Lisa did really well and came in second in the tournament. I was fourth, so much better than I expected. It was fun.
Saturday was pretty miserable (except for the beautiful double rainbow - I couldn't get the entire thing in the picture) so we just stayed in the cottage and watched a really bad movie. Please stay away from the movie 'Casanova'. It just kept getting worse as it progressed. It's a good thing Heath also made 'Brokeback Mountain' last year it would be pretty bad if this was the only movie he made last year.
We were invited back for more poker on Saturday night. I actually went out in the first hand, but had fun dealing for the rest of the evening. Lisa ended up in third. So, a good Texas Hold 'Em weekend for her.
Sunday was much nicer and we were outside most of the day cleaning the boat. It was hard to leave the cottage with the weather being so nice. But, it is just the start of the summer.
Last weekend Lumina and I hosted a surprise baby shower for our friend Karen. We almost pulled off the surprise, but her husband driving up to the house at the exact same time kind of wrecked that element of surprise :) But, everyone had a great time (I believe) and I don't think Karen hates us too much.
Saturday, my friend Christi and I headed to Guelph for her friend Jen's stag and doe. It was in the cutest little church / schoolhouse. We had so much fun. I was in charge of the poker table as the dealer. Another weekend of Texas Hold 'Em! The first game I was out pretty early, but made up for it in the next two games where I came in second and first. My poker playing seems to be improving (I hope). I think it is time for another trip to Vegas.
That's about it for me. The sports are going okay. My lacrosse team is definitely doing well (no thanks to me), hockey we keep improving and baseball is definitely alot of fun.
This weekend is super packed again. Stagette and a pre-pride party, a possible golf game and then a trip to Wonderland. I hope I find the time for some rest.
I almost forgot to mention the book I just finished. I am highly recommending this one to everyone: 'We Need to Talk About Kevin'. It definitely makes you think, not a happy book by any stretch of the imagination, but definitely worth the effort.
After that, though, I needed to go for something a little less intense and I'm now reading book 3 of Anne of Green Gables (Anne of the Island).
Monday, June 05, 2006
Happy Birthday Lindsay
It is yet another sister's birthday. This time it is my sister Lindsay's birthday. Actually, her birthday was yesterday, but I had no access to a computer to blog it.
From what I hear she had a very exciting birthday, full of drunken escapades! I haven't seen two of my sisters in forever. I saw Lindsay last July and I don't remember the last time I saw Jaime :(. I miss them. I'm hoping they will join me for my birthday and that all three of my sisters will be there.
Have a great birthday girlie!
From what I hear she had a very exciting birthday, full of drunken escapades! I haven't seen two of my sisters in forever. I saw Lindsay last July and I don't remember the last time I saw Jaime :(. I miss them. I'm hoping they will join me for my birthday and that all three of my sisters will be there.
Have a great birthday girlie!
Monday, May 29, 2006
I've Done a Bad Bad Thing
The BAD Ride 2006 was yesterday (Sunday May 28th) and what an absolutely beautiful day for a motorcycle ride. Last year it rained on us, but this year just beautiful sunshine. Here we are before we set out for the day (Tom, Tim, Steve and Craig, with my bike in the foreground).
For those of you who are wondering what the BAD ride is, I'll tell you. BAD - Bikers against Despair is an annual motorcycle ride to raise money and awareness for the Distress Centres of Toronto. Just one of the groups that they help are kids who have been mentally, physically and sexually abused. This year the bikers raised over $300,000 (thanks again to everyone that sponsored me) and there were over 1500 bikes in the ride. It was crazy.
The route is different every year (with some similarities). This year the route took us through Terra Cotta. Up until Terra Cotta it was a beautiful ride. It is the most amazing feeling when all you can see in front of you are motorcycles and all you can see behind you is motorcycles. Then came the crazy curve before Terra Cotta.
Tim was in front then me, then I see in my mirror a motorcycle and motorcyclist go sliding along the ground hitting the guard rail. I was so freaked out. But, I couldn't get Tim's attention. I yelled at a guy on the road that a rider was down and went to get Tim. Finally caught up with Tim and we waited to see if the rest of our group came along. They didn't so we turned around and found Craig and Steve helping our friend Tom along the side of the road. Tom had hit some gravel on the curve when trying to correct for the turn, lost control of the bike and went sliding into the guard rail. He is so lucky. He's in a lot of pain, but nothing is broken.
He had just installed engine guards to his bike and they saved his leg and probably the bike. We left the bike on the side of the road and Tom got on the back of Tim's bike and we got him home to Mississauga. Tim went back last night and got the bike. It is ridable and had some scrapes and dents. So lucky. I was freaked out for the rest of the day. It could just has easily have been me. I probably took that corner a little fast as well. I was so slow for the rest of the day.
We picked up the ride after dropping Tom off and headed into Toronto to the CNE grounds. We have never gotten there so late and with so many bikes already there (the above picture is just one of the parking lots). It was crazy! The lineup for the barbeque was back to the parking lot. What a beautiful day, though. We watched the police precision riders. They are amazing. They come so close to each other in such a small space. It's hard to see it in this picture, but they are swerving in between each other at pretty high speeds.
Yesterday (Tuesday May 30th) was my second lacrosse game of the season. I took a little bit of a different route to the game and appeared to be more prepared for the craziness of the traffic. I didn't feel like I was going to die this time. The game was great as well. We won 8-3. I did get to set up one shot, but we were denied on that one. I'm glad I signed up again this year.
I finished 'Neither Here Nor There' and I'm now reading 'We Need to Talk About Kevin'. I didn't realize I was picking up a somewhat depressing book, but the other choice was 'Anne Frank's Diary', so I guess I was going to get depressing either way. The book is very different and I'm intrigued.
Friday, May 26, 2006
You're Out
Last night I had a great baseball game. My team went up against a Division 1 team and things weren't looking good the first inning. The other team scored 5 runs, but we came back with 3. The second inning we held them to one and we scored 5. From then on we were in the lead. I made a couple of great catches at home plate (one was really close and went to the runner and the other went to me) - this after Lisa and I were talking about how the guys never threw home to me. I caught a pop up at home as well. I was hitting really well, but only made it on base twice. The other team tied us in the last inning and I was up first. I made it to first and then ended up on third after the next hit. Next thing I knew Joel was running towards me at third so I had to run home and scored the winning run. Turned out an outfielder had thrown the ball to the pitcher. In our game, the pitcher only has to accept a throw from an infielder. This caused some mayhem that I was not paying attention to. Luckily I did start to pay attention and we won. Hopefully this means next week will be good for lacrosse and hockey.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Hockey Update
Once again our hockey team played against one of the competitive teams last night. We faired much better this time, 3-0 (for them). A much better showing. We are definitely starting to gel as a team. Unfortunately, I could not stay on my feet last night. I kept catching the edge of my skates. I received a number of cheers from my bench for one particularly (un)graceful trip, where I tried to unsuccessfully catch myself.
Tonight is our second baseball game. I'm hoping that I get a couple of good hits again. The last game I actually hit a couple of singles (which is rare for me).
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Happy Victoria Day - Too Bad About the Weather
I have been remiss in blogging lately (thanks Jamie for pointing that out) ;) So, I'm going to try to be better, but I'm not promising anything.
So, what has been happening since the bike drop? My friend Tim hooked me up with a new brake lever so it is now pretty hard to tell that I dropped it. There is one other part I need to replace, but I don't have the $100 so it will have to wait.
I read 'Tara Road' by Maeve Binchy earlier this month. I found it to be very similar to 'Scarlet Feather'. She seems to be repeating herself. Or, maybe I just wasn't in the mood for her right now. The book was still good, just not at the level I was expecting. Now, I'm reading 'Neither Here Nor There' by Bill Bryson. A book about travels through Europe. Very funny! So far, though, he hasn't made me want to go anywhere. He has made me think twice though about going to certain European Countries :)
The last couple of weeks have been all about the television season (and series) finales. Jack Bauer once again saved the day and I can't wait until next January to find out what happens to him! If you are not watching 24 you must start watching this show, go out and buy the DVD! The Amazing Race 9 finished up and I was so happy when the Hippies won. They were my favourites from the first episode. I would have been okay with the Frat Boys as well as they did run a great race. Survivor was disappointing in that I was very hopeful that Terry would prove to be the greatest survivor ever. But, no that damn car curse! They better have him back for an all star season. Tonight is the season finale of Lost. Thank goodness, I don't have time for all this TV.
Last week my dad and I went out for a round of golf. It was perfect. Beautiful day for golf and I didn't completely suck. I had some really good shots and some really bad ones. I'm hoping to get out a little more often this summer to get a little more consistency.
My sports season has started in earnest. A couple of weeks ago I had my first baseball game and we lost. Last week I had my first hockey game and we lost. Last night I had my first lacrosse game and... we lost. Things can only get better.
In my hockey league this summer, we only have 6 teams. Three competitive and three recreational. Due to the shortage of teams, the two groups will play against each other throughout the season (but, these will be exhibition only games). Our first game was against one of the competitive teams. There goalie didn't show up for the game. You would think that that would be good for us, no, it wasn't. We had to play the first period like it was a penalty kill (which is fine for two minutes, but difficult for ten). We lost 9-0.
Last night on my way to my lacrosse game I thought I was going to die. I've never really had the motorcycle downtown during rush hour. Boy, was that scary. No one sees the bike at all. But, I'm going to try again next week (hopefully I won't die). I had a great time at the game, even though we lost.
For the May 2-4 weekend I headed up to Goderich to visit with my grandma. I really need to buy some rain gear for the motorcycle. The ride takes about two hours (depending on the traffic and the quality of the backroads). An hour and a half in I was cold and then it started to rain. Just a slight drizzle but by the time I reached Goderich it was really coming down and I was drenched and couldn't feel my toes. Grandma hooked me up with some hot chocolate and set me up in front of the little heater she has and I was good as new. We stayed in and watched 'In The Heat of the Night'. I'd never seen this movie and had always wanted to. Sidney Poitier is amazing.
Saturday I walked around Goderich and bought some of the best doughnuts in the world. (I can't go home without stopping at Culbert's for doughnuts.) Walked by my old house. Apparently, there are new owners and they have really changed the inside. My brother's old room is now a laundry room. They took out a wall as well. I guess it's just not the same house.
My friend Cara had a surprise 40th birthday party for her husband Jeff during the weekend. It was great to get to visit and see the kids. Teresa and I ended up having a great conversation with Pastor Dave (very funny guy). Then back to town to meet up with Grandma at the Legion. The Goderich Legion has a meat draw every week. Apparently, it is good luck to take a vegetarian because my grandma won meat twice. Then we went out for dinner with some of her friends. It was a really great evening.
Sunday was so cold! We didn't want to leave the house. But, leave we did. We needed to do some visiting. First we headed out of town to my aunt Judy's cottage. I hadn't been there since they first got it. What a great cottage. Overlooking Lake Huron is just a wall of windows. They just got a new puppy and he so cute. Made me want a dog (until I got home to my bad kitties and then I had second thoughts about the pets I already have). Then we headed to my aunt Lynda's for dinner. Another great visit (looking at pictures of my dad at my aunt's wedding when he was so young and without a beard).
Monday I headed back to the city. I didn't want to leave because it had been so relaxing. The ride home was dry but even colder than the ride there. I couldn't feel any of my fingers or toes by the time I got home. But, there was no time to really relax as I had to head back out to meet Lisa to go to a Blue Jays game. I was given free tickets to Monday's game against Tampa Bay (perks of ordering tickets for the company). The game was fun (except for the crazy lady who was made at everyone for showing up to the game late - especially the people whose seat she was sitting in). I went to get Lisa and I some beer (can't watch a game without beer) and when I came back she had this crazy story about how she had sort of caught a ball. While I was gone she wasn't really paying attention to the game and then realized that a ball was coming straight at her. It didn't hit her but landed at her feet and she scooped it up. Everyone around was staring at her (especially the kids). How do I end up missing the really exciting part of the game? The Jays did win and we came within one strike of getting free pizza. It's pretty sad that the fans will stand up and chant for pizza but not necessarily for a player.
This week looks to be bringing us much better weather. I hope so. I'm heading to the cottage in a couple of weeks and I want to be able to sit out on the deck.
Hope you all had a great Victoria Day. I'm super glad I wasn't camping!
So, what has been happening since the bike drop? My friend Tim hooked me up with a new brake lever so it is now pretty hard to tell that I dropped it. There is one other part I need to replace, but I don't have the $100 so it will have to wait.
I read 'Tara Road' by Maeve Binchy earlier this month. I found it to be very similar to 'Scarlet Feather'. She seems to be repeating herself. Or, maybe I just wasn't in the mood for her right now. The book was still good, just not at the level I was expecting. Now, I'm reading 'Neither Here Nor There' by Bill Bryson. A book about travels through Europe. Very funny! So far, though, he hasn't made me want to go anywhere. He has made me think twice though about going to certain European Countries :)
The last couple of weeks have been all about the television season (and series) finales. Jack Bauer once again saved the day and I can't wait until next January to find out what happens to him! If you are not watching 24 you must start watching this show, go out and buy the DVD! The Amazing Race 9 finished up and I was so happy when the Hippies won. They were my favourites from the first episode. I would have been okay with the Frat Boys as well as they did run a great race. Survivor was disappointing in that I was very hopeful that Terry would prove to be the greatest survivor ever. But, no that damn car curse! They better have him back for an all star season. Tonight is the season finale of Lost. Thank goodness, I don't have time for all this TV.
Last week my dad and I went out for a round of golf. It was perfect. Beautiful day for golf and I didn't completely suck. I had some really good shots and some really bad ones. I'm hoping to get out a little more often this summer to get a little more consistency.
My sports season has started in earnest. A couple of weeks ago I had my first baseball game and we lost. Last week I had my first hockey game and we lost. Last night I had my first lacrosse game and... we lost. Things can only get better.
In my hockey league this summer, we only have 6 teams. Three competitive and three recreational. Due to the shortage of teams, the two groups will play against each other throughout the season (but, these will be exhibition only games). Our first game was against one of the competitive teams. There goalie didn't show up for the game. You would think that that would be good for us, no, it wasn't. We had to play the first period like it was a penalty kill (which is fine for two minutes, but difficult for ten). We lost 9-0.
Last night on my way to my lacrosse game I thought I was going to die. I've never really had the motorcycle downtown during rush hour. Boy, was that scary. No one sees the bike at all. But, I'm going to try again next week (hopefully I won't die). I had a great time at the game, even though we lost.
For the May 2-4 weekend I headed up to Goderich to visit with my grandma. I really need to buy some rain gear for the motorcycle. The ride takes about two hours (depending on the traffic and the quality of the backroads). An hour and a half in I was cold and then it started to rain. Just a slight drizzle but by the time I reached Goderich it was really coming down and I was drenched and couldn't feel my toes. Grandma hooked me up with some hot chocolate and set me up in front of the little heater she has and I was good as new. We stayed in and watched 'In The Heat of the Night'. I'd never seen this movie and had always wanted to. Sidney Poitier is amazing.
Saturday I walked around Goderich and bought some of the best doughnuts in the world. (I can't go home without stopping at Culbert's for doughnuts.) Walked by my old house. Apparently, there are new owners and they have really changed the inside. My brother's old room is now a laundry room. They took out a wall as well. I guess it's just not the same house.
My friend Cara had a surprise 40th birthday party for her husband Jeff during the weekend. It was great to get to visit and see the kids. Teresa and I ended up having a great conversation with Pastor Dave (very funny guy). Then back to town to meet up with Grandma at the Legion. The Goderich Legion has a meat draw every week. Apparently, it is good luck to take a vegetarian because my grandma won meat twice. Then we went out for dinner with some of her friends. It was a really great evening.
Sunday was so cold! We didn't want to leave the house. But, leave we did. We needed to do some visiting. First we headed out of town to my aunt Judy's cottage. I hadn't been there since they first got it. What a great cottage. Overlooking Lake Huron is just a wall of windows. They just got a new puppy and he so cute. Made me want a dog (until I got home to my bad kitties and then I had second thoughts about the pets I already have). Then we headed to my aunt Lynda's for dinner. Another great visit (looking at pictures of my dad at my aunt's wedding when he was so young and without a beard).
Monday I headed back to the city. I didn't want to leave because it had been so relaxing. The ride home was dry but even colder than the ride there. I couldn't feel any of my fingers or toes by the time I got home. But, there was no time to really relax as I had to head back out to meet Lisa to go to a Blue Jays game. I was given free tickets to Monday's game against Tampa Bay (perks of ordering tickets for the company). The game was fun (except for the crazy lady who was made at everyone for showing up to the game late - especially the people whose seat she was sitting in). I went to get Lisa and I some beer (can't watch a game without beer) and when I came back she had this crazy story about how she had sort of caught a ball. While I was gone she wasn't really paying attention to the game and then realized that a ball was coming straight at her. It didn't hit her but landed at her feet and she scooped it up. Everyone around was staring at her (especially the kids). How do I end up missing the really exciting part of the game? The Jays did win and we came within one strike of getting free pizza. It's pretty sad that the fans will stand up and chant for pizza but not necessarily for a player.
This week looks to be bringing us much better weather. I hope so. I'm heading to the cottage in a couple of weeks and I want to be able to sit out on the deck.
Hope you all had a great Victoria Day. I'm super glad I wasn't camping!
Monday, May 08, 2006
The Drop
Well, it was bound to happen. I dropped my motorcycle. Well, not exactly dropped, more of a lay down. So embarrassing! Outside of the theatre on a Friday night. The steering column was still locked when I went to ride away (apparently when I thought I unlocked it, I locked it). Well, not being able to straighten the handlebars out posed a problem and the bike went down. There are a few scrapes and a bent lever, but all in all not too much damage. But, it certainly doesn't look as pretty as it used to. The only good thing to come out of this: I learned that I can pick up a 500lb motorcycle all by myself. Yes, adrenaline is a wonderful thing.
I went to the movies with my friend Tara. I haven't been to a movie in forever. We went to see the new Jennifer Aniston flick, 'Friends With Money'. It was pretty good. An okay rental.
In the book department, I just finished reading 'Running With Scissors'. This is a crazy book and has just been made into a movie. Apparently, this is a memoir of the writers life. I wonder if actually escaped adolescence.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Work
Our office is going through a major move in the next couple of weeks. My team got a little too big for the number of desks we have so they are moving us to another floor. Luckily I got to move early. It is so nice and quiet on my new floor and no one knows where I am. It's great.
I just finished reading 'Reefer Madness'. Very interesting. Today in the news there was actual a district attorney from the US talking about how Canada should not adopt the drug laws that the US has. He made some very similar points to the book.
I'm currently reading 'Stardust' by Neil Gaiman. I've only ever read one of his books before, 'Neverwhere'. I highly recommend him as an author. My brother has also recommended 'Good Omens'. It will definitely be going on my list. Don't you just love it when you find a great author?
I just finished reading 'Reefer Madness'. Very interesting. Today in the news there was actual a district attorney from the US talking about how Canada should not adopt the drug laws that the US has. He made some very similar points to the book.
I'm currently reading 'Stardust' by Neil Gaiman. I've only ever read one of his books before, 'Neverwhere'. I highly recommend him as an author. My brother has also recommended 'Good Omens'. It will definitely be going on my list. Don't you just love it when you find a great author?
Portugal Boy
I had such a happy surprise at work yesterday. Ricardo was back online. I haven't chatted with the boy from Portugal for a long time and it was weird that I was so happy to hear from him. He just makes me smile.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Spring
I love spring! It was so beautiful outside this weekend. I didn't get out on the bike a great deal this weekend, but I think it will be out alot soon. The summer bike rides are almost upon us.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Insomnia
For the past three weeks I have not been sleeping well and when I finally do get to sleep I dream these very vivid dreams that I remember when I wake up which means I'm not getting any sleep. I hate insomnia. I even tried to take a sleeping aid, but that was even worse. My brain fought against it and so I had an even worse sleep.
The last time I had insomnia this bad was in university during finals (not a good time to be sleep deprived). I don't know what's going on but I must be stressed about something.
Unfortunately, I won't even have the option of sleeping in this weekend. I'm helping Karen and Kevin paint the baby's room.
On the book front I'm reading 'Reefer Madness' right now. I think I need to stop reading non fiction for awhile. It is making me very angry and depressed. The book is written by the same guy that wrote 'Fast Food Nation'. This one is about 'Sex, drugs and cheap labour in the american black market'. Very interesting, but so making me hate the government (American in this instance).
Not sure what I will read next, but David Suzuki's biography comes out this weekend. Which would mean more non fiction. I may have to hold off on that. Not sure I can handle reading about the internment camps at this point.
On a totally different note, my sports start again next week. Woo hoo! I'm so glad. I've been missing the physical activity. The gym just isn't the same. Next week lacrosse and baseball start and then hockey starts mid May. So, the end of my free nights is upon me.
I can't believe it is almost May. The days go by so fast.
The last time I had insomnia this bad was in university during finals (not a good time to be sleep deprived). I don't know what's going on but I must be stressed about something.
Unfortunately, I won't even have the option of sleeping in this weekend. I'm helping Karen and Kevin paint the baby's room.
On the book front I'm reading 'Reefer Madness' right now. I think I need to stop reading non fiction for awhile. It is making me very angry and depressed. The book is written by the same guy that wrote 'Fast Food Nation'. This one is about 'Sex, drugs and cheap labour in the american black market'. Very interesting, but so making me hate the government (American in this instance).
Not sure what I will read next, but David Suzuki's biography comes out this weekend. Which would mean more non fiction. I may have to hold off on that. Not sure I can handle reading about the internment camps at this point.
On a totally different note, my sports start again next week. Woo hoo! I'm so glad. I've been missing the physical activity. The gym just isn't the same. Next week lacrosse and baseball start and then hockey starts mid May. So, the end of my free nights is upon me.
I can't believe it is almost May. The days go by so fast.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Rogers
Today I hate Rogers!
The remote for my digital cable died. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to deal with your cable box without a remote? Apparently I have a defective remote. It has been defective since Friday night. I can not access anything that I taped to my PVR. So, I can't watch last night's Prison Break (I was at an aquafit class when it was on). I can't even tell if it actually taped. Luckily I was home to see 24 (how sad is that I am upset about the fact that I can't access my television shows - I will try not to think about how sad that is).
Really why I'm mad at Rogers is because of their technical support. I dislike their voice recognition system immensely. The guy's voice is so infuriating. I really just want to get through to technical support and it takes forever.
The remote for my digital cable died. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to deal with your cable box without a remote? Apparently I have a defective remote. It has been defective since Friday night. I can not access anything that I taped to my PVR. So, I can't watch last night's Prison Break (I was at an aquafit class when it was on). I can't even tell if it actually taped. Luckily I was home to see 24 (how sad is that I am upset about the fact that I can't access my television shows - I will try not to think about how sad that is).
Really why I'm mad at Rogers is because of their technical support. I dislike their voice recognition system immensely. The guy's voice is so infuriating. I really just want to get through to technical support and it takes forever.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Suzuki
Please check out this article:
http://ca.entertainment.yahoo.com/s/22042006/2/entertain-suzuki-hopes-autobiography-inspire-canadians-become-environmentalists.html
I love David Suzuki! I can't wait to read his new book.
Currently, I'm reading 'Reefer Madness'. Yep, it's about drugs. Actually, it's about the American black market (including drugs). Oh the government makes me laugh and makes me cry.
This weekend I hung out with a recent grad from Waterloo. We walked around downtown in the rain and finally found a pool hall. Oh my pool game is so bad lately. I definitely need to get out there and practice.
http://ca.entertainment.yahoo.com/s/22042006/2/entertain-suzuki-hopes-autobiography-inspire-canadians-become-environmentalists.html
I love David Suzuki! I can't wait to read his new book.
Currently, I'm reading 'Reefer Madness'. Yep, it's about drugs. Actually, it's about the American black market (including drugs). Oh the government makes me laugh and makes me cry.
This weekend I hung out with a recent grad from Waterloo. We walked around downtown in the rain and finally found a pool hall. Oh my pool game is so bad lately. I definitely need to get out there and practice.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Jacket
So, the motorcycle jacket I looked at on the weekend was quite nice. But, one major problem the inner lining was pink. Now, some of you may not know about my aversion to pink. It is quite the deep seated hatred. I don't know why I hate it so much, but I can't stand pink. Lisa has indicated that it really shouldn't matter that the 'inside' is pink since no one will see it. In theory that makes sense, but I will know it is there and when the jacket is not done up you can see it. It would clash with my motorcycle once the bike is painted orange.
Anyway, the same jacket also comes in black with cream. I'm going to ask today what colour the lining is on that one. Of course, then I have to locate the jacket in my size. The Canadian dealers don't appear to carry this jacket.
I finished my Christopher Moore book last night, 'A Dirty Job'. It was good, not great. It definitely had some excellent moments. It was very similar to some of his other books. Not his best, but not his worst.
I'm currently reading 'Nickel and Dimed'. A book that Lisa leant me about a writer that decides to find out if it is possible to survive on minimum wage. It's very interesting so far.
I've booked my flight to Vancouver to go see Jason and Megan in August. I can't wait! I actually found a direct flight using my Air Canada points. I was so surprised. Actually, I'm flying into the airport closest to them and not Vancouver. When I attempted to book a flight to Vancouver I was going to end up spending 6 hours in Saskatoon. Ah the joys of Aeroplan points. Not that I'm complaining about a free flight!
I've almost used up all of my points. One more trip I think and then I will look at switching to the Royal Bank Visa. I hear it has the best plan (of course, I think Sue might be biased :).
Anyway, the same jacket also comes in black with cream. I'm going to ask today what colour the lining is on that one. Of course, then I have to locate the jacket in my size. The Canadian dealers don't appear to carry this jacket.
I finished my Christopher Moore book last night, 'A Dirty Job'. It was good, not great. It definitely had some excellent moments. It was very similar to some of his other books. Not his best, but not his worst.
I'm currently reading 'Nickel and Dimed'. A book that Lisa leant me about a writer that decides to find out if it is possible to survive on minimum wage. It's very interesting so far.
I've booked my flight to Vancouver to go see Jason and Megan in August. I can't wait! I actually found a direct flight using my Air Canada points. I was so surprised. Actually, I'm flying into the airport closest to them and not Vancouver. When I attempted to book a flight to Vancouver I was going to end up spending 6 hours in Saskatoon. Ah the joys of Aeroplan points. Not that I'm complaining about a free flight!
I've almost used up all of my points. One more trip I think and then I will look at switching to the Royal Bank Visa. I hear it has the best plan (of course, I think Sue might be biased :).
Monday, April 17, 2006
Happy Birthday Rachael
It's another sister's birthday today! Happy Birthday to Rachael. I believe she was spending her birthday weekend in Toronto and was going to the zoo.
I love the zoo. Especially in spring when all the babies have been born. Now, ethically I have issues with the zoo. But, I have so many happy memories of the zoo that it is hard to not still love going to the zoo. I love walking around that place (and really when I think of the zoo, it's the walk that I love - I'm such a freak).
This weekend I was supposed to head to Goderich, but the weather didn't seem to think that was a good idea. Considering how cold it was yesterday on the bike, I think I made the correct choice. Grandma, I promise to come visit soon!
Instead I did some work around the house, bought some new plants (I wonder how long they will last) and went out on the bike. I went shopping for a new motorcycle jacket and while at the store I lost my motorcycle key. Not fun! Cycle World has so many places to lose a key. After hunting around the store for about 45 mins and asking Lisa to come pick me up, the key was finally found at the counter (thankfully someone found it and turned it in). I can't have a keychain on the key because it scratches the paint / chrome (learned this the hard way), so, the key becomes very easy to lose (this is the second time).
I finished a Stephen King book this weekend. Really just a short story. It was okay, not great. Now, I'm reading 'A Dirty Job' by Christopher Moore.
I watched 'March of the Penguins' on the weekend. Soo cute (Jay, I'm trying out your new word). Nature is weird and wonderful.
Hope everyone had an excellent long weekend and is ready for the spring!
I love the zoo. Especially in spring when all the babies have been born. Now, ethically I have issues with the zoo. But, I have so many happy memories of the zoo that it is hard to not still love going to the zoo. I love walking around that place (and really when I think of the zoo, it's the walk that I love - I'm such a freak).
This weekend I was supposed to head to Goderich, but the weather didn't seem to think that was a good idea. Considering how cold it was yesterday on the bike, I think I made the correct choice. Grandma, I promise to come visit soon!
Instead I did some work around the house, bought some new plants (I wonder how long they will last) and went out on the bike. I went shopping for a new motorcycle jacket and while at the store I lost my motorcycle key. Not fun! Cycle World has so many places to lose a key. After hunting around the store for about 45 mins and asking Lisa to come pick me up, the key was finally found at the counter (thankfully someone found it and turned it in). I can't have a keychain on the key because it scratches the paint / chrome (learned this the hard way), so, the key becomes very easy to lose (this is the second time).
I finished a Stephen King book this weekend. Really just a short story. It was okay, not great. Now, I'm reading 'A Dirty Job' by Christopher Moore.
I watched 'March of the Penguins' on the weekend. Soo cute (Jay, I'm trying out your new word). Nature is weird and wonderful.
Hope everyone had an excellent long weekend and is ready for the spring!
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