Well, I just had a pretty good Easter weekend, despite the Easter Bunny not being able to find my house. I was actually in Oshawa visiting Donna, so I can understand Mr. Bunny not getting the memo. However, somehow, someway, the Easter Bunny did manage to find Donna in Oshawa. Amazing that, huh?
I left Thursday night after practise. I guess I haven't mentioned this, but the Kingston Panthers have started practising again for the upcoming '08 season, and we have a new head coach: Grant Bradley. Really nice guy, very competitive, likes his fitness. Needless to say there has been a lot of running and core training at practise, and I am actually not complaining too much. My regular workouts have managed to keep me above the bottom of the fitness scale.
Anyway, it was nice to get down to Oshawa that night, so we could spend the whole day together on Friday and Saturday, before coming back on Sunday. On Friday, we decided to go out to the One of a Kind craft-fair. It's easily the biggest craft fair I have ever been to. Over 450 vendors selling everything you can imagine. It was almost like a giant department store. Seriously. Homemade gadgets, art, jewelery, food stuffs, clothes, accessories, you name it. All overpriced, but hey, what do you expect for one-of-a-kind things. We bought a giant spoon (one of those spoons you put on the stove to hold a spoon or spatula so the counter doesn't get messy. We also got some mashed potato seasoning - and at $10.00 for a 3 oz. container, it was such a deal. It actually does taste really good, and we thought we should leave with something. It took forever to get through it all (3.5 hours) but we managed.
On Saturday we started our day with a trip to the gym. I convinced Donna to do some weights, which might have been a mistake, because Donna was exhausted the rest of the day, but we had enough energy to go out and find me a new-used jacket. The rugby team is going to the Colour Awards Night here at Queen's celebrating varsity athletics. The team decided that they all wanted to match so everyone was supposed to acquire a Tweed sport coat. I managed to find something that will do at one of the local thrift shops. $10.00 for a jacket that actually fits me very well (Donna was surprised, thinking that there was no way another short fat guy would want to get rid of a jacket). Even the sleeves are the correct length.
Saturday night we went out for Chinese food to one of the local hole-in-the-walls that one of Donna's friends new about in Toronto (actually Scarborough). The food was delicious, but we would have never found the restaurant without directions. All Chinese menus, so it was a good thing she could order for us. Not sure what we would do next time if we went back, but I'm sure we could manage. After stuffing our faces, we went back to Oshawa... I needed to get a good night's sleep to prepare myself for dinners on Sunday.
I had 2 dinners planned for Easter Sunday. Pretty amazing since my family Easter Dinner was happening 5000km away. We headed into to Toronto to have dinner at Donna's cousins' house. It was delicious and early, which allowed me to recover before heading back to Kingston for dinner number 2. I had to head back early to get back in time for an early morning rugby practise. After dropping Donna off at her place in Oshawa, I carried on back to Kingston. I stopped in Shannonville, where I had courteously invited to the Follwell farm for Easter Dinner there. It was delicious. And a little chaotic. In addition to 4 of the Follwell family members, and myself, Pete and Morgan were also there (a little rugby reunion) as well as 4 dogs and a couple of cats. There was a little of noise, but it was a ton of fun.
Just trying to recover today. Thanks to the Queen's guys for the jersey. It fits nicely thanks to Tim's assumption that I am fatter than I think I am. Done all my chores, and now I think it's time to make some dinner.
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Monday, March 24, 2008
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Everything back in K-Town...Almost
After having a wonderful vacation in Vancouver, Donna and I arrived back in Kingston. A week ago today. Our last few days in Vancouver were hectic, but really good. On Sunday, Dec.30 we went out for lunch with Erica and Pierre and Audrey. Erica and Pierre wanted us to see the new house they bought. I guess that as soon as you get married, you need to buy a house. Then it is all encompassing and you have to show everyone your new purchase. I get it. Showing-off is important. I couldn't believe what they spent... a small fortune. Their house is beautiful though. And they seem very happy, which is the most important part.
We spent a quite New Years between my Parent's place, and Joe and Maggie's. They were dog sitting Dweezle (a little white angry puff-ball) and Donna wanted to see it. We had New Years Dinner at my parent's house which was nice. A big ham dinner, which most people thoroughly enjoyed, but I am not a huge ham fan. I prefer it in sandwiches and quiche, rather than a big slab of it for dinner. My Aunt, Uncle and cousin Sara came down for dinner as well, as everyone had a good time.
We took my brother to the airport early the next morning, but I got a White Spot breakfast out of the deal, so it wasn't too bad. The next few days seem to fly by, and I couldn't believe I was leaving Saturday. On Saturday it was nice that we got a last minute On-Lok wonton stop with my parents, Joe and Maggie, and John. It was Joe and John's birthdays just a few days apart, so we got to celebrate last minute.
Got to the airport OK, and actually was surprised that one of the Queen's kids I coach was also taking the same flight as me. I missed Donna by about 20 minutes, as her plane was leaving the same time as mine was taking off. My flight was delayed, which was the start of a very bad set of circumstances. The flight itself was nice, we each had our own TV, but what was really nice was that I managed to sleep about 3 hours. I got to say a quick hello to Donna at the Toronto Airport between layovers, and then I landed in Kingston.
My luggage however was nowhere to be seen. Then this "women" and I use that term loosely. Angry wild beast-person might be more accurate. She had good cause, because I assume that what happened to me happened to other people as well. My luggage did not arrive. I assumed that it was coming on the next flight because of my delayed flight and the shortened layover was not enough time to get my baggage from the Vancouver flight to the Kingston flight. This happened to a lot of people, both from the Vancouver flight and other places as well.
Donna was on the flight right after mine (crazy huh, she left Vancouver before me, and arrived after me). Her luggage arrived safe and sound, mine however did not. And so the story begins. I give them my information. They say it usually arrives within 24 hours and they will call me.
Monday, 24-hours later, I call them. I get a nice man in India, where their call-centre is. He tells me that both of my bags have been found, and that they are in Kelowna. That's right, Kelowna. I call back the next day, to check on the progress of my bags, and I get another nice man in India, and he tells me that only 1 of my bags has been found and that they are not sure where it is. Great, at least we have progress. That night my Mom calls and says what a nightmare the luggage situation is and then 1000's of people did not get their luggage. In fact, piles of bags are just sitting at airports, pretty much unsupervised. Good I says to myself, now my bags are going to be stolen and sold at some trailer park to a guy with a rum and coke in his hand (watch TBP, you'll get it).
Finally Wednesday I get a call. My luggage has arrived, both pieces. I tell them to not deliver it, that way they can't lose it between he airport and my house. Everything was fine. It all got here, and everything was intact.
The moral of the story is, pack nothing important, except a GPS device.
We spent a quite New Years between my Parent's place, and Joe and Maggie's. They were dog sitting Dweezle (a little white angry puff-ball) and Donna wanted to see it. We had New Years Dinner at my parent's house which was nice. A big ham dinner, which most people thoroughly enjoyed, but I am not a huge ham fan. I prefer it in sandwiches and quiche, rather than a big slab of it for dinner. My Aunt, Uncle and cousin Sara came down for dinner as well, as everyone had a good time.
We took my brother to the airport early the next morning, but I got a White Spot breakfast out of the deal, so it wasn't too bad. The next few days seem to fly by, and I couldn't believe I was leaving Saturday. On Saturday it was nice that we got a last minute On-Lok wonton stop with my parents, Joe and Maggie, and John. It was Joe and John's birthdays just a few days apart, so we got to celebrate last minute.
Got to the airport OK, and actually was surprised that one of the Queen's kids I coach was also taking the same flight as me. I missed Donna by about 20 minutes, as her plane was leaving the same time as mine was taking off. My flight was delayed, which was the start of a very bad set of circumstances. The flight itself was nice, we each had our own TV, but what was really nice was that I managed to sleep about 3 hours. I got to say a quick hello to Donna at the Toronto Airport between layovers, and then I landed in Kingston.
My luggage however was nowhere to be seen. Then this "women" and I use that term loosely. Angry wild beast-person might be more accurate. She had good cause, because I assume that what happened to me happened to other people as well. My luggage did not arrive. I assumed that it was coming on the next flight because of my delayed flight and the shortened layover was not enough time to get my baggage from the Vancouver flight to the Kingston flight. This happened to a lot of people, both from the Vancouver flight and other places as well.
Donna was on the flight right after mine (crazy huh, she left Vancouver before me, and arrived after me). Her luggage arrived safe and sound, mine however did not. And so the story begins. I give them my information. They say it usually arrives within 24 hours and they will call me.
Monday, 24-hours later, I call them. I get a nice man in India, where their call-centre is. He tells me that both of my bags have been found, and that they are in Kelowna. That's right, Kelowna. I call back the next day, to check on the progress of my bags, and I get another nice man in India, and he tells me that only 1 of my bags has been found and that they are not sure where it is. Great, at least we have progress. That night my Mom calls and says what a nightmare the luggage situation is and then 1000's of people did not get their luggage. In fact, piles of bags are just sitting at airports, pretty much unsupervised. Good I says to myself, now my bags are going to be stolen and sold at some trailer park to a guy with a rum and coke in his hand (watch TBP, you'll get it).
Finally Wednesday I get a call. My luggage has arrived, both pieces. I tell them to not deliver it, that way they can't lose it between he airport and my house. Everything was fine. It all got here, and everything was intact.
The moral of the story is, pack nothing important, except a GPS device.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Too Much Food
Since I've been back in Vancouver it feels like I have done nothing but eat. Here is a rundown of activities that have kept me fat so far this holiday:
I had some left-over Christmas breakfast when I got in on Christmas Day. Then there was turkey dinner at my Aunts place that night. I consumed way too much turkey, and as a result of time differences and tryptophan, I spent the evening napping and eating.
Boxing day was awesome. I went down to the rugby club and surprised a bunch of guys by showing up ready to play in the annual John Latham Over-Under Game. I had a great time and the Unders continued their winning streak by pounding the overs 25-10. We had a few snacks after the game, a few bevies after the game, and the Unders even won the boat-race. It was great to see everyone and a really good day. Then we went out for dinner with my parents. It was good to get my Chinese food fix in early, so there is time to have it again.
On Thursday we finally got to see Jen and baby Jayden. He is the cutest Asian baby ever, despite the fact that he does not have Chinese-Baby hair. He is a bundle of energy, already twitchy and trying his best to be mobile. His legs actually never stop. I on the underhand was tired and sore after rugby and had a little a nap while at Jen's. I don't feel too bad because Carlton was also sleeping. Then more delicious turkey at the Lee's. Can you eat too much turkey? I think not.
Yesterday was pretty quite for most of the day. The lack of a vehicle was
not really a problem, since moving to Kingston Donna and I have learned to walk everywhere anyway, I took the SkyTrain to Dinner with Donna's Family. Donna's Uncle was treating. Too many older people who didn't eat much, and many courses later, I was very, very full. Jeff even took a few pictures.
We started with somewhat traditional appetizer platter. Mixed meats, jellyfish, but it also came with honey garlic ribs and spicy prawns. Sweet.
Then came this hug plate (30 or 40) of massive prawns, down with candied walnuts and mayonnaise. Not sure about the mayonnaise, but I ate 4 anyway. We also had a huge plate of sugar peas with geoduck and scallops. Then came the soup, crab and fish maw.
Next we had this masterpiece of crab and lobster. A couple of lobsters and at least 1 crab. It was ridiculous. But also very delicious.
Next came the Drunken Chicken. Really good with the garlic and ginger and green onion dipping sauce.
At this point I lost track of what we actually ate, but I know we had a broccoli dish with mushrooms and crab sauce. I had never had it before and it was tasty.
We also had this fish and gai lan dish... very tasty as well.
The meal finished with sticky rice, I remember that because Jeff spent as much time picking out the little dried shrimp as he did actually eating it. and what meal would be complete without the less than scrumptious red-bean soup? We were served that as well, but I took a pass.
Like I said at the beginning, too much food.
I had some left-over Christmas breakfast when I got in on Christmas Day. Then there was turkey dinner at my Aunts place that night. I consumed way too much turkey, and as a result of time differences and tryptophan, I spent the evening napping and eating.
Boxing day was awesome. I went down to the rugby club and surprised a bunch of guys by showing up ready to play in the annual John Latham Over-Under Game. I had a great time and the Unders continued their winning streak by pounding the overs 25-10. We had a few snacks after the game, a few bevies after the game, and the Unders even won the boat-race. It was great to see everyone and a really good day. Then we went out for dinner with my parents. It was good to get my Chinese food fix in early, so there is time to have it again.
On Thursday we finally got to see Jen and baby Jayden. He is the cutest Asian baby ever, despite the fact that he does not have Chinese-Baby hair. He is a bundle of energy, already twitchy and trying his best to be mobile. His legs actually never stop. I on the underhand was tired and sore after rugby and had a little a nap while at Jen's. I don't feel too bad because Carlton was also sleeping. Then more delicious turkey at the Lee's. Can you eat too much turkey? I think not.
Yesterday was pretty quite for most of the day. The lack of a vehicle was
not really a problem, since moving to Kingston Donna and I have learned to walk everywhere anyway, I took the SkyTrain to Dinner with Donna's Family. Donna's Uncle was treating. Too many older people who didn't eat much, and many courses later, I was very, very full. Jeff even took a few pictures.
We started with somewhat traditional appetizer platter. Mixed meats, jellyfish, but it also came with honey garlic ribs and spicy prawns. Sweet.Then came this hug plate (30 or 40) of massive prawns, down with candied walnuts and mayonnaise. Not sure about the mayonnaise, but I ate 4 anyway. We also had a huge plate of sugar peas with geoduck and scallops. Then came the soup, crab and fish maw.
Next we had this masterpiece of crab and lobster. A couple of lobsters and at least 1 crab. It was ridiculous. But also very delicious.
Next came the Drunken Chicken. Really good with the garlic and ginger and green onion dipping sauce.
At this point I lost track of what we actually ate, but I know we had a broccoli dish with mushrooms and crab sauce. I had never had it before and it was tasty.
We also had this fish and gai lan dish... very tasty as well.
The meal finished with sticky rice, I remember that because Jeff spent as much time picking out the little dried shrimp as he did actually eating it. and what meal would be complete without the less than scrumptious red-bean soup? We were served that as well, but I took a pass.
Like I said at the beginning, too much food.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
BBQ Pics
Hey everyone, I just found these pictures of my friends, taken at my going away BBQ back in July. Here are the best of them (pictures, not friends... hehehe).
and Erica (in the middle) who got married over the summer. Sorry I wasn't there to help you celebrate.
Sonia (on the left) is busy planning her wedding as well. Her Hubby-to-be wasn't there.
Not sure how these to put up with each other. Actually its more like the guy on the left (Mike) putting up with the guy on the right (Lannon).
Joe and Maggie. Don't ask me why Maggie looks so happy (and you can only see half of her face) and Joe looks so dejected.
Post-meat-consumption lounging. And there was a lot of meat (that's what she said).
Steve Swan before he started drinking. Always better to get a couple of photos of him early, because pictures of him later in the evening may or may not be postable.
Rob (left) and Lannon chilling out by the pond.
Enjoying a drink with Amy (left) and Chamyli (right).
No more St. John Ambulance now that I have moved to Kingston. Funny enough, neither Audrey (left) or Erica are in SJA anymore either.
Joe and Marijan having a good time. Not that they ever don't have a good time when were all together.
Now the important question is: Who invited this guy? More importantly, why did he arrive to a BBQ in his "good coveralls" when he wasn't actually working in them before hand? I had no idea I was related to redneck, trailer-park folk.
See all you people in 8 more days!!!
Congrats to Jen and Carlton who had their Baby a few months ago. Baby Jayden is pretty cute.
Congrats to Pierre (to the right of me)...
and Erica (in the middle) who got married over the summer. Sorry I wasn't there to help you celebrate.
Sonia (on the left) is busy planning her wedding as well. Her Hubby-to-be wasn't there.
Not sure how these to put up with each other. Actually its more like the guy on the left (Mike) putting up with the guy on the right (Lannon).
Joe and Maggie. Don't ask me why Maggie looks so happy (and you can only see half of her face) and Joe looks so dejected.
Post-meat-consumption lounging. And there was a lot of meat (that's what she said).
Steve Swan before he started drinking. Always better to get a couple of photos of him early, because pictures of him later in the evening may or may not be postable.
Rob (left) and Lannon chilling out by the pond.
Enjoying a drink with Amy (left) and Chamyli (right).
No more St. John Ambulance now that I have moved to Kingston. Funny enough, neither Audrey (left) or Erica are in SJA anymore either.
Joe and Marijan having a good time. Not that they ever don't have a good time when were all together.
Now the important question is: Who invited this guy? More importantly, why did he arrive to a BBQ in his "good coveralls" when he wasn't actually working in them before hand? I had no idea I was related to redneck, trailer-park folk.
See all you people in 8 more days!!!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Most Bestest Tuesday Ever
Today at school I had the most bestest day ever. All because the administration sponsored all the staff to a free turkey dinner with all the trimmings. If you read my ravings and rantings, you will remember that I was slightly depressed at Thanksgiving because I didn't get my Mom's turkey dinner, perhaps the finest meal on this earth. We went to Swiss Chalet with a couple of her friends, it while it was nice, it was no turkey dinner (I think at the time I said a little piece of me died inside... that might have been an over statement, but it did suck big-time). The turkey dinner we had today, although prepared lunch counter-style by the cafeteria ladies, was delicious. It reminded me of home, and just increased my already overwhelming desire to return to Vancouver for the holidays. Kingston is nice, and I couldn't stand being apart from Donna, but there are lots of things I miss about Vancouver.
I started my Christmas shopping yesterday as well. I will tell everyone more about this later, after Christmas, as Donna will be reading this and letting her stew a bit wondering what she is getting for Christmas will be good for her.
So I cooked dinner for some people the other day. Some of our friends were in Toronto for the weekend, but others were around and we decided to have them over for some authentic fusion Chinese food (authentic dishes prepared by a fusion chef...). Everything turned out tasting pretty good, which was a relief since I spent most of the day (7ish hours) shopping, chopping, cleaning, grilling, baking, frying, and steaming the meal. I am not sure how those restaurant kitchens manage to produce so much food. I made 8 dishes for the 6 of us, which was total over-kill, but everyone enjoyed it (or at least said they enjoyed it). I like cooking so it was nice to cook for a slightly bigger crowd than just the normal 2 of us. If I had cooked less, maybe they wouldn't want to come back so soon.
I started my Christmas shopping yesterday as well. I will tell everyone more about this later, after Christmas, as Donna will be reading this and letting her stew a bit wondering what she is getting for Christmas will be good for her.
So I cooked dinner for some people the other day. Some of our friends were in Toronto for the weekend, but others were around and we decided to have them over for some authentic fusion Chinese food (authentic dishes prepared by a fusion chef...). Everything turned out tasting pretty good, which was a relief since I spent most of the day (7ish hours) shopping, chopping, cleaning, grilling, baking, frying, and steaming the meal. I am not sure how those restaurant kitchens manage to produce so much food. I made 8 dishes for the 6 of us, which was total over-kill, but everyone enjoyed it (or at least said they enjoyed it). I like cooking so it was nice to cook for a slightly bigger crowd than just the normal 2 of us. If I had cooked less, maybe they wouldn't want to come back so soon.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Wooohooo!!! Back on the air!!!
Hey Everybody!! So its been 2 months since my last confession, er, post. Many things have happened, some of which actually did affect my ability to use the Internet and keep you all posted on how Donna and I are doing. I am probably going to forget a whole bunch of things, but I will try and remember the most important, interesting, funny, and useless things. I am not actually sure where to begin, so here it is, chronologically.
Thanksgiving.
Donna knew that I was feeling a little crumby at my lack of work, so she said she was going to make me Thanksgiving Dinner. I got really excited. We were going to have people over. Donna was going to make turkey and all the trimmings. I was going to eat much, much more than was good for me. Then we found out that Jason and Flora were going to the states for the weekend and needed someone to dog sit for them. Sounded like fun and we could dirty their kitchen instead of ours. Plus we could do a bit of laundry since the washers and dyers at our place were broken. Then we also found out that Donna's friend Tanya was coming up for Sunday morning brunch. Needless to say this put a damper on our turkey dinner plans. Oh well, not a big deal, I will just have to consume more turkey at Christmas.
I made the Wife-Saver Breakfast for the first time when Tanya and Wilson (her fiance) came for brunch,and despite a few missteps, it turned out really well. The dog sitting was not as successful. Lai-Fu, Jason and Flora's Sheba Inu, is a handful. Let's just say that Donna is thinking that a cat might be better for us. It ate her scarf, several of our socks (we stayed the weekend at their place) and her brand-new shoe's (which she had just bought with birthday money from her Mom and had only worn once).
And I did get poultry for Thanksgiving Dinner. I had a delicious 1/4 chicken dinner at Swiss Chalet. I kid you not... I actually cried a little bit inside afterwards.
Camping.
One of the attendings Donna works with was nice enough to invite us up to his property for some camping one October weekend. Donna wasn't sure she wanted to go as it was getting late in the season, nights were getting a little cold, and she was the only female going. I talked her into it, since it was the last chance to get away for the weekend for awhile. It was a little cold, but it was totally worth it.
We had a great time. 4 other Dr.'s came up at various times for various lengths of time, so there was always company around. Lots of very marginally healthy food and drink as well. Turns out Dan's wife Angela came up the next day, so Donna was happy at the injection of estrogen to the campsite. Their property is amazing to say the least. Apparently it is impossible in Canada to actually own water, such as a lake. However, Dan and Angela have purchased 120 acres of land that completely surrounds a lake, essentially giving them the lake as well, for a total of 180 acres of relatively private bliss. They are in the process of developing it, and when they do it will be one heck of a property. We canoed the lake and hiked the area, and best of all, Donna didn't freeze.
Birthdays.
So Donna and I each had birthdays in October. We went out for dinner with her friends to the best of the local Chinese restaurants. It's not bad, for white-bread Chinese. Yes, there is a buffet at lunch for $6.50, but does that necessarily mean that it's a bad place to eat? In this case no, particularly since there is not really anything better Chinese-wise in the downtown area. It was pretty good, and since we hadn't had Chinese for awhile, it was pretty good. For my birthday, some of us went to one of the better local pizza places, Woodenhead's. Slippy, if your reading this, (probably not since this is way to lowbrow for your self-proclaimed towering intellect) we did not have the famous Coconut Shrimp, but we did dine on some delicious wood-oven pizza and fresh salads. I got Donna some new flannel sheets to help ward-off the now present winter chill, and Donna got me the new Halo 3 video game, perfect for an out of work bum with nothing else to fill his days.
Rugby.
For the months of September, October, and the first part of November, rugby was pretty much all consuming. I didn't have much else to do, so it was actually pretty good. We ended up getting through the regular season in first place. We thumped Trent in the first round of the playoffs 99-0. That's right, 99-0. We actually had chances to get to triple digits, but missed several kicks that would have put us over the century mark. The following week, we beat heated rivals 18-13 in front of a great home crowd. The bleachers were packed, and they even put up a beer garden and food tent for the game. It was a very hard game, with several close plays that truly tested the Queens Players. The guys played very hard and were both technically sound and mentally tough against Western. This confirmed a spot for us against Brock in the finals at Fletcher's Field in Toronto.
The weekend of Nov. 10 we travelled to Toronto, getting there on Friday evening so we would have time to get a run in before it got too dark. Along the way we stopped at Luke Follwell's parent's farm for lunch, that's right, the whole bus load of rugby players were fed by two of the nicest people ever. I am not sure I would want to open my house to 40 hungry rugby players, coaches, and trainers. That's a lot of food. It was delicious, and a nice team bonding activity.
The eating didn't stop there. A Queen's alum, Rick Powers (great guy), took the team out to dinner. Pasta, salad, and bread... lots of carbs for the guys. Then he took the coaches and trainers out for "real dinner." So after eating a healthy portion of pasta, a few hours later I was treated to ribs a fries. Let's just say I ate way too much that day, especially since I got up the next morning and ate at the breakfast buffet.
All that eating didn't get us a win though. It was a close game, and Queens had several chances to put the ball over the try-line, but we couldn't capitalize on our attempts. We lead at two points early in the game, thanks to Bryn Davie's kicking, but it was not enough. It was a great season, and the guys should really be proud of themselves. I had a great time working with them and I can't wait to get back to it next year.
Toronto.
Donna drove down after the game and we spent the night in Toronto, doing all the good Toronto things that Kingston doesn't offer. We ate and bought a car load full of Asian groceries and socialized with several friends of Donna's doing rotations in Toronto at the time. It was a nice time. Thanks again to Donna's cousins for letting us stay with them.
Employment.
So I was beginning to get a little depressed with the lack of work. September went by without a sniff, although I applied to a few jobs. I managed to get an interview for an occasional teaching position (TOC or substitute for all you Vancouverites) at the beginning ofOctober, and I thought it went pretty well (I also thought my interview at Alpha 3 years ago went well, but I found out later that it wasn't my best effort). Later in October, on my birthday no less, I got a call telling me I had a job, and that I needed to go to an orientation meeting on 5th of November. At that meeting I found out that I could expect to be getting calls starting November 19th. I actually got a call before that because they were extra short people, but I worked only 3 days in those first 3 weeks. 3 days of work in over 4.5 months. How's that for unemployment?
Anyway, I got a really good break the other day. I actually have semi-permanent work for the next few weeks, which will see me through to the Christmas break. It isn't quite full time, but they are really good about trying to get my workload topped up when other people are way from the school. It's in Odessa, which is just a 25 minute drive from Kingston. Its a great school and the staff is really nice.
To get back and forth from school, I decided after much deliberation to get snow tires. Good thing. I had them put on and the next day in dumped a whole pile of snow. How do these Ontario people put up with this? It also dropped to -20 today, turning much of the roadways into skating rinks. Nice eh?
Computer.
Almost done...just a little more patience required. So I haven't been able to post because my computer packed it in. I hate computers. After some research and a little bit of luck, I have secured myself a new computer that is working just fine. But I do hate Windows Vista. It is not total crap, but it is definitely not a drastic improvement over XP. My biggest itch right now is that I can't get Windows Live Messenger to work. I like using messenger. I want this fixed. Somebody help me.
OK. That's it. Regular up dates and hopefully some more photos will come soon. If I don't freeze first.
Thanksgiving.
Donna knew that I was feeling a little crumby at my lack of work, so she said she was going to make me Thanksgiving Dinner. I got really excited. We were going to have people over. Donna was going to make turkey and all the trimmings. I was going to eat much, much more than was good for me. Then we found out that Jason and Flora were going to the states for the weekend and needed someone to dog sit for them. Sounded like fun and we could dirty their kitchen instead of ours. Plus we could do a bit of laundry since the washers and dyers at our place were broken. Then we also found out that Donna's friend Tanya was coming up for Sunday morning brunch. Needless to say this put a damper on our turkey dinner plans. Oh well, not a big deal, I will just have to consume more turkey at Christmas.
I made the Wife-Saver Breakfast for the first time when Tanya and Wilson (her fiance) came for brunch,and despite a few missteps, it turned out really well. The dog sitting was not as successful. Lai-Fu, Jason and Flora's Sheba Inu, is a handful. Let's just say that Donna is thinking that a cat might be better for us. It ate her scarf, several of our socks (we stayed the weekend at their place) and her brand-new shoe's (which she had just bought with birthday money from her Mom and had only worn once).
And I did get poultry for Thanksgiving Dinner. I had a delicious 1/4 chicken dinner at Swiss Chalet. I kid you not... I actually cried a little bit inside afterwards.
Camping.
One of the attendings Donna works with was nice enough to invite us up to his property for some camping one October weekend. Donna wasn't sure she wanted to go as it was getting late in the season, nights were getting a little cold, and she was the only female going. I talked her into it, since it was the last chance to get away for the weekend for awhile. It was a little cold, but it was totally worth it.
We had a great time. 4 other Dr.'s came up at various times for various lengths of time, so there was always company around. Lots of very marginally healthy food and drink as well. Turns out Dan's wife Angela came up the next day, so Donna was happy at the injection of estrogen to the campsite. Their property is amazing to say the least. Apparently it is impossible in Canada to actually own water, such as a lake. However, Dan and Angela have purchased 120 acres of land that completely surrounds a lake, essentially giving them the lake as well, for a total of 180 acres of relatively private bliss. They are in the process of developing it, and when they do it will be one heck of a property. We canoed the lake and hiked the area, and best of all, Donna didn't freeze.
Birthdays.
So Donna and I each had birthdays in October. We went out for dinner with her friends to the best of the local Chinese restaurants. It's not bad, for white-bread Chinese. Yes, there is a buffet at lunch for $6.50, but does that necessarily mean that it's a bad place to eat? In this case no, particularly since there is not really anything better Chinese-wise in the downtown area. It was pretty good, and since we hadn't had Chinese for awhile, it was pretty good. For my birthday, some of us went to one of the better local pizza places, Woodenhead's. Slippy, if your reading this, (probably not since this is way to lowbrow for your self-proclaimed towering intellect) we did not have the famous Coconut Shrimp, but we did dine on some delicious wood-oven pizza and fresh salads. I got Donna some new flannel sheets to help ward-off the now present winter chill, and Donna got me the new Halo 3 video game, perfect for an out of work bum with nothing else to fill his days.
Rugby.
For the months of September, October, and the first part of November, rugby was pretty much all consuming. I didn't have much else to do, so it was actually pretty good. We ended up getting through the regular season in first place. We thumped Trent in the first round of the playoffs 99-0. That's right, 99-0. We actually had chances to get to triple digits, but missed several kicks that would have put us over the century mark. The following week, we beat heated rivals 18-13 in front of a great home crowd. The bleachers were packed, and they even put up a beer garden and food tent for the game. It was a very hard game, with several close plays that truly tested the Queens Players. The guys played very hard and were both technically sound and mentally tough against Western. This confirmed a spot for us against Brock in the finals at Fletcher's Field in Toronto.
The weekend of Nov. 10 we travelled to Toronto, getting there on Friday evening so we would have time to get a run in before it got too dark. Along the way we stopped at Luke Follwell's parent's farm for lunch, that's right, the whole bus load of rugby players were fed by two of the nicest people ever. I am not sure I would want to open my house to 40 hungry rugby players, coaches, and trainers. That's a lot of food. It was delicious, and a nice team bonding activity.
The eating didn't stop there. A Queen's alum, Rick Powers (great guy), took the team out to dinner. Pasta, salad, and bread... lots of carbs for the guys. Then he took the coaches and trainers out for "real dinner." So after eating a healthy portion of pasta, a few hours later I was treated to ribs a fries. Let's just say I ate way too much that day, especially since I got up the next morning and ate at the breakfast buffet.
All that eating didn't get us a win though. It was a close game, and Queens had several chances to put the ball over the try-line, but we couldn't capitalize on our attempts. We lead at two points early in the game, thanks to Bryn Davie's kicking, but it was not enough. It was a great season, and the guys should really be proud of themselves. I had a great time working with them and I can't wait to get back to it next year.
Toronto.
Donna drove down after the game and we spent the night in Toronto, doing all the good Toronto things that Kingston doesn't offer. We ate and bought a car load full of Asian groceries and socialized with several friends of Donna's doing rotations in Toronto at the time. It was a nice time. Thanks again to Donna's cousins for letting us stay with them.
Employment.
So I was beginning to get a little depressed with the lack of work. September went by without a sniff, although I applied to a few jobs. I managed to get an interview for an occasional teaching position (TOC or substitute for all you Vancouverites) at the beginning ofOctober, and I thought it went pretty well (I also thought my interview at Alpha 3 years ago went well, but I found out later that it wasn't my best effort). Later in October, on my birthday no less, I got a call telling me I had a job, and that I needed to go to an orientation meeting on 5th of November. At that meeting I found out that I could expect to be getting calls starting November 19th. I actually got a call before that because they were extra short people, but I worked only 3 days in those first 3 weeks. 3 days of work in over 4.5 months. How's that for unemployment?
Anyway, I got a really good break the other day. I actually have semi-permanent work for the next few weeks, which will see me through to the Christmas break. It isn't quite full time, but they are really good about trying to get my workload topped up when other people are way from the school. It's in Odessa, which is just a 25 minute drive from Kingston. Its a great school and the staff is really nice.
To get back and forth from school, I decided after much deliberation to get snow tires. Good thing. I had them put on and the next day in dumped a whole pile of snow. How do these Ontario people put up with this? It also dropped to -20 today, turning much of the roadways into skating rinks. Nice eh?
Computer.
Almost done...just a little more patience required. So I haven't been able to post because my computer packed it in. I hate computers. After some research and a little bit of luck, I have secured myself a new computer that is working just fine. But I do hate Windows Vista. It is not total crap, but it is definitely not a drastic improvement over XP. My biggest itch right now is that I can't get Windows Live Messenger to work. I like using messenger. I want this fixed. Somebody help me.
OK. That's it. Regular up dates and hopefully some more photos will come soon. If I don't freeze first.
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