Author - noon30

Another weekend down the tubes. Friday night Shan and I went to See Troy at the cheaps. Guys, take your lady friend to see this movie. When you get home light a candle and Brad Pitt is your new best friend. I am no poof but that is one good looking man.

Saturday I was up bright and early to get over to Mikes for his “Sod Party”.⁽¹⁾ Soon after I arrived Steve, Bry and Ports showed up and with the help of the neighbour and Tara’s folks that place was a sea of green in no time flat. I have never laid sod before and don’t intend to soon. Ports was a champ out there so I will certainly make sure he gets an invite should I ever throw a “Sod Party”. The next time I get an invite I will make sure to get a ride with Timmy D who pulled onto the street just as the last piece went down. Mike and Tara were great hosts as usual with the beers and doggers afterward.

After Sod we had a mini-windup for the Pistols at Steve’s. Ok so it was just Myself, Steve, Gould, Mike, Ports and 85 beers. It was heaven to hit the pool and have a few pops with the boys. Steve topped it off with some great burgers for dinner. Highlight had to be the neighbour climbing up on the roof next door and jumping into his pool. It was something straight off of Jackass. I taped the whole thing with my digital and in the background you can hear Steve yelling “DIVE MAN, HEAD FIRST”. Sully and Ryan made an appearance just before I left. Saturday night I watched a couple rentals. Shan had Bronwyn for the day so that Paul and Tara could get some work done at their place so she wasn’t home until late. It was nice to just relax.

Sunday Shan and I picked up Erin and went to Birds Hill Beach⁽²⁾ for the day. Seems like everyone in Winnipeg had that very same idea. Place was packed shoulder to shoulder. It was nice to get out with Erin and Shan and just spend the day at the beach soaking up the sun. Some of us more than others. Shan was looking pretty red when we got home and I think must’ve been a little sore today.

Erin slept over Sunday night because I am working new hours now at a NEW JOB! I forgot to mention that I am now a Vendor Service Rep⁽³⁾ for the NWC and I couldn’t be happier. Goodbye sweaty warehouse. Today Erin and I had breakfast with my grandma and then went to Taylor’s place for a swim. Lots of sun this weekend that is fersure.

(1) – That is what you call it when you ask your friends and family to help you sod your massive back yard. Looking at it today I am sure we did one hell of a job.

(2) – Not sure why we don’t go here much anymore. I used to go all the time with Erin and the girls when they were little. I hate crowds a lot more now. Everything feels harder. Is it father time? Not sure.

(3) – Ah the North West Company Selections catalogue. Those were some good times.

I was actually cold on the bike this morning, but it was nice.⁽¹⁾

Friday night I went and played roller hockey with the co-ed crew, headed by Cass.⁽²⁾ I was really pumped for this one now that I have gone an entire week without playing (but no watermelon).⁽³⁾ Vern made it out and Bry is always there but in net this time. It was a great skate and afterward we all sat around talking until noon30 or so and then I went home to bed.

Saturday morning I woke to a phone call from Paul who was in Grand Central Station in NYC.⁽⁴⁾ I spent the day working on the computer and then went for dinner with my family to visit with my Auntie Lorie and Kerry⁽⁵⁾ who are in from Edmonton. It was a great dinner at Tony Roma’s and it was great to catch up with my dad’s side of the family that I don’t see very often. From there I made my way over to Steve’s where the guys were out to celebrate his birthday. They were already well into the drinks and it was quite an adventurous night (anybody know someone who does drywall). We ended up bringing our roller hockey trophy too a rival teams party and drank from it. Steve even wore a Pistols jersey! We ended up at Perkins after for the best meal in Canada where I proceeded to spike my hair with creamer (thanks Cass). I also have to thank Cass for doing all the driving that night and having to put up with us.

Sunday morning I was up pretty early to write Shan and there was a knock on the door. I threw on some shorts and went to the door with my hair still sky high from the creamer and it was my landlord wanting to show my place! I was kinda shocked because there was no notice but my place is usually pretty clean so it wasn’t really a problem. Regardless, she loved the place and wants it for the first of August ⁽⁶⁾ so I will have a busy week packing and whatnot. I am still sorta in shock really. During the day I went and picked up Crocket⁽⁷⁾ and his nephew who are re-doing my parents sidewalk and we spread the gravel so that it will be ready for pouring this week. From there I went to Steve’s with Bry and Al to watch “Twin Peaks” Season One. Love that series. From there we went to visit Paul, Lissa, and Easton who are in town for a few days. They are renting out their place as of the first too which is really good for them. My parents are at the lake this week with the Colburn’s⁽⁸⁾ again so I am sure they are having a blast. So much going on…

(1) – I used to bike to work in the Exchange District because parking downtown is atrocious. I think I did that about 10 times.

(2) – Cass was the VP of inline for Sport Manitoba that year and we put her through the ringer. She was good to us regardless and often got us good floor times and let us get away with the occassional head-butt without suspension.

(3) – Cass would also bring watermelon to eat at scrimmage, which was awesome.

(4) – This may have been when Ratty was on his way back from England? Not sure about the timeline here.

(5) – My Auntie Lorie and Kerry are the best. Will never forget how they treated us when Lexi and I went to visit during VB Nationals. They took such good care of us.

(6) – This time I took over the whole upstairs because Marcy was in Snow Lake. I converted her pink room into a TV room and it had this old hide-a-bed I would sleep on as well. It had jerseys and posters all over the walls. I am hoping one day that Shannon let’s me do the spare room in the basement like this.

(7) – Crocket is my dad’s bestie and often helped him with projects like this. He knows people. Would always be there for my dad.

(8) – My parent’s used to go up to Mitch and Lily’s cabin from time to time. They are like family but I am not sure really how we are related. They are my mom’s cousins I think. I am so bad at that kind of thing. To me they are just family.

Friday night I took a drive out to Mike and Tara’s new place to see if they needed any help. Mike had the day off so he had most everything moved into the house and Tara was already well into putting things away with Brian and his wife. Mom #10 was there too and I hadn’t seen her since her big trip so that was a nice quick visit. From there I went to my parents place and watched “The Count of Monte Cristo”.⁽¹⁾ I really enjoyed it so I may even review it someday (I have been so lazy with the reviews).

Saturday Bry, Erin and I went to see “Scooby Doo” at the Towne. It was cool to just hang out with Bry and Erin for the day. We went back to Erin’s and I put up a ceiling fan for Amber’s mom. Scott has taught me well. Saturday night I had another big date with Shan. I really don’t know what I would do without MSN. If they ever charged for that they would make a fortune. We talked for about an hour and then I went over to Dave and Rachelle’s⁽²⁾ to get eaten alive by mosquitoes. I was there for about 20 mins and then back home where I fell asleep half way into a movie.

Sunday morning (sorta) I made my way to the Ranch for a visit and got to hear all about Gerrie’s trip to NFLD. Looks amazing there. I think I would love the cold chill in the air and rainy season by the sounds of it. So much water and rock. Seeing a glacier would be truly amazing. I am not very well travelled but that is one place I actually want to see sometime. From the ranch I had dinner at my parents in preparation for the big game.

We ended up beating the Flying Squirrels in back to back games to become the platinum division champs. The tourney was set up funny, so it was a blowout but we went to Montana’s after and drank from the cup. I tried to call Ratty after the game but he was not home. It’s always a different game for me when he is in the lineup and I really wish he was here to share in this. Regardless it was a great year and everybody had fun and played hard and that is what it is all about. Thanks to everyone who came out to support us in the stands.

(1) – Just watched this again this weekend, July 4, 2026. Still holds up, still no review.

(2) – Dave and Rachelle’s?

Congratulations Mike, Tara, and Jordan on the new arrival of Kaelyn Marie Dickenson on Friday July 4, 2003 at 2:20 pm. We have much anticipated the arrival and the families are exstatic. I think she comes home today. Shan and her mom were already competing for holding rights so I don’t think there is going to be any problems finding a babysitter for this doll.

Also a big “WAY TO GO” to my folks who are celebrating their 35th year together today. You know I really admire them thinking back through a lot of hard times. They both came over for dinner on Wednesday night since Shan and I were living it up at JD’s. We had a blast just talking and playing pool. It was my mom’s first time ever playing pool and it was great to see them out having so much fun. The wine may have helped a little. My dad loved the hot tub on his sore back. On that note I want to thank JD and Dy for leaving us in charge while they were on holidays, it was a really nice break.

Shan and I had a busy week and yesterday took Jordan to see Charlie’s Angels and then went for a blade at Birds Hill Park. I am exhausted today and play roller hockey in under an hour. I think we have a pretty short bench out today to make matters worse. Tonight I need sleepies.

Got called back to work this week on Tuesday so I missed goodbyes with the Ratte’s. Thursday was Canada Day and we were invited to Paul and Tara’s for Bronwyn’s first birthday. It was outside and the mosquitoes were torture but we lathered on the spray and it wasn’t too bad. Met some of Paul and Tara’s neighbours and relatives, ate some good food and watched Bron open all her gifts and blow out her candles. I think it was a huge success.

Worked Friday. Saturday Shan and I drove up to Royal to hang out with JD and Shan’s grandparents who are in town from B.C. We hadn’t seen them since Christmas and haven’t seen JD in almost that long so it was a great day just catching up. A highlight for me was taking the boat out for a cruise. This was the first time I have ever taken out the boat on my own with Shan. JD has offered me the keys on many occassion but I have never had the cujos to actually go on my own. It’s one thing to trust me with his only daughter but the boat…well that’s different! So now I was out on the lake responsible for both! Once we were out there it was smooth sailing (no pun intended) but I knew I still had to dock this baby with 41 people watching who knew I was a rookie out there. The dock is postitioned so that you have to drift in sideways at just the right angle, taking in account the wind speed. I had seen JD do this 100 times and not given it a second thought but it’s a little different from the captains chair. I overshot JD’s spot and all I could think about was beaching this thing. I threw it into reverse and gave it another try. It wasn’t pretty but I got her in there without a scratch and I couldn’t be happier to be on land.

We had a nice royal dinner at the lake and then went up to Sonya and Stans to see how the Italians play Bocce. They have a great little place right on the water and have made a Bocce court that is all lit up. Not like the “off-road Bocce” I am used to. Stan explined the rules and then Shan and I lost a close one on their home court. We did manage to put a whooping on JD and Jeff in the next round. Had a good sleep that night from all the fresh air.

We were up early Sunday morning to get back to the city for Kaelyn’s first birthday party. It was the biggest birthday bash I have ever seen. I only knew 3 people when I was a year old. There was so many people there that they couldn’t all park in the driveway. If you have seen this driveway you would know what I am talking about. We all had fun and most of all KK made out like a bandit and got to mingle all of her friends and relatives. It was nice to see the boys out there. I finally took Georges car for spin too! Thing is fast as snot. Mike pulled out Jordan’s scooter when we got back and everyone took a rip on that as well. Steve took Parker a couple times so I think it won’t be long before Parker is on two wheels! Shan had to be the highlight though, dragging her sandled feet the entire length of the street. I am sure I could see them smoking when she got back!

Sorry Curtis,⁽¹⁾ never made the show last night. I spent the evening helping Trish pack. It was kinda wierd because we actually got along better moving her out, than moving in. I am really unsure what the next couple months have in store. I have never really lived alone.⁽²⁾ There has always been a roomate involved, or someone there. In a way I am looking forward to it and in another way feel like I am starting a whole new life. It’s really not that dramatic but I have the same feeling like when Toph hits the reset button when I’m kicking his ass in NHL 94. One minute I’m in complete control, everything is going my way, it’s like 6-0. Then all of a sudden his foot comes out of nowhere… “oops”/reset. Then all that is left are these empty appologies that go noticed but fade away like a bad smell until they are forgotten and life just keeps moving.

(1) – ToonTown Curtis.

(2) – I loved this time in my life. That basement apartment I had on Eugenie was the absolute best. I don’t think I lived there long enough to get lonely but I ate whenever I wanted, there was never any mess, the entrance was General Lee orange, it was always cold in there (-2), I had a table top arcade game as a kitchen table, honestly I loved it there. Not in the way that I have any regrets for my choices but living alone for the short time that I did was absoloutely glorious.

Very happy to announce the release of my latest creation, in conjunction with a company called Style By Design. Finally it is here…Winnipeg’s premier source for On-line MENUS. That’s right, wanna order some Chinese food but can’t find that old menu that was mixed in with your old bills? Find it at todaysmenus.com.⁽¹⁾ Check out our on-line MENUS, contests, reviews, join our mailing list and see whats NEW this month. The site has several restaurants already contained and will be growing daily…SO TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW to check it out…

(1) – Here is the first attempt at Skip-the-dishes back in 1999. We were knocking on reataurant doors and charging them to re-create their menus online and promote coupons and online deals. Groundbreaking at the time but maybe not the best design I have ever put out there! Al worked on it a little bit too with another guy named Darian that I think was Nolan’s neighbour who sold Xerox machines. So close…

I don’t even know where to start with this one…how about stag night. With all of the boys in town I was anticipating this night all week. When would we have another chance to get Ratty, Drew, Toph and Bry all in one room, let alone play hockey together. Thursday night started at Drew’s with a brief wedding rehearsal. The plan was that we (everyone) would go for dinner at Pony Coral and then the women would go their way and vice versa. I left the rehearsal about 6pm to pick up Toph at the airport. His plane was a little late but his luggage made it which is usually not the case with Air Canada, so he tells me. We made good time to the restaurant and the girls were just about to leave. The plan was to leave the restaurant and make it to the rink for game of roller hockey before finishing up at the bar. Toph and I had to play catch up at the restaurant and after he finished picking all the crap off the sandwich he ordered we left and made way to the rink.⁽¹⁾ I can’t explain the way it felt to have all the boys together. There was a familiarity there together, playing hockey that night, that made me feel like we could do this any night of the week. Hockey was amazing.

After hockey we made a B-line for Scandals. Jess and I hopped in with Mike and showered at my place. Scandals is somewhat ironic considering that is where we all began the hunt for manhood and this is where the ceremonial last night of freedom was the beginning for Drew. We were rockstars that night. The place was booming. Chris Gould assured us that he was going to get us in the back and when we pulled up there was lineup around the corner. When Jess, Mike and I came into the lounge the guys had taken over the entire perimeter of the main bar and the shots were already lined up, I mouthed the words “uh, oh” and took a seat. Once inside the bar much of the same. It’s been awhile since we’ve been to Scandals and the crowd made us all feel really old. 18 year old girls everywhere, not good! Paul ‘Rockstar’ Ratte was going hard and taking me with him, Ponch ‘lady killer’ Boissoneault was breaking up every female, male conversation in room with “HEY LADIES, YOU COMING BACK TO THE PARTY”. Toph and I just looked around the bar dumbfounded. We all spent a million bucks and carried Drew out of the bar victorious. All I remember about the after party is a number of my closest friends passed out on the floor, Ponch making a few phone calls that started out with nothing more than “how much” and lotsa pizza. I walked home.⁽²⁾

Got a wake up call from Bry about about noon on friday to remind me that we were meeting at 1pm to pick up the tuxes. I begged him for 1:30pm but he insisted 1pm so I got out of bed, grabbed a slurpee on the way and made it just on time. Bry and the others got there about 1:30pm. There is just no justice. Drew was still hurting from the stag and lied down on the floor in the tux place. I think it sent a good message to all the high school guys coming in for fittings. After the fittings Drew took us out for lunch⁽³⁾ and then Toph, Al, and I went and saw “Shaft”, oh we got Shafted all right! What a horrible movie. I felt so sorry for this 90 year old woman that was sitting there in the front row listening to all that profanity. She must’ve st’ve gone into the wrong movie or something. Friday night Vern and I helped Drew pick up the booze for the wedding and then went to the HATS as Ratty would say. We ate up and then I went home to relax. Vern and the boys hit Boogie Nights.

I have to admit I was pretty nervous on Drew’s big day (Saturday the 24th). Being the Mc and all but I felt pretty prepared. We (the groomsmen), Ponch, Bry, Toph, Ryan, and myself met Drew at Toph’s place to get the tuxs’ on. Drew rented a Miata for the festivities so Toph and I had to take er for a little test drive before the ceremony, We then went over to Drew’s for the wedding. It was a gorgeous day weather wise and the ceremony itself was short and sweet. The crowd was small and personable which I thought was great thing. We stayed after for pictures and a few Rolling Rocks and then made our way to the hall. I was pretty nervous and screwed up the head table introductions by leaving out the bride and groom but Amazing speeches by Bax and Gould then a touching “you guys are the best” from a bawling Nalini, that was really touching. It was a beautiful wedding and I want to thank Drew and Nalini for making me making me a part of everything. Look for more details soon, like the adventures of Toph ‘Jerry Lee Lewis’ in the events section as soon as I get my hands on the pics. You’l love the one’s the tophats!

(1) – I think this was the old Saints Roller Rink when it was at McPhillips and Jefferson. Gord, the owner let us play there and never really charged us any extra for all the broken lights!

(2) – I think it was Cyrs place and if I walked home I would have been living on Eugenie at the time!