Category - OTD

Looks like Mondays are the day for updates now!

Friday night I went out with the Puncher to see “Dodgeball” at the “Cheaps”. Movie wasn’t bad and it was nice to hang out with Kris who I haven’t seen since the Clarke wedding. I am starting to get used to the Saturday shift as well. It is almost like a catch up day for all of the things I don’t get through all week so it is kinda nice. Kinda nice until hockey starts up and I need to prioritize.⁽¹⁾

Saturday night Shan and I decided to go to Folklorama.⁽²⁾ I have never gone before because it’s not really my thing but I knew Shan has been wanting to check it out so we did. We decided to walk to the Greece Islands which is pretty close to our place. What put me off about Folklorama is driving by all these pavillions and seeing all the lineups all over the place. In this case it wasn’t so bad afterall. We were in line for a bit there but with no real agenda so it was nice to just be hanging out. It cost us about $20 with food so I could see it getting expensive if you go to more than one a night and are eating. Shan says “you don’t have to eat” and sometimes I wonder if she knows who I am. In fact one of the things I enjoyed most about Folklorama was that we shared a plate. Well Shan was so distracted by the entertainment it was as if she barely ate a thing!

From there we walked down Corydon and had a Corona at Saffron’s and said HI to Anand. Then to Bar Italia to hang out with Drew and Lini who are in town from Chicago. Nice to see those two, Windy, Bry and Chris. We left pretty early because we had a wedding to get ready for on Sunday.⁽³⁾

(1) – Speaking of hockey, I am told the ICE is in at Glenwood already. Not quite ready, but in.

(2) – I haven’t been back since and it’s 22 years later.

(3) – Not sure whose wedding this was.

Took Erin to Fun Mountain yesterday and had a blast. We spent the entire day there pretty much with Timmy G and some of his buds. Erin liked Tim’s friend “Cowboy Bob”⁽¹⁾ who yodelled alot and read a library book while waiting in line and going down the slides. He was reading Judy Blume’s “Double Fudge” and was a big hit with the kids. He was also the only guy there wearing “water pants”, looked like “wind pants” to me but he is sure they are the next big craze.

I think “they” need to make a boxer style bathing suit for men that doesn’t suction. There are guys that wear the Speedo that don’t mind having their marbles out there for the world to see and us guys who are more comfortable with the free swinging boxer style. The problem is that even with the most modest boxer you get that uncomfortable suction everytime your submarine comes up for air. You have to give the waistband a little pull to break the seal. Anyway after one wild slide yesterday I was a little frazzled coming up the steps out of the pool and indiscreetly gave my waistband a good pull to break the suction not noticing the female lifeguard on the top st peering down. I know she got a show because her eyes got all wide then she swung her head around with a “WHOA” and exchanged looks with the other female lifeguard indicating to me she was no stranger to the “Laws Of Suction”. I felt the need to explain it anyway, “hey sorry bout’ that I didn’t see you standing there. Gets little snug down there. BRRRRRR that waters cold!” She just smiled and nodded making sure there was no eye contact. The next time went down she was still there and this time I gave her a smile and turned my back her for the waistband pull. She smiled and waved and then whispered something to her lifeguard cohort that made them giggle like school girls.

Man I’m cool.

(1) Remind me to ask Timmy G whatever happened to “Cowboy”. Maybe he got rich off those water (wind) pants and took off outta this place. Who knows.

Friday night when I got home there was a package from Shan.⁽¹⁾ It might have said something specifically about waiting until the 13th to open it but I had it open so fast I didn’t even notice! Got an awesome shirt, some good Thai junkfood and the most thoughtful and creative gift I have ever received (I could never explain it well enough). Stayed in Friday night.

Saturday I picked up Erin and we went for a swim at Bonivital Pool. I haven’t been there since we used to go every Sunday as a family. I remember riding on my dads back⁽²⁾ and looking forward to stopping for lunch on the way home. Erin said she likes this pool better than Pan-Am so it looks like we have a new place to hang out. We had a blast. For dinner I picked up Bry and we went to Ambers for dinner. Grandma makes the best lasagna.⁽³⁾ We hung out there for a bit and then went back to Bry’s and watched “Collateral Damage” with Al. Sunday I worked on getting organized in the new living arrangement and then took in a matinee with Bry and Al. We saw “Signs”.

Sunday night I hung out with Melissa, who I don’t get to see very often so we had some really good talks.

Monday I did some work from home and went to my aunts⁽⁴⁾ place for a great BBQ. My cousin had a baby recently (Tyrell) and he is getting to the cute stages where he is starting to smile and react to things. Made me really miss Easton. Last night I basically just relaxed for the rest of the night.

Looking forward to playing some roller hockey tonight. I think it is Cass’ B-day (Happy Birthday Cass) and what better way to celebrate than a good game of shinny!

(1) – When Shan was in Thailand.

(2) – Probably one of the reasons my dad’s back was so bad was these “swimming Sundays” at Bonivital.

(3) – Sylivia’s Lasagna is the best. I actually made a video of myself trying to recreate it for Amber’s brother Darryl after she passed. I think he found it funny that it was passed down to me because Sylvia always treated me like family.

(4) – My Auntie Susan passed from Cancer 4 years later. She was the yougest of my mothers sisters and is the only non-smoker.

Just want to send out a big thanks to Mike and Jordy who came out with the big truck and helped me with all the awkwards on Tuesday night. Last night my dad met me at the old place and we gave it a good cleaning. Dad’s are great.⁽¹⁾ Went and played some hockey last night as a means to relax. We usually iust play among friends but last night we played some junior provincial team. We had 4 guys against their 14 and they ran us into the ground for 20 mins. I want a re-match against the Pistols. I thought we were going to play some fun hockey after that but it was too late or something so we called it a night.

Tonight I have to give up my keys. One thing I have to admit is that I am sleeping so much better now. Letterman had me up pretty late last night but I sleep hard. Must be the air conditioning⁽²⁾…I love the winter camping.

(1) – Aren’t they. Dad was always helping me out.

(2) – One of the perks of moving back home in 2002. Hard to believe (4) years later I got married.

Last summer while Shan was away and I was doing all these summer things without her, it just wasn’t the same. I would write to her and tell her how much I couldn’t wait to go camping with her, sit around the open fire and fall asleep in a tent listening to the rain or looking up the stars. That’s why this weekend had to be perfect. It all began when I tried to make reservations over the phone and found out you needed to make them at least 3 days in advance. When we got to Tulabi the sign said “Campground Full”.⁽¹⁾ We continued there anyway and found a site that was open Friday only so we decided to set up and take our chances on Saturday. I went to get some wood before the store closed and by the time I got back Shan already had the tent completely set up (reason #1276).

We spent Saturday morning on the beach and eventually caught up with “Ranger Bob” who informed us number 36 was open if we wanted to move our stuff, so we complied. We basically threw everything in the van⁽²⁾ and physically carried the tent there without taking it down. This was either very smart or very lazy…or maybe a bit of both. We had moved our entire site and were back in business bu in under 20 mins. Later in the day it started getting a little grey and we decided we had better get a tarp going over the picnic table. Easier said than done. I messed around forever trying to feed this rope up over this one branch while Shan laughed and laughed as 1 tried throwing it between the branches without success. Finally she wants “one try” so I hand it over and she manages to loop a different branch and decides it’s “good enough”. I contest it wasn’t the same branch I was going for but it will do. We finally manage to get this tarp up just before it rains and I am convinced most people go into couple’s counselling to learn how to interact during tarp engineering.

After dinner there was a park Police guy at the next site over to investigate a dog biting. We were having trouble eaves dropping but it sounded like one of the kids in the next site over had been bit and sent to the hospital. We had met them earlier in the day on “the rock”. The father was an older, skinny, longhair with tattoos and a moustache with a beer can glued to his left hand. I hate to stereotype but after hearing the way they talk to each other the words “trailer trash” did cross my mind. Anyway it’s a sad thing regardless that a child was bit especially because the dog we think bit her was really cool. We could barely hear what the kids were telling the park cop so we decided to make a trip to the can so we could walk on by. The cop and the father were sitting on a rock and the three kids were standing in front of them telling a story that I am sure got better and bloodier each time. As I got a bit closer my trailer park notion was confirmed when I noticed father of the year was WEARING MY SHIRT! I had put it on the windshield of the van to dry after the beach and now this guy was wearing it… “hey man, that’s my shirt” I blurted out without even thinking twice. Shan had just noticed too but was toying with the idea that this guy just might have the same Princess Leia t-shirt as me because she didn’t know just how rare it was.⁽³⁾ While the guy quickly takes off my shirt without even putting down it is. his beer. Everyone gets silent for what seems like minutes as he hands it back to me the cop sees Shan’s astonished face and says “that’s interesting” before Shan and I continue up to the can in shock. On the way back down the father (now shirtless with beer can) offers up the excuse that his kids picked up the shirt somewhere and brought it back. Shan goes fiery redhead and says “well just make sure they keep their little fingers to themselves from now on” and we return to our site still not really sure what just happened.

Sunday we spent some time on the beach and then packed up early for home. We stopped at the Subway in Lac Du Bonnet where I told the legend of Paul Ratte⁽⁴⁾ and met some nice folks. We ate our Subs out on the curb because Shan was in charge of fun this weekend. We had dinner at my parents place and then went to see “Bad Boys 2” at Grant Park. I don’t think I will be reviewing it but I did think it was a an OK sequel. This weekend couldn’t have been more perfect.

(1) – Back in the day when you could take a chance like that and be spontaneous. Those days are long gone but it worked for us back then.

(2) – I think this was my white or teal Dodge Caravan. Loved both of those vehicles and I tell everyone who cares to ask that if they made an AWD version of that van would be my go to.

(3) – I loved that shirt. No idea where it is today.

(4) – I like to let the people at every Subway I visit know that Paul Ratte and I are buddies.

During the week I got a call from my sisters BF (John) who wanted to do something nice for my sister. He felt as though he was taking her away from everyone and wanted to make sure she had a chance to say goodbye⁽¹⁾ to to everyone properly. We decided to surprise her at Marigold with a little going away thing. His parents and brother were there with my parents, my grandma, and my auntie Pearl.⁽²⁾ It was really nice to have everyone there. I am also happy that Marcy has found a good guy in John and no longer feels the burden of the long distance itch.⁽³⁾ An itch that gets the best of most people. An itch that can make you feel completely helpless. Some days you can itch all over and some days you can find something to keep your mind off the itch bit it is always there and it’s in a place you could never reach no matter what kind of yoga you’ve been doing to get to it.

(1) – This is when Marcy moved to Snow Lake to live with John. She has some interesting stories from this time and I remember when she wanted to come home and my dad and I drove a U-Haul out there to get her back!

(2) – Auntie Pearl was just that, a pearl. She is actually my Grandma’s sister and we called her Auntie Pearl. Miss that lady.

(3) – This was likely written while Shan was in Thailand. I remember the itch.

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.