Category - OTD

Thursday night Shan and I were invited to Danelle’s new place for dinner. I didn’t think she would be able to outdo her old place “on the Red” but this place is close to even cooler. The kicker had to be the picture and Ratte, Danelle, and I as soon as you walk in the door. Danelle went out and picked up some steaks and just to show you how she goes out of her way for people, one was even “Tom Size” as she put it. Thanks for a great dinner.

Friday night Shan said it would be OK for me to accompany the Puncher to a wedding for a mutual friend (Desi Clark).⁽¹⁾ She came over for a couple pre-drinks and then Shan drove us to the do. It was great to see the Clark family in action and all done up. Des, Dave, and Ray haven’t changed a bit except they all have babies and whatnot. Saw couple friends from Montana’s and some ol’ G-Wood guys so it was fun right from the get go. Puncher had a little problem handling her booze so we spent a good portion outside “getting some air”, From there we cabbed back to my place and since the night was still young we caught up with Danelle and G at the Assiniboine for Timmy’s big Karaoke Fest. From there Danelle raced us to Perkin’s for the best meal in Canada.⁽²⁾

Saturday I hung out with Grandma while Shan was at work and then I came home and did my chores. Shan made a nice dinner and we watched the game. GO FLAMES GO. We were invited out for Amber’s 30th birthday at Academy Lanes so I picked up Bry and then Al drove us all out for a little bowling. Amber was smoking when we got there so I knew she was already good to go. It was nice to see all her buds and bowl a few with Bry, Al and Shan. Another big Happy Happy to Amber (did I mention she is 30). Sorry we missed the after party.

Today at hockey Gould gave me this picture from the Free Press “One of these guys is doing his own thing…

(1) – I can hardly remember this night, but Shannon also let me sleep over at the Puncher’s house one time after a social at Glenwood because she didn’t want to drive me home. It was just me, Shady Grady, and Puncher.

(2) – Patty melt and spicy fries.

Well I have to work another Saturday and I guess I can’t complain seeing as I have had the last couple off. Yesterday Shan and I met David, Andre, and Anand for lunch at Saffron’s. We were all in the same training class at work⁽¹⁾ and since we all had the same day off we thought it would be nice to visit Anand for lunch who now works at Saffron’s⁽²⁾. As it turns out Anand’s shift got cancelled but he met us there anyway for a few Corona’s and a nice lunch. A pretty classy move I thought with such short notice as I had only called him the night before. After lunch David had some work to do on his new Mustang. Prolly as a result of all the rubber he’s been leaving on the streets these last couple days. We all watched him fishtail out of sight and decided to hop the River Bus for some desert at the Forks. For those that don’t know the River Bus⁽³⁾ runs on the Red River picking g people up at various docking points and delivers them to seven other hot spots on the river. This particular one was off Wellington at Hugo. A spot Anand remembered as “a nice romantic place to smoke some dank”. Anyway it was a nice way to spend the afternoon and Andre agreed “it was worth getting out of bed at 11:30am”

Spending the day with Anand inspired the new section you may have noticed on the site, “Ask Anand”. I first met him at a job interview. We were both applying for at the same time. After the interview we had both got the job and were filling out the paperwork and he explained to me that he knew someone already working in this place and he knew where all the talent was. I thought he was saying that he might know the right people for moving up the corporate ladder but in our first day of “all male” training he was quick to ask “where is all the talent”? In break time I never saw him much but he would always come back into training and explain where all the “talent” was sitting on the production floor. He is thoughtful that way. For the rest of training we would take turns sleeping and I would give Anand a nudge when the trainer came around. If he wasn’t sleeping he was checking his Hotmail or competing with “Sunfire” for the high score in Tetris. We had little pet names for everyone in our class. Once work started we both found it a little tough to adjust. I would come in early to find a good parking spot and get my tools setup. Anand would come in late, park in expecting mothers parking, and go get a coffee. He was good on the phone but called customers “Dude” a lot and even in the notes on their acct. One day in the middle of a tough shift he leans back in his chair and says “Look at how nice it is outside, I’m outta here”. He shuts down his computer, gathers his things and I haven’t seen him there since. At first I couldn’t figure out why I missed the guy so much. Then I realized how much his lack of interest intrigued me. His stories and care-free attitude about the things that stressed me out made me envy him. It wasn’t until he got up and walked right out of there that I wished I had the balls to do the same.

Anyway today at lunch among the usual conversation Anand tells us a story about a guy he knows that makes his own drugs with a can of Rald, some metal mesh screening, hooked up to a car battery. How this came about I don’t even know but we were all killing ourselves laughing about “low-grade Raid”. It was at this point Shan says “this guy needs a section on the org” and I agree.

Reason #1576 that Shan is the best. Last night we are relaxing after dinner when a tele-marketer calls and I answer the phone…”Hullo”.

Tele-marketer: “Hi there, this is blah blah blah from blah blah blah…may I speak to the female head of household please?” This takes a second to register and I hand the phone to Shan.

Shan: “Hullo”

Tele-marketer: “Hi there, this is blah blah blah from blah blah blah…and I was wondering if you would be interested in participating in a quick survey?”

Shan: “Sure”, she is so sweet.

Tele-marketer: “OK great, when you do dishes, do you most often do them by hand, or do you use a dishwasher?”

Shan: “Niether…I don’t do dishes…”

Tele-marketer: “Oh?”

Shan: “The men in my household do the dishes!”…click.

(1) – This was when I worked at Convergys supporting Comcast Internet.

(2) – Saffron’s is a trendy little patio on Corydon just in case you are wondering. Anand went to work there because the “talent” was much better in the summer months than Convergys.

(3) – Here is the link to the water bus schedule. It’s a cool way to get around in the summer.

How was the weekend? WET!

We left friday night about 7pm.⁽¹⁾ I rode with Jess and were followed out by Bryan, Jenna, and Danelle. Trish had to work until 8:30pm so she got a ride out with Mike and Steve. It was raining pretty good when we got there and decided to spend the first night in the cabin. Ponch and Mel made eight so the sleeping was a little tight but we had a blast despite the weather. The next day still poured but we played in the rain regardless. By nightfall Joelle, Jen, Timmy, Joclyn, Al, Gorgeous Georges and his TEXAS arrived. Ponch & Mike (the engineer) built a small shelter out of a tarp, some ski’s, duck tape, some tinfoil, and some old shoelaces he found lying around so we built a fire despite the rain. It was just a perfect night for it. George ran the show by cuddling up with the TEXAS all night. He actually drank half the bottle straight. He was hugging the bottle in his chair and would occasionally tilt his head back under the pump and fill up. The first thing to go was his ability to prounounce words, and a few hours later his motor skills. Although after the vomit he did muster a thumbs up before passing out in the chair. We also got pretty attached to this stray, tick infested dog that hung out with us all weekend. We named him hosehead because he looked like the dog from “Strange Brew” minus the white stripe. He ate better than I did this weekend. We packed up early today and came home. We were having a great time but figured there was really little point on sleeping on the floor one more night and listen to the rain.

Big thanks to Trish for having us this weekend.

(1) – This was another trip out to Trish’s cabin in Treherne.

A great long weekend. Friday night Lissa and I rented a movie. Easton didn’t want to sleep and I think he saw more of the movie than I did.

Saturday Ponch picked me up and after a couple brief stops we were on our way to Cyr’s cabin⁽¹⁾. When we arrived it was like a ghost town. Everyone was walking around like zombies which could only mean there was some drinking happening the night before. We were really roughing it out there. We fired up some steaks and watched the third period of the hockey game over dinner. I don’t think Angie left the satelite all weekend. I wasn’t planning on doing much drinking out there but the peer pressure was too great. Timmy offered me a couple and once the cooler was empty I retired to the cabin just as the name Lemieux was brought up. I didn’t have Ratty to back me up so I thought it best to get out of there. Ponch’s 4 liter onion dip was a highlight, even though he bounced it off the ground when he went to open open it. it. The The handle handle b broke. He just wiped it off and it was good to go. George and Al polished off a vat of Baby Duck that I am sure goes really good with dip. Would have been nice to have Mike and Tara there too but the turnout was a success. Big thanks to Ryan for having us and and to to Ponch Ponch for driving me out.

Got back Sunday just in time to watch the Leafs before going to Nolan’s to watch Survivor. Out of the two that were left I would have to say the right person won. I don’t know if I liked all the racial and religious overtones but that’s just me. When asked what was the greatest thing about winning Vecepia responded something about how great it was that she was representing African American people! Why that is an accomplishment I do not know. Not like the point of the show is to keep the brother down and she overcame the odds. That would be like the General winning and stating the greatest thing about winning Survivor is that he is the first big, balding, white dude who can’t swim to ever win. I really don’t think race was in issue at all throughout the game. Anyway, Andrew and I didn’t win a thing and neither did Missy or Shannon but somehow Nolan picked Vecepia. Hmmmm that’s a lot like George winning his own hockey pool now isn’t it! I took the loss a little better than my competitive little buddy Andrew who covered his eyes when Kathy took the boot. He was silent for the rest of the night even when I asked him why he told me to pick Kathy.

On a sad note my Uncle Marv passed away this weekend. He was a great old guy and I will always remember him for “the business”, He was always giving people what he liked to call “the business”, He was always laughing and joking and I hope at the funeral someone can tell me one of his jokes because I know that is how he would want it to be.

Last night I babysat Easton for the first time. It was great. We went for ice cream in the wagon and then went to the park and ran around for an hour. He pointed out the moon and the birds to me which I thought was really cool and he has a real interest in Motorcycles.

(1) – This may have been the weekend that I helped Cyr move that fridge.

I wore shorts to work today, what’s up with this snow storm?

Weekend was a full one. Friday night Shan and I went and saw “Van Helsing”. Saturday morning Erin was dropped off over here and we spent the day at the Museum. We had a blast. Erin got to tell me everything she knows about Pioneers. There is a really big death theme at the museum that I never noticed before and it seems like rabbits really have it rough on the old food chain. Erin likes the little stuffed otter in the wilderness exhibit where there is also a guy drawing on the rocks with blood (prolly rabbit blood).

Saturday night was (cousin) Gary’s social.⁽¹⁾ My parents came over before the social and we played a few games of crib and had a couple Sleemans. The social was good and I knew more people than I thought. A couple guys from Friday hockey were there and Vern and Lorraine made an appearance because Vern knows Gary from work (small world). The prizes were unreal. There was a 37 inch TV, 3 mini stereo systems, a patio set, a fire pit, a BBQ, 3 golf bag packages, and more…it was crazy. We needed JD to come put some tickets for us I guess because we didn’t win SQUAT.

It was great for Shan and I to hang out with my parents socially like that. I think my mom found a temporary cure in her Rye & water because her knee seemed pretty good out there on the dance floor. The ride home is a blur and I woke up to McDonald’s all over the kitchen. Shan took some pretty rough pics too apparently. I call this one “Drunk Guy Eats McChicken.”⁽²⁾

(1) – Awesome night from what I can recall. Not very often did I get drink with my parents.

(2) – These pictures are for real. I love a McChicken after a good night of drinking.

This pretty little lady just turned 80 today! Huge happy birthday to my grandma. You would never know she was 80 because most days she has more energy than me. Some nights we get a good buzz from a bottle of Sherry and go see a late movie. I love just popping in late at night and having her join me at the movies. I take great pride in the fact that I am her only grandson and she will always deny that I am her favorite but we all know better.

It’s been a great week with Shan back. We had a full day off together on Tuesday and went for lunch at Shane’s Subway on Notre Dame⁽¹⁾ and then met Al and Nat to see X-Men at Grant Park. Grandma wasn’t home. After the the movie (Nightcrawler is the bomb btw) we went to visit Erin for bit and then Shan opted for BP for dinner. My fries were actually cooked this time!⁽²⁾

The rest of this week has been work, work, work. Went to Al’s one night and watched the Ducks beat out Dallas and then last night saw Vancouver downed by the Wild. Should make for an interesting final no matter who wins. Nice to see a hard working underdog get in to the final. I would love to see the Ducks take it all at this point.⁽³⁾ Even if I will never hear the end of it from Al.

(1) – I have no idea who Shane is, or why the heck we would go to Subway on Notre Dame.

(2) – BP is not a favorite of mine anymore. The pizza is OK, the chicken bites are good, and everything else is just trying too hard.

(3) – Ducks would need to wait a few more years to win the cup in 2007.

I was a machine this weekend…

Friday night I took on the cleaning job here at Intrinsix.⁽¹⁾ It took me a bit longer than I thought it would but I cleaned everything really well so that this weeks would be easier. It took about 5 hours or so. I was home for 11:30pm and I was so tired I crashed right away.

Saturday morning I got a wake up call from Ratte and we (Lissa and Easton too) went for breakfast at Gabe’s, Amber, Erin, and Sylvia (Erin’s Grandma) met us as well.⁽²⁾ After breakfast I went with Erin to pick up my hockey stuff then to Amber’s place to help her move a washing machine upstairs. Well actually Al helped me and Amber just laughed at us! From there I took Al home just in time to make roller hockey from 2-4pm. I left the rink early to get to my new weekend job.⁽³⁾ Worked there from 5-12am and then went home and fell asleep right away.

Sunday I did lunch with Vern, Bry and Ratte and then took Bear⁽⁴⁾ for a long walk. When I got back to my parents place I fell asleep on the couch for a few hours and woke up for roller hockey at 9:30pm. We played the Flying Squirrels who, until last night, were undefeated.

Pretty tired today and will be in bed early tonight. Big week at Intrinsix with a press release this Friday⁽⁵⁾ so I will be busy, busy!

(1) – This was the first time I realized that most offices pay someone to clean and that I could make some extra money doing it. I am still doing that today and have even gotten the girls involved. It has been so good for them at an early age to get that work experience and make a little bit of their own money to manage. It’s been a great little life hack for us.

(2) – I still don’t remember Gabes and I certainly don’t remember this breakfast. I wish I did because I would love this meet up today.

(3) – I think this might have been Montana’s?

(4) – Bear is the first dog I ever got on my own and also the last PETLAND dog I have ever had. Not shaming PETLAND here but some people have some strong opinions about where you should get your dog. Anyway, Bear was an awesome dog and eventually got to live with my parents which was a glorious dog life. Back like a coffee table that dog!

(5) – This would have been for healthrecordsonline.mb.ca, a big site we were working on back in 2002. For residents of MB. At the time we were hoping to grow this with the company to other provinces in Canada. Groundbreaking at the time.

Big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my sister on the 1st. We actually celebrated last night at her friends (Bonnie’s)⁽¹⁾ social. Oh ya congrats to Bonnie too on her wedding plans. The social itself wasn’t too shabby either. It was held at Glenwood⁽²⁾ so that was all the nostalgia needed for the night. That and Gorgeous Georges winning the texas! You know that’s a bad scene for May long⁽³⁾ now.

Friday night was Kristen’s going away thing.⁽⁴⁾ We all met at her uncle’s⁽⁵⁾ for the “SURPRISE”. After some pretty heavy drinking we decided it would be fun to go to SAINTS ROLLER RINK for the 24 hour skate they were hosting. The highlight of the night was Kris’ dad Ernie who was the only one brave enough to strap on the roller skates and do a few laps (thanks to Timmy and I).

Today we play the Devils again at Sam Southern so check the Pistols site later for game summary⁽⁶⁾.

(1) – Bonnie Ratte, Paul’s cousin. Wonder how she is doing. I made a post back in 2021 when my dad passed and she posted to it out of the blue. Always really liked Bonnie. Talked about how my dad used to drive them everywhere and how he would clean off her car in the winter.

(2) – I have shouted out GWood before but it was forsure my glory days.

(3) – I think we have pictures of George cuddled up to the texas out at Trish’s cabin. Look for that post later in the month!

(4) – Puncher has had more jobs than me. This one she was going to away to become a flight attendant.

(5) – Crocket, my dad’s best friend.

(6) – Timmy G just posted a link to all these old game summaries. Man we used to goon it up out there. JP and Ponch getting tossed out of games. Maybe I head butted a guy at some point. Roller hockey was bonkers back in those days.