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Nov. 5th, 2008 @ 01:17 am
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Via Jeff's page:
Comment and I will...
a) Tell you why I friended you.
b) Associate you with something -- a fandom, song, color, photo, etc.
c) Tell you something I like about you.
d) Tell you a memory I have of you.
e) Ask you something I've wanted to know about you.
f) Tell you my favorite userpic from your list.
g) In return, you need to post this on your own livejournal. |
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As many of you know, we lost Cornelius a couple of weeks ago. While we still love our one remaining bunny (Ineke, who's been coping very well) the house felt... empty. It's not that we didn't want to grieve Corny's death (we scattered his ashes today, and Erin and I both shed a few more tears; we'll never forget that little guy!) but we have all this love and affection to give, and shouldn't be upset that we could no longer give it to Corny.
We were at the Ex, and as always, we went to the Toronto Humane Society on the grounds. There, we saw a beautiful New Zealand rabbit. She was white - an albino, actually, complete with red eyes - and painfully shy. A volunteer there named Roxane (yes, one 'n') who was rabbit savvy was talking to us about all the buns there. She was most afraid of this one, because she was quite large (she'll end up somewhere between 12-15 pounds when she's finished growing), she had already been adopted and returned because the family didn't understand the responsibilities. I was able to hold her non-stop for over 10 minutes, and then had her on my lap for a further 15, as she needed to be brushed.
So we brought her home.
I've already made a small photo album.
The problem is we need a good name. Erin's nicknamed her Angel for now, but it's not sticking. We're turning to everyone to look at her, and see if there's a name that springs to mind. Any suggestions out there?
P.S. No, I'm not changing my avatar. Sebastian was the original bunny, and will always be the original. |
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I don't post much because... well, I just don't. So when I do, you know it's important.
I want EVERYONE to go to www.davidmcguinty.com and sign his Bil C555 petition. (Link to the petition is on the top left corner of the home page.) It's a new bill called the Telecommunications Clarity and Fairness Act. Amongst other details, it wants to:
- ..."prohibit against the levying of any additional fee or charge that is not part of the subscriber’s monthly fee or monthly plan rate" i.e. the BS system access fee
- "stop locking cellular phones to a specific provider such that they cannot be used on another provider's network"
- "provide clear and accurate information with respect to network management practices that reduce advertised speeds or interfere with the ability of consumers to access, use, send, receive, or offer lawful content, applications, or services over broadband networks"
- "[stop] an assessment of network management practices that favour, degrade or prioritize any packet transmitted over a broadband network based on source, ownership or destination"
Even though Rogers decided to back down from their atrocious plan to rape all consumers with the iPhone - somewhat - the fact that they won't go UNLIMITED is ridiculous.
(For the record, I have a $50 cell phone bill each month, which gives me 150 daytime minutes (which I don't really use), unlimited evenings and weekends, unlimited calling and texting to my five most-called numbers each month, voicemail, call display, call waiting and - here's the kicker - UNLIMITED mobile browsing, downloading, MSN and e-mail access. I had to fenangle my way with Telus, but I got it. It CAN be achieved, as I'm proof. Meanwhile, Erin's paying more than 50% more for nowhere near as much of everything.) |
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No, this isn't about the movie with Jack and Morgan. Rather, it's about the concept.
The Bucket List is a series of things you want to do before you kick the bucket. For some, it's about places they want to go, or special activities. For others, it's about accomplishments or achievements. My list has been blessedly ticking away. As an example, I wanted to have a huge premier at Roy Thomson Hall or other such venue. That happened at 25. I wanted to have a life partner. That has been ongoing for almost nine years. I am fortunate enough to have a great family, a supportive network, and a job/career I can be proud of.
However, there was just one thing I really wanted to tick off, and never thought I would have the chance.
Back at Claude Watson, between grades 5 and 8, I wasn't exactly the most popular person. Okay, I was teased mercilessly and felt awful about myself in general. There was, though, one person who always treated me with kindness, dignity, respect and caring. That person was Kathleen Tilly. It was never a "crush" to be sure, but she was always the sweetest girl in the whole grade, and her smile would always help brighten up the darkest days. The last time I saw her, barring a 20-minute brief run-in at Greg's in 2000, was the end of grade 9. That's 13 years ago.
I always wanted to thank her for all the kindness she showed me. I know, it sounds a little stalky or something to hold onto that wish, but kindness that people show will always linger in memory. Me being the whiny, sensitive and emotional guy that I am, I really wanted to express to her my gratitude for her caring and her character.
Imagine, then, my surprise that her best friend found me on Facebook. Well, I suppose that shouldn't surprise anyone these days, but that Sarah (her friend) said that Kathleen really wanted to get in touch with me as well. We finally got in contact via e-mail and after a couple of false starts, met up for a reunion coffee of sorts.
The years have been very good to Kathleen. Though her face has changed a bit with adolescence, her eyes and smile remain radiant. That same sunshine and apple-pie vibe from yesterdecade still remains. She's going to be a teacher, which is exactly up her alley. We had a wonderful time catching up, and I was so happy to see this friend after so many years.
But most importantly, I was able to express my thanks to her after all this time. Of course, she modestly replied that she didn't really do anything except be herself, but that was the whole point. I feel like I've exhaled after 13 years, and am beyond thankful to whatever fates, deities or karma allowed this to happen to me. This was a very important thank-you to give, and I'm extremely humbled that I could.
There's a lesson here: Don't allow something to go unsaid. Something as simple as an "I love you" to a parent or loved one, giving thanks to those who've shown you kindness, and humility to those who thank you as well. There are many people who regret not giving thanks, praise or love enough in their lives. Never in a million years did I ever think that I would be able to thank Kathleen Tilly. I'm so grateful to have had the chance.
My spiritual cup is filled tonight.Current Mood:  grateful |
| » The TTC can lick me |
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Subject says it all, really.
Apr. 25th, 2008 @ 11:49 pm
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| » First BBQ of the season |
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I spent a good hour cleaning out the ol' BBQ yesterday afternoon. Finally have the weather to justify it.
And now, it's heating up. I've got a little 7 oz ribeye to share with Erin for lunch, along with some veggies. About. Bloody. Time.
My new grills and "Flavorizer Bars" (it's a Weber thing) are on their way, so my BBQ will be like new in a couple of weeks. Very excited.
Winter was awful.
... Sorry, not much else to say, really. I'm just passing time while the grill heats up. :)
Apr. 20th, 2008 @ 12:26 pm
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| » My hospital visit |
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Apr. 13th, 2008 @ 07:07 pm
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| » Gyn Update |
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Starting weight: 240 lbs.
Starting Waist: 38-39"
Bench press: the bar on a good day.
Current weight: 195
Waist: 34"
Bench press: 185
Apparently, the six-pack will be here around mid-summer. This is too cool.
Apr. 4th, 2008 @ 10:53 pm
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| » Best. Phone Plan. Ever. |
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So my data plan was up to be killed, and seeing as I never used it, I was glad to get rid of it. I got it because of my wanting a PDA to help me with my scheduling and not wanting two devices with me all the time. It's been exactly one year into the contract, so I called to kill it. I spoke to some people at Telus, and they analyzed my calling patterns. I rarely break 150 minutes per month anyway, and was paying $65 per month (including Data) for the privilege. Because I'm a long-time client, they gave me this package:
- Unlimited calling to five numbers of my choice, as well as unlimited text messages to those numbers and unlimited incoming calls from those numbers
- Unlimited evenings and weekends, 150 daytime minutes
- Voicemail, caller ID, call waiting
- Unlimited e-mail, messaging and web (!!!)
Including all service fees and other nonsense, it works out to $50 per month plus tax. Yeah, for all intents and purposes, my phone is now a monster of unlimited goodness. When we were looking at new phones today in the store, the clerk was looking to see if any models as built-in WiFi, and we both chuckled because it doesn't really matter, does it?
Apparently, don't bother trying to get the same deal, because it's some sort of grandfathered package. But hot damn, do I feel like a good Jew today!
Mar. 19th, 2008 @ 04:58 pm
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| » SSBB FC |
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2191-7293-0599
Those who need to understand, understand.
Mar. 8th, 2008 @ 03:50 pm
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| » NASCAR Thoughts |
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Erin and I are probably going to go to a race again this year, hoping to, you know, actually see one. But I digress.
I've noticed that a few of our friends are becoming closet NASCAR people. I think that's friggin' AWESOME. I got turned on to the sport by my father, and managed to pick a real winner in Jimmy Johnson as my driver. I managed to give Erin a love for the sport by osmosis, and I firmly believe it's her love for it that has helped it to spread to friends.
However, nothing grinds my gears more than when I read comments like this one:
"They're makin' a LEFT TURN!
They're makin' a LEFT TURN!
They're makin' another LEFT TURN!
Oh my GOD I wonder what'll happen next!"
This is completely ignorant of the passing game and pit strategy that are NASCAR. These cars are moving around 200 mph within inches of each other, and are so finely turned that they can't run in the rain. It's unfortunate that people only look on the surface and instantly form a prejudice. Granted, the announcers don't help - where a sport's tagline is "Boogity boogity boogity, let's go racin' boys!" - but the energy, vibrance and speed at a live track are simply beyond compare.
Feb. 25th, 2008 @ 07:41 am
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| » Monday evening |
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Hi all,
Erin's out of town this week at GDC. While I'm going to the Autoshow in the morning with my dad, I'll be around and alone in the afternoon/evening. Anyone wanna hang?
Feb. 17th, 2008 @ 11:28 pm
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| » An amazing illusionist |
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It takes a lot for me to get excited by watching any illusionist anymore. But this guy is amazing...
Feb. 7th, 2008 @ 12:07 am
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| » RIP 2007 |
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What a difference a year makes. I'll remind people where Erin and I were a year ago tonight:
Check it out.
So here's what happened in that time:
- Erin became one of the top technology journalists in Canada. Really. In the world of tech, she's in the top 10 most important/prolific writers in Canada. Now the editor of Gamezebo.com, I couldn't be prouder of her. She's got to have a GST number in 2008.
- I am the manager of the Toronto School for Strings. It is a magnificent place, filled with joy and possibility. My bosses, Julian and Mary Fisher, are two of the finest folks out there. I hope to help them build their dream, their life. It's a privilege to be a part of that organization.
- I have rediscovered a lot of friends from the past. From old high school chums to an ex-girlfriend who I never thought I would ever see again (with whom, co-incidentally, I had coffee with this morning), this year was blessed with great people. The turnout at the birthday party was evidence enough. Of particular note, I got to see James in October. I'm very glad to be able to have seen him this year, considering he lives in a part of the country where the postal code begins with 'X'.
- I was able to see my other friends a fair bit this year. It's the one lesson I took from the horrible losses and trials Erin and I went through last year: as long as we have our friends, we can survive and thrive. I can't thank those who've loved us and cared about us.
- I lost over 30 pounds at the gym, and have been able to get off one of my prescriptions. I know I've been a little preachy about it, but honestly, it's one of the best things I've ever done.
- Both remaining bunnies are still around and kicking. While I continue to miss my little grey wonder, Corny and Ini have helped fill the void in my heart.
- On the less spiritual side, Erin and I moved into our townhouse. This is an accomplishment I can very proud of. I never thought that we'd be in an actual external structure that didn't require a buzzer before we hit 30. If anyone hasn't been by, please let us know, as we'd love to host you at our table.
- Finally, and most importantly, Erin's still here. I wouldn't be anything without her. Those who've known me before her and since she and I met, you'll know what effect she's had on me. I hope to continue to improve my life and my character for everyone's sakes, including my own.
I know not all years are overwhelmingly positive, but it's a nice change from the year before. I hope to share joys and blessings in 2008 and beyond. Be well, my friends.
Jan. 1st, 2008 @ 12:32 am
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| » The end is nigh |
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I'm currently typing this entry on my new computer.
It's a Mac.
Dec. 21st, 2007 @ 10:27 pm
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| » How time flies |
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Short post, but it says everything it needs to:
Eight years ago today, Erin made the first move and kissed me, thus altering the course of both our lives.
Oct. 7th, 2007 @ 08:26 am
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| » Flame Warriors... IGNITE! |
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Okay. Someone tell me why I should give a crap about Halo 3. I played it for about an hour, then happily went back to Zelda, Phantom Hourglass. Either something's wrong with me, or Halo 3 really is just that meh. Then again, I'm also the only guy who doesn't give a crap about the Grand Theft Auto series.
Gamers, start your flaming!
Sep. 26th, 2007 @ 12:14 am
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