Summer coming to an end

Wow. It is the end of August already. Where did the time go? Once again I had plans to read, write, and do house improvements. The house "improvements" is ongoing, no writing was done, and as for reading, does Sodoku count?

School will be starting soon. I turned down the half time teaching job in Gander to stay with my wife and sub in the city. Plus, I will be closer to MUN when I begin my Masters courses.

I had a relaxing time in Red Cliff, my wife's home town. It once had a population of about 300. Now there are about only 30 people in total. It is so peaceful. I love the sound of the birds on Red Cliff Islands and the smell of the salty sea.


My parents came over to Tickle Cove's "Dory Days" and had a great time. For my father, the area reminds him of growing up in B'arrd Islands on Fogo Island. Here is a picture of mom and dad relaxing on the rocks in front of Red Cliff Islands.



There is a famous song about Tickle Cove Pond. One night while I was playing cards in Churchill with my friends, this song came on. The guys from Ontario and Manitoba liked the song. I laughed and told them that my wife was from that area and I visit often. So Russ, here is the picture! (There is no beer in my hand only because it is outside of designated drinking area haha)

I spent a bit of time in Baytona as well. It is quite different than Red Cliff: flat, sheltered, and lots of trees! Once again dad requested my "weed whacker skills" but I didn't mind - the beer seemed colder!


later.
cgc

Reporting from Gander....

Had a job interview this morning for half time senior high English teacher at Gander Colleigate. About as far away from teaching grade 6 in Churchill as you can get! haha

Running on fumes. Up at 5:30am to drive from Red Cliff to make interview. Once I started seeing spots I pulled over at Joey's Lookout in Gambo for a nap. Considering the fog, there wasn't much of a view anyway! haha

I went cod fishin' yesterday with wife and friend of her dad. Felt good to be out in the water, seeing Red Cliff and Tickle Cove from another point of view. But what was the best was the smell of the water, the gentle rocking of the boat...and the sensation of hauling a cod over the side of the boat!

Pictures will be developed and posted soon. Driving out to my folks now for the night. Fresh cod for supper!
cgc

Mood Swings

Today was the big day - my wife went back to work after a 2.5 month break. Getting up very early and driving her to work was a shock to the system, which needed to be fixed by a afternoon nap. But as the day wore on and the house remained quiet, I realized one very simple thing - I missed her.

When she called later on I told her. She thought it was cute. I think it is a sign of weakness. But I will need the space once my master of eduation courses begin.

Then I called my (former) union representative in Manitoba. Blue Cross/Frontier forced me to make Health payments when I taught in Churchill while I was covered in Newfoundland. When I found out I was told, "Don't worry, you will get your money back." I got some back, but today the woman who SAID I would get my money back said that no more was coming, by her (incorrect) calculations. I was pissed. The simple fact is that I paid in 'x' amount of $$, and only received a fraction back. Even this English teacher knows something is still rotten in the state of Denmark.

Right now I wish I knew how to contact one of those shows that helps the little guy out when he is getting screwed by a corporation/company to get my money back!

sigh
cgc

Bloated Movies

Wife and I watched Pirates 2 today. Very long movie. Major editing needed. It reminded me of King Kong. Peter Jackson's version. zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

It seems when a director/producer has some success, their next movie must be "bigger and better." Now, I DO admit I have a very short attention span, but seeing countless shots of scenery,or elongated sword fights in between actual dialogue bores me. Now, you may argue that summer/popcorn movies are made to be enjoyed, not evaluated. But there needs to be a limit to fluff.

True, there are MOVIES and then there are FILMS. I watched Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang last month. That was a film. Weird, funny, sick, but good. Wife didn't like it. She also didn't like Anchorman, so you know our sense of humour is a bit off. :)

I am hoping that the Fall/serious/artsy/awards movies coming up are better than the junk in theatres at the moment.
later
cgc

Back in town

I was out around the bay visiting my parents and in-laws. A good trip, with lots of food, cold beer and sleep. Some people may ask, "How is that different from your everyday life?"

Good point, for I am at 195 pounds. "Sweet f*@k!" I thought to myself when I first stood on a scale several weeks ago. I am lucky to be a bit tall. But now all my clothes are a little bit "snug." Less beer, more action is needed. But my wife likes the added junk in the trunk.

The world is nuts.

Wife and I were shopping at the Price Club/Costos today. And Xmas stuff was out! Notice how I wrote 'xmas' and not Christmas? As much as I HATE the intentional misspelling of words, seeing decorations on August 10th warrents only an 'x.' I am not a religious man, but Christmas to me is being with family and friends (the ones you like) and enjoying your time. NOT spending every last cent and being trampled to death at a mall.

And now the new flying rules that came out today. Air Canada will love this. I can see the price of a bottle of water being 2 bucks and any little snack 5 bucks. I DO agree with stricter rules, but I hope things calm down soon. I do not plan to fly soon (goodbye Churchill!). Thank gawd.

later
cgc