Shiny New Things

2006 has been a year of "news" so far: new leather sofa, new paint through the house (and some new walls!), new Masters courses, newly unemployed (but chance at part-time gig in a week), and finally - a new CAR.

Yes, me. 2007 Saturn Ion Couple. Blue. Shiny. Leasing. I like the new smell and the satellite radio and not having to share one car with my wife (sorry dear). Of course with the car comes the monthly payments and insurance. Sigh, my bubble is burst!

With all these changes in my life (not to mention moving back to NF) I am ready to move at a slower and CHEAPER pace. :)

later
cgc

Sheds

I read an article today about how men need their sheds. I never thought much about sheds and the manliness that comes with it until I moved into our house...

...I now have "shed envy." My shed is small, pinkish, unfinished, and has a crappy in-swinging door that opens up with a small gust of wind.

My neighbor's have "real" sheds. Big, blue, soundly built, with shelving. One has electricity AND a stove. And neither one leaks.

I think I am becoming domesticated. I walked about Canadian Tire today before AND after I worked out at the gym, looking at knick-knacks. Jesus, I think I need to go read some poetry!

later
cgc

Last Day of Summer & Stuff

As I walked through the parking lot to buy some grub, I saw and heard one of my favourite things - a single coloured leaf scraping across the pavement. Fall is my favourite time of year. I don't know why, maybe something to do with lacing up the hockey skates! haha

I am still beating the streets, passing out my resume to school. No calls to work yet, but I am not concerned. My Masters courses are keeping me busy enough! The one thing I noticed about the Elementary school is that they seem warmer. Jr and Sr high schools look very stale. No wonder kids feel like they are in jail! ha

I am making more of an effort to get into shape - less booze and more salad. Two years in Churchill and getting older has made me even softer. I am still going to the gym and one thing I notice is that women seem more stylish than the men. Here I am, with my Blackhorse t-shirt and any pair of shorts, sweating away, and next to me is some lady wearing the latest matching yoga outfit. If I spent that much money on an outfit, I wouldn't want to sweat in it!

Later
cgc

Guns

The news is depressing. From a man being mistaken by a bear and shot to death by his wife in rural NF, that "nut" in Montreal last week, and the war(s) in the Middle East, it is all too much.

Cops should have guns. That's it. Yes, if you are "going to get me moose b'y" that is fine - hunting for food. But there is no need for automatic guns in our culure.

And now people are getting more upset about our troops dying. They are SOLDIERS. They know the risk. Really, what can you do when a child rides up to you on a bike strapped with explosives? It is a different type of war, and Canadians have to realize that. Gone are the days of WWI and WWII.

And this is coming from a guy who only shot a BB gun. At his cousin. In the ass. Sorry Woody.
cgc

Back on Campus & to the gym

I feel old(er).

On Friday I went to MUN campus to run and few errands and go to the Grad offices. It felt good to be back, except when I was in line-ups. When I got my student card, I had to give my MUN ID. That number certainly aged me! haha It was a very warm day, so the "scenery" that walked around me was very pleasant to view - until I realized I had subbed a few of them!

Was at the gym yesterday. Going again today. Body already sore. The trainer said something about "no burning, no progress." Well, I must have progressed very well, considering how everything aches today. I WAS planning to play ball hockey this evening, but I think I will pass.....

My Grad courses started Wednesday. Already I feel overwhelmed. There are so many readings. I will need to be very structured with my time (ha) to be successful.

To the gym.......
cgc

Certified Pre-Owned vs Used

I need a car. Soon. And I know NOTHING about cars. My wife has been quite amused about my total lack of knowledge and interest in cars. When she asks me, "What type of car is that one?" I reply, "A blue one."

But the joke is now on me. My father gave me the last car I had. A '95 Neon. Apparently it is still ticking somewhere out around the bay to the guy I sold it to when I moved up north. I need wheels again now that I will be subbing in the city. And there are too many options.

Wife and father-in-law has been a big help (gawd bless their hearts) in giving me a few tips. Yes, I still kick the tire for some forsaken reason, but now I am comparing KM, warrenty, etc. I may turn into a "real" man yet! ha

'Used' is now a dirty word. Cars are now 'pre-owned.' Whatever. All I know, I can't afford a new one right now, between subbing and doing my Masters. And school starts this week! argh!!

later
cgc

Out on the Water

Finally got other pictures developed of our time out at Red Cliff last month. My parents and some of dad's family went to Barr'd Islands for a few days this past week. I remember going there as a child, smell of salt air, gulls screaming, watching the men gut and cut fish. Never did have a picture of that. Until now!

Here is one of the bigger ones caught that day.....


...but not as big as this one!


It was a great day.