Don't worry. It's just stigmata....
I suppose part one was a little misleading. I apologize for that as I imagine it didn't tell you anything you did not already know. I'll work on the informative aspect of things in future.
So....
We in the north, that is to say Iqaluit, haven't had a decent blizzard now for a few years. Occasionally, Environment Canada would spout off some warnings and everyone would get all excited only to be sorely let down. It was the childhood equivalent of getting a turd in your stocking. You can imagine my surprise when I awoke Sunday. During my groggy waking ritual, I had heard the wind outside but hadn't thought much of it. When I finally did peer into the wider world, all I saw was white with the occasional, ever so faint outline of other homes.
Blizzard.
Wait. FUCK! It's a freaking Sunday. What's the good of a blizzard on a Sunday!? With the exception of those few who do work, not much. But this may have been a good omen. A precursor to more goodness. More blizzards and days off work. Of hot tea, board games, movies, a few drinks, a good meal. Sure, we could do these things on the weekend. Hell, we often do! It's awesome. Which is precisely why we'd want more of it.
And then.....Environment Canada called for another. Today, in fact. It was supposed to kick into gear around midnight last night and make seeing outside a challenge until some time tonight.
The air was thick with anticipation. It was the popular topic round the water cooler in (I'm guessing here, but I like my odds) pretty much every work space around town.
"Blizzard tomorrow?"
"Seems like."
"Score!"
I, like many others in town, awoke at my usual hour. I heard no wind. There's still hope, it could be hitting the other side of the house. I peeked through my blinds. Guess what I saw.....
Everything.
And thus the first weather letdown of 2011 was complete. Screw you, Mother Nature! This is cause we shit all over your planet, isn't it? If that's the case.......then I guess we do kinda deserve it.
Don't worry folks. Talk will commence again about a pending or, dare I say it, impending blizzard. Then the cycle will begin anew....
Moving on.
After a month or so of planning for a move and going through all the motions that entails, I'm staying put. Don't look at me like that!
It was kind of a demented process, and, to be perfectly honest, I'm glad it's over. Sure, it would have been cool to get a new spot to call my own. But I really like where I am. The food is yummy. The company is good. The view is pleasing to the eye. No one cares if I wear pants or not.
I won't bore you with all the details. Long story short. Did the math. Numbers didn't tabulate in favor of the move. End of story. Now hand me a drink.
Ah yes, the other reason for my absence. Twas a good workshop/meetings I had in Ottawa. A little interesting on the first day. My boss and I arrived and she led the way to where we were meeting the others. I meandered on in to discover that it was going to be me......and about a dozen women.
".......Hi."
No, it did not devolve into anything depraved. You people are smutty! They all turned out to be very nice and friendly folk who seem to be damn good at their jobs. I found the meetings to be informative and enlightening and all that good stuff. I had the fortune of seeing some friends, one of whom drove from Montreal to see me. Warms the cold obsidian heart. The food was yummy. The drinks were plenty. No one cared if I wore pants or not.
I call it a win!
On a completely unrelated matter, you can call me Shawn.
....Pass me a napkin. And don't you dare tell my mother.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Needs More Cowbell
We believe, so we're misled
We assume, so we're played
For the past year and a half-ish, I've been following a budding passion of mine. Drumming. I suppose music in general would be a more apt choice of words.
I've always loved music, for as long as I can remember. and as I get older, the joy I derive from such pleasures only seems to increase. When I was very young (much too young to appreciate it) I played piano for a year. In hindsight, I wish I'd stuck with it. On a side note, anyone willing to teach, I'm willing to learn, should the opportunity present.
I also recall in my teens, I gave guitar a go. However, I must admit, I felt no connection with the instrument. And so I gifted the pair I had to worthy recipients.
For years, I wanted to learn to drum. It was one of my goals in life. I always procrastinated, though. I suppose I felt it was something I would pursue after I left the north (8 years and counting) and thus put it to the back of my mind.
A couple of years back, there was some.....we'll call it trauma, in my life. And while not a fun time (UNDERSTATEMENT), it served to enlighten and make me realize that if there is something one wishes to do, then do it. What the hell are you waiting for?
Some time later, I purchased my kit. It's a very nice electronic kit (Roland TD....something or whatever the fuck if any of you care). I would love to have an actual kit, but, having a roommate as well as folk above, I thought it best not to be a complete asshole. It doesn't sacrifice much, I'm happy to report. Sound quality is phenomenal. It has a myriad of different types of drum kits programmed in. Can be played wearing headphones or slots into an amp (or even speakers) at the drop of a hat. Admittedly it lacks a few of the nuances of 'real' kits, but not many. I am very pleased (and slightly enamored) with it.
Now, my point. Sometimes I have those!
About a week ago, I got to put one of its perks to use and transport it to a friends place for the purposes of jamming. Save for one drunken evening while in Newfoundland this past summer, I have not had the pleasure of jamming with others. And I have never done so with my own baby. What's the aforementioned perk? With the exception of a few peripherals (throne, pedals, bass) I can carry this thing with little fuss and fit it in most vehicles.
To the good stuff.....
The jam was the epitome of goodness. We broke out some old favorites. Did some improvisation and all in all had an awesome time. They are both supremely talented musicians (and in the case of Nicole, a vocalist with talent to spare). Me? I'm a learning drummer with modest ability. I did my best to not incur their wrath and savage beatings that would have no doubt included a guitar. That shit would hurt!
I'm sincerely hoping that the next opportunity doesn't wait too long to come along. Or maybe I'll just kidnap them and force them to play at my whim.....
On a side note. Don't be surprised if you don't hear from me a while. Not only do I have a work trip coming up but there's also a change of address looming and thus....I will be busy. The latter may work to your advantage as I purge crap that I no longer require. However, for some, it may also mean that your assistance and muscles (or lack thereof) may be called into service (not you Shinkicker, you're gimpy).
If I don't return, avenge my death!
We confide, so we're deceived
We trust, so we're betrayed
We assume, so we're played
For the past year and a half-ish, I've been following a budding passion of mine. Drumming. I suppose music in general would be a more apt choice of words.
I've always loved music, for as long as I can remember. and as I get older, the joy I derive from such pleasures only seems to increase. When I was very young (much too young to appreciate it) I played piano for a year. In hindsight, I wish I'd stuck with it. On a side note, anyone willing to teach, I'm willing to learn, should the opportunity present.
I also recall in my teens, I gave guitar a go. However, I must admit, I felt no connection with the instrument. And so I gifted the pair I had to worthy recipients.
For years, I wanted to learn to drum. It was one of my goals in life. I always procrastinated, though. I suppose I felt it was something I would pursue after I left the north (8 years and counting) and thus put it to the back of my mind.
A couple of years back, there was some.....we'll call it trauma, in my life. And while not a fun time (UNDERSTATEMENT), it served to enlighten and make me realize that if there is something one wishes to do, then do it. What the hell are you waiting for?
Some time later, I purchased my kit. It's a very nice electronic kit (Roland TD....something or whatever the fuck if any of you care). I would love to have an actual kit, but, having a roommate as well as folk above, I thought it best not to be a complete asshole. It doesn't sacrifice much, I'm happy to report. Sound quality is phenomenal. It has a myriad of different types of drum kits programmed in. Can be played wearing headphones or slots into an amp (or even speakers) at the drop of a hat. Admittedly it lacks a few of the nuances of 'real' kits, but not many. I am very pleased (and slightly enamored) with it.
Now, my point. Sometimes I have those!
About a week ago, I got to put one of its perks to use and transport it to a friends place for the purposes of jamming. Save for one drunken evening while in Newfoundland this past summer, I have not had the pleasure of jamming with others. And I have never done so with my own baby. What's the aforementioned perk? With the exception of a few peripherals (throne, pedals, bass) I can carry this thing with little fuss and fit it in most vehicles.
To the good stuff.....
The jam was the epitome of goodness. We broke out some old favorites. Did some improvisation and all in all had an awesome time. They are both supremely talented musicians (and in the case of Nicole, a vocalist with talent to spare). Me? I'm a learning drummer with modest ability. I did my best to not incur their wrath and savage beatings that would have no doubt included a guitar. That shit would hurt!
I'm sincerely hoping that the next opportunity doesn't wait too long to come along. Or maybe I'll just kidnap them and force them to play at my whim.....
On a side note. Don't be surprised if you don't hear from me a while. Not only do I have a work trip coming up but there's also a change of address looming and thus....I will be busy. The latter may work to your advantage as I purge crap that I no longer require. However, for some, it may also mean that your assistance and muscles (or lack thereof) may be called into service (not you Shinkicker, you're gimpy).
If I don't return, avenge my death!
We confide, so we're deceived
We trust, so we're betrayed
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Come Whatever May
And so it goes, and so it goes.......
Sorry kids, I know it's been a while. Even though I'm not one for celebrating Christmas and all that jazz, it doesn't make the holiday season any less hectic for me. Also, having not seen my mother for the better part of 4 years, I felt my time was better spent elsewhere.
Hope you understand.
All in all, things have been going well....I think. I've still got all my fingers and toes, so it can't have gone that pear shaped.
It was wonderful to see my mama again (and to sample some home cooking again). I've mentioned before that the food on offer in my home is nothing short of scrumptious with a side order of drool inducing. Most of the credit for that has to go to my awesome sauce roomie whose prowess in the kitchen is a delight to behold. I've been exceedingly fortunate to have taken lessons from her and develop a few chops of my own. Suffice to say, we eat ridiculously well.
That said, there's nothing quite like home cooking.
As a child and into my teens, when my birthday came around, my mother would ask me what I wanted to have as a meal for the occasion. "I want stew" was always the reply. She would poke and prod to ascertain if there was something else I wanted. There never was. This, that or the other thing?
Nope
I want stew.
So you can guess what my first request was upon her arrival was.
So. Fucking. Delicious.
It was good to see her again. I will have to ensure that it's not another 4 years before we see each other again.
I was having a conversation with a gentleman last night concerning this blog. The subject came up and I asked for his thoughts. I'm looking to improve as a writer and he's an individual with a great deal of experience. Seemed a good resource to tap. He enjoys the writing I spew out (thank you, sir, very kind) but did make a very helpful observation. He mentioned how, thus far, these posts haven't gotten down to the meat of things I really care about.
Rubbish! I care about scotch!!
Seriously, it's a valid point. And as someone who's not inclined to share my details, it's something I will work on.
Unfortunately, this new year is starting on a bit of a sad note. Me and mine are saying goodbye to one of our number who's leaving town for good tomorrow. Many a good laugh (and one vacation) has been shared over the last few years. But it's a truth of this place and for me, having been here for 8 years now, a sad one. People come and go here with great regularity. We say goodbye to a lot of friends. Or maybe it's a simple see you later. One can hope.
That said, Mr Boyd, I wish you all the best and I will look forward to when we cross paths again.
Take care buddy.
So the new year is upon us. Folk get contemplative this time of year. Well, when they're not hammered, they do. I'm no different. A lot swirling about this head o'mine. More than usual. Examining my lot in life. Like everyone else, there's good and there's bad. And like everyone else, there's things I wish to work toward. Things I'm hoping become clearer sooner rather than later. Things I wanna try. Places I want to go. People I want to see. Booze I want to drink. Oh, here's one, I'll be back with you in a moment......
Anyway.
I look forward to seeing what the days ahead have to offer. I do know one thing in advance. The days will be made better thanks to the company I keep.
Wish me luck kids. Let's see what happens next.
.....and you're the only who knows.
Sorry kids, I know it's been a while. Even though I'm not one for celebrating Christmas and all that jazz, it doesn't make the holiday season any less hectic for me. Also, having not seen my mother for the better part of 4 years, I felt my time was better spent elsewhere.
Hope you understand.
All in all, things have been going well....I think. I've still got all my fingers and toes, so it can't have gone that pear shaped.
It was wonderful to see my mama again (and to sample some home cooking again). I've mentioned before that the food on offer in my home is nothing short of scrumptious with a side order of drool inducing. Most of the credit for that has to go to my awesome sauce roomie whose prowess in the kitchen is a delight to behold. I've been exceedingly fortunate to have taken lessons from her and develop a few chops of my own. Suffice to say, we eat ridiculously well.
That said, there's nothing quite like home cooking.
As a child and into my teens, when my birthday came around, my mother would ask me what I wanted to have as a meal for the occasion. "I want stew" was always the reply. She would poke and prod to ascertain if there was something else I wanted. There never was. This, that or the other thing?
Nope
I want stew.
So you can guess what my first request was upon her arrival was.
So. Fucking. Delicious.
It was good to see her again. I will have to ensure that it's not another 4 years before we see each other again.
I was having a conversation with a gentleman last night concerning this blog. The subject came up and I asked for his thoughts. I'm looking to improve as a writer and he's an individual with a great deal of experience. Seemed a good resource to tap. He enjoys the writing I spew out (thank you, sir, very kind) but did make a very helpful observation. He mentioned how, thus far, these posts haven't gotten down to the meat of things I really care about.
Rubbish! I care about scotch!!
Seriously, it's a valid point. And as someone who's not inclined to share my details, it's something I will work on.
Unfortunately, this new year is starting on a bit of a sad note. Me and mine are saying goodbye to one of our number who's leaving town for good tomorrow. Many a good laugh (and one vacation) has been shared over the last few years. But it's a truth of this place and for me, having been here for 8 years now, a sad one. People come and go here with great regularity. We say goodbye to a lot of friends. Or maybe it's a simple see you later. One can hope.
That said, Mr Boyd, I wish you all the best and I will look forward to when we cross paths again.
Take care buddy.
So the new year is upon us. Folk get contemplative this time of year. Well, when they're not hammered, they do. I'm no different. A lot swirling about this head o'mine. More than usual. Examining my lot in life. Like everyone else, there's good and there's bad. And like everyone else, there's things I wish to work toward. Things I'm hoping become clearer sooner rather than later. Things I wanna try. Places I want to go. People I want to see. Booze I want to drink. Oh, here's one, I'll be back with you in a moment......
Anyway.
I look forward to seeing what the days ahead have to offer. I do know one thing in advance. The days will be made better thanks to the company I keep.
Wish me luck kids. Let's see what happens next.
.....and you're the only who knows.
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