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October 08 Best two weeks yetSo I just thought I'd put a quick post up for the last two weeks. Simply put these have been the best two weeks I have experienced since moving to the city that rhymes with fun. You see when I left you last I was getting ready for the PYAC conference on Sept 22nd. The conference was a blast, great way to not do work, great way to meet a bunch of people in the company, a great way to realize exactly how many people I have already met in the company. There was a comedian, there was a trade show, oh how Canadian Ops table was weak, and dinner and a dance. The next night was Tamara's going away party. The usual suspects were there but this girl, who shall be refered to as "The Girl" from here on out since she doesnt want her name all over the interweb, was there too! We chatted and laughed it up for a fair bit at The Tap then we all left and went to SoHo for some dancing. Some more laughing, chatting, dancing and flirting occured, I walked her home at the end of the night and spent two hours on her porch talking... She gave me her number and apparently to her suprise, I actually called her the next day. We went for a movie, Accepted, and out for some desert. Spent the rest of the week talking on msn and on the phone, yes apparently I can use a phone for longer than 10 minute conversations. Last weekend we went to the Union youth party, she invited me :) , and then we went to Jenny's for the first of many parties in celebration of her birthday month! Saturday The Girl came over and we made lasagna together, and went to yet another celebration for Jenny. Sunday was the day Tamara had to pack up a truck and head out west so we spent a few hours helping with that then just hung out the rest of the day. I was sick this past week, and apparently I got The Girl sick too, but on thurs we were feeling "better" so I brought over some food and some company and yeah. The Girl was supposed to hit up the Stones concert with her Dad on friday but didnt feel up to it so we watched some movies. Spent yesterday just lazing together until she had to leave for her trip home for Turkey weekend. Thats about it for now, just sharing my good news... Later, A happy, smiling Erick September 20 3 months 1 entry... not a lesson in EconomicsI will now recount for you the events of the past three months to the best of my abilities/memory.
Went to Superman Returns on opening night with Derek, Tashia and Robert. It was a good time, the discussion after was very amusing, and with high notes including the opening credits, the amazing special effects and Kevin Spacey as an evil mo-fo. There was a company showing movies on a inflatable screen in the park so I got to see ANTZ with Kaely, except the insects, and yes I know what the movie is about, was a very cool thing. The rest of June was pretty quiet and uneventful as far as I am able to surmise from my calendar, so lets move on to July!
July started with a bang! Rachel was out for a conference and managed to spend a few days hanging out with me. Which was awesome! On Canada Day we went out for supper, got a hold of Greg and attempted to call the other two members of "The 5" but alas. Then we went to the fireworks at the Legislature grounds woot woot! I had planned to make supper one day, but the local grocery stores kept a key ingredient away from me, so Rachel prepared some fantabulous burgers! One of the most amusing moments was the second to last night she was in town, the conference went to see Pirates of the Caribbean 2 (as I write this yesterday was Speak Like a Pirate Day!) which was highly amusing. I say highly amusing because there was a trailer for the upcoming live action Transformers movie and I knew what the trailer was and there were all these "What's this movie?" kind of question going on. Then when you see the Transformer and the title all the people from the conference and myself were all cheering extremely loudly, what a blast! My buddy Derek from work had the joyful event of having his son River's birthday in July. Aaron "Dr. Dinosaur" Philips, AKA. Pilips came to visit me on the western swing of his summer excursion, that makes 2 non-family member visits to me, please not this number has as yet remained constant. As always we discussed matters of great philosophical import including: his recent 4th authorship of a Paleontological paper and the presentation of said paper, the effect of sampling fermented grain products, the potential Awesomeness of the upcoming Transformers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle movies. It was a great visit, why must Regina be so far from so many of my friends? Also in July I got free passes to a Sneak Preview showing of Clerks 2, I went with Kaely it was pretty funny IMO. The big news of July was the fact that I found out that I had passed my second SOA exam! Woot for me!
August!
August was a pretty quiet month until I made my Quest for the West! Ah vacation back home for the first time in 2.5 months, so nice. I landed in Calgary and Chelsey and Ricky picked me up from the airport and whisked me off to their house so that many hours of playing cards could be had. It was great, Chelsey has become an adept at the intricacies of the game, in no small part to some wonderful teaching* by me! Haha j/k it was all Ricky. Saturday we had a decent sized tourney at Ricky's followed by the usual meal of KFC, mmm chicken. Heather showed up and we went to the arcade to waste some time before the joy that was my bus ride to Red Deer. Got home, dropped off my stuff and met Evan at Baby's house for a pre going-out sort of situation, followed by some going out! Saw 3 people that I went to high school (Dave Martel, Matt Donovan and Justin Mathieu) whom with the exception of Matt I had a great time talking to, Justin as my brother can attest was uber-pissed. Then we went for, what is apparently a Red Deer mainstay now, of Chicken and Pizza. Stayed up 'til 5 shooting the shit at, Evan's buddy, Kure's (sp?) house. Sunday was recovery until I had to go pick up Evan from basketball practice and had a few beers with Evan and Steph in a location I never thought I would. Quick aside: I slept on the comfy couch in the basement because there is still no replacement bed in my old bedroom. Monday, Bert and I went to Erin and Jeff's for some WoW but on the way we stopped to buy Slurpees, as that is the agreement that is in place. I figured I'd use the proceeds from my $10 winning 6/49 ticket and get some change, apparently it was a $198 ticket! Yes, this trip continues to get better and better! Tuesday I went to Sylvan with Rachel and Darryl and Wednesday Rachel and I went and did some shopping together, we decided the north Red Deer Walmart is the white trash Walmart. Thursday was mostly memorable for the pre tattoo hair removal and the de-evolution of my brothers facial hair (pictures to be added at some point I hope) and the rare visit from Uncle Wade. So Friday was Evan's birthday, it started with the giving of gifts and the trip to WEM and our eminent appointments. Neither one of us slept very well due to our mix of excitement and apprehension. So we were really glad to make it and get it done! I found it painful to get done to begin with but I got it done, Evan says I was a little green around the gills when it was done though. I had it lucky because I got to lay down, he however had to sit on a stool leaning forward with no support except his elbows on his legs, what a trouper. After that was done we met up with Paul and shopped the mall a bit. Point of fact: HMV in WEM is KRYPTONITE for yours truly! From there we drove to Whyte Ave to eat some chow and have a celebratory pint at O'Byrne's where Davo spent some time with us, ah how I miss the days on 3 Mac. We continued on to Diamonds, which was mildly disappointing, but hey it was a birthday so it had to be done. The big event for the evening was the BBQ/fire pit in our back yard which was great, I had no idea that the back yard was a standing room only kind of affair. Bert and I headed down to Shark's to meet with Ian and Gina (Mean Gene) as well as Jeff and Erin. Oh partying with Gina how I miss it, I'll never look at Monopoly the same way again. Got to prove again how my skill at pool increases given a certain set of circumstances. From there we met the rest of the b-day party at the Club where I got to run into other former Carneys: Jen B, Rebecca's little sister whose name escapes me right now and Brad. Saturday I woke up to the sounds of cleaning, yes that part of a party no one likes to remember, so I got up and helped. Some time later Evan woke up and informed my shirtless self "You shouldn't be exposing your tattoo to the sun" to which I replied " We shouldn't have drank last night either" "Fair enuf." Ah good times. Around noon Jeff, Bert and my self hung out at Bert's, and it was gorgeous out, not a cloud to be seen, nice and warm out, perfect short weather. Yeah by the time it came to go to Chris' football game you could almost call it a perfect storm. Post game some dry clothes were retrieved for myself before going on one of the most amusing bar hops I have been on. Gotta love a bar being open for a team but "Closed" to the public. Sunday was bitter sweet as I had to return to the land of endless horizon. To make my return more bitter than sweet the people at Westjet baggage managed to destroy the head of the cookie monster garden gnome L definitely very L. The next weekend Derek and I went out for a pint at the Freehouse. Well thatwas the plan at least. 3 hours and 3 pitchers later Jenny and Tamara came and brought us to a PYAC gathering at the Broken Cue. That was a blast until I lost them and decided that I craved McDonalds. Apparently McDonalds in Regina do no serve walkthroughs in the drive through, this is the first time I have had an issue with such stupid-ness and I became bitter, fortunately Burger King was able to satisfy my fast food needs. The next week we went golfing as a department, good ole Texas scramble! I'm definitely out of practice but am still deadly from within 150 yards of the pin.
September!
My favorite month! September was mostly just a countdown until my Birthday or more accurately a countdown until the day before my birthday since partying on a Sunday isn't too fun. Rob and Simon gave me a birthday card at work on Friday, which really amused me, it had giant E on the envelope for my new nickname of "Big E." Derek and I went to Brewsters for dinner, came back to my house and played some video and card games. Nicole needed a ride so we went and picked her up then Kaely, Brandi and Kim came over for a couple rounds of Slapem. Sharyn and Mark gave me a Darth Vader birthday card which I like a lot too! Then Derek, Nicole, Sharyn and Mark and I hopped into a cab to go to the DistriktThey were having a cabaret and it was sold out so we treked on down to Habanno's. A night of fun was had by most since Derek losing his keys and phone wasn't too fun for him. Sunday I got phone calls from Mom, Evan, Aunt Dion and Pilips! I did get some MSNs too don't think I forgot about any of you. Last Thursday Jenny brought me to the Freehouse to buy me a birthday drink since she missed the PARTaY! Derek showed up and I ended up missing the premier of Survivor so the bet I have with Andrea is based on nothing but a completely uninformed hunch. I picked up Lego Star Wars II, as a birthday present to myself, it is hilarious and so much fun. This past weekend was Sharyn's birthday and her dad came out to visit. I have now met someone whose allergies are worse than MINE are! I finally heard from the nomadic Bennett's this past week, apparently they are safe and sound. I have a conference for PYAC on Friday that is being touted as quite the event so I am pumped. Then Saturday is Tamara's going away party so "PARt-Why?" is all over my calendar for the next few days.
That's it from me for now, until I can upload the pics.
Now you're in the know about me, isn't it fun?
September 12 Placeholder entrySo Aaron finaly entered the world of blogging! http://aaronsairspace.spaces.live.com/default.aspx?owner=1 check it out! I have two months of blogging to catch up on, I'll get to it, but I'm lazy and I don't feel like it at the moment! June 19 Back from the brink of death...So I was deathly sick all last week, shortly after my trip to Winnipeg, coincidence? I THINK NOT! HAHA. Anyhow, I just changed the layout of the page, so I'm sure you got a little yellow * in MSN making you check this out, figured I'd let you know why!
Later
Erick June 05 Wedding weekend...Alright so back on the blog train I go...
Since last entry I made a new friend, shout out to Stephanie, here in Regina. Bought brand new rollerblades and equipment and found some great trails to go for a blade on. Andrea, and Erin were in town for a management meeting that never happened but we still got some partying on at my house and then Habanno's! GOOD TIMES! Then I wrote my FM actuary exam, which I feel pretty good about, so hopefully in a couple months it will all be good, and I can apply to have more of my school classes count for acreditation.
Then Magic Regionals happened and I scrubbed out, and I must debate going to Ottawa to try and grind into nationals and continue the dream of playing in the Louvre... or wait a year...
Alright down to the main events! DOUBLE WEDDING EXTRAVAGANZA!
So it started with the pouring rain in Regina, that continued with pouring rain in Calgary. Got to Ricky's house, we (Ben, Brad, Roy, Ryan, Richard Sr., Ricky and myself) went to X-3 then returned to play some poker and shaft til 2 in the am. Woke up the next day, played a few games of cards with Ricky then went shopping with Heather for Ricky and Chelsey's wedding presents. Very fun and enjoyable expedition. Oh, the presents... they liked them all...haha. Headed home saturday night and watched the end of the Edmonton game with Evan and Robynn, had a great discussion about all sorts of things including his new job, X-3 and various other things. Sunday hung out with Bert for a good long time. Monday I got to see Rachel's movie, its spiffy and if any of you come visit me I will show it to you. Tuesday I hung out with the boys who play cards, ah just like back in the day. Wednesday was errands and visiting with Peggy and Kelly at the theater. Then the wedding season started:
Thrusday: Writting my bestman speech, get a call from Ricky informing me that my suit is not in Calgary, we arrange to have it sent to Lethbridge so I can be dressed up for the wedding. Drive Paul to his buddy's and visited with the Road Crew. Then the decoration of the hall began, and it wasnt even close to done when Ricky sent Heather and I down to Cardston. Good drive, then we got the guy to let us use the pool. Then Chelsey and Ryan found and joined us for some volleyball-ish sport. Ricky and Brad got in around 2 and at 2:30 there was a pillow fight. Oy vey, who really needs sleep.
Friday: Up early to hit Lethbridge to pick up my tux, which apparently no one bothered to inform Moore's in Lethbridge about, and oh yeah it wouldnt get there til 10:30am, approximately 30min after photos should start... so mad dash back to Cardston. Borrowed Ricky's dad's extra shirt pulled on my suit, had no tie and there I was for pics. Gotta some good ones with Cookie Monster. Then another drive with Heather back to Ctown, finished "wrapping" the presents and off to the hall for pics. Worked on finishing the slideshow, did the ring ceremony, receiving line, more work on the slide show, most awkward conversation of my life, had a little cheesecake, heard speeches, gave a speech, ran the slideshow, imitated a DJ. It was all good though! Then went and watched a movie with Heather.
Saturday: Return the tux, drive to Dead Rear, get dressed go to wedding #2! Hung out with Bert, Gina, Ian, and the lovely bride Erin and the handsome groom Jeff. Good times, good music, good friends! And oh yeah I caught the GARTER! WOOT WOOT!
Sunday: Packed up like a madman, drive to gift opening... hang out with Ricky and Chels... get a few overshares - HAHAHA! Fly to Regina.
And that is it... going to add photos to the gallery... hope you enjoy... May 09 A new saying for the lexiconSo in the space/time since my last entry I have spent 1 of 3 weekends here in the gina... and 2 in Calgary/Red Deer. So I suppose there is a lot to post so I will get right to it. Dissension Pre-Release: Started this weekend in a van with 6 other guys and an 8 hour drive ahead of us. Man was I glad to get inside Ricky's house, fresh air! Spent way too many hours playing cards to get NO PRIZES cuz my opponent was a JACK @$$ without any ETIQUETTE (a recurring thing this post more than likely). But it’s all good cuz after that Chelsey, Heather, Ricky and me went to the wave pool, that i didn't know existed in Calgary, and had a blast. Even though I am apparently an awful swimmer and oy vey do I hate being IT in a game of tag. Sunday was time for some more cards, but I got one of those great situations for me where I win first then played TWO of the guys I came to the tourney with, and their decks were better than mine... oh well, then it was time for the 8 hour trip back, but i got to drive, woot!
Non-Alberta weekend: Sleep. TV. Cleaning. More Sleep. Why sleep? Cuz apparently I don't know how to do that in Calgary !
This most recent weekend: Going to consider this weekend not starting til 6pm on Saturday. Went to Becky and Mike's ring ceremony and reception, its was sweet little glimpse of what Chelsey and Ricky's could be like. Played some cards with Ricky and Brad. Gave Chelsey some helpful ideas for wedding stuff, at least i hope it was helpful. Then there was SUNDAY SUNDAY SUNDAY! My mom and brother came to Calgary and me and my bro went to the Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo(http://calgaryexpo.com/)! It was 1337! Got to meet Paul Dini and Alan Burnett, the people responsible for Batman: The Animated Series. Humberto Ramos the upcoming artist for Wolverine. Scott McNeil, a stupidly popular voice actor, who did: Dinobot, Rattrap, Waspinator and Silverbolt form Beasties (Beast Wars if you are American). It was so cool, even got him to give me some quotes and I recorded it... will see if I can put it up somehow. Oh and I got to meet CHEWBACCA! Yeah that is right Peter Mayhew the man inside the wookie suit. That guy is GINORMOUS! Also have a pic with him and it will go up soon too, along with the artist sketches my bro and me got. Went to Red Deer for Monday, ever so briefly... sorry if I didn’t get to visit anyone reading this.
But now I am back in Regina, have to study for my exam and get pumped for Ricky's wedding... ok maintain my level of pumpedness... But I am out for now except the great quotes from this weekend: "Are you fisting me?" - Evan Holstein "Nerds know stuff. Geeks are passionate about stuff. Dorks try and make stuff competitive. Don't go to the dork side." - Jedi (security guard) Knight at the Expo in response to a girl saying about "Sane fangirls" being an oxymoron. April 18 Another trip out of Regina means another blog entry!So last week was the shortest workweek I have had here in Regina so far. Monday and Tuesday Andrea (Derek and my supervisor) and Cara (Robert’s supervisor) were in to interview some people for another Actuarial Student position and to give us some heads up about up coming projects. Tuesday and Wednesday were Access training it was pretty boring but hey, 2 half-hour coffees a day and hour lunch, I’m not complaining. Then the long weekend started! Yes my long weekend started Wednesday, the same day all of my new furniture showed up! Aunt Eunice and Uncle Mike brought all the stuff from Grandma’s in a trailer, and we got it into the house and set up in an hour and a half! So now, IF any of you decide to come visit me in this land of flat I have beds for y’all to sleep on! Then Thursday we all got up and started the long drive to Calgary. There was a little snafu when I forgot my cell in their car after they dropped me off at the Bus Station otherwise it was some good visiting with the Aunt and Uncle. The bus trip to Red Deer however wasn’t quite so good. It was late leaving, it was overfull and instead of a pretty girl sitting beside me I had a guy who was unaware that cologne can be overpowering when overused! Red Deer: Went out for desert with Rachel and Kyra on Thursday night after getting in. It was fun, mostly because I was pestering Rachel about her new boy-who-isn’t-her-boy. Spent most of Friday hanging out with Evan, catching up on comics and helping him procrastinate from finishing an assignment. Then got to hang out with Bert, Jeff and Erin as we watched a couple films. Got my invitation their (Jeff & Erin’s) wedding, which negates the possibility of me being considered a Wedding Crasher I guess, haha. Saturday I hung out a Bookworm’s Den and visited Dave for a bit. Then I found out that Ricky and Chelsey were heading back to Calgary from Chelsey’s family farm near Rimbey. Which meant I wouldn’t have to ride the ‘hound back to Calgary, I could take the Bennett express! They showed up and I got my invite for their wedding, woot! Calgary: Friday night was FUN! Got to meet Chelsey’s Maid of Honor: Heather, who shall be referred to with any of the following adjectives preceding her name: COOL, FUN, GOOD, or PRETTY. We all went to Value Village to pick out some clothing for each other to wear for the evening… Ricky and I were inspired in our selections for the girls to wear (puffy shirt, blue leopard print shirt and the awful skirts), the girls made us wear pink shirts and purple ties, in my opinion we got off easy. Then we went to my new favorite place in Calgary, Lloyd’s. For those who’ve never been, you get to go rollerskating/rollerblading to good music for hours on end, it is too much fun. We went for 3 hours; there was much soreness in our group of people who haven’t gone skating in forever. Then we were off to Peter’s Drive in for food and then Pirates of the Caribbean at Ricky’s house. Sunday involved some cards, hanging out with Ricky for any extended amount of time always ends up with some card playing. Then there was supper at Chelsey’s Aunt’s house. Got to meet some people on her side of the family and discuss some things about the wedding with her dad. Then I got to fly home, its still weird writing that about this place, on Air Canada, which is something that will never happen again. Notes: Placement of Photos on the Blog: You may notice the Photos on the main page have been moved and are smaller, this is due to JASON BLORE complaining because he only has dialup. He still isn’t finished his 3+ years of updating /fixing /creating his web site www.blore.ca and since it only took me a week to get this done I’m challenging him to get his done ASAP! NDSF: Well apparently no one else wants to go to the North Dakota State Fair, but I’m still going to go. Should be fun, so why not? Magic: I’m insane, driving back to Calgary for this upcoming weekend for a prerelease tournament, mind you 6 other yahoos are coming along. I finally know when regionals are! Too bad they are May long, the weekend before my Actuarial exam
April 05 CHECK OUT my Idea/AnnouncementHello everybody! Its time for a new post, woo hoo! So I’m not sure how things are in your part of the world but it has become spring here in Regina (or Angina for you Ross) and I have gotten the chance to go out Rollerblading! I’m psyched! I came to a few realizations while I was enjoying some physical activity: 1. I need new blades, technically I need new wheels and bearing but since it is cheaper to get new blades J . 2. Gravel is the Devil! There are some really nice paths here that are free of these tiny particles of rock, however the sidewalks and roads are covered. A nice big rainstorm should clear up this problem and hopefully give me a nice light show too. Plans are coming along for Ricky’s Bachelor party! I have managed to get a hold of all the people on his list, so now I just need to lock in the place and get a few more details sorted out. I’m pretty pumped, and hopefully Ricky will enjoy it, if not I’m sure I will, HAHA! Recently I have had to start another Blog for my family, which is pretty sweet, as we haven’t really been in touch too much in recent memory. As an added bonus all of us cousins now have access to each of the other cousins emails and by association MSN! So I have been informing my oldest cousin of the great opportunities that instant messaging provides. It’s been fun and a cousin chat night might develop out of it. I’m a consumer whore. What? You didn’t know? I broke my vow of non-DVD-Tuesday-purchasing yesterday. I haven’t bought a new release movie since before Christmas. Yesterday, The Chronicles of Narnia came out, a special edition TOO, and I am weak. So bought it along with a backlog of DVDs that have come out since my last purchase. (8)My house in the middle of my street (8) hopefully become an "our house"… that’s right y’all I am looking for a roommate. So far I have had a couple people looking, today my posting goes up at work, hopefully I get some more interest. Next week at work should be wicked! Monday my supervisor is in from Winnipeg for a couple interviews, then going over some stuff with me. Tuesday and Wednesday are computer training days. Then Wednesday night Uncle Mike and Aunt Eunice get here with furniture. Thursday I am taking the day off along with the Good Friday Holiday, I get a 4-day weekend and I get to go home! WOOT! Ok, so now for the BIG announcement! Well after some more pre-amble. So some of you may not be aware, but State Fairs are kind of a big deal in the states. Think Calgary Stampede or Klondike Days but even more GRANDIOSE! Well anyhow the North Dakota State Fair http://www.ndstatefair.com/ is from July 21st to 29th in Minot, North Dakota, a mere five hours away from Regina. So I’m thinking I want to go, and probably will. So if, and I realize this is a big if, any of you are considering taking the time to come visit me this year we should go to the ND State Fair. Oh, if you haven’t clicked the link there are some pretty major musical acts coming: Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson, and Carrie Underwood. Yes their all country, but they are all pretty good. Keith and Gretchen are the first weekend, the weekend I’d probably want to go. So send me the emails let me know if you are interested! Tickets go on sale April 14th I believe. I’m going to comment now about some goings on in the world: Summer movies: So pumped! After seeing Ice Age and V for Vendetta, and getting previews for The DaVinci Code, X-3 and Superman I just can’t wait for May to start. Alberta Politics: Oh poor King Ralph, I still hope you plan to send out a second set of free money checks L . Junos: I missed them, bummer: P. Honestly, the only award show I bother watching nowadays is the Oscars, and that is mainly for the hosting. Sure wasn’t going to watch the Junos for the host. If you want to read "good stuff" about them check out Rossi’s Blog http://kpaul.no-ip.org/rossblog/. My insanity: Oh, incase I have failed to tell you guys, June 2nd is Ricky and Chelsey’s wedding in Calgary/Cardston where I am the Best-man. June 3rd is Jeff and Erin’s in Red Deer/Penhold and I am a guest, yes that is right, 2 weddings in 2 days, and I’m going to them both! There was a brief window when Ricky and Chelsey’s was supposed to be the 3rd and I thought I would have to master being in 2 places at once or at least self duplication. National Politics: All I really have to say on this subject is I don’t want to have to vote in a federal election THIS year too! State of Comics: Yes that is right comic books! So anyone who really knows me is aware of my love for this medium, however the big 2 (DC and Marvel) are well on their way to making me loath them. I can’t argue that the stories coming from DC in the last 3+ years haven’t been awesome and compelling, the same can’t necessarily be said for Marvel with the exceptions of the Ultimate line and Astonishing X-men. That being said, VARIANT COVERS ARE THE BANE OF MY EXISTANCE! I’m a relative art connoisseur in this medium, and when I have purchased one copy of an issue and there is a variant cover with better/more appealing art, I’m going to want to buy that variant. Now this isn’t a big deal/issue when the covers are offered in a 50/50 split, but when you start getting into 1 in 10, 1 in 25, or higher the product is a speculators market that, if past trends are any indication, is about ready to go bust. So Marvel and DC I’m pleading with you, in the words of Lewis Black "Stop it! OK? Just stop it!" The Louvre: This place is going to be a focal point in The DaVinci Code movie. This place will hopefully be a focal point in my Magic career. If you are unaware, Magic has tournaments in the Provincial, Regional, National and Worlds level. This year Worlds is being held IN the Louvre, my plan is to be there! If only Wizards would post when Regionals and Nationals are so I could start getting ready. Well I think that is all I have to rant and rave about today, Laters, Erick March 25 Silver LiningWell sadly my grandma passed away a couple weeks ago. So the familly got together, including all the grandchildren ( all 13 of us). So if was a sad occasion but it was great seeing all my cousins, some I haven't seen in years, some my brother couldn't remember ever meeting. I've spent the last couple weeks at work, and its going pretty good. Got free tickets to the Brier, went to a Steak night for charity, and a dinner for the Saskatchewan Actuaries. All in all pretty good times so far. Now I have to start working on planning Ricky's bachelor party!
 should be good times...Thats all for now!
Erick March 07 Low Quality Pics of my place!Here it is everyone... all i have is a webcam so zoom and lighting aren't the best but you can get an idea! March 04 First post from the land of flatnessSo here I am, in Regina, and its not as bad as I thought it might be. Work seems like it will be interesting and good and the people there are great. My place is mostly set up, soon I'll take some pictures email them to everyone and maybe post them up here too! Last weekend in Calgary was good times, the Dancing at the dance wasn't great, though the laughs me and Chelsey enjoyed about her falling was memorable. Lots of Cards and hangin out and food made for some good times.
There has been a lot of txt msging this week with someone, its been interesting too...
Cards tomorrow should be great.
Thats it for now,
Erick February 15 Treking alongSo Its been a little bit since my last posting, and things have moved along in life and I will return to my old fashion Listed posting.
Kevin Smith: Anyone who enjoys his movies, comics or either of those things in general would have enjoyed this show... It made me laugh to no great ends, disturbed me to no great ends too.
Edmonton the visiting: Had Coffee with Nicky, Supper with Rossi, Saw Kevin Smith with Anne, Drinks with Reeza, chatted it up with Randy and hung out with Janna. So between my last 2 trips to etown i saw almost everyone... cept DAVO! dang you Davo.
Music: Rossimon had quasi recently revised his blog to be for lack of a better term "All music all the time" check it out, its been informative for me. http://kpaul.no-ip.org/rossblog/
*BEST MAN-NESS: My amigo Ricardo Montebon is getting married, he got engaged last week i think... and he asked me to be his best man... and i am so pumped! There are a variety of factors to plan and deal with and i am uber excited... *
Eastward Ho: So I got to go see my Grandma Holstein for her 92nd birthday on monday the 13th, it was nice... gotta say though no one should weigh 3 more lbs than their age! Then there was house hunting in the Gina. Got a 3 bedroom townhouse, so if i need to i can get a roomie!
Think that is it for now, hope you all who read this are well.
Erick
PS Trying to go to a restaurant on Valentine;s day without a reservation is insane! January 29 I Believe! + addendumWarning: the following is my revision of the Encore from “The Blue Collar Comedy Tour Rides Again,” the contents of which may/could/should offend some of my readership.
I Believe that Regina could be the best or worst thing that has ever happened to me. I get to move to someplace new, make new friends, and experience living alone for the first time. That being said, for the first time since I left University I feel things are mostly in place here in Red Deer and I have to leave it all. It’s like I built one of those puzzles with out a picture on the box, and learning the image I thought it might be was wrong and having to find a whole new image.
I Believe that any card store that is willing to give Ricky and myself 600$ of in-store credit for a bunch of junk cards, and let us use that credit for good cards and my last expansion of Settlers of Catan is well on its way to being the best card store in all of Calgary!
I Believe that the amount of flirtatious energy that I exude into the universe must at some point return to me. I mean c’mon I have no way of explaining how I’ve ever had a girlfriend, and how I will ever get one again is beyond me, except my belief that the flirtatious energy I exude will return to me like Karma.
I Believe that dancing is the most fun one can have with their pants on. ;)
I Believe that what a girl says compared to what they ACTUALY mean are rarely if ever the same thing!
I Believe that God has a sense of humor and I am frequently the BUTT of his/her/it’s jokes. Well me and the Platypus. C’mon a duck’s bill and a beaver’s tail?
I Believe that through some allegory, metaphor and other literary devices all possible relationship issues can be seen and resolved by watching a combination of “10 Things I Hate About You,” “Better Off Dead” and “ To Wong Foo Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar.”
I Believe that this Blog will never change the world, unlike Rossimon’s Blog that has some intellectual views on the current state of music and will hopefully get him noticed.
I Believe that there is something similar to fate that has some form of bearing on who we meet and when.
I Believe that my saying that "How can that be a bad idea/thing?" doesn't mean I believe something to be a good idea/thing? January 16 Top 10 Whedonverse Episodes10. Buffy – Once More, With Feeling
The episode with singing and dancing! This episode just cries out to me, as a fan of musicals and the dramatic arts I have a very special place in my heart for this episode (as evidenced by its placement on this list). If you haven’t seen it you should, and if you have seen it you should watch it again.
Anya: He snores.
Xander: She wheezes.
Anya: Say 'housework' and he freezes.
Xander: She eats these skeezy cheeses that I can't describe.
Anya: I talk, he breezes.
Xander: She doesn't know what "please" is.
Anya: His penis got diseases from a Chumash tribe!
9. Angel – A Hole In The World
One of the more poignant episodes ever, Joss has this ability to make you care for the characters he creates. ‘Fred was this shy, bookish little thing when she first showed up and she was still shy bookish little thing at the end, but when she’s lying there on her deathbed you can feel your heart break as life slips from her. The first of many tear jerkers on this list.
Fred: I am not...I am not the damsel in distress. I am not some case. I have to work this. I've lived in a cave for 5 years in a world where they killed my kind like cattle. I am not going to be cut down by some monster flu. I am better than that. (pauses) What a wonder...how very scared I am.
Wesley: I swear on my life we will stop this, but you must be back in bed. That's where I need you to fight. 8. Buffy – The Gift
Season finales are special thing in the world of television, mostly because sometimes they end up being the series finale. That was the case for “The Gift,” it was the wrap up of the fifth and, according to Fox, the final year of Buffy. It was the battle to end all battles, the Scoobies vs. Glory and her horde or evil little minions, and the odds were not on the side of our heroes. There was no happy ending either, well at least not in the episode itself, the happy ending was in the fact the UPN picked up the show for two more years! Woohoo!
Buffy: Dawn, listen to me. Listen. I love you. I'll always love you. But this is the work I have to do. Tell Giles I ... I figured it out. And I'm OK. Give my love to my friends. You have to take care of them now -- you have to take care of each other. You have to be strong. Dawn. The hardest thing in this world is to live in it. Be brave. Live. For me.
7. Angel – I Will Remember You
Heartbreak, pure and simple, that is what Joss does best. Buffy and Angel can’t be together because if Angel experience one moment of pure happiness he will lose his soul, again. Kind of puts a damper on any chance of a relationship for the two of them, but when Angel becomes mortal and his curse is no longer an issue, presto instant rekindling of relationship. But just when you think things will be good and there will be a happy ending, Angel realizes that he can’t fight the good fight in mortal form and asks for the ability to change things back.
Cordelia: Oh please they've got the forbidden love of all time. They've been apart for months. Now he's suddenly human. I'm sure they're down there just having tea and crackers. Let me explain the lore here, okay? They suffer, they fight, that’s business as usual. They get groiny with one another, the world as we know it falls apart.
6. Angel – Not Fade Away
Yet another finale, this one however was not supposed to be the series finale, the WB canceled their 3rd rated show, grrr. That being said Joss put on a stellar show, there was much death, great lines and oh yeah, a DRAGON! I’ve watched it fairly recently and it still is as moving as when it was first shown.
Gunn: Any word on Wes?
Illyria: Wesley's dead. I'm feeling grief for him. I can't seem to control it. I wish to do more violence. Spike: Well, wishes just happen to be horses today. Angel: Among other things. Gunn: You take the 30,000 on the left. Illyria: You're fading. You'll last 10 minutes at best. Gunn: Then let's make it memorable. Spike: In terms of a plan? Angel: We fight. Spike: Bit more specific. Angel: Well, personally, I kind of want to slay the dragon. Let's get to work. 5. Firefly – Out of Gas
The only non Buffy/Angel episode from the series that may have been the best of Joss’ oeuvres had it had the chance to flourish. Now, I absolutely despise the use of flashback in movies and television, yet this whole episode is flashback and it just clicked for me. Mal has to fix Serenity while the rest of the crew has been sent off to try and find rescue, so as he clings barely to life he recollects how he acquired his crew.
Zoe: "You paid money for this, sir? On purpose?"
Mal: "What? Come on, seriously, Zoe. Whaddya think?"
Zoe: "Honestly, sir? I think you got robbed."
Mal: "Robbed? What? No. What do you mean?"
Zoe: "It's a piece of fei-oo." [fei-oo. = junk]
Mal: "Fei-oo? Okay, she won't be winning any beauty contests anytime soon. But she's solid. Ship like this, be with ya 'til the day you die."
Zoe: "Cause it's a deathtrap."
4. Buffy – Hush
Creepiest little piece of television I have ever seen. If you haven’t seen this you probably won’t realize the impact that an episode could have with no dialogue for the majority of the show. Also of note is the fact that using an overhead projector and handheld whiteboards to do a briefing is way more amusing to anyone who lived in Lister than it would be for anyone else.
Little girl (chanting): Can't even shout, Can't even cry. The gentlemen are coming by. Looking in windows, knocking on doors. They need to take seven, and they might take yours. Can't call to mom, can't say a word. You're gonna die screaming but you won't be heard.
3. Buffy – Passion
Simply put this episode gives me shivers, oh yeah and its also all about the heartbreak. Angelus doing the voice over, giving the Scoobies the psychological mind—screwing of a lifetime, it is so good. I had developed a soft spot for Jenny Calendar over the course of the season so when Angelus snaps her neck and sets Giles up for a big depression I was devastated. It was great to see Giles start to kick some ass too!
Angelus (Narrates): It hurts sometimes more than we can bear. If we could live without passion, maybe we'd know some kind of peace. But we would be hollow.
Empty rooms, shuttered and dank... Without passion, we'd be truly dead.
2. Angel – Smile Time
Everyone who loves the Muppet Show put up your hand! That’s what I thought, everyone loves puppets, and the puppet episode of Angel was so inventive. Puppet Angel going all rough and tumble with Spike in the Wolfram and Hart offices, Puppet Angel getting mauled by his werewolf girlfriend, then seeing him turn into a puppet vampire and go after a bunch of demon puppets, demon puppets who are on a show frighteningly similar to Sesame Street for that matter.
Shortly after being turned into a puppet:
Fred: Oh my God! Angel, you're...cute!
Angel: Fred, don't! Fred: Oh, but the little hands! And the hair... Angel: Hey! You're fired. 1. Buffy – Graduation Day
Yet another season finale, but this one was the first one that I had seen the whole season that led up to it. I really don’t know what to say for this, the completion of the season arc, some great character moments, seeing the awful side-effects of OCD, and oh yeah a high school explode!
Buffy: If someone could just wake me when it's time to go to college, that'd be great.
Oz: Guys, take a moment to deal with this: - we survived. Buffy: It was a hell of a battle! Oz: Not the battle - high school. Honorable mentions (Quote Based)
Buffy – Prophecy Girl:
Xander(after being rejected by Buffy): That’s okay. I don’t want to go to the dance. I’ll just go home, lie down, and listen to country music, the music of pain.
Buffy – Graduation Day
Xander: Yes. Men like sports. Men watch the action move, they eat of the beef, and enjoy to look at the bosoms.
Willow: (affectionately to soda machine) Old trusty soda machine. I push you for root beer, you give me coke.
Buffy – Surprise
Oz: I'm gonna ask you to go out with me tomorrow night. And I'm kinda nervous about it, actually. It's interesting.
Willow: Oh. Well, if it helps at all, I'm gonna say yes. Oz: Yeah, it helps. It-it creates a comfort zone. Do you wanna go out with me tomorrow night? Willow: (cringes and slaps her hand to her forehead) Oh! I can't! Oz: Well, see, I like that you're unpredictable. Angel – I Will Remember You
Buffy: "You're human for like a minute and already there's cookie dough fudge mint chip in your fridge."
So I know some of you out there have enjoyed these shows with me, so if you have any thoughts or comments please respond!
Erick out! January 15 DiatribeWell here I am sitting in my basement, on the relative eve of a transition in my life. By my count this will be the fifth one I have experienced. For some reason I am feeling the need to look back on the rest of what has been “My So Called Life.” Now don’t get me wrong, I have enjoyed my life but there is this part of me that feels like I have only seen my life from outside myself. I suppose the main issue I want to address right now is the passing of my father. You see this weekend when I was in Edmonton I saw JenJen, dear sweet JenJen. So there we are chatting and she informs me that we know have something in common, to which I go “Oh? What is that?” And she tells me that “My dad is dead too.” Now I realize for some of you that is kind of a ghastly conversation piece, however, it was JenJen and I knew exactly what she meant and how she meant it. But it got me thinking about my Dad, you see I never really dealt with his passing. I just balled everything up inside and at one point sometime during my fourth year I felt that I could still have a life and that my Dad was still with me. So here I am and I’m pretty sure that he is proud of me and proud of this next step of my life that I will be taking. There is a tone of sadness in the current state of life too, with the recent passing of friend’s brother and my Great Nana and my Grandma both getting sick recently I’m feeling like life has become this waiting game, and I dislike it, no that isn’t right I hate it. But alas there are good things happening still and that is what must be focused on. So this was a bummer entry but next time I will be much more upbeat! That is it Erick PS this is just being cathartic... i'm good, trust me Big News... and good times!So in the grand scheme of life the last few weeks have been good and interesting.
New Year's: Bert, Jeff, Erin, Jared and Huy came over... played some board games, hung out and had a generally good time.
Ricky at Hillary Duff: Well Ricky went to Hillary Duff here in the Deer, and we got to hang out before and after the concert... it was good times!
Job in Regina: So after weeks of waiting and not hearing anything and waiting I finally heard on wednesday that I got the job. So yeah this is me entering the "real" world, its crazy and scary and exciting.
Edmonton: I went to Edmonton this weekend... I spent friday on campus visiting a bunch of people... it was fun. Then I went down Whyte ave with Naomi. Then there was Duke's. Ah Duke's and UGGG Duke's. Saturday started with a Pro Circuit Qualifier for VS. Apparently a 1- 4 record isn't good, i was so disapointed but Kyle top 8'ed so it wasn't a total waste. Then there was the large gathering at Galaxyland. I have to say its awesome to be able to go to Galaxyland when the whole place is being rented out for your friends. Went on rides with Kyla and Chad and Omi, go us and the rollercoaster! Ran into JenJen there too, so cool... aww i missed her. Then I came home with Kyla. Fun times.
I'm sleepy... so i think that is is,
Erick December 27 Christmas andBoxing Day: a look backSo Christmas was pretty sweet again this year! I got everything I wanted, except Best Buy still hasn't given me back my Ipod, so it was all good. Evan woke me up at 7, open gifts, watched Serenity! and had dinner with Chris and Adi.
Boxing day: hmm... things to know about boxing day at West Edmonton Mall:
1. Don't go there!
2. If you didn't listen to #1, take the bus cuz the parking lot is insane! Was threatened by some muscle bound moron in a BMW.
3. Galaxy land is by far the least busy part of the mall, so we went on the rides.
4. Be prepared to stalk tables in the food courts, wowza.
I think that is all i have for this update... oh wait... i will find out in the new year about the job in Regina.
Peace out, Erick December 24 T'was the Night Before Christmas... I wish I was a mouse?Well its Christmas Eve and I have had a fairly eventful few weeks lately.
Seen some old friends that haven't been seen in a long time, ie. Naomi, Janna, Greg, Darryl. Got to hang out with all of them, good times.
I am still waiting to hear back about the job in Regina, apparently it is between myself and one other person now, and I will find out in the New Year. Which could be worse, they could have just straight up been "we hired someone else."
I am uber excited for Christmas, not really sure why, guess its just the spirit of the season. I think I did a pretty good job picking out presents this year, and there is nothing I am hardcore wanting this year so I will be pleased no matter what i get.
There is other stuff going on but i am not sure how or what to put on this website...
So til next time,
Merry Christmukah everyone!
Erick December 12 Regina and calgaryWell i had my interview in Regina friday... i think it went pretty well, so here is hoping...
I got to visit with Ricky, Chelsey, Heather and Christine over the course of the weekend woot! No truth or dare Jenga this time though there was some attempts at waxing/duct tape removal of my leg hair :P ... there was three rounds of rasslin and sadly in the third my leg had some minor pain and iritation, but oh well that was nothing compared to the bruises and bites from the first 2 rounds. Got to skate at Calgary olympic park for the first time, it was sweet... i miss skating... not the skates though cuz they hurt!
Chronicles of Narnia: SOOOOOOOOO GOOOOOD! Thats all i have for now... i don't think that really does it justice but that is all i got...
December 06 December... inital thoughtsWell yet another month is looking to be full of the pop culture overload.
Rent the Motion Picture: SOOOOOOOOO GOOOOD! VIVA LA VIE BOHEME! 'Nuff Said.
X-Men 3/ Superman Returns trailers: Whoa man... next summer is way to far away... and for my brother... Kelsey Grammer looks pretty sweet as BEAST!
Narnia: Starts friday haven't seen it yet...
King Kong: Peter Jackson movie debuting at christmas time... hmmm
On a retro note... Go rent Better Off Dead... you will not regret it!
I have a job interview in Regina with SGI on friday, Woot!
Thats it...
Erick out! |
. It should be a fun 5 weeks of getting ready for both from now until then. |
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