Making Time to Play

Well after a very interesting evening on Saturday after I got home (I'm just gonna leave it at that because I observed some very interesting events) safe and sound fully entertained for the night

Sunday Game 1 Riders vs Eskimo's. Found out I had two extra tickets for the game so three of us went. One not so much a football fan but a great company. My other buddy is always up for anything just like me. I love friends you can call up and say wanna go...and can you be ready in 15 minutes.

So the game was alright but I felt so good to be back in section 28. Felt like homecoming or something with all the people around us. Gonna be a good year. Look out Ottawa Grey Cup 2004 baby. So exhibition games are all about giving everyone a chance so the game was sloppy but we did pull of a victory. Ok so the worst part of the game was the fact they turned all the second level men's bathrooms into women bathroom so I have to go all the way down the the first floor to go to the bathroom. Yikes. 10000 people on one side and only one bathroom. Hope that works out.

After the game headed to earls and then watched "Troy" Great action and the story was accurate but to much Brad Pitt and his struggle with being the great warrior Achilles. I would of liked a little more focus on the love of Helen and Paris. but still thumbs up.

Today was a terrible day outside, windy and rainy but that did not stop me from biking 7 km then running 7 km in a hour and 10 minutes. so windy but my words of advice to anyone who care to listen and my motto is "Suck it up" No one but me is forcing myself into this training and the only person who you let down is yourself. Sure people may listen to complainers but no one really cares. To all those complainers...suck it up. Once again I will see you at the finish line with my rider pride!

If silence is golden, then great conversation must be platinum...write that down.

60 years. Quite along time. Now imagine being married to the same person for 60 years. Amazing. My Baba and Geed (grandparents) celebrated this diamond anniversary today and it was something. It was one of those things everyone was busy organizing and doing this and that but when you sat back and actually smelled the roses, it was a sweet smell. Not only did I create a powerpoint presentation that brought tears to some eyes, but "the grandchildren" pulled of a great little melody. Who new I could sing (well me of course) but it meant the most to Baba and that is all that matters. I think it is neat the way that we look at people we knew who have passed on and we only remember the good. Why don't we do this when they are alive?....not sure but I sure do. I'm following Sloan and seeing the good in everyone.

So with anniversaries brings family and it sure was nice to see people who remember me as a baby. Also nice to see cousins and relatives with there sons or daughters and wife or husbands. Puts the importance of life in perspective and it is not always about the bottom line. My life is lived in the eyes of others. I'm glad there is a smile to go along with it.

I actually was ahead of mother nature today. Planted my garden just in time to witness a huge thundershower in the afternoon. So 50 - 75 days from now I will see how green my green thumb is. My garden is one of those items that makes me an enigma. Sometimes I can be such a free spirited kid but then I can actually be more responsible and grow a garden. Hey go figure but I guess I'm to busy doing than thinking this week.

So our ball team is 3-0 with a good game last night. Over all performance better and the bat is becoming a little hotter for sure. Ok so I went for a bike ride before the game. Well it was the path for the duathalon trail. I have to do this loop 4 times. The first time I almost died and the first thing is straight up a hill. The second time was better and the third was actually fun. I figured out my gears and became "one" with the bike. The 10 km run is going to be the easy part.

So during the rain I cleaned out one of my rooms in the house. In this I found a lot of writing that I have done. I found this little poem written by yours truly. I must of been in love when writing this.


I saw a shooting star last night.
It flew by and shone all so bright.
Did I wish like everyone else would do?
No, because my wish has already come true.

All I can say today is that my wishes have come true but I will be wishing on the next shooting star.

All I'm gonna say is this for this post. 15 km in 1:41. Excellent time for the first every attempt in the wind and rain today. Felt great the whole time and have fell in love with cliff shots. Perfect pace and look so forward to my upcoming races.

See ya at the finish line

Ok second post of the day but then I'm due. Had to miss a Zone 3 Meeting :( then miss game one of the hockey game :( (editor's note) I really hated the flames as a kid being an oilers fan but must say I loving these playoffs. I remember crying in 1986 when the oilers lost to the flames with the whole steve smith thing...but anyways...I have not been this excited since kings vs habs in 1993. Lots of talk about driving to calgary just to hang out on 17th avenue for the party. After seeing the party pictures, I think it might actually happen.

Back to the reason I'm posting. Our ball game tonite was a first for me. A no hitter by our pitcher and the second game of the season without surrendering a run. My bat needs some work but my defense is great. The bats will come but with great defense brings up the confidence. Go Jets Go.

To top off the evening a message from "my favorite east coast girl" who voice is an all around angel. Too bad I missed her but it is one message that will not be erased.

Score today a win for sure!

So the camping adventure was quite the adventure. 754km later and three nights at Duck Mountain, I am happy to report good times by everyone. Great food and better company.

So as I'm leaving I got the call and it was this "good news..it stopped raining...it is now snowing!" Yeah ok good. So I got there about 9:00 pm set up my tent had a burger and then we headed to the our back-up plan...the cabin at the lake. Sorry MacDonald's but "I'm lovin this" Nice rustic cabin right on the lake with the wood stove burning at a nice 26 degrees along with cold pops....perfect. Naturally I slept right in front of the roaring fire and kept it going all night. Much better than the tent listening to the all the young'uns drinking next to us.

Saturday was a gem and after breakfast we headed out on a nice hike to a great resting point for lunch and a few pictures. This was the night we stayed in the tent and it was great. Can't remember the last time I stayed in a tent by myself but I can't remember having a better sleep in a long time. Even had a amazing dream. That never happens. So Sunday was a late start to say. Breakfast in the afternoon and a fire all day. Victorious in horseshoes and we kinda tied on one Sunday night. Fitting as we had to celebrate nothing but a great weekend.

Monday, well we woke up to snow. I was a little cold in the tent after the snow started falling. More breakfast packed up and headed home. I enjoyed the drive home with the view, passing and enjoying my car.

What can I say...most people would say we were crazy for going camping in the snow and rain. One good thing was it was quite and it did not cost us anything as no staff were working. Best thing about our groups is that there are no whiners or high maintenance people that always through a wrench in everything. Only thing that would of made it a total success was if I had that special someone to spend the weekend with me so they could enjoy it aswell.

May long weekend the return of the jukeboxes and in the words of a boater trying to back in to the lake "other way...other way...no other way...other way...no other way" ok maybe you had to be there to appreciate it.

Well May long weekend and that means camping. Of course this means camping in snow and/or rain with highs of 20 and lows of minus 2.....only in Saskatchewan...wish us luck. I have so much stuff for camping that I really don't were it all came from. Glad we have a back up cabin were we are going.

On the other side of the coin, running and biking are going super. So I'm all set for the duathalon on June 13...5km run, 22km bike ride and 5km run. This is going to be a great test. Never worried about my will just need my legs and lungs to keep going.

Ball cancelled due to rain and I'm not disappointed. I love the rainy night. Why because....shadows wash all my cares away....I wake up to a sunny day!

Work note, I learned more than I will ever need to know about pool chemistry and water balance today. Ran into my ex's mom and that was nice. Somethings never change.

Hang a sign on the door "Gone Campin'"

Ok I was so off last night at pool it was not funny. It was painful actually. I need to thank my luck stars I still actually won.

So to add to this disappointment, the lights at the ball field went out so we could not play.

I guess I rolled the dice and it came up snake eyes tonite. If I were a scratch and win card I would read better luck next time. The best thing is that there always is a next time!

Ok this weekend was full of play. Why? Well I had personal and professional play. Taught 24 smiling faces all about play, games, activities and what I'm lookin for in employees. It was fun but it is draining teaching 8 hours for two days on the weekend. Verdict....Success great play potential and good times ahead guaranteed

Wanted...a couple that is actually fun when they are together and with others. Still looking for this. Seems that it is always a problems with someone or people are more fun with themselves. Jealousy showed up on saturday night and it even made me uncomfortable. Jealousy is something I've never understood but maybe I trust to much...this has burnt me before. Still I know that there are couple that are great but still looking for one in our group.

My buddy bought a new house and that was going to be the extent of saturday night. Well that turned into this and that and a few adventures but responsible adventures and I had to teach on sunday. Saw a few faces in the crowd that I have not seen in a while and that is always refreshing. I also had a amazing personal conversation with someone who is going through a break-up. Misery loves company kind of thing but still I will have a conversation from the heart with anyone anytime anywhere. Nothing else makes this crazy world make any sense.

Play Ball

Ok today the planets are all in order and balance is restored. Game one of the 2004 season. Felt really good. I'm in fantastic shape so no surprises there. We won 2-0 which is a surprise because usually there are way more runs in our games. I hit two ropes tonite and unfortunately I smoked a line drive right to the center fielder.

I found what I've been lookin for in the last two weeks and that is being on the team. No better feeling. I recommend it to everyone.

Ok someone help me....I'm addicted to exercise

today I went for a 7 km run
not enough so I went for a 5 km bike ride to the pool and swam 500 m then biked home.

can't wait until ball starts on Friday. Maybe I should find someone to go to the movies with. Nay...I'll just keep running.

I'm stuck in moment right now. The world is one big snowglobe. The biggest snowflakes coming down right now at the slowest pace. It is just like the movies of something. It is so peaceful and quiet. More serenity and the same feeling when you get lost in the northern lights. Something that can only be appreciated with your senses and your mind. Sure it is snowing in May but it sure is beautiful.

I think I may be crazy. I am actually interested in a duathalon in June. 5km run, 20km bike ride and 5 km run. I will see. I was unable to run today because of the snow...I was actually going to go but come one it was snowing....maybe I'm not crazy. Hey you tell me.

Ok someone help me....I'm addicted to exercise

today I went for a 7 km run
not enough so I went for a 5 km bike ride to the pool and swam 500 m then biked home.

can't wait until ball starts on Friday. Maybe I should find someone to go to the movies with. Nay...I'll just keep running.

Sometimes when people look in the mirror there is all kinds of things that we see. Is it human nature to look for the faults, look for the problem or what needs to be better. I think we have a tendency to look at the glass half empty sometimes. This stuck me today as I actually had a chance to watch a little TV. A show called "I want a famous face" all these attractive young people going through all this plastic surgery just to look like someone famous. Guys and girls. What we see on TV and in music videos is not real anyways. It is all just an illusion. Image is everything hey...sure but you need to find your own internal identity first. If you want to be someone else you already are because your true spirit will never show in the sparkle of your eyes. Who am I...that can best be answered by the people around me.

Everyone has a golden smile in them. Let it be found. Tuned into Ron Sexsmith. Having a bad day...well there is gold in them hills. Just stand still and look in the mirror of your own hill.


There's gold in them hills
There's gold in them hills
So don't lose faith
Give the world a chance to say...

A word or two, my friend
There's no telling how the day might end
And we'll never know until we see
That there's gold in them hills

Yes, Yes, Yes!!!

I did my run today in 54 minutes and 35 seconds. So that is my PD. 10 km in way under an hour. Pace was 5.35 minutes per Km. Felt great throughout the race and I loved passing people in the last 2 km. I never ate some much and drank so much water after everything was done. Must say I'm proud of myself. The Race was the Mother's Day Sweetheart run so my 54:35 is a neat gift for mom. Legs are a little sluggish but looking great.

Thanks to everyone who wished me luck. You know who you are and whenever I felt a little pain, I just thought of you and kick it up.

I will be in good shape to add another 12.1 km is September

This is a different feeling than winning in team sports. I set my goal and did it all by myself. Celebration tonite!

Today was just me being a follower. Went on a 5 hour road trip to Kamsack, Saskatchewan. Drive just like any other but had a great conversation in the car which passed the time like nothing. Even managed to do some small town shopping with some neat Japanese stuff for my bedroom.

Made it back after the best sub for more big city shopping. Yikes! Good thing I have self control. So the I went to Taylor Field on a whim. Just ask me and the answer today was "ok sure". Too cool being on the field instead of in the stands. Not much longer till Riderville is alive again.

To top today off had a huge meal to load up for my run tomorrow and headed of to a house warming party.

Tomorrow's goal is 10 km in 60 minutes

I think I could be a teacher. I survived one day in the classroom. I did two sessions in a school in Regina on bullying and harassment. Worked out quite well. I think I was a pretty smart kid in grade 7 but that was a while ago. I kinda forgot that they are not quite the level i'm use to with adults. the red cross treats me very well. today I had a meeting followed by supper at Hotel Sask. Volunteerism rocks.

Been is my second home this week. Wednesday, thursday, friday and saturday. Was going to go shopping tomorrow but instead I get to go on a road trip to Kamsask for no other reason than I can. How else can you describe freedom but look at me. Love it

Saturday is my run and I did a 7 km run in 38 minutes. Good pace for 10k in and hour. Load up on carbs and water and watch out. Going to see what I can do without looking at my watch.

So the power of humanity. Think about it and realize what it can do. It can move mountains, dry a tear or give the thing we all need.....hope. Hope makes everything possible and keeps me sane.

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence but remember someone is looking at my grass.

After a busy day at work my evening turned into an absolute solid gold, no platinum evening. So great BBQ, then a phone call from my sweet Newfoundland friend then best hockey game of the year. It seems just like yesterday I talked to ms harbour grace and we talked about everything on the phone. Her voice was sweeter than Marty Gelinas goal in overtime. true story.

Close your eyes and think of serenity.....I had that for a small moment in time tonite.

ahh the weekend and roadtrips, nothing is much sweeter. Friday was a peach as we rolled into Weyburn with nothing but a social to plan for. Supper and drinks on the agenda along with mingling and flirting duties. Always seems that I make an impression on someone and someone makes an impression on me. So a phone number and the future of good times and rider games. This along with a night on the town with a great group....apartment party....a walk home...and spending an entire 3 hours in my hotel room... it was great.

Saturday was super as we now know what we need to do for the Games and how to take on Weyburn. I watched Matrix Revlolutions and was disappointed, however due to my a hint from my friend who is on top of pop culture I watched Love Actually. One word....perfect. I think I have felt almost all the different feelings love does to a person. Love is a curse, love is a burden, love hurts, love can destroy you and love is the best feeling in the world. All kinds of emotions and I can't wait until I have that someone waiting at the end of the escalator in the airport. Love is all around

Big news of today was that I ran 12.5 km. Just think two weeks ago I was at 7 now i'm moving up to 12.5. I will be in good shape to run the 10k race this weekend and actually run with people.

All day I have had Collective Soul in my mind....Are there times contagious
I've never been this bored before.......Is this the prize I've waited for
Now as the hour passing........There's nothing left here to insure
I long to find a messenger.......Have I got a long way to run
Yeah...I run

I think the answer is yes but at least I have some direction.