Alan Tonner

Running stats

2011-01-10T12:53:00.001-05:00

So this was my first run. Not too impressive.

Missed adventure

2011-01-06T12:20:00.001-05:00

Bad time management really. I missed my running yesterday. My fault really, I had meant to go running on my lunch break when I could've, instead I sat around on my couch and watched movies. After work I was just too busy with family stuff in the evening, taking my daughter to basketball and rushing around, that by the time I got home at 11 o'clock and it was really too late to be going running when you're supposed to work at 6:30 in the morning. Today I'm going to do a better job with it. I'm going to try and make it out on my lunch break it and get a couple runs done and hopefully that'll get me back on track.

The running man

2011-01-04T22:06:00.001-05:00

So I've decided to run in a marathon with my best buddy Scott @ www.scottrussell.com

I'm starting my training running in the snow, thank you Canada. I did 3km test run yesterday and I'm heading out for a night run. Wish me luck!

Madness and loans

2010-03-23T13:29:00.001-04:00

I traded in my Suzuki Grand Vitara for an XL7. I figure the seven seat SUV is about as big as I'll ever need. It ends up costing me about the same, since I got a better interest rate, but will add an extra year onto my loan payments. All and all my monthly payments end up about the same.

Pain is weakness leaving your body!

2010-02-04T10:27:00.001-05:00

On my fourth day of 100 push-ups & 2nd day of 100 crunches. Added 100 body weight squats today. Fighting old age tooth and nail!

Coaching again

2009-10-06T20:59:00.001-04:00

I have agreed to coach an Atom girls basketball team that my daughter Daniella is gonna play on.
It's been a few years since I have coached so I'm looking forward to doing it again.
I'm not sure how it will all work with 10-11 year old girls. There is lots to teach at that age and some very real limits to what they are capable of running. I hope that with some work we can get them to be fairly well rounded players.

34 and still have my hair!

2009-09-28T09:03:00.001-04:00

Damn I'm getting old.

Big Yard

2009-09-13T12:50:00.000-04:00

So me and my wife, Julia, went to the play "Big Yard" last night. It's a Jamaican comedy staring Oliver Samuels. Samuels is considered the Jamaican Bill Cosby. All around a pretty good time, although I didn't understand all of the humour in the show. Julia really enjoyed sharing it with me and we got to see the new theater in Brampton.

Still no good burn!

2009-09-05T11:30:00.000-04:00

So I'm trying out silkscreen printing t-shirts as a hobby. I bought a kit from an art store last year and I'm now attemting to put an image on the screen. I'm using a method called photo emulsion. It uses a chemical, emulsion, that hardens under sunlight to 'burn' an image into the screen. Basically the area that gets light on it drys and the area that do not get light on them stay wet and can be washed out to leave an image on the screen.

So I printed the image on a transparency sheet and then taped the transparency on the emulsion coated screen and then placed it under a bright light. Unfortunately either the light wasn't bright enough or I didn't leave it long enough. The result was that too much of the emulsion rinsed off the screen so I can not print a clean image and have to start again. I did do a couple of test prints with my kids though and that was fun for them.

Oh well, try it again this weekend

Dental Surgery day 2

2009-08-21T14:03:00.001-04:00

So my recovery from the surgery seems to be going well. I'm not too sore, but I'm gonna take my meds and ice to keep the swelling down.

Wisdom gone...

2009-08-20T18:54:00.000-04:00

So I had my wisdom teeth removed today. My mouth is all numb from the anaesthetic and filled with gauze, so I know speak like Marlon Brando in the godfather. Kinda sounds like I'm drunk I guess.

This is my after pictures.

I've had a lot of bleeding, I hope it stops soon.

Brilliant Ideas but no follow through

2009-08-16T15:19:00.001-04:00

I'm full of ideas, particularly small business ideas. I come up with good stuff and listen and read about how to market and organize, but then when it's time to make it happen I just don't follow through.

I have to complete some of my projects and move forward with them. I just seem to be willing to settle into getting home and doing nothing.

I tell you I want to do more with myself and I'm jealous of those who do.

My first T-shirt project

2009-08-15T11:09:00.001-04:00

So I bought this book 'Save This Shirt' last year. It's and instruction book on how to make T-shirts into better items such as: fitted T-shirt, bag, skirt, etc.

Well I've read it a few times now and my cousin in-law Kerriann has even made a bag. This weekend I'm starting my first project from it. Gonna try making a bag.

Rain, rain go away.

2009-07-26T18:04:00.001-04:00

Well I play in NBA 3on3 event every year with some guys from Seneca College, where I assistant coached for two years. It's today and it seems like every year I sign up for this thing and it rains like crazy.

Sucks real bad since I have to plan time off work and trade shifts to be here. Making special arrangements and spending the day in my car is not my idea of a good time.

Good to see those guys again though.

Starting a Website

2009-07-19T23:59:00.001-04:00

So I've been wanting to get back into having a basketball based website for awhile now. Well I've spent the last month or so listening to small business start-up entrepreneur podcasts. I have found some useful websites, particularly www.Microsoftofficelive.com

At Microsoftofficelive.com you can use all the office products online and save files, but I am more interested that I can register a website name and build a site at officelive. I'm very excited and am gonna try this.

Evil Mom

2009-07-07T07:48:00.001-04:00

Just saw this car this morning. Perhaps one of the best vanity plates ever 'EVIL MOM'. Someone obviously has a good sense of humor.

Nation building and Facebook

2009-07-06T17:32:00.000-04:00

So I was interested to see 'Council of the Haida Nation Building Committee' has put a group on Facebook. The Haida's are an aboriginal nation here in Canada on The Queen Charlotte Islands/Haida Gwaii and they are using Facebook as a real tool for communication and moving forward in the building of their nation. Using Facebook as a means to build a nation seems like a good idea to me.

www.haidanation.ca/

Names

2009-07-01T11:02:00.000-04:00

Apparently it's important to be good at remember names of people you meet, makes you seem more genuine.

Been a having a tough week. Cracked a tooth and have to go get it removed. Not looking forward to it.

I am working on this Canada Day holiday which kinda sucks, but the overtime pay for it really helps.

I've been keeping busy though. Won my men's league championship game at Hoopdome, took the kids to Canada's Wonderland and two Blue Jays games over the last week.

Life and the universe

2009-05-25T12:31:00.001-04:00

Well my grandmother passed away last week and was buried last Friday. She had a long life, 92, and lived to see great grandchildren. It has been over thirty years since my grandfather died, so it is time for them to reunite.

I couldn't make it overseas to Scotland for the funeral. It will be strange next time I visit there. Her home is the only place I remember visiting my dad's family there.

I hope all my cousins, uncles and aunts deal with her passing well. We continue to be a testament to the effect that her life has had on all of us.

Rest In Peace Gran

Drained

2009-05-17T08:22:00.001-04:00

Been sick with the flu for the last week. I was on vacation and got it from my daughters, it's been miserable and I'm just drained of energy.

Day 4

2009-04-27T13:26:00.001-04:00

I took my car to get the brakes done this morning. This really sucks I had to get new pads and rotors on the car that I've had for six weeks.

I haven't been able to get to the gym either, but I'm still pretty sore from earlier this week. I am coaching Daniella's basketball team tonight so it looks unlikely that I will get into the gym.

Day 3 'The imense pain!'

2009-04-23T18:22:00.001-04:00

So now the muscle pain is getting to me. Didn't make it to the gym this morning and I'm not sure when I will make it in today.

I have to go into my work tomorrow and see my manager about my education plan. I want to do some university courses and finish my degree. After that I have to take the info down to city hall, I work for the city, and get it processed.

Really down with my new car, 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara. I bought the demo car right off the lot with 30000 kms on it and now I already have to get the brakes done after only 6000 kms. It's really frustrating.

Day 2

2009-04-22T19:23:00.001-04:00

So I made it back to the gym today. Basically getting about 15 minutes of cardio and then 45-60 minutes of weights. I'm getting a lot of muscle soreness now and some nice bar marks on my shoulders from doing squats. Gotta really stretch tonight.

Other than that I went for massage today, which helps with the muscle pain, and bought Singstar microphones for Julia (wifie) to use with her ABBA Singstar game that the kids gave her for her birthday!

Day 1

2009-04-22T00:17:00.001-04:00

Ok so really this is day 2 of my week off. I had planned on trying to work out every day this week, but yesterday was my wife's birthday and I just chilled and celebrated with her and the kids. I even baked a cake!

So today was my first workout day and I got in some cardio and weights, more tomorrow to get in a grove.

Ready to jump in the madness again

2009-04-19T11:56:00.001-04:00

I am ready to really start coaching basketball again. My schedule at work is finally good enough to give me the nights to devote to practices. I applied for a college coaching job and hope to get a bit of a look, if not it'll be coaching rep teams and wait for the next job to come available.

So starting tomorrow I'm on holiday for a week. I'm not going anywhere for the week, sadly I don't have enough money saved to really vacation. My wife's birthday is tomorrow and I need to figure out a gift for her in the next 24hrs.

During my week off I'm planning on hitting the gym and diet and try to drop some weight while getting into a workout routine. My youngest daughter goes to kindergarten in the afternoon so after I drop my oldest daughter at her school bus in the morning I'm going to head to the YMCA and get in a solid 2hr workout.

I'm looking to have a Biggest loser week 1. I'll track my food all week and see if I can get into summer shape by the end of May.

Gonna be a painful week, wish me luck!

Gran brings us together

2009-04-05T09:49:00.000-04:00

So I got some not so great news this week, but with a silver lining. My Grandmother has had to move into a care facility. She is in her 90's now and needs help with her day to day.

The good news is that I have finally gotten in contact with my aunts, uncles and cousins via e-mail and facebook. This is pretty exciting for me because all of my extended family on my fathers side live in the United Kingdom and this is the first time that I have tried to contact them.

So now I have people to get to know and connect with. So my conclusion is that my Grandmother has brought us all together, gotta be impressed with that. I hope to visit everyone soon.

I hope she stays healthy and comfortable in her new place.

Ready to workout again

2009-03-28T08:13:00.001-04:00

Well I'm getting back into working out. I've been really lazy over the winter and need to lose some gut.

I'm getting back into the gym again, but not as often as I'd like, only once or twice a week for about a half-hour. I hope to start running again as the weather improves and also ride my bike to work weather permitting.

79 Honda Civic

2009-03-21T13:17:00.000-04:00

Just saw a 1979 Honda Civic in mint condition. Awesome!

New Car Frustration

2009-03-20T16:46:00.000-04:00

So I took my kids to see Disney on Ice last night in Toronto at the Rogers Centre. After the show when I came to get my new car, a Suzuki Grand Vitara, but it had a flat tire. It was really cold but I got the tire changed. My flat tire had a crack on the sidewall. My Suzuki dealer now says that the tire is not covered under any warrantee and I must have hit a pot-hole or something. This has been a frustrating day. I've had the car for two weeks and now I'm replacing the tire. So much for having a new car so that I don't have to worry about repairs. No peace of mind from this car so far Both headlights have needed replaced, belts have needed tightening and now this tire. I hope this tire is an isolated incident and my luck improves with this car.

As for the dealership. Well they have been rude to both and especially my wife since we bought the car. We went there obviously upset about having to pay for repairs on our new vehicle and instead of just dealing with the fact that we were upset they basically insulted us and attempted to make us feel petty. They were so terrible with their softskills that they really insulted my wife and now we are gonna take our service business to another dealership. All around let down with warrantees, especially for tires.

Life in suburbia

2009-03-16T20:33:00.000-04:00

So I've gotten to thinking about how my life has significantly changed now that neither me nor my wife work in Toronto. I live and work in the suburb of Brampton, where I grew up.
I was listening to the radio about issues with wifi in the city and realized that it's been a long time since I even went into the city. These are issues that don't even effect me, kinda liberating but also kinda depressing. Now I'm really seperated from a lot of interesting things. Just joe suburb now.

Oh well maybe I'll get a lawnmower with a nice big attachment.

Back to Back Yeah!

2009-03-08T13:01:00.001-04:00

I went and watched the local college womens basketball team, Sheridan College, win the Ontario Championships yesterday. It was a nice victory over Seneca College, who had been undefeated in their regular season. I had helped out with Sheridan over the last few years and my daughter, Daniella, goes to summer basketball camp there so we were happy for the team. This is back-to-back championships for them, so hopefully they will have good showing at the national championships.

It makes me even more interested in getting back into some coaching, I figure I can make enough time for one basketball thing next year. I was listening to a podcast last week about taking advantage of every basketball opportunity that comes ones way, it really applies to all things. I'm really gonna look around and focus on seizing opportunities that are around me. I think I like being busy better than being idle anyhow.

Buying stuff on credit

2009-03-05T08:35:00.001-05:00

So I finally have gotten into some new credit and bought a vehicle. I bought a Suzuki Grand Vitara. I think I may have paid a bit too much for it, and got a really bad interest rate, but at least I got a decent working car. Given that I'm coming off some really bad credit I was expecting to get a bad rate, but I had hoped to get a car for a good price since the market is down. I guess if I wanted a cheaper car I should have bought north american and stayed away from all-wheel drive. It's not an entry level car so I'm happy enough with it. I'm nervous about getting back into loans and payments. I think I will just work overtime at work until I feel better about paying the bills.

First game, first loss

2009-03-01T20:16:00.001-05:00

So I played my first game in the Hoopdome men's C league today. Unfortunately we lost by 6 to a much bigger team. I had 8 points in the loss. I had hoped to score 10-12, but being that I haven't really played in any leagues for over a year and that I put on about 20 pounds since then I feel pretty good with my effort.

Apparently the team we lost to was one of the champs from last year. I am on a team of guys who all signed up individually, so we don't even know each other. I figure that as we get used to playing together we will get more easy baskets. I figure that I missed about three shots I should have made, so I should be able to score about 14 a game if I get into better shape.

Outside of that I saw all the old crew from Hoopdome, which goes down as the favourite job I've ever had. My old boss, Ted, was there. My young buddy Eylon is back from playing pro in Israel, which I thought was pretty cool A lot of the other guys that work there I know from when they used to just play there, now they are employees.

Anyhow it's fun to go back down to the Hoopdome each week. Hopefully next week will be a win for my team!

Family night at the movies

2009-02-27T21:47:00.001-05:00

So I'm attending the family night movie, Igor, at my daughter Daniella's school. It is crazy here, kids everywhere, but my daughters wanted to come and so here I am. Julia's at home resting up for work tonight, so I'm at this on my own.

I work all this weekend and that kinda sucks, but such is life.

This Sunday I start playing basketball in the Hoopdome mens league. I'm looking forward to it. It's been over a year since I played in any leagues. I'm hoping to get back into a few basketball things this year.

Twitterpated

2009-02-23T14:41:00.001-05:00

So I'm getting set up on twitter so that I can record my every move. It doesn't seem to complicated except that my phone won't register with it. The joys of a Palm with Windows Mobile phone. It's great for some things but doesn't seem to work well for SMS based stuff. Well I will try to keep moving towards being more tech savvy than ever.

Get ready for the pain

2009-02-20T15:45:00.000-05:00

So as I have vacation time approaching in April and May I am going to have to do some overtime to get some money to enjoy my vacation.

I really want to go to Scotland, but if I don't have enough to do that I want to at least go somewhere and enjoy it.

Maybe I'll go to Boston and see the Celtics and visit the friends I made lst summer that live on Martha's Vineyard. Or I'll go to Montreal or Ottawa and enjoy the museums and stuff there.

What I won't do is just hang out at home. I will go somewhere!

Off days

2009-02-17T22:07:00.001-05:00

So these are my days off work. I have four days off before I start my new shift.

Yesterday was Family day, a holiday here in Ontario. We went to the zoo with the kids. It was nice, but I wish I had remembered my gloves and touque

Spring time!

2009-02-08T23:13:00.001-05:00

Well it's supposed to hit plus 7 today and I'm loving the good weather. I can't wait for summer to come. Wish I could move somewhere warm and get away from winter weather.

My new shift starts February 16th and sadly I didn't get any weekend days off, but I get Tuesday and Wednesday. Because of the change-over on shifts and family day holiday I will get four days in a row off.

A four day weekend in a warm week. Nice!

Raptors suck

2009-01-31T11:49:00.001-05:00

Watched the Raptors game last night. It was really a must win against the Milwaukee Bucks, who are without their best player for the rest of the season. The Raptors lost!

They have been a frustration all season long, losing important games and really needing some personnel changes. Hopefully those happen soon.

Burning through the snow!

2009-01-30T00:36:00.003-05:00

So today it is snowing yet again. Pretty tired of winter now.

It was Robbie Burns day on January 25th and being Scottish I am always excited about the worlds most famous poet's birthday. So I've been reading up on the bards life and exploits as well as his poems. A lot of works for guy who died at 37.

I think I'm going to buy a biography about his life and read it through to pass the time during this long cold winter.

Worthless Trustees

2009-01-30T00:36:00.001-05:00

So tired of dealing with my trustee in bankruptcy. I booked an appointment at his office three weeks ago to meet with him and hand in the final payment and paperwork for my bankruptcy. So I got to the office this morning and he's not there, in court all day, and I'm supposed to meet with someone else. Why would I book an appointment with him and wait three weeks if I wanted to meet someone else. I'm scheduled again for Monday.

Inspiration

2009-01-15T22:36:00.001-05:00

I think that at this mundane time of year I get down the most, but really just the day to day kinda wears on me.

I guess everyone goes through this, but I will say that I am looking for inspiration at this point in the year. Just need something that will kick me into gear!

Days off

2009-01-13T06:55:00.001-05:00

So Sunday was my only day off last week. I punish myself with one day of overtime each week to get a little ahead.

Makes it hard to get into a schedule routine, except for working. Hoping to start going out with the family a bit to enjoy my evenings.

Went to see my glorious world champion Boston Celtics beat the Raptors on Sunday and had a great time. Celts won last night too.

Just working on another snowy day today.

Shifting Gears

2009-01-06T15:30:00.001-05:00

So on a new work schedule. For the last two years I have worked evenings and now I am working days. I'm two days in and still trying to get my sleep schedule right.
I have high hopes that this schedule will really fit me and my family's needs and wants.

So far I've had trouble sleeping when I'm supposed to an doing anything constructive with my new spare time.

Well hopefully I get my body on schedule and get to enjoy my new evenings off.

Mobile business

2009-01-04T13:26:00.001-05:00

Hey I was thinking as I often do!

The future of communication is clearly mobile. With the rise of mobile phones with internet and WI-FI ipods and walkman the role of the internet has really changed. Now web pages will need to be mobile friendly to better reach a customer that expects as much. I hope to figure out some programming for mobile web and possibly make a business out of that.

Holly and Jolly Humbug!

2008-12-24T00:08:00.001-05:00

So it's almost Christmas, which means I have to shop for gifts. I hate shopping!

I 'm fine with getting stuff for kids for Christmas, but adults are a pain to shop for. Usually they just end up with something they don't really want or need.

My constant car repairs and other debts make my budget an issue.

Humbug to Christmas, I just wanna relax!

Tired and pissed

2008-12-20T22:07:00.001-05:00

So I'm back to working crazy overtime leading upto Christmas and I'm really feeling mentally worn out. All I want as a gift is to clear my bankruptcy payment and have enough money to put the 10% down on a computer that I'm required to in order to get a loan from my workplace for the remainder.

The problem is my car keeps breaking down and draining all my finances. I got the struts and the alternator replaced in the last month and I still need to get the clutch replaced. On top of that it looks like the struts or steering has just broken again! At this point I'd like to just scrap the car and walk!

The Cheque has arrived

2008-12-16T00:37:00.001-05:00

Finally I received the call that my cheque to purchase my computer is ready I go to get it tomorrow and hope to have the computer setup tomorrow evening. Excitement is building!

New computer!

2008-12-10T00:08:00.001-05:00

I finally submitted my paperwork to my workplace to get a loan for a new computer. Pretty good deal since it's deducted off of my paycheque for the next two years. Works out to be about $50 a cheque.

I'm excited about getting a new computer so I can do more stuff on the internet and edit video, which my current computer is way to slow and old to handle. I'm also planning on doing some web based distant education university courses so a decent computer was a must.

Hopefully they get the cheque to me soon!

Degrees and more...

2008-12-09T00:43:00.001-05:00

So I am trying to figure which is the best way to go about getting a university degree.

Do I try to complete a general arts degree through distance education at my old school UNBC, which has a very limited courses available, or do I start fresh on a degree at a new school?

I'm really looking into it and weighing my options.

Birthday Joy!

2008-12-05T21:13:00.001-05:00

It's my Daughter Brianna's fourth birthday today. She had an exciting day and got a Princess Peach Video game for her Nintendo DS. We had cupcakes this morning and a nice day. We have more plans for her the rest of this weekend with her cousins and friends coming to visit.

Working out again.

2008-12-01T15:33:00.001-05:00

Got some time in the weightroom today. First time in months, feels good. I'm thinking with schedule changes I should be able to get back here regularly in the new year.

Solace!

2008-12-01T08:28:00.001-05:00

Went to see the new Bond movie yesterday. I thought it was a good follow up and really fast paced. A great action movie. Suggest anyone goes to see it.

Payday

2008-11-27T11:59:00.001-05:00

So Payday has finally come and I think with this and my next paycheque I might be ok for the rest of this year, and not just scraping by.

I still gotta work hard to get money for vacation next spring. Hoping to go to Scotland this year and visit my cousins that live there.

Where are the stores?

2008-11-26T01:00:00.001-05:00

So I'm finally finishing my basic setup for my new basketball blog, Canuckhoops.

I'm thinking of adding a online store to the site. There are online stores that you can sign up for that will print your logo on items for sale and give you a small cut of the profits. So I wouldn't need to carry inventory and could possibly sell some stuff if the site gets popular.

Can I make a difference

2008-11-25T01:23:00.001-05:00

I am working like a dog and starting to wonder where I'm going.

I am wondering if I can effectively do anything more with myself right now. Am I only good for driving a bus for a paycheque?

Well I gotta do something to get outta these doldrums.

Always wanna make a difference in the world and I feel about as far from that as possible.

Waiting for the $$$'s to come!

2008-11-24T09:58:00.001-05:00

So I've been working as much overtime as I can get over the past three weeks, but I won't see it on a cheque until later this week.

Living on pennies until then.

Really tired of struggling by, so I'm gonna take all the extra hours I can get until I feel ahead. Trying not do too much and burn out.

All this work has kinda put my other goals on hiatus, but hopefully I get back to them soon.

Building to Launch

2008-11-21T01:25:00.001-05:00

So although this blog has no following I am starting my second blog. I hope to finish preparing the page by the end of the weekend. I have a logo and some creative ideas for it, hopefully it's seen as more entertaining than this personal diary styled blog.

New blog!

2008-11-20T03:41:00.000-05:00

So I have finally set up my second blog. It's a basketball blog called Canuckhoops. I'm gonna blog about my opinion on the state of Canadian basketball and university and college ball in the great white north.

Should be cool!

Ready to put in work

2008-11-18T22:35:00.001-05:00

Well I have increased my overtime availability at my work to try and get some savings put away to go on vacation in the spring.

The only problem in that I don't work a shift that has a lot of overtime hours. Kinda makes it hard right now.

Working Overtime

2008-11-08T23:43:00.001-05:00

Oh man, I got the overtime today. 11.5 hours of overtime on the busiest bus route in Brampton.

Hope that this pays off and I get outta my financial woes quickly.

Gonna take care of business

2008-11-08T00:28:00.001-05:00

Well since I agreed to complete my bankruptcy, by paying $900 to the trustee, I have had trouble pulling the money together on my regular paycheque, so I have decided to sign up for as much overtime as I can and get that cleared up.

After that I may continue pushing overtime because I have vacation time coming in April/May and I want to go away somewhere.

Also want to buy a new car this year, so I will spend the next six months following the end of my bankruptcy saving and preparing to buy a new car.

So there will be quite a lot more overtime in my future to get to those goals.

Earnings crunch!

2008-11-05T01:24:00.001-05:00

So feeling a money crunch lately and I'm not sure how to handle it. I have to pay a $900 bill to my trustee as soon as possible, but I'm finding it difficult to get the money together on my paycheque and I'm not excited about working overtime since I finally have weekends off.

Looks like I will put in some overtime and get stuff paid for. Really kinda on my own as far as paying for stuff right now. Kinda down that my job doesn't seem to cover my financial needs, but such is life.

I figure that when my wife goes back to work again then maybe things will get easier, but they probably won't because we'll just spend the extra on other stuff.

Sucks right now though!

Will the Raptors Win tonight.

2008-10-31T21:37:00.001-04:00

So it's halloween and the Raptors have their home opener against Golden State. Will they win?

Damn Car!

2008-10-29T16:56:00.001-04:00

So my car starts making a lot of noise yesterday like it has an exhaust leak. This surprises me because I just got the exhaust fixed at the end of August, then I look under the car and see that one of the clamps that holds the exhaust together has come loose. Hopefully fix it tomorrow morning on my driveway. Kinda cold outside so I hope it will be quick.

Damn car repairs are killing me lately!

Banner Heaven

2008-10-29T02:01:00.000-04:00

So the Boston Celtics, my favorite basketball team, raised their 17th championship banner tonight to celebrate the championship they won last season. Then they beat the Cleveland Cavaliers to finish a great night for them.

I had to work. Missed it all, maybe see highlights when I get home.

As is so often with this job, I feel like life is just passing me by.

Snow!

2008-10-29T01:19:00.001-04:00

Damn it's snowing.

The worst Podcast I have ever heard

2008-10-28T00:47:00.001-04:00

So I enjoy listening to podcasts. I listen to several. A lot of them are CBC podcasts like Spark, The age of Persausion, and Search Engine. These are great, but all professionally produced by Canada's Largest Broadcaster. I listen to ESPN podcasts on various sports.

I also listen to basketball podcats: Celticscast and TheBasketballJones. These two podcasts particularly impress me because they have decent if not excellent production and knowledgable hosts.

So I don't understand the aweful show 'Talking Basketball'. I find the show just badly produced: no background music; bad volume control on the three hosts mics and computers.

The hosts kill me, not knowing names of players, heavy breathing into the mic, one didn't even watch the Raptors games to discuss them. I find it really frustrating to listen to, so I'm cancelling that podcast!

Last of the Bearded baller

2008-10-27T23:40:00.001-04:00

So finally hitting the start of the NBA season. Less than 24hrs to the first game. Shaving time!

So this is the last picture of the beard.

Black Sneakers

2008-10-21T20:30:00.001-04:00

So I really like having a large collection of sneakers. Particularly basketball shoes. But I have run into a problem, my job only allows all-black dress shoes.

I have noticed that a lot of the bus drivers I work with do wear black sneakers for work. So my new plan became clear!

I will continue to collect sneakers, but now I will buy only all-black ones that I can use at work. Ha so now I can have the largest all-black collection ever!

Manly Facial Hair

2008-10-19T00:13:00.001-04:00

Hey so my NBA preseason beard is continuing it's growth. Only ten days to go before I start shaving.

I figure I'll shave in pieces. Keep the handlebar mustache with attached sideburns for a day, then a mustache and sideburns for another, just sideburns, and finally a clean shave.

Don't know that I would suggest beard growing as a hobbie. It has been kinda itchy. Any kinda sauce gets into it and is tough to wash out. My wife doesn't like the look. My sisters think I look way to much like my dad. I've even been told it makes me look too old.

Mostly I'm not really used to having a big hairy face. Almost never get much beyond a little bristle. Anyways the countdown is on. Ten days to go.

Courts and sleep

2008-10-10T01:26:00.001-04:00

So I have spent this week waking up at 8 in the morning despite going to sleep at 3 in the morning because of meetings with my bankruptcy trustee. I could really use a nap.

I was in court today for my discharge hearing. I arrived at the court at 9:30am and after many other cases and a 20 minute recess that went for an hour and 20 minutes. Then when I finally had my case, at 1:30 in the afternoon, we got adjoured until October 22 to review some case law that we're disputing. Courts are a huge waste of time and money.

Damn I need to sleep in just once this week!

Preseason Begins

2008-10-09T01:53:00.001-04:00

The Raptors have started the preseason with 2 wins, so far so good. It doesn't mean much at this point in time, but I think the Raptors are aiming for a conference finals this year.

Run around day

2008-10-07T21:16:00.001-04:00

So today is a crazy run around day. I went to pick up my car this morning and it was not ready.

Then I gave my father a ride to the doctors. I wish he would get afternoon appointments because I'm tired of getting up in the morning after coming off a night shift.

After that I finally picked up my car and had them gouge my wallet.

Off to my bankruptcy trustee next to see how my bankruptcy is going to finish. My trustee has made a complete mess of my bankruptcy that includes losing my tax info, setting meetings past due dates, and constantly changing the cost price of the bankruptcy. I have a court date in two days and they told me today that I owe them more money, based on information that I provided to them eight months ago. On top of that at my last meeting with the owner of the company in August I was told that I had one final small payment left and that would be it. I am really pissed off at these constant screw ups on their end.

All and all this has been a miserable day.

Coffee, Cookers & Cars. Oh My!

2008-10-07T00:25:00.001-04:00

So I tried to kick coffee today, but failed miserably. So I'm adjusting to simply not buying coffee at a store. So I had my own homebrewed coffee only today, and amazingly only one cup!

I also moved a stove around the house. Our gas stove has been malfunctioning and we had a fairly new electric stove in the garage. So we switched them around today. I had thought that the gas stove was going in the garbage, but apparently it's going to be repaired again. So no space gained.

Finally my car had began gushing oil yesterday and so I had to take it to get fixed. I went to Canadian Tire. Feels like a huge mistake, they charged me $100 to look at it and $200 more to repair a gasket on my oil filter housing. I feel very gouged by them and I'm not loving my old 1991 Volkswagon Passat right now.

We've been thinking about getting a newer family car for awhile now, but I'm always worried about adding another regular bill and how I'll feel about paying a car and repairs at the same time.

I like my money and want to keep it all. I have short arms and deep pockets!

Damned Cars

2008-10-06T00:28:00.001-04:00

So my car has started pissing oil all over the place tonight. I'm not quite sure where the leak is from or how much it will cost to fix, but this is a serious problem for right now.

I would like to get a newer, better car but I am concerned about the affordability of that venture.

I guess I'll get an idea of the cost of repair tomorrow and then go from there.

Choose Life

2008-10-04T21:42:00.001-04:00

'Why would I want to do that? I chose not to choose life, and the reasons? Well there are no reasons. Who needs reasons when you have...' - Mark Renton in Trainspotting

Mostly I'm trying to choose my next shift at work. Every 6-10 weeks at work we choose new bus routes and shifts. Currently I work about 5:30pm until 2:00am, but I get Fridays and Sundays off. I like the days off and that I can pick up my kids from school, but I do find that I spend a lot of time sleeping and alone.

So I may change my shift, I also may have to change it since the shifts are chosen in seniority order and someone else may choose my current work.

Choices are always hard to make because each shift has some advantages and disadvantages.

So what to pick???

Busy weekends

2008-10-04T00:42:00.001-04:00

So I am in the season of busy weekends. It all started with my daughter's birthday and now it continues. This weekend we have a field trip for Daniella with her Aunt Ashley(my younger sister) and an early thanksgiving at my older sisters house. Next weekend will be my nephews birthday. Two of my nieces has a birthday in November... And etc.

CRAZY!

Pre-season Beard

2008-10-03T03:11:00.001-04:00

So I am growing a pre-season beard. The NBA season starts on October 29th and I'm gonna grow myself a beard until the season starts. I started around September 10th and now I'm riding out the itches.

This is all of course just for fun. I've never grown a full beard before although my father often has. So here I will try just for fun. I have the goatee going good now, so I'm going into the full beard now.

Finally my wife will look forward to the start of the NBA season.

HAHAHAHA!

Small business's

2008-10-02T01:26:00.001-04:00

So my wife, Julia, is seriously interested in opening a small business. So we have started to look into opening a black beauty supplies store, but there is a lot of them already opened in the area we live. So now I think she's rethinking and repositioning herself to move forward.

I for one think that owning a business is a lot of work and I'm wondering if it would be worth it. But if the owner is really into what they do then that can make it an enjoyable time for them.

Birthdays and working hard

2008-09-30T00:37:00.001-04:00

Well I survived my daughter Daniella's 9th birthday party yesterday. It was nice, she invited a few friends and family over to play some video games, eat pizza and cake.
We had wine and cheese for the adults up in our kitchen. I guess that kinda makes me old and settled. It was a good time had by all.

So today it was back to work and working out. I got in a couple of good sets today in the weightroom, and continued on my jump program. I am hoping that continuing my workouts will get me in great shape this year. I feel good and hope to push hard towards goal achievement in this my 33rd year.

In this my 33rd year...

2008-09-27T17:31:00.001-04:00

So I've made it to 33. Today is my Birthday. I haven't done anything special, my wife and kids made me breakfast, but I have to work today.

It's raining which kinda sucks. Mostly I'm thinking of my big plans and goals for the next year. I'm hoping to make 33 a big breakthrough year in my life, where I acomplish things that really define the next five to ten years.

After I finish my probation period at my work, November 25th, I'm going to buy a new computer through a workplace loan. I'm also going take advantage of career planning area of my work and apply to have them pay for the remainder of the courses on my university degree. I have also been trying to maintain a regular exercise regiment so I can be in great shape and look good.

All and all just trying to keep pushing and not just settle into a day-to-day blah.

We'll see how I do.

Last days of 32

2008-09-26T01:46:00.001-04:00

So I'm gonna be 33 on Saturday. I am hoping to make it my breakthrough year.

Wii cool!

2008-09-25T01:03:00.001-04:00

Well I finally got to try out my daughters new Wii.

Pretty cool stuff, mixing some of the old with the new. Clearly some of the controls are improvements on the PowerGlove, PowerPad, and the phaser gun on the original Nintendo Entertainment System. To me it's not so much a new system as it is that Nintendo finally worked out the bugs on some old stuff that was cool but hard to use and easy to break.

I have enjoyed trying the sport games that come with it and Mariokart. I'm really looking forward to trying a sword fighting game in the near future as well as the WiiFit.

I'm impressed with everything but the price so far!

Daniella is 9 years old today!

2008-09-23T21:40:00.001-04:00

Talk about life changing moments with anyone and the birth of your first child is it!

Certainly a watershed moment in my life. I was really not planning on doing much with myself up to that point in time, but after that I felt the need to become a family man!

It's been nine years now and although I have experienced many things I still feel basically like the same guy I was back then. It seem like yesterday, but also like another lifetime ago!

Happy Birthday to my beautiful daughter Daniella!

H.E.L.P.!

2008-09-21T23:43:00.000-04:00

So I feel like I'm losing my wits...I worked 24hrs of overtime on my last paycheque and I've already spent the money!

Now given I did spend it on buying my daughter Daniella a Nintendo Wii for her ninth birthday, but I am really tired of working extra and scraping bye

Late night movies

2008-09-19T14:34:00.001-04:00

So I watched 'The assassination of Jesse James by the coward Robert Ford' last night. It was really slow, and basically Jesse James came off as crazy and rightfully suspicious that everyone was trying to kill him.

Since I finish work at about 2am I end up watching a lot of movies on my own when I get home.

On probation!

2008-09-18T01:46:00.001-04:00

So on August 25th I became an official full-time bus driver. I have three months probation which ends on November 25th. My workplace has a computer loan purchase program, and I just found out that I won't qualify for it until I finish probation. This sucks! I really wanted a new computer.

Basketball Jones!

2008-09-16T16:22:00.001-04:00

So I'm enjoying blogging and am thinking of having a themed blog about my basketball jones!

Hey I think I have all the right questions and answers to make basketball better here in Canada!

Hmmmm... I'll have to consider!

In the meantime check out DunkUverymuch which is a nice blog by my friend Drew.

Working out is hard to do!

2008-09-16T00:25:00.001-04:00

So finally after two weeks on my new work shift I was able to fit in a workout on my lunch break.
On my old schedule I fit in workouts everyday at break time, but I don't have breaks where the fitness room is for this eight weeks of work and I'm a little frustrated with that. I am getting in some jogging instead, but it's just not the same.

I got out to play some basketball at the new Cassie Campbell Community Centre ( The CCCC) here in Brampton. First time in weeks that I've played, felt good though even if I was a little stiff after.

It is cool to go into a building named after someone that went to the same highschool as you! North Park alumni, 'Go Vikes! Orange Crush!'

Moving at the speed of sound!

2008-09-12T16:49:00.001-04:00

Finally, after purchasing an ear syringe and flushing my ears with a serious amount of hot water, I can hear again!

Well that helps one part of my day. Now if I can just finish the overtime I have agreed to do and enjoy the rest of the evening this might go down as a half decent day.

Putting it on Wax. It's the new style!

2008-09-11T19:23:00.001-04:00

'4 and 3 and 2 and 1. When I'm on the mic the sucka's mine!' - Beastie Boys

Well I'm not putting it on wax, but like an idiot I cleaned my ear with a cotton swab today and now my ear is blocked and I can't hear a damn thing.

Funny thing is that I have these ear drops that will clean the wax out of my ears, but I didn't use them until I made this problem for myself. Now I will spend the next couple of days putting these drops in my ear.

I think that at some point in human evolution we actually stored small items in our ears, or perhaps they were used to keep fingers warm. That would explain why children stick small things in their ears, why we clean with cotton swabs despite knowing that it's a bad idea, why old men always pick at their ears for wax.

Well that is where I'm at. It's a pretty miserable thing to deal with, but hardly the end of the world.

I have agreed to work overtime tomorrow, which is my day off. I got offered what I consider a nice easy bus route to drive for the day, so I took it!

Will I regret taking on extra work, or will the dollars make it all worth while?

My Brain Hurts!

2008-09-11T00:48:00.001-04:00

I had a wicked headache last night! It's gone now, but it's tough to have when you're working.

I think maybe I'm overthinking stuff and it's stressing me out.
I'm really trying to focus on buying a new computer this month.
Lots on my mind lately though, time moves fast but life goals move slow.

Much of what I want to do is gonna take some time, but I of course want it to happen now! And time ticks on for me getting older while not achieving those goals!

As I said 'My brain hurts!'

Money Makes the World go Round!

2008-09-09T16:17:00.001-04:00

So I work a pretty decent job as a city bus driver, but since my wife is currently unemployed we are finding it pretty tight on the purse strings.

'Money controls the world and that's it! Once you got it then you can talk ..' Ice-T from Power

I'm thinking of putting more hours in at work to get more $$$, but that really can throw of my work/life balance.

The trick is always to work with what you've got, can I get me and the family to the point where we can do that? Stay tuned!

Ironman

2008-09-08T23:24:00.001-04:00

So I was watching this show, 'Sports Science', and they send this average guy to the Ironman world championship triathalon in Hawaii. So I figure I will make a triathalon a new goal! Maybe take me about two years to really train for that goal. It looked cool though, the guy was broken by it, but he finished you could see how much he felt he had accomplished.

Vacation was too long ago!

2008-09-04T20:39:00.001-04:00

So it's been a month since I was on vacation and I do wish I was still there.

I went to my friend Tyler's wedding in Masset, BC. I was only gone for six days, but it was a wonderful time.

Everyone who came helped prepare the wedding and reception sites. It was cool to see everyone lend a hand rather than just show up. I felt much more involved with it all.

The wedding was a beautiful outdoor ceremony in a forested area by a beach that the couple now own and will be building a home on.

The weather went great for that day and the food was served at the wedding location. The reception back at hall in town was really more of a dance.

I met lots of people that I have wanted to stay in touch with, but I'm gonna need to find out their e-mail, telephone numbers and stuff. Apparently everyone's not on facebook! Go figure.

So if your out there:

Gloria I miss your sarcasm, and didn't touch the moss!

Tom we have many more beers to drink and trees to see. Hope to visit you on the east coast soon.

Dana Bellis (check out one of her old blogs in my links) you are perhaps the person I clicked with best while there. I hope to hear from you soon about life as a student in Finland or on your other worldly travels. Hope yoi never lose that Haida woman charm!

Finally to Tyler and Carrie Anne Bellis I wish you guys all the best. I was really happy to come to your wedding and hope to see you soon.

Jump Around

2008-09-04T00:49:00.001-04:00

So yesterday I started the AirAlert jump program with my eldest daughter Daniella (8yrs). We have completed two days of the three required for the week, and my legs are hurting. They warned of this but it doesn't take away the pain.

Oh well 'Pain is weakness leaving your body!'

I am trying to get the most out of my new schedule. I took my youngest daughter Brianna (3yrs) to her first visit to kindergarten. Tomorrow she officially starts.

To fit in workouts I do them on my lunch break at work. Right now that usually means going for a run.

Into the new!

2008-09-03T16:16:00.000-04:00

Well today I start my new work schedule. Start at 5:30 PM, kinda late!
This is a big goal related season for me got lots of them. Here is my list:
Benchpress 300 lbs by Christmas,
Run a 10km race in under 40 minutes in October,
Buy a new computer,
Get my workplace to pay for a university course in January,
Lose 15lbs,
Learn some french,
Dunk a basketball.

Now that's where I'm starting I have lots more stuff that I have goals on doing in this my 33rd year!

Labour Day

2008-09-01T15:47:00.001-04:00

So after working 12hrs yesterday I went out for beer and wings with my pal!

Today I'm taking this labour thing to a whole new level and organising my garage. Always difficult work and my storage unit is like 20km from my house. Wondering why I'm keeping all this crap anyhow, family of packrats!

Well I'm gonna starighten up this blog page today. Make it look pretty!

Lazy or Crazy???

2008-08-31T12:02:00.001-04:00

I just saw a guy I used to play basketball with, he's riding his bike home to Toronto from Brampton 35km. I suddenly feel like a lazy bum!

Well I plan on setting up my weight set in my garage tomorrow, now I have motivation. There is a fitness room at my work that I use regularly. I also have a YMCA membership which I do not, but my kids do go for swimming lessons. I hope that despite my schedule changes I will be able to get regular workouts between my three options.

Me and my buddy Scott are planning on entering a 10km race in October so I will be definitly trying to run a lot over the next month. I live close to my work so I will ride my bike to work, weather permitting.

Hopefully that will take me from lazy to crazy!