Photo credit: Jughead (that’s me!) on Flickr

The wife and I went for a small hike up to Bridal Veil Falls a bit ago. While I’ve been there a few times over the years, my wife, recently transplanted from Alberta, had never been.

It was a decent walk up (nice reminder of how totally out of shape I’m in) and amazingly close up views of the falls once we reached the base. Was about a 15 minute hike on a moderate grade. Some stumps and spring wash-out littered the trails which added to the natural appeal.

Lately, my wife and I have been making more of an effort to get out for casual walks and explore the local community. My motivation has been to a) get back into better shape, b) step away from the confines of the monotonous rigors of my work, and c) learn a little bit more about the beautiful area we live in.

Our most recent “discovery” is Sardis Park, situated within a residential portion of south (I think) Chilliwack, or more specifically Sardis.

Interesting story… I was toying around with Google Maps and MLS when I stumbled upon a body of water in the middle of town in one of the maps. Now having previously lived in Abbotsford, I regularly visited a similarly convenient and yet equally beautiful Mill Lake Park for daily exercise, coding and graphic design (yes, Mill Lake has Wifi!), so it was great to see a lake park quietly nestled amongst houses out here in the ‘Wack too. We just HAD to check it out.

We went for a visit this past Sunday, and our first impression was that while a very small lake (10 minutes or less to walk around), it is a pristine, playful area for families to enjoy some time together without having to drive the extra 15 minutes out to Cultus Lake. Granted, you’ll want to bring a blanket to sit on or old rag to clean shoes and strollers when finished. There’s plenty of wildlife (namely geese) that fully adopt “The World Is My Outhouse” philosophy, so watch out!

We had planned to be out boating this weekend, but impending poor weather nixed that. A quick visit to Sardis Park was a very enjoyable alternative.

More information about Sardis Park can be found via the Chilliwack Parks Board.

This year however, and in dramatic fashion no less, we are the champs once again.

Not a huge fan of our 6th seed matchup (Columbus), what with their rookie goalie sensation Steve Mason, but they have less post-season experience than us, so I’m hoping that, along with home-field advantage, will give us some moment to at least push through to the second round (ideally a cup of course).

Records made along the way (Luongo with 9 franchise-record shutouts and 11 home wins in a row to name a couple) have strengthened my beliefs that May is for watching Canucks hockey, not camping and boating ;-)

Them’s can wait until later into June.

Cheers boys, and thanks!

J

Good luck Commander In Chief Barack Obama.

I love what I do, which makes working better or worse, depending on who you ask (I love you dear). I have full-time, on-site commitments to a client throughout the week coupled with 2-3 hours of work most evenings once I get home each night (with 3 hours of traffic commute squeezed in for good measure).

These 10-12 hour work days are actually a throttle-back from days gone by where I typically worked 15-16 hour a days. Being young with limited to no commitments bred an unstoppable time machine in me that didn’t notice most anything around me. Time seemed to stand still, and I certainly didn’t feel any ill effects of working more than sleeping/playing.

Fast forward to present day where I’ve “acquired” incredibly wonderful priorities (i.e. got married, planning for a family, reconnecting with family and friends, etc.) and realized there is more to life than work. Granted, I love what I do and still put in more time than my wife would want as the returns afford us more than most, but I’ve decided to take it another step further and throttle-back again—limiting my evening work to only a few days per week rather than all week long. This will afford me more time with my wife, new hobbies, an upcoming family of my own AND compel me to work more efficiently during my remaining work nights.

People tell me I’m crazy for the time and effort I’ve put in over the years. I’m not alone. Lots of people I know work extremely hard. Too hard even. But, in my case, I’ve been lucky to work in an industry I love, pays well and wasn’t available when my parents were my age.

I’d feel guilty (and lazy) for not taking advantage of all the wonderful opportunities most people didn’t have back in the day. Not to mention its fun!

Now, where’s my stapler?

Enjoy:

Main Ingredients:
------------------
- 8 cups popped popcorn
- 2 cups mixed nuts (pecans, peanuts, almonds)

Syrup Ingredients:
------------------
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup margarine
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla

Directions:
------------------
1) Place popcorn in large roaster/pot.

2) Broil nuts to toast, then place on top of popcorn. DO NOT MIX, simply set aside.

3) Melt butter on low, then mix in sugars and corn syrup. Bring to a boil.

4) Turn heat to low and boil/simmer for 10 minutes.

5) Remove from heat and add vanilla.

6) Pour syrup over popcorn and nuts, then mix until thoroughly blended throughout.

7) Press onto cookie sheet and let cool.

8) Break apart, enjoy!

Everyone experiences life’s tragedies—there’s no avoiding it. They are what humbles us and what makes life’s most precious moments so much more, well, precious.

I heard once that a person’s character is defined by how he or she faces adversity and the make up of a person can be summed by the merit or value of their efforts when life throws them a curve ball. People are extremely diverse and how they handle adversity is equally so. For me, it became clear that I needed to step up and help those in need. This included my mom and brother when my dad died and again when she was laid up in the hospital during their sale, purchase and transition from our family home to a new house.

While stepping up for family would seem automatic for most, lately I’ve been feeling the urge welling up inside me to do something more. Something unselfish for once and for those less fortunate than I. After all, I’m not the only one that had a bad year.

This year has brought about some self realizations, of which include how lucky I am for what I have; a loving wife, my mom and brother (although I don’t see them enough), a good group of friends (nor do I see them enough either—I see a trend forming!), a comfortable roof over my head, stable employment that I love, and most importantly, life! Less fortunate people don’t have many of these things and are just barely clinging to life itself. Granted, some people make bad choices that lead to impoverish living, but for others it can be unavoidable, bad luck or through a misfortune of circumstances.

I have every toy under the sun; boat, motorbike, Wii, Blackberry, multiple iPods, multiple laptops, panel TV’s, DSLR & video cameras, a warm king-sized bed and $25,000 in DVD’s to name a few. To be honest, its an embarrassment of riches. During my process of self awareness (sounds so spiritual doesn’t it), comparing my possessions to those less fortunate literally embarrassed me. My philosophy of “work hard, play hard” brought me to this point. I’m guilty of over indulgence. There’s no getting around it. Its my fault and rightly so, I SHOULD be embarrassed.

So, needless to say this holiday season I haven’t been seeking gifts from anyone. The mere moment someone’s asked what I might need or like, I’ve assertively interrupted, explained my feelings and suggested something less selfish and more in dire need: charitable donations.

It doesn’t matter what charity or cause, or for what denomination—every bit helps. Even the $3 to buy and mail a holiday greeting card, the $20 secret-Santa office party gift or one less $7 drink at the restaurant would all go a long way to feeding someone on the streets, or better yet, providing shelter or a gift to an innocent child in need. Today I donated my entire work Christmas bonus to the United Gospel Mission. I didn’t need it nearly as much as a family needed a Christmas dinner and 10 people needed a week’s worth of hot meals. It just felt like the right thing to do for me.

Union Gospel Mission recently unveiled its second annual Christmas Catalogue. Through it, Canadians have the opportunity to give gifts of hope on behalf of a loved one, instead of buying a present. Some of the 18 items include a cozy pack (sleeping bag, socks, and toque) for $47, warm shelter for a week for $84, or employment counselling and work wardrobe for $75.

Even if you don’t get that fancy new phone, hand bag or sports car for Christmas, take a moment to think about how rich you truly are. It won’t be easy to do when you’re upset you didn’t get what you wanted. I can certainly appreciate that… we’re only human. BUT, chances are you’re much wealthier than most.

I love you dad, and I miss you.

Back on October 3rd, I feverishly scanned through all Olympic tickets and chose both primary and alternate tickets for a myriad of events. Hockey, speed skating and snowboarding for me while figure skating for my wife.

Lottery came and went a few days ago, and no tickets for us. Not even a single pair out of the thousands of $$$ worth of requested that I chose.

Next came this morning. Here I was at 9am, feverishly awaiting access to the “left over” or “could not pay for” tickets from the lottery process. Almost two hours of staring at a 30 second refresh screen before allowing me in, only to find virtually nothing left.

Needless to say, I was disheartened. But, alternately my wife and I are leaning towards Maui for 2 weeks come February 2010 :-) Can you imagine the local traffic then? Eeesh.

Coworkers full of “Christmas Cheer”

Thankfully those thoughts were short-lived. The wife and I primped and prepped, then headed out for what was sure to be a alcohol fun-filled evening (if last year was any indication). Felicos hosted our party and I didn’t really have anything bad to say about the location. Good service, great Greek food and a very festive environment—a nice upgrade from last year.

We didn’t bother to follow some of the troops for post-party festivities over to the River Rock Casino but we certainly enjoyed the evening none the less (winning a raffled GPS was a nice bonus). Calling it quits at about 11:30pm, we still had a long drive back to the ‘Wack. We were offered last minute paid accommodations at the Rock to continue partying into the wee hours but declined because of a diabetic cat that needed his breakfast on time the next morning (read: there is no possible way I’d be getting up before noonish with a hangover). We’d have stayed with a bit of notice.

We’ll see if I manage to escape photocopying my ass and distributing it via holiday cards this year. You’ll probably want to cross your fingers in hopes you aren’t on my mailing list.

One party down, 3 to go. Feliz Navidad my babies.