Surprise Post

A surprise post arrived yesterday. (Post being a piece of mail in this case, and not a piece of interweb writing). I opened it up to discover two things. First was a copy of Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin’s Three Cups of Tea. Second was a card addressed to me that contained some very specific instructions. I grinned wholeheartedly, and felt great inside. It was not the contents of the post that gave me such a positive feeling, rather it was the intent, action, and caring nature behind it all.

Specifically, my good friend, C, wrote me a very nice card to express that we had not spoken in a while, yet she truly valued our friendship. In order to spur some future communication she suggested an experience that we could share, even though we may not meet up again for a while. She had purchased two copies of the aforementioned book, sent me one and kept the other. Her instructions were for us both to read the book by July 2012, and then meet to discuss. It is certainly my hope that we will finish and meet up before that, but it’s nice to have a generous time-line along with a specific deadline.

I also value my friendship with C and I am completely taken with this surprise concept. I love getting post, I am a big fan of sending cards, and I definitely need to read more. Combine these all with the fact it came from someone so caring and positive and I could not help but feel so incredibly fortunate. Her unexpected act of caring made my day! It made me smile. It made me pick up the phone to call her, and then to call some other old friends I had not spoken with in a while. It also appears as though it got me writing here again.

I look forward to the book, as it is something I have only heard a little bit about, and the topic – building schools through foreign aid – is one I have heard various sentiments on. More importantly I look forward to sharing an experience with someone so intentional and caring.

Perhaps you have done something similar, or would like to try an experience like this? I encourage you to give it a go. I know I will be – don’t forget to check your post box!

Joy

YEEOOWWWW!!!

Congratulations to the fantastically awesome J & L!!

Happy Boxing Day to y’all.

Truckin’ & Filmin’

It can be a wonderful thing when people go on adventures that involve both personal and professional passions. I am fortunate to have some close friends who pursue their passions with care, creativity, and enthusiasm. One of these, Loren McGinnis, has taken these qualities on his latest adventure. Loren is a premier story teller, and is currently pursuing that passion while documenting Alex Debogorski.

Debogorski is a famed trucker from the History Channel’s series Ice Road Truckers. He is currently traversing the United States promoting his new book, King of the Road, and personifying the expression “larger than life”. Loren is a part of the team documenting Debogorski’s experiences and encounters with American culture on the road. Debogorski appears genuine and gregarious, and he certainly brings a wealth of kindness and positivity from Canada’s North to the highways, truck-stops, towns, and cities of the United States. To follow how Loren is pursing his passion of storytelling, and the encounters of Debogorski you can check out http://alex-debogorski.blogspot.com.

Start of Holiday

An absolutely great day! A great start to the Thanksgiving holiday! Some aspects expected, but honestly surprising in others.

I am so incredibly thankful for being beyond fortunate. It is rather humbling.

Hope you have a great start to Thanksgiving as well!

Likely a full traditional thanksgiving post to follow.

Summer Quotes – 2010

With Autumn now officially upon us, let’s take a look back at the best one-liners of the past three months of Summer (and early June). Warm nights, long days, and different adventures…. not to mention quirky and memorable quotes. Please add your own in the comments. The 2010 edition of the lines of Summer:

“These waters are CLOSED to fishing!!” – B & I

“We’re all just the right amount of jerk-ness.” – Mi

“I want to be a reverse polygamist wizard master.” – A

“Blah, blah, Vygotsky, blah, blah, teaming.”…. “FINISHED!!” – I

“Do you want to meet Jacques Demers?”… “Are you kidding me??” – Y & I

“As you’re talking the jerk level is rising.” – M

“AAAAHHHHCCKKK…. It was a flying mouse!” – S

“I do.” – M & S

“Chips!” – R

“Why is the moon oval shaped?… No really, look, it’s an egg.” – An

“Wow!!” – Everyone, upon seeing the hole.

“He’s not a hero, he’s a teacher.” – little M

Hoping you had a fantastic summer, and wishing you all the best for the Fall.

Sunrise, Sunset

August 13, 2010

A day for a first. I have seen many sun rises, many sun sets, different latitudes, different longitudes, but a world class experience in British Columbia made August 13 a fairly awesome day. Awesome is used with its true definition in mind as there certainly was some awe when intently and purposefully taking in the rise and set of the sun from the same island on the same day. Rise over mountains and water, to set over water and mountains. Not many other places that is going to happen. Fortunate. Thanks to B for the trek in making the second half possible.

Here’s to the next first you experience.

Canadian Rides to Seventh

Each year the Tour de France offers up a myriad of story lines that demonstrate what makes it one of the preeminent annual sporting events in the world. This year it was special to see our very own Ryder Hesjedal as one of the biggest stories. Back when le Tour started rolling I mentioned that for it to be an enjoyable event to spectate this year, it would be great to see personal bests by the only two Canadians. Since it was Barry’s first appearance he had already achieved this mark (which shouldn’t be underestimated because a lot of very good cyclists never even go to the Tour). Victoria native, Ryder Hesjedal not only set a personal best, his seventh overall is the second best Canadian finish ever, and it has taken more than 20 years for us to get there. Only Steve Bauer’s 1988 fourth place finish, and five days in yellow surpasses Hesjedal’s accomplishments.

Some might not fully understand how impressive a top-10 finish at the Tour de France is. There are plenty of men that were in the race that are outstanding, either up and comers, or proven legends, and they didn’t make the top 10, including the likes of Armstrong, Basso, Evans, Cunego, and Wiggins to name just a few. There are elite riders, superstars of the sport, that enter the race not even considering to finish in the the top 30, or 50 even. To finish so high up means you have to possess the skills of a classics rider, a climber, a time-trialer, and the nerve to hang on in a sprint finish. On the world stage this is an outstanding athletic achievement for Hesjedal, and Canada. The best part is his humility, and determination. Nicknamed “Weight of a Nation” on twitter, Hesjedal quietly yet passionately went about putting together an impressive three week ride. Most cyclists finishing as high as he did require the support of a strong team, but he had to do it all himself. Complaints? Never. Instead he rose with humility to the mantle of team leader after Christian Vande Velde unfortunately crashed out. His attitude was very much Canadian. He chased the race, rather than have it chase him, but he never sounded cocky.

“People will probably say that I was stupid,” Hesjedal said of his breakaway move on stage 12 “but I am here to race. I would rather be out front and push the chance.”

“I’m just doing what I love to do” he calmly claimed after le Tourmalet where only three other riders bested him to the pinnacle of the entire race.

Ryder’s exploits also made it rather  amusing to listen to Canadian sportscasters and newscasters struggle over what are famous names in the cycling world, yet rarely brought to many Canadians’ attention.

Congratulations to Contador. Great effort by Schleck. Menchov remains a force to be reckoned with, Vinokourov got his redemption, the French got their stage victories, but my biggest Chapeau goes to Ryder! Thanks for making us all proud.

Music, Docs, and the Springlympics

The ol’ weblog here hasn’t really devoted much space to the upcoming Olympics (or the more appropriate “Springlympics” considering the balmy weather). Quite frankly, I think that’s alright as I have some mixed feelings about the whole enterprise. Yet, I am well aware that there is something undeniably unique about what is shaping up here in Vancouver. Regardless of whether you are pro, anti, fevered, frustrated, or indifferent to the 2010 Games, one has to admit it is something huge and almost indefinable, that has rolled into town. Thus, perhaps the most amazing thing about it all, is that even with its massiveness there are once in a lifetime personal opportunities for a lot of people, and certainly not just athletes. There are people you and I know, maybe even you yourself, who are going to get a unique rush, and a little bit of a spotlight on the passions in their lives. I’m not here to pass verdict on anything on the eve of the Games, instead I’m here to plug two unique people who have worked hard and get to see their efforts shine on a bit of a bigger scale – thanks to the Olympics.

Jeff Topham has produced a series of short documentary pieces that will air on the CTV called the Difference Makers. Look for them, and check out the one on Roberto Luongo and Grant Fuhr right now.

My friend Mark Wilson is one hell of a piano player and you can catch his equally impressive 10-piece band, The Phonix, play at the Plaza of Nations (for free) as a part of the party surrounding the Opening Ceremonies on Friday evening.

There are many more like them – here’s to all of them that have a chance to see their passions go just a bit further. It’s sure to bring them and many others well deserved joy.

PS 22 Chorus & Updates

A few weeks ago I stumbled upon this elementary school choir on youtube, and I was smitten. I have finally got around to sharing the PS 22 Chorus with you here as I feel you should check them out. The balance part of the blog might ask: is this appropriate for an elementary school choir? You know what, this is just too cool, and look at the kids, they are having too much fun: this is appropriate!! I wish I sounded half as good, and am glad music brings these kids joy, it should. I couldn’t decide on a single song to share with you, I like these four below, each for a different reason. They have a host of many other songs on youtube, or simply check out their blog at: http://ps22chorus.blogspot.com/. Having trouble surviving while playing in the cold? Take this musical journey to the eye of the tiger and you’ll be running this town while living life. Which one is your favourite? Also: as a reminder, I try to keep the secondary pages (about, currently…) up to date even when I don’t post here, from time to time anyways, and now is one of those times.

Summer Quotes – 2009

With the passing of the autumnal equinox and summer having officially come to an end a few days ago it’s time to recall some of the one liners of the preceding season. This follows the successful post of a year ago, and me not really feeling up to generating original content right now. So, from the past season of frivolity, camping, longer days, weddings, and travel comes the following collection of remarks. Please feel free to add your own in the comments. Gotta love the quotes of summer!

“First rule of Rainforest Club: don’t touch anything in the Rainforest.” – Rainforest club members.

“A very warm welcome and Buenos Dias to… <insert new person or place here>” – Daniel

“Don’t be that guy”     “But somebody has to be that guy”     “Okay, be that guy” – on the d-floor

“oooooooo, I hope we see a bear!” – E

“I thought it was a puma… turned out it was a tree mouse.” IR, in jest

“Perhaps you need a life coach” – B

“Stupid stove, stupid craigslist” – A…. “Alright, let’s not panic.” – IR

“Why is the shade over there?” – J

“Fifth rule: write down the rules.”