My thoughts on 9/11

I wasn't going to post on this.

At all.

The day it happened, my friend N. was helping me manage my office. He kept me and two other people under my employ focused by literally turning off the TV, radio and any source of media that could be distracting to us.

"Let's not allow this to disrupt our day."

What he was getting at was that it happened, but don't allow it to do more damage than it already has. He kept us focused and our minds off the negativity.

This is precisely why I wasn't going to post.

But I read the poem over at Lady Jan's, left a comment and started to reflect.

My comment was this:

I often think of "rememberances" - World Wars, family losses and of course 9/11. It strikes me as odd that we focus on remembering the visciousness, the hatred, the loss of a loved one.

We, the living have so very much to be thankful for. I try to remember those who did what they could and are still here to tell the tale.

If ever I am a victim of such violence and hatred, I hope that those I leave behind spend more time being grateful for life than remembering death.

I really feel very strongly about this - that we do indeed spend far too little time focused on the beauty that is life.

Respecting it.

Enjoying it.

Getting everything we can from it.

I respect those who experienced the violence - lived or died. But when we remember them let's be mindful of the greatest gift we all share.

Don't worry 'bout the future - forget about the past.

You make me feel like a natural wo-man!

I just got back from a bike ride over to the University. As I rode through the pathways I came on a group of people gathered around a sound system... some live entertainment! To my dismay, it was Karaoke time at the U. As I slowed down to find a place to perch, the next fellow was up. And you guessed it, he belted out Aretha's classic hit.

Tell me - what am I in for as a newby University student???

I miss Mollie.

When I first started blogging in November last year, one of the first blogs I was introduced to was that of Mollie.

By the handle Ipodmomma, Mollie would tell us about everything. And I mean EVERYTHING. From what happened in the garden that day to what was going on in the kitchen or inside her head, we heard it all.

Ever at a loss for words?

Not Mollie!

There were some days I'd have to simply skim her posts because they were so blasted long!

I pointed out on a few occasions that what I really enjoyed about reading her page was how she wrote about family. It's obvious that her family is very close and enjoys all the little things that make life truly wonderful.

Mollie has taken a break from blogging, but the pages remain for all to read, so I encourage you to stop by and browse.

Quite often it would be the photos she'd include that would catch my interest. I took a few moments to put some up here for you to see...

We must start with, of course, the iPod!











Mollie's husband Peter - a jolly fellow!









...unless of course he has yet to have his morning coffee...









...and if I remember correctly it's Spencer, Jocelyn and Ted on top.











And the photos she would take of places and things!

This is one of my absolute favourites!

































Anyone with kids will appreciate this one for sure! Note to my sister...







If you browse through her blog, you'll find that on a fairly regular basis this fellow shows up... sometimes out of the blue... but DEFINITELY good for a laugh!





Now... don't think for a minute I've fogotten about all the food!



















































































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So you see... it doesn't matter. People, places and things intrigue Mollie, and she LOVES telling the world about her experiences, thoughts and feelings.

Even the attack of the waffle monster.

I do hope she is soon to return.

Photo Request and some Fast Furniture!

In response to repeated requests:

"this is all very well and good, but will any of the pictures have you in them?"

"Hey Dave, I agree....get some pics with you in them!"

I've decided to poke my head out of my shell... for a spell. In addition you can also visit
A photo from yesteryear and

Turtle with Mom and Dad

I don't often get in front of the camera, so "action shots" are hard to come by around here. Besides... with a slow-moving Turtle, "action" isn't always considered high-paced and exciting!

But speaking of fast...

Innovative marketing on behalf of Intel... have you ever been pulled over by the cops while driving an 87 MPH sofa??

...much, much faster than my progress with Chaucer. Middle English... *sigh* a humbling experience.

My prep day at the University

Today I rode over to the University to tie up some loose ends in preparation for my first class a week from today.

Task one was to visit the U. of C. Bookstore where I found - to my delight - all the materials in stock for my English 240 class. They include The Broadview Pocket Guide to Writing and Volumes 1 to 6 of the Broadview Anthology of British Literature.

They are:

Volume 1 The Medieval Period
Volume 2 The Renaissance and the Early Seventeenth Century
Volume 3 The Restoration and the Eighteenth Century
Volume 4 The Age of Romanticism
Volume 5 The Victorian Era
Volume 6 The Twentieth Century and Beyond

Several weeks ago I emailed my prof. to ask what might be my best bet if I wanted to do some "pre-reading".

Her response:

"Why not read the General Prologue to The Canterbury Tales as well as "The Wife of Bath's Tale"? I will be giving everyone a modern translation in a handout in September, but would like everyone to at least attempt a reading of the original."

I'm on it!

Task two was to attain my Student ID card. Now, with a University email address AND an ID card, books and a class to go to I'm definitely in the mode!

I never thought school would be so exciting. I think back to a time when all I could think about was FINISHING school... as if "learning" was something you simply crossed off a "to do" list.

An adventure lies ahead of me and I'm thrilled! It's been an exciting road to this point and I'm sure the journey is only going to become more intriguing!

ALL IN A DAY'S WORK - Part 3 of 3

...continued from ALL IN A DAY'S WORK - Part 2 of 3

Mixer patch bay and wireless lav. receivers









Mixer and wireless handheld mic receivers








The evening's M.C. Kelly Rhudey - Light-hearted, funny, knowledgeable and every bit the professional.
He even knows how to wear a lavalier microphone!








One of the reasons I LOVE this contract...
BBQ Prime rib and chicken
catered by S.A.I.T. students!

So, another year has come and gone - more money raised for the Tim Horton Childrens Camp, and I'm looking forward to next year already! This was year 10 for me and rumour has it next year we're in Calgary... which will likely bring with it its own fresh, new dynamics.

ALL IN A DAY'S WORK - Part 2 of 3

...continued from ALL IN A DAY'S WORK - Part 1 of 3

Equipment stacked up...








...and placed at the "mix position"








The frame for the video screen








Screen snapped to the frame, and the "window washer" who saw my job as much more "interesting" and decided to put down her spray bottle in favour of offering to help lift the screen into place.








Screen up and in place. Too much light behind the screen necessitated much work with black plastic and a staple gun!








The screen skirted and ready to show.








Power amps and audio snake in place








Looking back to the "mix position":
The cable hanging down to the left of the audio rack is the audio snake which I ran in the rafters using my trusty 12-foot ladder
And of course... my Timmy's coffee on top!

...Again Blogger isn't allowing me to insert any more photos - in this or an other window. I don't get it, but thanks Anvilcloud for the tips... I tried!

Part 3 shortly!