Once Upon A Time

 

Once upon a time seems a fitting opening for this time of year, being Christmas and all.. But let me render a story that is not full of all of the sparkles, glitter, snowflakes, and tinsel type of forced happy, good jolly feelings of the season.

I should let you know that I was once a really big fan of this time of year. A really big fan. When my daughters were little, I was all in. The Christmas tree didn’t go up until they went to bed on Christmas Eve. There were decorations throughout the house of course, but no tree. Once they were in bed, I would go out and get a real tree, bring it home and decorate it completely. Presents would be placed under it with all of the love and magic as if Santa had been there to do it himself. My twin girls would then wake up to a room that appeared as though a Christmas bomb had exploded overnight. Seeing their faces filled with the wonderment of the season was more than worth the all night effort it took to pull it off.

Fast forward to today. My girls are grown and have families of their own. Over the years, that enthusiasm in me has faded due to family circumstance and unwarranted involvement unfortunately. Over time, I have become less interested and excited about the entire concept.

Please do not misunderstand this as my being a Scrooge about this time of year. I truly enjoy this festive season with all of the lights and decorations. They are wondrous to observe with a tremendous amount of effort taken to make them so. I am always amazed at some of the light displays at some of the houses. It really does make the experience much better. Thank you to the ones who go out of their way to fill their homes with such Christmas spirit. Thank you.

That being said, I have had my personal spirit diminished to the point of non-participation. Let me explain. I love the decorations, appreciate the effort it takes to create the atmosphere, yet have no desire to put in the work. No, I’m not just lazy. I just don’t care to put in the effort. It has taken quite a bit of time but that kind of excitement has been drained from me. And that is unfortunate. I miss it dearly.

This time of year has turned into the most hypocritical time of the entire year. Peace, love and good happiness type of stuff go out the window if people are in a hurry. And they always are. It’s every man for himself without regard for anyone but themselves. Insert fake smile and concern here. What have we become?

But I digress.

People that reach out to you with their Christmas greetings and wishes are amazing. These are your friends. These are the greatest people in your life. Hold them close.

The drunken ex-girlfriend that leaves a voicemail telling you that she still misses you is a sign. And that sign comes with its own warning label. DO NOT RESPOND UNER ANY CUCUMSTANCE.

There is a reason that she is an ex-girlfriend.

It’s like the time when I had Cancer. I can reflect on that time. Not a good time. And at no time have I ever said to myself. “ Gee, I miss that Cancer. I wish that I had it back so I could go through all of that hell again”.

Or even the brain surgery. Why would I want to do that to myself? Why would they think that I’m stupid enough? Sure I’ve had a couple of drinks, but not enough for that lol.

That’s enough for today.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and good fortune in the New Year.

Discover what you don’t want to put up with anymore and do something to change that.

Just How Much

 

I have mentioned before that I’m surprised that I have lived this long. Considering what I have subjected myself to over the years in the name of adventure, or just because I thought it would be fun. I never worried about the cool part because I never expected to stick around in one particular place long enough for it to matter. Because it didn’t matter, it was just fun. I was just trying stuff and having the best time I could have doing it. No matter what that was. It took me to a ton of places that I never would have been to otherwise and created way too many memories and friendships for me to include in just one small blog post.

So, with that being said, just what does the universe have in store for me or us? This is how it works right? The universe has some sort of cosmic control over our destiny? As if we have no say in the matter? Then there should be some show of direction at least, don’t you think? How about a hint? I call bullshit on this one. I get the fact that I’m on my own, and have been aware of this for a very long time. Pretty much all of my life actually. My decisions are my own and always have/will be. For better or worse, I am resigned to the fact that I am the product of my decisions. Society is never to be blamed, regardless of how I may feel about it.

With all of that being said, I really don’t want to do this anymore.

So just how much shit can the universe drop onto one person as if it were some continuous and sadistic prank? I get the fact that I brought some of this on myself and take ownership of all of that. I’m an asshole, not an oblivious asshole. I get it. I really do.

Working hard in an effort to get ahead of the never ending depletion of my bank account just doesn’t seem to be working anymore, like a lot of people these days. Just as things begin to lean towards a little progress “BAM” the car breaks down and needs repair. Or you get laid off due to a work shortage, and so on. I’ve been told that it all happens in sets of three. I also call bullshit on this because I’m going on about number eleven.

It gets a little overwhelming at times and it’s a wonder why I’m not a raging alcoholic by now.

Yet I endeavor. I am in no way giving up. How can I after what I’ve survived so far for quite some time now. I’ve thought a little bit about trying to view it as a game. Can I win this time? Of course I can, look at my track record, it’s pretty impressive. But in the back of my mind a little voice is telling me that it could be inviting more shit to come down the pipe and pile on. The universe would think I’m having some sort of fun with it and decide that it was easy on me somehow then up the ante. Nobody needs that.

So I continue to tread these waters, keeping my head up, and moving forward albeit slowly. I still tell my inner voice, rather quietly, to bring it on. I’ve so got this, fucker. It’s not my time yet.

But feel free to knock it off any time now.

Thanks for letting me have a little rant. It feels good to let it out sometimes.

My Year In Review

 

My Year In Review

Once again it’s that time of year where most of us reflect on what we did not accomplish over the past year and wonder why. It’s that week between Christmas and New Year (no “s” because there is only one) where we lose track of what day it is, forget to eat healthy, neglect personal hygiene a little, fail to change out of our track pants, and attempt to pry your butt off of the couch where we have been binge watching anything that looks good at that time.

Admit it. We all do it. You do so. I’m guilty as well. I binge watched couple of TV series in track pants.

In my own reflection, I look back on a challenging year. Since undergoing a major brain surgery in late September 2022, I have had many hurdles to overcome, and I am still not back to where I was prior to that. You could actually say that I’m not right in the head, and you wouldn’t be too far off.

I really do understand that there a lot of people in this world that endure hardships much worse and more often than mine. I truly feel for them and hope that they have the strength to endure. I do not wish to seem unsympathetic, but I can only speak for my own situation.

As I sit here writing this and looking back, I can honestly say that I have done what I can to remove myself from most of the negative people and relationships in my life. And I am the better for it. There is still a ton more work to do.

I have been pushing myself through my recovery because I’m a stubborn prick and cannot endure the feeling of being feeble. I need to do what I can to try to get back to normal.

The way that I explain it to people is that it’s like being a toddler. And a child takes quite some time to learn basic motor skills we all take for granted. Yes a toddler. Immediately after my surgery, I could not walk, could barely talk, could only see very blurred vision, and my dexterity was almost non-existent. So I have equated it to this. Much like a small child learning all of these things for the first time, I am doing pretty much the same thing. The only difference being is that I’ve done all of these things before, I know how they’re supposed to work, but am unable to function as I should. So my frustration gets in the way quite a bit.

All of this aside, I feel rather fortunate to be where I am today and am looking forward to where my snail pace recovery will take me.

I’m alive. From the life I’ve led and the things I have put myself through, I shouldn’t be alive, and consider myself fortunate. I guess me writing this was the much needed reminder of that very fact that I needed. I hope that you find yours.

I have a feeling that I’m going to make 2024 a much improve year for myself.

My apologies for taking so long to get back to this.

Bugged

          It would seem that the weather can’t figure out what it wants to do on a daily basis with the Autumn like temperatures in Spring. Apparently we have already had our summer. In case you missed it, it was this past Monday afternoon between the hours of 1 and 6 pm, then it became Fall again. Tons of rain, wind, and cool temperatures are ever abundant. If this isn’t the Russians screwing with their weather control satellites then the new Carbon Tax for us Canadians should solve everything right? Because paying an extra tax to aid global warming in only one country on the entire Globe will certainly change the climate and temperature of the whole planet to the benefit of all that occupy her. Way to spearhead that initiative Canada. Too bad I can’t properly portray sarcasm in my writing.

          It would seem that these unseasonably cooler temperatures have not disrupted the bug population as you or I would expect. I was one of those who believed wholeheartedly that most bugs, flying or not, could not exist very long in the colder temperatures until lately. It would seem that I have been mistaken all of these years regardless of my personal experience or being witness to decades of these so called cold weather mass killings.

          Yet with all of the recent temperature fluctuations, the growing bug population seems to be evolving and becoming stronger. Adapting and overcoming as if they all joined the Marines or something. Oorah!

Still not ruling out the Russians for this one either.

I have still, over the past month at least, unwillingly swallowed more than my fair share of Midges and May Fly protein to last me through until next spring at least. I’m good. And yet feel no more energized that normal. Funny.

All of this build up only to tell you this story about the battle that I saw at a stop light, happening on the ground right beside my truck. Oh, it was epic. Proportionately small scale, but epic all the same. I was so intrigued that I realized afterword that I should have grabbed my phone and videoed the entire thing. Maybe Animal Planet would have been interested. Miniscule on the grandest of scales.

I was privileged enough to bear witness to a Battle Royale between a small bird and a rather large bug. I’m no Ornithologist nor Entomologist so don’t bother asking what kind of bird or bug they were. It was a smaller sized bird vs a larger sized bug. K?

I seem to have arrived with our episode already in progress. At first the bird had the bug pinned in a submission hold. The bug spun quickly and unexpectedly, got loose, and began to run. The bird countered with a beak grab with an attempted claw hold. The bug then latched on to the bird’s wing, appeared to apply enough pressure to cause the grip to release. The bug lunged forward at the bird. The bird recoiled at this unexpected action but regained its composure quickly then hopped in a semi-circle to reassess the attack. The bug backed off an equal distance, countered with a mirrored semi-circle, and regained its stance as well.

They glared at each other for what seemed much longer than it actually was, in an almost posturing gesture with each one egging the other on. All of a sudden they darted towards one another with a determined unwillingness to submit. This was, after all, a ballet to the death. Live, right here on the streets.

The bug then spun and lunged as the bird countered with jumps and flaps as they continued this dance with all that they could muster. I can say with all honesty that I was unsure of who I wanted to cheer for at this point. I think I was leaning more towards the bug, go underdog, but did sway back and forth a bit to be honest. I was witnessing a vigorous and fascinating display that was more captivating than anything I had seen in a while. Yes, I’m easily amused. Sue me.

As they continued to grapple back and forth, the most unexpected thing happened. The bug, with what can only be described as his “finishing move”, revealed a pincer type of micro claw from its front appendage area and “bit” the bird on the leg hard enough to elicit a rather loud and high pitched squeal that caused the bird and I to both recoiled simultaneously with surprise. The bird swiftly released its grip.

The bug quickly and insightfully took this opportunity to retreat under my truck as fast as its little bug legs could propel it. The bird seemed to stand there dumbfounded for a brief second then flew off in the opposite direction clearly robbed of a lunchtime snack. “Yes”, I apparently exclaimed loud enough for others to hear because the person to my left, also waiting for the red light to turn green, gave me a peculiar look that was clearly interpreted as a “what the fuck is wrong with you” type of look.

Just then the light turned green and it was time to maintain my position within traffic flow. As I attempted to accelerate, I remembered the bug that had just repelled a vicious attack that would have rendered him sustenance for a small bird or its offspring. I slowed my advance as to not unwittingly and unfairly squish it from existence carelessly with my tire.

I pulled away slow whilst keeping an eye out of my passenger side mirror with hope to see him emerge. Low and behold, didn’t I see little warrior crawling up the curb into the tall grass.

“Yes” I said aloud again, accompanied by the appropriate “fist pump” this time. My day was clearly made.

It really is all about the little things.

Musical Procreation

          Having multiple conversations with numerous musicians within the past year and a half, I’ve been told, by more than just a few, of a rather interesting, and pleasantly eye opening explanation of how their song writing process affects them emotionally. Also, how it comes to becomes a product to be unleashed on the public. After having many of these fascinating discussions, I feel, maybe somewhat, semi-informed enough to create an amalgam of these aforementioned emotional experiences in an attempt to portray this in a fashion that not only does them justice, but, leaves you with an indication or understanding of the level of passion and energy that a dedicated musician feels about their work. Fingers crossed. Read on.

          The song writing process has been interpreted repeatedly as euphoric, sensual, and almost to the point of orgasmic. Let’s expand on my findings shall we? Grab some snacks and a beverage, because this is going to be good. Trust me.

          Not being a song writer myself, nor musician for that matter, please remember that this is my combined interpretation of the multiple sources and conversations that I have attempted to put into a respectful perspective of my own making. An homage if you will. I only hope that I am doing it all justice here. Feel free to let me know. My shoulders are pretty broad

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          It all begins with an itch, an urge, a feeling, an idea, or an inner desire that has been built up, mulled over and yet withheld to oneself. Self-expression has most definitely happened on multiple occasions with regard to this issue, but not to the fulfilling outcome that was expected or anticipated. This action is repeated, in vain, until there is an almost uncontrollable lust to release it with the aid of another human being. So then someone familiar and reliable is contacted. The closest talented, willing, creative conspirator is contacted in an effort to relieve this pent up situation and spread it openly. The parties agree that this collaboration is a moral imperative, and willingly expose themselves wholeheartedly to the endeavor without hesitation.

          The tension and frustration escalate to the point where this not so clandestine meeting of artistic collaboration ends up happening at a pre-determined location and time, complete with reckless abandon towards all other commitments, responsibilities, or regard for public opinion, and influence. After all, the offer of this type of joint effort is difficult to pass up. I don’t care who you are.

          At most times, it happens with an initial description, explanation, enticement, and, if needed, demonstration, of the overall intention of the project. Hopefully the expected, and anticipated effort by the invited party to keep the ball rolling, so to speak, will come to fruition. This is normally reciprocated by the co-conspirator having an understanding of which direction this project is going by diving in head first and offering input.

          There tends to be a lot of back and forth with multiple ideas being attempted, retried, accepted, rejected, combined, altered, adjusted, and repeated to almost the point of exhaustion. Or at least until all parties are satisfied with the outcome. Sometimes this development is duplicated in an effort to ensure that all other options have been covered. Just to be sure. Recording and re-recording are essential aspects of this process. Just saying.

          This would imply the time of conception of a song, for lack of a better term. Let’s move along shall we?

          Over the course of the next number of months, the development, definition,    growth, and final touches are gestated to allow it to become the incredible creation that it was intended to be. This would also include releasing limited information from time to time to the general public, with regard to the impending release date, all the while monitoring public opinion and reaction with regard to said release date. Still with me?

          The enduring patience needed to weather the expanse of time leading up to the impending yet ominous release date can be excruciating to say the least. This is felt by all parties involved and not just by the accredited songwriter(s) specifically, regardless of what they tell you. And they will tell you plenty.

After all of that effort, the envisioned release date is finally here. All of the hype, preparedness, effort, endurance, promotion, and expense have all boiled down to this very moment in time. With all of the family members, friends, acquaintances, social media contacts, and creepers in the loop, the completed product is unleashed into the world as the latest news to a remarkable fanfare. And why not?

All contributing partners are glowingly proud and overjoyed of the natural reaction of such an overwhelming response with this unique specimen. The likes of which are described as being unlike anything that has come before. Smiles all around. This is a very proud moment for all involved.

As time goes on, the song experiences life, excitement, growing pains, changes in venues, acoustics, mood, friends, collaborators, conspirators, fans, cover bands, and yet it adapts and overcomes. Eventually becoming a better version of what it once was, or what it set out to be, it pleases the masses in an all new way repeatedly.

To all who create to these miracles, my music is my sanctuary. Please keep contributing to that, and thank you.

Can’t Sleep

          I am currently having one of those nights where, no matter what I seem to do, no matter what position that I’m in, no matter how many blankets I have, if any at all, I cannot get comfortable enough to fall asleep. I have been flopping about in bed like a fish out of water for over three hours now. It has gotten to the point where it’s become so annoying that I have quite literally frustrated myself awake. The bigger irritation is the fact that, prior to going to bed, I was practically falling asleep sitting up watching television. And not even to a boring show. This is not the first time this has happened recently, nor will it be the last.

          The best way to describe things lately is to say that my brain has been occupied elsewhere quite regularly. Back to the old hamster wheel it seems. A whole bunch of effort and energy spent on getting nowhere fast.

          I have plenty that I can and should be doing and am fully aware of this. Yet I’m scattered. My days are fully occupied, or so it seems, but not to a productive result. I sat back today and looked around at things and realized that this place has the makings of a perfect disaster area. There are multiple projects in the making that are in such assorted states of incompletion that it has me scratching my head and wondering where do I start in order to finish all of this.

          Starting to finish is the key here. I’ve been so disseminated that I have entirely forgotten about a couple of things, only to realize that I completely missed a submission deadline for one of them. Such a dumbass move on my part.

          I do feel better about a lot of other things though. For one, I’m no longer working for the idiot that was the cause of my day to day stress level being off the chart. This is one of the major things within my power to change. It boils down to what I am willing to put up with and it seems that my tolerance for idiots is becoming less and less with age. Maybe it’s because there are more and more idiots crawling out from under rocks these days. Maybe it’s just me, and I can live with that.

One of my favorite sayings for things like this, and I have told it to a few of my superiors over the years, is that, I need A job. I don’t need THIS job. It has been met with an assortment of reactions. All of which I find comical regardless of their response. Feel free to use it. It will indeed provoke a response.

          Having the time to do some of the things that I want to accomplish is a refreshing change for sure. I just have to stop being an idiot about it and focus my efforts productively.

Stay tuned

Five Years

          Today was a momentous occasion in the calendar of events that record the contraventions and decisive moments of my so called life. Today was just a tad more special than the rest. And believe me, I’ve had my fair share of exceptional events. Just wait until I finish writing my book. You’ll need a helmet and a neck brace just to read it. What a great idea! Alert the marketing department.

          I had one of my update appointments at the Cancer center here today. A most important update appointment at that. This was my fifth year post treatment appointment. My “Five Year All Clear” appointment, if you will. And yes, it certainly does not feel as if it has been that long. Holy crap, where has the time gone. It goes by so fast.

          I went through the regular drill of being poked and prodded as well as the good old video scope being inserted slowly into one nostril ( I always get asked if I prefer left or right, a nice courtesy) and endure the slow decent of the camera. After so many times of having a tube stuffed down your nose that is a camera, one learns, and is constantly told, how to breathe correctly to help avoid the gag reflex that occurs the entire time. Breathe heavily through your mouth. The speed of decent most definitely impacts the gag reflex as well. You repeatedly attempt to ask the inserter to speed up the process. Slow is not a pleasant experience. I know this first hand. It involves gagging, coughing, grabbing the scope, ripping it from your nose, tears, and reaching for Kleenex. And yes, that is experience talking. Certainly not an Instagram moment for me.

          Unless you are a queasy person in any capacity whatsoever, you can request to have the doctor rotate the video screen towards you so you can witness the intrusion of your nasal cavity first hand. I must say that this is an interesting view for sure. If you have the unfortunate medical advantage to view anything via medical camera that has been inserted into you, anywhere, through any body cavity, or incision, do it. For no other reason than to see what they see. Never be afraid to ask questions either. I like looking because it’s cool as shit. This is video of what is inside of you. But I digress.

          My appointment was all about kicking me out. And I have never looked forward to being kicked out of anything. But this was the best reason ever, because if I passed, that means I need never come back. A club expulsion I welcome.

          I met with my Radiation Doctor and Head and Neck Surgeon with a tremendously positive result. The best anyone could have possibly hoped for. I was elated to say the least. I am now looking as to when I will open the 25 year old bottle of single malt scotch that I have been saving for the last 4 and a half years. I have a couple of people that need to be involved in this opening. They went thorough as much if not more than I did. There will be photos.

My deepest thanks to the doctors and staff of the Chemo and Radiation departments at the Kingston General Hospital Cancer Center, who I have thanked personally, and hugged each of them. I will be forever in your debt, for the rest of my life, literally.

I AM BECAUSE OF YOU. THANK YOU

Beans And Cat Shit

          Like most people, I too, enjoy a good cup of coffee from time to time. I mean a good quality cup of coffee that you can take your time and savour. The truly satisfying taste that you just don’t get from that mass produced mud powder that they force feed us, and usually comes in a big can. Oh my god this sounds like a television commercial.

          Also like most people I have been in the habit of making a pot of mud in the mornings before I go to work. I don’t always get to sit and enjoy a complete mug of the stuff, but I do slurp back the majority of a serving whilst going through my morning routine. The number one item, if I feel like it, happens the night before. Without this seemingly insignificant chore, my entire morning can be thrown completely off kilter. This would be the setting up of said coffee machine itself. You know the drill, right? Add the water, new filter, and coffee, in the correct proportions to the machine so it will be ready to go first thing. All I need to do is hit the switch, push the button, or however you say it, and we’re good to go. No I’m a cheap ass. I do not have one with a timer, or alarm, or auto shut off, or a clock, or circus cannon, or safety net. Two settings. “On” and “Off”. Old school baby.

          I don’t need a timer on my coffee machine. It’s a coffee machine dammit. I think I can reach over and turn it on in less than a half second without causing a major inconvenience to myself while exiting my abode to take The Wonderdog out for his first morning run for about a half an hour. He gets two outings before I leave for work. Besides, all of the varieties of machines end up with the same result. They dump boiling hot water over ground up bean powder to create flavoured dark brown water. Yes I know, yours is different right? I have had a number of different styles, shapes, colours, functions, settings, automations, pods, timers, and pot size to come to this conclusion. It’s a fricken coffee machine. Mine was $20 and works fine. I don’t need to spend around $100 for one just because it has lights and a siren. I could buy five like mine for that price.

          From time to time I do get a hankering for an enjoyable cup of Joe. The quality stuff you can’t find in the grocery isle, no sir. I like to go to one of those specialty shops in town that roast their own beans and create some utterly magnificent aromatic sensation of medium to dark roasts with a wondrous variety of flavours and blends. The kind of place that can commandeer your entire aroma detector with the generous redolence of ground coffee and fresh baked goods, so substantial that you may even salivate just a little. You may even be doing it right now.

I am fortunate to have a few of them not far away, and within a reasonable proximity of walking distance to each other. You usually pay a premium price for the good stuff but, most of the time it’s worth it. The fun part is trying the things you have never had before. Most of these places have some select flavours for you to sample. They’re usually different flavours from day to day.

          I am, by no means, a coffee expert or connoisseur. Not even close. I’ve never researched regions, or climates, atmospheric pressures, soil densities, or the type of cat that shit out the beans. I know what tastes good to me and that’s all I’m concerned with. Except for the cat. I’m still on the fence on whether I’d drink cat shit coffee or not. I do know that I will never pay the astronomical price that they’re asking. Last I checked it was over $400 a pound. Now if someone were to outright offer me a cup of Kopi Luwak to try, I would probably oblige just to see what all of the fuss was about. Who wouldn’t?

          Getting back to it here, I always try to use a coffee press when making the quality grinds at home. These are often mistakenly called a Bodem. However Bodem is a brand or company name that has become the defining word to describe a French coffee press. Much like Crock-Pot, Jacuzzi, Chap Stick, Zamboni, Kleenex, Band Aid, and the like. You get the idea. The point is that you don’t want to just run water through a mud machine for the good stuff. And believe me, it truly is worth it. Read the instructions for the type of coffee press you will purchase. They do vary slightly and it’s important to make sure you’re doing it right for obvious reasons.

Sometimes the trick is to have your own coffee grinder so you can experiment with making your own blends. You just need a few different flavour roasts kicking around. Find that unique flavour that is all your own. You’ll be happy you did.   

Check Yourself

I talked about this a little bit last night on my radio show, but thought that I would share it with you all here as well. I can go into a bit more detail here anyway. Please be kind lol.

          As I had explained before, my day job takes me to other cities and towns not too far from where I live. Within a reasonable proximity at least. This has its advantages and detriments as well. The bad part is that I could be three hours from home when my truck breaks down and leaves me waiting for a service vehicle for an undetermined amount of time. Not fun. The good about it is the fact that I am in another town and can take advantage of that fact. Before you jump all over me on this, listen up first. The best example of this is the fact that I can take my lunch break whenever I want to, and do so. The company automatically deducts me for a lunch break anyway, and I can plan ahead to take advantage of the time to pick up a few items that are needed at home. Win-win I think. Time management for sure, and I’m not asking you to agree lol.

          I found myself at a Wal-Mart in one of these towns and was rather surprised to see the obvious change that, to me, was rather upsetting. I would not (or ever) go as far as to say that I was offended, but there are probably people that would be. Again, go figure. These are the same people that would go no further than display their faux traumatized self on social media, and do nothing more about it as if the world was actually listening to them personally. We all know at least one of these. Hey…nobody cares!

I actually know a couple and, other than their friendship, which is genuine because they are really good people, I enjoy their passion with regard to how they thrust themselves into trivial issues in a seemingly profound gesture. Full force, and sometimes without full disclosure or knowledge of said issue. Whether I agree with them or not, I do admire their emotionally driven, passionate stand on a given matter. I wish that the people who are actually in a position to do something about any of these concerns had at least half as much drive toward any cause. They could at least grow a set of balls and not waffle so much. Yes, even the women. But I digress.

Back to the real story here. As I said I was at a Wal-Mart and was picking up only a couple of items. One of which was a specific dog treat, that is a favorite of Mike The Wonderdog, and rather less expensive here than anywhere else where I have found it. As I approached the cash register area, I was taken aback by the lack, or disappearance of the express cash lane. Gone, nada, absent, displaced, withdrawn, flown, just not there anymore. Really? WTF!!!

The replacement for the express check-out cash register multi-feeder mouse mazes seems to be the self-check-out lane. A double hyphen? Again, really? Now mine, and everyone else in the world’s only options are either wait in line behind that person, wearing rather interesting pyjama pants, with an entire cart full of their monthly allocation of, well, everything, because they got their cheque today, or to do it yourself. Yes. Yes I am stereotyping here. Can you blame me? Never mind, it’s Wal-Mart.

I have heard a number of arguments, rants, diatribes, bombasts, tirades, orations, discussions, on this matter, but i still have my own opinion. Go figure right? All valid arguments to say the least, but…

Let’s leave the whole eliminating jobs thing, and the argument that will ensure another discussion at a later date, for a later date. My take on it all is the fact that I’m the one doing the work in replacement for a paid, and employed person at no savings to me or any other customer.

If, by me checking out myself is a savings to the company, why is there no saving passed onto the customer, me, for doing the work? I’m not being paid for it, yet I’m performing the tasks as if I were the cashier. This sounds like the work of the same person who decided to start charging customers for plastic bags. Don’t get me wrong here, checking yourself out at the cash register is not a complicated nor tedious transaction. It’s the fact that these are now my only options is what grates on me. The corporation is eliminating the choices of the general public to favour profits, which seems to be the way of the new world everywhere unfortunately.

I could go on adnosium about this but I won’t inflict that upon you this time. I will however leave this one final observational though. Like you didn’t see this coming.

If I am required to be the cashier and run my items through the scanner, bag, swipe, load, pay, and move along in timely manner, without the courtesy of a human being asking me how I’m doing today, it should at least qualify for a minor discount of sorts. Nothing extreme at all would be required. A couple percent off of my purchase would be the big win.

At the very least…and I do mean the very least…don’t charge me for the fucking bags. “Mic drop”

Need / Want

Everybody seems to have that one friend who is more than eager to offer less than sage advice on how you should manage your dating status now that you are no longer “involved” in a relationship. This “friend” is the one who tends to be single the majority of the time regardless of the justifiable reason or whose fault it was at the time. You know exactly who I mean and are picturing them right now aren’t you?

Allow me to preface this by stating that, yes I am single now, have been for over a year, am enjoying my situation, and was not looking for, well, anyone. My dog and I get along tremendously. Yet that did not deter this self-proclaimed expert from offering unsolicited input as to how I was doing it wrong. Go figure. Imagine my surprise. The funny thing about this, is the fact that I indulged these musings as a curiosity, at first. Then after a few adult beverages, it all started to sound reasonable. Again, go figure. Indulge me would you?

He started professing the attributes of this App that he had installed on his phone called Tinder. Yes I had heard of it because I’m not living under a rock. I’ve just never used it let alone given it any thought. Let’s just say I was given the “Coles Notes” version of how it works by him and ran with that.

He convinced me to create a profile and, much to my chagrin, I did. I was then exposed to an array of available women within my specified parameters, and geographic area, that I never knew existed. Quelle surprise oui? What a wonderful thing to have at your fingertips. This entire world that I was oblivious to, until you actually start reading some of the bios, and start picking out the fabricated ones. FAKE NEWS. And there are plenty. This is where it became fun.

If you are actually that photogenic sweetheart, then you are a model and men flock to you and drool doing so. You do not need this website. Someone is using your pictures for dick bait plain and simple. There seems to be a lot of models on this site looking for real men. I’M RIGHT HERE!!!! Said every man ever.

Before I continue I have a couple of questions that I will address shortly. I’m talking to the women on this site, which is known as a “hook-up” site, as to their criteria for what they are looking for. Seeing as we are all adults here I would like to point out that there are a lot of women on Tinder that are actually looking for a relationship and not just a slap and tickle, or so I’m told lol. I focused on this aspect and not the slap and tickle part. I must say that there is an abundance of legitimate people looking for legitimate people, which I found refreshing.

Getting back to the demands of what some of these women were looking for was surprising to say the least. Remember that part before about the fake profiles? Well, the gold-diggers are even more obvious and just as laughable. Now that I think of it, more laughable because they are overly obvious with their “requirements”. Like the stay at home mom who aspires to:

“Travel to exotic locations regularly, and am looking for an independent, established male, no less than 5 foot 10 inches tall, no older than 52, with no facial hair, who is fit and works out regularly, with no children, never married, is financially stable, with no baggage or drama, to accept my 5 year old son as his own and create a loving future together. Not looking for hook-ups or one night stands”. Seriously?

If you recognize this profile, please do not send me a message. I’ve obviously seen it. And had a hearty belly laugh with my friends.

Are you actually for real? Do you think that a man intelligent and successful enough to fall within the parameters of this want list is dumb enough to fall for your filtered photos, and is quite literally saying to himself, “Holy crap, I meet her criteria. She’s looking for me. This must be my lucky day”? No. He’s going to run like hell away from you as fast as humanly possible. Give your head a shake. What planet is this again?

 Why people put pictures of their kids on their profiles on this site is beyond me. Have you not heard of pedophile stockers dumbass?

Here’s a nickels worth of free advice sweetheart. If you were such a catch yourself, why are you not listing your attributes and not your demands? At the very least be honest, if to nobody but yourself. Why are you here on this site?

I must say, and in no derogatory way to anyone whatsoever, that I like the situation that I’m in. I could probably use an encouraging nudge every once in a while, but I don’t feel that I “need” someone to complete my life or me, and I’m good with that. If I happen to meet that particular person that I “want” to share things with, then all the better. I openly welcome that opportunity.

I feel that needing someone in my life and wanting someone in my life are two very different things.

To me, needing someone suggests that my life is lacking and am looking for them to fill a void. I can do pretty much everything for myself and then some. I’ve been fully domesticated for a long time now. I don’t “need” anyone in my life in order for me and my dog to get by. Not derogatory, just the truth.

Having that special person next to you during an event that you can give an elbow-nudge to, point at someone, and share a chuckle when you say “can you believe that asshole” at a gathering of friends is a wanting.

The epitome of want, to me, is the desire to share something with someone who wants to share it with you.

A Year In A Life

          I can honestly say, without embellishment, exaggeration, or lie of any kind, that I never thought that I would live this long. Mostly based on medical history, but not eliminating other determining factors, that I will elaborate later, I really should be dead already. And upon reflection, I’m am both surprised, and yet relieved at the same time.

          In my younger years I used to tell people, when they asked why I risked myself doing something, or why I wanted to do something, the answer was usually the same. “What difference does it make? I’ll be dead by the time I’m fifty-five anyway. I may as well have fun”. And not only meant it, but lived it as well.

          The adventures that took place in my youth were of epic proportions. So much so that a few close friends remarked on numerous occasions that I should write a book. Years ago I actually started one, but being my own worst critic, I thought it sounded like a modern Jack Kerouac rip off and never followed up with it after the first few chapters. And those pages have been long lost. Who knows, maybe I’ll start over someday soon. One book at a time. Yes, I have something else in the works and there are certain people, some that are no longer in my life will be rather unhappy. Ahhh, to be a fly on the wall that day.

          I’m not going to go into any great ramblings about all of this right now. Sorry if this leaves you hanging, but there are too many pages of detail that need to be explained to be able to portray the epicness (yes it’s a word, trust me) of what really happened. Maybe I should write a book! Whataya think?

          The list of injuries alone should be some form of insight to the amount of fun that was had. I know that I’ll be forgetting some of them, and like everything else, and as everyone has done multiple times, remember after the fact.

          Remember that this is not in any particular alphabetical, geographical, chronological, nor anatomic order. It’s just me jogging my Swiss cheese memory on New Year’s Eve while drinking a bottle 2016 vintage Tragically Hip, Fully Completely Grand Reserve Red wine. So bear with me. And…no I was not in an accident that caused multiple injuries. These are all independent of each other so check your “holy shit” meter right about now. Go ahead. I’ll wait.

          Cracked ribs (2) right side, broken nose (3 different times), torn right bicep muscle, cracked skull (above left eyebrow) broken rib left side, dislocated left shoulder, blow-out fracture of left orbital bone, broken collar bone, torn left bicep muscle (different time than the right side), 49 total stitches in my face alone (33 at one time), 4 stitches in right eyeball, 3 broken fingers ( at different times), fractured left tibia, stabbed in right shoulder, shot at a few times (never shot), 4 surgeries (at different times for different things), pneumonia twice (separate occasions), and let’s not forget that whole Cancer business just over four and a half years ago just to include everything. Like I said earlier, I know I’m leaving some things out.

I would never trade any of those past experiences for anything in the world. Nor would I ever in my wildest dreams attempt to revisit that life or events. This nostalgic reunion would most definitely have a pine box outcome. I cherish many memories from that long past time in my life, and often smile when reminiscing.

I’m sharing this only because I’m looking back on a bunch of things including this past year. I realize that I have accomplished absolutely nothing in 2018 save my radio show. Other than that, I have quite honestly, floated through the year, and it’s my own damned fault. Sure I had plenty of ideas and opportunity to follow them through, but didn’t. The sad part is that I knew it all along. I knew I was putting things off and yet still accomplished nothing.

So in thinking that I have completely wasted a year of my life I have concluded this. No I’m not going to spew a bunch of resolution bullshit so calm down. I say only this. This coming year will be a lot different. How different is up to me. I have no idea what to expect which leaves it wide open to anything.

For a guy that should be dead already, this is overtime.

Not Impressed

I’ve been having some concerns with the property management company that I rent an apartment from so I decided to send them an email in an attempt to get a response for reasonable resolution to these issues. I submitted this today, so a follow up to this is pending. Ooooh, the suspense is getting thick. I will have to post updates to it as well. No, it won’t take a month. Why do you have to be like that anyway? Yeah, yeah, ok I got it. 

I have to point out that my written correspondence is a shit ton more calm than I was at the time prior to my penning this very well scribed professionalism that I have attached for your enjoyment. Seriously, I was digging out my baseball bat only because I forgot where I put my bullets. A calmer head prevailed.

As an added update, I will be submitting my concerns and a copy of the email to the Rental Tenant Board’s Social Justice Tribunal, for which, I have been informed, that they charge a fee of $60.00. Seriously? Thanks for representing the concerned citizens…for a fee. What do they charge the property companies, if anything, for a retort?

For what it’s worth, here it is. Let me know if you feel that I left something out. enjoy.

“It is with great concern that I submit this letter to your office, and yet feel I am left with no alternative but to do so. There was, originally, to be only one issue that was in need of your attention but since its occurrence, and, up to the time of this writing, another has surfaced which also cannot go without being addressed.

          The first issue is with regard to your maintenance employee J. I do not know his last name and am not concerned about that. One of the problems is that he has let himself into my apartment on two separate occasions that I am aware of, without notification and also without my consent. One of those times was on November 20^th in which I had asked him specifically to wait for a few minutes while I finished with loading my laundry into the machine. I would then show him a needed repair that we had previously discussed. He agreed that he would wait. As I exited the laundry room, Jim was exiting my apartment. I pointed out the fact that he agreed to wait and was met with a complete lack of concern. He said that he would look into getting the repair done.

          Upon returning home the next day, I found that he had once again been in my apartment without notification or consent. There had been paint peeled from the ceiling in the designated area with the mess left on my hallway floor. There were supplies left in the doorway that I almost tripped over.

          The most disturbing part about this is the fact that there was evidence left in my apartment that he had been tormenting my dog. This was further verified by the fact that he had been boasting to other tenants to this, and discussing the contents of my apartment. This was brought to my attention in unsolicited conversation. I respectfully request that he not be assigned to ANY repairs pertaining to my unit in the future. He will be denied access.

          I would hope that these are not endearing personal qualities that are promoted within your company and look forward to discussing this further with someone in a position to take action with regards to this.

          As for my second major issue, it is with regard to accessing my unit. I will endeavor to be brief as the previous was longer than expected.

          Within the last ten days I have received four entry notices from your office for the dates of November 21^st, 23^rd, 27^th, and the latest spanning the week of December 3^rd to the 7^th. A rather come and go as you please kind of situation it seems.

          I had made accommodation for the first three of these notices pertaining to the aforementioned dates, only to be met with no-shows for the lot. Now I am presented with an open access to my unit that includes every day of an entire week? I think not. This a complete lack of concern for the tenants and an egregious privacy violation that will not be permitted. I will, however, allow access to my unit for this notice, only if I am present. To clarify, this means only after I get home from work and I MUST BE PRESENT. I apologize for being rather blunt, but, after your staff member wilfully tormented my dog, and the numerous no-shows from multiple notices, you can accommodate my schedule for this one.

Poor planning on someone else’s part does not constitute an urgency on mine.

I must also remark that our Superintendent F has been the consummate professional and is doing a remarkable job considering he’s been thrown under the bus repeatedly by your company. Good people like him are hard to find.

I thank you in advance for your understanding.”

Other than restraining from the odd expletive, I feel that I did alright on this one. I’m anxious to hear a reply, if there will be any.

Oh yeah, I didn't let them that I was sending a copy to the Rental Board…yet

The List

                   I’ve been looking at things a little bit differently lately. Maybe not completely different, but revisiting a previous thought process of late. You see, there was a time, not so long ago where I was able to re-evaluate my personal circumstance in an effort to figure out what the hell I wanted to do with my life. Yup, I’m there…again. Go figure. It’s like Déjà vu all over again.

Having the ability to do anything you want to, with no real ties to anything or anyone, can be rather liberating. That being said, not knowing what you want to do is like being Royalty in exile. Having all of the drive, ability, and want is excruciating without a direction to go in. I do have options, don’t get me wrong here.

          The last time this happened I found myself becoming a factory trained Harley Davidson Technician. PHD Service certified (Preferred Harley Davidson Service). And, not to toot my own horn too much, I was really good at it. I also enjoyed it immensely. Going back to that would be a major uproot and relocate to a different city. I’m not opposed to that, however, it’s not my first choice. It has been almost seven years since I’ve done that for a living, but I really don’t know if I want to go backwards. Moving forward to new things just feels right. But to what?

          I have eliminated the majority of the toxic people from my life with only a few more to deal with. I’ve also lost some others that meant a lot to me, and yet here I am. Still going strong, so to speak.

          Like a lot of people, I’ve had my fair share of hurdles to overcome these last few years or so. With the whole relationship dissolving, moving to a new residence, just me and the Wonderdog, new job…again, and the whole Cancer thing about four and a half years ago. I didn’t have an epiphany, like some folks seem to, about how things will be different from now on and then throw myself into a bunch of activities. More to the truth, I had a realization of what I didn’t want to put up with anymore. Believe me, that list is extensive. But it’s getting shorter. But also, not easy. A work in progress none the less.

          Lately I seem to be growing stagnant mentally. Like a hamster on a wheel. A ton of effort and activity going on but actually getting nowhere. It really is time for me to stop spinning in place and get on with this.

          I am by no means depressed about this current situation, let me make this very clear. I have just not decided on a direction. I do know that the first things I need to do is sort out a bunch of things that I’ve put off since the move last November. Time to liquidate and downsize. I need to rid myself of some of the things I was keeping in storage because of previous plans. Those plans have changed dramatically and these things are no longer needed. Let the games begin.

          I owe it to my dog to do and be better and a new list has already been started. The Bucket List has five items so far. Stay tuned.

          Wish me luck.

Bike This

          No matter how many notes I scribble, no matter how many reminders I make, no matter how many directions I go, I seem to miss some of the points that I thought were important enough to try to remember. All of that has led me to this point. Are you ready?

          Let me just dive right in head first and say that I’m all for being active, getting exercise, picking your fat ass off of the couch and being mobile. Participaction is what they used to call it where I come from, with Joanne, what’s her face and Hal, not memorable enough to remember. But the point was all about being active and having fun doing it.

          Fast forward to the now reality and take a look at things like cycling, or bicycling, as some call it. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m all for being active and staying in shape. I even own a bicycle. It’s all a good thing, but...

          Some of you cyclists seem to have forgotten the general rules of the road. No I’m not out on a mission to chastise all people that choose to ride their bike for exercise, but only the militant few that think that the road was made for them. I would like to remind those folks of some forgotten legalities.

          Stop signs matter. Almost sounds like a potential protest rally. If you want to be considered a vehicle, you need to obey the rules. No matter how goofy you think you look, arm signals help. Drivers discern where you are going, duh. You may be well aware of that fact, but the people behind you are not. Do you actually drive your car in that frame of mind? If so, please send me pictures of all of the dents in your vehicle that you have blamed on other people.

          You have an inherent responsibility to NOT be a hazard to traffic. Yes you heard me right. The cars need to be cars and travel along the road. They can easily avoid you when they can, and you can all go about your day.

          When you choose to ride your bike on a major thoroughfare, that is lane reduced due to construction, while you're avoiding the water drainage receptacles (weaving around the sewers), you really don’t seem to have the right to complain about the lack of space you are given, dumbass.

          Just because you can, does not necessarily mean that you should.

Are You For Real?

          It seems that we are now living in an era of the scammer and the con artist. The daily attitude of the general population is becoming more and more based on what we can get away with rather than what we can accomplish. Although I could point fingers at the millennials and the like, but it’s not just the younger members of our society. Although they may very well have started it, and seem to be leading the charge, it’s not just them. This lack of care and concern for other people and other people’s property appears to be being passed UP as I see more and more mature (in age) people adopting this practice. Take advantage, and see if you get caught.

          Do not misread what I’m attempting to say hear. I’m certainly not about to point fingers and blame any particular generation for the escalation in this trend. Although a valid argument could easily be compiled. A lack of significant consequence certainly does play a major role in this as well.

          I guess I’ve noticed this more now that I’m actually looking into something and have found more scams than legitimate information and websites. Here’s the skinny.

I’m looking into having my dog certified as a Therapy Service Dog. You know the kind that you bring for a visit to the sick kid’s hospital old the old age home as a comfort to the people there. There is a required amount of training that the dog and owner must partake in, which is to be expected.

It turns out that there are more scam websites than real ones. All I have to do is pay the cost, around $100.00, and they in return, would mail me the certificate, an ID card to fit in the service dog vest, a wallet card, and a patch. The service Dog vest can be obtained (wait for it) at an extra cost. Why of course it can.

I’m gonna go the legit route. I know that my dog can be of a great assistance to those that need the comfort of a loving animal. And there is no better feeling.

In keeping with the scam artist topic, I wonder if the same sort of thing happens with the handicapped parking permits. Yes, the ones that are displayed in the front window of the vehicle so that the disabled person driving can use the designated spaces reserved for them. Usually the ones conveniently located closest to the entrance way.

I know at times everyone has witnessed a person with one of these permits in their windshield, park their car, step out of their car, and you give them the once over looking to see if they are truly handicapped. You have so. Don’t even try to deny this one. We all look for the cane, the crutch, the limp, the missing appendage, or whatever. Yes you do.

I say this only because I came across, not too long ago, a van parked in the handicapped area. This was not a minivan nor a van with windows. This was a full size contractor van with a ladder on top and the person’s name painted on the side Also painted there were an assortment of tasks the he could perform like dry walling, decks, windows, bathrooms, shingles, and the like. All of this with a handicapped permit in the window.

Now these are all pretty physical jobs to perform even as an able bodied person. Very demanding and sometimes repetitious activities to boot. So my mind went for a stroll and began questioning the application process and eligibility criteria to obtain these types of permits. That’s when the driver returned to his vehicle.

No, I didn’t say anything. However, other than being old, he seemed rather able bodied. No cane, no limp, all appendages intact and stuff. So that’s when I started thinking, and then asked myself.

So what is the handicap here? It must not be physical but mental, because the idiot took up two parking spaces.

Witnessing Kharma

          I had an entirely different subject to write about today, but something occurred late this afternoon that I just couldn’t pass up this opportunity to share it with you while it was still fresh in my mind.

          Whether you want me to or not, I’m going to give you the lead up to what got us to that point in the first place. Don’t know about you guys, but I like to know the details of what is going on. A quality that seems to be lacking with a lot of people these days. But I digress.

          As you may or may not know, my dog Mike and I (Mike The Wonderdog to his following on Facebook), tend to go hiking on a regular basis. On day like today, where the heat and humidity are a factor, we go to the beach where he can cool off with a good swim. I go in the water on occasion but not as often as Mike. He truly is a water dog and fully enjoys every minute of it. I always tell people that if there was a puddle the size of a quarter, he would find it and lay down in it. And he has.

          One of the things Mike also enjoys is a soft serve ice cream cone from McDonald's on a hot day. So after about two hours of swimming and playing at the beach I figured we should run up to the drive thru and get the boy a cone. I tend to not eat McDonald's food for my own digestive reasons, but Mike likes the chicken nuggets and will only eat the fries if there’s ketchup. But today it was all about him, and the only thing I ordered was his cone. Some days it’s all about Mike.

          You may be wondering why I just didn’t go in and get it myself, it would have been quicker, right? He likes the drive thru and peering back into the window at the staff, who always say hi and pet him. He just has to say hello to everyone. Also, people here are moronic when it comes to dogs in cars, even when there is no need to be. But make sure you get it on video and post it online though!

          Back to the story. I pull into the drive thru and it’s one of those multi feeder drive thru thingy’s. You know the ones where there are two lanes to take the orders but then merge into one lane after the menu board and onto the payment window? Yup, one of those. So I order, pull forward to my place in line behind the other merging customer who had obviously ordered before me. I can’t pull ahead very far due to the line not moving very much. First come first served right? That’s usually how it works until you get one of these in a hurry types where other people are just in the way.

I’m on the inside lane waiting to merge and I see, and hear, another vehicle pull up to order in the outside lane. I can’t see them because of the menu board separating the lanes. As soon as he’s finished ordering, he pulls around in front of me and blocks my path. I give the standard gesture of the upturned hands in the air as if to say “what the fuck asshole?” when he gives me the usual head bob meaning “what’s your problem?”. With both vehicles windows rolled down, I said “I was here before you”. To which he replies, “No, I just ordered”. I think I gave him a peculiar look but explained that I had ordered before him and was waiting in line. He then returned comment by stating, “No. Anyways, I don’t care”.  My reply was very clear when I stated, “You go ahead. You’re obviously in a bigger hurry than me Shitforbrains”. He said nothing but stared straight ahead.

          We waited for the line to advance, which took a couple of minutes, before it moved forward. Mr. Knumbnuts just sits there, but doesn’t advance for about twenty seconds. WTF right? He then turns his head towards me and says, “Well, go ahead”. I returned with, “You’re in the way MORON”.  So he proceeded to the first window with what I thought to be a smirk on his face. He paid for his purchase and advanced to the second window to pick up his order. This is where it starts to get good.

I then see an arm reach out the window, and in a smooth sweeping motion, directing him over to the “please wait over there while we fill your order and someone will bring it to you shortly” parking spot of purgatory. I have to admit that a grin may have occupied my face for a second or three. But that’s not even the best part.

So I then proceed to pay, and accept my soft serve cone, and advance to the parking lot where I pull into an out of the way spot so Mike can enjoy his treat. I may have slipped old Knumbnuts a shit eating grin on the way by, but I can’t be sure.

Needless to say, Mike enjoyed his ice cream immensely, as he always does, and was even able to get a little bit on me. How does that even happen? I wasn’t even eating ice cream. I’m not sure how long it took for him to finish it but, after I wiped myself, wiped Mikes mouth, cleaned my hands, checked for drippage on the seats, gathered the garbage, walked over to the receptacle and disposed of the shrapnel, and walked back, guess who was just pulling out of his parking spot to leave with his much awaited order? Yup. He waited that whole time.

I really wanted to wave but held it back and just smiled. He looked at me briefly and then sped out of the parking lot. Ha!

Sometimes it takes care of itself.

In A Nutshell

I will attempt to get you caught up in as little time as I can. But there is a bunch of stuff I would like to talk about, just to let you know. 

  

This time I must truly apologize for neglecting my commitment to writing and posting on a regular basis. This time is different. No really. I was pretty busy. Well, maybe not all of the time but, most of the time.  The rest of the time. I guess, motivation was a bit of a factor. The reality version? I just didn’t feel like it. But the majority of the time, I was preoccupied. I am quite aware that I’ve said things like that before but, this time, there really was more of the being busy than the not feeling like it. Indulge me enough to explain.

          I’m enjoying being single again, as I have explained previously. It’s really been since, well, before November but the actual move out happened that month. Lots of changes and not just my location, but job and residence are the major ones. Lifestyle is a big change. Finding the time in a day to get everything done that you want to, is a challenge at best when working 10 to 12 hours a day. My dog Mike will always be my number one priority. I would rather live in my truck than give up my best friend. So between working, making sure Mike gets enough exercise, and everything else that needs to be done within the span of sunrise to sunset, my day is pretty full most of the time. I do, however, very much enjoy the hikes on the trails that we take regularly.

          The radio show is going well. Very well actually. I had some t-shirts and business cards made with the show logo. And yes they are very cool. Just ask anyone that has one. (Blatant Plug) I’m on the air Saturday nights from 7 pm to 10 pm (my time) on CJAI.ca 92.1 fm. Yes, you can stream it live. I think that’s why I’ve neglected writing anything for the last number of months. My concentration has been focused on the radio show. And for that I am sorry. But I love it, and for that, I’m not. I program my own show and play what I want. So it boils down to me playing music I love, and broadcasting it to anyone that will listen. I do a live video on Facebook every so often as well. You should check it out.

          I talked to my good friend Jason today. Not just a text or email, but an actual phone conversation. It felt good to hear his voice again after some time. That is something he and I need to do more often, and it really is my fault that we don’t.  

          Life is good, my health is good, and the world, well, it seems to get more fucked up as the days go on. With Justin Trudeau and Donald Trump in control of their respective countries, do you really think that your vote still counts? Vote anyway. If nothing else, it just gives them more data to alter and makes their job harder. I only say this because of the public outcry. If everybody is so pissed off, and is against everything that they stand for, then, well, who voted for them in the first place. Raise your hands proudly. Didn’t think so.

Since when did it become an offence to offend someone? Feelings get hurt? Suck it up. Why is it my problem that you have a problem with something? Deal with it. I’m not your Mom, and no, I won’t clean your room either.

          There is so much more to at least touch on, but that would take many more pages to do so within this short submission. I will endeavor to do better. Not just on this and future writings, but on everything. This I wish is everyone’s goal. It will be, and is, hard for me and for all of you. Do it anyway. Thinking inside of the box that is thrust upon you is way too easy because you are told what to think. I say this. Do not think outside of the box they hand you, but take a stick of dynamite and blow that fucker up. Create your own box and think for yourself. If nothing else, with all the fake crap being reported, do your homework, read the entire article, and just think for yourself.

          Love your life and don’t follow blindly.