Photo Challenge

I cannot resist a good challenge. I located a photo file of my trip to China, and the fourth album was from the city of X'ian, just a bit south southwest of Beijing. I went there to see the Terracotta Warriors underground, but as you can see from photo #4, there was a lot more to enjoy in this most ancient of cities. This is the South Gate in the original city wall (well, maybe fixed up a bit as it is more than 3000 years old).

Famous Last Words

Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda.

Famous last words for those who didn't, and now find it is too late. No regrets! But what if (more famous last words) I hadda? Hadda actually gone into archeology in University, like I wanted to? Would I now be in some far forgotten land, burrowing deep beneath the ground in search of some lost treasure, some link to mankind's murky past? Doubtful, I'm not built for that, the trench would have to be far too wide.

So I did not become an archeologist, or an architect, I became a teacher - then realized that "our little darlings" are only little darlings at home, and someone completely different when they are in a pack (as they are in the classroom). Simply could not stand the little buggers. Once I knew I was not made out to be a teacher (after 4 years in university!), I embarked on a checkered career of being a tailor; raising chickens; farming; selling life insurance; selling vaccum cleaners (God, I almost forgot that one!); selling office supplies, then office furniture, and now self employed, selling "pee proof" furniture for retirement homes! No regrets! I met some amazing people along the way.

But, what if I had become a riverman, plying my trade up and down some busy little water route, instead of driving around in an over-sized truck? I might relish the different sights and sounds, the unique smells of the river, the little bite-sized habitats I would have seen on a daily basis.

I wonder if that would have altered my outlook on life at all? Not that I need to alter my outlook on life, at least I don't think I do? What if I had taken that trip to Australia that I really wanted when I graduated from University? What if I had actually married my high school sweetheart? What if my first car had been a Ferrari instead of a 1964 Ford 500, column shift and with an engine too large for a 16 year old lad who had no fears at all.

This could go on forever. We can always look back and wonder "what if"?

Woulda, coulda, shoulda.

Tomorrow is my 59th. I have great friends, great family, a good business, and regardless of my meanderings above, I am perfectly happy with my station in life. But I can't help wondering, from time to time......

WHAT IF?

Words and Phrases

We are constantly assaulted by words and phrases we hate, and ones that are misused or abused by people for whatever reason. I don't know about you, but I would like to eliminate some of these from the English language, erase them from human memory, and make it a criminal offense to use them in print or in conversation.

I list my choices here for any comments you might have, and invite you to submit yours. Just putting mine on the list will make me feel better, I know it will........... OK, so, moving on..........

1. Moving on ....... (yes please, and don't bother coming back)
2. Going forward (where else? You can't go back)
3. D (It's defense! Don't be so bloody lazy!)
4. Funding (don't be afraid - say money)
5. Stakeholders (way too many of these around these days)

Well, now I feel better. I think this actually brought me some closure. Oooops, there's another one that we simply do not need.

Dreaming Away

On Sunday I was channel hopping on the TV and got stuck on the Golf Channel. Big mistake. Now, all I can think about is golf, warm weather, the smell of freshly cut grass, the mumblings and the grumblings of fellow golfers as they watch their balls do things they are not supposed to do.
This idyllic sport will get me out of the current weather doldrums and into the sunshine. It will allow me to perhaps visit a friend in his new 'hood', share some good steaks and good beer, have a chance to get to know his new wife, and relax for awhile.

Then, no more of this!

Happy New Year

And so ends another year, just one of many now, and they seem to be passing with much greater speed. Although 2008 is now in the history books, it created some memorable moments and witnessed some milestones:

- I became a grandfather again
- I relocated our small business to smaller quarters in response to the shrinking economy
- I opened my home office (not entirely sure this is going to work, I am so used to going into the office in the morning)
- I lost my best pub buddy, golf buddy and diving buddy to Toronto
- I was very fortunate to make a new friend who likes English football as much as I do (even if he does support the wrong club)
- I purchased my new camera, which I think will become a new and satisfying hobby for me, if I can ever learn how to properly use it (is anyone out there able to help me here?)
- I have few friends (by choice, I think), but the ones I do have are fantastic and precious
- I have learned to be more patient, less critical, and can still laugh at myself
- I have become closer to my family
- I am in a great relationship with a fantastic lady
- I started this blog, and have "met" some interesting and accomplished people through it

And finally, I am looking forward to 2009. No resolutions, just a general promise to try harder.

Happy New Year to all. May it bring you everything you wish for, as well as a few pleasant surprises along the way.

Merry Christmas

Well, the day fast approaches, and I look forward to two weeks away from the office. Time to spend with family and friends, eating too much, laughing just enough, and sleeping whenever I want. The shopping is done, the baking yet to begin (I will post some photos and recipes once I get started, in a day or so), and the football is all planned for the TV. So, I take this opportunity to wish one and all a very Merry Christmas. Be happy and be safe. May 2009 bring you everything you wish for.

White Christmas

Ok, it may be a little early to get excited, but Vancouver had a snowfall! It happens so rarely that everyone gets excited, or they get depressed, or angry, apprehensive even, but they get involved!

I grew up on the Prairies, and loved the winter. Loved the cold and the ice and the snow. I can take it or leave it now, leave it mostly, but it is beautiful when it first falls.




It means I don't have to water the flowers, or trim their growth. They do seem a bit surprised and somewhat pissed though! And another thing, how am I to use my Grillzebo? It did not keep the snow off my BBQ! Snow is much more creative than mere rain, it finds its' way into every little nook and cranny.




Oh well, off to do some shopping for my Christmas provisions. Need to think about baking my sausage rolls, molasses cookies, and whatever else fancy may decree. I do love a white Christmas though. Time to get out and enjoy.