Hello:

 

Well its been a while as you can tell that I have blogged. After a few requests to blog what I want for Christmas, I thought now would be the time to do it.

 

So heres my list:

 

-A couple of nice button down shirts.

-A winter coat that will last me through a few winters.

-Some nice black dress pants or jeans.

-A bottle or two of some nice wine. Australian or Chilian.

-A wine rack.

-I Am Legend DVD, Step Brothers, To Live And Die In LA, The Last Detail, Iron Man.

-Corner Gas Season 5.

-Some on-line music credits.

-Movie Tickets.

-Train Sim 2.

-Trains Magazine.

-Macleans.

-Wii System.

-A new Compact Flash card.

-The Beatles White Album, Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan.

 

Thats all I can think of for now. Hope everyone is doing well!

 

Shortly after joining Flikr and posting the link here, I joined a new, more secure website. Here is the link: http://shuttermadness.dotphoto.com/CPListAlbums.asp.

 

I will be slowly leaving Flikr and will let everyone know as soon as I do this. I may be also switching Blog sites soon too and not posting here anymore.

 

Cheers!

It seems that I blog, and then dissapear for a while......... so I thought I would update on what been new. So far my job at Transat has been awesome, Monday was the last day of probation, and I made it. Everybodies been great. I have now joined the world of digital photography officially. Last weekend, after having it on layaway, I purchased a used Canon DSLR. Sunday was the day of shooting as the Canadian Pacifics 2816 steam engine, which has been pulling a special BC 150th anniversary train. It was a warm day, but truely great.

 

Tara and I are doing well. As many of you have read at her blog, there was some difficulties she suffered recently, and so it was my chance to be supportive and put my shoulder out in a time of need. I Love You lots T, always!! :)

 

Well......... Im in the middle of yummy popcorn, and am going to go finish enjoying!!! How are you all!! :) Love You!

Its been a while since my last post, so I thought I would write something quick, before heading out the door for another day.......... well everything in life seems to be going pretty darn good at the moment, the new job Im liking....... a lot, Tara and I are doing pretty good, hopeful vacation comes quick, and a new little handsome addition to the family came last week. Tanya and and Andre are now the proud Momma and Pappa of a little baby by, Warren Patrick Baron.

 

This weekend was a blast........ Saturday we went down to Stanley Park and English Bay, then it was visiting with a good friend of mine on Sunday, and a great afternoon out seeing the huge planes come and go from Vancouver Intl airport. Monday....... lazy, lazy, lazy!!!! We did nothing but lounge around on a rainy kinda day......... funny how those things happen sometimes!!!! :)

 

Well its almost time to get out of the door for a new day......... I wont take this long next time to update!!!!! How are you all doing???

 

Take care!!!

Well as my faithful readership will know, it was vacation week with Tara. It started out with a fun Murder mystery dinner, followed by a great Easter weekend with family, also a lazy week, with some fun adventures, with some new electronic and clothing purchases. On one of our outings we made a visit to XS Cargo, which a store located along Grandview Highway,  that carries a variety of home electronics, and different gadets. One of the items we were after was new MP3 players, and so what we found were 2GB MP4s. Not only can you put music into this toy, but you can also put movies and tv shows. So far Ive got a few episodes of South Park and some of my favourite music as well.

 

As many of you will also know, I now have a new work venture that starts a week from Monday. After working in the grocery side of customer service for nine years, I will now have a new customer service job with Air Transat. I will be a Client rep, dealing with flight and tour packages, and this will give me the chance to deal with people over the phone. I will start from 8am-4pm Monday to Friday for a month of training, and then the hours may change after that. I will be making an OK wage, with guarenteed benefits after three months, including travel benefits. All in all Im excited about the changes to come. God has sure been good to me so far this year....... who knows what else he'll throw this way.

 

If theres one thing that we didnt do too good on this past week, it has been eating healthy and keeping on the right track to getting fit. I am very disappointed in how much I let myself into the bad for you foods instead of saying "I dont really need to eat this". So T and I have agreed to get back on track. The next piece of clothing item I want to buy is runners, so I can start doing that excersize that Ive been putting off.

 

Lastly, I heard that Brian broke his wrist and it may need surgery.... I will pray that he gets a quick recovery and feels better. Tara and I are looking forward to our fun weekend with him next weekend!!!

 

Well...... I hope you all are doing really well. Until next time, take care!!! :)

 

 

 

 

Well....... just thought I would write something, because I dont do this frequent enough..... so here goes. I have been getting a set pair of days off for the last number of months at Urban Fare..... Sunday and Monday, so its nice to know when you are going to be able to do stuff, and how you are going to spend them. So far for the last couple of weeks mine have been pretty good.

 

Sundays are sometimes a miss hit....... if both of us havent had crazy weeks and we have a lot of energy, then its up early and off to church. If Tara and I have been busy that week, then its sleeping in and watching something interesting on the tube. This Sunday was great....... after sleeping in we got up late morning, had breakfast, and made our way out to New Westminster to spend some time out in the sun and walking around some of the shops and along the Quay. After grabbing some sugar-free sweets, we took in the balmy, sunny weather hand in hand. It was great just to be out, enjoy the fresh air by the water, and not stress too much about the little things in life. Im looking forward to next Sunday, and going to service to hear Gods message!!

 

How are the rest of you?? Love You!

 

 

Well....... Ive caught my first bug for 2008, it seems something has decided to play around with my voice, and make it not want to talk properly. It all started back on Monday with a soar throat, and from there progressed into what Tara thinks might be larangitis..... no more soar throat, just raspy talk. It was interesting at work today dealing with deliveries and trying to work out information with the drivers, needless to say, it was not fun trying to repeat myself.

 

Ive found out about the goings on with the new Save On Foods on Cambie St, it appears it will be opening its doors without me. If you recall a few blogs back, I had mentioned about the possibilities of going to that store to retain my full-time status. A few phone calls later by one of my managers at Urban Fare, and according to the lovely people at Head Office, because I came from Maple Ridge, it is considered to be part of a different bargaining unit..... go figure. Anyways, that hasnt got my hopes down, as Tara put it, "it isnt back to square one, rather it was not meant to be". So far I have applied for a Customer Care job with Shaw, and there is another company, downtown that deals with internet trouble shooting. I dont have much experience, but apparently they train you, for XP, Vista, etc.......

 

My journey to get in shape has been a success so far....... ten pounds in three weeks (from 226 to 216). Tara has done pretty good for herself so far....... 7 pounds in three weeks........ way to go hun, Im proud of you! Pretty soon jogging starts, and it has been put to me about possibly running in the Vancouver Sun Run in April. Definitely something to consider.

 

I have also been lucky to have had some of my railway pictures published lately of current rail news events and stuff that might interest those into the hobby. A railway club I belong to called the Pacific Coast division produces a magazine publication called the Sandhouse, which is produced by one of the members, and a good friend of mine. Pacific Coast division which is a chapter of the Canadian Historical Railway Association. For a look at the club website in progress, and to check it out, go to: http://freewebs.com/sandhouse/index.htm

 

Well.... Im looking forward to spring, I hope the rest of you are!!

As I blogged yesterday, I started Weight Watchers with Tara only a week ago, and thought I would note in my first week I disciplined myself to loose three pounds. So I went from 226 to 223. Off to a good start!!!

 It has been a fun and interesting last few....... I had a really great birthday, with everyone coming out and making it a great weekend THANKS! It was a truely fun and rockin caboose party.... although, Im not as small as I used to be it was fun trying to move in and out of those tiny seats in the caboose. The photo scavenger hunt was also fun, Tara sure put her best and creativity into it. Thanks for the work you put into the rest!! And this past Friday is was out to the River Rock Casino in Richmond to see Canadian comedian Brent Butt. This was my Christmas gift from Tara, and a great one I might add. Brent stars in the Saskatchewan shot tv program Corner Gas. Anyone who wants to watch unintelligence and silly comedy, should watch.... http://www.cornergas.com/.  It was all together a great show with lots of laughs and over all a fun night out.

 

My days off are normally Sundays and Mondays, and Mondays are usually the days I go out trackside with friends and see what interesting motive power the railroads are running and what kinds of different photo angles I can take advantage of. Last Monday was a blast with a few friends I hadnt seen for a while, and it was great that God had given me a sunny day to play with. Ive also been having fun with the little digital camera that we have, but Im still dedicated to shooting slide film........ I know its more convienent, but you just cant compare the sharpness or contrast.

 

I also have come across the possibility of going back to Save On Foods right in Vancouver. A new store is set to open in the Cambie area in the next few months and I have learned that I might be able to post under my previous full-time status, allowing me to access full-time pay, sick bank, and ATOs (accumulated time off). This would essentially allow Tara and I some more financial breathing room. As for my ultimate goal of doing what in life, Im still not sure yet. The idea of myself working on the railroad to is seen by some as my dream job...... it is, but at the same time it is not family oriented and would require a lot of time form home. As for Politics, I still have some interest, and with the talk of a Spring federal election this year, I might find myself in a spot to look at that as an option........ who knows God will bring me something good soon!!

 

I have also taken up Weight Watchers to make some new changes and to also help be a support for Tara. When I was first approached about helping do it, my first and only response was YES! Being a support to someone you love is important, because it shows you can also set examples. I know I dont look overweight, but I have been struggling over the years to get disciplined in how much I consume at each meal, and what kinds of foods Im eating. I also want to start excersizing so I can get in shape. A co-worker approached me about jogging which got me intriuged to ask around if anybody else would like to join..... so anybody out there in blog land..... if this would be something for you, let me know!! Tommorow evening will be my first step onto the scale in a week, so we'll see how well Ive done for the start.

 

Now Im only waiting to see if I can get some sun today, so I can go and play for a bit. Hope your all doing well!!

 

 

Hey everybody........ I hope the start to your New year has been good, and you can look back on 2007 with a great feeling and accomplishment. I look forward to 2008 and all it has to offer....... a new job, getting my liscence, travelling to a few new places, and learning some new things. Oh yeah.... a 27th b-day party organized by Tara whom is really good at doing that kind of stuff, along with her smart sister Tanya who made the suggestion. The theme: a party at the McDonalds caboose on Boundary road, followed by a digital photo scavenger hunt. Anyone reading who wants to attend remember..... "all the cool kids are doing it!"

 

I have been really blessed to have the things I have so far...... a job that pays the bills (although I need to push myself into something else), a really great girlfriend, a roof over our heads, a fun hobby, and people who care about me.

 

So..... how is 2008 treating you so far?? Love You!

Well..... Just a quick HELLO. I hope everybody had a really great Christmas and is looking forward to a New Year and start. Mine was really great.... a chance to spend it with people I love and have fun with, good food, and great gifts. Thanks again to all of you for the cool stuff.

 

Now comes New Years where looking back means taking the accomplishments I have made and the changes I have done and looking forward to the fun times, and great things that are ahead in 2008!!

 

Hope you all are doing well....... Love You!

 

 

As I write this it is four days and four hours until the big day!! It seems to come quicker and quicker every year. This year it is being spent with Taras family and sounds like it will be a good and fun time..... well as long as somebody doesnt open the gifts before everyone gets up..... you know who you are..... LMAO!!!. I have got most of my shopping done thanks to Tanya (Tara..... I know what your getting!!! :) with a few exceptions and will get that done in the next day.

 

Work has been pretty busy..... I am working in the shipping and recieving department and it is chaotic somedays, especially those when I am by myself. To many trucks, to much paper work and not enough time in the day.  But for the most part I know I am blessed to have what I have........ good management, and pretty good people to work around. On Monday of this past week I made a trip out to Maple Ridge to visit a friend and visit my old work place..... everybody was happy to see me and seemed to miss that I was not there anymore.  Somedays I miss it, but its also good to move on.

 

Ive also had the opportunity to visit with good friends in the last week...... first it was my buddy Art on Monday, and then this evening it was with another good friend Ken, both of whom I know through my interest in the railway hobby. Hopefully I will get see more of them soon. Thanks to Art and his lending me the Microsoft Train simulator game, I now get to play it on the computer and have fun.

 

Life at home has been pretty good.... Tara and I are making our home into a comfy place and love getting the time to spend together. A few things are lft to do, but for the most part it is home.

 

Well........ I hope all of you are doing well and the holiday season isnt too stressful!!! Happy cheer to everyone! How are you all doing BTW??? 

 

 

Well the Christmas season is finally here and I had a really cool experience Tuesday night, which made it feel like Christmas Day early. It was only that morning that I had found out former Prime Minister Jean Chretien was to be in town, at Chapters to sign his newest bio My Years as Prime Minister. Being a big fan of his, and a political junkie, and having bought the book months ago, I debated whether I should stand in line to meet.

 

I decided it was worth the go and arrived at 7pm to brave the lineup until 8:45, when I finally stepped up to the table just to see this great Canadian. I shook his hand, gave him my book to sign, and tried out the best french I could come out with. Truley one experience I will never forget. So now thats two Prime Ministers Ive had the opportunity to meet, and both cool experiences.

 

I think tonight Im going to take it easy and continue enjoying my signed copy of his book.

 

Happy holidays to everyone!!

Ok.... for those of you whom have been waiting for me to put more onto my wish list.... here goes:

 

-MacLeans or a Trains magazines subscription(s). Yes you read it correctly, the name of the mag is Trains

-Canon DSLR (maybe the XTi, if it is still on the market) to go with that 28-85 mm lens I asked for :) 

-Some casual/dress shirts (you know the kind that button down)

-A black pin striped suite or sport coat/blazer.

-Some nice after dinner conagc

-Microsoft Train simulator game

-An I-pod or MP3 so I can join the rest of the world in downloading music

-A Max Jacqiuard steam train painting

-A new computer

-A new desk from Ikea to go into the office

 

Thats about all I can think of for now.If Ican think of more stuff, Ill add list 3.

So it was brought to my attention recently that I should blog my Christmas wish list for this year.... Christmas is coming???? WOW!! It keeps getting clooser and closer every year!!!

 

Ok... here goes: wine rack, Canon 28-80mm lens, size 11w Clarke shoes, print/slide scanner, and maybe a 20 inch flat screen tv. Im also opened to the idea of a million dollar donations.... any takers??? :)

Well...... had a nice week off from the 14th to the 20th, went down to Seattle for two days with Tara and had fun, visited Pike Place market and even got the fish department to throw one over Taras head. Apparently that was her big excitment about visiting Pike Place to see the throwing of the fish..... relaxed and caught up on sleep. There was even a surprise party..... for Tara, who helped plan and work on it without even knowing it! Going back to work wasnt so bad, just nice to have that time off. Soon though I am going to be putting the wheels in motion to start looking for new work. I think Im getting ready to move on from retail and find something that says ME!

 

Had a good weekend.... worked early Friday and Saturday well Tara went off to Whistler for a choir retreat.... she said it was going to be mostly doing a lot of work..... more like fun Im sure!!! Being the political junky I am, Friday I went out and bought Jean Chretiens autobiography My Years As Prime Minister. Im looking forward to reading it. Also I had a great dinner with a friend from work and shortly after the two of us went for a short skate which was fun, seeing as I hadnt been skating in a long time, I did manage to hold my balance. Then I went home to sleep and once again get up early. My schedule has been played around with at work in the last week, so I now get Sunday..... for the first time in a week!! LOL

 

This upcoming week it will be doing cleanup around the house besides work. The roommate Jen is moving out into her own place and so it will be moving things around and getting organized. Thats life I suppose.

Well.... for the second time this year Im now on a week off. The first one always seems to be in May and then I usually pick some time off for the fall. So far it has been a relaxing time. Friday it was out to Maple Ridge to have lunch with a friend from Save On, and man has a lot changed since Ive left. Then it was back into the city to see another friend at a local hobby joint, and finally to Tanya and Andre`s for Andre`s Birthday. Good times with everyone.

 

Saturday was off to Chilliwack with Tara to a hobby show and see how much I could reserve myself from buying. From there we went on a little drive to find a place called pie heaven, which is situated at the Chilliwack airport. We got lost doing so and went on a nice drive through the country. Nice and sunny day too. At one point back on the highway, we were driving along when I see the runway, both wondering how we could have missed it, we found our way there. Once inside, we ordered our desserts.... me banana cream, Tara..... mud pie. What was thought to have been a small piece, turned into this mountain off a pie with whip cream piled on. Needless to say we had some attention from the whole restaraunt, including someone telling Tara not to touch it so she could get her daughter inside to see this and that someone should call the Chilliwack times. All round it made for a funny moment in the day.

 

Today is chore day, and then tommorow it is off to Seattle for a few days to venture around the city.....maybe, just maybe do a little railfanning around King Street station. I hope the forecast holds. For the rest of the week it will be relaxing, trying to find a house with more space, and even some partying. The best part though..... sleeping in to no set alarm, and spending time with my love.

 

Apart from that..... Urban Fare has been good so far, life is good, and seems to get better as each moment passes.

 

Happy fall to everyone!

It has been a crappy last few days.... Monday evening I developed a sore throat which over the next day developed into a firey feeling and a congested chest. So on Tuesday it was off to the clinic to discover it was a sinus infection that was affecting my chest area. Even today Im still feeling a little crappy. One more day to recover and feel better before going back to work. Thanks Tara for helping to make me feel better!!

 

Tuesday it was off to Maple Ridge with Tara to finish the last of the apartment... both of us feeling under the weather. It is now all done and I must say it was wierd to see the place I had called home for the past five years now empty.... oh well, time to move on. Thanks goes to Gordon, Tara and Randy for your help.

 

Yesterday I went with Tara to the allergist to find out what was making her feel sick.... the specialist was extremely informative and what were thought to have been food allergies, turned out to be environmental. Dogs, cats and grass seem to be the cause. Afterwards we went to lunch and then home to laze around on the couch.

 

Well... it seems the Fall weather is starting to really show itself and hopefully everybody keeps warm and avoids getting sick!!

 

 

The weekends almost over and its the beginning of my second week living in the city. Feeling a little homesick over the last few days, Ive started to feel at home here and at the new job! I must say it has been a really sweet job so far! Much more laid back and a lot more fun! Thursday, my first day was employee day and everyone got a pretty nice gift bag with product goodies inside..... also it was"grab anything you want" from the meat department!! Some of that Cordon Bleu chicken is going to be good at lunch tommorow.

 

Spending time with Tara has been really fun! So far we havent driven eachother nuts.... yet!! Lastnight it was out for dinner at Locus on Main street, followed by dessert at Sweet Revenge. Yum.... chocolate mousse!! Thanks to Tara, Jenn, Darrin, Scott, Rachal, Tanya and Andre for a good evening! Love you guys!

 

Tonight its been spending a great evening with T, eating pizza, and Family Guys new season is just starting... a Star Wars theme!! YAY!

As the title says.... I had to make the trip out to Maple Ridge today to do what cleaning of the apartment and get what was left moved. My day started out a little funny... after being dropped off at Terminal Skytrain by Tara, I got confronterd by a panhandler asking me to buy his ticket. I started to pace to get away, no sooner to get a call from T laughing, asking if I was running away. Having long legs can be an amusing thing sometimes!! :) My morning soon improved with a coffee in hand and a great view of the fog rising on the Skytrain from Terminal to Braid. The view south towards Delta and waterfront at New West was pretty cool!.

 

I managed to get the walls washed, kitchen and bathroom cleaned and carpets vaccumed. In between met up with a friend and went for lunch and a chance to chat. Tara came out later to take some stuff to storage and brings some stuff home. Feeling both tired and looking to end the day, it was decided to just bring stuff back here and the rest another day. Im looking forward to it just being all done.

 

Well... Im bagged... my first day on the new job starts tommorow. Should be interesting!!