Mac On...

Cheeseburgers, Grace and Possibility Goggles...

2010-08-20T13:35:00.001-04:00

I have been inspired lately, all the cool things going on in the world – I’ve decided that this will be forum that I share some of them with anyone interested in donning a pair of goggles and exploring the world with me.
A colleague of mine introduced me to the idea of possibility goggles a few months ago – I’ve been applying them to my life daily, sometimes I forget to put them on, sometimes they work too well, but most times they provide a fresh perspective on a situation or event.

I think that the old Adidas ad refers to “Impossible is nothing” - which would lead me to think that “Possibility is Everything” – That’s the story on the goggles.

As for the “Grace” – I see grace as a calm acceptance of the things that have happened, and how we deal with those things, good or bad, it’s a attitude that whatever happened was supposed to happen, and that everything is unfolding the way it should.

As for Cheeseburgers – I can’t say enough good things about those tasty bastards, although unlike Possibility Goggles and Grace you shouldn’t try to make them a part of your everyday life…here the reprise –

I always find that if you dwell on an idea, you are usually able to see more than a few ways to look at it – try these on for size. I started thinking about Cheeseburgers (Something that is always so good, but temporary) Grace (how you handle the bad times) and Possibility Goggles (always looking for the best in everything) – or more simply put: Deal with the past, be hopeful for the future and enjoy the now – Just Eat The Cheeseburger, use two hands...

Stuck in My Head...

2007-10-18T22:56:00.001-04:00

At least I enjoy these tunes, better than Jingle Cats...

Have a good Friday

Third Time was a Charm...

2007-10-15T16:36:00.000-04:00

This is a great typical Picture of Si - He never looks at the camera - why - I don't know, makes me laugh though - anyways that is the hardware (Atlantic Championship) that we won on Saturday. That is the Third Atlantic Championship in a Row for the Loyalists.

After I handed Si the trophy - he said "I'd like to thank the little people" at which point he grabbed Jackman and Rowney by the shoulders and said "Here they are now" Funny Stuff...

Things Will Get Worse, Before They Get Better...

2007-10-09T06:36:00.000-04:00

This is an old saying - and very topical at the moment - I'm not talking about the enviroment, or the economy or even the weather - today I'm talking about my face.

Yesterday I had my Nose re-broken and set to that I wouldn't look like a 1970's Philedelphia Flyers hockey player. Anyways that was a painful experience, almost as much as looking at myself in the mirror this morning - just kidding.

It seems stange to me that something that looks worse (than it did yesterday) can feel better (Than it did yesterday)- which is the opposite of Fernando Lamas' take on life (see below)

This is a funny video and worth a laugh, on a return to work Tuesday.

Have a Marvellous Day...

Apple Picking, Turkey Day and Leading with My Face...

2007-10-08T15:41:00.000-04:00

Sophie Loves Apples

We had a great Weekend - Saturday we went Apple Picking, had the Family over for a BBQ and to watch the upset of France beating New Zealand - then Sunday we played the Swilers and beat them 26-13 - it was going exactly as planned until the final two minutes when I made a tackle at the same time as my teammate - I got the worst of the encounter and added a whole new level of grossness to Thanksgiving Dinner - which Louise and Rick Hosted wonderfully. I'll let the pictures tell the story.

Right after the gameAfter the DECH

Happy Birthday Mom...

2007-09-29T19:14:00.000-04:00

This year Mom had the great fortune to celebrate her Birthday in France - Bonne Anniversaire!!!

Hope you had a great Birthday and here's looking forward to another awesome year.

Love,
your #1 Son...

At Last...

2007-09-27T22:57:00.000-04:00

At last My love has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song

Ohh yeah yeah
At last
The skies above are blue
My heart was wrapped up in clover
The night I looked at you
I found a dream, that I could speak to
A dream that I can call my own
I found a dream to press my cheek to
A thrill that I have never known

Ohh yeah yeah?
You smiled, you smiled

Oh and then the spell was cast
And here we are in heaven
for you are mine....At Last

Today was our 4th wedding anniversary - I feel so lucky to wake up with you every morning and spend all my days with you. Last Sunday Sophie was a year and a half old - Time sure flies when you are having fun - I Love you Baby...

Peees and Couu...

2007-09-21T13:23:00.000-04:00

Sophie is learning her manners. she now says "mo peees", and "couu" - here are sme recent pics of our little darling.

It Was ( Is ) Awesome...

2007-09-19T21:33:00.000-04:00

This Picture was taken on our way into the Opening match of Rugby World Cup 1991 - It was Awesome

This Picture was taken on top of the Eifel Tower in Paris during Rugby World Cup 1999 - It was awesome

This Picture was Taken in Melbourne Australia after Canada had Played Wales in the 2003 Rugby World Cup - It was awesome - This week another group of Loyalists has headed off to France to take in the glory of RWC 2007 - have a great time, we'll be watching on TV.

Never Drive Too Fast Through Small Towns…

2007-08-27T21:19:00.000-04:00

Dad had told me this one day on a Drive to Gagetown – I think we were going through Burton, or one of the other small “villages” that you pass through on the way to visit the Breens. His point was that you should slow down as you travel the roads and not be in too much of a hurry to get where you are going – firstly because things move more slowly in these places, and we should respect (and enjoy) that and secondly you never know when some kid will come running out onto the road chasing a ball or dog or whatever. So yesterday I was slowly driving through some small towns on my way to the middle of nowhere – I started to think about this lesson that dad had taught me many years ago, and how I hadn’t had a Malcolm moment in awhile (or at least not one that I hadn’t blogged on already) – Then I started to think about all the things that were going on recently in my life. I started to think of these little communities as Milestones, which can be defined as “An important event, a turning point.”

Some people in my life had some big milestones recently – LBR turned 30 (he got a long pined for kayak), Grammy Lou had a birthday last Sunday which was celebrated at Erinn and Mike’s (BTW Erinn did a great job with Sunday dinner) – Red and Vic celebrated a 10th Wedding Anniversary with a Apple at Cow Throwing party out on Keswick Ridge (hosted by Jen and Gerry) – Wally Wallcott got back safe from Afghanistan and Steven O made the long trek home from the Arizona heat.

Milestones are like little destinations on your way to the ultimate destination - they are the life in the years that make up the years of our lives. They fly by with the blink of an eye or they can be celebrated wholeheartedly, celebrate them.

“Advance and never halt, for advancing is perfection. Advance and do not fear the thorns in the path, for they draw only corrupt blood.”
-Kahlil Gibran

I guess that we all have a destination in our minds, that provides us with a direction – these destinations can change as can out path to reach them – things and people can come into our lives (on the way to their own destinations) altering ours – what is important to remember is that when you are headed somewhere, take it slowly – celebrate the milestones – the most fulfilling part of having somewhere to go is getting there, constantly moving towards something, going down the road, enjoying the scenery, seeing the vistas, meeting the people, having adventures. It’s really nice to be able to share our “small towns” with those that we hold dear. Always remember that not everyone has the same destination, or even the same road map - we have to share the trip with those we love and hope everyone arrives where they want to go safe, sound and with all their luggage.

It seems to me that Sophie has these milestones all the time – I’m glad we're there to celebrate every last little adventure with her…

VaCa...

2007-08-13T06:00:00.000-04:00

This was our first official family "Roadtrip" Vacation - it was alot of fun - Sophie was a great tourist - we went from the Aquarium of Quebec to the Granby Zoo, through the White Mountains to North Conway's Outlet heaven, then onto Portland, Freeport, Bangor and Home - 1900 kms in 5 days.

We also ate at alot of good restaurants (Ruby Tuesday's, Appleby's, Friendly's) and one particularily bad one (Old Country Buffet) - Next year we'll do it again - I can't hardly wait...

Into the Mystic...

2007-07-27T07:07:00.000-04:00

We were born before the wind
Also younger than the sun
Ere the bonnie boat was won as we sailed into the mystic

Hark, now hear the sailors cry

Smell the sea and feel the sky

Let your soul and spirit fly into the mystic

And when that fog horn blows I

will be coming home

And when the fog horn blows

I want to hear itI don't have to fear it
And I want to rock your gypsy soul

Just like way back in the days of old

And magnificently we will flow into the mystic

When that fog horn blows you know

I will be coming home

And when that fog horn whistle blows

I got to hear itI don't have to fear it
And I want to rock your gypsy soul

Just like way back in the days of old

And together we will flow into the mystic

Come on girl...
Too late to stop now...

Well it's Friday and We start our Vacation tomorrow - I'm Psyched, our first family road trip, afterall we're just doing what Van The Man told us to do - out on the highways looking for a little Mystic, hope you all find yours this weekend...

One Last Tour...

2007-07-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

When I was 20 I attended an open tryout in St. Stephen for the New Brunswick Senior Men's Rugby team - One of my rugby mentors George Walls hauled me asisde that day to tell me "today you're playing against a Rugby Legend" (Tommy Knox), he was telling me the truth, what he didn't tell me was that 16 years later I would have played alongside so many more

Rugby has always been a very personal thing to me, close to my heart, tied to it with family, friends and love- So much so, that it is just as much a lifestyle to me as it is ever was a sport.The same was true for playing for my Province - I was honoured to put on the Blue and Yellow(1991- 1992), the Green and Maroon(1993-1997), and the White and Black (1998 - last Sunday) - we've had lots of jersey changes, but it is always a special thing to pull one on, no matter the colour or design

Back when I was 20 - I wasn't the player, nor the person I have become today, - I was full of selfish ambition - I wanted to play for Canada, I set my sights high, and aimed to play every game as though I was playing for Canada, they just didn't know it yet - I remember my first Tier II Championship in Saint John - playing alongside Jon Gould, with the Ageless Ronnie Barry - we beat Manitoba 31-21 and lost to Quebec by 4 points in the final - It was a Trojan dominated team with a new Scottish head coach - Keith McAlpine - There was three Moncton Players (The Alien, Scharnberg and Mouland), two UNB players (Guest and Johnstone) two Wildmen from Woodstock (Harpers) and one young Loyalist. There was a big contingent of Trojans (Gabes, Ronnie Vair, Sean MacDonald, Chuck Landers, Aiden, Ian Wilson, Barry, Gould, Cassidy etc...) That summer cemented itself in my memory - we were a good team, with alot of possibility (of potential greatness)- This has always been the story for New Brunswick Rugby it seems.

The Black Spruce has always been very personal to me – as I was there when the name was conceived Christmas Eve 1997 at Jay McKay’s house over beer in the dance hall, I designed the Logo and most of the Jerseys over the years, My father was the first Coach/ Manager/ Financier of the Spruce – he wanted a place where his boys would have the opportunity to play Rugby at a level that they deserved to be playing at. I have also played alongside many fine men over the past 10 years – Players like Aaen, Jackman, Simon, Hunter, Jonesy, Cougle, Murch, JB, Slippy, Stewie, Calvin Nash, Malcolm Reeves, Fudge, MJ, Lika, Wally Walcott, Chuck, Johnny W, Sonny, Fitzy, Jake Smith, Eagars, Steve Aaen, Chuck Bulloch, Jesse The Body, Wade Yeo, The Scharnberg’s, The Henry’s and so many more.

I hate when things end…

This past weekend I had the honour and pleasure of taking the field for one last game with the Black Spruce - I knew it was my last game going in, I would have shared this fact with my team mates, I was brimming with emotion all day, but we needed focus and as much as the 20 year old version of myself thought firstly about himself, the 36 year old version places the team first - we were playing the two time National Champions and we needed all our attention to be focused on them. This time we were coached by an older Scottish coach (McAlpine) and a Rugby institution (Beckingham) - The provincial team has shifted since the early 1990's we are now a Loyalist heavy team - with four UNB Players (Cass, Weaver , Cameo and Hugh), Two Trojans (Stewie and Justin), two Rovers (Chauncey and Angus) one Moncton Black Tide (Ali) and a good crew of Loyalists (JB, Hunter, Blake, Jebbidiah, Farm Dideley,Chizz-Bizz, Rowney, Pacey, Greeley, Dunu, Furlong, RJ and Myself. We lost the game, but fought valiantly in defeat – 6-0 Spruce after 20 minutes, we had the old Newfies at the bar concerned as they admitted later on that evening. I was glad to be able to finish off my provincial career (70 games as far as I can count on my fingers) surrounded by my lovely wife, my best friend, a bunch of really great players, a great management team and the next generation of great players (The Nasonworth Mafia and Chintzy I’m looking at you) that will grace rugby pitches, both Provincially, Nationally and most likely internationally in a couple cases for many years.

I feel/know that I can still play at this level, and to be truthful somewhere in the far back reaches of my mind, nestled deep in my wildest dreams - I’m still waiting for a last minute call from Sluggo (National Team Coach) letting me know that there was an injury and they needed me to play for Canada. I will enjoy watching next year’s version of the Spruce challenge the conventional powerhouses of our sport, and delight in the fact that on a good day we can even make the national champions concerned. I will take my leave with the team in great hands and under the supervision of Keith, Grant, Scott, Jodi and Allison who enable the players to concentrate on the game and having as much fun as humanly possible.

It was a great weekend…Thank You!

Wonderful...

2007-07-12T21:39:00.000-04:00

Megs said to me yesterday - I've been to busy Livin' To Blog. Hopefully some pictures will get everybody up to speed. It's been a Wonderful few weeks...

Jenn and Trev Got a New Dog - he started out as a Henry but soon found his own name "Charlie" - Or Charles LesBlanc as he's known in Dieppe...

We all had a fantastic Canada Day... Both The Black Caps and The Black Spruce lost to their Ontario counterparts...The Next Day we went to the Cherrybrook Zoo - it was awesome... Last Friday My Grammy Flynn celebrated her 85th birthday with 100 of her closest Friends and relatives - Mom organized it - good job Mom...Sunday the Loyalists Had a family Fun Day - Meghan Organized it - Great Work Megs... I hope everybody is having a wonderful summer, I know we are...

The BFG…

2007-06-18T22:30:00.000-04:00

So yesterday was Father’s day – we had a great time, all the fathers (Malcolm and Rick) came over, we had a BBQ, Sophie entertained and we watched the US Open – it all seemed very “fatherly” – I received a new Iron from my girl (with financial help from mommy) and a Shirt and a Book from my Mom.

The Book was the BFG – and contrary to anyone out there trying to figure this out as a Malcolmism – The F stands for Friendly. The book is the story of a little orphan girl named Sophie and her adventures with the BFG – that’s as far as I’ve read (it was actually on the back of the book) – but it did get me thinking about Giants. There are giants walking among us, or at least there would be if you were two feet tall – and say someone about 3 times your size was in your life everyday they’d be a giant. Look at it this way If I saw someone walking down the street that was 3 times as tall as I was (17 feet tall) and weighed 10 times as much as I did (1850 lbs) I would think that this person was a giant – and I’d be right – I’d also pay close attention to what they did – and I’m sure I’d appreciate it if they picked me up and walked me around and answered my questions (things are different up there afterall) while I pointed out things and asked all sorts of questions about how everything works.

So we are all giants and its up to us to take care of the little people – it’s a very Fatherly (and Motherly) thing to do…

Here are some suggestions for Giants to help them show the little people in their lives how much they care. (I took this from a poster in my office)

Notice them
Smile a lot
Look in their eyes when you talk to them
Giggle together
Set Boundaries that keep them safe
Be Honest
Be Yourself
Be Happy
Unwind together
Let Them Solve most of their own problems
Play with Them
Share their excitement
Tell them how terrific they are
Make yourself available
Catch them doing something right
Ask them to help you
Wave and Say “hi” when you walk by them
Respect Them
Be silly together
Trust Them
Encourage them to help others
Expect their Best, not perfection
Tell them stories in which they are the hero
Love them No Matter what

So thanks Dad for being a constant Giant in my life for my entire life and Thank you Sophie for a great father’s day – it’s my honour and pleasure to be you own personal BFG, but you can call me Dad…

The Week That Was...

2007-06-16T04:10:00.000-04:00

I realise that I have been getting slack on my blogging lately and I apologise - just haven't been all that inspired to write - I've got a post in my brain, that is slowly working itsellf to the top and I've had a couple of conversations with Malcolm that have given me some expressions, but I digress and will start slowly with a review of the past week.

Last Saturday - a good place to start - The Family went to the market again and saw all kinds of wonderful people - then the Black Spruce beat the Keltics 24-15 and we had a BBQ at O and Robyn's.

On Sunday My Cousin Jenn and her Husband Keith Baptised their daughter - My other Cousin Jamie (Jenn's Brother) and his wife Danielle had the honour of being the God -Parents. This week has been like many of the past weeks - Sophie is doing well at the daycare (she's learned to blow kisses) - Nic and I are still hitting the gym three lunch hours a week and yesterday we ran the "little bridges".

We are planning another great Fredericton Saturday today and Look forward to watching the Canada vs. NZ game later tonight on the score. I also find it odd that Sophie has more All Black Gear than she does Rugby Canada Stuff - we'll have to do something about that.

A Day On The Beach...

2007-06-03T06:41:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a beautiful Sunny, Warm Freddy Beach Saturday and we enjoyed it in typical Freddy Beach Style. First Stop was the market, where we met up with some of our favorite people.

Sophie enjoyed Freshly Squeezed OJ from Dalton's - and everybody enjoyed Sophie. We then headed to the northside to check in on New Parents Valerie and Malcolm Reeves and thier lovely little girl Robyn Lily Reeves - they are all doing great - It wasn't that long ago that Sophie was that small - amazing.

We then headed to one of our favorite Fredericton locales - The Superstore to get some water so we could enjoy Wilmot Park.

Sophie Loved the park and soon she'll be big enough to play on all that stuff by herself, which is bad news bears for me, I also enjoy all that equipement. We ended our day with a BBQ and lounging on the couch - an almost perfect end to an almost perfect day, but what else would you expect when you live in a place called Freddy Beach...

All Dogs Go To Heaven...

2007-05-30T21:45:00.000-04:00

Last Saturday Night - the smallest member of the McLean's was tragically run over and killed on the road in the Miramichi - Basil was a crazy little dog with huge personality, he was as cute as the day is long and he will be missed. Losing a pet sucks - especially a dog, as they are the most dedicated pets out there and they become such a big part of your life when they are there.

My heart goes out to Jenn and Trev-I guess God needed a great lap dog.

I've been lucky my family has always had dogs, I've gotten to know how much of a good friend a dog or dogs can be. They are always excited to see you, they like to cuddle on the couch, they are always up for Junk food (Milk bones) they are fantastic alarm clocks, even when you are trying to sleep in, they'll run with you and give you kisses when you are feeling bad. Dogs give us all a good example of how to love unconditionally.

So I go to bed tonight, thinking and praying for Basil (And Jenn and Trev), Jenn and Trev's Badger - you little bastard - you were a great dog - you're on the big couch in the sky now - we miss you... (especially Simon)

Birthday Girl…

2007-05-22T11:13:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was my lovely wife’s birthday – we woke up at 7:30am – even though Sophie was with her Grandparents – we got up and went for a run – enjoying a beautiful New Brunswick morning.

We then had Tim Horton’s and went to pick up our family at Grammie’s and Poppie’s – Sophie was very excited to get her parents back - as we we're to to see her along with Simon and Max.

We had actually celebrated Nictoria Day Weekend with a lovely night out (Back Nine, Brewbakers, The Bakery, Chez Cass, The Capital and Dolan's) and followed up with a long sleep in.

I feel fortunate everyday that I get to share my life with Nic, so her birthday means alot to me.

Happy Birthday My Sweet Baby...

Calm Before The Storm...

2007-05-18T21:13:00.000-04:00

Well tomorrow I end a two year Hiatus from the Black Spruce - we take on the Niagara Thunder and it should be a great game - I'm Psyched

Kick off is at 2pm at Loyalist Field - tickets are $7 a game or a season's pass (3 Home Games) for $10.

Come on out and enjoy a beautiful New Brunsick Spring Day - I know I will...

Listen to Your Mother...

2007-05-14T20:22:00.000-04:00

Well Mothers Day was yesterday - It was a nice busy day, full of all the things that make up most holidays in our familes - first of all we get together - which is the best part, next we eat, then we eat again and yesterday we ate alot, and very well.

Sophie and I started off with Breakfast in bed for her mom, then we were at the Delta for Brunch with my mom and her mom, then we were in New Maryland for Dinner with Nic's mom.

I really like mother's day - it is a day that celebrates the people that gave us life, our biggest fans and sometimes our toughest critics. It's a holiday that is filled with flowers and cards and lots of hugs - all the things that are good. I find myself at a loss to fully describe how fortunate I feel to have so many great moms in my life or how important they are to me -

Thank you for being a Mom ...

Living Vicariously...

2007-05-01T00:14:00.001-04:00

May God bless and keep you always,

May your wishes all come true,

May you always do for others

And let others do for you.

May you build a ladder to the stars

And climb on every rung,

May you stay forever young,

Forever young, forever young,

May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous,

May you grow up to be true,

May you always know the truth

And see the lights surrounding you.

May you always be courageous,

Stand upright and be strong,

May you stay forever young,

Forever young, forever young,

May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy,

May your feet always be swift,

May you have a strong foundation

When the winds of changes shift.

May your heart always be joyful,

May your song always be sung,

May you stay forever young,

Forever young, forever young,

May you stay forever young.

I always think of this song when I start to think about growing old, or older or whatever, I heard this Dylan song a long time ago and it stuck - it has three phases of life contained within it, starting off in Childhood, then as an adolescent and then as an adult - and the wishes that he has for each of us in those periods of their lives.

One year ago I was writing as a sleep deprived father who was just starting to figure out where he fit into this big old crazy thing called being a dad, now one year later - Sophie is the most awesome tiny lady - We're still taking things one day at a time and I still don't feel my age (or act it) I don't think that we ever get old as long as we can still think like a child, be at awe of the things around us, always expect the best from people and surround yourself with people that make you smile and laugh. I just came home from the Rogue, having done just this - it was a a great start on my 37th year.

36 years down, just keep on keeping on...

Sophie will show me the way...

Sophie Four All Seasons...

2007-05-01T00:10:00.000-04:00

Don't Mess Around with Marie...

2007-04-30T18:22:00.000-04:00

This is from the Jim Croce song, Growing up I always imagined this was about my uncle, until the end of the song - because Jim doesn't lose, but beside every man there a great woman, and today one of them is having a birthday.

Today is my aunt Marie's 60th B-Day, She's a hell of a lady, she's put up with us MacAfee's for many years and she wouldn't want it any other way. Happy Birthday Marie.

Hugs For Megs...

2007-04-20T00:30:00.000-04:00

Today is my little Sister's Birthday - we celebrated as a family earlier tonight - it was a nice evening and I know that she is planning on celebrating with friends tomorrow night - Looking through these pictures - one thing stuck me - Megs is always getting hugs - which is awesome. She's a very special woman and a fantatic Sister, Daughter and Aunt.

She's been all over the place, done almost everything and has tons of really great friends, mostly because she's a really great friend.

Have a Awesome Day Megs - Here's a little video for you...

Senseless Violence…

2007-04-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

I try to be a positive person – to seek out the good at the center of a situation – To look at both sides and try not to let my vision of a event be clouded by the media hype – I try to “get” why someone does/did something and not judge them for how they act, most of the time they are only doing the best with what they have at the time. – But one thing that I am unable to grasp is the senseless violence that has become all too commonplace on our evening news. Yesterday’s horrific Virginia Tech shooting was the most recent example of an alarming trend in today’s society – Violence.

I don’t get it – you’re having a bad day – You get dumped, so you shoot your Girlfriend? You fail a class, so you shoot your Teacher? You don’t get along with the other kids in your school – you shoot them? You don’t like something someone else is doing, so you invade their country??? I don’t get it – when did this behaviour become the norm. How did someone ever think that any of this was alright? The only link between any of the above statements is “you” – so how can one person’s bad day get to impact so many lives – yesterday at least 33 lives were changed, as they sadly ended – but the impact of those tragic two hours will be played out by at least 33 families over every future Christmas, Easter and Sunday Dinner for the foreseeable future, it will be played out by the victims friends and families and by the students at VT for a lot longer.

I see a lot of the news has centered on the timeline, on what was done, what should have been done - basically on laying blame. I remember thinking that the same thing happened in Montreal last year, how the media were blaming Video Games, Rock Music, Rap Music, Gangs, Guns, Bullies, Race, Religon, Nationality, Teachers, Bad Relationships, Poor Role Models, The desensitization that comes when a country is at war, Society in General, Books, Art - anyone they could think of – This may be comforting to some to lay blame on something generic, something too big to be able to change, but personally I feel that the blame rests solely on that one individual who for some unknown reason saw this as a solution to his problems, he made the choice, all of those other things may have opened his eyes to this senseless act being a viable option, an unthinkable solution to a bad day – he was the one that made that catastrophic decision.

Most of the media is now figuring what schools should do next time this happens, does this sound as crazy to others as it does to me – We need to send the message to all of those that may be having bad days that this is not an option. No more violence, find an outlet, talk to your friends, get a hobby, go for a walk, find someone new, study harder, there’s always next season – nothing is as serious as it seems to be in the heat of the moment, nothing that is, except senseless violence…

Hip to be, Here?...

2007-04-16T14:46:00.000-04:00

News Broke late last week that the Tragically Hip - were bowing to public demand and coming back to the Beach. I've seen the Hip on at least 6 occasions from Halifax to Vancouver - at Huge stadiums and small campus venues, indoors and Out - I remember the last time they were at the Aitken Center - I was working security, I think it was the Fully Completely Tour and Gord was at his finest - Canada's James Joyce, spewing forth stream of consciousness lyrics that would make your mind bend. It was a great night and I expect that the Sept. 11 show will be no different - a chance to celebrate the awareness that the Hip have brought to the Canadian state of mind. Here is the letter that I sent into the Fox to try to get them here.

In other news looks like Big Jebb will become a member of a new Motley Crue today, as last week while training with the national team in Victoria, his heart started to race, he had to go to the Hospital to get it checked out and today he is scheduled to have a Dr.(Feelgood I assume) Kick Start his Heart - all kidding aside, the procedure is very safe and Jebb should be better for the long run after he gets through it and up to his old tricks in no time - Get well soon Jebbidiah.

Oblivious to Bolivia, Not...

2007-04-15T19:20:00.000-04:00

I read a quote somewhere - Micheal Jordan (Not the RCMP Member) said that there were 3 kinds of people -"those that wished something would happen, those that wanted something to happen and those that made something happen" - My boss John O, definitely belongs to that third group.

For the past 10 days my boss and a group of Canadians have been down in Bolivia, spreading the good fortune that many of us as Canadians take for granted - the goal of the trip was to help out some local Bolivian service organizations and they attempt to serve one of the world's youngest and poorest populations. They are on their way home tomorrow, but have been located in the city of Cochabamba, which is a city in central Bolivia, located in a valley bearing the same name in the Andes mountain range. It is the capital of the Cochabamba Department and is the third largest city in Bolivia with a metropolitan population of more than 800,000 people. The name derives from a compound of the Quechua words qhocha, or swamp, and pampa, or open plain. Residents of the city and surrounding areas are commonly referred to as Cochabambinos. Cochabamba is known throughout South America as the "City of Eternal Spring" and "The Garden City" due to its warm temperatures year round and abundant well kept parks.

He has kept all of us at work updated on the daily activities and they maintain a blog from Cochabamba when they can, here is the link.

Giving to others is a way of life for some, and unnatural to others - people would actually consider taking a week off of work to go south and lie on a beach, sipping cocktails and going for the occasional swim. Very few (probably not enough) would consider taking a week off work, paying thousands of dollars to fly into the poorest of the poor South American countries, to spend a week doing hard labour helping the helpless build a better life. People do it all of the time, no matter what their age, it's more dependant on the size of their heart.

As Canadians we are a privileged lot, there are services that exist here to take care of the poor, the disenfranchised, the mentally ill - we're not a third world country, we have low unemployment and you don't have to get any shots to come to Canada. We owe allot of these things that we take for granted, as well as the high esteem that we are held internationally, to those that serve this country by going abroad and protecting those that need it.

They say that "ignorance is bliss" - well that bliss came crashing down in the last couple weeks in our neighbourhood - We've lost 8 of our brave soldiers over in Afghanistan. They are over there trying to improve the world for the citizens there, a world that more closely resembles something off of Star Wars rather than anything you'd ever see in Geary - But just like the group that is in Bolivia, Our Soldiers are elsewhere protecting those that cannot protect themselves and building a brighter future for both Afghanistan and the world - They (and the ones that love them here at home) have my respect, my gratitude, my condolences and my prayers...

Like a Deer Caught In The Headlights...

2007-04-12T05:42:00.000-04:00

Dad used to use this expression to describe the blank look that people sometime get on their faces when asked a tough, or misunderstood question - The picture is from my parents trip "Up North" last week - I've felt a little like this recently as well - so here's a quick recap
Sophie is now 1 - She got a playhouse, that looked smaller in Toys R us than it does in our living room, I needed Aaen's Help to get it to Fort Awesome and to put it together. We had a small get together for family, Sophie got her first taste of Angel Food Cake and she got some really nice stuff.

Then Nic and I went on an esteem team tour to the Miramichi - it was fun, talked to around 1500 students and set a new un-official world record for standing on a yellow ball, passing a rugby ball back and forth with a student Volun-told ( a volunteer that is told to participate) the previous record was 22, the new record is now 54.

We returned just in time to go to Moncton to celebrate Rick's big night and give Aunt Megs her first taste of babysitting Sophie- Thanks Megs. it was a great night (see previous post)

I attended my first Black Spruce training at the Dundee Dome in Moncton - I have to remember how a 180 lb person plays rugby - I still play like I weigh 210 - I was sore the next day, which I always enjoy - it usually means you've done something worthwhile and tested your limits.

Then Came Nic's first day back at work and Sophie's first day of "Daycare" - was less traumatic than anticipated, most things are, and both of my girls are happy that they've started a old/new chapter in their lives.

The week flew by, and suddenly it was Good Friday, Malcolm, Simon and I replaced the secret Bookcase in my basement with a wall - which turned out well.

Sunday we all went to Church, then visited with my Nanny Flynn and my Godfather Mike, we then followed this up by heading to Gagetown (Where the MacAfee's and Breens would be congregating later) for a short visit before heading down to Moncton to feast (on Ham and Potato Cassarole) with the McLeans and Daigles - we returned home in time to get Sophie to bed and catch the tail end of the Simpsons - It was quite a day - but we got to see almost everyone we know, so that was good...

Tuesday rolled around and we were back to work - we're going to try to work out 3 days a week on our lunch hours - I'm going to add some muscles to my frame.

That's about it - I've got some thoughts on my Boss in Bolivia and the local Soldiers that were killed in Afghanistan, but they both deserve their own blogs...

Look Out It’s The Cops…

2007-04-02T19:27:00.000-04:00

I still say this every time I drive by a police car – I don’t know where dad ever picked this one up (Maybe I don't want to know), but it is definitely deeply etched in my mind.

So Saturday night I had the great privilege and honour of being the Master of Ceremonies – for Rick Daigle’s retirement party – it was a very emotional and entertaining evening, with many co-workers, “supervisors” and friends all gathering to surround one of their own as he moves onto the more relaxing phrase of his journey – The Phrase Look Out It’s The Cops was going through my mind continually.

One of the coolest things about Saturday Night was listening to all of those assembled speak so highly of one man – and how he meant so much to each of them. When Rick got up to say a few words, it was easy to see why so many held him in such high regard, for at the one event in his career that was supposed to be all about him, he made it about those that gathered, his friends, his family, his coworkers – He said that his father had passed on the two most important words in the English language to him, early in his life – and those words were “Thank You” – he re-iterated those words, adding two of his own “Very Much”. Something that is so easy to say, so easy in fact that we often take saying it for granted. I sat there and pondered the power in those two little words – with two easy words we allow others to feel a sense of accomplishment, that they are valued and that they have helped you along your journey in some great or small way. It also shares the success of the individual with the many – and it was in this way that Rick has always made those around him feel so richly rewarded – because as he was accomplishing so many cool things, he was constantly giving others the recognition, and accepting very little. He also was able leave a job after 38 years with no regrets, as he said if he had it all to do over again – he wouldn’t change a thing, I doubt that many could/would say the same.

Rick said that his career has been a slice, here’s hoping that his golf game doesn’t go the same way.

It’s a great gift to be able to make others feel special about themselves – not many can pull it off, but when you can – it’s Magic – sort of like Saturday Night…

The Free State of Munchkinland...

2007-03-23T05:51:00.001-04:00

Sophie is 1 year old today - that is so crazy - seems like only yesterday that we were bringing her home from the hospital - here is a recap of some of my favorite Sophie moments of the past year.

Best Sophie Moments -
-when Nic introduced her to everybody in the delivery room
-Her first Step
-Her first Laugh
-The Jolly Jumper
-First time I got to hold her
-Falling Asleep on my chest
-Going swimming
-Her Smile
-Everyday when her and Nic greet me with huge smiles

Most Challenging Moments -
-when she didn't sleep for 6 weeks
-giving her the Red Medicine

It's been a crazy awesome year - Happy Birthday Teeny Tiny Wonderful

Wearing of The Green...

2007-03-18T20:50:00.000-04:00

This is Sophs and me yesterday, we had a good time - Sophie visited with Grammie Lou and Poppie while Nic and I hit the Rogue for Lunch - First Time I had deep fried food in 75 days and now I remember why I stopped eating it - We're on the Birthday Countdown clock as well - Sophie turns 1 on Friday - what a year it has been, but that's another blog...

Friday Night Lights...

2007-03-02T15:14:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile since I posted, not because, my life is boring, but simply for the fact that there don't seem to be enough hours in the day, and when something has to give, it tends to be my writing, so here is a quick post - we're in the middle of the St. Paddy's day Storm, two weeks early - Aaen and Robyn we're supposed to be sitting in the sun in Phoenix, but they got postponed until Sunday - so we're having them over for a long overdue night at FA - we'll celebrate O's B-day and re-gift him his X-Mas presents - we'll also get into a big bottle of Yellow Label that we got for Christmas from O and R.

Sophie is great, she took her first Step, she now has 8 teeth and will be 1 year old in 21 days - crazy how time flies when you don't sleep through the night. The weight Loss is progressing - so far I've dropped 25 lbs. - I'm only 9/10 of the Scott I was on New Year's Day - which is cool.

Other than that we're doing great and are in eager anticipation of Spring.

Almost Rugby Time Again...

2007-02-22T14:59:00.002-05:00

February Blues...

2007-02-21T08:48:00.001-05:00

I don't really Know what it is with February - maybe it's that there is no Stat. Holiday, maybe it's that it is a short month and people are just trying to get through it, maybe people are a little put off that the 29th only happens every forth year, or maybe it is still winter and it seems like Spring is never going to arize - what ever it is, it is apparent at work and at home - February is a long boring month.

I work hard at being positive everyday - some days it's easy, some days it's a challenge, in July the easy days are plentiful, in February the Challenging days seem to out number those easy days - but they do make those easy sunny days in the Spring way more appreciated.

Last week we did a self assesment called Insights it told me that I was Yellow Red Green Blue - and it provided me with a entire book about me - it nailed my personality to a T - a little Eerie Indiana if you get my drift. But overall it was very cool - learned alot about my team here at work and why my style doesn't always work for everybody.

Back at Fort Awesome - we finally found some Childcare for the Munchkin - we finished with the Antibiotics and we got some full nights of sleep. Nic has finally come out from under the sickness cloud as well - so My folks took care of TTW so that we could go cross country skiing - it was the first time in two years and our bodies and minds were thankful (except for our heels -which have since blistered) The weight loss continues - I'm down 21 lbs as of Tuesday- we'll be going shopping this weekend to get me some smaller pants.

Alot of people (Nic's Folks and The DHB for example) are heading south and I'm a little envious- but I'm reading a Jimmy Buffet Novel and he paints a nice picture - and has been influencing my dreams for a couple of weeks now.

Dreaming of the February Blue water of the south seas...

Closer to fine? Already There...

2007-02-13T21:36:00.000-05:00

CLOSER TO FINE

I'm trying to tell you something about my life

maybe give me insight between black and white

and the best thing you've ever done for me

is to help me take my life less seriously

it's only life after all

yeah

well darkness has a hunger that's insatiable

and lightness has a call that's hard to hear

I wrap my fear around me like a blanket I sailed my ship of safety till I sank it

I'm crawling on your shores

I went to the doctor, I went to the mountains

I looked to the children, I drank from the fountains

there's more than one answer to these questions pointing me in a crooked line

and the less I seek my source for some definitive

the closer I am to fine

I went to see the doctor of philosophy

with a poster of Rasputin and a beard down to his knee

he never did marry or see a b-grade movie

he graded my performance, he said he could see through me

I spent four years prostrate to the higher mind

got my paper and I was free

I went to the doctor, I went to the mountains

I looked to the children, I drank from the fountains

there's more than one answer to these questions pointing me in a crooked line

the less I seek my source for some definitive

the closer I am to fine.

I stopped by the bar at 3 a.m. to seek solace in a bottle or possibly a friend

and I woke up with a headache like my head against a board

twice as cloudy as I'd been the night before

and I went in seeking clarity.

I went to the doctor, I went to the mountains
I looked to the children, I drank from the fountains

yeah we go to the doctor, we go to the mountains

we look to the children, we drink from the fountains

yeah we go to the bible, we go through the workout

we read up on revival and we stand up for the lookout

there's more than one answer to these questions pointing me in a crooked line

the less I seek my source for some definitive

the closer I am to fine

~Indigo Girls

I heard this song the other day and I forgot how much I really enjoy it - it's worth a listen if you haven't heard it in awhile, or even if you have. On the eve of Valentine's Day - alot of people are looking for answers in their lives - maybe the answer (and what this song/poem is trying to relate) is to stop looking and just let things happen, they will anyways - Serendipity is the effect by which one accidentally discovers something fortunate, especially while looking for something else entirely. Probably that’s what Mick was singing about – “You can’t always get what you want, but you’ll find sometime you get what you need.”Maybe the most famous example was Columbus discovering North America while looking for India, but smaller more personal “Happy Accidents” are happening everyday.

It Doesn't Matter Where You Are in the Rat Race, You're Still a Rat...

2007-02-12T23:00:00.000-05:00

A Different Drummer...

Why should we be in such desperate haste

to succeed and in such desperate enterprises?

If a man does not keep pace with his companions,

perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.

Let him step to the music which he hears,

however measured or far away.

Dad has this poem by Thoreau in his office-

it's one of those "to each their own" kind of message - I like it.

It's good to know where you belong, where you're really needed and who you really are at the end of each day.

Just a quiet thought for a cold winter's night - with dreams of Little Forks, Heat wave Alabama and the Promise of Summer as the fuel for tonight's mid-winter's nap. Sophie is on the mend, Nicki is still battling hard with this Flu - Hopefully both my Girls are back to 100% soon, heartbreaking to see how bad they are feeling.

Sick as a Dog...

2007-02-11T23:47:00.000-05:00

Since Superbowl Sunday Morning I've felt like crap (even more after the Bears lost) - This expression jumped into my mind, so I started thinking about it - when dogs get sick they eat grass, throw up, eat the throw up and throw up again, I'm not that sick - but I do have a sore throat, a headache and a fever - and luckily so do Nic and Sophie - we are a bunch of Sickies here this week - So sick in fact that on Wednesday poor little Sophs was diagnosed with Impetigo and put on antibotics - while whatever this virus is hit Nic the hardest on Saturday - Daddy was left to care for his sick girls which he did with pleasure - this does explain the lack of Blog Postings - and I apoligise - so back to this expression

- I was also led to think about another of dad's expressions,
"Half Chicken, Half Pig" … We never had dogs growing up, we had these Hybrid Creatures – that Malcolm lovingly referred to as Half Chicken, Half Pig – because they we’re afraid of everything,but they’d eat anything.and we had lots of them – When I was born my parents got a dog as a gift – they called him Nick Danger, a black Lab, he was a great dog - slept in the doorway of my bedroom to keep out the baddies – then there was Tug, a Huge Newfoundlander – who belonged to my Grandparents, he would share his Dog house in Oromocto with my cousins and myself whenever we came to visit – then Maxine (originally Max) , then Raggs and Zoe - we got these guys and thier sister Skye - who lived with Brian and Brenda in Moncton when I was in grade 12 – My parents now have Hannah and Lady and we have our own Hybrid Creatures – Simon and Max.

There's nothing better than having a couple of these wonderful creatures around on these cold Winter days - they make a great blanket - but that's a different expression and 2/3's of a band.

The "Gap"...

2007-02-01T22:26:00.000-05:00

The Gap I speak of is not that excellent clothing store in Moncton, but it is the excellent feature that many of us Macs share between our front teeth. Big Jim once said "you can always trust a gap toothed man" - I agree with Jim and by the looks of it we'll be able to trust Sophie, not that we wouldn't anyways - but it does give us some extra reassurance.

What an odd thing to see yourself in someone else - to know that they are an extension of you, and that you are an extension of your parents and so on, back to the beginning - this leaves me a feeling of connectedness. Which is nice, because some days I feel so disconected from all the awful things that are happening in our world, and to our world - then I get to look at the lovely little Sophie as she falls asleep in my arms, and I'm left with a feeling that things will somehow be alright...

The Invitation...

2007-01-31T19:28:00.000-05:00

It doesn't interest me what you do for a living.
I want to know what you ache for,
and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.
It doesn't interest me how old you are.

I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love,
for your dreams, for the adventure of being alive.
It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon.
I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow,
if you have been opened by life's betrayals or
have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain.

I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own,
without moving to hide it or fade it or fix it.
I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own,
if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you
to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be
careful, be realistic, or to remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn't interest me if the story you're telling me is true.
I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself;
if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul.
I want to know if you can be faithless
and therefore be trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see beauty
even when it's not pretty, every day,
and if you can source your own life from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine,
and still stand on the edge of a lake
and shout to the silver of the full moon, "Yes"!

It doesn't interest me to know where you live or how much money you have.
I want to know if you can get up after the night of grief and
despair, weary and bruised to the bone,
and do what needs to be done for the children.

It doesn't interest me who you are, how you came to be here.
I want to know if you will stand in the center of the fire with me and not shrink back.

It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom you have studied.
I want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone with yourself,
and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.

- Oriah Mountain Dreamer

The Idiot Box...

2007-01-30T21:50:00.000-05:00

I don't know how many of you enjoy TV, but it's been a great friend of mine for many a year - to this day I can't be in a room with a TV unless it's turned on. Sickness? perphaps but it also provides some great information and entertainment.

It's official Monday is the new Thursday - no doubt, pound for pound the best line up of quality TV Shows. My night starts off with Heroes - a great show about something that I've always secretly wished had happened to me - I somehow developed a super human power - If I could choose any power it would be the power of flight - that would be awesome, but monday night isn't all about Super Heroes

It Also has a healthy dose of Laughs - Dougie Howser is money in this show

And then The class is reminicent of Friends - and Ritchie Vetch makes he laugh out loud more than once a show.

Then Comes the Real Hero - Jack Bauer - Jack Kicks Ass, enough said.

Then Studio 60 ends the night with some brilliant writing and some very smart humour - maybe the best show on TV.

So there you have it - Monday is busy, and if they could somehow manage to put Lost and Grey's Anatomy on Monday night I might not have much use for the TV until - the Simpsons come on the following Sunday night.

The great thing about TV is that as long as it's on, no matter what is on, I'll watch it - we now have 700+ channels and there is less on than when my parents bought that TV with 13 channels on it when I was in grade 4...

Capital O...

2007-01-29T12:00:00.000-05:00

I don’t know how I missed this, I guess I was asleep at the wheel last week– but one of my best friends Chris “Can I buy a Vowel” Aaen had a birthday and turned 31 – which is still young, by my standards at least. The cool thing is that he forgot his Christmas gift at our house, so that when he picks it up now we’ll call it a birthday present – win –win.

For a few years there when we young and foolish we’d stop drinking altogether from January 2 – March 17th – which must have made for some crappy B-Day celebrations for O – we’ve since abandoned this practice, as it can lead to kidney stones later in life – but there were some very dry times on those January 24th evenings.

Aaen is looking for a job in Freddy Beach and has quite an impressive resume, he’s trying hard not to listen to the call of the west, but the offers are getting louder and better – So if you know of anyone looking to stem the tide of the brain drain and you need a geological engineer with a Viking heritage, give Aaen a call.

We’ll be having them over this week to help us polish off their generous Christmas Gift to us and celebrate his birthday in fine Yellow Label Style.

The coolest thing about Aaen has to be his ability to bring things (anything really ) to the next level – if you know him, you know what I mean, if you don’t he can turn a Good time into a Great time (and always does) - he can elevate a “going through the motions” rugby training session into a “Smashmouth” event by the intensity that he brings to everything he does. Kinda like this scene from Seinfeld.

Happy Belated Birthday Punk...

You Are What You Eat...

2007-01-28T21:50:00.000-05:00

This was said to me alot by various people in my life over the course of my formative years - this isn't a whole truth - you are what you drink would have been more appropriate - as discussed previously (human body being 80% water and all) but it does bear a gem of a hidden truth as most of these messages do if you dig deep enough.

If you eat crap you'll feel like crap, if you eat too much fat, you're most likely overweight - if all you eat is potatoes, you'll most likely bear a slight resemblance to a potato - but I digress. The point of this expression was to encourage me to eat healthy so I would in turn be healthy - makes alot of sense. I'm constantly amazed at how many miracle diets, and 7 minute workout dvds I see advertised on TV - weight loss isn't rocket science, or maybe it is - if you want to get your body to perform, give it the appropriate fuel, it will takes months to get to where you want to go, and you'll need to surround yourself with a good crew to be successful. If you eat healthy food (In healthy portions) and exercise more than you relax - you'll probably lose weight.

I've been trying to be better for a month now - my diet hasn't changed dramatically - I no longer eat three mcmuffins for breakfast, followed by two or three PB and J sandwiches after I eat my lunch - I try to control how much I eat of the foods I love and exercise daily - so far so good - i've been to the gym every weekday morning for the past 19 weekdays and I've shed 14 lbs. I'm aiming to lose 12 more - so I'll keep watching my portions. I'm not trying to say that losing weight is easy - it really isn't, the theory is simple - the practical aspect and the follow through is the hard part. Like anything difficult it has it's rewarrds though.

Sophie is doing amazing - she is very close to saying "dada" - she has 8 teeth on the way in and she is standing all by her self without holding onto anything.

Cold as a Whore’s Heart…

2007-01-24T21:50:00.000-05:00

It’s getting cold out, and I don’t like it one bit- besides the fact that I have yet to find a suitable winter jacket, it’s dark by the time I leave work and you can no longer get away with just wearing shorts when you leave the house.

Other expressions for being cold that make me smile are "Brass Monkey Weather" - first time I heard this it was uttered by Mal's dad - we laughed about it a bunch, but we laughed about everything. Another more puzzleing expression is "cold as a Witch's tit" - that makes no sense at all.

I’d always almost rather be warm, than cold – except when you’re trying to sleep then being a little cold is awesome.

I think that I've got some island blood in my veins - I'd love to be laying in a hammock on some desserted Island rignt now. I think Sophie could also appreciate the Hammock, if she ever stood still for a second.

Summer is only 4 or 5 months away, although we did BBQ Steaks tonight so how far off can summer actually be.

I love a good snow storm but I'd always rather be hot off the press than cool as a cucumber, if you catch my drift...

We Want Your Information, Not Your Name...

2007-01-18T22:45:00.000-05:00

Now if you recognise the title of this post, you can thank my Father-in-Law, or rather my Father-In-Law Enforcement, I won't name names, it's not his style, but today we let one of the good guys go. After 38 1/2 years of dutiful service to St. Pierre, MB, Montreal, PQ, Grand Falls, NB, Fredericton NB, Moncton, NB, New Brunswick and Canada - Rick retired today. Sophs, Nic, Louise and I made the trek down the Trans-Canada to visit with Poppie for his last day "On The Job" - and what a last day it was - he was once again, for one last time in the media spotlight, as he was for so many years as the pioneer and face of Crimestoppers (we all know the number) and more recently for hitting the Bad Guys where they hurt the most - In the pocketbook. For his last Hurrah his unit used a little Night Magic today and seised a Moncton night spot.

I would like to thank you Rick, not just for being a great friend, father in law and grandfather, but also for the fact that you have been directly responsible for solving 6587 cases and taking $32,693,160 worth of drugs off the streets, impressive statistics since 1985 - bringing Crimestoppers to Canada was visonary, and more recently with all your proceeds of crime work - you have been making the world a little easier to sleep in for a long time. Even if your grand daughter has stopped sleeping during the day.

Rick was honoured with an induction into the Crime Prevention Association of New Brunswick Hall of Fame some time ago, and they have a nice little write up about his acomplishments here.

I know that we will be seeing more of you when you return from your well earned vacation, so that's good news for all of us, and we were honoured and proud to be part of your final day - sounds like a great excuse to lift your feet, relax and raise a glass, we'll see you on Saturday night. - Well Done and Great Work

Everytime His Ass Hits Something Flat…

2007-01-09T21:30:00.000-05:00

This is an expression that Malcolm uses for people that eat a lot – the full expression is he’s got something in his mouth everytime his ass hits something flat – which always reminds me of being in France with Jackman – because they had baguettes with real ham and cheese on what seemed like every other street corner – and they were only 10 francs – which was nice and cheap – so we ate them, a lot of them and truly lived up to this expression – it was a good trip.

Anyways, part of my quest to be better, was to eat better, so last Tuesday, we stopped eating crap, and I stopped eating everytime I sat down – I started going to the gym (every morning from 7-8) and going to bed earlier – It’s working – I’m losing weight, feeling stronger and fitter.

Sophie is also doing great – she got sneakers and is (with the help of her walker) walking up a storm. She also learned to give kisses and zerbert – very entertaining stuff.

So 2007 has been good so far – we had a visitors on Sunday – Mom and Dad dropped by after breakfast and Katie and Megs dropped by in the afternoon – then last night Aunt Jenn made a trek up to the Fort as she had a Microsoft Vista Launch to attend today.

Picture taken on Saturday along the Old Springhill Road - or was it from Mordor? (I'm a fan what can I say) - then we got hammered with Snow on Monday.

That’s it, that’s all - There's snow on the ground and it finally feels like winter...

P.S.
I had posted an nice picture here - I guess it was a photo was taken by a local Artist, and I got it in an e-mail from a co-worker - so to maintain copyright laws the original is here and it's worth a look.

My Bad...

Go placidly amid the noise and haste...

2007-01-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

2007 - it's a new year and with anything new they take a bit of breaking in. I think everyone always has great intentions for the new year - we call them resolutions, and are often screamed out on New Years eve, as regrets from the previous year. They usually involve losing, gaining, doing something less, doing something more, quitting something or starting something. They are almost always something that we've discovered about ourselves that we want to be different come New Year's eve 2007. Last year I made such a list - I did the easy stuff and I'm still working on the hard stuff - afterall if I accomplished everything on my list what would 2007 hold - life is in the living - we are all "works in progress" and New Year Eve is report card day - which is always followed by a laundry list of things that you'd fix, or change, or do better.

So for 2007 I simply resolve to be better.

That is easy to say and hard to do - I realise that - so this is how I intend to do it - I have the instuction manual on how to be better right in front of me - this poster on my wall here at work – I read it often – there is some deep magic in it.

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.

Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann

I noticed this poem at Bill Thorpe's visitation a week ago - so maybe it truly is a guide to living well...

Auld Lang Syne 2006…

2006-12-31T02:30:00.000-05:00

As with the passing of any year - it's a good idea to look back at the events that shaped, touched and forever changed us as we get ready to take on 2007.

What a year it has been – Sophie was born on March 23rd , the rest of the year is a sleep deprived blur, but seriously 2006 was a great year- Here are some of the big moments that that come to mind when I think of 2006.

First and foremost Sophie came into and filled up our lives – she’s a wonderful little munchkin, and has turned us from a couple into a family. Thanks Sophs.

Next highlight that came to my mind is The Loyalists, we started last winter at the Dundee dome in Moncton, took our show on the road to Boston, Edmonton, St. John’s and Kentville – along the way playing 24 games, losing 4, winning 20 – we won our 8th Provincial Title in 9 years, our third straight Caledonia Cup (Maritime Championship) and our 5th Atlantic Championship in 6 years (We won Back to Back Games on the rock to do it this time) – we also placed 9th at the National Club Championship, losing close games to teams from BC and Alberta, and defeating the Champions of Ontario and Manitoba. We gained some Loyalists over the year – Cameron Hickey, Ava Slipp, Sophie MacAfee and Ethan McIntyre – and we lost recently one of the greats– William Wellington Thorpe who was laid to rest on Dec 28th in front of a packed house at Christ Church Cathedral – the sheer number of rugby personalities that were dressed to the nines was a great tribute to Bill’s legacy – he always said that Rugby was a Hooligan's Game played by Gentlemen, and on Thursday the rugby community definately lived up to such a gracious billing.

Simon bought a house - He's a Devonite and Proud of It.

Jamie Flynn Got Married, Randy Flynn had a Son, as did Brian and Tracy Donahue and Jen (Flynn) Manuel had a Daughter.

Big Jim had a stroke and is currently going through rehab – he’s a genuine tough guy and definitely on the mend. He’ll need all his energy to keep up with Molly and Emma.

The Conservatives won the Federal Election, and just so we New Brunswickers could stay at odds with the reigning federal leadership - the liberals won the Provincial Election. Good work Shawn.

The Oilers made it to the Stanley Cup Finals, and we were right there in the middle of that Oil Rush, but they eventually lost to the Carolina Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup, The Miami Heat won the NBA Finals, St. Louis Cardinals won the World Series and Pittsburgh won the Super Bowl, Italy won the FIFA Soccer World Cup and New Zealand Women won the Women’s Rugby World Cup. Tiger Woods also had a decent year.

Every year is filled with bad days - they are there to let you know when you're having a good day - I touched on the good ones already- here are some of the bad ones from 2006: Simon's Uncle Dick passed away, so did Brian Robichaud and Dave MacDonald- like I said before, heaven must have been in need of some great guys.

So as we get set to celebrate the passing of 2006 - I hope you all had a good year filled with more ups than downs and go to sleep tonight confident in the knowledge that 2007 is going be a great year - Happy New Year...

The Original Loyalist...

2006-12-27T12:30:00.000-05:00

Here are the details of when you can say Goodbye to Bill.

Visitation – Wednesday December 27th – 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 at MacAdam’s Funeral home.

Funeral Service – Thursday December 28th – 2pm at Christ Church Cathedral.

Celebration of Bill’s Life – Thursday December 28th - 8pm at the Loyalists Rugby Club

Through The Years We All Will Be Together...

2006-12-26T19:10:00.000-05:00

If the fates allow?

Christmas 2006 – This is Sophie’s first Christmas – I figure that she’ll be a huge fan of this holiday as both her mother and father are. In fact here is a list of what I like best about Christmas, in no particular order.

- Eating Turkey Dinner
- Oh Come All Ye Faithful and Joy To The World at Christmas Eve Mass.
- Looking for the North star on the Way home from Church

- Christmas kids shows (Rudolph, The Grinch and Frosty in particular)
- Breakfast Christmas Morning
- When the Grinch’s dog Max goes under the sled, jumps up on the back of the sled, then shrugs and waves.
- Going to bed late, waking up early
- Small treasures in the stockings
- Watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” on Christmas Eve
- Saying “Merry Christmas” to everyone you see from the 20th of December to Christmas Day
- Never ending Supply of Chocolates
- Getting Hugs from Friends and Family
- Seeing the shine in people’s eyes as they open the gift that you got them.
- New Toys

- The Line “Good News of Great Joy” in the Christmas Story
- That Happy Exhausted Feeling
- Thoughtful Gifts
- Phone Calls to loved ones far away on Christmas Morning
- Snow Storms and Christmas Lights
- Being surrounded by those you Love

The lead up to Christmas has been stretched out for the entire month of December, sometimes you’d think that the day won’t live up to the hype, yet every year it does – Christmas Rocks.

Loyal to the End...

2006-12-21T09:55:00.000-05:00

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I write this post, one of the great ones has passed away – Bill Thorpe died this morning at the DECH.

Bill was the founder of the Loyalists, a caring, brilliant man and a wonderful father. He was a historian, both locally and globally - he loved Fredericton and was a champion of our trail system.

I've been deeply honoured to know Bill my entire life, early on as Matt and Jenny’s Dad, later on a Vice Principal, then as a friend, clubmate, fellow tourist and historical advisor – but always as a coach.

I fondly recall a conversation with Bill on the train from Paris to Caan, an indepth explanation of the allied D-Day offensive, we we're getting ready to trace the footsteps of one of the greatest days in history and Bill was as giddy as a school girl - immersed in history surrounded by rugby players - he was right in his element - it was a great trip.

after talking to Megs this morning - trying to process the events and give her some big bro cheering up, I was struck with sadness, remembering those loved ones that won't be around this Christmas - but then I thought and shared with her that Bill was an extrodinary man who led an extraordinary life filled with lots of people that loved him– and maybe at the end of our days that’s the best we could ever hope for. see you on the sidelines Bill, Godspeed...

I Am, Because You Are...

2006-12-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

Aaen said this to me earlier this year – It was a cool slogan for our rugby team, my initial take on it was that we are who we are, because of whom we associate ourselves with, and what rubs off on us. Then I got to thinking about it more, and as today is my parent’s 36th Wedding anniversary, it definitely applies to us.

and here is the newest addition to our Gang

I think the same goes for every family – but I am definitely the product of both of my parents. I owe a lot of who I am to who you are – so Thanks Mom and Dad, I appreciate it, and Happy 36th Anniversary.

T.T.W...

2006-12-16T11:35:00.000-05:00

T.T.W. stands for Teeny, Tiny Wonderful - That's one of the names we call Sophie.

Only 8 More Sleeps until Christmas

Cool as the Other Side of Your Pillow...

2006-12-12T06:45:00.000-05:00

That is cool - I always liked this expression, mostly because as a kid it was always hot in my bedroom, so on those steamy summer nights the only reprieve I could find was the other side of my pillow.

Funny that it was always cool, no matter how often you flipped it. Which is sorta like Christmas, no matter how many you've gone through before each one is cool, and special - This will be Sophie's First Christmas, and althought she is too young to be bombarded with the overt commercialization of the event, she's old enough to appreciate spending time with the people you love, and being able to rip open packages with youthful exhuberance. I don't know when the tide shifts so that you are more excited about giving presents than receiving them - but that's a good day - because we get a glimpse of the true spirit of Christmas.

This is the tree in my front yard, and I'm always blown away how cool it can look when the night is just right.

Only 12 Sleeps until the big day...

Dance with the Girl that Brung Ya (Reprise)...

2006-12-11T06:15:00.000-05:00

This expression is deeply implanted in my psyche, I discussed it before, talking about the untimely passing of my uncle, but it wasn't until this morning, laying in bed that I got a new perspective on it. I had always thought of it as a kind of "Roll with the Punches" kind of expression - Rolling with the punches is from boxing. To avoid a direct hit you "roll" away from the punch in an attempt to avoid the blow or at least create a glancing blow. It is very reactionary by nature - while the girl that Brung ya expression has a subtle taste of ownership, responsbility and proactiveness to it all.

You are not choosing to avoid the "direct hit" that life is throwing at you, rather you gather life up in your arms and make the most out of it. I guess it is about flexabilty - a fantastic, almost magical quality that enables us to make the most out of any sitation.

They say that life is a Journey, not a destination - I agree, it's all about the events along the way, a constant adventure renewed with each challenege that arises in your life. Think of them as a girl that you can dance with, so doesn't it stand to reason that the more you get to dance the more fun you'd having, The more dances that you'd learn and the better dancer that you'd become -

Maybe the trick to it all is in the perception, because difficulties can be seen as either a fight or a dance, something that can be endured or celebrated, so it's up to you to decide what kind of girl that they brung to the party a ballerina or a scrapper...

You have to Amember before you can Remember…

2006-12-08T07:30:00.000-05:00

I’m on a committee that deals with most of the youth organizations in the Fredericton area – and we had a meeting yesterday, do discuss last year’s event and to plan for the coming year. I think whenever you host an event it’s important to de-brief after the event, so that you don’t make the same mistakes, should you undertake a similar event in the future. These discussions flowed quite naturally into questioning of what messages we wanted to impart to the youth of today (and the leaders of tomorrow) these messages (one of the committee members suggested) could be– “Don’t do drugs, Wear a condom, Stay in School” – then we got talking about how to reach the youth, then we got talking about bringing in a motivational speaker, then we got talking about Matt Foley…

Upon returning to my office I had a great conversation with a co-worker, about messages that we found useful over our own youth, and the activities, events and influences that combined to make us the people that we are today – It was a kind of a de-brief of our lives, trying to derive some rhyme or reason – that has led us to where we are.

After the conversation I was left with the feeling that these posts that I write – was somehow my own way of de-briefing myself – trying to figure out how I got to be the way I am, how I was influenced to behave, think and feel the way I do, so that I will be able to convey some of it (The good parts) to Sophie. I think that we are all just constant “works in progress”, or at least we have the potential to be, if we are open to new ideas, new experiences and new people. Mind you if we take on the role of the “Old Dog” and get stuck in our ways, we will remain the “Old Dog” and not let ourselves learn any new tricks, and that really would be a shame.

The same goes for those that continue to do the same things expecting different results – I think that that is the simple definition of insanity.

I realize that I am a culmination of all those people that I’ve met, that passed on a story or a joke, or simply a kind smile, whether I’ve spent a lifetime with them or only a few short moments in passing, because I am different for having met them, the exact ways I changed are unknown, they could be very subtle of glaringly obvious – but I am different and I have changed – so thank you.

Dad always said that you have to Amember, before you can remember… and I think it’s implied that you have to remember what/where you come from so that you’ll be able get where you want to go…

Carry On...

2006-12-04T13:32:00.000-05:00

It’s easy to fight when everything’s right,
And you’re mad with thrill and the glory;
It’s easy to cheer when victory’s near,
And wallow in fields that are gory.
It’s a different song when everything’s wrong,
When you’re feeling infernally mortal;
When it’s ten against one, and hope there is none,
Buck up, little soldier, and chortle:
Carry on! Carry on!
There isn’t much punch in your blow.
You are glaring and staring and hitting out blind;
You are muddy and bloody, but never you mind.
Carry on! Carry on!
You haven’t the ghost of a show.
It’s looking like death, but while you’ve a breath,
Carry on, my son! Carry on!
And so in the strife of the battle of life
It’s easy to fight when you’re winning;
It’s easy to slave, and starve and be brave,
When the dawn of success is beginning.
But the man who can meet despair and defeat
With a cheer, there’s the man of God’s choosing;
The man who can fight to Heaven’s own height
Is the man who can fight when he’s losing.

Carry on! Carry on!
Thing never were looming so black.
But show that you haven’t a cowardly streak,
And though you’re unlucky you never are weak.
Carry on! Carry on!
Brace up for another attack.
It’s looking like hell, but – you never tell.
Carry on, old man! Carry on!
There are some who drift out in the desert of doubt
And some who in brutishness wallow;
There are others, I know, who in piety go
Because of a Heaven to follow.
But to labor with zest, and to give of your best,
For the sweetness and joy of the giving;
To help folks along with a hand and a song;
Why, there’s the real sunshine of living.
Carry on! Carry on!
Fight the good fight and true;
Believe in your mission, greet life with a cheer;
There’s big work to do, and that’s why you are here.
Carry on! Carry on!
Let the world be the better for you;
And at last when you die, let this be your cry!
Carry on, my soul! Carry on!

A Gorilla Picture and a little Robert Service inspiration for those weary Christmas Shoppers amongst us...

K103 Plays The Mountain's Best Movies Now give Me My Monkey...

2006-12-02T06:18:00.000-05:00

This has always made me Laugh - it was a contest they ran some while back in Moncton - Where the Radio station would call your house and you'd have to answer by saying "K103 plays Moncton's best music now show me the money" and you'd win $100000 or something like that. I think it must have been the start to many awkward telephone conversations, but money makes people do stupid things - as for the post title - that's what someone would say when they messed up the phrase - it was part of the ad campaign around the contest- Always made me laugh.

When I was in Grade 12 I was the co-Chair for the FHS Safe Grad - which turned out awesome- and as a part of my duties we had to go down to the radio station (CIHI - 1260 on your am dial) and do publicity spots to encourage our classmates to attend the overnight, alcohol free event. The Spot was fairly simple - but I kept messing up - first I said "Saf" instead of "Safe", then I said "Grade" instead of "Grad" - and by the end of 20 or so takes I had managed to somehow say all the words (including my own name) incorrectly - so I went for one more try - I started "Hey I'm Skip macrame co cheese of this year's Saf Grade committee..." Needless to say that my spot never made the air - I did get some good laughs from those that were there though, which is something.

We're off to Moncton this morning to do some Christmas Shopping and celebrate Trevor's birthday - hopefully the roads clear up soon. I've been remiss as of late I've missed a pile of Birthdays - so here's my atonement - Happy Be-lated birthdays to Lauren Madeline Ayotte, Emily Manuel, North , Robyn and Trixie...

Nahgem Eefacam Xtreme Traveller...

2006-12-01T16:46:00.000-05:00

Megs has just returned from her trip to New Zealand - and from the pictures (Besides this first one) it doesn't look like a relaxing event, but rather her own private Amazing Race. She had a few amigos along for the ride: namely Katie, Sandra and KELSEY - and they look like they had fun every single moment.

Caving/Blackwater rafting/absailing in Waitomo. Zorbing in Rotorua

Sledging in Rotorua

Quad Bikes on 90-mile beach

Pictures of The Bungee Jump and the Flying Fox to come shortly - glad that you're back home and in one piece...

Early to Bed and Early to Rise...

2006-12-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

Makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise... That's the expression - The expression that I seem to be working on lately is "Late to bed, early to rise (after getting up 4 or 5 times in the night) makes a man Sleepy, Anxious and frankly a little numb... Sophie is again cutting teeth, her front uppers - the ones that she's obviously asked Santa for. So in return he must have told her that she must wake up between 3 and 6 times throughout the course of the night, just to see if her teeth have dropped - and the best way to tell, is by crying really loudly - so being the nice little girl that she is, she obeys; as an update she still only has her two bottom teeth - but Santa doesn't usually give advances in my experience so it looks like another month of this - sweet.

I thought of this expression this morning as I woke up at 6:45 am - which doesn't sound early but when you were also up at 1, 2:25 and 4:30, it really is - I was lying in bed pondering going to the gym. I've decided that I don't want to wait until I am 20lbs heavier to start working out this year - So I got up and was going down the stairs until my favorite little girl gave a call, I responded and now it's too late to get to the gym, workout and get to work - So I've set my sights on Monday and I'm hoping for good things.

That's the healthy part I think they were referring too, and getting to work early and keeping your job is the wealthy part, but what about the wise part? Are you smarter when you get up early, or is everyone else simply still half asleep, so you seem brilliant? OR does the fact that you have a couple more hours of living in each day going to add up eventually, say you get up 2 hours earlier than the average Joe or Jane, and you go to bed at the same time they do, after a week you've got 14 more hours of living (and learning) - So over a year you'll have added 30 more days to you're life (of waking time) which works out to over a life expectancy of 77 years to be about 6 more years of life - so I ask - are you smarter in Grade 1 or Grade 7 - I guess the expression could hold a bit of hidden ancient wisdom.

I also find this odd that this post comes hot on the heels of my napping post - but I guess that's how brains work. Here's the Bard's take on life -
To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day
To the last syllable of recorded time,
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death.
Out, out, brief candle!
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more:
it is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.

I had to memorize this passage in Grade 12, then recite it in front of the class, I knew it backwards and forwards, but when I went to present it, a guy at the back of the class was laughing at me for something and it totally threw me off - I yelled at him and sat down, got a crappy mark, and later apologized - I can still recite it to this day and if not for that guy making fun of me I may have forgotten this beautiful thing like all of my high school algebra - The really funny thing that I later realized - I was actually living the poem - I fretted and strutted my two minutes in front of the class, I was that idiot full of sound and fury, but in the end it was really nothing...

Something Wicked This Way Comes...

2006-11-27T17:45:00.000-05:00

I have no idea where this expression comes from - all I could think of was that whoever first said it must have endured a NB winter - which is well on it's way. To that end we spent the weekend preparing for it, raking leaves, getting Christmas lights put up, cleaning out storage rooms and doing the recycling (Would be cool if F'ton. won the Recyclethon).

Or they could be saying it with a Surfer/Skate Punk tone - and talking about Sophie - she is totally wicked (As in Wicked Awesome) - She is a crawling machine and loves to be standing up (totally opposite from most MacAfees and a couple of Paceys I know) - she is working on her talking - "Ba" is her favorite/only word at the moment - we don't know what it means but we are eager for her to come up with more vocabulary so she can explain "Ba" to us. Maybe she picked up French from her Poppy and really likes her socks?

So I was thinking about winter, then long winter's naps, then naps (then I fell asleep...) I love naps, although I get to take them less frequently than I would like, they are still a treat.

Yesterday morning I had such a treat sophie had been up a few times through the night, then up for good at 7:50 am - so we ate and played and hung out - then about 10:30 am rolled around and Sophie was tired, so I thought that I'd grab a nap at the same time - it was magic - we both slept for 2 hours, it was a great way to start a Sunday.

Back in University I would actually schedule my days so I would have to get up for 8:30am classes every morning - just so I could come home at 2pm and nap for a few hours - wow that seems so far away now. Maybe that person was talking about a wicked nap they were about to take, who knows - sounds cool though...

Straight from the Hip...

2006-11-23T20:03:00.000-05:00

Dear Tragically Hip,

Are you Looking for a Place to Happen? well Escape Is At Hand For The Travellin' Man because It's A Good Life If You Don't Weaken and I'll Believe in You if you bring your Family Band to Freddy Beach.

So Save The Planet, it's been a Long Time Running since you've done the Flamenco on the (Fiddler's) Green.
We're not Thugs, we won't be Yawning or snarling when you get here, we may have Fireworks if you Twist My Arm,(I've got Little Bones you see) so we'd be Ahead by a Century if you'd only Bring it All Back.

So call up that Thompson Girl, Cordelia, The Bastard, Gus: The Polar Bear from Central Park and Grace, Too - tell them that you're Locked in the Trunk of a Car, if you have to free up some time, then pull on your Fifty-Mission Cap, jump on a Train Overnight or better yet take a Silver Jet and make Vapour Trails down here to Fredericton, don't worry about Freak Turbulence we're above the Hundredth Meridian.

Fredericton is not a Greasy Jungle so have Courage and don't be Scared we don't have Lake Fever so there is no Inevitability of Death - It Can't Be Nashville Every Night, so why not make it Fredericton tonight, and We'll Go too -
Fully Completely.

So Hard Done By,
Scott

"Police Department" Pastry...

2006-11-21T01:30:00.000-05:00

I'm not talking about Doughnuts, Fritters or even Dutchies (Isn't that Weird) - I'm talking about Simon - Happy 23rd Birthday - I may have that a bit backwards, but anywho.

Si is my younger brother and one of my oldest friends - I've known him since he was born, my oldest friend is probably his sister Sarah though.- she came over to spend the night at our house when Donna and Peter rushed to the Hospital to deliver today's birthday boy so many years ago.

I spent as much time at Simon's houses growing up as I did at my own - the entirety of Downtown Freddy beach was our backyard, with the occasional bike excursion to catch frogs at Killarney Lake or a summer of ticket taking for the Bull of the Woods at Kings Landing -we were never far apart. We've had some great adventures in the past and things haven't changed much - we are still having adventures both on and off the rugby pitch. Simon in the Proud Godfather of our Sophie and visits her weekly.

Simon is the top rugby player in this part of the world and I have his Canada Jersey to prove it.

We've come a long way from the Kent Manor Winterhawks, Happy Birthday Si I know you'll have a great one.

2006 The Rugby Year in Review...

2006-11-19T21:11:00.000-05:00

We held Our Awards Banquet Last Night Here's a Photo of the outstanding players

2006 Loyalist RFC Year-end Award Winners
Women:
Most Improved Forward – Nicole Henderson
Most Improved Back – Meghan Duffy, Catherine MacNeil
Rookie of the Year – Marcia Chiasson
Most Valuable Forward – Ayoka Bubar
Most Valuable Back – Meghan MacAfee
Outstanding Player – Amy Gorham
Men’s B:
Most Improved Forward – Alex Childs
Most Improved Back – Brad Richardson
Rookie of the Year – Spencer Smith
Most Valuable Forward – Craig Murphy
Most Valuable Back – Drew Carleton
Outstanding Player – Jason Watters
Men’s A:
Most Improved Forward – Andy Nash
Most Improved Back – Allen Furlong
Rookie of the Year – Jebb Sinclair
Most Valuable Forward – Ryan Jackman
Most Valuable Back – Malcolm Reeves
Outstanding Player – Simon Pacey
Loyalest Loyalist:
Keith MacAlpine

NBRU All-Star Selections 2006
Premier Division
Chris Hunter --------Fredericton Loyalists
Ali Massoudi -------Moncton Black Tide
Andy Nash ----------Fredericton Loyalists
Jeff Warr ------------Saint John Trojans
Blake Edwards -----Fredericton Loyalists
Sonny Urquhart ----Saint John Trojans
Chauncey O’Toole -Belleisle Rovers
Cass Conkin --------UNB Ironmen
Brent Rowney ------Fredericton Loyalists
David Irving --------Saint John Trojans
Jon Haines ----------Saint John Trojans
Chris Aaen----------Fredericton Loyalists
Scott MacAfee------Fredericton Loyalists
Allen Furlong-------Fredericton Loyalists
Malcolm Reeves---Fredericton Loyalists

MVP Forward- Chauncey O’Toole (Rovers)
MVP Backfield- Simon Pacey (Loyalists)

Second Division
James Moran --------Mt.A Mounties
John O’Leary--------Woodstock Wildmen
Ron “Izzy” Hansen--Fredericton Loyalists
Tom Richard---------Saint John Canadians
Malcolm Appleby—-Woodstock Wildmen
Jeff Ahmad-----------Woodstock Wildmen
Charles Robinson---Charlotte County Bulldogs
Reece Roche---------Saint John Trojans
Josiah Fecteau-------Charlotte County Bulldogs
Drew Carleton-------Fredericton Loyalists
Paul Vernall--------- Woodstock Wildmen
Jude O’Reilly------- Charlotte County Bulldogs
Chris Hoffman------ Charlotte County Bulldogs
Derek Burden--------UNB Ironmen
Rannoch Harley-----Mt.A Mounties

MVP Forward – Ron “Izzy” Hansen (Loyalists)
MVP Backfield- Chris Hoffman (Bulldogs)

Women’s Division
Kim Sinclair ---------Moncton Black Tide
Alison Aiton ---------Fredericton Loyalists
Jen Stone ------------Moncton Black Tide
Kady Doyle ----------Saint John Trojans
Abbie Miller ---------Saint John Trojans
Julie Emmerson -----Moncton Black Tide
Heather Patterson ---Saint John Trojans
Ayoka Bubar --------Fredericton Loyalists
Amy Gorham -------Fredericton Loyalists
Andrea Brushett ----Moncton Black Tide
Mareika Dow -------Moncton Black Tide
Katie Mason --------Saint John Trojans
Jess Frenette---------Moncton Black Tide
Kimberlee Justason -Saint John Trojans
Emily Baadsvik-----Moncton Black Tide

MVP Forward- Jen Stone (Black Tide)
MVP Backfield- Amy Short (Trojans)

Navel Gazing...

2006-11-17T05:07:00.000-05:00

Peter once used this term for our rugby team after we had put together a highlight film - at that point in 1994, we seldom won a game, we had some flashes of brillance but overall we we're a few years off - I think we made that video to encourage us to keep going, there was some good stuff (included on the video) but we also had some things to work on and overall we had some growing up to do.

I sit here this morning putting together a "Review 2006" Video - it's alot of time and effort - and it was a long season. We started off in January at the Dundee Dome in Moncton, playing full on Rugby and hardly showing any rust from our 2005 campaign, then came Pilates by Garda - 15 sweaty rugby guys being put through their collective paces by a very understanding and patient Susie (Shout out to Garda,Al and Susie), then We went to Boston to play the Irish Wolfhounds - we lost this game 48-26, but it was closer than it sounds and they went on to be the national runners up in the USA. Then exhibition game against Bellisle, then Uprites of Spring Tourney where we won all 5 of our games - then Edmonton, where we were unfortunate to lose our first two games against the # 4 (Alberta Champs)and 5th (UBCOB Ravens) ranked teams, we then regrouped to beat the #12 (Manitoba Champs) and #2 ranked (Ontario Champs) teams and came home, 9th best rugby team in Canada.

Most of the guys went on to play for the Spruce, who enjoyed their best ever season 3-3, good work while the men's and women Loyalists got busy with Tournaments - Our women's team won every tournament they played in all summer, which was quite a feat, our men's team won the Rebel 7's (in the final against ourselves)

The Women's Fall season was all over the place, with wins over Moncton and narrow losses to the Trojans - They did continue a summer trend by winnin g the Atlantic Invitational Championship in Newfoundland by defeating the Swilers and The Dogs in one weekend. Unfortunately the ran into a very good Moncton team (Who went on to be Provincial Champs) in the Provincial semis and were sent home a week too early.

Then came the fall season for the Men's 1st side- We started off with a home loss to the Trojans (the first since 2003 and second since 1999) then we turned ourselves around the men went undefeated from that point on, capturing the Aliant Atlantic Championship on the Road after two hard fought games in Newfoundland, We won the NBRU League, The NBRU Provincial Championship and went on to win our third straight Caledonia in Frigid Kentville. We played 24 games from April 22nd to Nov 4, won 20, lost 4 , our record over the past 3 years is 35-5.

The men's second side had a decent season, with some great road wins, and some unfortunate home losses - and finished off the year by winning the NBRU third Div Championship over UNB B side (Made up of several future Loyalists)

All in all a fairly decent year - We also had some new arrivals - Cameron, Sophie and Ava.

Back when Peter said that we were naval gazing, maybe we were - maybe we were trying to see if we had the guts to become the team that we've become. You should always know what you've got inside before you start out on a great adventure, you simply have to know how far you'll be willing to go before you could possibly get there. Once you arrive it's good to have another hard look inside to see what things helped get you where you are (Heart, Determination, Hard Work...) So that you'll be able to figure out, not only where to go next, but what things you'll have to work on to get there.

Tomorrow night will be the payday for all the hard work we put in since January, you may even catch a few people checking out to see if they are an outtie or an innie...

Sharts...

2006-11-16T12:45:00.000-05:00

Dad used to talk about these mythic things – they were hard to define and you really never knew what you were getting yourself into – kind of like the “Here I Sit Broken Hearted” poem – If you don’t know it, it may still be written at the University Ave. Pedestrian underpass (Uphill side of the street) – and if it isn’t there – ask a co-worker – someone knows it.

So last night Simon came over for dinner and to check out some pictures for the Awards Banquet (Saturday Night at the Clubhouse – talk to Malcolm Reeves for tickets) unfortunately for uncle Si, Sophie was not having a good night, she’s cutting teeth and not enjoying the experience – add to that a couple of meals of GREEN BEANS and she was up all night with the “Foops” – baby version or sharts. We have some great pictures of the season thanks to some dedicated photogs (Jodi, Greebles and Jorge) so I should be able to put something quite snappy together for the awards banquet- speaking of things that are snappy – here are a couple of Videos by Fergus (My Cousin) that I find quite entertaining.

This one Features my Cousin Lee and the Music is by a local Jam Band.

I am upriver again today in Victoria County – I am enjoying myself up here, the waking up at 6am, to get here on, time I could do without- but the drive was nice and the people are great.

As an aside:
Today, I ate at Kelley’s Place again - they have “World Famous Hamburger” – and truthfully it was very good, I’d never heard of it before yesterday, so I don’t know how truly famous it could be. On the other hand just because people know about you, doesn’t make you good – just well known or World Famous. They could easily back up their claim if they said “Perth’s Best Hamburger” because it was hands down the best hamburger I’ve ever eaten in Perth (Two days in a row, I’m a sucker for marketing) – hopefully those burgers won’t give me the Sharts.

Fill Yer Boots...

2006-11-15T12:35:00.000-05:00

This is a great expression – it means to take all you want, help yourself or be my guest – When I was growing up I always thought it meant to jump right in, as in jump right into the river and fill yer boots. I don’t know that I ever went fishing (as a child or and adult) and never fell in the river – that’s the measuring stick to know if you were having a good time, or having a GREAT time. The only time when filling your boots is not recommended would be when you are wearing chest waders and it’s early May – trust me on this.

So today I was up early thanks to Max – he was having an issue – maybe he was too jazzed up from the Dancing with the Stars Finale, or maybe it was that Shat pile of a Game show – whatever it was he required attention on numerous occasions, much like Sophie the previous night – I wish they would get there schedules aligned.

So I was up a lot through the night – then the alarm went off – 6am –and I was like “what the… oh yeah I’m working in Perth today” – so I drove to Perth to do a few Appointments. It was a lovely drive in the rain, and now it’s clearing off and the temperature is supposed to hit 15 degrees, which I'm sure it has. I almost took my jacket off on the walk back from lunch. (Kelley's Place - Good Cheeseburgers) which not too shabby for the 15th of November (if the weather could only hold out for 5 or 6 more months - I'd be a happy boy) – I am covering off for an employee out on training – which is great because it lets me get out of my office and do some different types of things.

My Sister is in Kiwi Land – having a great time with Katie, KELSEY and Sandra – Not an empty boot in that crew.

So here’s hoping that when someone offers you the opportunity; you "Fill Yer Boots" fill them high, maybe even catch a fish in them, wouldn't that be a treat – afterall how much fun can you have with Empty Boots…

Could Eat an Apple Through a Picket Fence...

2006-11-14T21:56:00.000-05:00

This is an expression that dad once said about someone who had a Gap in their front teeth, like me or himself or any of my uncles. It’s a funny visual to say the least, and what got me thinking about it, was dad and I building a long awaited fence at my house yesterday.

In July Aaen and I went to Kent with his Truck and picked up four sections of fence, a couple of 4x4s and a couple of Ground spikes, this was necessary as our neighbours “thinned” out the trees that secluded our backyard and deck from the street. So fast forward 5 months of procrastination and it took dad and I a couple of hours to erect the fence, with very little swearing and no major injury –

I have always been a procrastinator, which is actually a fairly silly thing to be – I put off doing the things that I dislike, or things that I don’t see as important – then weeks down the line I assume I’ll be able to get them done – except that they weren’t important and I didn’t want to do them weeks ago, so what has changed? Not much, except that I want to do the thing even less now and me getting it done has become important to someone.

I’ve been making an effort of late to set a goal – a SMART goal and achieve it ASAP – that way I’ll have more time to do the things that I think of as important – which undoubtedly involve Nic, Sophie, Family or Rugby…

Suddenly Sophie...

2006-11-11T18:22:00.000-05:00

I was told at the market today that I need to have more Sophie content - Here you go.

At the Market today

She Found her Toy Box

And Her Love Monkey

Two Headed Monster?

Amor patriae...

2006-11-11T11:11:00.000-05:00

For Love Of Country...

In Flanders Field
By John McCrae
In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lieIn

Flanders fields.Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Growing up, the war was just something that happened, my Grandfather-Thomas Flynn fought in it (So did Nic's Grandfather) there were lots of movies about it, but it never really sunk in that this was the event that shaped the world that we are living in today, it never sunk in until one day in 1999 when I had the honour of touring the D-Day beaches in Normandy.

On that day - everything became real - we were there, Jackman and I ran the beach at St. Aubin Sur Mer, where the North Shore Regiment, stationed in Chatham, NB, had run the beaches, and fought and died so that Canadians could go on living the way we wanted to.

I was blown away by the Canadian cemetery at Beny-Sur-Mer - it was a plot of soil given by the French to Canada for all they did for their country and the world- I've never felt so at home so far away. Then there was the unbearable sadness as we roamed the grave sites, reading all the names (there were many that were known only unto God) and the ages and the short epitaphs that their families back in Canada had sent over as final words for those they loved, and lost.

As far as I'm concerned War is a terrible thing, but oppression is worse, so thank God that there are countries like Canada that are willing to go into places, like France, or Holland or Afghanistan for that matter, and stand up for those that are unable to stand up for themselves.

I remember this poem, as it is written in the Alumni building on the UNB campus and I would walk by it everyday on my way home from class, it is very powerful.

They shall not grow old as we who are left grow old.

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

So today standing in the brilliant sunshine, clapping for those veterans who could still march I felt very proud to be Canadian, and I was glad to see so many people there to show those heros the appreciation that they deserve for their courage and their actions so many years ago, so far away.

November 11, I will remember, how could I possibly forget?

Land of The Long White Cloud...

2006-11-10T06:30:00.000-05:00

Wanderlust - I know I've talked about it before, it runs rampant in my family - kinda. anyways to that end Megs is in New Zealand(Aotearoa) , not the new part of Zealand, just past Burtt's Corner, the country. She has gone down there to meet up with Katie her sister from another mother, best friend. They've also joined forces, it is reported, with the Pride of Taymouth - Kendra and are taking on the North Island as I post.

I actually went to New Zealand, in 1994, it was quite an adventure - New Zealand is rugby heaven - they love the game there and it is everywhere, like hockey here during the playoffs - I played for a club called Ponsonby RFC - they were great to me. I got to play with some future All Blacks (Carlos Spencer), Samoan national team players (Darren Kellett) and a Soap Opera Star (Rene Naufahu). I just looked up Rene and he's also been in the 2nd and 3rd Matrix movies - way to go Rene.

You learn alot about yourself while travelling, I think mainly because you are alone with your thoughts- at least most of the time. You also get to be the person that you sometimes wish you were - because no one from your life is there to tell you what you are, so you surround yourself with fast friends that think you can do whatever it is you want to do, simply because you told them you could - What freedom.

I watched a show the other night that was all about negative self talk, and how damaging it can be to one's self - it was very powerful, and I was glad that I've always had my own back. otherwise I would never have been able to go Bungee Jumping at Taupo, or into the Black Abyss - an underground Caving experience where you absail down a underground waterfall - I have/had a fear of heights, which I conqured at least for those two days , so it was all very awesome.

I know that Meghan and her band of giggling sillies are having a great time, They could have a great time in the Geary woods - so why would I expect anything less from them in The Land of the Long White Cloud - Kia Ora...

Caledonia Homecoming…

2006-11-07T17:30:00.000-05:00

This week as we Brought Sweet Lady Caledonia back to Loyalist park – we are sending a couple of Guys back to Caledonia, literally (Caledonia is the Latin word for the area north of Hadrian’s Wall as named by the Romans so many years ago) we now call it Scotland - a name I also rather enjoy.

Gone are David “Disco Dave” Calder and Jebb “Jeff St. Clair” Sinclair – We had a send off for Dave last night at the Rogue, and I heard that Jebb may have been lost in Translation, or rather Trans-Atlantic transition. These two Scottish bound boys are getting ready to play some more rugby - after helping the Loyalists to provincial, maritime and atlantic titles they are heading to Edinburgh to help Stewarts Melville RFC out for the next 7 or 8 months.

I did hear that Jebb had some issues getting into the UK, I think that they were the very same issues that Richard had getting into Canada - anyways the'll be living together so eventually they'll have to decide who is Oscar, who is Felix and why is Jebb wearing that Pink Cowboy Hat?

The really cool thing is that they don't have to stop playing rugby, and we'll be able to keep track of their progress on the Stewart's Melville Rugby Site
providing that Jebb gets his house in order.

I wish both of you guys the best of luck for a continued successful season - you were both a big part of our success and I hope you bring that across the pond with you...

Caledonia, Caledonia what makes your big head so hard?

Gut Fawkes Night...

2006-11-06T07:30:00.000-05:00

Remember remember the 5th of November,
The Gunpowder, Treason and Plot,
I know of no reason why the gunpowder treason
should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, 'twas his intent
to blow up the King and the Parliament.
Three score barrels of powder below,
Poor old England to overthrow:
By God's providence he was catch'd
With a dark lantern and burning match.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, make the bells ring.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the King!
Hip hip hoorah!

Last night after our return from Kentville we assembled at the clubhouse to go through an ancient ritual - The Bonfire. This bonfire is to remember Guy Fawkes and his bothched attempt to kill the Protestant King and the Lords of England by blowing up the English Houses of Parliament. For the Loyalists it was to get rid of some old fences.

So we Burn things and stand around an look at the Fire - It was also a Full Moon and a Homecoming - Sophie fell asleep in Grampie Mac's arms, a great end to a great weekend. You could also tell who the newfies were, as the Jackman's were out in full force.

Caledonia...

2006-11-04T17:51:00.000-05:00

From the time I started playing rugby this word/entity has been firmly emplanted in my psyche - It's more than a game, it's a whole week complete with superstition, tons of history and well deserved reverance. Sometimes she's a lady, sometimes a lost love - but always special.

1999 - Our First Date (8-0 over Cole Harbour) 2001 - Our Second Date (24-17 over Halifax RFC)
2004 - We Started Going Steady (25-10 over the Halifax Tars)2005- The relationship blossoms (53-0 over the Valley Bulldogs) 2006- The Love affair continues... (51-5 over the Valley Bulldogs)

We went down to Kentville along with what seemed like 50 Loyal Fredericton Fans and played against a very strong Valley Bulldogs team (10-0 record in 2006), it was the end of a long and successful season, we worked very hard and it payed off on Saturday - Si got a well deserved Man of the Match, and did and awesome job chugging Guinness - We had some Caledonia first timers - Thorpe, Jebb, Smash, Chizz, Waters, Furry, Teen Wolf and Calder (our Scottish import).

So we put 2006 to bed,but not before some well earned celebrating, much drink, food, song, dance and merrymaking, all the hardware is where it was when we began the year, we finished with a 13-1 record in fall rugby action (690 points for, 172 Points against) and 20-4 record overall (including exhibition games and the National Club Championships) - that was a good year...

That Caledonia - She's one High Maintenace lady - but worth every second of effort...

The Great Escape...

2006-10-31T12:12:00.000-05:00

Halloween gives us a chance to act like someone else (or at least look like someone else) maybe someone inside of us we wish we could be, maybe someone we are glad we are not– either way it is a great escape (also a good holiday for those in need of Candy).

I think it's good for people to be able to step away from their everyday roles, for short periods, if only to appreciate what they've got, and see that even though the grass may look greener on the other side, the lawn still needs mowing.

I have always loved getting dressed up, and spending tons of my childhood @ the Pacey’s there was no lack of things to dress up as. Peter has heaps of cool things to dress up as. Simon and I would often be police officers, bank robbers, Pirates or hobos or something simple – this may have led me, as an adult to become a huge fan of Halloween – I loved getting outfitted as a super hero, the Flash (As the flash I enjoyed running around downtown, asking people if they needed anything done quickly, only a few got the joke but I was having fun.) , Superman, Wolverine, Robin, Batman – Nic and I have also had some good costumes: The mummies, The Flintstones (the Jackmans were the Rubbles) and this year we were an awesome Witch and a Warlock (Which is a non-Unionized Wizard).

Halloween is a worldwide costume party, or in Australia I guess it would be a Fancy Dress Party? They say that for that day the line between the dead and the living is blurred, so we get dressed up so we don't notice all the ghouls walking around the streets? I don't know - I'm still trying to get rid of the 73 mini bars that didn't get passed out.

Sophie also got into the spirit and was a very scary Dragon - Hope everyone enjoyed their night off, and don't eat all your candy at one sitting...

It was a cold and Windy day...

2006-10-28T19:26:00.000-04:00

"We don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing. "
George Bernard Shaw

I saw this quote earlier this week - I agree - and we're still playing - today we beat the Saint John Trojans 26-7 in a scrappy game. we were up 21-0 at half and we played some solid defence in the second half, in fact we we're actually down to 13 players vs. 15 players for awhile.

Anyways bottom line we won, 3-peated as NB Champs and are headed back to Caledonia again.

Looks like it will be a rematch of the 2005 Caledonia - as the Valley Bulldogs won in Nova Scotia.

So we're headed down to The Valley, another date with Sweet Lady Caledonia. I can't wait...

The Foreign Prophet…

2006-10-27T19:07:00.000-04:00

Dad always said that people would listen and act on the advice of a Foreign Prophet, more readily than they would on the very same advice given by someone familiar to them. I’ve seen many examples of this over the years, such as Rugby Coaches with Accents. They are given instant credibility, while someone you’ve grown up with will have to prove to you that they know something. It’s funny sometimes how the same message said with an accent can have such a different impact. Maybe people assume that since you're not from there you can bring a new outlook to their situation, or you have more knowledge.

So along those lines, this past week, I was running the roads with Nic and Sophie on an Esteem Team Tour– which started in Springhill, led me through River Hebert (pronounced Hibbert), Oxford, North River, Scotsburn, Westville, back to Truro, Stellerton, Thorburn and ended up in East Pictou. It was a great experience and over the 10 presentations I was able to talk to almost 1900 kids.

My message was simple – Set Goals, set them high and then work on a plan to achieve them – I met some fantastic principals and teachers and I visited some great schools – I asked them to share a dream with me, then to work on how to make that dream a reality, and before you know it, they had a goal. A goal is just a dream with a plan afterall. All week I worked on a goal, standing on a exercize ball and completing 5 passes with a volunteer, by Thursday afternoon , I had increased and surpassed my goal, and was able to complete 20 passes before I fell down. While I was trying to entertain the Youth of Nova Scotia - Nicki was entertaining one fussy munchkin (who recently discovered she had arms) back in our Hotel room.

All week we stayed at the Comfort Inns in Amhurst and New Glasgow, nice hotels, awesome continental breakfasts. On Wednesday Morning (6:30 am) while I was eating my Breakfast in the lobby, this guy walked in looking for a hotel room – They told him that they didn’t have any and that he could check back at 11 am – I looked at one of the other people in the lobby and we both said “Wasn’t that JD Fortune?” and it was – the lead singer of INXS couldn’t get a room at the comfort inn, but we had one. I guess that you’re only ever as famous as you are in your hometown.

We were also all able to go visit Uncle Jimmy in the hospital - he's having an Operation this afternooon and my thoughts are with him in Halifax - Sophie got to see her Great Uncle, while in truth so did I.

The Loyalists play the Trojans tomorrow – Should be a Dandy game, Kick off is at 2pm – Rain or Snow…

Tear it down, Build it Bigger…

2006-10-20T08:30:00.000-04:00

I associate this expression with “if it doesn’t Kill you, It will make you stronger”, Both are great expressions that would seem to be rooted in Biology – If you overuse a muscle, it will tear and regenerate itself into a stronger bigger muscle (I’m no Biologist, But my Mother is…) – The same way that you can go through some seemingly horrible event, and you’ll be a stronger person for having survived it.

I was thinking about this yesterday sitting on the Physio Table, with current running through my knee and awaiting ultrasound – I have been in these tiny rooms a lot, because I’ve torn myself down lots of times and counted on people like Gary Keeling to put me physically back together – kinda Humpty Dumpty like. I was thinking how easy it can be to tear ourselves down, and how much determination (and outside help) it can take to build ourselves bigger.

We have all gone through turmoil, faced and overcame challenges, raised ourselves above the mess and moved on to the next challenge. That’s simply called life, the problems arise when people get stuck, when they’ve used themselves all up getting through the challenge, and have nothing left for the rebuilding phase.That's where even the strong need someone to lean on, to help them through, to caryy them if it's needed. Mind you there is a lot of power in failure, let me re-word that, there is a lot of power that can be taken away from a failure. Failure forces us to question, which forces us to find an answer which gives us power over the future, as we now have knowledge about how we failed and conversely what we’ll need to do to succeed – there’s the power of failure for you.

"Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men." - JFK

"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best, if he wins, knows the thrills of high achievement, and, if he fails, at least fails daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat." - JFK

Right now, two very important people in my life sit in hospital beds, both are in the process of building it bigger, The body can only quit when the mind will let it, and I doubt either of these two men have even heard the word quit. All of our thoughts and Prayers are with them, because everybody no matter how strong can use a few prayers.

Get well soon Jimmy and Bill.

It Doesn't Matter Who's Got The Light If You're Not On The Corner...

2006-10-12T22:10:00.000-04:00

This is an expression that Dad borrowed from Doug and The Slugs – when I was young I thought it was talking about a flashlight, but later I figured out that it was talking about lighting a cigarette – either way the message(s) is(are) the same.

One way to look at this would be the old “To each their own” sort of message – where something that has no bearing on your situation, isn’t worth your worry

or spun more positively – where half the battle is just showing up, that we should all Endeavour to be on that metaphorical corner, so that we can all concern ourselves with who brought the flashlight, and where that light is leading us. Maybe we should all strive to be the one with the light, leading the way, lending a hand, but if we think that this role is beyond ourselves we should at least be there, living life to the fullest – waiting for direction. Maybe if we aren't open to a new idea, we'll miss out on something, I strongly dislike missing out on things...

If you don’t Like Martinis, Try Anchovies…

2006-10-10T11:30:00.000-04:00

I was thinking the other day how much harder it is to be something than it is to be nothing, which seems like a deep thought – I think the really hard part is figuring out what it actually is that you want to be, and have the conviction, courage and self-belief to actually do it. “People don’t do what they believe in, they do what’s most convenient then they repent” – Bob Dylan mused on this in Brownville Girl – It always strikes a chord with me and pops into my mind when people complain about their situations. Things can almost always get worse, so worse in fact that you’d gladly go back to situation that you had complained about, considering where you are now.

For instance Gas dropped to $0.88 this past week and people were all so very happy – I remember last year when people would have been outraged to pay $0.88 – that was before we paid $1.25 a litre – now we’d gladly pay anything under a dollar – it doesn’t take that long to appreciate things when they hit you in the pocket book.

I think (or at least I hope) that everybody eventually would like to be something (maybe something more), or at least recognize and appreciate the things they already are.

The reason that this comes on the heels of Thanksgiving is not co-incidental, I was reflecting on this very thought through the chaos that is Thanksgiving Dinner – The whole world seems very crazy at the moment – Nuclear Testing in Korea, Amish Shootings, and the Fact that Canada is at WAR in Afghanistan – I was simply sitting there appreciating the chaos, surrounded by loved ones and great food - enjoying some loud time together.

I’m thankful for all of it- Nicki, Sophie, My Parents, Sisters, Brothers, my family, my friends, Max and Simon, Rugby, Red Wine, cold Coors Light, my job, X Box, Hot Turkey Sandwiches, warm fall days, Snowy Winter nights, grand parents, long hugs, all those people that have touched my life, Aches and Pains, the places I’ve been, the amazing things I’ve seen, My Physio, all my scars, my teachers, Chicken-a-la-King, the Mini Rugby Kids, raking leaves, Vacation, Waterfalls, Rare Steak, Wings at the Rogue, Mowing the Lawn etc… I could go on and on – but these are the things that came to my mind the quickest. I'm thankful for the good and the bad - because that's why I'm who I am, where I am - so being a goal oriented forward looking person, it was nice to be in that moment and enjoy what the now. Like Turkey and Gravy.

As for "If you don’t Like Martinis, Try Anchovies…"Dad said this to me yesterday, while we were discussing Capelin (Tiny Fish from Newfie) and how they didn’t taste very good – he used this expression and indicated that after anchovies anything would taste good - he makes a good point, he usually does...

Bèja - Du...

2006-10-05T16:16:00.000-04:00

This is a new one - Dad said it on Sunday - it deals with Something that has never happened before - These events are very rare - there is a "nothing new under the sun" attitude that exists in this day and age - and most things in our everyday lives have been done somewhere by someone before. Kinda like the opposite of Deja-Vu.

Not this time - The Loyalists won the Aliant Championship in Newfoundland - it was awesome.

Some other big news - My cousin Brian and his lovely wife Tracey had a little Boy Joey Donahue, he weighs 7lb. 2 oz and is doing great.

A couple of Loyalists had birthdays yesterday - "Slippery When Wet" turned 32 and David Calder turned 23ish.

Meghan and Simon came over for some Roast Beast, Portabello Rizotto and Aspergi last night and to spend some time with Sophie. It was a good night. Meghan and the Lady Loylists are off to the Rock this weekend to Play the Dogs and Swilers - good luck ladies.

Loyalists - Atlantic Champs

2006-10-01T17:59:00.000-04:00

For the first time in the history of the Aliant Atlantic League, the home team did not find themselves on the winning end of a championship match. The Fredericton Loyalists bucked the Atlantic Aliant League trend and defeated the Saint John’s Swilers at their home field by a score of 31-19. The match was the Loyalists toughest game of the season, marked by hard hitting and wide-open play.

The Swilers pressed the Loyalists for the first ten minutes of the match, but the loyalists managed to stifle what seemed to be endless attacks and finally gained momentum of their own with an opportune try by Malcolm Reeves. From this point on Fredericton managed to play some of their most inspired rugby of the season and maintained the game’s momentum until late in the match when Saint John’s managed to cross the line to even the gap.

Scoring for the Loyalists on the afternoon were Chris Aaen, who rumbled through after an exciting series of play. Simon Pacey and Chris Hunter also scored for Fredericton with Scott MacAfee converting all four tries and adding a penalty kick to round out the score.

Fredericton was able to set up the Aliant League Championship match by defeating an upstart Mount Pearl Dogs the day before. Under typical Newfoundland wind and rain, the Loyalists gained a hard fought 33-10 win and a much needed bonus point to set up the Championship game versus the Swilers.

Fredericton coach Keith McAlpine was both humbled and elated with the result “I am just amazed at how the guys played today, and cannot tell you how exciting it is to win this cup on Newfoundland soil for the first time. The guys are battered and bruised, but not one of them is complaining right now. What a team effort.”

Fredericton now regroups for a shot at the historic Caledonia Cup, the symbol of Maritime bragging rights. The cup goes through Saint John, which means there is still some high end rugby to play in New Brunswick during the month of October.

This Rocks...

2006-10-01T09:09:00.000-04:00

Just a quick update from Newfieland - The Loyalists beat the Dogs yesterday 33-10 - The dogs were up 10-7 at half - but we played well and the scrum took over in the second half - we've set ourselves up for a Championship final today against the swilers at 2pm newfie time. I'll post a score as soon as I can get back to the computer.

This is the longest i've been away from my girls in a long time and I miss them like crazy - I'll be coming home soon babies.

Good Things Come in Small Packages... (Reprise)

2006-09-29T07:07:00.000-04:00

Today is my Mom's birthday - Here are some of my favorite mom shots.

She is a fantastic lady, her kids' biggest fan, a wonderful Grandmother and she always told me that good things come in small packages, she'd know, she is a small package herself.

Mom, because you are who you are, I became who I am.

I Love you Mom, have a great day.
p.s. - Mom decided that if the Loyalists weren't going to be able to do the Run for the cure - that she'd take it on herself and join the Tractors and Equipement team - She has raised over $1200 and will be running to cure breast cancer on sunday - great work Mom, we're very proud of you.

Out On Spree...

2006-09-28T11:28:00.000-04:00

The Loyalists are Heading over to Newfieland for the weekend - so in that spirit, here's the best story dad ever told me about Newfies.

Two Newfies travel to Calgary looking for work, when they landed they had $500 between them, they found the least expensive place they could for $400, the next thing they decided to do was buy a car, they went to the used car lot, but there were no cars that cheap – the owner decided that he’s have a bit of pity on these guys and he sold them a camel for $50 – the Newfies were excited, the had a place to stay and a way to get around – so to celebrate they decide that they go on spree – the headed down to a local watering hole on Electric Ave., tied their camel to the parking meter and went inside to enjoy some drinks.

A few hours, and many drinks later our heros stumbled out of the bar penniless, only to discover that there camel was gone – they were horrified and started to scream for the constabulary, who brought them downtown to get a description of the stolen camel.

So they started into the description of the camel, echoing each other’s comments – IT WAS BROWN, yeah it was brown , HAD FOUR LEGS, yep four of em, BAD BREATH – Lord TUNDERIN” your right there – the police them asked if it had any distinguishing features – the Newfies hummed and hawed and finally one of them said “ OUR CAMEL HAD TWO ASSHOLES” – the other newfie looked shocked and gazed at his friend with a blank expression, just then the Police officer asked – “Did you see this yourself” , and the slack jawed newfie looked at his buddy and said – “well did ya”

The other newfie said, proud as punch “NOPE, BUT WHILE WE WERE RIDING DOWN TO THE BAR, I HEARD SOME FELLA SAY – LOOK AT THOSE TWO ASSHOLES ON THAT CAMEL”

Anywho - we play the dogs on Saturday and the Swilers on Sunday should be quite a weekend that will deserve a Spree come Sunday night.

This guy has just finished his spree

As You Wish...

2006-09-27T07:07:00.000-04:00

Storybook Love by Willie DeVille (From Princess Bride)

Come my love, I'll tell you a tale
of a boy and girl, and their love story,
and how he loved her oh, so much,
and all the charms she did possess.

My love is like a storybook story.
But it's as real as the feelings I feel.
My love is like a storybook story.
But it's as real as the feelings I feel;
it's as real as the feelings I feel.

Now this did happen once upon a time
When things were not so complex,
And how he worshipped the ground she walked.
When he looked in her eyes, he became obsessed.

This love was stronger than the powers so dark,
A prince could have within his keeping;
His spells to weave and steal a heart
Within her breast, but only sleeping.

He said, "Don't you know I love you oh, so much,
And lay my heart at the foot of your dress?"
She said, "Don't you know that storybook loves
Always have a happy ending?"

Then he swooped her up, just like in the books,
And on his stallion they rode away.

Today is our third anniversary - Three fantastic years with many many more to come.

Nicki, As you wish...

Squirrels...

2006-09-25T23:11:00.000-04:00

This is the expression that dad has always used for the UNB rugby teams - we played them last Friday night - it was a very fun and entertaining game - fast paced and probably the best we've played all season - the Final Score was 51-24, but it felt alot closer and we poured it on at the end.

When I asked dad why he calls them squirrels - I thought it may be that the beaver on the UNB emblem looks more like a fluffly tailed tree climber, than a dam building tree eater - he replied " no - it's because they run around on the hill all day playing with their nuts"

I laughed - it's funny stuff.

When I first started playing for the Loyalists - UNB was a full fledged member of the NBRU senior A Divison - and they beat us on more than a few occasions - and when ever we played it was always the battle for Fredericton.

We've worked hard to build up a collaborative relationship with UNB over the past few years and I think it has paid off already (Two atlantic titles in 2005) and will continue to pay dividends long into the future with a talented player pool crossing the bridge to come over and play at Loyalist Park. This year we have had quite a few UNB Players play with the Loyalists, both alumni and current players, and we hope that they come back for many years. Cass is coming with us to NFLD this coming weekend - so the tradition continues.

I no longer think of them as Squirrels - now I've started to think of them all as potential Loyalists...

It's Go Time...

2006-09-22T06:09:00.000-04:00

This Game is going to be fun to watch, UNB has alot of talent and it should be a great test for us, we are raising money to go to Newfoundland next week to defend our Atlantic Championship and are selling "Cheap Date Night" Tickets at the game - the prize is $50 at Boston Pizza, Two movie passes at Empire Theatres and a night at the Amsterdam Inn - they cost 1 for $3, 2 for $5 or 5 for $10. There will also be a pair of Sloan tickets (tonight's show) up for Raffle - please come over and enjoy "Happy Hour" on the Burm.

Flush Twice, It's a Long Way to the Cafeteria...

2006-09-21T06:45:00.000-04:00

Dad said this quite a bit when I was growing up, and I've heard it quite often as an adult as well - I never really put that much thought into it's meaning until last week. One of Dad's university friends "Benton" used this expression, and I think dad adopted it, or the other way around.

So after some thought, here's my take on it - this expression is used when someone isn't being completely truthful, as if what they are saying could be better suited to a toilet - it may also be a reflection of the quality of food at St. FX - or any cafeteria for that matter, and since it's rumoured that 85% of what is served at a cafeteria is of unknown origin - maybe we've cleared up 15 or 20 % of that mystery???

Anywho - on a personal note, I've always thought Cafeteria's got a bum rap - I love Cafeteria food, but then again I'm a big fan of airline food and Chef Boy-r-dee - so really who am I to say.

It's Thursday Morning and the weekend looms large, Rugby on Friday Night (IRONMEN Vs. LOYALISTS - 5:30 pm Kickoff at Loyalist Park), Karen's baby Shower on Saturday in Moncton, and Sunday to ourselves (although there is a STU alumni Game at the clubhouse at 2pm) -

Sophie is going to be 6 months old on Saturday as well - exciting times

Make Hay While The Sun Shines...

2006-09-19T07:07:00.000-04:00

Dad used to always say this, I always assumed that it referred to taking an opportunity to do something when the time was correct - It's also most likely a very old expression that most likely has it's roots in the fall Harvest. This past weekend was the annual Harvest Jazz and Blues festivoulé in Freddy Beach and it is a very electric time for the city, between Wednesday's Free Concert and Sundaty's Free concert there are hundreds of awesome acts and thousands of eager Harvest Jazz and Boozers. Meghan was heavily involved this year, I think she was the co-chair of the committee that sold the artist's CD's - and she was pictured in the Daily Gleaner today "making hay"

We were on the road this past weekend , after the rugby game in Surf City, we headed out to Rothesay to hang out with Red, Vic, Jack and Ava - It was a nice visit filled with good company, good food and tons of laughs. (What more could you ask for)

Speaking of taking our opportunity the Loyalists Held off a late surge and Simon punctuated a tough fought 22-11 win over the Trojans, with a 50 m gallop to score under the posts - it was a nice way to end the game. The score was 15-11 at that point, so it gave us some breathing room after a hard 80 minutes. Next up we've got UNB this Friday night at Loyalist Park. Looks like some of the Trojans thought of themselves as combines (Harvest Theme) and "Raked" up Aaen's Back.

Moday was also a Provincial Election in Newbie, with Shawn Graham's Liberals beating Bernard Lord's Conservatives - by a score of 29-26, it was a close game - but the red's pulled it out in the end. I always find it odd watching TV coverage of an election - that they call a winner 45 minutes after the polls close,(yet it still takes the USA a week and a half to come up with the results) - Anyways after 4 years of integration, which combined my dept with housing and Social services - I'm sure we'll get a new name and a new direction - but that's good I'm all about adjusting to changes. Hopefully New Brunswick will come out as the ultimate winner.

My guess it that they were bailing hay in Kent County last night.

More Fun Than a Barrel of Monkeys...

2006-09-14T12:12:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is Jackman's Birthday - he'll be 33 - This isn't one of dad's expressions - but he's said it I'm sure, and it applies perfectly to Jackman. Jackman (Lots of people don't know his first name) is one of the most fun people I know - he's silly, witty and smart - Tough combo to pull off, but he manages - he's also busy - he's got three boys, a lovely wife and two cats.

The above picture is us with his youngest boy - and my godson - Maxwell Theodore - he's tall, has big blue eyes and is blond - he's going to be a handfull in a few years - watch out ladies.

This expression has always puzzeled me a bit - I don't know if you've ever actually sat down and played with a barrel of monkeys (The Toy) but they aren't terribly exciting, you string them together - that's about it - but If you were talking about a barrel of actual monkeys (Chimps), that you opened, after being cooped up in a barrel for any period of time - I'm sure they's be up for some fun and into just about everything.

The chimp thought was what got me thinking about this story - one night while returning home from downtown, we (Jackman and I) decided that the shortest distance between two points (King St. and Beaverbrook St.) was a straight line - and to be efficient we had to cut through some backyards, for the most part this was easy - but we came upon a chain link fence behind one of our friend's apartments - it was going to take some monkey skills, so we went to climbing this fence, and just as Jackman was pulling himself up on top of the fence, his shirt caught a snag, and ripped - he wasn't happy as it was a Roots shirt with a Canada Flag on the front - anyways - he looked up and saw this great tree limb a few feet away - I had just climbed to the top as well and he says "watch this" so he dove out LIKE A CHIMP, grabbed the branch, swung under, everything was going perfectly, when I hear a loud "SNAP" and I see Jackman plummeting earthward, laying flat out, still holding the branch, which was now more of a souvenir - he landed flat on his back ( from about 7 feet up) - I jumped down at the same time to help him out, and a few of those motion lights turned on - Jackman popped to his feet and the two of us, fueled by adreneline sprinted out of that backyard and onto the street. We laughed the entire way home, but decided to stick to the streets, the walk may have been longer, but it wouldn't be as dangerous, or funny.

So here's a Happy Birthday wish for you my Friend: May all your rebounds be that quick, all your landings soft and may you celebrate all your birthdays surrounded by the people who love you.

Have a great day buddy!

I May Have Been Born Yesterday, But I Wasn't Born at a Quarter to Six this Morning...

2006-09-12T22:10:00.000-04:00

Dad always says this about being gullible, but not stupid. Kinda like the fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice shame on me thing. Yesterday was the 5 year anniversary of the 9-11 attacks on NYC and the Pentagon- I can't believe it's been 5 years, on that day I was stuck outside as the Feds were on strike and put up a picket line that we weren't allowed to cross, so we got vague reports of these accidents/attacks on the street - when we finally got into the building the everyone was glued to the computers seeking out info on what was actually going on. it was only 11 years prior, after I finished writing my last exam @ FHS in the spring of 1989, Mal, Red, Ferg, Gerry and I drove down to NYC, and we were actually up on the top of the WTC, so watching as those ginormous towers disintergrate was overwhelming.

The world is alot more wary these days, not as accepting, quicker to judge - these acts of unimaginable horror changed the way that alot of people think of our world, which is a shame, on the other hand we discovered there are real life superheros that day. That's what I try to remember, the amazing people that did what they had to do to get through what they had to get through, I mourn for those that lost their lives and pray for the ones they left behind, but mostly I hope for a better tomorrow.

In actual fact the only difference in my day to day life is that I have a security tag to get into work (which I forget at least two days a week) , Gas is more expensive and I have friends on the other side of the world trying to make the world a better place by helping to rebuld and bring peace to a region of the world, that hasn't enjoyed it in centuries.

Yesterday was also Awareness' birthday, but on that fateful day she proclaimed that she was going to change her birthday to the 12th, but if you ask her she was actually born yesterday... (and no one will ever forget her birthday again)

Rage Against The Dying of the Light...

2006-09-11T22:10:00.000-04:00

DO NOT GO GENTLE INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT

Do not go gentle into that good night,

Old age should burn and rave at close of day;

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,

Because their words had forked no lightning

they Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright

Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,

And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,

Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight

Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,

Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears,

I pray. Do not go gentle into that good night.

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Doggedly Determined...

2006-09-09T07:07:00.000-04:00

I guess the expression stems from Man's best friend - the dog, who never gives up, and always aims to please, to keep up the chase until they've found the fox, or until they get that Milk Bone.

This is another one of those "Hard Wired" things - when someone mentions determination - the little voice always echos "Doggedly Determined" - I must have heard it enough growing up that it's written on the back of my mind.

Determination is a fantastic quality, and I see real examples daily in my job, people succeding through sheer tenacity, against adversity to reach a goal that is constantly an arm's length away. I also see everyday examples of those that except what is told or given to them, and concede to the life that they've been handed rather than strive towards what they actually want their life to be.

There's something great to be said for NOT getting what you want, but there's nothing good you can say about accepting it. The world wouldn't be the way it is if people didn't fight through obstacles - those that are most admired now were once thought of as only-Brave and Crazy.

Stand Up or Onomatopoeias...

2006-09-08T23:11:00.000-04:00

From the above clip, you'd think that I was doing some of the best and most witty standup ever written, but in actual fact I was simply making silly sounds, the only other people that I know that would actually enjoy these noises as much as Sophie - are Aaen,Jackman and Simon after a week on the road together, because as we all know after a week out - everything is pure gold.

Enjoy the weekend

What Is The Nature of Your Request...

2006-09-08T18:02:00.000-04:00

My dad used to always ask this of us when we were asking him a question, it taught me early on not to assume that we knew the why - as in why the person that was asking you for something was actually asking you. For example if someone asked you if you could do a favour for them, instead of immediately saying "sure no sweat" - you ask the all important question - "What is the nature of your request?" That way if someone was going to ask you if you could, for instance, clean out a horse barn, or some equally glamourous chore, you'd have the option of saying "no thanks", but if you say "yes" first - you'll end up smelling like an ass, or a donkey, or a horse...

on the other hand Dad also imparted on me the value of helping people out with things that they are doing, two hands make a lighter load and so forth - the value that I see in helping others is, if you've shared in the struggle, you can more closely appreciate the outcome.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained...

The Loyalists head down to Moncton tomorrow to play the Black Tide - I'm still not game ready, but I'll be there to share in the struggle.

"Life is not simply a slow journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely at the end in a pretty and well preserved body, rather your should live so that when you come to the end you'll skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaim "WooHoo -- What a Ride!"

Yes Sir, No Sir, Three Bags Full Sir...

2006-09-07T16:00:00.000-04:00

Dad always uses this expression on how to deal with authority figures - such as Refs, or Police Officers - but these last few nights My boss has become my lovely daughter Sophie - she has decided that she should be awake all night or at least wake up every hour to make sure that her dutiful employees are on the job.

It's hard to be angry when your boss looks at you like this -

The new expression might be - Yes Sophie, No Sophie, Three Diapers Full Sophie!

Although in the back of my mind I have always thought that the Bags that dad was talking about are filled with the same contents as the diapers...

The Size of a Small European Automobile...

2006-09-05T02:11:00.000-04:00

Today is unofficially the end of Summer, although it's been 12 years since I've been in school (UNB) , Labour Day always seems like a sad day to me. Not that it really is, I love fall, I love the hot days and cool nights, I love the smell of fall (Smells like rugby) and I love the new TV season is right around the corner. (I've recently become quite taken with the show "Grey's Anatomy" , it's a good show, and I've had a hole in my TV watching schedule since Third Watch ended, it premieres Sept. 21st. )

It's been a crappy day, Nic and I are both coming down with the Flu I think, maybe it's allergies, but my body aches and I've had a headache since I woke up - Sophie may also have a touch of something, because she has been up all day and very fussy -it was a marathon day of tv and we watched about 600 episodes of Project Runway today, there was also a CSI, CSI Miami, Beverly Hills 90210 and Friends Marathons on - but we decided on Project Runway.

The Loyalists won on Saturday 98-13, We all watched the game from under the scoreboard - It was a good performance but we still have to improve, because to win the Aliant league you have to win two on the rock, and winning one is a tough ask, just ask the Trojans, or the Prarie Fire or the Americans - anyways we're gearing up for Moncton this week, they are a strong club and it should be a good game.

On the Wedding front Danielle and Jamie's wedding was a smash. The bride and Groom looked awesome as you can plainly see, and I'm sure everybody had a great time, it's hard not too when the Flynn's get together.

Anywho to the title of the Blog - this is how my head feels on account of this headache, like a small european automobile - I always heard Dad say this about things that were bigger than they should be, but small never the less - I always thought that the cars in Europe were the same size as in North America, that is until we rented a car in Normandy in 1999. The car we rented was a Vauxhall and we tried to seat Dad, Jackman and Myself in the back of it as we toured the D-Day beaches, the car was a midsize, but I wouldn't like to see the compact, as to seat the three of us in the back seat, we had to roll down the windows and each have an arm out, we must have looked quite funny.

These Are The Days...

2006-09-02T10:07:00.000-04:00

Today is my Cousin Jamie's wedding, He is marrying Danielle in Nova Scotia, We wish we could have been there, he's one of the most fun (I was thinking funnest, but that's not a word) people I have ever known - On our honeymoon he caught up with us for a wild day at the Canada Vs. New Zealnad Rugby Match - I hadn't seen him in awhile and it was a fantastic gift. I wish you all the happiness in the world, wedding days are awesome - one of those special days when everything is perfect, no matter what happens, simply because you are with the ones that you love the most and you'll remember every second of today for all of your tomorrows.

Here is a little thing that is written on a bench by Chapman Field at UNB - I thought of it when I saw this picture, for some reason, I think it's the take time to Play part, but I don't know for sure, anyways have a great one...

Take time to think;
it is the source of power.

Take time to read;
it is the foundation of wisdom.

Take time to play;
it is the secret of staying young.

Take time to love and be loved;
it is God's greatest gift.

Take time to laugh;
it is the music of the soul.

Take time to dream;
it is what the future is made of.

and lastly a picture of Sophie because I can't resist

Two Haircuts for the Price of One...

2006-09-01T13:10:00.000-04:00

Dad would always say this no matter how much or how little of your hair you had cut off - I catch myself saying it to people who have gotten their hair cut and I laugh, not because it's super clever, but simply for the fact that it's what pops out of my mouth and it seems I have little to no control over it.

I had a great response to the poem from last week so now I've decided to post another - it's good - a Robert Service poem - which was required reading on Beaverbrook St. growing up -

The Rhyme of the Restless Ones

We couldn’t sit and study for the law;
The stagnation of the bank we couldn’t stand;
For our riot blood was surging, and we didn’t need much urging
To excitements and excesses that are banned.
So we took to wine and drink and other things,
And the devil in us struggled to be free;
Till our friends rose up and wrath, and they printed us the path,
And they paid our debts and packed us o’er the sea.

Oh, they shook us off and shipped us o’er the foam,
To the larger lands that lure a man to roam;
And we took the chance they gave
Of a far and foreign grave,
And we bade good-by for evermore to home.

And some of us are climbing on the peak,
And some of us are camping on the plain;
By pine and palm you’ll find us with no claim to bind us,
By track and trail you’ll meet us once again.

We are fated serfs to freedom – sky and sea;
We have failed where slummy cities overflow;
But the stranger ways of earth know our pride and know our worth,
And we go into dark as fighters go.

Yes, we go into the night as brave men go,
Though our faces they be often streaked with woe;
Yet we’re hard as cats to kill,
And our hearts are reckless still,
And we’ve danced with death a dozen times or so…

We are playing Rugby tomorrow at 3pm - Megs plays at 1pm, both teams are playing the Tars - should be a great day at the park - see you all there, new haircut or not...