Friday, April 28, 2006

My friend Dennis

My friend Dennis was a weird guy. Not really the type I would normally hang out with, but he just seemed to fit in. He was short, stocky, rather disgusting at times, but had endearing qualitities that made him instantly likeable. Our group of friends connected in High School, and there were five of us that were basically inseparable.

Dennis had many loves in his life, some would consider them frivolous: video games, pretty girls, the Miami Dolphins, and Van Halen, to name a few. He would call them essential. He was so irritating that it made you want to give him a hug.

He moved to Florida almost 10 years ago now, and subsequently to Georgia, but whenever we'd talk on the phone, or one of us would make the trip, it was like no time had passed. Whenever those of us in Canada would get together, we would always reflect on the past antics of Dennis. Even as some of us got married and started having kids, Dennis was not only in another country, but seemingly a different set of circumstances.

He had a couple girlfriends, but no serious relationships. He worked in construction, while most of us were professionals. We all came from relatively stable homes, where his dad was in prison and mom was a raving bitch who wanted nothing to do with him.

The last time he was here, we got a picture of my wife, and our good friend, who were both about 7 months pregnant, and Dennis, all sitting on the sofa exposing their bellies. He was just that kind of guy.

He was one of my best friends.

Dennis was killed in a car accident on Saturday, age 31.

None of us here found out until last night (Dennis' brother was going through the names on Dennis' cell phone, and called my other friend to let him know what had happend). The memorial service was yesterday in Georgia, and I feel like none of the people who really loved him were there for it.

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Freedom is nice

Earlier this week, I finished marking my 52 essay-style exams (one more than I thought I had) and submitted the grades to the prof. On the weekend, I polished off my 22 page research paper that was worth 50 per cent of my final grade for my course.

This week, means that I am free. Off of my plate are those two albatrosses (teaching, and learning - BOOOOO!) that have been weighing me down for the last six months. I mean, I was busy to begin with (hectic work schedule, looking after family, playing in a band at least once a week, and other extra-curricular activities), so I sometimes wonder why I made the decision to teach this year as well.

Oh well, it's all done now. No more worries (well, I am doing independent study work for my MEd this spring/summer, but at least no structured classes).

Oh, and did I mention I was going here next week?:



I'll be sure to post photos when I get back.

In the meantime, I think I may start a "Niagara Peep Meet" blog in the next week. Send me an e-mail if you want to be added to the list of peeps with the addy.

Friday, April 21, 2006

Today, is two weeks to paradise.

I leave for my vacation to the Bahamas two weeks from today... and I'm totally unprepared for it. Which might be a good thing, because I might enjoy it that much more if it sneaks up on me.

We are flying to Nassau, and then taking a 2-hour ferry to one of the out-islands where we will be staying at my aunt's beach house. First (flight) vacation with the baby (well, 14-month old... not so much a baby anymore).

It's also my first real vacation in far too long... goodness, almost three years now. I love to travel, but don't do it often enough. I was hoping to get to the west coast in June (*waves to Catt*), but that fell through.

It's funny how I love to travel, because none of my family or friends are the same way. I guess I'm just a free spirit.

Thursday, April 20, 2006

Weird things meme.

Okay, everybody else is doing this, so I'm considering myself tagged by Catt.

Here are the rules-

1. Reveal six weird facts/things/habits about yourself and then tag six people

2. Leave a "You're Tagged!" comment to let the people you have tagged know they have to reveal six things (or the entire blogosphere will explode and it will be their fault)

3. Leave a comment HERE to let me know when you have completed your mission

SIX THINGS

1. I am totally self-concious about what I wear. I need constant reassurance that I look okay, and I make occassional trips to the washroom throughout the day to make sure I don't have something on my face, or my shirt is not tucked in properly. I'm sure there is a proper name for this disorder, but I just call it freakish.

2. I am a terrible procrastinator. If I think I can get away with not doing something, I will usually put it off. Unfortunately, I don't just do this for little stuff either. I have nearly lost a job over it, and come close to failing courses in school. Thankfully, I'm also a good bullshitter.

3. If I could live on a beach, I would. I even keep a little vial of Caribbean sand on my desk.

4. I always have kleenex with me. In my pockets, or in my work bag. I don't go anywhere without some form of tissue on me. You never know when you're going to have a sneezing fit, right? Who wants to be unprepared?

5. I love shopping. Is that wrong for a guy? I can go to a mall for two hours and be totally happy.

6. I can't stand anyone hanging out in the doorway of my cubicle. I lose it. I'm extremely jaded and bitter about having to work in a cubicle to begin with, so people should understand that my last bit of sanctity is the doorway leading to this little crap hole. So don't think you can't stand in said space to chat with whomever about whatever your day may hold, because frankly? I'll kick your ass.

I feel much better now.

Oh, and I tag all of you. Consider this a virtual slap on the butt.

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Oooh... two posts in one day

So here we are. Thanks to all you folks who've already stopped by and said hi. Make sure you tell your friends and family to stop by. I'll be here all week, with two-for-one cocktails on Friday.

I've been registered since last fall on Blogspot, but never bothered to get up and running. Recently, I became so enamoured with Catt Poop (now, doesn't that sound weird?) that I finally decided to take the plunge.

At any rate, I am watching the Toronto Raptors reach a new level of sucktitude in their final game of the season, and then I am going to bed. It's hard to know the team that I looked so forward to is still sucking so many years later. I was actually at their first ever game (vs. the New Jersey Nets), and have the commerative ticket/plaque to show for it.

Never mind the 51 exams I have to have graded by Monday. I'll start them tomorrow.
Okay, so here we go. This blog is alive. ALIVE! Mwuhahahaha.

Anyways, not sure how this will go, but let's give 'er a try.

Welcome to the Land O' Meemo.