tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-146654442024-03-07T05:02:51.443-05:00filling gaps in time and spaceThis blog is the an evolutionary revealing of the engima that is Meemo. Take it for what it's worth. But since this is a free hosting service, I imagine it's not worth much.kevingrouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07410539997243296935noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14665444.post-22558907721421232582009-09-16T15:05:00.002-04:002009-09-16T15:23:59.509-04:00Because a certain someone....... figured it was time for peeps to update, here I am, after many months hiatus. <br /><br />Work is insane, as we're launching a new website on Monday, all the students are back to class, we're doing a major brand rollout, and recruitment season is knocking on our door.<br /><br />On a completely side note, I'm back to looking at jobs down south. I have applied for a job in Miami. It's an absolute pipe dream, but I have a couple of acquaintances that work there and I've been told I would definitely be granted a phone interview (given my experience).<br /><br />It would be good because it's very close to my family in the Bahamas, but we'd be leaving ALL of our immediate family back here in Canada (including all the grandparents).<br /><br />It's jumping the gun a bit with all this speculation (again... you may recall I went through all this last year too), but I want to prepare myself (and my family) for whatever might come. I just can't get away from the feeling that I'm not meant to live in a cold climate.<br /><br />Sigh. Otherwise, everything is going great. Work is busy, kids are busy (Maddie just started junior kindergarten this week. It's killing me to see her go off to school everyday).kevingrouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07410539997243296935noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14665444.post-9144702104308464972009-01-27T11:04:00.002-05:002009-01-27T11:14:12.997-05:00CommitmentI'm realizing (okay, maybe I've known for awhile) that I have commitment issues. Another way of saying that is that I'm a procrastinator in the worst sense.<br /><br />Evidence point #1: my blog. I haven't updated in more than a month.<br /><br />Evidence point #2: I still have benefits claims for some ancillary services from 2007 that I never submitted. It's money that belongs to me, but I just never got around to claiming it. It's always on my "to do" list, but hasn't been done yet.<br /><br />Evidence point #3: My thesis. I finished my coursework last January. I still haven't really started my thesis proposal yet. That's a whole year wasted.<br /><br />*sigh*<br /><br />I hate this personality trait. <br /><br /><br />On another completely unrelated note, our satellite signal disappeared yesterday. Because of our schedules, the earliest we could have someone come in is tomorrow afternoon. That's a full 2.5 days without TV. Did I mention we have a 4 and 2 yr old in the house?<br /><br />It's like we're on Survivor or something. My only hope is that it gets restored before LOST comes on Wednesday.kevingrouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07410539997243296935noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14665444.post-42306688192237423072008-12-18T15:29:00.006-05:002008-12-18T15:56:02.217-05:00Not sure if anybody is still checking here...I've been thinking about blogging quite a bit lately, but alas, just haven't gotten to it.<br /><br />So here's a few small nutshell items for those who might pop by.<br /><br />1) I didn't get the job (see below). But the guy who did (he came from Calgary) is great - we get along well, and he is helping me re-write my job description which will include a new title and raise in pay. So not all is lost.<br /><br />2) Had a great trip to Florida for my conference back in November. Here's a pick of me, DW, and a couple friends with our rental car (and yes, it's a convertible):<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBW-tSym09rKk0j8CATLRwWRINicI8I6RJMPfORfrqyp6C_wIO7ah9NRr-UZriqq-d7rhBL9jvxBYJmDTw2BlopcvAYVYGGcoQuLU4w_n3W0oFkwJCk23d1UQXptXM3dH6e4C/s1600-h/3015285419_bfffc83490.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBW-tSym09rKk0j8CATLRwWRINicI8I6RJMPfORfrqyp6C_wIO7ah9NRr-UZriqq-d7rhBL9jvxBYJmDTw2BlopcvAYVYGGcoQuLU4w_n3W0oFkwJCk23d1UQXptXM3dH6e4C/s320/3015285419_bfffc83490.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281231490463712018" /></a><br /><br />3) I sent out my SS gift, but with this being my first time, I don't think I was secretive enough, or included enough -- I meant to send through a card, but forgot :-( I hope my giftee does enjoy the things I sent though.<br /><br />4) DD was in her first ever Christmas concert recently for her pre-school. Isn't she adorable (she's in the middle in the plaid skirt)?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyZG2njbD3D39UiTLuOYMmQ6PEaSm1oomkZiFM_AFUbgEVZxjUrewYj49zeaX1hSp_1FaFEvKkGlKZAoxiHGiknwdve0lBz1wPjPCId8oyoajvoaa5kYeYAOQwiqwW9iSvC8R/s1600-h/n659901415_2212032_8641.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyZG2njbD3D39UiTLuOYMmQ6PEaSm1oomkZiFM_AFUbgEVZxjUrewYj49zeaX1hSp_1FaFEvKkGlKZAoxiHGiknwdve0lBz1wPjPCId8oyoajvoaa5kYeYAOQwiqwW9iSvC8R/s320/n659901415_2212032_8641.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281233052819414738" /></a><br /><br />And not to be outdone, here is DS (who was observing the concert):<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxLcx5JxbsOtWv_okBFITfvGROpsANCqHsT7x-bLiyZ2v4tKpKb-BdZlGdnP0Q8Mh3Ce6iUSVxfpF6Da-pv7IGxTS0hKOmA1B1QD9dJTHJKCXV5JnXxp0oEMxCccFHw9moK1I/s1600-h/n659901415_2212036_9565.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxLcx5JxbsOtWv_okBFITfvGROpsANCqHsT7x-bLiyZ2v4tKpKb-BdZlGdnP0Q8Mh3Ce6iUSVxfpF6Da-pv7IGxTS0hKOmA1B1QD9dJTHJKCXV5JnXxp0oEMxCccFHw9moK1I/s320/n659901415_2212036_9565.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281233682741612674" /></a><br /><br />5) I had a good TV week last week. Nick and Starr won TAR. Nico won SYTYCD Canada. Then Bob wins Survivor. And then Michelle wins The Biggest Loser. That's an unprecedented 4/4 in reality series for people I wanted to win. Yay!<br /><br />6) Speaking of TV, LOST starts soon. Woot!<br /><br />7) There is way too much chocolate flowing into our office lately for the holidays. Wait, let me correct that. There is never <span style="font-style:italic;">too</span> much chocolate, but there is lots of it around here.<br /><br />8) I purchased some shoes the other day from DSW.com. Love 'em, and got a good deal on 'em. Any other good online retailers that you know of?<br /><br />9) Just celebrated my 5-yr match with my Little Brother. He's in high-school now. *sniffle* It's incredible how quickly they grow up. *sniffle*<br /><br />10) We're giving a lot of gifts (and asking others to "give" to us) charitable donations this year. One of our favourites is plancanada.ca, where you can buy everything from a pig for a family in Mozambique to the full immunization for a community in Bolivia. I love it!kevingrouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07410539997243296935noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14665444.post-21532518700119119012008-10-30T11:07:00.002-04:002008-10-30T11:17:14.554-04:00Job interviewI interviewed yesterday for a promotion. I would basically be the manager in charge of my current position in addition to about 4 others (and possibly more) with a nice pay raise.<br /><br />It's a position I've been lobbying for (well, a modified version) for the past three-years.<br /><br />My concern is that the modifications that were made to the position (heavy emphasis on Marketing, where I only have marginal experience). <br /><br />But I think I did really well in the interview (uh oh... is that the kiss of death? :-) I know 4 out of the 5 people on the interview panel quite well.<br /><br />Now it's wait and see. I'm in Tampa next week for a conference, but they said it will be a couple of weeks before the process is done.<br /><br />Now, I wait.kevingrouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07410539997243296935noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14665444.post-46005740004739534372008-10-14T13:28:00.006-04:002008-10-14T14:36:52.371-04:00The hiatus......is over.<br /><br />Been a hectic few weeks, with the start of school (work gets considerably busier), a trip to Newfoundland (which was awesome) and just general craziness that encompasses my life. I was going to post something more serious or deep, but let's reflect on my vacation instead. We went for 2 weeks. I could have stayed for many more.<br /><br />IMHO, if you ever get the opportunity to go to St. John's, Newfoundland? Go.<br /><br />An amazing city in an amazing place. <br /><br />Here's a beautiful girl overlooking a beautiful harbour:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRX3cAQ0ixsKuCgoY8RUYzCVCc7_UpNt5vSxQsKlC03VcVbBvzpqiBEVYIZcEj8AGu9r2ps3XXytSxNv5PgmMW403VzkFjc09qlEjPtO0ok9VXMtjW9zPWgrzMv9qLh5sKJ43b/s1600-h/n659901415_1853789_4088.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRX3cAQ0ixsKuCgoY8RUYzCVCc7_UpNt5vSxQsKlC03VcVbBvzpqiBEVYIZcEj8AGu9r2ps3XXytSxNv5PgmMW403VzkFjc09qlEjPtO0ok9VXMtjW9zPWgrzMv9qLh5sKJ43b/s320/n659901415_1853789_4088.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257077249398848498" /></a><br /><br />A view of "The Battery" in St. John's<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSPJ_PU37Mtid2brjVQb1Ia6GVWOvRq3FhaeqL2fe9BfYsIwSc5cMmv1fcuItnxW8Khb6S_pOpwLuarFRzgN48wpOtlZPGJOJUYrEwyZ3qtTOwFO8iGZcPfvzkwo34OZ2ZLZK/s1600-h/n659901415_1882941_8334.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSPJ_PU37Mtid2brjVQb1Ia6GVWOvRq3FhaeqL2fe9BfYsIwSc5cMmv1fcuItnxW8Khb6S_pOpwLuarFRzgN48wpOtlZPGJOJUYrEwyZ3qtTOwFO8iGZcPfvzkwo34OZ2ZLZK/s320/n659901415_1882941_8334.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257077253580942962" /></a><br /><br />One of my artsy-fartsy landscape shots:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMrl2cj0UkrpCUyf2TUtpsK3peGEY6JNwZlfwHuUdsLwKbJEXwf5N27vxQUi9Fx7HjPk6RxGg1mnJV8cVwi06TZOevEbFADCHynD3nyoDppCkKd7cwHOE1XYA2Oz-wAzGH18r/s1600-h/n659901415_1882943_108.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMrl2cj0UkrpCUyf2TUtpsK3peGEY6JNwZlfwHuUdsLwKbJEXwf5N27vxQUi9Fx7HjPk6RxGg1mnJV8cVwi06TZOevEbFADCHynD3nyoDppCkKd7cwHOE1XYA2Oz-wAzGH18r/s320/n659901415_1882943_108.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257077253726404914" /></a><br /><br />The lighthouse at Cape Spear, the most easterly-point in North America<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURD_1y8S35KanU-dAvQJyLWPwc6PZHVPLxI6s3ZsnbRbmH9WShD5dzyVCiP6cxzm5JTq989BbKBPLwJwfSqvKeriCyjl7Y2fAWjpucKlkTUMAx5L5Qz0PNZ1MQ2-ZSLHgzkqZ/s1600-h/n659901415_1882944_958.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURD_1y8S35KanU-dAvQJyLWPwc6PZHVPLxI6s3ZsnbRbmH9WShD5dzyVCiP6cxzm5JTq989BbKBPLwJwfSqvKeriCyjl7Y2fAWjpucKlkTUMAx5L5Qz0PNZ1MQ2-ZSLHgzkqZ/s320/n659901415_1882944_958.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257077255379961922" /></a><br /><br />A salt-box house overlooking the ocean<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf89zv2XoNr30CfeBOgkK8nTpH1AARnrc3yjgPXoU1VpdocMD_MIFeF1jIrLigdVVaZv-B2MzzqopgF81Y0HDGeDsRMJw07eGfYt0jkzR2hXmhVtzB7pQeF0EWJ6X92VSs-zvn/s1600-h/n659901415_1882945_1797.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf89zv2XoNr30CfeBOgkK8nTpH1AARnrc3yjgPXoU1VpdocMD_MIFeF1jIrLigdVVaZv-B2MzzqopgF81Y0HDGeDsRMJw07eGfYt0jkzR2hXmhVtzB7pQeF0EWJ6X92VSs-zvn/s320/n659901415_1882945_1797.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257077258128124018" /></a><br /><br />Fishing boats at Petty Harbour just outside of St. John's<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCXT46FTqJu91eiIKbu5fYqO-0FkufwK_1GNaoRiDiMXoqVDnt3Dc_lqyZ_L0eWAVct6JuOQV0aAtEs_bhmgLOtceLOHXZiLfUyp2P48GxEnrYIupPLP1URgL8XEBqix1ebGK/s1600-h/n659901415_1883098_6605.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCXT46FTqJu91eiIKbu5fYqO-0FkufwK_1GNaoRiDiMXoqVDnt3Dc_lqyZ_L0eWAVct6JuOQV0aAtEs_bhmgLOtceLOHXZiLfUyp2P48GxEnrYIupPLP1URgL8XEBqix1ebGK/s320/n659901415_1883098_6605.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257079817783198002" /></a><br /><br />A real-life moose that I saw on the side of the highway<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmb37BZAJdA8wjUfH2CI8rBss3yT4YFmp9lK5dmJUWDL8DH-S95IIH9wlHU0TVkPHH9PaH8EtKH-jAgNcd24U_YK1nhb6ztw20dV1mCxBiNQjvMnvTEg14lDzIbVArLPTnz-rE/s1600-h/n659901415_1884699_7983.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmb37BZAJdA8wjUfH2CI8rBss3yT4YFmp9lK5dmJUWDL8DH-S95IIH9wlHU0TVkPHH9PaH8EtKH-jAgNcd24U_YK1nhb6ztw20dV1mCxBiNQjvMnvTEg14lDzIbVArLPTnz-rE/s320/n659901415_1884699_7983.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257079821756455554" /></a>kevingrouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07410539997243296935noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14665444.post-72404704975941341382008-09-04T11:06:00.003-04:002008-09-04T11:55:16.100-04:00Woot!I just found out I'm going to a conference in Tampa in November. Woot!<br /><br />In other news, my 3-yr-old daughter informed me she was going (either visiting or moving -- not sure) to a place called Hawati. I asked her what it was like there. <br /><br />She said "very sunny and hot....and there are polar bears."<br /><br />I fear my DD is going to visit the passengers of Oceanic flight 815.kevingrouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07410539997243296935noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14665444.post-46074333550116708312008-08-26T23:18:00.006-04:002008-08-27T12:06:31.731-04:00Things I love...Riding my bike<br /><br />Adventures with my kids<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIMMOFEw3wsxvVUgSU8K20i4zU6ZMVPGpFgR3knSyRuVh_FFK1_CLfjqEDejMuqb4p8bRMyDeF0Jmxb9aCZ0B4UbunWIGbR6saGoZifg5kNuh7E5mH36k5gmDNrl0uE3w-cTa/s1600-h/IMG_5614.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIMMOFEw3wsxvVUgSU8K20i4zU6ZMVPGpFgR3knSyRuVh_FFK1_CLfjqEDejMuqb4p8bRMyDeF0Jmxb9aCZ0B4UbunWIGbR6saGoZifg5kNuh7E5mH36k5gmDNrl0uE3w-cTa/s320/IMG_5614.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239031999802017986" /></a><br /><br />Travelling<br /><br />Chocolate-chip cookies<br /><br />Brownies<br /><br />NFL football<br /><br />Nice legs on a woman<br /><br />A good rock song<br /><br />The Amazing Race<br /><br />Lost<br /><br />Playing my guitar<br /><br />Coca-cola (I was gonna say Coke, but didn't want to mislead anyone)<br /><br />Beaches --> as in sand and surf, not the movie<br /><br />Plants and flowers around the house<br /><br />Meeting bloggy peeps, especially Glowie :-)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQP4BStGBg1mPOhzqAofp9_o08TKl6C7jhGbP8Vin-ZJxCVQsJgtKWEdfUTeYYwEx3IFiw6ihKCrPExlcCU8e8qil98wGEm_YIuUiZgTaZBd2y7a896ZErueP1GIv8XvjF0-l/s1600-h/IMG_5785.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQP4BStGBg1mPOhzqAofp9_o08TKl6C7jhGbP8Vin-ZJxCVQsJgtKWEdfUTeYYwEx3IFiw6ihKCrPExlcCU8e8qil98wGEm_YIuUiZgTaZBd2y7a896ZErueP1GIv8XvjF0-l/s320/IMG_5785.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239032945825601202" /></a>kevingrouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07410539997243296935noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14665444.post-34984089333421448922008-08-18T15:57:00.003-04:002008-08-18T16:51:25.093-04:00Adventures in PittsburghWe had a GREAT time in Pittsburgh last week. <br /><br />We drove up Tuesday, arriving at our hotel around 3 p.m. It was about a 5-hr drive, and the kids handled it <br /><span style="font-style:italic;">very</span> well. DD was thrilled at the thought of her first hotel stay.<br /><br />We took the hotel's complimentary shuttle to PNC Park where we met with emydi to watch the Pittsburgh Pirates play the Cincinnati Reds. It was the kids' first baseball game, and they did great (considering they had sat in the van earlier in the day). Both kids were dressed like pirates (pics to come). We left around the 7th inning as they were starting to get tired, the Pirates were losing, and we wanted to make sure we could get out to the shuttle before the throngs of other people left.<br /><br />On Wednesday, we headed to the Pittsburgh Zoo! It was a great facility (although much busier than we anticipated). The kids loved seeing all the animals, and DS solidified the tiger as his favourite animal (he even added it to his vocabulary). DD loved the flamingoes ("because they're pink!"). They also have a cool tunnel that you can go through that runs beneath the pool in the polar bear facility (similar to one we went to at Atlantis in the Bahamas). We were in there when one jumped in the water and swam right over top of us. Very cool.<br /><br />Wednesday night, we met up with Glow and her hubby. They were sweet enough to bring along a little gift for DD, and they instantly became best friends. DD affectionately called her "Glow-in-the-dark." We again took the shuttle over to Station Square, a hip little place along the river. Had dinner at Houlihan's, and then took in the fountain show until DD convinced us that we had to leave because the water was going up too high (she was getting very tired at this point).<br /><br />She sat beside Glow-in-the-dark on the way back to the hotel and talked her ear off :-)<br /><br />Thursday, we left around 10 a.m., drove past Mario Lemieux and a bunch of big-wigs doing the ground-breaking for the new arena downtown, and headed to the Grove City Outlet Mall. Not too many good deals to be had, but I picked up a couple pairs of nice pants.<br /><br />On the way home I started feeling a bit under the weather. Ended up in bed the next 3 (beautiful weather-wise) days with what I believe to be strep throat. Yay.<br /><br />But feeling better now. When it's raining.kevingrouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07410539997243296935noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14665444.post-85705367567749331392008-08-11T10:54:00.002-04:002008-08-11T11:04:03.457-04:00Random stuff...1) Still no decision on the re-branding. Still wavering on "Hot_biker_dude" :-)<br /><br />2) We're going to Pittsburgh tomorrow for our only mini summer vacation. We're driving down tomorrow, going to a Pirates game with emydi (the kids have their pirate costumes all set to go). On Wednesday we are going to the Pittsburgh Zoo (as inspired by Jon and Kate plus 8) and hopefully dinner with Glow. On Thursday, we drive home, with a brief stop at the Grove City Outlet Mall, where we'll likely drop a good portion of our net worth. It'll be our first overnight road trip with both kids (now 3.5 and 1.5).... so it should be a good run up to our Newfoundland trip next month.<br /><br />3) Apparently, the gods have smiled on me, as my Blackberry just up and stopped working yesterday. It's been shipped off for repair, so now I have no tie to the office while I'm gone :-)<br /><br />4) I am addicted to the Olympics. I watch them every chance I get.<br /><br />5) I am sick of the rain here. We have had the wettest summer on record this year.<br /><br />6) I have had a sore wrist for a couple months now (I hurt it when I wiped out on my bike awhile back. I also had surgery on it last year). I'm going to see the doctor on Friday to see what's up.<br /><br />Be good while I'm gone!kevingrouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07410539997243296935noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14665444.post-13393845414385629992008-08-06T12:51:00.003-04:002008-08-06T12:55:45.265-04:00RebrandingI need to move away from the Meemo name here in blogland, simply because my gmail account is being used for professional purposes now (including a blog related to work).<br /><br />So I need to move away from the Meemo name (which, as some of you know, does not make me sad in the least).<br /><br />I don't necessarily want to use my real name, but a pseudonym of sorts maybe using my initials KJG or a variation thereof. Like KJ Sands (because I like the beach :-)<br /><br />I'm open to suggestions (as I don't have anything carved in stone).<br /><br />Thoughts?kevingrouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07410539997243296935noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14665444.post-43469887447218910772008-07-31T09:43:00.002-04:002008-07-31T09:44:11.919-04:00If.......there is one or more people on your friends list who make your world a better place just because they exist, and who you would not have met (in real life or not) without the Internet, then post this same sentence in your journal.<br /><br />As per Glowie's suggestion.<br /><br />Couldn't think of a better way to reflect on my birthday (34 today) how great my bloggy/OT friends are.<br /><br />*smooch* to anyone who happens by here.kevingrouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07410539997243296935noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14665444.post-33795934002228080742008-07-22T11:08:00.004-04:002008-07-22T11:11:58.342-04:00I'm a travel-ing man, done a lot of traveling.... all over the worldI love to travel... even if it puts me in debt :-) Well, maybe not that much.<br /><br />We're taking the kids to Newfoundland in September for two weeks. I've never been before, but my wife's cousin is getting married so we thought it would be a good excuse to go out there.<br /><br />We also have some good friends who moved out there last year that we're dying to see, so it should be lots of fun.<br /><br />And we're already planning for a January trip to the Bahamas.<br /><br />Other than the Bahamas, I'm trying to plan to visit places I've never been before. In 2010, we're hoping to go out west to Calgary, Banff and out to Vancouver.<br /><br />So what is your next dream trip? Do you like to travel?kevingrouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07410539997243296935noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14665444.post-82921384718102600222008-07-16T12:03:00.002-04:002008-07-16T12:11:54.783-04:00I love summer time....Maybe I'll make this a list...<br /><br />1) I have been very active this summer.... what with my past escapades including the Lake to Lake and my Try-a-Tri that I've already posted about.<br /><br />Next up is our local Dragon-boat races. I've done them the past four years, and it's more fun than anything, but an intense work-out during the 3-minute races :-)<br /><br />2) I was out for a bike ride last night and had my first real spill of the year (not bad, considering the number of times I've been out already). I clipped a tree while going downhill at a pretty good pace. Twisted my front wheel and went over the handlebars and down an embankment, landing at the base of a tree. I'm ok, just have a sore wrist and back today, and some war-wounds to show off. Lucky nothing was broken.<br /><br />3) On a related note, I've never had a broken bone before. I cringe at the thought of it, so I'd likely pass out if I ever did. Guess I should limit the opportunities for something like that to happen :-)<br /><br />4) My birthday is coming up in a couple weeks, and frankly, I can't think of a single thing that I want. I guess that's what they call contentment. My FIL, OTOH (how you like them acronyms), wants tickets to see the Miami Dolphins play the Buffalo Bills for his 60th coming up. I'm going to try and accommodate him.<br /><br />5) I'm eating carrots and celery for a snack right now. I guess that's better than a chocolate bar, right? But I'd rather be eating the chocolate bar.kevingrouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07410539997243296935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14665444.post-62545107127102481532008-07-10T12:16:00.003-04:002008-07-10T12:39:32.648-04:00Because everyone else is doing it..... and I need a new post<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">That Marriage Thing</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1. What date is your anniversary?</span> October 25, 1997.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2. Where did you get married?</span> In the church we currently attend, St. Catharines, Ontario<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3. Who proposed and how?</span> I did. DW won a trip for two to backpack across Europe from a Toronto radio station. She wisely chose me (her boyfriend of four years). I brought the ring with me, and proposed to her in Lucerne, Switzerland (about a week into the trip). That's really more romantic than it sounds, because the actual setting was at a "camp" ground where we were staying, and she had recently come back from the shower so her hair was still wet.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">4. How long were you engaged? </span>Just over a year.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">5. What was your favorite part of your wedding day (and it can't be your husband)?</span> We rented a red double-decker bus to get the whole wedding party from the ceremony to the reception.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">6. What would you change if you could?</span> Hmm.... not much. Well, the guys did have walking sticks that came with their tuxes. It took about 10 minutes before they started whacking each other in the back of the legs with them and sword-fights broke out. So I probably would have nixed them.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">7. What were your wedding colors? </span>Black tuxes, purple bridesmaid dresses.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">8. Remember anything special about your wedding ceremony?</span> When we kissed, I lifted up my leg a la Mike Myers in So I Married an Axe Murderer.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">9. Were you clean or messy when you cut your cake?</span> Clean. We're Canadian, eh!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">10. Where did you go on your honeymoon?</span> Spent our wedding night at the Sheraton Fallsview in Niagara Falls, and then took off to Varadero, Cuba for seven days of sand and sun.kevingrouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07410539997243296935noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14665444.post-52523802083840083092008-06-27T10:05:00.005-04:002008-06-27T10:12:30.097-04:00As if I wasn't dumb enough....Yesterday I put myself through our second annual Try-a-Tri.<br /><br />Tri as in Triathlon.<br /><br />Yup, I punished myself through a 100m swim, a 12.4 km bike ride, and a 3.1 km run. Just so no one is confused, I'm not a super-athlete... in fact I do these things to remind me how out-of-shape I am lol.<br /><br />The field of 20 competitors this year was much stronger than last year (there was one guy who has done the Ironman in Hawaii). So I was just hoping to not come last.... I came third last :-)<br /><br />I did improve on my time from last year, but not as much as I had hoped. Then again, considering I can't swim, I should just be thankful I didn't drown.....<br /><br />Here's a pic of me wrapping up the bike leg. Notice the guy behind me about to finish his run and the race. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEgT81AdLEDFz50sDcnVMUcRW0q36GwXbDoPLvFSWZmkRVugmyqBKZxtFkw_6Zcg1-tlA6DYGe3GNTRc1z77TeWHAslKmHMb06_I80jJ_6Ba4es2NjyHYL97k9Va-vyW0uJCC/s1600-h/Triathlon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEgT81AdLEDFz50sDcnVMUcRW0q36GwXbDoPLvFSWZmkRVugmyqBKZxtFkw_6Zcg1-tlA6DYGe3GNTRc1z77TeWHAslKmHMb06_I80jJ_6Ba4es2NjyHYL97k9Va-vyW0uJCC/s400/Triathlon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216563332549305970" /></a><br /><br />Oh well, I'll get them next year, right? :-)kevingrouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07410539997243296935noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14665444.post-86441044804545789752008-06-16T12:00:00.004-04:002008-06-16T16:20:42.840-04:00I did it...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVjeR_QJ_s-IO-tFLnOEAal5o_ShN5CQtCs3zsKPnT6qSSZOrPMG5X6-d1iSchHsQ6RoDYVlixniELYLXrdRrHS3RvkZz1ZoAqrcIbnW6mRfTWkVeiZJu3C8Kus3qW0dUY8d_/s1600-h/n693936954_1325337_3054.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVjeR_QJ_s-IO-tFLnOEAal5o_ShN5CQtCs3zsKPnT6qSSZOrPMG5X6-d1iSchHsQ6RoDYVlixniELYLXrdRrHS3RvkZz1ZoAqrcIbnW6mRfTWkVeiZJu3C8Kus3qW0dUY8d_/s400/n693936954_1325337_3054.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212512764312506706" /></a><br /><br />4 cities..... 54 kilometres..... 3hours, 51 minutes.... and several pounds of mud... I finished the 10th annual <a href="http://www.laketolake.ca">Great Lake to Lake race!</a><br /><br />The mountain-biking race was definitely the most physically-challenging thing I have ever done. This was no leisure ride or street race.... it was all rough-terrain, off-road, mud-up-to-your-eyeballs technical riding between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. More than 100 people did not finish the race due to bike breakdowns, dehydration, cramping, and in some cases, broken bones.<br /><br />Around the 30 km mark, my left quadriceps seized up, and I had to take nearly a half-hour to get it loosened up again before continuing.... and I definitely was in rough shape after that, moving along much slower than I had previously.<br /><br />I also ran out of water with about 10 km left -- but persevered to the end. It was a great feeling to finish.<br /><br />Here is a pic of me at the start... just ignore the spandex shorts :-) I was so muddy at the end of the race, you wouldn't have recognized me.<br /><br />All in all, a great Father's Day.kevingrouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07410539997243296935noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14665444.post-59057121848717325412008-05-29T09:46:00.002-04:002008-05-29T10:16:41.255-04:00This and that...I figured it was time for an update... nothing of signifcance, but an update nonetheless.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1. </span>A week-and-a-half ago I got an email from the Exec. Search company about the Tampa job. It was basically a written interview... about 12 different questions ranging from <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">• What are the five most important projects you have worked on? Either on your own or with other people?</span><br /><br />to<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />• Given your years of experience and the success that you have enjoyed in your work, please expand on why you believe you are well suited for this position? <br /></span><br /><br />So pretty in depth stuff. I assume there using this process to short list candidates before passing them on to the organization. They told me previously that it was almost a sure thing that they'd be passing mine along anyways, given my depth of experience. I'll let you know how things go.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2.</span> I got a tune-up on my bike this week, and then proceeded to do a 15 km ride on some <span style="font-style:italic;">very</span> tricky trails with my friends. It was a technical ride, and I was told it was much more difficult than the 52 km route I'll be riding in a couple of weeks.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3.</span> Ultimate frisbee started again last night! And I'm not too sore today!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">4.</span> My boss is moving from the office directly next to me up 12 floors today. This is a good thing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">5.</span> My cousin is getting married this weekend in Ottawa. I haven't seen any of my dad's side of the family in about 7 years, so it will be nice to catch up. Which leads to...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">6.</span> As a result of the wedding, I'm taking tomorrow (and Monday) off, which makes three long-weekends in a row. Which leads to...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">7.</span> The bad news? My boss is also going to be in Ottawa this weekend for a conference. Staying at THE.SAME.HOTEL. Hopefully, run-ins will be kept to a minimum. Which leads to....<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"> 8.</span>I got a great deal on the hotel using Priceline.com This is the second time I've used it (the other time when we went to Pittsburgh *waves to Glowie*) and I've been very happy with the results both times. We saved about 50 per cent off of the book rates.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">9.</span>This list is starting to look like Boo's list from earlier in the week, isn't it? I better stop there then. :-)kevingrouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07410539997243296935noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14665444.post-39835051265583419532008-05-16T12:07:00.002-04:002008-05-16T12:14:57.818-04:00Considering changeAs I mentioned at the other place, I am officially keeping my eyes open for other positions.<br /><br />There really aren't any opportunities in my immediate geographic area, so it means moving to Toronto (no thanks) or out of province.<br /><br />If I have to move that far away, my preference (always has been) to move south. I am not happy living in the extreme climates of Canada, and think I would be much happier in a more temperate climate.<br /><br />So I've applied to a couple of positions this week -- one in Tennessee, the other in south Florida (Tampa). I got a call the next day from the exec. search company doing the Tampa hire, and they seemed <span style="font-style:italic;">very</span> interested in my cv and experience -- considering the position is a step up for me, and a good $15-30,000 more than I'm making now. There were some questions about my visa eligibility, but since most of these positions are in academia, they have a lot of experience in bringing in foreigners for work :-)<br /><br />We'll see what happens. I love change, but something this major does scare the sh!t out of me - the thought of relocating my family, leaving behind both sets of grandparents. But there's a part of me that thinks we only have one life to live -- why not take chances, be where you are truly happy, and don't be confined by tradition for the sake of tradition.<br /><br />Things are still very preliminary, but I figure if there's even a slim chance of something happening, I have to start preparing.kevingrouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07410539997243296935noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14665444.post-66692957333899377642008-05-01T11:53:00.004-04:002008-05-01T13:18:17.778-04:00I bought a bike....Some friends of mine are pretty heavily into mountain biking. <br /><br />So I decided to take the plunge and buy a new (well, used) bike to help keep me in shape.<br /><br />We have some great trails around here (despite being in the city), and I have to say: I. LOVE. IT. Been out twice this week, and hope to get out at least once a week for the summer.<br /><br />Here's a pic of my bike. It's a Trek 4300 for anybody who might care:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakm6LvtWPP39jZYEYeLOSa0RjIbJROHN04_BluMNCbnYWhUyqppFWkQ2CBatnWajEIean0BzYUkOj48xscsECi_UfbtcTQgoOihNw-SVBHfEtcKpwpr1g7Bgud4s1YKYb6Bq6/s1600-h/trek_4300_smokesilver_07_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakm6LvtWPP39jZYEYeLOSa0RjIbJROHN04_BluMNCbnYWhUyqppFWkQ2CBatnWajEIean0BzYUkOj48xscsECi_UfbtcTQgoOihNw-SVBHfEtcKpwpr1g7Bgud4s1YKYb6Bq6/s320/trek_4300_smokesilver_07_m.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195438696722385762" /></a><br /><br /><br />Some of you may remember I did a mini-triathlon last year. This year, my goal is the Lake 2 Lake Classic bike race. It's a 52 km mountain-bike race from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. I think I might be slightly delusional in thinking I can do it, but hey, I have 6 weeks to train :-)kevingrouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07410539997243296935noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14665444.post-27965487289623046652008-04-28T09:34:00.001-04:002008-04-28T09:35:41.619-04:00Be jealous...Be very, very jealous....<br /><br />I got to hug our very own Lightsy on Saturday :-)<br /><br />More details (and pics) to come (likely at that other place or on her blog).kevingrouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07410539997243296935noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14665444.post-9466643695632413202008-04-15T15:43:00.002-04:002008-04-15T15:53:22.109-04:00Sad story...Just a warning for those who don't want to read about a heart-breaking situation...<br /><br />A very close friend of mine - someone I considered to be a big sister, who I have known for my entire life - was found dead nearly two weeks ago - initially ruled a sudden death - at the age of 44.<br /><br />Five days later, her husband was charged with first-degree murder. This has shaken my family to the core, as we have known this family for many years - spent Christmases together, participated in weddings and shared in births. They were extended family - and the cliche of "the last people you would ever expect this to happen to."<br /><br />They leave behind a six-year-old and an eight-year-old. They lost their mother to murder, and their father to prison. The only immediate family they have are their grandparents, who are (although very active) in their late '70s.<br /><br />Their community (they now live about 1 hr from here) are rallying behind them, but there are some long-term questions that still need to be answered. The kids are coping remarkably well (their mother was an angel who poured her life into them), but their care is up in the air. My brother and his wife are the godparents, but no decisions have been made at this point.<br /><br />So I haven't been around much lately. We're slowly coming to grips with things, but your thoughts and prayers for those kids are much appreciated.kevingrouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07410539997243296935noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14665444.post-92176267983702077292008-03-28T12:31:00.002-04:002008-03-28T12:44:30.313-04:00This doesn't add upOkay, I'm no mathematician, but this doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me:<br /><br />Number of kids in my house: 2<br />Major holidays that occurred in the past week: 1<br />Number of grandparents in immediate vicinity: 4<br /> ---<br />My net chocolate gain: 0<br /><br />I have not seen a bit of chocolate in this house since Easter. My kids got all sorts of trinkets and such, but where's the chocolate? <br /><br />I feel so cheated.kevingrouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07410539997243296935noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14665444.post-63435776091786920802008-03-24T11:55:00.003-04:002008-03-24T15:36:32.147-04:00A list....1. My parents got home from a 3 week Mediterranean cruise/visit with my mom's sister in England. While they were in transit back to Canada, I got a call informing me that my mom's brother in the Bahamas had passed away. So when I got to the airport to pick them up last night, I was responsible for breaking the news to my mom. He had been battling cancer, so it wasn't totally unexpected, but still, not a fun situation.<br /><br />2. On a much different and lighter note, DD is now toilet trained (with the odd accident here and there). Yay! She just turned three last month. DS aka Bubba aka cockroach (he wears a lot of overalls, and when he does he kinda resembles the guy from Men in Black that the bug embodies, because he kinda stumbles around) is doing good too.. although he's much messier than DD ever was, which does not sit well with I or DW (we're both clean freaks).<br /><br />What? You want a picture? Ok<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUqjW65f3vL_MzY3mssXmwhPJZv1rjG9e-16_f3SIkI6x_eYRc7kPLco5-v26y2a8luKwmkj7S4ynsQTHCIEPetCyTcWfip0-FoYkllh3a25i2aS8EAqFAWpNVskLiH_qw-BC/s1600-h/n693936954_1028151_6759.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUqjW65f3vL_MzY3mssXmwhPJZv1rjG9e-16_f3SIkI6x_eYRc7kPLco5-v26y2a8luKwmkj7S4ynsQTHCIEPetCyTcWfip0-FoYkllh3a25i2aS8EAqFAWpNVskLiH_qw-BC/s320/n693936954_1028151_6759.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181341958786000002" /></a><br /><br />3. We did a rockin' hand-clapping, knee-slapping, hallelujah-shouting, gospel-type song for our Sunday easter service, and I had a chance to wail on my saxamaphone. I haven't had a chance to play like that in years, particularly in that context (with 1,000 people standing and clapping along). In the words of the great Chris Farley: "That was awesome." <br /><br />4. I expect to be getting a big raise and promotion in the next month or so. If not, I will be looking for a new job.<br /><br />5. I might get to see Lightsy next month! All I have to do is respond to her e-mail :-)<br /><br />6. We're planning a trip to Newfoundland later this year (for a wedding). It will be another place to cross off my list of places I've never been before.<br /><br />7. I've been getting along fairly well with my brother (aka asshat) lately. I'm sure he'll do something to screw that up soon enough :-)kevingrouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07410539997243296935noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14665444.post-15791403269827479372008-03-17T13:11:00.003-04:002008-03-17T13:18:46.598-04:00A little boasting here..http://www.nationalpost.com/sports/story.html?id=380132<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Brock wins national basketball title</span><br />Wayne Kondro, Canwest News Service <br />Published: Sunday, March 16, 2008<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhiLd3aBWSyrp2EsfZ-1JI70JhhEQJCRr9GKer9qR5QIhJS_HGaTry8QRrgk0kOKoT79i7ylEMvon622abwkMPEWvsjNq3zd_CyeTWgc6_7cuOP_l6gkQNOQ0nXn9BI9qzaAhZ/s1600-h/380133.bin.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhiLd3aBWSyrp2EsfZ-1JI70JhhEQJCRr9GKer9qR5QIhJS_HGaTry8QRrgk0kOKoT79i7ylEMvon622abwkMPEWvsjNq3zd_CyeTWgc6_7cuOP_l6gkQNOQ0nXn9BI9qzaAhZ/s320/380133.bin.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178760577425211554" /></a><br />REUTERS/Chris Wattie<br />Members of the Brock Badgers celebrate with the W.P. McGee trophy after their win against the Acadia Axemen at the Canadian Interuniversity Sport men's basketball championship finals in Ottawa on Sunday.<br /><br />OTTAWA - Their basketball histories and lives were so inextricably linked that it's a wonder they still had individual identities.<br /><br />In various combinations, the Brock Badgers had played together on club teams, high school teams, provincial teams and in neighbourhood pickup games since the age of 12, and in some cases even younger.<br /><br />That familiarity and their resulting faith in each proved the difference as the Badgers rallied from a 10-point halftime deficit to nip the Acadia Axemen 64-61 in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport men's basketball final Sunday at Scotiabank Place.<br /><br />"We'll probably have a few drinks to celebrate, but, whatever we do, we'll do it together because that's how we won it, together," said guard Scott Murray, son of coach Ken Murray, who also coached Brock to its first CIS title in 1992.<br /><br />"We didn't panic," said forward Dusty Bianchin, who made a pair of jump 15-foot jump shots in the final two minutes as the Badgers completed an improbable rally from being down 31-21 at halftime. "We were down 10, but we weren't shooting the ball well and we knew that we could get back on them. The team cohesion we have is unbelievable, and we all trust that each other can get the job done, particularly on defence."<br /><br />Tournament MVP Owen White said a younger team might have lost its poise, but the veteran Badgers didn't.<br /><br />"We didn't give up," White said. "Even when things weren't working well, we stayed positive and we kept working on them."<br /><br />Another Badger, Rohan Steen, said the team had been up and down in its shooting all season, but Murray told them to keep firing.<br /><br />"We know we're good shooters, so we just kept shooting," Steen said. "Whether it falls or not, we're going to shoot, and, when it falls, we win. There was never a doubt in my mind that we would win this. Check what I told the local papers (in St. Catharines). I guaranteed this win."<br /><br />Steen added that the national title would cement lifelong friendships. "We get on each other's nerves every now and then, but we're friends forever now."<br /><br />Murray, the coach, was left beaming - like any father would.<br /><br />"I've been watching these kids play together since they were 12 years old, and I told them, with 10 minutes to play, ‘You can be the best in the country.' I'm really, really proud of them. I've watched them grow as individuals. What a fitting way for them to end their careers."<br /><br />It certainly looked grim in the first half as the Badgers fell behind after shooting 8-for-23 (23 per cent) from the floor, including 3-for-18 from behind the three-point arc, producing their lowest scoring half on the season.<br /><br />They clawed back into the game in the second half as point guard Brad Rootes began to attack the Acadia defence, and they knotted the score at 43 on a basket by White.<br /><br />With the score tied at 50 heading into the final quarter, Paolo Santana used his quickness to restore Acadia's lead on driving layups and a banked three-pointer.<br /><br />The Badgers, though, maintained their poise. Steen hit one three-pointer while Mike Kemp hit another, and Bianchin made a 15-footer off a pass from a Rootes with 1:45 to play to give Brock a 62-60 lead.<br /><br />Acadia's Shawn Berry hit a free throw with 56.1 seconds remaining, and the Axemen got the ball back after the rebound of the second attempt was tied up. Steen stepped into a passing lane and stole the ball, though, which led to another 15-footer by Bianchin with 11.4 seconds remaining for insurance.<br /><br />Acadia's Leonel Saintil, a former Ottawa high school star and this year's Atlantic conference player of the year, speculated the Axemen had a bit of a letdown after their 82-80 double-overtime upset of the top-seeded, five-time defending CIS champion Carleton Ravens in the semifinals on Saturday night.<br /><br />"But no excuses," Saintil said. "They outplayed us. They were the better team. They came out with more energy in the second half, and we couldn't match that. They came out and wanted it more, I guess."<br /><br />Acadia coach Les Berry said his team was badly outrebounded.<br /><br />"They were really aggressive," Berry said of the Badgers. "They rebounded well and we got lost in transition a couple of times, and they hit some big three-point shots. That's what they do well."<br /><br />Kemp paced Brock with 23 points, and White added 12. Santana led Acadia with 18 points. Shawn Berry contributed 14 and Saintil had 12.<br /><br />In the fifth-place consolation final, the Laval Rouge et Or clipped the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds 86-84.<br /><br />Jean-Philippe Morin and Jean-Francois Beaulieu-Maheux paced Laval with 20 points each. Jerome Turcotte-Routhier 19.<br /><br />Chris Dyck notched a tournament high 37 points for the Thunderbirds, while Blain LaBranche added 10.<br /><br />Joining White on the all-tournament team were Saintil, Kemp, Beaulieu-Maheux and Acadia's Achuil Lual.<br /><br />Ottawa Citizenkevingrouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07410539997243296935noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14665444.post-65798810445973973422008-03-11T12:05:00.002-04:002008-03-11T12:09:07.415-04:00Deep thoughts...I was watching Mickey Mouse clubhouse the other day (with my kids... really ), and an old mystery was brought back to my attention.<br /><br />Why is it that Goofy (a dog) can talk, but Pluto (also a dog) cannot?<br /><br />And in this particular episode, Donald Duck took off his shirt (the only article of clothes he typically wears), and put on a pair of swim trunks to go swimming. <br /><br />Things that make you go hmmmmm..... <br /><br />And in case you were wondering, my favourite kids show is Bunnytown. Freakin' hilarious.kevingrouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07410539997243296935noreply@blogger.com5