33rd Birthday

I turned 33 a couple weeks back which somewhat marks the 2 year anniversary of my blog. I haven't been as active lately updating it as I've been sick and haven't really had a hell of a lot of memorable things to write about.

That's right, as usual I got sick around my birthday. No surprise there. Christina though, who was also sick, tried her best to make the day memorable as she hooked me up with a couple great, and practical gifts.

I officially moved in with her maybe a month back now (my condo is for sale - here) and have been complaining non-stop about her stupid toaster oven. I hate it like poison - why would I want a mini oven that sucks at making toast and baking things? It's the most useless appliance ever. Apparently, Christina was tired of hearing my bitching and bought me a new toaster (I have a toaster at my condo but it doesn't match her kitchen!?).

Bread Porn

My second gift was equally exciting. A roaster in which I can cook food extremely slow. Oooooh, Aaaaah.

But seriously, the gifts were awesome and I appreciated them very much. 

This is how the end of things begins....excitement over the little things. It's been a good run.....

New Sarepta - Ice Ninjas / Ice Devils Hockey Tournament

This past weekend was the 3rd annual Ice Ninjas hockey tournament in New Sarepta.

The tournament is our regular league team fundraiser for a year end trip to a destination to play hockey. In the past we have done, Kelowna, Montreal and  Las Vegas. This year the team is heading to Boston in the end of April. But, alas, I will not be going as I am short on cash from fix-ups and the selling process of my condo (Go Buy It Already!). Still, I am a team player and cannot resist the chance to have some beers and strap on the blades.

Our  Ice Ninjas team didn't participate this year; a downside to our success as all the tourney spots got filled (better for fundraising). However, I was lucky enough to land on a team with a couple of great guys - Sweezey and Lehoux - and their buddies. We started off with a tough loss Friday night in a fast paced game but rebounded well the next day and had a decent enough showing. For me though, its mostly about getting the chance to hang out and goof off all day at the rink.

But first! Breakfast

I'm pretty much a stay at home defenceman; no shot, poor hands, only excels at waving at the ladies in the stands. You know, the guy every team covets. 

Really not helping the cause as I feel shame in the sin bin.

One of the highlights of the day was the 50/50 shootout and hardest shot competition. Our charity, this year was the Stollery Childrens Hospital and we raised a couple hundred bucks for the good cause.
Remember, how I said, I have no shot and am a stay at home D-Man? My entry into the 50/50 absolutely proved it. My shot hit the post and didn't register and I got shut down by the goalie in the shootout.

The agony of the defeat!

I think that our team organizers did a great job the whole weekend but they really went above and beyond for the supper. They arranged a fantastic roast pig come with all the fixings.

The recipe for good times = a pinch of swine, some beers and a sprinkling of friends. 

For the third straight year the Synergy Construction group won the A Division tourney.  Congratulations.

Thanks to all the teams and spectators that came out. I know our whole team appreciates it.

 I'm already looking forward to next year.

Awesomeness on the Streets of Edmonton

It gets better - Nana gets disabled parking.

Cross Country Skiing

I haven't been blogging much lately as I have been busy prepping my condo for sale. I will be writing on this sooner than later but in the meantime take a look at my listing and pass it on to your friends. http://bit.ly/104stCondo

Well, we finally got snow this winter. After the fun of cross country skiing last year I have been waiting and waiting.  After a big fall of snow (Edmonton got as much snow in 3 days as it did in the previous 3 months) I convinced Chrissy to venture on treacherous roads out to the Strathcona Wilderness Centre for some nordic fun.

It took us a little bit to get the hang of it again but we were much improved over last year. The conditions and trails were great and the fresh snow was outstanding.

There isn't much need for explanation. So here are some pictures.

And it is a good thing we got out when we did. The weather since then has been unbelievable and a good portion of the snow has melted. Until next year....

Illuminite

Starting today (Feb. 25, 2012) and lasting until tomorrow is Illuminite, a light sculpture competition going on in the soon to be "alley of light" in downtown Edmonton.

The organizers describe it as:

"Thirteen teams of local artists will showcase their sculptures and structures, which are interpretations of the concept of light. As darkness sets over the alley, the whole landscape will be lit up with the light emanating from the sculptures, creating a unique visual experience for the audience. A panel of judges will select first, second and third prize winners from among the entrants".

This years winter in Edmonton has been remarkably mild with limited amounts of snow. Generally, this has made the city even darker than usual and to be honest, ugly and dirty looking. Thankfully we have gotten a significant fresh amount of snow just today to truly help 'enlighten' the city.  In a nice bit of serendipity - with the snow today it is the perfect time for Illuminite.

I headed down early to see the displays in full light for context. It was great watching the artists set up and I was amused by the loading truck backing up to the Sobeys between the installations and the 'urban infrastructure'. I snapped some pics and headed to the newly opened Remedy on Jasper Ave to kill time till dusk and have a cup of the best chai in the city. Also, their pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are outstanding.

As the sun was setting I headed back down to the alley to catch the early glow of the light and snap a few more pictures. Below are some of my favorite pics - I tried to pair up some of the shots in the full light versus dusk.

The installation on the right is basically lamp shades with small LED's. 

The hanging light presented here is my favorite of all the designs. It's a cross between a glowing incubation pod and an IKEA lantern chandelier. I would love to see these in parks through the downtown. I'm also a sucker for the counter weight and pulley. Great job!

Below is my second faborite. Basically, it's just a bunch of mirrors. It really isn't all that inspired, and it comes in second only because it reminds me of "Enter the Dragon" with Bruce Lee. If I could change anything about it - I would have had some high powered low level lighting hitting the mirrors and really illuminating the snow. Without the flash on my camera it was kinda bland.

Another cool installation was the lamp-post with moving lanterns. Unfortunately it didn't show or photograph well due to its placement against the wall with a tow instead of a walkway in the snow.

A great idea (mostly because it was what I was hoping to see) were some paper mache lanterns. I kind of like the idea that these are all beheaded and piked pinnochios or wooden soldiers from Fables.

More installation pics.

A great little extra was the popup shop across the street offering local artisans and the chance to vote for your favorite installation. 

The clothes inside didn't have any sports logos or Batman on them so they weren't really my thing but they looked pretty styling.

Overall, I think the event was a success solely on the basis that there were actually people out and about walking around in the downtown. Well done. 

If you are reading this while you still have the chance to see it - just go - Don't worry about the weather or the snow you big baby - no excuses. 

Valentines

This year for Valentines Day my special lady and myself played it cool. I beat her back to her place after work and surprised her with a card, some flowers and a novelty balloon.

Because she is fancy Chrissy got all dressed up to open her card and present me with my gift. A book on birds - inside story.

After our celebratory custom dinner of lobster tails we settled in for a romantic evening of scrabble.

 Guess what vowel I was looking for?

 I won pretty handily that night. This brought our all time series to 3-3. 

Thanks Chrissy for the great date night and throwing the game :)