Day 49 - Dam Angels

This photo is untouched, and in jpeg. I have a raw photo, but this was quicker to post on the blog.

At the Hoover Dam they have a monument of two angels sitting about 15 feet or so away from each other, with their wings very tall, extended upward. It's a monument dedicated to all those who dreamed up, and worked on the Hoover Dam, making the huge idea into a reality. Anyway, it's supposed to be good luck to touch the feet of either of these angels. Their feet were shiny copper, while the rest of the their bodies tarnished green, just like the statue of liberty. I caught one of the tourists reaching out for a good luck foot rub.

Probably not the type of photo you'd expect from a trip to Vegas. :)

Thanks for reading. Take care.

Day 48 - Cynicism

I think cynicism is one of the great diseases of my generation. I also think it has spread to other generations, older and younger.

I'm saying this because I have it. I have denied it for too long. It poisons me, and the people around me.

How do I stop being cynical? I honestly am not sure at this point. I think a start is to not care so much about what others think. I say this because I'm sure that cynicism is most realized when all the individuals in large groups make assumptions about what others believe and how people should act or behave, etc. It's crippling. At least it has been for me.

I'm sure there is much much more to discuss about cynicism. Maybe another blog. Not too much at a time. Thanks for reading.

Day 47 - Coffee

I don't pretend to know a butt load about coffee, but I'm slowly getting to know about what makes a better coffee. I also know that coffee isn't for everyone. That being said...I think if people were given a great cup of coffee (ie, not coffee from Charbucks, Nebob, Folgers, any pre-ground beans, Nestle, [some of these companies practice unethically in other areas as well), there would be many more coffee lovers out there. The problem is that it's a bit more expensive to drink good coffee, as opposed to the cheaper, 'terrible to coffee farmers' kind of coffee that most people buy from the grocery store. Anyway, I better not get too much into it, because I don't have a lot of background information stored in my tiny brain to back up my statements at this point. I would actually love to blog about that a bit more at a later time. It's all really interesting, in my humble opinion. Anyway, I would love to make you a cup someday, if you would like.

I also realize that talk of unethical companies usually spawns talk of boycott, and boycott discussions usually end up with "well, we might as well boycott everything then". That's the dilemma, I suppose. Where do you start and end? Usually it ends up with not starting. Maybe others pick a couple of huge companies and end there. I don't know.

Well, that's what I've been thinking about today (along with other things). Thanks for reading my uneducated discussion. Take care.

Day 46

I realize I forgot last night to write something. I had it ready to go, then fell asleep on the couch. Boo. Oh well. I won't be too hard on myself. Anyway, nothing much happened yesterday, so there was nothing much to write about. I had no epiphanies or whatever else I would write about. Maybe some day.

Day 45 - Splish Splash

Tonight I want aquacising with my wife and a friend of ours. I can't remember the last time I've been in a pool. It felt really good. Our friend talked about how there's something about being in the water that changes one's attitude...like you can't be grumpy in the water. I tend to agree. Splashing around, laughing, being silly, etc., helps life's stresses melt away...or should I say, wash away. At least for 45 minutes.

Day 44

It was back to the dentist for me this morning. I got nitrous again, but I think I might go without next time...not because I don't like it. I love it. I fell asleep as they gave me a root canal today. That's how awesome it is. It's just that I don't want to always need it. I can man up and get some work done without it. I hope. There's a lot more work to be done.

In a month my wife and I are going to Toronto. My wife has a course, and I'm just along for the ride. She wanted me to come, so I'm going. I'm not sure what I'm going to do during the day yet, but I'll find something. I'm sure it'll involve my camera for a bit of it. Maybe a basketball game, just to say I've been to one. I'm sure Raptors tickets have to be cheap these days. Jenn and I even talked about taking a train to Montreal or some other nearby city during the weekend. Who knows. It's pretty wide open yet.

Tonight I'm going aqua-cising. I'll let you know how that goes. Jenn and a friend of her's go once and a while. Hopefully it's not a complete gong show.

That's about it. Still Vegas pictures coming. I think I'll just post them how they come out of the camera. I shot Raw + jpeg, so I can just share the jpeg's.

Take care.

Day 43

I honestly don't have much to say tonight that won't be a repeat of something I said before. Same struggles, etc etc, bla bla. Tomorrow I go back to the dentist, which I'm mildly nervous about. I am excited about the laughing gas they'll be giving me, however.

Well, honestly, I don't want to say anything else, because I want to go to bed early tonight. Hopefully tomorrow will be more entertaining or significant. Take care.

Day 42 - Sunday blues on a Monday

Today was an unusual day. We slept in a bit, made cookies, had a couple of good friends over (a nice surprise visit...something that doesn't happen enough anymore, really) and made taco salad for a late lunch. We didn't leave the house till about 4:15. We started getting cabin fever or end of holiday blues or a combination of the two. When we finally got out of the apartment, we went to pick up some new decaf espresso beans for Jenn, so she can have a latte in the morning. Speaking of beans, Saskatoon has a new roaster, and I'm really excited about it. His name is Jimmy, and he's the guy who owns/operates Museo, in the Mendel art gallery. I've been buying the same beans he buys for his espresso. Now that he's started to roast his own, I'm really excited to start buying locally. Broadway Roastery beans just doesn't cut it. Might not be the most exciting news if you don't drink coffee, or if you're not a coffee/espresso geek like I am. Since I'm on the topic, let me use this moment to say that Starbucks isn't THE place to get a coffee drink. I call it Charbucks for a reason.

Anyway, Jenn starts at her new location tomorrow. It's the same job (same union, same boss, same coworkers) but at a different hospital. In the long run, we think it'll be a great move. It's just a lot of change at the same time. People off on disability, people on holiday, and the obvious recent developments in our life, will make for an interesting first week at work. I know she can do it, though. She always has.

Well, that's about it, I suppose. Thanks for reading. Take care.

Day 39, Day 40, & Day 41

I realize this is sort of cheating, but as I mentioned before, the cabin we were at had no internet connection. I have to make up for the two nights I was there, plus today.

The retreat was an overall good time. Visiting and hanging out with people from my church community is usually a good time. There was a while that I thought there would hardly be any kids at the retreat. It turned out to be quite the kid filled weekend. We were joking around by the end that some of them had started to go feral, lacking the proper adult contact. Running around breaking things, colouring on furniture, climbing on things they shouldn't, etc, added an interesting dynamic to the weekend. Maybe I'm being border-line judgmental. I'll stop. I'm sure I'll get tired of supervising my kid(s) from time to time when ours is born in October.

That's right - my beautiful wife is expecting. That's some good news, isn't it? :) This will probably be the only place I talk about it. I've asked others not to mention anything on facebook. I don't want to talk about that stuff on facebook. I probably won't talk about it much here either. Anyway, we're really excited. It's early on, but Jenn decided that she wanted to start telling people for the support, prayer, etc.

It's nice that we get to have tomorrow off together as well. We're going to make some cookies and have taco salad. We've both been wanting taco salad for a couple of days now, so we're going to make it. So excited about that. It may sound boring to you, but it's one of my favorite meals.

Well, I suppose that's about it for now. Three days and not a whole lot has happened. Basically, I just sat around the cabin and chatted, played a couple of games, napped, and ate. Fun fun.

Thanks for reading, all 3 of you (if that). Take care.

Day 38

It's the end of the day, and again I haven't made time for a proper blog. I'm going to have to turn over a new leaf soon or this will become a series of blogs that read "too tired to blog again".

Today Jenn and I just spent time together. For the most part, it was a good time. We tried to have a nap, but the phones kept beeping with messages and phone calls. By the time we were going to shut them off, it was almost time to get up and go. Next time, I guess.

We also had some good laughs today. It's really great to laugh with your partner. Even if it's just because you're both acting silly or stupid or whatever. I wish people could see how funny Jenn really is. She's a bit of an introvert in public, which is fine, but people don't get to see the side of her that I get to see. I consider myself lucky.

Tomorrow we're just getting ready for the weekend. We're going on a retreat with our church. It should be a good time...if not just for sleeping and napping and eating and jamming and taking pictures. I'm not much of an outdoor sports guys (or any sort of sports, really). There's a fire place there, so that's fun to spend time at.

I don't think there's internet at the cabin we'll be at. Even though I hardly blog about anything worth reading, I'll still feel weird about not being able to blog for a couple of days. I might just write something each day on a word processor, and post them later. We'll see.

Well, that's about it for now. I have Vegas pictures to post soon. Thanks for reading. Take care.

Day 37

I can't write much. It's late, and we're so so tired. We're really glad to be home, and excited to see people. Life has some exciting developments now, with Jenn moving to a different place at work (same job, different building), and a few other things going on.

Day 36 - Back home

Well, we drove home a few days early. We're back in Saskatchewan now and I couldn't be happier that I am. I drove through some really beautiful country down south, but still wouldn't move anywhere else if I don't have to. Saskatchewan is my home, and hopefully always will be. Boring? I don't care if it is or not.

I loaded my photos on to the external hard drive tonight. The thing with Vegas is that everyone's pictures look the same. I hope a few of mine are different, but I doubt it. It's lights and hotels, and hotels with lights. That's Vegas.

We drove to Tisdale today to have a visit with my parents. It was fun. Tomorrow morning we'll go back to Saskatoon for the remainder of our "vacation". It'll be good to sleep in our own bed again.

That's about it for now. Thanks. Take care.

Day 35 - Valentines Day

Well, we've stopped in Medicine Hat for the night. We haven't had the best luck with hotels. Last night our hotel was older, walls were paper thin, our neighbours were noisy, and there was a guy running his truck outside for a half hour or so. Tonight, our room is older and not the best looking. It has a bed, though, which is pretty much good enough for us.

Valentines day came and went, and wasn't enjoyable, seeing as we were just in a car wanting to get home. That being said, there were a few moments of joy throughout the day. We have another 8 hours tomorrow. Sigh.

Day 34 - Pocatello, ID

I can't type long, because Jenn's trying to get to sleep. We started the trip back home a bit early. We're excited to get back and see a few people on our remaining days off.

We'll have to make this trip back home a 2.5 day trip, instead of a 2 day. That's fine by us, though, as we don't feel like driving 14 hours per day.

Well, when I get back I'll be able to post photos and say a bit more about the trip. Take care.

Day 33 - Hoover Dam

We drove out to the Hoover Dam today. It was probably my favorite part of our trip so far. Well, I really liked Le Reve as well. Super cool show.

This holiday hasn't been what we wanted it to be. That being said, I'd consider coming back for a weekend trip with a group of friends for a show or something. Nothing more. This isn't a good place to spend a week. At least, in my opinion it isn't. Lesson learned!

Well, we're getting up really early tomorrow morning, so I should go start getting stuff ready. Thanks for reading. Take care.

Day 32

Today we're going to give it another try. We're here, so we're going to try to make the best of it. It was only our first day out yesterday, and maybe we were just a bit shell shocked. Today we're going to hit up an outlet mall, then go to a show in the evening.

Yesterday there was a street preacher preaching the Word of God in a very matter of fact way. I think his message for the most part was sound, but the delivery, in my opinion, might have been wrong for where he was at. That being said, I'm not sure if I have the "stones" to talk to people the way he does on a busy corner of Las Vegas strip, where people are walking around drunk, people are handing out fliers for prostitutes, and the noise and lights lures people in much more quickly than does Gods message of love. People are easily taken in by fake and pretty, rather than simple, strong, steady, and everlasting. Of course, that's what I believe.

Today I'm bringing my camera out with us. Hopefully I'll get some decent photos.

Thanks for reading.

Day 31 - First full day

Well, I hope the couple of shows that we have tickets to make the 2700 km trip worth it. If it was just about being here and hanging out on the strip, it most definitely isn't. We were on Las Vegas Blvd for a few hours today, and we just felt icky. Oh well. You live and learn.

Day 30 - Vegas

We made it to Las Vegas. We're tired. We will think again before we do something like this. Then again, we haven't seen or done anything to make any judgments on whether it was worth while or not.

Tomorrow (Thursday) is our first full day, and we don't have anything planned. We'll have breakfast, then go out for some groceries. After that, we'll probably end up at the strip, or at an outlet mall or wherever. Friday is our first "show". Saturday, maybe Hoover Dam or something. We'll see.

Well, I'm really tired. I'll post pictures, but I'm not sure when. Thanks for reading. Take care.

Day 29 - Butte

So, we only got to Butte - about 3.5 hours behind our intended schedule. I don't know why I thought we could make it to where I wanted us to get. Friends of ours made the trip in a day to Idaho Falls, but that was from a different starting point. Oh well. We'll see what happens tomorrow. I really hope we can make it to Vegas tomorrow, but if 13 hours is too much for a second day, we'll just get there the morning after. Not a big deal, other than an extra hotel charge.

I should go to bed. It's still early here, but we're both tired from being in the car for too long, and from winter mountain driving. I think they recently had storms here.

Anyway, take care. Thanks for reading.

Day 28 - Rocky Mountain House

So we're in Rocky Mountain House for a day or two visiting my brother, sister in law, my niece and nephews, and my parents (who also drive down a couple days earlier than us). It's been a good time so far. Mom and dad didn't know we were following them, so it was a surprise for them. They are supposed to leave tomorrow morning, but the weather is nasty out right now. I guess it depends on what it's going to do in the morning and throughout the day tomorrow. They can always stay another day if need be. We're leaving Tuesday morning. I hope the weather is good then.

Super Bowl was tonight. It wasn't the ending I wanted, but it was a decent game overall. The Steelers had a terrible first quarter, which killed them for the rest of the game. They came within 3 at on point, but couldn't pull off the comeback. I found myself getting a bit annoyed this post season at all the Steelers haters. It's amazing what being accused of sexual assault can do to one's reputation. Ben Roethlisberger, whether he did it or nor, showed extreme toughness, mentally and emotionally this season, playing through what he did. I've come to the conclusion that I don't care what people think. I will be a Steelers fan till the end. If the Steelers didn't make it to the Super Bowl, I wouldn't switch teams. I might end up favouring one team over the other, but I wouldn't go buy a different jersey. Oh well. Each person can make their own choice. It is only a game, after all.

Well, this is turning out to be longer than I wanted. Take care, and thanks for reading.

Day 27

Can't sleep this morning. I don't know if it's because I'm too excited for our trip, or for some other reason. I sure hope the weather and roads are ok when it's our turn to leave the city. I suppose it's a while yet. Things (weather, road conditions, etc) are always changing.

Well, that's it I guess. Ha ha...boring, I know. Later!

Day 26 - Almost there

Jenn's working her butt off now, in efforts to try to finish some reports before the day is done.

I'm so thankful for her. Not just because she has a good career and makes enough to support us for now. That is a good thing, but that's not why I'm thankful for her. I'm thankful for her because she loves me in spite of my seemingly insurmountable number of flaws.

We're looking forward to having the next couple of weeks off together.

If you're a praying person, pray that the weather is good for travel. It's not looking very promising early on, so we'll see. Winter tires are great, but don't do much on sheer ice.

That's it for today. I've been doing errands this morning, and now I have to do some finishing stuff around the apartment (laundry, cleaning, packing, etc). Thanks for reading.

Day 25 part 2

The Martin Sexton concert was beyond what I can say to explain it. Soooo good. See...that doesn't do it justice. Anyway, I count myself so lucky to have been able to see him. I really really hope he comes back some day.

I don't have much else to say at this point. I'm really looking forward to having a couple of weeks off with Jenn. She deserves a rest.

I can't stop thinking about Sexton's soulful voice.

Day 25 - Martin Sexton

Well, as the title suggests, I'm going to Martin Sexton tonight at the Broadway Theatre. I'm really looking forward to this, but I'm also torn because we have quite a bit to do before we take off for our trip.

Martin Sexton is a bluesy folk guitar player, singer, and song writer. Nobody beats his vocal range, and his ability to mimic other instruments while playing guitar and singing. That Saskatoon is getting him is a real treat. I'm sad that there isn't more buzz.

We're getting quite close to ready for our trip. Packing is the main thing that needs to be done now. Packing, and cleaning up the apartment. First, before we pack, I have to do laundry, which I'm in the middle of doing now. I have always worked under pressure, and I think it drives my wife a bit crazy at times. She's an organized details type planner. If I was like her, we would have been packed and ready to go this past weekend already. Something I can strive for, I suppose.

I'm looking forward to posting photos of our trip on this blog. I've been shooting in raw, though, and don't know if I'll be able to upload them here. I also don't have anything that can edit/process raw photos yet, and probably won't for a while. Maybe there is free software out there. If you're reading this, and know what I can do, let me know. iphoto isn't doing the trick :)

Well, that's about it for today. I won't get into the stressful stuff. I'll just let you know that there's a slight chance that Jenn may have to strike in the next few weeks, which would absolutely suck. Her work has been crazy busy lately, and I don't have a job yet. THAT, however, is another story.

Okay, thanks for reading.

Day 24 - Stuff and things and things and stuff

Today I actually got a couple things done, which is good.

I'm so out of shape. I'm really starting to wonder if going to Las Vegas was a good idea. I know there will be a crap load of walking. I'll get over it. The first day will most likely be the worst, and hopefully it'll get better after that. I'll just keep stretching. :) That being said, I'm really excited about walking around taking photos and seeing all the insane excess that Vegas really is. It's a spectacle, and nothing more. I wanted to see it in person at least once. Actually, I've seen it once before, but in the day light, from a bus, back in '97. I heard it's changed. ;)

Someone told me about the M&M factory. I will go there. I love M&M's.

I think I've decided to leave the winter tires on the car. Most of the trip there will be cool enough not to hurt them. While we're in Las Vegas, we're not driving the car very far or fast, so it will be fine. Far less hassle than finding a place to change over our tires, or me doing that by myself. I wasn't looking forward to that. Good stuff.

Well, that's about it for now.

Oh wait, Saskatoon is finally getting a decent roaster. I'll keep you posted on who and where you can get the beans.

Take care.

Day 23

I'm tired, and don't really feel like sharing anything. Plans are slowly coming together. I'm really tire, and I feel tired all the time. That's about it. I had planned on going to bed early tonight, but something came up. Next time I suppose. Take care.