It's been near forever ...
So here I am, sitting on hold with Microsoft, thinking it's been near forever since I've posted on my blog.
It's not like nothing has been happening in my life. Quite the opposite, acutally. It's more like the urge to write about my life got lost somewhere between the insane work weeks and the attepts at a life.
I don't think I could even cover the past few months in a single post. So let's try for some highlights.
After passing her UFE (CA Exam), Laura and I went to Disneyland for our holiday. We had a great fun week, as can be witnessed in a couple albums on my flickr.
I started training with the Vancouver Ki Society again in October. Several years ago, I trained in Aikido with them. For a while, I was extremely enthusiastic about it. Then work got in the way and I got very sick, so I stopped training.
Today I'm training in Ki Development and the personal Kiatsu program. These programs are more about personal growth and health than martial arts. Acutally, there really is no martial arts involved at all. It's a great program, and I'm sure I'll be speaking more about it soon. Assuming I post again, that is.
I've barely been riding since September. I think I've put maybe 6 rides on my roadie, and none on the mountain bike. It's sad, but I'm really looking forward to the weather improving so I can get out and play.
Work's been pretty insane. As a consultant, things seem to go in bursts. Well, the last few months have been one big burst. Unfortunately, that's about to end in a rather dramatic way, (my biggest client is shutting down) so I'll be out searching for more work yet again.
That's enough for now .. ..
-Mike | 8:32 PM |
link |
On Haitus
Just in case you couldn't guess. I'll start posting again one day, I'm sure. I just don't have the urge to do so.
My flickr will continue to be updated, of course. Link is in the sidebar.
- Mike
-Mike | 2:21 PM | link |
Just in case you couldn't guess. I'll start posting again one day, I'm sure. I just don't have the urge to do so.
My flickr will continue to be updated, of course. Link is in the sidebar.
- Mike
-Mike | 2:21 PM | link |
Reflections of Vancouver
For a while now I've been working on a new set of themed pictures for my Flickr. Entitled, Reflections of Vancouver, I've wandered the streets of downtown Vancouver taking pictures of local landmarks, as reflected on other buildings.
I think it's pretty darn cool. You should check it out.
-Mike | 12:46 PM | link |
For a while now I've been working on a new set of themed pictures for my Flickr. Entitled, Reflections of Vancouver, I've wandered the streets of downtown Vancouver taking pictures of local landmarks, as reflected on other buildings.
I think it's pretty darn cool. You should check it out.
-Mike | 12:46 PM | link |
Truck Shopping
It's time to replace my little POS shuttle truck. It's starting to die. About a month ago I did a oil change and engine flush. Big mistake - apparently the black sludge I called oil was actually preserving a bunch of the seals. For the couple weeks after the oil change I was blowing blue AND white (rings and head gasket). It seems to have stopped now, but I'd say that after 210K Kms, it's time for semi-retirement.
Plus, it's really tough to get me, Laura and Finn in the truck comfortably. Something about a 2.5 person bench seat :-).
We'll probably keep it and make it Laura's vehicle (to be driven once or twice a week) and a shuttle truck for me, for when we're going to ride Seymour and need an extra pickup.
After two and a half years of driving a beater, and the way I've been saving every penny, I think it's time to get myself a vehicle I like.
I've been thinking about this for a while - I'm going to go with a mid-sized SUV and add a 4-bike rack to the back. I want a truck that will last me at least 5 years. I *THOUGHT* I had it all narrowed down to either a Pathfinder or 4Runner.
I prefer vehicles to drive like a sports car, or like a truck. Luxury vehicles don't really work for me. I prefer to be bounced around when I hit a bump over rolling softly.
So I spent most of this weekend truck shopping. Poor Laura - she spent most of the weekend being dragged around. I also did a ton of reading online - from Carpoint to Consumer Reports and all over Google.
Here's some of my thoughts:
2000 Nissan Pathfinder
My first thought sitting down in a Pathfinder was "Luxury Vehicle", even though I wasn't in a luxury model. The dashboard feels big and over stuffed. The seats weren't right for me. Upon driving it, I found it's definitely a "luxury SUV", not a truck. The 2000 is a decent SUV, but is a bit underpowered. If you're looking for more of the "raised car" feel, then the Pathfinder is for you.
2001 Nissan Pathfinder
The 2001 Pathfinder is pretty much the same as the 2000 for look and feel, but has one major difference. An all-new engine. If you can afford it and want the Pathfinder, get a 2001. It has much more power than the 2000.
Toyota 4Runner
It's scary just how well the 4Runners hold their value. I've driven the 4cyl and V6 versions now. While the 4cyl felt about the same for power as the 2000 Pathfinder and would be great for the city, I'm betting the gearing isn't right for the highway or towing. The V6 has plenty of power and a really good feel to it though. The one I drove had some strange clutch issues. Laura LOVED the power rear window. I can see why the 4Runner is generally the king of SUVs - too bad it's just so overpriced.
2001 Nissan Xterra
I originally didn't even have this truck on my list. I figured it was way out of my price range. One of the dealers near my house had one in my price range though, so I figured I'd try it. Boy am I glad I did. The Xterra is a SU-Truck to the bone (strong on the Utility bit). Like the 4Runner, it definitely has a truck feel. The interior is simple, which I like. I ended up driving two different models - the standard feels way better than the auto. It's a *little* underpowered at 170hp, but with the standard it goes quite well.
I'm going to have to up my budget a little, but I'm willing to live with that to find the truck that'll make me happy. When I talked to the bank about possible financing, they laughed at me. Something about a big secured line of credit and a low interest rate.
I have one dealer and a car broker both doing a bit of a search. They say they'll know in the next day or two what's out there.
-Mike | 12:29 PM | link |
It's time to replace my little POS shuttle truck. It's starting to die. About a month ago I did a oil change and engine flush. Big mistake - apparently the black sludge I called oil was actually preserving a bunch of the seals. For the couple weeks after the oil change I was blowing blue AND white (rings and head gasket). It seems to have stopped now, but I'd say that after 210K Kms, it's time for semi-retirement.
Plus, it's really tough to get me, Laura and Finn in the truck comfortably. Something about a 2.5 person bench seat :-).
We'll probably keep it and make it Laura's vehicle (to be driven once or twice a week) and a shuttle truck for me, for when we're going to ride Seymour and need an extra pickup.
After two and a half years of driving a beater, and the way I've been saving every penny, I think it's time to get myself a vehicle I like.
I've been thinking about this for a while - I'm going to go with a mid-sized SUV and add a 4-bike rack to the back. I want a truck that will last me at least 5 years. I *THOUGHT* I had it all narrowed down to either a Pathfinder or 4Runner.
I prefer vehicles to drive like a sports car, or like a truck. Luxury vehicles don't really work for me. I prefer to be bounced around when I hit a bump over rolling softly.
So I spent most of this weekend truck shopping. Poor Laura - she spent most of the weekend being dragged around. I also did a ton of reading online - from Carpoint to Consumer Reports and all over Google.
Here's some of my thoughts:
2000 Nissan Pathfinder
My first thought sitting down in a Pathfinder was "Luxury Vehicle", even though I wasn't in a luxury model. The dashboard feels big and over stuffed. The seats weren't right for me. Upon driving it, I found it's definitely a "luxury SUV", not a truck. The 2000 is a decent SUV, but is a bit underpowered. If you're looking for more of the "raised car" feel, then the Pathfinder is for you.
2001 Nissan Pathfinder
The 2001 Pathfinder is pretty much the same as the 2000 for look and feel, but has one major difference. An all-new engine. If you can afford it and want the Pathfinder, get a 2001. It has much more power than the 2000.
Toyota 4Runner
It's scary just how well the 4Runners hold their value. I've driven the 4cyl and V6 versions now. While the 4cyl felt about the same for power as the 2000 Pathfinder and would be great for the city, I'm betting the gearing isn't right for the highway or towing. The V6 has plenty of power and a really good feel to it though. The one I drove had some strange clutch issues. Laura LOVED the power rear window. I can see why the 4Runner is generally the king of SUVs - too bad it's just so overpriced.
2001 Nissan Xterra
I originally didn't even have this truck on my list. I figured it was way out of my price range. One of the dealers near my house had one in my price range though, so I figured I'd try it. Boy am I glad I did. The Xterra is a SU-Truck to the bone (strong on the Utility bit). Like the 4Runner, it definitely has a truck feel. The interior is simple, which I like. I ended up driving two different models - the standard feels way better than the auto. It's a *little* underpowered at 170hp, but with the standard it goes quite well.
I'm going to have to up my budget a little, but I'm willing to live with that to find the truck that'll make me happy. When I talked to the bank about possible financing, they laughed at me. Something about a big secured line of credit and a low interest rate.
I have one dealer and a car broker both doing a bit of a search. They say they'll know in the next day or two what's out there.
-Mike | 12:29 PM | link |
Boredom Poetry
A story you want, so here's one for you
Poor Mike is bored, sad but true.
This month has been crazy
It's all a little hazy.
I've been driving around
To see clients all over town.
But today it's strangely quiet
And that should be a riot.
But poor Mike is bored.
-Mike | 1:02 PM | link |
A story you want, so here's one for you
Poor Mike is bored, sad but true.
This month has been crazy
It's all a little hazy.
I've been driving around
To see clients all over town.
But today it's strangely quiet
And that should be a riot.
But poor Mike is bored.
-Mike | 1:02 PM | link |
Biking Season is ON!
Two nice weekends, and two great rides. Good bye, old man Winter.
First time up Dave/Jeremy and I hit up Bookwus/Granny's/Crippler on Fromme. For a first time back on the bike it was definitely a challenge. But holy crap was it a good ride. While I expected to be on my ass & a complete wuss, I managed to highly suprize myself. I rode reasonably well - perhaps not quite as well as last year, but at least 90% of the way there. I even managed to work on my recently found a-frame demon.
Last weekend we hit Fromme again, but this time with Ted/IFO and some new people - Daleth and Andrew. We managed to convince the crew and hobble up to 7th Secret. It was Ted's second time up there, and Daleth and Andrew's first. Definitely a great, light run for the day.
Mind you, Sunday I was physically tired. My body just isn't up to 5 hours on the bike anymore. Time for some hill training.
Hopefully more to say soon. Stuff is happening, but damn it's making me busy.
-Mike | 5:16 PM | link |
Two nice weekends, and two great rides. Good bye, old man Winter.
First time up Dave/Jeremy and I hit up Bookwus/Granny's/Crippler on Fromme. For a first time back on the bike it was definitely a challenge. But holy crap was it a good ride. While I expected to be on my ass & a complete wuss, I managed to highly suprize myself. I rode reasonably well - perhaps not quite as well as last year, but at least 90% of the way there. I even managed to work on my recently found a-frame demon.
Last weekend we hit Fromme again, but this time with Ted/IFO and some new people - Daleth and Andrew. We managed to convince the crew and hobble up to 7th Secret. It was Ted's second time up there, and Daleth and Andrew's first. Definitely a great, light run for the day.
Mind you, Sunday I was physically tired. My body just isn't up to 5 hours on the bike anymore. Time for some hill training.
Hopefully more to say soon. Stuff is happening, but damn it's making me busy.
-Mike | 5:16 PM | link |
Orthodics / Foot Problems
So it's been a year now and my orthodics are STILL wrong and giving me problems. I'm tired of paying $45 a visit to have him not fix them.
I have a couple of choices. I saw someone from Kintec at the outdoor show. They said that my orthodics are definitely wrong. Having them look at my feet / make orthodics will cost me about $450. Adjustments are free for the first year. BUT they don't really have podietrists - it's "foot specialists".
I spoke with some seriously atheltic people at the gym yesterday. One of them was pretty much crippled due to knee problems (at 48 years old) to the point that he couldn't be active anymore. He saw this guy named Dr Stark in Richmond, who is a podietrist and speicalizes in sports medicine, foot stuff, and "body alignment".
With special orthodics and an adjusted workout routine he was back riding and doing TRIATHLONS again. He's 52 now. Apparently a few people at the gym swear by this guy. It's $68 for the initial consultation, then $600 for the orthodics, including all adjustments for 4 months.
The receptionist @ Dr. Stark's said that I could try to get a refund on my orthodics after the new ones are done, but not to bet on it.
I dunno what to do. What do you think?
-Mike | 10:47 AM | link |
So it's been a year now and my orthodics are STILL wrong and giving me problems. I'm tired of paying $45 a visit to have him not fix them.
I have a couple of choices. I saw someone from Kintec at the outdoor show. They said that my orthodics are definitely wrong. Having them look at my feet / make orthodics will cost me about $450. Adjustments are free for the first year. BUT they don't really have podietrists - it's "foot specialists".
I spoke with some seriously atheltic people at the gym yesterday. One of them was pretty much crippled due to knee problems (at 48 years old) to the point that he couldn't be active anymore. He saw this guy named Dr Stark in Richmond, who is a podietrist and speicalizes in sports medicine, foot stuff, and "body alignment".
With special orthodics and an adjusted workout routine he was back riding and doing TRIATHLONS again. He's 52 now. Apparently a few people at the gym swear by this guy. It's $68 for the initial consultation, then $600 for the orthodics, including all adjustments for 4 months.
The receptionist @ Dr. Stark's said that I could try to get a refund on my orthodics after the new ones are done, but not to bet on it.
I dunno what to do. What do you think?
-Mike | 10:47 AM | link |
My Little Buddy
At the end of this month, Finnigan turns 12 years old. That's right Finn - you're getting old. She's doing pretty well for an old mutt, too. She's plenty active (her new food is really agreeing with her), very happy and loves getting scratches. Okay, that last one was a bit obvious. She is a dog, after all.
She really had a thing for Brian. She even decided to show off and do her happy-dance/talk thing for a while. Thus the picture.
On Sunday we went to the planetarium to get her some exercise. Being a windy day, there were TONS of people with kites going. Finnigan LOVES kites. They're like birds that taunt her. She'll chase them and chase them. Thankfully, she loses interest when they hit the ground.
Ray Bethell, kite-flyer extrodinaire was out there flying 3 kites at the same time. He was slacking - his record is flying 39 at the same type. INSANE.
Ray's a great guy, and decided to show Finn a good time. So he spent 30+ minutes taunting her with the kites. He'd fly them low and have them swoop over her head. The result, is this video (right-click, save as. 2mb WMV file). She's having so much fun, you think she's going to explode!
-Mike | 3:11 PM | link |
At the end of this month, Finnigan turns 12 years old. That's right Finn - you're getting old. She's doing pretty well for an old mutt, too. She's plenty active (her new food is really agreeing with her), very happy and loves getting scratches. Okay, that last one was a bit obvious. She is a dog, after all.
 | Finnigan thought having Laura's friends over on Saturday night was the greatest thing. All the extra people to scratch her and feed her and for her to lick. Espeically Brian. |
On Sunday we went to the planetarium to get her some exercise. Being a windy day, there were TONS of people with kites going. Finnigan LOVES kites. They're like birds that taunt her. She'll chase them and chase them. Thankfully, she loses interest when they hit the ground.
Ray Bethell, kite-flyer extrodinaire was out there flying 3 kites at the same time. He was slacking - his record is flying 39 at the same type. INSANE.
Ray's a great guy, and decided to show Finn a good time. So he spent 30+ minutes taunting her with the kites. He'd fly them low and have them swoop over her head. The result, is this video (right-click, save as. 2mb WMV file). She's having so much fun, you think she's going to explode!
-Mike | 3:11 PM | link |
An Action-Packed Weekend??
Yes, believe it or not I had a busy weekend, filled with stuff. Go figure.
Friday night Laura and I went out and saw Hitch, starring Will Smith. Pretty good movie - we got some great laughs from it. It's definitely a good date flick.
Saturday we hit the Outdoor show. I'm not 100% sure why I hit the show every year. We were through it in less than an hour. The biking section was kinda lame, as always.
We did get some good information from the rafting companies though. Jen and I will be setting up a rafting trip this year. It will rock. You'll want to come and have a riot. More info in May/June.
Saturday night we had some of Laura's friends over for an appy-potluck-thingy. Lots of fun .. much food was eaten and wine was drunk(not by me). Once again, I was successful at being more social (as per NY resolution!).
Sunday I got most of my errands run. Spent an hour outside the Planetarium so Finn could run around. More on that later.
Not much WoW time, but oh well. Maybe Jeremy caught up some. Probably not tho ;-).
Yeah, so good weekend overall, despite the lack of biking. I'm really starting to feel that .. I was down-right aching on Sunday. And the guys apparently had a FANTASTIC ride too. GAH! Next weekend better be nice out!
-Mike | 10:35 AM | link |
Yes, believe it or not I had a busy weekend, filled with stuff. Go figure.
Friday night Laura and I went out and saw Hitch, starring Will Smith. Pretty good movie - we got some great laughs from it. It's definitely a good date flick.
Saturday we hit the Outdoor show. I'm not 100% sure why I hit the show every year. We were through it in less than an hour. The biking section was kinda lame, as always.
We did get some good information from the rafting companies though. Jen and I will be setting up a rafting trip this year. It will rock. You'll want to come and have a riot. More info in May/June.
Saturday night we had some of Laura's friends over for an appy-potluck-thingy. Lots of fun .. much food was eaten and wine was drunk(not by me). Once again, I was successful at being more social (as per NY resolution!).
Sunday I got most of my errands run. Spent an hour outside the Planetarium so Finn could run around. More on that later.
Not much WoW time, but oh well. Maybe Jeremy caught up some. Probably not tho ;-).
Yeah, so good weekend overall, despite the lack of biking. I'm really starting to feel that .. I was down-right aching on Sunday. And the guys apparently had a FANTASTIC ride too. GAH! Next weekend better be nice out!
-Mike | 10:35 AM | link |
Getting in Better Shape
Throughout my youth I was always the skinny guy. For the life of me, I couldn't put on any extra weight. I ate like a pig, took weight gainers, and exercised constantly. No help. Mind you, I was very fit.
When I was sick, I lost a lot of weight. At my worst (in 2001) I was down to 123lbs. At 6' or so, that's pretty much all skin and bones. At the time I was likened (by one of my least tactful friends) as someone in a POW camp. Nice.
After recovering, I managed to gain my weight back, and more. Age and body changes from Addison's caught up with me and I ended up around 180lbs. I did exercise - I rode my bike quite a bit, ran when I could and worked out at home. For the first time in my life, I wasn't skinny or super fit. To tell the truth - I acutally had a few extra pounds around my waist! HOLY CRAP!
Since last summer I've been going to they gym pretty regularly. The weight training has helped me shift some of the "extra" weight from fat to muscle. I'm now much more muscular than I've ever been. I've leaned up a little and am down another 5lbs.
Recently I decided I'm going to drop (or convert) yet another few pounds. I'd like to get rid of some more of that extra fat that's around my waist. I know I could likley just stop eating, but that wouldn't be all that good for me, now would it.
Instead I'm changing my diet a bit. A while back I managed to cut down my sugar intake by switching from Gatorade to another (more expensive) brand and backing away from the slurpees a bit (only on weekends now).
Now I'm doing salads as my main side dish at lunch. No more "whatever yummy thing I can get my hands on" to go with my sandwich. Instead, a nice salad with cut up veggies. Generally, dinners are smaller (not much) portions too, with more veggies and less carbs. I already cook relatively low fat, so I'm safe that way. Clearly some nights, like Laura's b-day, temptation is going to win out and I'll stuff my face. MMmmM churros!
By summer, I hope this diet change, and more cardio (biking season is starting! WOO!) training, I'll be back to my reasonably fit self and a bit happier with my body.
Yes, I know I'm probably being silly, but hey, improving my body isn't a BAD thing, now is it???
-Mike | 2:23 PM | link |
Throughout my youth I was always the skinny guy. For the life of me, I couldn't put on any extra weight. I ate like a pig, took weight gainers, and exercised constantly. No help. Mind you, I was very fit.
When I was sick, I lost a lot of weight. At my worst (in 2001) I was down to 123lbs. At 6' or so, that's pretty much all skin and bones. At the time I was likened (by one of my least tactful friends) as someone in a POW camp. Nice.
After recovering, I managed to gain my weight back, and more. Age and body changes from Addison's caught up with me and I ended up around 180lbs. I did exercise - I rode my bike quite a bit, ran when I could and worked out at home. For the first time in my life, I wasn't skinny or super fit. To tell the truth - I acutally had a few extra pounds around my waist! HOLY CRAP!
Since last summer I've been going to they gym pretty regularly. The weight training has helped me shift some of the "extra" weight from fat to muscle. I'm now much more muscular than I've ever been. I've leaned up a little and am down another 5lbs.
Recently I decided I'm going to drop (or convert) yet another few pounds. I'd like to get rid of some more of that extra fat that's around my waist. I know I could likley just stop eating, but that wouldn't be all that good for me, now would it.
Instead I'm changing my diet a bit. A while back I managed to cut down my sugar intake by switching from Gatorade to another (more expensive) brand and backing away from the slurpees a bit (only on weekends now).
Now I'm doing salads as my main side dish at lunch. No more "whatever yummy thing I can get my hands on" to go with my sandwich. Instead, a nice salad with cut up veggies. Generally, dinners are smaller (not much) portions too, with more veggies and less carbs. I already cook relatively low fat, so I'm safe that way. Clearly some nights, like Laura's b-day, temptation is going to win out and I'll stuff my face. MMmmM churros!
By summer, I hope this diet change, and more cardio (biking season is starting! WOO!) training, I'll be back to my reasonably fit self and a bit happier with my body.
Yes, I know I'm probably being silly, but hey, improving my body isn't a BAD thing, now is it???
-Mike | 2:23 PM | link |
