Broken...

Well, I have suffered my first bone break ever. Broke my foot on Sunday kicking a base of all things. I didn't think anything of it - figured it was a bad sprain. But when the doctor looking at my X-ray said "Hmm, that's interesting" I knew something was wrong.

And while the pain is slowly going away, I'll find out tomorrow if I need surgery to screw the chip back into place.

The worst part is that I can't drive, which is frustrating because I have to inconvenience a lot of players.

As a result, I want to thank Girlfriend and her family for helping me out.

A la Montreal

Humidity aside...

The big news *drum roll please* is that the Girlfriend and I have made the one year mark. Doesn't feel like a year but at the same time it feels like a long time ago as my head space was a lot different then.

We decided to celebrate by going to Montreal. And had a blast. I have never really spent time in Montreal that I could enjoy. I love going to Quebec as it feels like I'm in Europe especially when visiting old Montreal or old Quebec City. I definitely want to make it more of a regular thing. And I have to thank the girlfriend for let me indulge in some inane things like going to Schwartz's (I didn't know it would take so long! - I might want to go back if we go again, but next time we know better), going to St-Viateur and going to Lachine. Aside from the crack whore taking a puff in front of us, I think I enjoyed Vieux-Montreal the most as well as Quartier Latin. The St. Lawrence River tour and the walk around Mont-Royal was nice. Though next time there probably won't be a need to do so much touristy stuff and can't do some partying and relaxing by Lac aux Castors. I'm already thinking about the next trip.

Anyway, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Thanks for bringing fun back into my life. I can honestly say it's been one of the best years of my life.

Humidity causes my brain to melt...

I can't believe I haven't been able to update this as frequently as I would have liked this summer. You figure you have all this time, but no, you really don't. Busy season at work, the weather is nice, you try to get into shape, going away for weekends, impending move - all this stuff gets in the way.

Let's get this out of the way. I hate humidity.

I've still been running. Though not as frequently as I would like. I have another 5k run coming up - Toronto Island - that I'm trying to prepare for. I've had some good runs but the weather has played havoc on my schedule. I can't wait until the weather cools down.

Been a long time...

I can't believe it's been about 6 weeks since I last posted.

Well, let's recap:
- It's half way through summer and I'm still running. Actually I'm enjoying it a lot. I even competed in my first race on Sunday - the Nissan 5k. While I beat my goal that I had set for the end of September, I'm disappointed because my foot blistered - for the first time I might add during a run - thus preventing me from even bettering my time. I've even entered two more 5k races in the meantime. So I now have one in August and two in September. Still debating whether or not to enter two races in October. Depends on timing.
- I still can't believe I've been promoted by the Girlfriend's mother. Definitely not expecting that.
- Kickball season is in full gear and the Bucs are doing well - 3-1-1, though we should have won the game we tied and the game we lost the other team should have forfeited for not having enough girls on the team.
- After the Team Ontario U17 camp, I'm definitely looking forward to the hockey season.
- Speaking of which, there might be a change there.
- Starting to get ready for my move back to North York next month.
- Looking for the trip to Montreal for August long weekend.
- And I still haven't gotten around to looking for a new job.

I think that wraps up the last few weeks nicely.

Well that was better...

Went for my second run last night and I have to say it was a lot better. I was able to up my time a bit.
I think it was the new shoes that helped.

The first step is admitting you have a problem...

Well, today was day one in my training for my 5k run in September. It was the first time that I have run in slightly over 10 years and man, my lungs can tell.
I took my friend Jacquie's advice - she's a runner - about doing a run/walk for the first two weeks. I won't bore you with the details, but in 20 minutes of a run/walk I covered about 2.3 to 2.5km. And having to walk the rest of the way home, I covered about 4km in 40 minutes. So the good news is that my goal of 5km in 45 minutes should be attainable. I won't change my goal yet but we'll see how I progress. My goal will first to be able to run for 45 minutes without having to stop to walk. We'll see how that goes.

Time to rest and get ready for my next session on Friday.

By the way, I have to get new shoes.

I'm in...

I bit the bullet and registered for the Scotiabank 5k run.

Now I have to set up a training program.

Oh boy...

New prediction...

After reading one of my earlier posts, I have a couple of new contenders for Song of the Summer '07, The White Stripes "Icky Thump" and The Chemical Brothers "Do It Again".

Icky Thump
With a lump in my throat
Grabbed my coat
And I was freaking
I was ready to go!

Summer goals

Going into this summer I don't have many goals.

1) I would like to be able to compete in the Scotiabank 5K run on September 30th.
2) I would like to learn how to play drums.
3) A possible upgrade on my current job.

Of the thing I think #1 is the most achieveable. I haven't run since university and I've been meaning to do the Scotiabank 5K run since 1999 but I've never have gotten my lazy ass motivated to do it. But I think I will do it.

"Shit! God Damn! Get off your ass and jam!"

Went to see the Elastocitizens at the Horseshoe based on a friends' recommendation and what a night.
With names like Grand Poobah Groove, Big Brother Bass and Monster Muffin, they evoked the spirit of James Brown and brought back memories Parliament, George Clinton and Bootsy Collins. They made everyone in attendance dance and shake their ass.

A funkalicious good time.

P.S. Supposedly they have a show coming up in a couple of weeks at the Gladstone. A possible birthday venue?

"Hip bone connected to the thigh bone. Thigh bone connected to the leg bone. Leg bone connected to the ankle bone and so on and so on!"

One with nature...

It's been a while since I posted.

A week today I was just coming back from spending a weekend near Algonquin Park. I'm not much of an outdoors person, but I enjoyed myself. A number of us stayed at a hostel near Dwight, ON called The Wolf's Den. It was great. It was my first hosteling experience. But I really enjoyed Algonquin Park and its trails, especially the Train and Tower Trail much to the dismay of my friends. Ragged Falls was also pretty cool.

All in all a good trip. I had fun and plan on going back sometime in the fall... maybe.

Recharged...

Well, hockey is now for the most part over for the 2006-07 season. I still have a mini-camp to attend in June and then the U17 camp at the end of June. So I've been recharging my batteries.

I plan to do lots this summer especially with the Girlfriend seeing as she puts up with the hockey during the winter. We're going away this weekend with some friends up to Algonquin Park. I'm not a big nature guy - I like my cities - but it will be fun. And then in August we plan on taking another road trip.

One thing I hope to get to is to go to more Toronto FC games. I went Wednesday night when Toronto beat Houston. I was cold and wet for 2 hours but it was worth it. I have tickets for the June 2nd game against Colorado. I'm really pissed I didn't get season tickets. But I did add my name to the waiting list. So I guess scalpers will have to do.

And lastly, what is with songs from the UK coming out now? I mean I know why it happens but it is kind of weird. For example, last year's summer song, Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy", I remember hearing that song probably at the end of 2005, early 2006. I remember because I had heard it and then had heard it in a mash-up. This year, I'm starting to hear Peter, Bjorn and John's "Young Folks" a lot even though it was named NME's #2 song of 2006! Either way, I predict it to be this year's summer song.

A note to my friends

All the work and hours I've put into hockey this winter will culminate this weekend. So I should be able to spend more time with you and enjoy the warm weather together. Patios, parks, walks, bikes, kickball, oh my!
As the assistant director for the U17 Team Ontario, I will be away for one weekend and do have to help my parents move during the course of the next month or so, but that's all.

So I will be there to enjoy this summer with you. And I have to enjoy it thoroughly because when fall and winter roll around my time will be eaten up again.

Count me in

After seeing Ted Leo & The Pharmacists last night at the Mod Club, put me down as a new fan. The Girlfriend had been ranting and raving about Ted Leo for as long as I've known her and dragged my sleep-deprived ass to the show. And I'm glad I went, though I wasn't able to enjoy it as much as I normally would have.
Ted Leo is a good entertainer and puts on a good show. One of the better concerts I've been to.

Contender #3 for Album of the Year?

After bemoaning the lack of good music in 2007, a rash of good albums have popped out of the woodworks.
As you know I'm a huge fan of Shitt Hottt and they've recently put out a new album, Are You There God? It's Me, Shitt Hottt. And of course, it kicks ass. Popular tracks like "Theme from Shitt Hottt", "Boxx Damage", "Law & Order", and "Ready, Aim, Fire" are included.

The band will probably taking a break for a month or two to recharge and possibly write some new material before performing again. And in until then I can listen to their new album over and over again.

Contender #2 for Album of the Year?

I'm excited because one of my favorite bands of recent years, Sahara Hotnights, released a new album this week, What if Leaving is a Loving Thing. They know how to write catchy songs and this album proves to be no different. Favorite tracks at the moment include the first single, "Cheek to Cheek", "Neon Lights", "Salty Lips", and "Visit to Vienna". Though I could swear the chorus for "Salty Lips" was stolen from a Shitt Hottt song.
I really hope they come to Toronto on tour. Seeing their current schedule it looks like the earliest they could make it would be in the fall.

Home, sweet home

I've finally recovered from my cross-Ontario road trip on the weekend.

Saturday I went from Georgetown to Peterborough to Ottawa. The killer part was the trip from Peterborough to Ottawa along Hwy. 7.

But the one thing I've realized through my travels throughout Ontario and the northern States, while there are some nice places out there, I love my hometown. Especially when you're driving along Hwy. 401 coming towards the highway after having been driving for 4+ hours.

Speaking of hometown, I'm looking forward to today's game between Toronto FC and the Kansas City Wizards. Going to the Duke of Gloucester for that one.

"Przepraszam ale nie rozumie po Polsku"

It was announced yesterday that Poland/Ukraine will be hosting Euro 2012. Looks like I know where I will be in the summer of 2012. I'll probably aim for Kiev.

Hopefully, by the end of the month I'll know if I will be going to Switzerland next year.

Contender #1 for Album of the Year?

On Saturday, I attened the CD release party for Beth in Battle Mode. Having seen them perform a number of times over the last six months I knew a) they would put on a good show and b) the album would be a good one. And they didn't disappoint on either front.
First the album. It contains some of the catchiest songs I've heard in a long while. While "No Feeling" is probably their most recognizable song, "Everyone is in a Band", "Relevant Bangs" and "Fanta" are among my favourites. And I love the sharp artwork with the CD.
As for the show, despite some technical difficulties, it was another excellent show. The Speaking Tongues, who opened for BIBM, were fantastic. BIBM also introduced two new songs "Ikea Sangria" and "Silver Tongue" that look like to be surefire additions to the next album. And the cover of Madonna's "Hung Up" was classic.

To get a copy of the album you can get it at CD Replay (523 Bloor Street West), Criminal Records (493 Queen Street West) or Soundscapes (572 College Street). I recommend you pick up a copy.

Hooliganism...

My lifelong dream of being a football hooligan can now be fufilled as Toronto FC has started their season.

All kidding aside, despite the 2-0 loss to Chivas USA I'm looking forward to seeing Toronto FC play in coming years. Went to a great party on Saturday hosted by the Red Patch Boys at the Elephant & Castle. Good times. The Girlfriend even won a ball!

Looking forward to the next game against New England on Saturday and I can't wait for the home opener against Kansas City on the 28th.

Go TFC!

Feeling left behind?

I have to catch up.

But one thing I've realized over the last few days...

How come all the music I'm listening to over the last little while is from last year, and where is the good music so far this year?

Geez, you miss a lot when you get divorced.

I caved...

Well, I caved.
After thinking about it for a long time, I've broken down and have bought an iPod. Only problem is I should have bought it before the hockey season started.
Oh, and I bought a new pair of Pumas that I'm really enjoying.

"Can I have an extra grande double mocha cappucino, hold the coffee, add extra foam, whipped cream on the side and slap me upside my head?"

Finally, after being inundated with hockey and work and parties, I get a chance to update this thing.
The other day I was at my favorite coffee establishment - the only reason I'm there is because of the promotion they run as I had sworn off purchasing coffee this year - when I got stuck behind some girl who couldn't decide what to order. You know the type - designer sunglasses, designer dog, too skinny to hold onto, SUV driving, stuck up, daddy's little girl type - when she was holding up the line debating what to get. I mean how hard is it to order coffee? That's why I rarely, and reluctantly if I do, purchase my coffee from the pretentious Seattle-based coffee pusher. I mean they started this stupidity in the first place.
I just want my coffee.

Not so secret show...

Really looking forward to this show on Thursday night at the Silver Dollar.

THE ZOOBOMBS w/ SHITT HOTTT, THE DISRAELIS, THE ASSISTANTS
$7 @ door

Change of venue...

Somethings change isn't good.
I went to Eat Your Greens at El Mocambo on Saturday night with the Girlfriend and another friend. I was dead tired on Saturday night after spending all day watching some bad hockey in Brampton, but I was looking forward to going out. I mean I've enjoyed Eat Your Greens at Neutral on the occasions that I have gone, but I hadn't gone since they changed venues.
We got there a little early and had to hear some bad Guns N' Roses imitation band peform before Eat Your Greens started. But once it did, I was disappointed. It wasn't the same. The crowd was different and even though it was the same DJ, it seemed different. It was too airy, too sparse, too cool. I mean Neutral is dark, hot, and packed which adds to the allure.
It reminds me of the time I used to go Industry, which in my opinion was the best club that's existed in my lifetime in Toronto. I mean it was out of the way in King West, it was always packed and the floors were dirty. There weren't any skanky whores or macho guys there. It wasn't a pickup joint. It was a place to enjoy good music and have fun. And when it closed down, other clubs tried to replicate the atmosphere, but they didn't and they haven't come close since then.

No more feelings of guilt...

I realized this morning that I no longer have a musical guilty pleasure. You know, the music that you don't admit to listening to, for fear of being mocked and ridiculed by friends.
My guilty pleasure used to be Kylie Minogue. Her songs, and her videos, used to capture my attention and I would be caught humming her songs at the most unopportune times. As her star faded, her sister Danni captured my attention, but not to the extent of Kylie.
But now, nothing. I guess it's a good thing. I'll always have 80's music.

Tattoo You...

Lately I have been contemplating getting another tattoo. After considering getting a tattoo for a number of years, almost a decade, I finally got one last August. And no regrets. I really like the way it came out and most of the time I forget I even have one.
So now I'm starting to think if I will get another one and if so, what it would be and where it would go.

It will probably take me another 10 years to figure it out.

Psycho Killer, Qu'est-ce que c'est?

The movie Zodiac came out on Friday and even though it's about 2 1/2 hours long I want to see it.
Odd as it may seem, I've always been fascinated by true crime. I don't know if has to do with the fact that you want to be the detective that solves the crime and be a hero, or if it's winning a battle of wills against the villain, or maybe it stems from taking law classes in high school.
The Zodiac Killer has always intrigued me since I saw one of those A&E specials with Bill Curtis as the host. Is he still on TV? Anyway, the fact that the Zodiac is still unsolved adds to the appeal.
Also, it looks like the movie itself got some good reviews and it's directed by David Fincher, who directed Se7en and Fight Club, two movies I thoroughly enjoyed.
And yes, I know the Talking Heads wrote that song about Son of Sam.

Time to start practising my yodelling...

I applied for Euro 2008 tickets last night. Applied, you say? Basically, if they "oversell" tickets you get put into a lottery. But I put in for two group games in Zurich so I think I should be able to get tickets. I guess I'll find out in May.
I hope to have as much fun as I did at Euro 2004 in Portugal.

Ette was fun... bad pun, I know, I know...

Went with the Girlfriend and some friends to Lee's Palace last night to catch a live show. The headliner was a band from Los Angeles, The Ettes, who have been generating a buzz States side and put on a kick ass show. The highlight of their set was watching their unorthodox, yet exuberant drummer, Maria "Poni" Silver, pounding on the drums as her hair flailed all over the place. But the biggest news of the night was seeing Shitt Hottt blow away the rest of the bands out of the water last night - The I-Spies and Hot Monogamy were also on the bill. Performing crowd favorites like "Ready, Aim, Fire", "Rendez-Vous", "The Jig Is Up" (a personal favorite), plus debuting two new songs, "Pull Out" and an as of now untitled track, Andrea, Michelle, Ryan, and Sarah rocked Lee's Palace.
Their next gig is Saturday, March 24th at the White Orchid. Some other bands like Beth in Battle Mode, Boyfriend Material, The European Union, Ontario Power Generation, Beast Cancer, Shawn Jurek, Secret Star, Songs From a Room, and Pants & Tie will also be performing. Should be a great show.
Also, they'll be recording soon so I'm also looking forward to the CD release party, whenever that will be. I expect big things from them this summer.

In the beginning...

After careful consideration, I have decided to make the leap into the blogging world.

Why?

I don't know. Actually I do.

Well, I have always wanted to but either I never had the courage, or the time, or the will to do so. But I have always loved to write and I decided, you know, this would be a good outlet to keep my writing skills sharp. At least I think so. And, I have always wondered if I could write and I'm sure I will hear from those if I cannot.

But what to write?

I guess it will be some anecdotes, stories, ideas, moments, and of course some musings. I don't think I'll delve into any deep subjects, but this is just the beginning and I don't know where this will go. Hopefully, it can entertain, provoke, humor those who choose to read it. Supposedly I don't have a sense of humor so I can't promise that I will make you laugh. But I promise I will to make you laugh as well.

And as for the title?

This was the most difficult part. In reality, it's from a joke I had with some friends where I responded that "I'm just a sheep". And we all are. Sure we try to pretend that we're not, but in the end we're all part of the same flock. Sometimes we might wonder off and pretend that we're special and different and we might even attract a mini-flock but in the end, we all venture back to our main flock - and that's not such a bad thing. Hell, I've just followed hundreds, possibly millions, of people who say they are different, or special, and have started my own blog. And I figure given that we have short attention spans - though so much for this post - and Bah! is short and sweet. And maybe it can become a catch phrase like "D'oh!"

That might sound pessimistic, but I don't think so. I'm normally not a pessimistic guy. Just you're usual happy-go-lucky guy. But we all have the need to belong - to something, whatever that may be. So I just say enjoy it, share it and a laugh a little while do so.

Oh, and I promise to keep it shorter next time.