This past week-end a co-worker and dear friend passed away. He had been diagnosed with Cancer a little over a month and a half ago, and succumbed on Saturday.
His Funeral was yesterday, and it was an emotional tribute to a truly terrific man. Willy was one of the happiest people I have ever met. He was one of those people who was always quick with a smile, and even quicker with a joke or a card trick. He will truly be missed around the office.
I remember meeting him when I first started in this job a year and half ago. We worked together and became fast friends. I realize now that Willy became fast friends with everyone he met, but, there was more than enough good nature in him to go around.
The last time I saw Willy, he was on my floor looking for someone else and standing outside my Cubicle. It was a Friday. He was chatting and told me that he missed me on his floor. He was also holding his back, which he told me he had sprained at the gym. As it turns out, less than a week later his doctors found tumours on his Spinal cord.
I can't stop thinking about his Son (who I have never met), watching them wheel his father’s casket out. He wore sunglasses, yet I could read every movement as though they were my own. I knew his helplessness, sadness and confusion as I lost my Mother far too early in her life. The feeling of waste, and a loss so profound that it feels as though nothing will ever fill the void. Of course nothing ever does. You meet different people over time that helps to cover up the void, but it is never filled in.
I never met his son before yesterday. But, I feel like I know him now.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Saturday, March 25, 2006
The Cape!
So. How cool is the KSC you ask? Well for Both CG and I it stands out as a Highlight of our trip. Aside from Breaking bread and Chillin’ with our fun and wacky Floridian Comrades, I think that the things I will most remember are the KSC and the WONDERFUL smell of Orange Blossoms filling the “Wet Sponge” driving home on a warm Florida evening. Magic.
KSC was about an hour drive from the Floridians home. My one regret is that we didn’t get on our way a bit earlier so that we could have had a bit more time there. Next time.
Most of the tours and Visitor centres are dedicated to the NASA “glory years” of the space race, and the Apollo missions. That suited me fine, as that is the period that is most interesting to me. Even almost 40 years out, I think that the Apollo missions are a true technological wonder. The scale of all thing involved is truly enormous. The Giant Vehicle Assemble building, the enormous Crawlers used to transport the unbelievable Saturn V. It’s incredible to think that all that was created with 1960’s technology, and is a feat that we could not replicate today. Of course, we could replicate it, if it was funded as well as Apollo was….
I can’t criticize US Govt space spending, as I strongly believe (as an outsider looking in), that as a nation they have more pressing concerns. However, it is worth noting that in 1969, when men were walking on the moon, Space exploration accounted for approx 0.3% of US GDP. In the same year, when the US was losing an unpopular war in Vietnam, US military expenditures accounted for 3% of GDP.
Anyway, the tours were awesome, and I look forward to shelling out a bit more next time for the “Up Close” tour. Apparently you need a reservation for that one.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Geek Heaven
The Decision to go to the Kennedy Space Center was made after we had already decided to go to Florida. It wasn’t my idea as Wifey thought of it. It really SHOULD have been my Idea. Not that I am jealous in anyway, but I just can’t believe that the trip didn’t just jump into my mind. For me Florida should = Space Center.
I am a certifiable Space Geek. To this day I follow the space programs of not only the USA, but also the ESA, Japan, China, Russia etc with keen interest. I have studied the Apollo years in detail, and in the course of studying for my History degree, I wrote an essay on Comparative Foreign policy of the USA, USSR as evidenced by the Space Race. All in all, I am a true Geek boy… What can I say?
My fascination with space began on a hot summer day when my Aunt took me to see Star Wars. My 6-year-old mind was reeling. I came out wondering how much of that was possible. .
Around the time that Empire Strikes Back was out, I remember another Hot summer night. This time, I was in my friend Randy’s backyard. It was near the end of summer and we were sitting in his backyard on plastic reclining lawn chairs. My friend Randy was a full year older than me (when you are nine that’s 11%!!) and he had told me that we could spot satellites whizzing overhead. I caught a shooting star and we were convinced that we spotted some satellites, a chunk of the falling Skylab (who cares that we were a few years late) and just for good measure, a UFO. I was 9 and the fact that I grew up near an airport didn’t mean that those were landing lights in the distance gawddammit J. I am sure about the shooting star. And, for the first time that I caught a whiff of the vastness of space, and by extension the vastness of…. everything. For the next few years I picked up as many books as I could about space, and space exploration, all the while feeding a growing addiction to Science Fiction. During these years I tried to design my own Spaceships. Somehow they all came out looking like the Apollo craft I had read so much about… or an x-wing. By the time I was 13, I was convinced that I needed to be an astronomer.
By the time I was 14, it was clear that I lacked the mathematical skills. And then the guitar came along. Throughout my teen years, I attempted (in vain I might add) to hide my true geek colours. Of course, they bled through whatever outfit I tried, but, I let my interest in Science and Science Fiction Sit on the back-burner as I tried to do the obligatory amount of fitting in and teen-age posturing. Once I hit University though, I couldn’t help it. My main course of study was History, but, I kept astronomy and space flight as a hobby.
It became the universe I could lose myself in, and once again gladly, and publicly, declared my love for Science Fiction as a genre. Of course, this was before The Matrix was released, so Sci-Fi was still not ‘cool’. It would be a few years before the rest of the world caught up with me. In these years I read many books chronicling the History of Space flight and the space race, which is something I still do. I read books about space, watch as many Discovery Channel programs as my schedule allows and scour the Internet for information. When Pathfinder was on Mars in ’97, I laboriously downloaded as many images as I could using a 28.8 modem. I have followed missions that most people didn’t know exist (Chandra X-ray Observatory anyone?).
So, the Idea to go to Kennedy really SHOULD have been mine. But, the Wife came up with it, and I’m glad that she did. I’m also grateful that she decided to take the day and come out with me. She said that my enthusiasm interested her. I think that at first she just wanted to make sure that I went, as it was a place that I have wanted to visit for well over 20 years. Its great when you find that person around whom you can wear your geek colours.
That’s what this post is about. That special woman, who not only shares my interests, but realizes before I do what will make me happy, and what I love. Most days it feels like more than I deserve.
Oh, and I’ve waited 20 years to get that picture!!
I still need to get my thoughts on the Space Center visit down…. I will
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Florida Adventures
So after being delayed in Chicago we landed in Orlando at 1AM! Of course most of the Airport is closed at that time, so It was difficult to get anywhere. We also had to wait about 40 minutes to get a shuttle to our rental car. Thankfully, the attendant at the Rental desk felt bad that we had been waiting and upgraded our rental for free. We went from an economy to an SUV. I normally hate SUV’s, and almost turned down his offer, but figured meh, I’m on vacation. Turns out the Suzuki XL 7 we were given is a pretty nice ride, aside from the fact that it has absolutely NO Power! We nicknamed it the Wet Sponge in tribute to its acceleration and handling capabilities…
Finally on our wheels, we made our way to our Friends place, shamefully arriving at 4am, when they had to go to work the next day. We called them and told them that we would just get a hotel upon landing, but the wonderful people that they are would not hear of it. After navigating the Florida roads as best we could on next to no sleep, we were greeted by the truly wondrous sight of a Canadian flag Jack-o-lantern in their Driveway. In March!! Jay and Sherri rock like no others!
So we were settled and took Monday to chill out, get acclimatized and do some shopping, driving the Wet Sponge in the Beautiful Florida heat.
Tuesday was spent meeting another Floridian Amigo of ours and loading everyone up in the Wet Sponge for a trip to the great cheesy tourist destination called Gator Land. Gator Land was opened in 1949 and is an old school tourist trap. It is basically a huge zoo devoted to Alligators, although surprisingly Gator meat is also on the menu… Blech! It seems weird, but apparently Alligators are so prolific, that the park needs to cull their numbers and I guess this is what they do with the extras. Anyway, Alligators are cool creatures, and almost seem unreal. They hardly move and look as though they are straight out of another era in Earths History. All in all Gator Land was a Blast!
Wednesday I was able to Finally visit Kennedy Space Centre. This will get it’s own Post!
On Thursday the Floridians took us out and about in the lovely Mt Dora area near their home. There is actually no Mountain to be seen and a more a propos name for the town would be “Slight Incline Dora”, but it is pretty none the less. We went on a nature walk and then walked through a quaint shopping district populated with specialty boutiques and shops. We called it an early night since we needed to be up early to catch our plane out.
All in all it was a fantastic trip, based largely on the hospitality of our friends. We spoke of setting up an annual exchange program, where they can come and visit us in September to escape the oppressive humidity of Florida and we head south on March Break to escape the Brutal winter. I look forward to our visits with them greatly and can’t wait to welcome them back to Toronto for the Word on the Street Book Festival.
Finally on our wheels, we made our way to our Friends place, shamefully arriving at 4am, when they had to go to work the next day. We called them and told them that we would just get a hotel upon landing, but the wonderful people that they are would not hear of it. After navigating the Florida roads as best we could on next to no sleep, we were greeted by the truly wondrous sight of a Canadian flag Jack-o-lantern in their Driveway. In March!! Jay and Sherri rock like no others!
So we were settled and took Monday to chill out, get acclimatized and do some shopping, driving the Wet Sponge in the Beautiful Florida heat.
Tuesday was spent meeting another Floridian Amigo of ours and loading everyone up in the Wet Sponge for a trip to the great cheesy tourist destination called Gator Land. Gator Land was opened in 1949 and is an old school tourist trap. It is basically a huge zoo devoted to Alligators, although surprisingly Gator meat is also on the menu… Blech! It seems weird, but apparently Alligators are so prolific, that the park needs to cull their numbers and I guess this is what they do with the extras. Anyway, Alligators are cool creatures, and almost seem unreal. They hardly move and look as though they are straight out of another era in Earths History. All in all Gator Land was a Blast!
Wednesday I was able to Finally visit Kennedy Space Centre. This will get it’s own Post!
On Thursday the Floridians took us out and about in the lovely Mt Dora area near their home. There is actually no Mountain to be seen and a more a propos name for the town would be “Slight Incline Dora”, but it is pretty none the less. We went on a nature walk and then walked through a quaint shopping district populated with specialty boutiques and shops. We called it an early night since we needed to be up early to catch our plane out.
All in all it was a fantastic trip, based largely on the hospitality of our friends. We spoke of setting up an annual exchange program, where they can come and visit us in September to escape the oppressive humidity of Florida and we head south on March Break to escape the Brutal winter. I look forward to our visits with them greatly and can’t wait to welcome them back to Toronto for the Word on the Street Book Festival.
Friday, March 17, 2006
I'm back...I'm tired
OK, Next time we fly, I MUST take a closer look at the itinerary. Analyze it and really think! (I work as an Analyst after all) Our trip was wonderful and exciting, truly liberating the geek in me at times and allowing me to be “the tourist” at others.
All in all it was awesome. But, today I am tired as all fuck. I have been up since 4am. I don’t do well at 4am.
We arrived late in Orlando after a delay at our stop over in Chicago. There was a Massive Thunderstom, which closed the airport right after we landed. The Flight into Chicago was a terrible, turbulent affair. The Wifey does not fly well and was very afraid, irregardless of the 2 gravol she took to dull her senses a bit. It may take something stronger next time. But, the little trooper hung in there, and we landed OK. I may have lost some mobility in my right hand due to here “Kung-Fu grip of fear”, but all in all I’m glad to say that she held up well. Hopefully our next flight will be easier and I’ll be able to calm her a bit more. Honestly, I was pretty scared at certain times on the flights. Perhaps it was flying with some one who has a phobia? Its so hard, because I tried to reassure her and be strong, giving her strength, yet I felt so powerless and unable to calm her. Its hard to know that your loved one is afraid (to the point to tears) and you can do nothing at all to help them through. There were times when I felt anxious and panicky, when I used to love flying. Prior to our Thunderstorm landing I guess I had always had nice weather to fly in and never looked at my planes as dangerous in any way. Our flight to Chicago was just brutal though. Wifey tried desperately to climb into my lap, seatbelt, cramped seats and armrest apparently were not an obstacle to her. If nothing else, my girl is determined!
This morning we departed at 8am, necessitating an arrival at the airport of 6am!!! I’m just beat now, even after a nap. It really has wasted my day. Lesson for future trips is to Fly in earlier and depart later!!
I’ll blog the trip later (hopefully with pics).
Oh, and who in fuck’s name do airlines make those seats for! I’m a relatively small guy (abour 5’ 6”, 145lbs) and I find them restrictive. Makes you feel like cargo!
I’m listening to Crooked Fingers. Imagine if Neil Diamond was depressed and wrote songs about drunks. Yeah, its that good.
All in all it was awesome. But, today I am tired as all fuck. I have been up since 4am. I don’t do well at 4am.
We arrived late in Orlando after a delay at our stop over in Chicago. There was a Massive Thunderstom, which closed the airport right after we landed. The Flight into Chicago was a terrible, turbulent affair. The Wifey does not fly well and was very afraid, irregardless of the 2 gravol she took to dull her senses a bit. It may take something stronger next time. But, the little trooper hung in there, and we landed OK. I may have lost some mobility in my right hand due to here “Kung-Fu grip of fear”, but all in all I’m glad to say that she held up well. Hopefully our next flight will be easier and I’ll be able to calm her a bit more. Honestly, I was pretty scared at certain times on the flights. Perhaps it was flying with some one who has a phobia? Its so hard, because I tried to reassure her and be strong, giving her strength, yet I felt so powerless and unable to calm her. Its hard to know that your loved one is afraid (to the point to tears) and you can do nothing at all to help them through. There were times when I felt anxious and panicky, when I used to love flying. Prior to our Thunderstorm landing I guess I had always had nice weather to fly in and never looked at my planes as dangerous in any way. Our flight to Chicago was just brutal though. Wifey tried desperately to climb into my lap, seatbelt, cramped seats and armrest apparently were not an obstacle to her. If nothing else, my girl is determined!
This morning we departed at 8am, necessitating an arrival at the airport of 6am!!! I’m just beat now, even after a nap. It really has wasted my day. Lesson for future trips is to Fly in earlier and depart later!!
I’ll blog the trip later (hopefully with pics).
Oh, and who in fuck’s name do airlines make those seats for! I’m a relatively small guy (abour 5’ 6”, 145lbs) and I find them restrictive. Makes you feel like cargo!
I’m listening to Crooked Fingers. Imagine if Neil Diamond was depressed and wrote songs about drunks. Yeah, its that good.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Trippy dude... trippy...
So we are almost ready to join the throngs of Canadians heading south for march break.
Heather and I are on our way to Florida to visit our wonderful Friends Jay and Sherri. I look forward to it.
I guess since I haven’t blogged in a while there has been no mention of this before. Ah well. I’ve been busy. I am looking forward to eh warm Climes (although it is almost 15 celsius in Toronto) and some sightseeing along with hanging out with some tres cool people. We are about 45 mins from departure.
Heather is a bad flyer. We have been together for over 5 years and have yet to fly together. I have tried to reassure her, but she is still very nervous and anxious. I told her my hand is hers to squeeze (hell, I haven’t touched a guitar in months) and I will do whatever I can for her. Yet I still feel powerless to alleviate her fears. I know she will be fine, but, I hope we can make it there calmly. I love flying. Or at least I enjoy takeoff and landing, the middle part is boring.
Anyway, in other news H. and I have started to plan our wedding party in earnest. We have found a cool venue that is Oh so very us and are getting ready to commit to it.
Anyway that’s about all for now
Heather and I are on our way to Florida to visit our wonderful Friends Jay and Sherri. I look forward to it.
I guess since I haven’t blogged in a while there has been no mention of this before. Ah well. I’ve been busy. I am looking forward to eh warm Climes (although it is almost 15 celsius in Toronto) and some sightseeing along with hanging out with some tres cool people. We are about 45 mins from departure.
Heather is a bad flyer. We have been together for over 5 years and have yet to fly together. I have tried to reassure her, but she is still very nervous and anxious. I told her my hand is hers to squeeze (hell, I haven’t touched a guitar in months) and I will do whatever I can for her. Yet I still feel powerless to alleviate her fears. I know she will be fine, but, I hope we can make it there calmly. I love flying. Or at least I enjoy takeoff and landing, the middle part is boring.
Anyway, in other news H. and I have started to plan our wedding party in earnest. We have found a cool venue that is Oh so very us and are getting ready to commit to it.
Anyway that’s about all for now
Thursday, March 09, 2006
WOW I have a Blog!
So…. Two months huh?
Yup. Guess if ever become a super-hero I won’t be known as the “Uber-Blogger”. Time for a new dream. I’ve been up to quite a bit though.
Work = insanity. I’ve been busting my arse. I decided not to long ago that my best interests would be served by getting promoted. So, that is what I am endeavouring to do. I keep taking on large projects and have put myself up as team leader on a lot of them. Gads!!! I sound so fucking corporate! Some days I wake up and feel as though I have sold my soul to a “Big American Corporation” for a few bucks. I remember the old saying that said something to the effect of, if you go corporate before you are 30 you are a sell-out, if you haven't sold out after 30 you are just stupid. Well, at least it took me to 34 to sell out.
In the mornings I get ready for work and see a clean-shaven, tie-wearing reflection in the mirror. Some days I wonder who that guy is. Don’t get me wrong… I rock the tie. I make corporate look good (hey, let me have my delusions) but, it just doesn’t feel like me.
Today I had a meeting and left on a high from it. The kind of high I used to get from playing my Fender into the early mornings, or reading Kerourac, or listening to Hendrix, Coltrane, or Pearl Jam…. Now… its sales planning. Whoa.
I still do the other stuff, but, not as much as I like.
I never thought this would be me.
I never believed “he” would be me…..
I am listening to the Arctic Monkeys. Killer.
Yup. Guess if ever become a super-hero I won’t be known as the “Uber-Blogger”. Time for a new dream. I’ve been up to quite a bit though.
Work = insanity. I’ve been busting my arse. I decided not to long ago that my best interests would be served by getting promoted. So, that is what I am endeavouring to do. I keep taking on large projects and have put myself up as team leader on a lot of them. Gads!!! I sound so fucking corporate! Some days I wake up and feel as though I have sold my soul to a “Big American Corporation” for a few bucks. I remember the old saying that said something to the effect of, if you go corporate before you are 30 you are a sell-out, if you haven't sold out after 30 you are just stupid. Well, at least it took me to 34 to sell out.
In the mornings I get ready for work and see a clean-shaven, tie-wearing reflection in the mirror. Some days I wonder who that guy is. Don’t get me wrong… I rock the tie. I make corporate look good (hey, let me have my delusions) but, it just doesn’t feel like me.
Today I had a meeting and left on a high from it. The kind of high I used to get from playing my Fender into the early mornings, or reading Kerourac, or listening to Hendrix, Coltrane, or Pearl Jam…. Now… its sales planning. Whoa.
I still do the other stuff, but, not as much as I like.
I never thought this would be me.
I never believed “he” would be me…..
I am listening to the Arctic Monkeys. Killer.
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