Pictured is the Grand Bahia Principe Cayacao in Samana, Dominican Republic.
That's where I'll be getting married next April. Exact dates aren't set in stone yet, but the resort is and I couldn't be more excited. Sarah and I have been eying this place for six months and to know now that we're definitely getting to have our wedding there is awesome.
Obviously, tying the knot and gettin' hitched is the most exciting thing on the schedule, but that is still nine months off and there are a lot of things I'm looking forward to between now and then, wedding related and otherwise.
Here they are in Today's Better-Late-Than-Never Rundown...
Five Most Anticipated Events
5. Engagement Party - August 16th
I have some reservations and apprehension about this thing, but ultimately, it's a chance for me to see a bunch of people that I haven't gotten to spend much time with over the last two years. It'll be Sarah's first real chance to meet some of the people that are really important in my life and for both our families to interact together, which, in spite of any hang-ups I may have with things, is something to look forward to.
4. Next Stop - TBA
As I mentioned in the last installment of 10 Things, we're in the process of figuring out where we'll be setting up shop next and this is something that I truly am looking forward to. I've moved so much in my life that it doesn't phase me anymore and I only see the fun and enjoyable parts, like finding a killer apartment, buying new things for the space and decorating. Yeah, I said decorating... I like it... sue me!
3. Vancouver - September 2008
Looking forward to this one for a number of reasons. We were supposed to go over last Christmas until someone had to have their appendix removed and then Bambi happened, so now that we've got tickets booked, I'm starting to get excited again. I've never been to BC and I can't wait to just see how beautiful it is, but I'm also looking forward to meeting Sarah's Girls, spending some QT with her mom and getting a chance to spend more time with her brother Tim.
2. Champagne Birthday - October 30, 2008
The Big Three Oh doesn't phase me at all - you're only as old as you feel and I feel like I'm about 21 most days, so piss on all the worrying and nonsense. I'd like to have one hell of a party for this one, Spencer Style though. No out all night boozefest like the younger years; I want my closest friend at my house / apartment, great food, better beverages and just lots of laughs and entertainment. Feel free to contact Sarah to make this happen...
1. Our First Christmas Together - December 25, 2008
Yes, we've been together for two actual Christmases thus far, but neither has really been together in the complete sense of the word. For that matter, they weren't really Christmas-y either. Sarah was home in VanCity for the first one and last year I was at work after we spent all of Christmas Eve travelling home post-Bambi. While I know Sarah may have to work, I also know that I most likely won't and that means I make sure we have a great Christmas together, wherever we are.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
The Rundown: Excitement Mounts
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
When Will These Kids Learn?
So American Idol winner Jordan Sparks has made a Virginity Vow.
Isn't that sweet?
In a word, no.
It's stupid. Don't you know you Pop Starlet History Jordan?
See that vampy, trampy thing to the right?
Yeah, you remember her: that's Britney before Kevin, two kids and a redneck meltdown that has been raging on for the last three years.
What you'll also remember is that she public declared that her legs would remain like The Go-Go's (and Duff Sisters') lips - sealed.
Guess what didn't happen?
Other young and chaste stars like The Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus sport Purity Rings much like Sparks does to remind themselves of the commitment they've made (to themselves) to not have sex.
A couple things come to mind, neither of which are going to make me sound like a great guy, but in actually, it's just the cold, hard truth and some entertaining copy for everyone to enjoy:
1. Purity Rings, much like Wedding Rings unfortunately, can be taken off whenever you want. They aren't soldered onto your hand or etched into you skin like a tattoo (See how I did that? Worked Jordan Spark's song title into the piece... brilliant!), they are a piece of jewelry that you remove when you wash your hands. Or get naked.
2. I went to a Catholic church college affiliated with the University of Waterloo. In the Women's Residence, there were a lot of young Sparks-esque women, intent on saving themselves for marriage. I even dated a couple of them. Please feel free to draw your own conclusions...
3. Sure you don't want to have sex now, but wait a couple years. You're 16. Only tramps and Bady Daddies in Training are getting naked and frisky at 16*. But by the time you're 18 and you've made a load of money from the music biz, probably done a movie and are dating the Usher-in-Training of the time, you might have a different outlook on things.
* I'm just kidding by the way. A lot more people than tramps and BDIT are doing it at 16 and while that's a little scary to me, that's the world we live in.
While I don't encourage Jordan Sparks or any other songstress to go the Xtina Aguilera Route, buy some ass-less chaps and get Drrty, I would also recommend keeping all things regarding your private parts private.
That way, when you break this vow, no one gives a rat's ass.
Now you've just set yourself up for a fall and that's never a smart career move.
Ask Britney.
Monday, July 28, 2008
10 Things I Learned This Week
1. There Aren't Enough Hours in the Day
24 hours is not enough time to do all the things I want to do and need to do. That is exactly why I haven't been here in two whole days; the things I want to do (read: write posts here) get outweighed by the things I need to do (read: going to work) and as soon as I get home it's off to sleep, pretty much. Today is going to be interesting because we need to hit the Travel Agent to plan the wedding, but I also have to be at work earlier than normal and close the place tonight.
2. Back Behind The Bar
So I've been helping out on the bar at Montana's the last couple weeks - grabbing my own drinks and helping out when the bartenders get overrun with drinks to make and tables to cover. Friday night, one of our bartenders didn't show up for the 900th time and has now been 86'ed. Guess who they asked to take his place? Obviously, I accepted, as it's the same hours over less days and better money, though it does feel weird to be pouring draft again after more than a year away from the taps.
3. I Should Have Been Tending Bar From the Beginning
Why? Because I made as much money in one shift yesterday as I did working Tuesday, Thursday and Friday combined. Granted, I did work for ten hours, but still, making $150 bucks in one day is aces to me. Mix in a closing shift tonight and a couple more nights on the bar during the week and I could be looking at some pretty decent financial gains between now and the next installment of 10 Things.
4. Dark Knight = AWESOME!
Friday night was crap at The Cookhouse, which normally would make me angry. This week, however, it made me very,very happy as it meant that instead of having to wait until this coming Sunday to see The Dark Knight, we could take it in Friday night. And take it in we did, from the second row... for the 10:45 show... At 1:30 when we walked out of the theatre, I knew I had just finished watching my favourite movie of the year.
5. I'm Really Going to Miss Heath
Seeing the transformed Ledger deliver an amazing performance as The Joker only reminded me of how unfortunate it is that he died earlier this year. His Oscar win - and he will win - won't be because he passed away like some people will undoubtedly frame it, but because his performance was so captivating that you couldn't take your eyes away from him, even when he was just sitting there. We lost one of our generation's best when he died. It would have been incredible to see him continue to evolve as an actor because there is nothing he couldn't do on screen.
6. The List of Future Landing Zones
So Sarah has finally finished her resume and cover letters and is applying for jobs as we speak. The potential destinations of the future Mr. and Mrs. Kyte are: London, Kitchener-Waterloo, Hamilton, Grimbsy, Orillia and St. Catherines. We'll keep you posted on whether we're coming to a town near you...
7. No Longer Questioning My Coolness
A couple of weeks ago, I waxed poetically about whether the style of the time had passed me by. After a day spent shopping on Saturday, the answer is a resounding no... sort of. While the style of the time for teenagers and twentysomethings has passed me by, my style has grown up into much more classy and stylish attire and that is never a bad thing. I never would have imagined a time would come where I would pass up a search announcing my training as a ninja or one of goaltender Jesus making a brilliant grab that reads "Jesus Saves" in favour of a quasi-political, socially aware GAP Inspi(RED) t-shirt, but those days are here and I love them. Look Mom - my jeans aren't hanging off my ass cheeks any more.
8. Movie Lengths - An Opinion Piece
So the last two movies I've watched (Vantage Point and Dark Knight) had a time difference of nearly 90 minutes. Another way of looking at it is that I could have watched Vantage Point twice in the time I watched The Dark Knight, but I would never do that. What I don't get is why someone in Hollywood thinks 90 minute movies work. For the most part, they don't, unless they are cheese-tastic comedies with little to no plot. Vantage Point was rolling along nicely until it seems like they got near their 90 minute cap and ended it horribly. Like I've said since Friday night / Saturday morning - I would rather sit through nearly three hours of The Dark Knight and how no stone unturned than watch 90 minutes of uselessness that leaves me wondering why they left parts unfinished.
9. A T-Shirt, An Idiot and A Little Perspective
So I had a guy sit at one of my tables yesterday with a black t-shirt on that said "I Oppose Gay Marriage." Yesterday was the London Pride Parade, so it made a little sense. But this wasn't "here are my feelings on a t-shirt" in a nice, polite way; this was a biker dude who I also overheard using the words "faggots," "queers" and other slurs repeatedly. I actually asked if I could refuse to serve him. I was told no for the record. Anywho, I got to thinking as I dealt with him and his four neanderthal friends - social monogliods like them get to live their lives, hating people for who they love, believing in all their stereotypes and "we're better than everyone else" bullshit, so what the fuck is their problem with guys who like guys or girls who like girls? You don't see anyone walking around in "I Oppose Gay-Dashing Biker Morons" t-shirts...
10. Operation: 185 Update
Starting Weight: 204 lbs.
Last Week's Weight: 201 lbs.
Current Weight: 199 lbs.
So I've dropped two pounds - and not just overnight or anything. I've maintained the 199 for the most part over the course of the week and have now refined my training into a much more balance (read: no more near hernia-inducing overdoing of the ab portion of the program) routine where it's two on, one off, two on, two off and no body part gets overly taxed on back to back days. Five down, fourteen to go...
Friday, July 25, 2008
Soundtrack of My Life
Song: A Change Gonna Come
Artist: Sam Cooke
Album: Single (1964)
Sometimes you just need a reminder that the struggle is worth it; that eventually all the work that you put in on a daily basis is going to pay off. The unreturned phone calls and doors you knock on will eventually get answered and the opportunity you crave to prove yourself will happen.
Soulful and smooth, Sam Cooke gives me that reminder with this song, released after his death in late 1964.
Change is inevitable. Sometimes we just have to wait a little longer than we like.
Thanks for the reminder Sam.
From the Pages of Bugs & Cranks
For nearly two years now, I have been a voice of support in the comeback of Major League Baseball player Josh Hamilton.
The Coles Notes version of Hamilton's career, for those who don't know, goes like this:
- #1 Overall Draft Choice by Tampa Bay in 1999
- Injuries put him on the sidelines where he turned to tattoos and drugs
- Multiple suspensions from MLB
- Crack Addict
- October 2005 - Quit drugs, found God
- 27-year-old Rookie last year in Cincinnati
- Leading MLB in RBI in 2008
- Insane display in Home Run Derby during All-Star Festivities in New York
I'm bringing this B&C story here to iBlog because of the rash of comments and criticism Hamilton's story has gotten in the last few weeks, not only when myself and fellow B&C writer Andy Lenartz went back and forth (and back again) over his standing - not to mention a hilarious new post by Lenartz that even I can laugh at - but from the mass media in general and the difficulty I have with some people's take on the situation as a whole.
Let me start by saying that everyone is entitled to their opinions; I don't expect everyone to agree with the things that I say on a daily basis, just so long as they don't try to convince me that my POV is incorrect.
That being said, I don't get why so many people want to shit on the Josh Hamilton Story.
Two recent comments on the story by a dude calling himself "36" have me back on my soapbox about my favourite former crackhead.
One quick thing before getting into the meat of my frustration - when you can't spell struggle (two g's homey!) or despite (not dispight), you automatically lose credibility, Maybe that's just me though.
"36" tries to make Hamilton's past as a crack addict analogous to a child molester and wonders if the public would welcome said sexual predator the same way that some have taken to Hamilton, but the two are not even remotely comparable.
Hamilton ruined his life and those of his family and friends for the most part. He tried to kill himself five times by his own admission. He smoked crack like cigarettes (also something he has been quoted as saying) and fucked up royally.
But that isn't nearly the same thing as being a pedophile, is it? Hamilton hasn't abused any children, circulated child porn or heard the words, "I'm Chris Hanson with Dateline NBC's To Catch a Predator."
Call it rose-couloured glasses or the fog of my admiration for Hamilton, but being a child molestor and being a drug addict aren't the same for me.
The other part of it is that Hamilton isn't just the recovering addict who lives next door and works at A&P - he leads Major League Baseball in RBI, has an outside shot at the American League Triple Crown and is doing all of this after being away from the game for nearly five full season mired in drug addiction.
Getting his life together and making it through each day bagging my produce and baked goods wouldn't warrant much fanfare outside of his own familial unit, yet alone in the Mainstream Media, but this kid is at the pinnacle of his profession - a profession that is hard enough to achieve in the first place - and people want to say that he's not worthy of the attention and admiration? For me, that doesn't make sense.
I would honestly like to challenge all the Josh Hamilton haters out there to stop doing what they do for a living, spend millions of dollars on drugs and emerse themselves fully into the lifestyle and culture of being an addict for the next five years or so and then try to return to their lives as accountants or teachers or whatever it is they do.
Getting a job at A&P would be an achievement and I very much doubt that any of them would ascend to the top of their profession of choice at all, if they could continue in that field in the first place, not to mention in less than three years.
The media is littered with negative stories everyday and have latched onto Hamilton as a positive story. Is that really all that bad?
* * * * * * * * * *
All the above being said, the one thing that doesn't escape me in all this is the hyprocrisy exhibited when it comes to athletes, actors, musicians et al when they struggle with drug addiciton compared to everyday people.
If Josh Hamilton couldn't swing a bat as well as he does, chances are he would simply be the guy packing my groceries at A&P or pumping my gas at Petro Canada, the same way that Robert Downey Jr. would have been serving jail time instead of making movies over the last fifteen years for his numerous drug offenses.
I'm sure there are people out there who have recovered from deeper depth than Downey or Hamilton or any of the other celebrity addicts over the years that do not recieve any attention at all for their battles. While that is a damn shame, it's also the world we live in.
We're a celebrity and entertainment driven culture and society, so the exploits of the known garner far greater exposure than the equally, if not more compelling stories of the unknown, and on a large scale that is never going to change.
Did Josh Hamilton deserve another chance? Maybe not, but he got it anyway and now he's making the most of it and then some.
Isn't it better to hear about someone succeeding rather than failing? Continue reading ...
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