Sunday, October 13, 2013
A New Beginning
Hello CC Nation!
I've decided to start writing again.... with a new blog. Please join me over at 30 for 60.
It will be hyperlocal to PEI, but will hopefully serve you well if you need a CC fix.
Thanks for reading. I had forgotten I wrote 800+ posts on here.
CC (aka M.E.)
Friday, July 12, 2013
Update Summer 2013
Hello CC Nation!
I doubt if many people stop by here anymore, given the complete lack of writing, but I wanted to give a quick update. I seem to write about once a year now.
I've been home on PEI for 3 years. My status is quite similar to last year, in terms of an interesting gig and joyful romance. Mercifully, career-wise, this summer is not as busy (last year was a "death march", to use the parlance of software).
I don't do triathlons anymore, but I still run 10 Ks, and occasionally swim. I still play guitar but I have drifted away from piano (which really bothers me). My social scene is happy, made up mostly of family, old friends, and new work friends. Aside from my beloved, there have been few new friends, but a few interesting ones.
A major goal on moving home was to rediscover the Maritimes. That has gone very well: I've visited the Magdalen Islands, Cape Breton, and many places on PEI, including each "tip". A current endeavour is to attend various churches/temples on PEI. It has only just begun but I think it will be a good long-term project.
Hope all is well with you, kind reader, if you are on PEI or from away.
peace
CC
I doubt if many people stop by here anymore, given the complete lack of writing, but I wanted to give a quick update. I seem to write about once a year now.
I've been home on PEI for 3 years. My status is quite similar to last year, in terms of an interesting gig and joyful romance. Mercifully, career-wise, this summer is not as busy (last year was a "death march", to use the parlance of software).
I don't do triathlons anymore, but I still run 10 Ks, and occasionally swim. I still play guitar but I have drifted away from piano (which really bothers me). My social scene is happy, made up mostly of family, old friends, and new work friends. Aside from my beloved, there have been few new friends, but a few interesting ones.
A major goal on moving home was to rediscover the Maritimes. That has gone very well: I've visited the Magdalen Islands, Cape Breton, and many places on PEI, including each "tip". A current endeavour is to attend various churches/temples on PEI. It has only just begun but I think it will be a good long-term project.
Hope all is well with you, kind reader, if you are on PEI or from away.
peace
CC
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Update
A friend wrote to me and asked if I had moved elsewhere as a writer, or if everything is OK.
All is well, and this blog is still operational, in theory.
The big news over the winter is that I have changed jobs (still on PEI) and found romance, which has been fantastic. The combo explains why I have been away from writing.
Hope all is well with you, kind readers
CC
Monday, January 02, 2012
Hello, 2012
Happy New Year, readers!
My long break from work is about to end. It has been mostly good, filled with warm fuzzies, though the last days have been bruisers, along with the dreaded return.
I don't have the energy to do a full post of resolutions, but one idea for 2012 is to reboot with a new personal blog. One that is public. I've also considered revealing this blog to the world (which will probably be uneventful - does anyone really want to read about the nefarious Jim G in 2007?)
I have been kicking around some ideas for the new site, but as it gets more serious, I wonder about life with no private outlet. Writing offline in a word processor just doesn't feel right; I'm accustomed to the feeling of having a potential audience.
Ah well. It will all work out. Cheers to all!
CC
ps. I contacted my old confidant, Jim O, tonight. It had been many months but we caught up for 90 minutes like it was nothing. Really terrific...
My long break from work is about to end. It has been mostly good, filled with warm fuzzies, though the last days have been bruisers, along with the dreaded return.
I don't have the energy to do a full post of resolutions, but one idea for 2012 is to reboot with a new personal blog. One that is public. I've also considered revealing this blog to the world (which will probably be uneventful - does anyone really want to read about the nefarious Jim G in 2007?)
I have been kicking around some ideas for the new site, but as it gets more serious, I wonder about life with no private outlet. Writing offline in a word processor just doesn't feel right; I'm accustomed to the feeling of having a potential audience.
Ah well. It will all work out. Cheers to all!
CC
ps. I contacted my old confidant, Jim O, tonight. It had been many months but we caught up for 90 minutes like it was nothing. Really terrific...
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Memories of Christmas
Here are some photos of Christmas 2011. To protect the privacy of family, they are simply photographic evidence of Christmas Day. I think they are powerful.
Plenty of people at my parents' house. Santa stands guard at the door:
So many coats! The iconic Tilley hat belongs to my uncle, though my father has one as well.
These ornaments were given to my mother in the early 1960s. They may go back into the 1950s. I remember some of them very well from my childhood.
Plenty of people at my parents' house. Santa stands guard at the door:
So many coats! The iconic Tilley hat belongs to my uncle, though my father has one as well.
These ornaments were given to my mother in the early 1960s. They may go back into the 1950s. I remember some of them very well from my childhood.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Ergonomists Unite!
I bought my MacBookPro in 2008 and generally am a big fan. However, I don't like the ergonomics of laptops.
I saw a recent tweet that mentioned a 'Rain stand'; lustfully, I bought one as part of a whole new landscape for the desktop.
It is much too early to report how well this will work, as the setup includes a new mouse and keyboard. So far, so good.
Interestingly, the keyboard is impossibly thin. It is tiny!
I saw a recent tweet that mentioned a 'Rain stand'; lustfully, I bought one as part of a whole new landscape for the desktop.
It is much too early to report how well this will work, as the setup includes a new mouse and keyboard. So far, so good.
Interestingly, the keyboard is impossibly thin. It is tiny!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Saturday, October 15, 2011
New Phone
After 16 months of living in mobile ambiguity, I finally have a new phone!
I have a snazzy new iPhone 4S via Virgin Mobile. I will be emailing out digits as soon as I figure everything out.
Some tidbits on my decision:
I have a snazzy new iPhone 4S via Virgin Mobile. I will be emailing out digits as soon as I figure everything out.
Some tidbits on my decision:
- I was paralyzed by indecision on writing apps for Android versus iPhone, but realized that the best way to reach users is to have a mobile website. In this way people can browse with any smartphone.
- I was also paralyzed by choice: there are a zillion Android phones. Apple really makes things easy, offering only 1 model and a few options.
- I can't deny that the tributes towards Steve Jobs influenced my decision. I had to admit that I really just wanted an iPhone all along.
- I chose Virgin Mobile with some trepidation. The young lad at the store (The Source) seemed knowledgeable, bright, and honest, and he uses Virgin. We'll see how this goes...
Thursday, October 06, 2011
Commencement Speech As Eulogy
"Remembering that you are going to die is the best way ... to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose."
Sunday, October 02, 2011
The Long Run
I ran 12 miles today, using my venerable "block" technique. (A block is a 3-miler, followed by a brief break for liquids and gel).
This is a big deal. I checked my records and found that the last time I ran that far (or farther) was in mid-2007. (I also confirmed that 2006 and 2007 formed the Golden Age for my fitness. More on that later.)
I had hoped to join my father on the Island Trails ride. My plan was to run while the pack cycled. Alas, the plan was foiled by bad weather. Plan B was to partake in the Run for the Cure, but I chose to hit the gym instead.
CC
This is a big deal. I checked my records and found that the last time I ran that far (or farther) was in mid-2007. (I also confirmed that 2006 and 2007 formed the Golden Age for my fitness. More on that later.)
I had hoped to join my father on the Island Trails ride. My plan was to run while the pack cycled. Alas, the plan was foiled by bad weather. Plan B was to partake in the Run for the Cure, but I chose to hit the gym instead.
CC
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Khan Academy
The very first time you are trying to get your brain around a new concept, the very last thing you need is another human-being saying:
'Do you understand this?'
- Salman Khan
The website Khan Academy has many 10 minute videos on a variety of topics in math, science, and finance. It is fabulous and taking off like gangbusters for children and adults alike. Personally, I'm hooked.
Sal Khan, an MIT graduate and math whiz, was initially trying to help his young cousins with math, over the web. Eventually, he quit his job in high-finance and started a non-profit organization so that he could create videos full-time.
To hear his story, and his thoughts on education, check out this video (click here to view on YouTube):
'Do you understand this?'
- Salman Khan
The website Khan Academy has many 10 minute videos on a variety of topics in math, science, and finance. It is fabulous and taking off like gangbusters for children and adults alike. Personally, I'm hooked.
Sal Khan, an MIT graduate and math whiz, was initially trying to help his young cousins with math, over the web. Eventually, he quit his job in high-finance and started a non-profit organization so that he could create videos full-time.
To hear his story, and his thoughts on education, check out this video (click here to view on YouTube):
Monday, September 05, 2011
Socializing
I've had an interesting few days in terms of the social scene. This is surprisingly important, as research is finding that ones "social network" (in real life) is key to a sense of happiness.
Having spent some lonely years in the Midwest USA, I can attest to that; especially given the Glory Days, also in the Midwest.
Here's a recap:
CC
Having spent some lonely years in the Midwest USA, I can attest to that; especially given the Glory Days, also in the Midwest.
Here's a recap:
- Drinks with a friend, S, from the UK. S is truly cosmopolitan and yet has lived on PEI for many years. Very interesting perspective.
- Dinner with O, with whom I famously traveled for 30 hours on a nightmare ordeal from Chicago to PEI. She is crazy bright and ambitious (chemistry prof who runs a local community theatre for fun -- last year was Anne & Gilbert, no less!). She is moving to Halifax for the fall and then teaching in Malta (!) next year.
- Lunch with C. C has recently moved, after years in Boston, back home to PEI, and has joined my current employer. Her story is almost a replay of mine in 2010.
- Happy hour with my brother-in-law, and my uncle-in-law, who is now retired from said employer. This started out as dinner at 7 pm and ended with a meal at a Chinese restaurant at 2:30 am. Fun and with an insanity that belied our ages and purported emotional maturity.
- Last night was dinner and games night with my immediate family. We aim to do this every month or so. We have a Canadian trivia game, and some fashionable variant of Trivial Pursuit. These evenings are essentially the same as my old "night before leaving for St Louis".
CC
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Air Show
Summerside, PEI, is host to the Atlantic Canada International Air Show this weekend. My sister, father, and I went to it today.
The image below captures it perfectly: the kid in each of us wants nothing more than to see a plane do a stunt.
The biggest news is that there was no hint of rain (a common problem this summer and an inevitability from Irene, but not yet), although there was a major fire at a dairy warehouse on the west part of the Island.
The show was terrific. There were many stunt planes with crazy acrobatics. There were also sky-divers, a tank, a jet-powered truck, a wing-walking woman (is this 1920?), and the Snowbirds.
Too many highlights to list here, but in addition to just being home for such an event, I think I saw a T6 Texan do some stunts. I went up in such a plane, circa 2003 in Illinois. (You pay the company to go up with a real pilot.) There is a VCR tape of my exploits. I'll have to dig it out and fervently hope that it survived the move and heat of last summer.
CC
The image below captures it perfectly: the kid in each of us wants nothing more than to see a plane do a stunt.
The biggest news is that there was no hint of rain (a common problem this summer and an inevitability from Irene, but not yet), although there was a major fire at a dairy warehouse on the west part of the Island.
The show was terrific. There were many stunt planes with crazy acrobatics. There were also sky-divers, a tank, a jet-powered truck, a wing-walking woman (is this 1920?), and the Snowbirds.
Too many highlights to list here, but in addition to just being home for such an event, I think I saw a T6 Texan do some stunts. I went up in such a plane, circa 2003 in Illinois. (You pay the company to go up with a real pilot.) There is a VCR tape of my exploits. I'll have to dig it out and fervently hope that it survived the move and heat of last summer.
CC
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Phone Update
I've been running on a borrowed, pay-as-you-go phone for the last, well, year. This has not been tenable and due to a few recent incidents, I've decided to go cold turkey and return it to its owner.
In the short-term, I cannot be reached by phone.
Hopefully this will expedite my decision regarding phones. As readers know, I have been hung up on writing apps for an iPhone or an Android phone.
People think this is an easy decision, but it isn't, because the platforms are very different. Some wags joke that I should just buy one of each phone but I don't really want 2 data-plans, nor do I have the time to write apps for 2 platforms. I'm not sure I have the time to write apps for one platform.
However, what is definitely true is that if I keep waiting, the world will continue to pass me buy. I'm reasonably sure that I will be getting a new Android phone through Telus in the next 4-6 weeks. There is a snazzy new model coming out, and that will probably be the pick.
When the choice is final, I'll email/post my new phone number to the world!
CC
In the short-term, I cannot be reached by phone.
Hopefully this will expedite my decision regarding phones. As readers know, I have been hung up on writing apps for an iPhone or an Android phone.
People think this is an easy decision, but it isn't, because the platforms are very different. Some wags joke that I should just buy one of each phone but I don't really want 2 data-plans, nor do I have the time to write apps for 2 platforms. I'm not sure I have the time to write apps for one platform.
However, what is definitely true is that if I keep waiting, the world will continue to pass me buy. I'm reasonably sure that I will be getting a new Android phone through Telus in the next 4-6 weeks. There is a snazzy new model coming out, and that will probably be the pick.
When the choice is final, I'll email/post my new phone number to the world!
CC
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Stress and Personality
A cousin of mine recently went on an eloquent soliloquy about life. He said that he may not have "aimed high" but that he appreciates what he has, including a job with zero stress.
I wonder if it is the job, or if it is him. He is an unflappable kind of guy.
I had hoped to find a low-stress gig that was limited to the usual 9-to-5. It hasn't worked out that way, to say the least. Drama, pressure, and I am up at 6 am for a conference call. I don't want to admit when I came home last night.
Is it the gig, though? Or is it me? I'm not exactly unflappable. One mentor told me, "you are high-maintenance, but worth it". That was 11 years ago, I wonder if it has changed.
CC
I wonder if it is the job, or if it is him. He is an unflappable kind of guy.
I had hoped to find a low-stress gig that was limited to the usual 9-to-5. It hasn't worked out that way, to say the least. Drama, pressure, and I am up at 6 am for a conference call. I don't want to admit when I came home last night.
Is it the gig, though? Or is it me? I'm not exactly unflappable. One mentor told me, "you are high-maintenance, but worth it". That was 11 years ago, I wonder if it has changed.
CC
Monday, August 01, 2011
Duathlon
I am a member of the PEI Roadrunner club. They have a website that lists events around the Island for fitness. I'm happy to report there is usually 1-2 races every weekend.
This past weekend, there were 2 races. One was a killer 25 km trail run. No thanks. The other was a duathlon: 17 km bike, followed by a 7 km run.
I was bummed. I've long sold the legendary race bike, Blackbird, and do not enjoy riding on my hybrid bike. I debated on possibly taking the bike anyway, but then I was faced with logistics of transporting it in my car (unlike Blackbird, the front tire does not pop off easily).
And so, I stared at the web page. To bike or not to bike. What to do? Then I noticed a "team division". Aha! Now I just needed someone who enjoys bicycling.
But who enjoys bicycling? I don't have many fitness friends here on PEI.
Again, I was crestfallen. Until it hit me like a bolt of lightning: my father.
It is no secret that my father is a rabid bicyclist. He patrols the Confederation Trail with other senior citizens, wearing daunting yellow jerseys and licensed to write citations on yellow pieces of paper. Last year, he logged a staggering 5000 km.
How perfect! I sent an email and before long, we were in Rustico together. He bikes; I run. Sounds good to me.
It was a fun event. It threatened rain but we got away with it. As it turned out, we finished 25th out of 37 entries. To be fair, many entries were solo efforts. However, our combined age is 112. (I'm fairly certain we were the oldest team.)
It was great fun and I hope that we can try it again next year. The duathlon is rare even in St. Louis but especially so here.
CC
This past weekend, there were 2 races. One was a killer 25 km trail run. No thanks. The other was a duathlon: 17 km bike, followed by a 7 km run.
I was bummed. I've long sold the legendary race bike, Blackbird, and do not enjoy riding on my hybrid bike. I debated on possibly taking the bike anyway, but then I was faced with logistics of transporting it in my car (unlike Blackbird, the front tire does not pop off easily).
And so, I stared at the web page. To bike or not to bike. What to do? Then I noticed a "team division". Aha! Now I just needed someone who enjoys bicycling.
But who enjoys bicycling? I don't have many fitness friends here on PEI.
Again, I was crestfallen. Until it hit me like a bolt of lightning: my father.
It is no secret that my father is a rabid bicyclist. He patrols the Confederation Trail with other senior citizens, wearing daunting yellow jerseys and licensed to write citations on yellow pieces of paper. Last year, he logged a staggering 5000 km.
How perfect! I sent an email and before long, we were in Rustico together. He bikes; I run. Sounds good to me.
It was a fun event. It threatened rain but we got away with it. As it turned out, we finished 25th out of 37 entries. To be fair, many entries were solo efforts. However, our combined age is 112. (I'm fairly certain we were the oldest team.)
It was great fun and I hope that we can try it again next year. The duathlon is rare even in St. Louis but especially so here.
CC
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Local News and Petitioners
I have been considering a new online persona via a new blog for some time. The new venture would be personal, local, and probably political. Not necessarily in a partisan sense, but in a "common sense" fashion.
There is no blog yet (I'm waiting on a name) but a recent turn of events in local news might be a catalyst to get me started. However, one has to be careful as my province is like the Deep South: it is best to keep your mouth/pixels shut when it comes to politics.
For now, here's the scoop: 200 doctors signed a petition to the premier about climate change. That strikes me as being absurdly outside their expertise, but let's set that aside for now.
I'm curious if they will weigh in on (a) an 1880s-style sewage problem in the capital city or especially (b) serious fish kills in local rivers (possibly due to pesticide run-off).
I don't expect the physicians to have answers (these are thorny problems), nor do I endorse their wading into political waters. But the more I think about the hypocrisy of their silence on these issues, the more it drives me crazy.
CC
There is no blog yet (I'm waiting on a name) but a recent turn of events in local news might be a catalyst to get me started. However, one has to be careful as my province is like the Deep South: it is best to keep your mouth/pixels shut when it comes to politics.
For now, here's the scoop: 200 doctors signed a petition to the premier about climate change. That strikes me as being absurdly outside their expertise, but let's set that aside for now.
I'm curious if they will weigh in on (a) an 1880s-style sewage problem in the capital city or especially (b) serious fish kills in local rivers (possibly due to pesticide run-off).
I don't expect the physicians to have answers (these are thorny problems), nor do I endorse their wading into political waters. But the more I think about the hypocrisy of their silence on these issues, the more it drives me crazy.
CC
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Gannets
Over the vacation, some family and my guest went deep-sea fishing. These birds, gannets, were diving around the boat, pretty much just as in this video. I had never even heard of them before.
It was crazy! They hit the water like missiles, at about 40-60 mph. They are very aggressive as well, trying to take fish off the hook when someone is reeling in. Other birds, like seagulls, have no chance when these birds are around: gannets are twice their size both in body and beak.
NOTE: the last 10 seconds of this video may be disturbing to true animal lovers
It was crazy! They hit the water like missiles, at about 40-60 mph. They are very aggressive as well, trying to take fish off the hook when someone is reeling in. Other birds, like seagulls, have no chance when these birds are around: gannets are twice their size both in body and beak.
NOTE: the last 10 seconds of this video may be disturbing to true animal lovers
Monday, July 11, 2011
Mid-July Visit
With barely a day in between, another dear, inner-circle friend came to visit from the USA. This was a longer trip. Though again, it may not read well, this will serve as a diary. The past 8-9 days have been a whirlwind tour of PEI that left no stone unturned.
The weather was pretty much perfect, with the key exception of a music festival, when we needed it most. It seems as though Mother Nature cut a deal with me: great weather for 90% of my guests' stay, except for a key afternoon/evening, which was one for the ages (see below).
Day 1
The weather was pretty much perfect, with the key exception of a music festival, when we needed it most. It seems as though Mother Nature cut a deal with me: great weather for 90% of my guests' stay, except for a key afternoon/evening, which was one for the ages (see below).
Day 1
- brunch at Cora's (one of the few overlaps)
- visit to Anne of Green Gables, including a ponderous drive through Cavendish, whereupon we discovered a lovely Gelato stand
- beach tour at Cavendish beach (where I nearly broke a toe)
- harness racing at Red Shores (aka the CDP), with buffet
- deep-sea fishing in North Rustico (with family). Gorgeous weather. Crazy birds (another post).
- lobster dinner at Water Prince Corner Shop
- Cows ice cream (of course)
- Tim Horton's
- stop at the Cheese Lady in Winsloe
- visit at my parents (with happy run-in with my sister)
- MerchantMan Pub for lunch
- a 6-hour, soaking-wet adventure at the Cavendish Beach Music Festival. This will be another post, one day.
- Rufus and Rory's for breakfast
- Harbour Hippo with immediate family (gorgeous day)
- Poffertjes, a Dutch treat on Victoria Row
- dinner at Peakes Quay with my sister and bro-in-law
- guest went horseback riding near Morell
- lunch at Fishbones, then shopping
- Cows ice cream (again!)
- dinner at Claddagh House (my guest's first oysters)
- Cows ice cream (is this possible?)
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Early July Visit
My first visitor from the USA, a dear friend, was here over the past few days! It was a wonderful time that coincided with the Royal Tour of William and Kate.
We had mostly gorgeous weather with the unfortunate exception of the day where Will & Kate were here. That said, I couldn't really ask for better.
This is a summary of events. This may not read well for others but serves as a bit of a diary for me:
Day One
One fun tale: my guest wanted to buy some Island-made toys at the Toy Factory (sidebar: the original operation was close to my grandparents' home).
My guest liked some wooden, animal-shaped crayon holders but was surprised to see they weren't marked as PEI in any way. At the cash register, she asked about this and the staff offered to sear the wood not only with the location but also the names of the children. They do this regularly, for free. Perfect.
CC
ps. No sleep for me... another dear friend arrives soon! It is hectic to have visitors so close, but on PEI there are only 8-10 weeks of prime visiting time, so things get busy.
We had mostly gorgeous weather with the unfortunate exception of the day where Will & Kate were here. That said, I couldn't really ask for better.
This is a summary of events. This may not read well for others but serves as a bit of a diary for me:
Day One
- brunch at Cora's
- visit with my parents
- Harbour Hippo tour!
- Cows ice cream
- dinner at Fishbones (with my sister and bro-in-law). Oysters, mussels, lobster. Cramming for finals regarding the Anne & Gilbert musical.
- fantastic live-stream of Will & Kate thanks to CityTV
- lunch at Maple Grille
- dinner at V and C's (where dinner reviews surpassed many of the other fine-dining establishments)
- lunch at Landmark Cafe in Victoria
- Toy Factory near Hunter River
- beaches at Cavendish (water was way too cold for some)
- dinner at the Shipwright Inn
- Anne & Gilbert at the Harbourfront Theatre
One fun tale: my guest wanted to buy some Island-made toys at the Toy Factory (sidebar: the original operation was close to my grandparents' home).
My guest liked some wooden, animal-shaped crayon holders but was surprised to see they weren't marked as PEI in any way. At the cash register, she asked about this and the staff offered to sear the wood not only with the location but also the names of the children. They do this regularly, for free. Perfect.
CC
ps. No sleep for me... another dear friend arrives soon! It is hectic to have visitors so close, but on PEI there are only 8-10 weeks of prime visiting time, so things get busy.
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