ABOUT ME

Way better than any Facebook listing.

So, you want to know a little bit about me, huh? Well, since I don't want to ask my friends what they really think of me and I don't wish to share my reference letters (and rejection letters) with you, I guess I'll have to do all the talking. I hope that everything is satisfactory!

What's Up

This is the stuff that most bloggers stick on their front page. However, I'd like to think that the golf statistics and Canucks TV game reminders are as important as my daily journal. Well, either you are agreeing with me (by coming through the main page) or not (by bookmarking this page directly). Either way, read on...

2012.02.05 - 15:37 EST - Ottawa ON Canada
Tonight There Will Be No Quarrelin'

People really don't know how much I dislike winter. From having to moisturize my face for a four-minute walk to skidding along slushy roads, I am constantly counting down the days until spring. However, the only thing that makes the season bearable in Ottawa is the annual Winterlude festival that started this weekend.

After talking my girlfriend out of breakfast at McDonald's, we headed to city hall to partake in free pancakes. It was a cold half hour standing in line, but it went by quicker thanks to the appearance of Mama, Papa, Nouma and Noumi. Everyone was excited to see them, and I was no different as I took their pictures.

At the front of the line, I was impressed to receive three large pancakes and a cup of hot chocolate. I was also impressed to be served my breakfast by the mayor and the police chief. Once we got our food, we headed inside city hall to eat in warmth.

Next, we crossed the street to see the Crystal Garden ice sculptures. In fact, the chainsaws were whirring as contestants were right in the middle of a timed competition. The artistic blocks of ice looked promising, but I much preferred the Canucks logo carved for the All-Star Game festivities last week.

We then took the free bus to Fifth Avenue to skate on the canal. Last year, we nearly skated the length of the canal and back, which tired us both out so we decided to head straight for all the activities and then skate back downtown once we were done.

Some of our friends were also there, so we met them over a free cup of soup. While they munched on some fried dough, I got some apple cider, hot chocolate, Quebec quail and red wine samples. There was also a chance to win a free flight, but none of us had the winning scratch ticket.

Also, we had a chance to check out the new change huts. There was a lot of controversy about their cost but given a chance to step inside, they are a good investment to me. The chalets have much more space than the old wooden shacks, and they are nicely heated too!

The ice was quite good given the number of people on the canal. I nearly pulled a PK three times going over cracks, but I stayed on my blades for the entire four kilometres that we skated. After a pit stop for a BeaverTail, my girlfriend and I made it back downtown.

I was quite tired after my morning at Winterlude. Over a few hours, I had accomplished quite a lot. Still, I may head back during one of the remaining weekends if only to try and win that free flight!

last updated: February 6, 2012