After more than a week of "rest" we hit the mountain again yesterday.
Someone had a terrible day, I had an awesome day.
Finally feel like I'm getting bigger air, and feeling much more confident.
Almost ready for the M size kickers... or maybe next week.
Feeling like crap this week though. Had a terrible sleep last night. I figured out that's because you're only supposed to take 1 of the cold and flu tablets, not 2. Hmm.
Bleh gonna go up the hill.
Friday 29 February 2008
Wednesday 27 February 2008
Fire in the Hole
Last night we had one of Kat's friends over for dinner.
I put a chicken on the Weber to roast, as we've done many times before.
This time however, after about 10 minutes I noticed a whole bunch of smoke billowing past the windows. I decided to investigate.
A quick peek out the door revealed flames billowing out of the Weber. What the?!
The whole damn grill was on fire. I shut the gas off, and it kept burning like there was no tomorrow.
Ripped the now sooty and blackened chicken out, and stuck some snow in to extinguish the flames.
Thankfully this did the trick, but unfortunately the chicken was ruined.
Mental note to self - clean out the gunk UNDERNEATH the grate once in a while.
Kat had to walk up to the shop to get a new one, which we did cook, and it turned out ok, but not great. I'd have to say this was probably the worst dinner we've prepared. Sorry about that Jacqui.
To top it all off, the cold and flu medicine I had taken made me feel kind of high, and want to puke. Ripper.
Today I woke up with zero energy, so we hung around doing nothing. But it's raining now, so fingers crossed we'll have new snow for tomorrow!
I put a chicken on the Weber to roast, as we've done many times before.
This time however, after about 10 minutes I noticed a whole bunch of smoke billowing past the windows. I decided to investigate.
A quick peek out the door revealed flames billowing out of the Weber. What the?!
The whole damn grill was on fire. I shut the gas off, and it kept burning like there was no tomorrow.
Ripped the now sooty and blackened chicken out, and stuck some snow in to extinguish the flames.
Thankfully this did the trick, but unfortunately the chicken was ruined.
Mental note to self - clean out the gunk UNDERNEATH the grate once in a while.
Kat had to walk up to the shop to get a new one, which we did cook, and it turned out ok, but not great. I'd have to say this was probably the worst dinner we've prepared. Sorry about that Jacqui.
To top it all off, the cold and flu medicine I had taken made me feel kind of high, and want to puke. Ripper.
Today I woke up with zero energy, so we hung around doing nothing. But it's raining now, so fingers crossed we'll have new snow for tomorrow!
Tuesday 26 February 2008
Crap
Last night I started to feel super-sick like I was getting the flu, I was all achy and shivering and shit. This morning I still feel like crap, although not as bad as last night.
I had a massive headache though, so don't think I'll make it up the hill.
Kinda annoying though cause I was looking forward to regaining the passion - and now I'm in a much better mood about stuff it should be heaps better.
As I type I can see a little squirrel outside the window. As the weather becomes much more Spring-like we've noticed the animals starting to wake up. Birds are singing, squirrels are foraging, and I even saw some kind of pheasant or grouse in the forest the other day.
What's more worrying is I can see some asians trying to move their giant motorhome - they better not be driving their sorry yellow asses into the front of the turd. You don't see many of the brothers in motorhomes, so this is a rare sight indeed.
Well it's a bit of a month for surgery I think. My old man is having some cataract surgery done on his eyes, which should be fairly routine. Kat's dad will be having surgery to attempt to repair the damage he did when FALLING OFF THE ROOF. Hopefully everything turns out well for both of them.
Time for my daily Bouchées D'Avoine Au Miel. Yum.
I had a massive headache though, so don't think I'll make it up the hill.
Kinda annoying though cause I was looking forward to regaining the passion - and now I'm in a much better mood about stuff it should be heaps better.
As I type I can see a little squirrel outside the window. As the weather becomes much more Spring-like we've noticed the animals starting to wake up. Birds are singing, squirrels are foraging, and I even saw some kind of pheasant or grouse in the forest the other day.
What's more worrying is I can see some asians trying to move their giant motorhome - they better not be driving their sorry yellow asses into the front of the turd. You don't see many of the brothers in motorhomes, so this is a rare sight indeed.
Well it's a bit of a month for surgery I think. My old man is having some cataract surgery done on his eyes, which should be fairly routine. Kat's dad will be having surgery to attempt to repair the damage he did when FALLING OFF THE ROOF. Hopefully everything turns out well for both of them.
Time for my daily Bouchées D'Avoine Au Miel. Yum.
Monday 25 February 2008
License Renewal
Seems like today is the day for license issues.
1. My AU license has expired. This is no big deal, just requires payment and shipping.
2. Our Florida licenses expire early April. Unfortunately it seems like we have to renew these in person. Not sure how that's going to work... I have e-mailed them, hopefully we can work something out. If not... well I don't know.
Farkin' tired today. Feel like I'm getting a cold.
Toodle-pip!
1. My AU license has expired. This is no big deal, just requires payment and shipping.
2. Our Florida licenses expire early April. Unfortunately it seems like we have to renew these in person. Not sure how that's going to work... I have e-mailed them, hopefully we can work something out. If not... well I don't know.
Farkin' tired today. Feel like I'm getting a cold.
Toodle-pip!
Sunday 24 February 2008
4 Degrees
Well it's Saturday here. Someone forgot to turn the heaters off before going to work this morning.
I wondered why I was dreaming about being a roast chicken.
It's a balmy 4C here again, it was raining last night, and the snow continues to retreat. It's kind of interesting as I've never seen a snowy Winter turn into Spring, however it is also kind of annoying given we have China Mike arriving at the end of March, ostensibly to snowboard. Might be more like dirt-boarding by then.
This week I have been super lazy. Haven't been up the mountain since Tuesday. Still I've been working on these busted computers, so should still have made some cash.
It's weird, we're heading into our last month in Whistler - as I think we've decided that we'll be leaving in early April... unless of course it starts dumping snow every day for the next three weeks (unlikely). Looking forward to being on the road again, and looking forward to what's next!
I wondered why I was dreaming about being a roast chicken.
It's a balmy 4C here again, it was raining last night, and the snow continues to retreat. It's kind of interesting as I've never seen a snowy Winter turn into Spring, however it is also kind of annoying given we have China Mike arriving at the end of March, ostensibly to snowboard. Might be more like dirt-boarding by then.
This week I have been super lazy. Haven't been up the mountain since Tuesday. Still I've been working on these busted computers, so should still have made some cash.
It's weird, we're heading into our last month in Whistler - as I think we've decided that we'll be leaving in early April... unless of course it starts dumping snow every day for the next three weeks (unlikely). Looking forward to being on the road again, and looking forward to what's next!
Friday 22 February 2008
Maxx Fish
Well we're living the dream now! Last night we headed out to Maxx Fish for Alison's farewell. It's everything you imagine a nightclub in Whistler could be. Loads of drunken youths, and terrible music. Oh well. Our friend Charles was there though, it was pretty good to catch up with him.
All in all a good night, although I feel a bit seedy today.
Quiet day in the sun. It REALLY feels like spring. A squirrel was running around on the roof of the turd this morning. Tsk tsk tsk.
Very tired tonight. Going to bed, tomorrow's a new day!
All in all a good night, although I feel a bit seedy today.
Quiet day in the sun. It REALLY feels like spring. A squirrel was running around on the roof of the turd this morning. Tsk tsk tsk.
Very tired tonight. Going to bed, tomorrow's a new day!
Thursday 21 February 2008
Lazy Ass Motherfucker
After a disappointing day on the mountain yesterday I've decided to give my ankle a rest for a day or two.
The only thing I was rockin' yesterday was my bad mood, so perhaps a day sitting around in the RV working on other people's computers will help. Hah!
I've finally found a sport that I could be a professional at - check this video out.
Well as I have nothing interesting to say myself, how about a round-up of interesting things I've read this morning while eating my breakfast?
This lamp is powered by a weight that slowly falls from the top to the bottom over a period of around 4 hours. Yes you pull the weight up yourself, but the trick is that it doesn't require any existing energy infrastructure! Perfect!!
One for Dr. Shinners. No more will you need to use that stinky mouse my friend!
You can look this one up yourself, but proving Sony has beaten my feeble predictions, Toshiba have announced that they will be withdrawing HD-DVD from sale.
I imagine this has been right up there with my blow-by-blow description of the final moments of NFL games. Pfft. Write your own blog then!
Oh, I almost forgot! The parts for the Jeep have been shipped! Thank fuck for that. Whilst I love kickin' it with the common folk on PT... well ok, you got me. I don't. Fine.
The only thing I was rockin' yesterday was my bad mood, so perhaps a day sitting around in the RV working on other people's computers will help. Hah!
I've finally found a sport that I could be a professional at - check this video out.
Well as I have nothing interesting to say myself, how about a round-up of interesting things I've read this morning while eating my breakfast?
This lamp is powered by a weight that slowly falls from the top to the bottom over a period of around 4 hours. Yes you pull the weight up yourself, but the trick is that it doesn't require any existing energy infrastructure! Perfect!!
One for Dr. Shinners. No more will you need to use that stinky mouse my friend!
You can look this one up yourself, but proving Sony has beaten my feeble predictions, Toshiba have announced that they will be withdrawing HD-DVD from sale.
I imagine this has been right up there with my blow-by-blow description of the final moments of NFL games. Pfft. Write your own blog then!
Oh, I almost forgot! The parts for the Jeep have been shipped! Thank fuck for that. Whilst I love kickin' it with the common folk on PT... well ok, you got me. I don't. Fine.
Tuesday 19 February 2008
Something wicked this way comes...
I noticed over the last few days that subtly something has changed about the Whistler experience (at least for me). It feels like it's gone from being a holiday and/or an adventure, to just eking out a living for meagre pay.
I'm not sure whether it's the work, or the warm weather and lack of snow that's doing it. But it feels like there's a certain sense of inevitability about it all - like the first realisation that the season will end.
I hope that over the next week or so we get some more snow, and lots of it.
At least it's taught me one thing - the whole "doing a job with little responsibility" doesn't really cut it for me. It's also confirmed that to do a job for little money, you must seriously love it......
Slowly I feel like a conceptual framework for the rest of my life is evolving in my head. Don't know what it all means yet, but it's like a cloud is coalescing.
In other news, my ankle has peculiar bruising from the sled incident. It's kind of OK, but still a little sore and weak - occasionally it provides me with the entertainment of stabbing pain while I walk.
Today I'm having a lazy morning, it's nearly 09:30 and I'm still in the Turd. Must be nearly time to shower, wash dishes, and get up the mountain in the sun.
I'm not sure whether it's the work, or the warm weather and lack of snow that's doing it. But it feels like there's a certain sense of inevitability about it all - like the first realisation that the season will end.
I hope that over the next week or so we get some more snow, and lots of it.
At least it's taught me one thing - the whole "doing a job with little responsibility" doesn't really cut it for me. It's also confirmed that to do a job for little money, you must seriously love it......
Slowly I feel like a conceptual framework for the rest of my life is evolving in my head. Don't know what it all means yet, but it's like a cloud is coalescing.
In other news, my ankle has peculiar bruising from the sled incident. It's kind of OK, but still a little sore and weak - occasionally it provides me with the entertainment of stabbing pain while I walk.
Today I'm having a lazy morning, it's nearly 09:30 and I'm still in the Turd. Must be nearly time to shower, wash dishes, and get up the mountain in the sun.
Friday 15 February 2008
Valentines Day
What a great surprise!
Kat has managed to win us a night at the Westin, with dinner for two and a milk bath at the spa.
Oooh!! Luxury!! I've nearly forgotten what it's like!
I don't normally subscribe to Valentines day, but what a great gift this is!
That is all.
Kat has managed to win us a night at the Westin, with dinner for two and a milk bath at the spa.
Oooh!! Luxury!! I've nearly forgotten what it's like!
I don't normally subscribe to Valentines day, but what a great gift this is!
That is all.
Oh No 2
So a cab and bus ride later, I made it to work.
Of course yesterday it was sunny as hell, a great day to be out on the slopes. Instead, I was catching rays in the back country. I even managed to take my jacket off and have a quick lie down for a minute.
It was so bright, you couldn't look at the snow, or even not cover your eyes with your hands when they were closed.... man that was weird.
So I was having a pretty good day until someone decided to take a corner on the wrong side of the track and slam into my ankle. I could barely walk yesterday afternoon, and last night I woke up with the old ankle throbbing and stabbing with pain.
This morning however, it just looks bruised and swollen (!!!!) and isn't anywhere near as painful as yesterday, so I'll try strapping it into the snowboard boot....
There will be much irritation if I cannot ride today.
Of course yesterday it was sunny as hell, a great day to be out on the slopes. Instead, I was catching rays in the back country. I even managed to take my jacket off and have a quick lie down for a minute.
It was so bright, you couldn't look at the snow, or even not cover your eyes with your hands when they were closed.... man that was weird.
So I was having a pretty good day until someone decided to take a corner on the wrong side of the track and slam into my ankle. I could barely walk yesterday afternoon, and last night I woke up with the old ankle throbbing and stabbing with pain.
This morning however, it just looks bruised and swollen (!!!!) and isn't anywhere near as painful as yesterday, so I'll try strapping it into the snowboard boot....
There will be much irritation if I cannot ride today.
Thursday 14 February 2008
Oh No
I spoke too soon. Seems I have to work today, but have no way of getting in. A guy from Blackcomb Snowmobile is supposed to pick me up, but he wasn't answering my calls last night.
Hmm.
I can't be assed.
Hmm.
I can't be assed.
Wednesday 13 February 2008
Jumping Jiminy
Well well well....
Headed up to the village early, picked up the freshly tuned Vapor and stomped the mountain.
Hit the Blackcomb Terrain Garden again today, and was pleasantly surprised with the results - seems I'm getting some fairly nice air now, and landing everything. 'Cept that tabletop that I fell off. Never mind, no-one saw it.
I'm quite pleased with the tune on the board - the wax job was pretty average, but the base grind and edges have made it much easier to ride.
Seems like I've narrowly escaped working tomorrow, so can hit the mountain again. Rockin!!!
A good day today... a good day...
Headed up to the village early, picked up the freshly tuned Vapor and stomped the mountain.
Hit the Blackcomb Terrain Garden again today, and was pleasantly surprised with the results - seems I'm getting some fairly nice air now, and landing everything. 'Cept that tabletop that I fell off. Never mind, no-one saw it.
I'm quite pleased with the tune on the board - the wax job was pretty average, but the base grind and edges have made it much easier to ride.
Seems like I've narrowly escaped working tomorrow, so can hit the mountain again. Rockin!!!
A good day today... a good day...
Tuesday 12 February 2008
Fuel Pressure Regulator
Yesterday when driving Princess Katarina to work I noticed the smell of petrol in the cockpit of the Jeep.
On returning to the turd, I popped the hood to investigate. There's nothing quite like seeing fuel leaking out of the front of the fuel rail, and dripping onto the hot exhaust manifold below. Fire anyone?
So I go to replace the o-ring, but in the process find that I need some fuel line quick connectors - thankfully a dealer only part, which need to be ordered in.
The upshot? A Jeep that's going nowhere until the parts arrive. Yippee.
We've been getting acquainted with the public transport in Whistler, and it's not too bad....
Hit the mountain today - I've had nearly a week off and it felt strange at first, but after a while was ripping up the terrain park again - definitely getting better.
Until tomorrow...
On returning to the turd, I popped the hood to investigate. There's nothing quite like seeing fuel leaking out of the front of the fuel rail, and dripping onto the hot exhaust manifold below. Fire anyone?
So I go to replace the o-ring, but in the process find that I need some fuel line quick connectors - thankfully a dealer only part, which need to be ordered in.
The upshot? A Jeep that's going nowhere until the parts arrive. Yippee.
We've been getting acquainted with the public transport in Whistler, and it's not too bad....
Hit the mountain today - I've had nearly a week off and it felt strange at first, but after a while was ripping up the terrain park again - definitely getting better.
Until tomorrow...
Sunday 10 February 2008
Rain, Work, Jeep, Accidents
Motherfucking rain rain rain. Why the fuck dump a shitload of snow, and then RAIN?! HUH?!?!
Work. Work sux. Two days ago I had a sled blow a belt, so missed most of the customers.
Yesterday there was a power failure, so .... I missed most of the customers. I FUCKIN RULE!!!!!
Last night I figured out another thing the Jeep is great for. Imagine you've just picked up some beers, and you're driving down the road and you want to drink one. Unfortunately the bottle opener is attached to the keys of the car. Well.... no problem here my friend, just remove the key from the ignition, keep driving, crack your beer, and enter a world of beer pleasure.
Nearly had an accident on the way home from work the other day. A puddle of water had gathered by the side of the road that seemed to be about a foot deep - man was that scary when the whole care was covered in water and I couldn't see what the fuck was going on. Oh well.
No work today. No riding today. Lazy, lazy man.
Work. Work sux. Two days ago I had a sled blow a belt, so missed most of the customers.
Yesterday there was a power failure, so .... I missed most of the customers. I FUCKIN RULE!!!!!
Last night I figured out another thing the Jeep is great for. Imagine you've just picked up some beers, and you're driving down the road and you want to drink one. Unfortunately the bottle opener is attached to the keys of the car. Well.... no problem here my friend, just remove the key from the ignition, keep driving, crack your beer, and enter a world of beer pleasure.
Nearly had an accident on the way home from work the other day. A puddle of water had gathered by the side of the road that seemed to be about a foot deep - man was that scary when the whole care was covered in water and I couldn't see what the fuck was going on. Oh well.
No work today. No riding today. Lazy, lazy man.
Friday 8 February 2008
Pre-Work Update
Emerged from the turd this morning to find 15-20cm of fresh powder.
ARGH WHY AM I WORKING?!
Maybe I'm working so I can buy a new board. Yeah that's it.
Bah.
ARGH WHY AM I WORKING?!
Maybe I'm working so I can buy a new board. Yeah that's it.
Bah.
Thursday 7 February 2008
Fuck Burton, The Office, The Mountain, The Sickness
Fuck Burton.
There, I've said it. Why?
1. The Vapor is falling apart. The different materials in the basesheet are coming apart. A bit of the basesheet has fallen off. The techs won't base-grind it, so the base edges can't be fixed. Win.
I feel this is unsatisfactory for a board that retails for around USD1000.
2. My AK3L jacket is coming apart at the seams. Rockin.
Anyway.
I thought I'd post a few pictures from around my office.
The first is my view of Brandywine Mountain. This is where I spend a lot of my time. As you can see it's got much better decor than the GE office in Burnley.
I'm not sure which mountain this is, but this shot is taken from much higher up, looking away from Whistler/Blackcomb.
Some more back-country for you.
This is looking back towards Whistler and Blackcomb - you can see the runs cut into the trees!
You may remember I was crapping on about "hoarfrost". Well here's MY photos of it.
Check out the visible crystalline structure!
Just one more view back towards the slopes.
...and here's some guy's shadow!
Hit the mountain today. Little wind, but much cloud, so low visibility.
Ahh well, had a pretty good day shredding it up.
Kat is sick. Some kind of gastro. Wicked.
That is all.
There, I've said it. Why?
1. The Vapor is falling apart. The different materials in the basesheet are coming apart. A bit of the basesheet has fallen off. The techs won't base-grind it, so the base edges can't be fixed. Win.
I feel this is unsatisfactory for a board that retails for around USD1000.
2. My AK3L jacket is coming apart at the seams. Rockin.
Anyway.
I thought I'd post a few pictures from around my office.
The first is my view of Brandywine Mountain. This is where I spend a lot of my time. As you can see it's got much better decor than the GE office in Burnley.
I'm not sure which mountain this is, but this shot is taken from much higher up, looking away from Whistler/Blackcomb.
Some more back-country for you.
This is looking back towards Whistler and Blackcomb - you can see the runs cut into the trees!
You may remember I was crapping on about "hoarfrost". Well here's MY photos of it.
Check out the visible crystalline structure!
Just one more view back towards the slopes.
...and here's some guy's shadow!
Hit the mountain today. Little wind, but much cloud, so low visibility.
Ahh well, had a pretty good day shredding it up.
Kat is sick. Some kind of gastro. Wicked.
That is all.
Wednesday 6 February 2008
Windy Skills
So loads of snow, but loads of wind.
So much wind, that the visibility was nearly zero.
I am tired.
恭喜發財！
(Or for you non-Chinese, or non-China-Mike, Happy Chinese New Year!)
That is all.
So much wind, that the visibility was nearly zero.
I am tired.
恭喜發財！
(Or for you non-Chinese, or non-China-Mike, Happy Chinese New Year!)
That is all.
Tuesday 5 February 2008
Work, SuperBowl
If you're wondering why no updates, it's because I've been working some pretty long days.
So here's a quick recap....
Friday
Hit the mountains with Kat and Jacqui. I think everyone had a good day. We headed over to Harmony which is on the other side of Whistler and fiddled around in the powder bowls there. Fine times, except the cloud made the first 1/3 of the mountain a bit treacherous. Who needs to see anyway huh?
Everyone's rockin' the little kickers in the terrain park, and hitting natural features around the trees. Mad skillz.
Saturday
Arrived at work laden with our laptop and such, to find that someone had removed the card reader. You might guess correctly that I was seriously pissed off, as I'd looked at my card reader before leaving the turd and deliberately not taken it because there is normally one at work.
So an hour and a trip back to Whistler later, I was ready to get started. Thankfully I only missed the first tour.....
Slow day.
Sunday
SuperBowl day! Pity I was at work. I studiously avoided any chance of hearing the result all day.
What a game. Sadly for the Patriots their hopes for a perfect season have been dashed by the Giants. Despite being tired, I stayed up and watched the game I'd recorded. Man what a last 30 seconds where Eli Manning and the Giants made a drive to convert a touchdown to win the game.
Eli might not be as famous or well regarded as his older brother Peyton, but hey - he's got a SuperBowl ring too now....
Yes yes yes, I know you all don't give a shit. Go away.
Well I'm off to work again this morning. It's a SERIOUSLY slow day.
Much love....
So here's a quick recap....
Friday
Hit the mountains with Kat and Jacqui. I think everyone had a good day. We headed over to Harmony which is on the other side of Whistler and fiddled around in the powder bowls there. Fine times, except the cloud made the first 1/3 of the mountain a bit treacherous. Who needs to see anyway huh?
Everyone's rockin' the little kickers in the terrain park, and hitting natural features around the trees. Mad skillz.
Saturday
Arrived at work laden with our laptop and such, to find that someone had removed the card reader. You might guess correctly that I was seriously pissed off, as I'd looked at my card reader before leaving the turd and deliberately not taken it because there is normally one at work.
So an hour and a trip back to Whistler later, I was ready to get started. Thankfully I only missed the first tour.....
Slow day.
Sunday
SuperBowl day! Pity I was at work. I studiously avoided any chance of hearing the result all day.
What a game. Sadly for the Patriots their hopes for a perfect season have been dashed by the Giants. Despite being tired, I stayed up and watched the game I'd recorded. Man what a last 30 seconds where Eli Manning and the Giants made a drive to convert a touchdown to win the game.
Eli might not be as famous or well regarded as his older brother Peyton, but hey - he's got a SuperBowl ring too now....
Yes yes yes, I know you all don't give a shit. Go away.
Well I'm off to work again this morning. It's a SERIOUSLY slow day.
Much love....
Friday 1 February 2008
Pre-Shower Update
Boy am I (and possibly those around me) looking forward to taking a shower this morning.
I DID have a shower 2 days ago, but didn't get around to it yesterday - the advantage of the cold weather is that you don't seem to get stinky nearly as quickly.
Bit of snow last night, which is good. Hopefully enough to make the slopes good to ride on yesterday, I'm sick of super-hard compacted icy snow - it still makes me shit myself about falling my my ass.
I'm in the middle of researching an inverse relationship between beer and mad skillz. So far I'm pretty confident in saying that ANY alcohol consumption the night before leads to a discernible reduction in the madness of my skillz. Hmm.
Oooh shower time!!!!
I DID have a shower 2 days ago, but didn't get around to it yesterday - the advantage of the cold weather is that you don't seem to get stinky nearly as quickly.
Bit of snow last night, which is good. Hopefully enough to make the slopes good to ride on yesterday, I'm sick of super-hard compacted icy snow - it still makes me shit myself about falling my my ass.
I'm in the middle of researching an inverse relationship between beer and mad skillz. So far I'm pretty confident in saying that ANY alcohol consumption the night before leads to a discernible reduction in the madness of my skillz. Hmm.
Oooh shower time!!!!
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