Thursday, January 10, 2008

Spinning Wheels...

Well I am finally back in action after a long hiatus from posting. Much of it was due to the holidays, some of it was due to lack of motivation. Anyhow here is a recap of what went on in these past weeks.

During the holidays I went home to take care of a number of things. I went to get my passport taken care of, to work for a week to make some extra cash, and to pick up some things from a friends house that had been left there for over a year. To say that things didn't play out according to plan would be a huge understatement.

pockets to create the most The passport issue became a total bust when I went to the office to file all of my paperwork and then found out that I could not get my travel documents back in time to come back up here. They mail the documents back with the passport. I have no idea why the system is that screwed up and backwards. They require passports for international travel, but are so backed up that the wait for a passport is several months, that is unless you are willing to pay extra money in order to move your request to the front of the line and even then there are no guarantees. In Canada they get their passport in 10 days. The US needs to get it's act together. On a side note I did get a chuckle out of the form that informed you of the paperwork reduction act. If you really want to reduce paperwork, just reduce it! Do not include a form to tell me all of the reasons why you are reducing paperwork. Yes they created paperwork to tell us how they have eliminated paperwork. The sad thing is, your tax dollars went into someonesridiculous piece of paperwork ever dreamed up! There's not enough money to reform the health care system or to improve the educational system, but there is money to make forms like this?

The work thing was a bust from the beginning. The place where I was going to work didn't have the money to pay me (or so the owner said.) I was in this place on multiple occasions and they made more then enough money to hire extra help (as promised before I came down.) I tried to help out here and there just to show my willingness to work, but that didn't even pan out. Not so much as a free meal or anything. So another bust for me over the holidays.

I was able to at least retrieve a bunch of my stuff from a friends house, however there was quite a bit missing. He decided what he would hold on to and what got thrown out. As a result I am missing a bunch of valuables (not monetary but sentimental) of mine. I am also missing some clothing like my suit pants and a bunch of my ties. I was able to get back my cd's and dvd's as well as my golf clubs and a few other important items. I just wish that I would have had the chance to decide what stayed and what got tossed.

Well enough negative news, I'll be back with a post tomorrow about the good stuff.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

One Week Later..

I have found out that I am not that bad at skating! Of course I can't brake very good yet or skate backwards at all, but I can go forwards and also turn very well. I fact I can turn three different ways. I can turn using the edges, using the cross over or turn very sharp by digging the back of my blade into the ice and leaning sharply into the turn. Not bad for having never skated on ice before in my life. Once I get braking and skating backward down then I should be ready to play hockey! Of course that requires a whole new skill set that I will have to learn as well, but those skills will come fast once I have my feet under me!

Skating Practice

I am also heading back to the US for a week to get a passport and to pick up some of my stuff that I left behind. I really miss my CD's and DVD's! There are also the winter clothes that I could really use up here as well. It will be nice to get some of my stuff from home! So 13 hours on a train and then 2 by car, but in the end it will be worth it!

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Life and a few updates!

I know it has been a while since I did an actual post, but here goes! I think the last time I actually wrote a complete entry I was telling you about the plans for my birthday. Actually those plans changed completely and we ended up having a few friends over at my place and then going out for a bit instead of having this epic birthday bash at a club that I was originally planning. All seemed to work out for the best and everyone had a good time!

Speaking of my birthday, this is what I got for my present. I have never played hockey before, but I am learning. Lucky for me I am athletically inclined and can play most sports reasonably well. Once I learn the skills I think I'll be able to play just fine. In fact today I am going to skate for the first time, I'll let you know how that goes!


Happy Birthday Shawn!, originally uploaded by fleurdelys79.

She also bought me a pro account for my Flickr photos, so now I can upload more photos per month. This gives me the chance to get back to taking pictures again. We have two fairly good digital cameras, so it's about time that we really put them to good use.

I'm also in the middle of a lot of video ideas as well. I'm trying to decide which direction I really want to go with it. The music videos I am fine with, but it's the identity of the show itself which could use some help. My next video idea is actually a parody of myself! I am going to write this show down instead of making it up as I go along. I think if I am more organized it will be a better show, especially with the editing skills that I have now!

Oh and then there is drum corps. I haven't talked about it in a while, and that is because I really do need a break when the season is over. It is something that I need these days, the chance to unplug for a few months before getting back into anything. These days it is a bit different for me because I am not on the inside. I also have to change corps because of immigration issues. It is hard to let go of a corps that I have put in so much time and effort with, but at the same time I know that I am not gone forever. This year I am helping friends of mine bring back a corps that has been missing from the circuit for the past several years. If all goes well this season then the corps should be set up for future success.

So that's about it for now...I promise I'll update again soon!

Monday, December 03, 2007

Snow, Snow & More Snow

Welcome to the Montreal winter wonderland. On today's menu is snow, and a lot of it! It's the first winter storm to hit Montreal this year, here is a view from my balcony!

Fetching Kitty

Diablo showing off one of his many talents!
Formats available: Quicktime (.mov)

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Going Live In 3...2...1...



Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Trust Music

New from LOUD Tour TV Music Video is Trust Music.  This is a cool video that I put together from one 32 second video sequence.  It has been mixed and remixed with all kinds of special effects to give it some really cool visual effects.  Enjoy!
Formats available: Quicktime (.mov)