Shredding the Gnarl....proper this time...

Here's the e-mail sent by the Surf Association, just to give you an idea of what went down on Sunday:

Hello everyone.

Unfortunately I haven't (yet) got any pictures to show you from last weekends surfing, but I thought I'd brag about how awesome it was anyway. Hopefully I'll get some more of you inspired to join us next time.

Sunday was the first time surfing under the skyway bridge for most of us and we were eager to finally surf this renowned location.

The waves there were large, powerful, and often curled over perfectly. Our wetsuits were warm and overall, it was probably one of the best days the club has ever had surfing. The fact that we were all so involved surfing that we completely forgot about our cameras says volumes about how much fun we had.

Fortunately six photographers showed up from local media to photograph us catching waves and jumping off the pier into the stormy water. Lets all keep our eyes peeled for surfing pictures in a newspaper!

Congratulations to Wes for catching his first wave, (welcome to a lifelong addiction) and big thanks to Jordan for organizing the expedition.

Simon.

P.S. Check this out!!! www.pacificbluesurfadventures.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

I had a proper wetsuit on this time so I was toasty warm the entire day. In between getting pumelled by most waves, I was able to catch some that day. Some on my knees, a couple on my stomach..oh yeah..and I even stood up for one! Haha. Kurt and James were on shore to witness the 'success'. Hopefully next time I'll have gotten the hang of surfing a little better. It was a super fun day nonetheless.

As James and Greig would describe it, we were in the state of 'Gnarnia'. Haha, those guys kill me.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

My super caring brother took me to the emergency room that night to get my eye infection looked at. I'm guessing surfing didn't help the situation. The doctors had to put numbing drops in my eyes to make them feel better.

But I stand by my decision and it was definately worth every second!

Yay or Nay?

1. Nipple piercings.

2. Tipping for poor service.

3. Taking a fake stress leave from work to go overseas for an extended period of time.

4. Throwing a huge party, to purposely get kicked out of your apartment, just so that you don't have to live with a roommate anymore.

5. Using sexual appeal to move up in the world.

6. Sacrificing your emotional needs to meet those of others.

7. Living for the future and not in the present.

8. Lying to aid in one's precarious state.

9. Loving only by blackmail.

and last but not least...

10. Refusing to care.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

These are the things I ponder. Let me know what you think...

To Serve and Protect...by the book.

I had two seperate police visits tonight. I call them visits because we get them quite often here. In fact, we're so familiar with these visits that I could probably write out their training manual.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tonight's first visit went as such:

Typical 5 fast and hard knocks on the door, followed by another five.

I was talking on the phone at the time. I knew exactly what kind of knock that was and exactly who was going to be on the other side of the door.

Me: "....wait, someone's at the door," (Opens door) "I'll talk to you tomorrow, the police are at my door. I'll write about it in my blog."

Policeman #1: (As he laughs at my comment about the blog then tries to regain composure) "We're here about a noise complaint. You guys need to keep it down."

I swear they have some handbook or script that's titled 'Noise Complaints:Tips and Tricks to take control of the situation'.

Me: "They're all gone."

Po po #2: "Who's all gone?"

Chapter 4:Probing Questions-get the answers you need for your report

Me: "The people who were making the noise."

P1: "Okay, so they've left?"

Chapter 5:Confirm and Restate-be repetitive and ensure all parties understand the situation clearly

Me: "Yeah, my roommate had some friends over and they were being really loud, but they're all gone now."

P2: "So they're all gone now?"

Me: "Yes, they're all gone now."

P1: "And what's you're name?"

Chapter 8:Making sure you leave the scene with all the necessary information

Me: "Wendy."

P2: "Wendy?"

Me: "Wendy."

I figured Chapters 1, 2 and 3 would include subjects like serious-face preparation, knocking, greeting, and maintaining composure.

Now here's where the second police visit comes into play. Chapters 6 and 7. I'm guessing that the fist two officers forgot these two imperitive chapters. That's why they had to send someone out again. There was only one officer at the door this time. This one was more flustered and angry (he obviously had the manual memorized word for word). The other two seemed like rookies.

Since my friends and I were just on our way out, we were all there to answer the door.

Knock, knock, knock, knock, knock....two seconds later....knock, knock, knock, knock, knock. So predictable.

"I'm here about the noise complaint. You guys REALLY need to keep it down."

"But we weren't the one's making the noise. The people who were making the noise are already gone now."

"But I just talked to the other officers and they confirmed that all of you had left."

"No, all of the people who were making the noise are gone. We weren't the one's making the noise."

"So you guys weren't the one's making the noise?"

"No, they've left."

"We've been here 3 times already this year. Well, this school year. And we are definately going to have to charge you next time we get a phone call about noise coming from this apartment. I'm serious this time."

"Okay."

"But seriously, next time we get a noise complaint call about this apartment, you guys are going to pay a fine. You are using up our resources and are definately going to pay next time. I'm writing it in the system." <<<-----remind me to write about these 5 powerful words later

"Okay, we get it."

Then he stormed away. I'm surprised he didn't stomp his feet louder for extra emphasis on the severity of our offense.

Chapter 6:Stating the Consequences in an Effective Manner-helps to reduce the likelyhood of a repeat offender

And last but not least...

Chapter 7:Communicating the Warning and Fine in a Way That Will Help Offenders Understand-this way the offense is unlikely to be repeated

Who's the REPEAT offender now?

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Even though these visits were so routine, they still reminded me of my worst nightmare...

A record that skips...

:^)

Banff Mountain Film Festival

The Banff Mountain Film Festival last night was awesome!

Here in London they showed not one but TWO climbing films. Both films were taken from a climbing video called Return2Sender which I fully intend to purchase when I find it.

The first film was called Bug Out. It was about a 10 year old climber named Cicada Jenerik.

I never thought I'd look 'up' to a 10 year old...literally....

This girl was climbing boulder problems I couldn't even imagine touching in this lifetime! She was cranking up on the tiniest ledges and two-finger pockets. She was throwing for the slopiest holds. She was even climbing up 25-foot boulders!

The Second climbing film was called Parallelojams and was about crack climbing. This film gave a great lesson on how to climb a crack in the rock face. It even explained the different ways you could place your fingers, hands, feet, even your elbows and knees to hold yourself inside the crack. Hand jams and chicken wings would be an example of this. (see below)

Hmmm...I wonder what other body parts could get jammed in a crack....haha....

Watching this video made me realize that I really need to try trad climbing.

I could seriously see myself getting highly addicted to 'crack'! Haha...

-----------------------------------------------------------

For all you non-climbers out there...again taken from Roclimbing.com

Chicken Wing - n. A type of arm bar useful in off widths and tight chimneys. Bend arm at elbow so that hand touches shoulder. Insert in crack and push against opposite sides. Works especially well vertically in squeeze chimneys, with elbow pointing up and pressing against one side of chimney, and heel of hand against the other side. 2.(v.) To Chicken Wing: bad climbing form on a face climb where the climber's elbows point out and back at an awkward angle.

Crack - n. An inwards split or break in a rock face.

Crack climbing - n. the act of climbing continuous cracks in the rock often requiring specific techniques and protection methods.

Hand jam - n./v. Using your hand to gain purchase in a crack by twisting the hand, squeezing or spreading the palm, pulling the thumb down, making a fist, stacking both hands, etc. . .

Sloper - n. a downward sloping hold.

Traditional/ trad / trad climbing - n/adj Climbing that emphasizes longer routes and removable protection.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Here are some more pictures from the festival. I highly recommend this film festival for those of you who haven't experienced it yet. The festival shows films about outdoor adventure, extreme sports, culture, and much more. It's opened my eyes to what this world has to offer and I'm sure it would do the same for you!

'Balancing Point' - Click to watch this video...very cool!

Wetsuits are HOT...except for mine...

I've realized how naive I am when it comes to water sports.

I was at Travel Sports Equipment on Friday morning trying on a wetsuit (in hopes to surf on Sunday morning but it got bumped to Saturday instead so I canceled the climbing plans 'breath, sigh'). I had the suit on for about 3 minutes and was already steaming 'HOT'! I had to take it off asap. So it must work in the water right? Wrong!

After questioning the size of the wetsuit (it seemed a bit big to me), I was reassured that this suit was okay for me.

So as Saturday came closer, my anticipation to go surfing grew. I was completely and utterly STOKED! (Spoken like a true Barney!)

Barney - n, a beginner, not associated with puple dinosaurs.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

I thought it was normal for my suit to feel cold for a bit while the water that did get in warms up. But it was really cold for quite some time.

Wave after wave kept going by, as I struggled to get on top of my board, struggled to push up onto my feet, and as my muscles got stiffer.

I was getting too close to the rocks now and was not able to make my way back, so I headed back for shore, still unusually cold.

As I tried to head back out a second time I realized that everybody else is warm in the wetsuit and yet I am still cold and am starting to freeze as I get deeper into the water.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

I was definately disappointed that I didn't even get a chance to catch a wave today.

Screw the discount, I'm going to the other surf shop with the better wetsuits next time.

Out with the old 'pushover' Wendy, in with the new 'I'm getting my money back' Wendy!

I usually never bitch but this time I am finally 'cold' enough to do so.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

I found out later from Joe that I would've won a prize at the bouldering competition...'double-d'oh!'

Rock Climbing Chicks ROCK!

I've been on this huge Rock Climbing 'kick' lately. Climbing at least twice a week either on Thor (a basement bouldering cave), at Spikes Indoor Rock Climbing Gym here in London, or at Rock Oasis in Toronto.

I've decided to enter my first bouldering competition called Tour de Bloc this weekend at Gibraltar in Windsor, only to accompany my sudo little brother Joe Ho on his attempt to sandbag the competition. I'm joining the beginner division and don't imagine I'm going to win anything. I'm just going to have fun and support Joe. If I'm lucky I'll get a T-shirt out of the deal.

For those of you who aren't familiar with climbing (taken from rockclimbing.com):

Boulder - n./v. a big rock typically climbed without a rope. May be head high to over 30 feet. Each boulder may have many distinct routes. To boulder or to go bouldering is to climb boulder problems.

Lead - vb/n. to climb starting with the rope on the ground clipping into protection points on the way up.

Sandbag - n/adj/vb a climb that receives a rating inappropriately low rating for the difficulty. (In Joe's case, he's joining the beginner division when in fact he's definately not climbing at the beginner level)

Climbing Chicks definately ROCK!

Me, leading the roof at Oasis. Looks like I'm in the process of falling off right before clipping.

This is a 20-25 foot bouldering problem I finished at Niagara Glen

This is a picture of my old basement bouldering cave 'The Bitch Master'. 'Thor' is much bigger and beefier.

I LOVE CLIMBING!

It is definately my favorite sport!

Retail Therapy

I finally got my fix! YAY! New records!

I was back in TO these last couple days. I just bought some more wicked records to go with my set. I've been jonesin for some new records these past few weeks. Damn holidays got in the way of EVERYTHING!

I also bought a couple gift records that I'd like to hear but have no place in my set.

For some reason, records are the only thing I can purchase without feeling guilty afterwords.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

'Retail Therapy' is a term I heard for the first time yesterday. What is it about new material things that makes your conscious mind think that you are more content?

Clothing, for example, when purchased, acts as somewhat of a bandaid on an emotional wound. The bandaid goes over the wound and it helps you forget about the pain or the scar for a brief moment. When removed, the wound is a little bit better, a little less painful. But it's still there.

Me? I get emotional healing from my music.

:^)

Ray's Birthday...damn poker....

I just got home from playing poker for Ray's Birthday. Was the $30 worth of entertainment it cost me fun?

HELL NO! I'm a sore loser. But I'm glad I was there for Ray's birthday.

Which brings me to my next point. Since I'm completely addicted to gambling (it's in my blood), but at the same time I suck at gambling, I shouldn't gamble. There, done, said it. No more throwing away money for me.

I quit!

Hmmmmm....I wonder.......

Is there a 'patch' on the market to ween you away from a gambling addiction?

BAD DOG!

I already knew this, but my dog is the smartest dog I know. But I didn't believe until just recently that she can use these smarts to be devient as well.

It turns out that Madison somehow got a hold of half a chicken pizza from the top of the kitchen counter. What I'm guessing is that she knocked the pan onto the floor, devoured every delectable morcel of that pizza in about 2.5 seconds.

She then probably thought, "Oh shit, if mom finds out I did this I'm going to be in BIG trouble!"

So she proceeded to push the pan all the way into my roommates room (she even knew not to put it into my room), then she pushed the pan underneath her easel, and then under a bookcase, where it was completely hidden. She was still working on it when my roommate got home. That's how she knew where to look for her non-existent dinner.

She was definately in BIG trouble when I got home. Never has she taken food off the kitchen counter before. But as much trouble as she was in.....

I can't help but be proud.....

:^)

New Years Hangover

The Girls and I getting ready/Pre-Whatevering for New Years

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sylvia and Lucy will always be my girls

Madison was not in the least bit interested in getting her sleep interupted when I burst into the room, turned on the lights and screamed at the top of my lungs "Happy New Year Puppy!!!"

My Roomie and I

Even her sister came down from Ottawa for the festivities!

At the Club

http://galleries.clubphoenixlondon.com/newyearseve2005/newyearseve2005_176

I tried to get some pics from the club Phoenix website but they don't seem to want to upload. This is a pic of Sugar Ray, Zoltan and I.

I managed to get all my friends into the bar for the price of a New Years kiss. So I thought to myself,

'YES! I've still got it!'

All in all, everybody had a great time. It seems that every New Years everybody forgets about all the negativity just for one night to celebrate a new beginning. All of 2005's mistakes and mishaps seem to have vanished with a few sips of champagne.

So here's to a new start, a new year, a clean slate. I hope everyone has a wicked-awesome 2006!

Me? I started mine with a hangover...

:^)

New Years....sorta....

So New Years was interesting as well. Aparently I had TONS of liquid courage tonight. Needed to clean myself off just now just because I couldn't stop dancing all night. My whole body is sore. Can't wait to snuggle with my puppy. I'll tell you about New Years when I have the time.

HAPPY NEW YEARS EVERYBODY!

Hope this day brings a whole new year of excitement for everyone!

So the alcohol also brings on the drunken, sentimental self....

GOODNIGHT!!!

:^)