One Crappy Day

Yesterday was a shitty day. And not because of the weather - which sucked by the way - 10 degrees, rain and northerly winds. I had to turn on the GD fireplace. Yippee. No, it sucked for a number of reasons. I went to see my brother Paul in Hoyles – Escasoni which is normally not a bad thing. It once was, but I manage to muster up the courage once a week and go to see him. But yesterday he has agitated and it wasn’t a good visit. Throw in the fact that a patient had died the day before and staff and residents were in a down mood. The patient who died was two weeks older than me. I didn’t know her but I felt bad for her and her family. I’m hoping they somehow find peace in this – not that I’m an overly religious person – but perhaps she’s in a better place and not suffering any more.

Then I had a meeting with a former prof. He’s a wonderful man – a real gentlemen – who I had the honour of being in a couple of his classes as an undergraduate. I’m taking over some of his courses this fall and winter until he returns. I’m truly hoping that this is a temporary thing. He says he’ll be back and I don’t doubt him.

However, some good news when I got home. A friend in Calgary called to say he had landed a job he was hoping for. Another good guy – single dad of twins - who’s had to put up with so much since his divorce. (His roommate is now in jail and that's just the tip of the iceberg, believe it or not.) Throw in the fact that he wants me to visit next summer – free of charge – and it was a much needed shot in the arm.

Through this summer of discontent – it has been really bad even by our standards – my blog has suffered. Not because I haven’t tried to post, but I can’t write worth a shit. I have heard of writer’s block, but with so many things on my mind, I got nothing. I have tried to write a short story for the Tely’s Cuffer competition, but it’s not going well. 436 painful words so far. But my wife loves what I have written. A morbid tale, but that’s my style. And throw in the fact that I am scheduled for surgery this Tuesday and that pretty well sums up how this summer has gone.

But all things considered, I’m still on the right side of the turf with an amazing wife and kids. Man, she’s the best. How she puts up with me, I’ll never know. I should tell her more often how much she means to me, but she knows. Those subtle, unexpected hugs go a long way. And my cat still loves me. At least I think she does.

It's Been a While

As you can tell, it's been a while since I posted anything of substance. Not that previous posts were nominated for Pulitzers mind you. And I don’t have any excuses. Writer’s block? C’mon. Too busy with work? Nope. Out enjoying the glorious weather? Yeah right. But man, this weather is depressing. It’s the middle of June and we had a high of 9 friggin’ degrees yesterday. And today and Friday are calling for cool temperatures and more rain. Sigh.

In my defence, I was at the centre of the universe for a week earlier this month. I attended a math symposium (I know what you’re thinkin’ - man I wish I could have been there. We’re a real happenin’ crowd let me tell ya.) I did manage to spend a few days of R & R with a friend in TO. It was a great trip – sunny and warm and you could actually sit on a deck without freezing to it. It was 31, sunny with little humidity when I tearfully got on the plane to come home. Six degrees when I landed at YYT. And it hasn’t changed much since. D’oh.

But my little piece of the blogosphere has been silent for the past little while. I have however, been following other blogs. Some cyber friends – who I have never met – seem somewhat melancholy. But I hope things turn around for them soon. I’d offer advice as I have some training in that area, but I hope they know I wish them the best and I know things will get better. Easy for me to say I suppose.

On a positive note, today is my son’s birthday. What a wonderful kid – must be the parents. Actually, he takes after his Mom, which is a good thing. Quiet, bright, lots of friends, and no trouble for us. And now he wants to get his driver’s licence. You know you’re getting old when….

I do hope to post more in the future. But if I don’t, that’s okay as well. I’m also thinking of submitting an entry for The Cuffer Prize, a short-story contest put off by the Tely. The deadline is early July and my last entry was well received by friends and visitors to my blog. Who knows, it may still be published. I’ll know in the fall. Not bad considering I’m a math geek and wrote the story in an hour and a half. I bet Margaret Atwood is shaking in her boots this morning…

Until next time….