Much has changed in the last 20 months, but don't worry, much remains the same as well.
To re-cap, I spent most of early 2009 doing what I do best... being a bum. Had an amazing birthday at Ambroise which may have involved a century club and too much salt in Stamps' beer. Had a few great camping trips through the summer... ADK with Bri and the gang, canoe camping in Algonquin over Labor Day weekend which offered the most spectacular span of weather I think I've ever seen. In May, I invested a fair chunk of time and effort in the excavation and construction of Matt & Dana's back patio, which turned out pretty spectacular for a group of fools who really had no clue what they were doing. We celebrated its grand opening with a rainy tarped over Canada Day celebration.
In September I took a job doing promotions for a 3rd party marketing firm. The work was fun but the hours were long and the pay absolutely sucked. I stuck it out until March. I did, however, meet a young girl and we began dating. Shireen and I have been going strong now for 6 months and she's the love of my life. She's pretty spectacular and I'm really happy.
In November, I moved into a new house with my good friend, The Beryl. She's my best friend's girlfriend. Sounds like a sitcom, right? Well, it kinda is. It's a great spot and things are going great.
I went home for Christmas... it was great to see the family. I hadn't been back in 2 years. Had a blast with all the crowd from home. I got to say goodbye to my nan Ivany, who was in the late stages of cancer. We lost her in March. I know she's in a better place now.
My birthday in February was pretty amazing. They threw me a keg party here at the house, it was quite the time. Also, Jay & Rip had their baby. We got to welcome Kyle MacLean into the world. A welcome addition to the group.
At the end of March, Shireen and I went to Cuba together for Chris & Angie's wedding, which was a kick-ass week of sun and surf. Highlights included all the snorkeling I could handle on nearby coral reefs, partying the night away at the beach disco, beach volleyball, a day long excursion on an 80 ft. catamaran, swimming with dolphins, all you can eat & drink, swim up pool bar, an amazing and beautifully simple ceremony, and of course, spending time with my girl in a tropical paradise.
Had another amazing May 2-4 at the Lillipad... weather was phenomenal, I spent most of it in the water. There was quite the crowd; myself, Shireen, Bri, Les, Chris, Ang, Matt, Dana, Steve (Jen was home for her baccalaureate), Denika & Clayton and Stamps' sister Jackie. Brad, Dana & the bear, Jay, Rip & Kyle, and Jessica were able get up for a day as well. I manged to loose my iron ring into the lake while horsing around with Matt on the dock. Dove for it throughout the weekend, and finally found it on the murky bottom on the last day. Meant to be!
Jen and Steve got married last week. They had a great little ceremony and we had an incredible night of dancing and hilarity. Man, that is one sweaty Stamps. Many bowls and spoons were banged together. I got the honor of toasting the Bride & Groom, which was awesome. A great night!
Doctor Bri Hillier has graduated from med school at long last. He's staying here with us for a few weeks before he starts his residency in Swift Current, SK. It's 2 more years apart for Beryl & Bri, but this is a hell of a lot closer than Dublin. I'm pretty excited for him... he finally gets to start a life. He deserves it.
Anyway, I think that's about it for major updates. I'm once again unemployed and enjoying it just a little too much for my own good. The hunt begins soon. All is well in Ottawa, life is good. That is all.
Hopefully it won't be 20 more months before I post again. Cheers!
Reid
