Big news today: I have been accepted as a freelance author for Lonely Planet Guidebooks.
Most of you know this has been in the works for some time, and several months ago I worked on a very challenging written "test."
It was tough, but the payoff is here.
More to come!
Cheers!
The weekend has come and gone... and the harsh reality of Monday morning is but hours away.
It was a spectacular weekend. It started with a BBQ on Friday night. It was a chance for the weekend crew to get together and hang out.
It was a darn fine time until the wine kicked into overdrive and hit me hard. While you may say it's an excuse, I say there is something allergy related to blame.
Saturday started out rough. Boy, did I feel rotten. Damn tannins.
I knew I had to get outside and get exercise. So I headed down to Commercial Drive to watch the crowds watching World Cup. This has become almost a daily activity.
Following that, I met up with Cheryl and Bob to watch the last half of the ITALY-USA match (ended with a TIE!).
And following that, we went strolling The Drive -- though there wasn't as much madness as if Italy had won the game. Still, lots of people, smiles and a good vibe.
Saturday night was understandably muted. I bought groceries.
Today (Sunday) started with an early morning stroll around the 'hood. Then Cheryl and Cathy came over. Cathy gave me some good advice regarding a project in the works. And Cheryl looked through boxes. Fun!
Then it was off to meet Lorne at Cafe du Soliel on The Drive. We watched the Brazil defeat France whilst hoisting coffee.
The Drive was packed afterward as it was no-car day. The street was absolutely packed with thousands of people enjoying a sunny day and goofy entertainment in the form of thousands of people!
Music and the smell of pot filled the air and many restaurants were grilling up tasty fare outdoors.
Lorne and I shot pictures until his battery died. And then it was off to Costco. As I don't have a membership, I thought it might be an idea to go check it out. Two seconds after entering, I realized this was a mistake.
Eventually I made it back home. I sorted though the days pictures and posted them on Flickr.
Then, just as I was thinking I should go for a bike ride, Bryan said he was going for a bike ride. So we went for a cruise around the massive and oh-so-boring monster homes line the streets of South Vancouver. Barf.
But the ride was good.
And now, it is late Sunday. Nearly 10pm. I'm not looking foward to Monday because:
- I have negotiations to complete regarding an upcoming project. I am worried about selling myself short as it is hard to quantify what I should be paid.
- I am dealing with tax issues and need to hire an accounting firm -- I've had it with the stress of taxes.
- I have a secondary tax issue relating to two departments not talking to each other. Sigh. It's amazing government functions.
- And I have a bunch of running around to do. And possible work at the Corp. on Tuesday (remote training on a new web publishing system).
Blah. I wish it was the weekend again!
Well, I suppose it is. And I have two hours left... better go enjoy them!
Cheers!
It's Friday morning, just after 8am as I write this at Grand Central on Galiano Island.
It's been a good creative break, although less work was accomplished than I had hoped.
I've just finished my "Meatless Wonder" breakfast (eggs, fried tomatoes $5.95) and I am about to race for the wonder of a BC Ferry back to the mainland.
The day will be filled with catching up on whatever transpired in my absence (fun!). Tonight I have a BBQ to attend to on the North Shore. A bunch of my weekend collegues from the CTV weekend news team are getting together to hoist points and flap gums.
As there is precious little to report this early in the morning, I will take my leave. More interesting stuff to come, I hope!
Cheers!
Both Hula Girl and I are enjoying our visit to Galiano Island.
However, it is winding down quickly. The ferry back to reality departs tomorrow (Friday) early in the morning. Sigh.
It is about 11:30am as I write this from the Grand Central eatery in Sturdies Bay (the main village). So far I've had a toasty soak in the hot tub back at the cottage... (pic of Hula floating to come)... listened to England defeat T&T... and chowed down on a damn fine Greek omlette.
More work awaits this afternoon -- and then another soaking followed by finishing off the various left over liquors.
And so it goes...
Cheers!
Wednesday on Galiano...
Only a few days remain before I return to real life. It's been a good experience out here -- getting projects squared, thinking about new ideas, enjoying peace and quiet.
Very little news to report...
However, I did find a nice little eatery -- Grand Central -- with wireless internet. And footie on a big screen!
Much better than poaching internet while sitting in my car outside of a resort.
More pictures to come!
Cheers!
Day two on Galiano.
I don't have access to internet at the cottage -- only parked in my car at the side of the road in town, 19km away.
It's very relaxing... and I like it this way!
There are more photos on my Flickr site.
Cheers!
Doug
Thursday already. Yikes! The week off is fast becoming history.
Wednesday was another dandy day -- lots of sun and perfect for driving a convertable around Washington State (well, Bellingham, Edison and La Conner).
Discovered a cool beer store in Bellingham, as well as a good pizza joint.
Armed with my cameras, I snapped away most of the day before stopping to buy some lime-soaked polenta cake (!) in Edison.
The day ended late with a hassle free border crossing - even after admitting I had eggs, cheese and milk in the trunk.
Today it rained and the forecast is for more, so I thought it wise to return the rental car early and save a few bucks.
Friday is business around the house time. Then it's back to work for two days. And then off to Galiano Island for work and brainstorming sessions.
More on that soon.
Regular excuses apply for the short entry. Plus I'm knackered.
Cheers!
