Wow - last time I updated this was almost a year ago! Shame on me for neglecting my immense fanbase.
It's been a BIG year around these parts with the arrival of first child, a daughter by the name of Talia Frances Joy Botting. Youtube her if you'd like to see some vids. She is the cutest girl in the world (no bias here) and definitely makes life a bit more interesting and enjoyable. She came into our world on April 15th so already almost 7 months old. She's definitely a little miracle child and we're both going to be the best parents we possibly can.
Today is Remembrance Day and I'm making sure to remember those who sacrificed to make our world what it is today. I've been watching a few shows on WW1 and WW2 on the history channel and the older you get, the more you appreciate all that was done to keep our world free. If it wasn't for all the sacrifice then I wouldn't be here today.
After making that big announcement about Talia and the talk about Remembrance Day nothing much else will compare so I'll leave it at that. One thing I will mention is that work and life are both going well and I'm still very fortunate to have the great client base that entrust me with their web & print work.
Happy New Year everyone! Hope 2008 was prosperous and provided you all with more positive than negative moments.
I'm sitting here on an early January gloomy day - staring at my computer screen and taking the occasional peek outside my office window. There's still a nice layer of snow outside which has been here for a couple weeks now. Not the typical west coast winter as when we get snow it usually only sticks around for a couple days at most. This year we had a bigger snowfall than normal as we had a couple feet of the white stuff at one point. Don't get me wrong though, I love it.
There's some big news brewing around these parts as Janine and I have found out that we're going to be parents come late April! We're both very excited as we've been planning on being parents for quite some time. I believe I'm finally mature enough to instil values on the younger generation - it's only taken 35 years but I'm finally there! We have a room already assigned for the newborn, now we just need to fill it with all the baby essentials.
Take care and have a great 2009!
Summer is here! The crazy rainy Spring we had looks to have withered and died out for this year. We've had about two or three weeks of sun and fun and our lawn is looking like a prairie wheat field in miniature form. We're actually hoping for a bit of rain to help moisten things up, but would like the rain only at night please.
We've been able to use our pool quite a bit, taking multiple dips on some of the hotter days - even taking the occasional midnight dip to cool down before hitting bed. This is the first year where we've actually been able to look after the pool properly, keep it warm and enjoy it like it should be enjoyed. If anyone is actually reading this then feel free to shoot me an email and come on over for a drink and dip.
Outside of work I've managed to keep busy and do a few things around the house. I built my first woodshed which turned out well, and grabbed a load of rock and formed a couple small walls to support our driveway as it heads over a small culvert. These sorts of things are enjoyable so long as you don't have to do them every day. They're nice as side projects, taking my mind off work and real life.
As for work, it's going well and I once again have to thank Doug @ Skunkworks and all the other clients that trust me to make them look good. I still love my job and don't see any signs of slowing down. This summer I've managed to work a slightly slower schedule which has allowed me some time away from the computer. Weekends are now strictly for non-work enjoyment.
That's it for now, my mini-wheats are almost done so therefore I'm almost done. Take it easy.
It's now a few months into 2008 and nothing seems too different than 2007 really. I may have aged a bit more but my outlook on life is essentially the same. What did we do on New Years you ask? I can't remember. Oh wait, yes I can. We spent it in Kelowna with friends after a day of skiing Big White. Ate one of the best Indian feasts I've ever had and enjoyed a couple bottles of red wine.
Since the arrival of 2008 Janine and I have completed work on some renovations which we're happy are finished. If you've ever worked on semi-hardcore renovations you know how mentally, physically and financially consuming they are - especially when you're used to typing on a keyboard browsing the internet for a living.
We're made the plunge and bought ourselves a new car a few months back. Out with the old (1998 Honda Civic EX in silver) and in with the new (2008 Honda Civic SI in silver). I know most new cars are great and all, but this car is amazing. It's sporty and handles extremely well - I liken it to driving a go-cart. We got the very first 4-door SI in Nanaimo, am I'm thinking there are only about 20 or so on the island for 2008 so it's nice to have a vehicle that isn't too 'ordinary'. Here's a link to check out the SI.
Spring is here and the weather is getting nicer and nicer. The birds have been coming out and chirping away which always signals the coming of better weather. Speaking of the birds, where do they go during the winter? I know some fly south but what about the little birds that don't migrate? I guess they just sit back and take the cold weather for months on end? Doesn't sound too fun to me - I'm definately glad to be me at times. We've put up a small bird house outside my office window but not activity just yet.
That's it for now - I'm heading out to tend to my bird house and make sure it is habitable.
We're back! Janine and I safely navigated around Hurricane Dean for a successful trip down to the Bahamas. Actually I lied, the cruise we were on (Carnival) successfully navigated around the Hurricane while we lounged poolside sipping our fruity drinks.
I was a bit skeptical regarding the whole cruise thing but have to say I was mightily impressed with the whole process. During your stay on the cruise you are treated to near-royalty status it seems. Everyone cooks and cleans for you - while always sporting a smile. An international staff treat you right at all times and you can leave all 'real-world' worries back on land. If you've been pondering a cruise for some time I'll hit you with the Nike slogan - just do it!
In other news I somehow missed out on our summer season. It came and went so quick that I don't remember getting the super hot summer weather we usually do at some point during the months of July/August. I'm hoping that September turns out to be nice so we can get some time in our pool and enjoy a day camping somewhere.
We're just about to start some renovations on our rental property - but unlike last time I am not going to do it all myself. We're hiring a crew to do carpets and paint and i'll just tackle smaller bits. Some things aren't worth my time. We're hoping to have it rented for the middle of the month if possible.
Just an FYI - Halo 3 is out on September 25th. Finish the fight!
Finally, the summer weather seems to be here! I'm finding it tougher and tougher to concentrate on work as I peer out of my office window and imagine what I could be doing instead. I'm also really looking forward to weekends now as it gives me time away from the computer. Don't worry though, I have my trusty Motorola Q which keeps me posted in case anything urgent should arise.
Work has been really busy as of late, which has kept me in check and made sure I haven't been able to enjoy too much of the nice weather yet. That won't last all summer though, as Janine and I have made plans to head out on a 10 day cruise around the Caribbean and spend a few nights in Florida during the month of August. We're going on the vacation to a) get away from the 'rigors' of life and b) celebrate our 5 year wedding anniversary.
We've also got a new addition to the family which should be arriving shortly - a new truck! (price is right voice needed here). We've ordered the Ford Ranger Sport in charcoal gray. What is the reason for a truck? Well, since we have the house now we're finding that it would be ideal to help with yard work, to tote my MX bike around, and go camping around the island. It's still kind of hard picturing me driving a truck, but I'm thinking it'll become second nature after a short period of time.
That's it for news from my end - I'll be back in another 6 months.
My 33rd birthday just came and went - where did my last 10+ years go? Funny how time flies when looking back on it. No mid-life crisis going on just yet but every once in a while I feel the need to buy a new corvette and take off into the sunset.
Janine surprised me with a trip to Tofino for a night at a B&B. The weather wasn't co-operating as we had non-stop wind and rain (and even some snow) but it suited the area as Tofino is known for its lush rain forested areas so we just accepted it and had fun anyways. I really have to say that the Tofino area is one of the most beautiful places i've been to - comparible to the lush areas of Maui in my opinion. We also had an ubelievable dinner at the Long Beach Lodge which is a must-visit for anyone thinking of heading that way.
Life continues to roll along as we are now fully settled in our house and thinking about future improvements to be made. First off though, we're going to have to sell one car and replace it with a truck. I wouldn't have thought of myself as a truck-guy but having a home and a yard to look after (and MX bike) has changed that. It'll also be great for the summer camping expeditions around the island.
On a sad note - Janine's Grandpa Glen Twamley passed away the other week. He was an unbelievable man, full of spirit and energy. He'll be forever remembered as having a big smile at all times, and as the pioneer of the Willis Point area. You'll be missed.
Today is the first day of my Christmas holiday break so i'm feeling pretty damn good!
We're just around the corner from Christmas, which means doses of family and tons of good eats. I get to relax and kick the feet up, knowing that the business world has taken a break as well. Say goodbye to the phone and email for a week or so.
When I look back on the year, I feel great knowing that Janine and I have made some big decisions to better our lives. If you haven't been keeping up to date, we picked up and moved from New Westminster to Nanaimo (Cedar, actually). This meant uncertainties with my clients and a big transition for Janine from community to hospital nursing.
Fortunately it's all worked out and life is a bit easier to handle with the more relaxed pace of the island. Not sure if we're getting old or were just never suited for the big city pace. Janine has actually found a new calling in life, taking on a roll as a clinical instructor for first year nurses at the local university/college.
Hope everyone has a great holidays and best wishes for 2007.
Things have settled quite a bit around here since our big move. No longer do we have boxes in every room and the house is feeling more homely each and every day. We're just missing a few key bits of furniture (and big LCD/Plasma TV) then I'll feel like things have finally settled down. Our visa/credit line is definately getting a workout these days!
I love this time of year, the trees start to turn golden brown/yellow and sometimes red, and the mist lingers in the morning. Oh yeah, the start of the 2007 hockey season definately helps as well - GO CANUCKS! Only drawback is the cold which starts to get more and more noticeable as we've had to turn the heat on in the house.
Not sure if I mentioned this in the past, but I finally got around to buying an MX bike! 2003 KTM 125SX - she's a beauty. I've been out riding with friends once a week or so in the Nanaimo area and even entered a race in Campbell River where I found out that I'm way slower than I thought. Next year I'll train a bit harder but the key is to have some fun.
Work hasn't slowed down one bit since moving to the island. I really owe my clients a big 'thank you' as they've stuck with me and put up with the long distance working relationship. I still do make it to the lower mainland every couple of weeks which does help out a bit, but definately not ideal. You know who you are - thank you.
This if my first post since moving into our new house in Nanaimo. I have to say that it really feels like home and all the pain of moving was well worth it. I feel free!
We were fortunate enough to get a bit of extra time (4+ hours) on the day of our move. We really didn't budget our time well and assumed it would be an easy move. Were we ever wrong! Using the elevator, moving items through the halls, and having someone guard the truck at all times were all big factors for the delay. Oh, and we almost didn't fit all of our items into the truck! It was the most stressful day I can remember. Oh well, its done and I can move on.
With all the action going on I haven't been able to attend to business as much as I should. Thanks for the patience you have all shown. Everything will be running smoothly in the next few days so I can concentrate and get my mind focused on business.
On a side note, My Auntie Anne in England passed away suddenly from cancer. She will be greatly missed. She was a great person and had a definite passion for life. We'll miss you!
Wow - lots going on as of late. We just entered into August and it seems the summer is flying by. So far, the weather has been great with only one or two days that were a little too hot. Most of the time the temp has been hanging around the 23-25 mark which is ideal. The rain has been keeping its distance which is great for summer-lovers but not the BC forest service who are keeping busy at this time of year battling blazed throughout the province. Props to those guys as they have to deal with extreme conditions and heat. Tough job.
The big thing going on as of late has been the purchase of a house in Nanaimo. We are finally moving out of our apartment and heading where real-estate is cheaper and life is lazier. Our condo is on the market right now and should sell soon and then we take possession at the end of August on our new place. Call me up if you want to swing by, we've got a half acre and a pool to help keep you occupied - come help us garden!
Work-wise things are going strong and i'm happy to say that all of my clients/friends are fine with us moving to the island. Thanks to everyone for the support.
I've been in a state of mental flux for a while now in regards to where I live. Currently, my wife and I (and cat) enjoy life along the banks of the fraser river in New Westminster. It's a nice life with tug boats lazily wandering by and wildlife making their seasonal movements up and down the river.
The problem is we've been here 5 years and have outgrown our two bedroom condo. We yearn for our own yard and more space to stretch out a bit. Prices right now are extremely high which have been the problem. We could move up to a half million dollar house and be somewhat poor or stay where we are and have the money to do things.
Of course, there is always the option to move somewhere else were prices aren't as high and start fresh with things. We'd have a comfortable life and have the house we want but on the other hand we'd be away from our friends and the client base I've built up.
Ahh.. what to do.
Can you believe it? The new and improved version 3.0 of my website is up and running. It's been about a year in the works as I've had a hard time scrounging up the needed hours to dedicate to the project.
Why introduce a new website? Well, I needed to keep the site modern and freshen things up a bit.
Where are all the flashy animations? Gone, having an all-flash site is nice to look at but at the end of the day it was just too much trouble.
I tried to strike a balance between the old site and the new site as you may notice the colour scheme and some key visual elements have been kept in tact.
I've also added a new database system built in PHP and MySQL that will enable me to update the site relatively easily. Hopefully this will prompt me to post more frequently and keep you up-to-date on things.