Cheakamus Chai Maple Ale

Location: Lennox Liquor Store at City Square
Serving Type: 650 mL Bottle
Rating: 4/5
Best Suited for: Casual Conversations with Friends

While perusing one of the local Vancouver publishings whose name currently escapes me, I saw an add for this beer stating that it would be released April 9th. Almost instantaneously I started lashing my lips at the thought of sampling this beer as the professed combination of chai and maple in some type of awesome harmony sounded too good to be true. With high hopes though, I made routine visits for the local beer store to see if it had arrived and while it did not make it there for the April 9th date previously announced, I did find it about three weeks later.

Now, because I'd waited so long to actually get my hands on this beer, I wanted to save its opening and savouring until a special occasion. That day came yesterday after a hellacious Spartan Run, I decided to celebrate my accomplishment with this ale. Initially I was a little hesitant since my precious encounter with Cannery Maple Stout left me with dissatisfaction of maple beers. But, much as I'd hope, this beer was great. The initial taste on the palette was very strong as I'd been having Granville Island Pale Ale until that point and the sharp flavour of chai and maple were less than casual in terms of strength. After letting it sit though and giving it more sips, I must say that this beer lived up to the expectations I'd set out for it. Kudos Whister Brewing Company; You've outdone yourself!

Philips Ginger Beer

Hello? Anyone still using this space?

Mayhaps it's time that I dust this space off and make use of my one useful bit of wisdom to blog about our favourite thing in the world... Beer! As many of you know, I'm a bit of a craft beer fanatic and as long as time allows, I'm going to post reviews in this space of beers that I have come across and how well they went over.

Philips Ginger Beer

Location: Speakeasy on Broadway
Serving Type: Draft
Rating: 3.5/5
Best Suited for: Dad

When I was younger, and every year since, every Christmas season my dad would brew ginger beer. Over the years the formula changed quite a bit with changing flavours over time. Two things always remained constant about it though. One was that you would always taste the ginger on this drink to the point where you'd be nursing a glass for at least an hour. The second was that upon drinking completion you'd be warm on the inside for the rest of the night. Needless to say that through the years, I developed a love/hate relationship with ginger beer.

At a post work social, Philips incarnation of this drink crossed my path and I was keen to try it. The flavour on the palette overall was well bodied. The ginger in the beer could not be tasted but the flavour of a well bodied ale was still there. What I did like, that had me going back for a second, was the pleasant warm feel the lingered while sipping on the beer. No, it wasn't the esophagus piercing sting that my Dad might call for but it definitely highlighted the ginger. Overall quite nice and much better that the Granville Island counterpart that I've had before. Recommended to all.

Don't know when to say stop

And so today, I finally find myself on the cusp of rest. Rest that I have much needed for a long time now but have been unable to attain due to my desire to never 'lie in our graves' wondering if I had spent my living days well. I was suppose to have taken May off to mentally relax but that never happened. There was a spot at May's conclusion where I had about a week and a half off but found myself mentally occupied with sorting myself financially for the year and incorporating travel plans into that in regards to martial arts training for myself. Then came the week that I traveled home and didn't really sit down much in favour of either training or touching base with estranged faces. Upon my return to Van City, I worked a pretty grueling schedule paired a Calgary trip that has left me quite tuckered.

And so now, one month later, I sit doing absolutely nothing (well still doing stuff, but mostly nothing) and being okay with that as the batteries need a good recharging. Nothing also allows me to hold back financially as I've been working a little/lot ahead of my means and so now I can plan on how I'm going to pay for the things I do.

Sometimes I wish I had just %10 more stamina as that would have made all of this much much easier. At least I can say I lived when I'm alive and its now or never.

Home

This past week, I was fortunate enough to have another return visit to Ontario. Overall I had a fantastic time and managed to touch base with a lot of family and old friends. It was one of those trips that your sad to see end because you're having such a good time but had to end at some point. In regards to this, my Mom had asked me a day or two earlier if I was going to be sad when I left home. To this, I replied that I was but the thing was that I was going from one home to another. It was at this juncture that I realized that I had a couple places that I could really call home. There was Brampton home where I'd been born and raised. Then there was K-town where I made some of my closest friends and matured as a Jitsuka. And now there was Vancouver where I'd paved my own path and carved a niche of my own. They were all places where I could set my head, find familiar faces, get a bite to eat and rest my head to sleep with comfort. Real comfort though. The type that resonates in your body when that part of your brain knows its safe and warm.

It's not too often that, we as individuals find a comfort like this in even one location much less more than one. Just one more thing I suppose that I consider myself fortunate for having.

P.S. I just got a new tattoo. Also, I only have four minutes to save the world.

The itinerary for the trip home

This week T-Bone 1.5 returns home to re-visit his roots. The plans so far go as such. Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Trip Home:
Saturday:
Sunday: (Mother's Day) Helping Mom
Monday: Religious Function with Mom; Possible TO training?
Tuesday: Dinner with Nadine and Family
Wednesday: Visit Raesh and Co
Thursday: Dinner with Sally
Friday: Training with Alex Fairweather
Saturday: Hangout with MK and Mosie
Sunday: Back to Van 5pm

Xsist to Inspire

In recent days, I've entered a centre of philisophical thought in regards to what my role is as martial arts instructor and moreover how my stature on the mats relates to them. It's stemmed from a discussion I had about moving onwards and evolving in the structure of our martial arts forum. In starting a club, I'd never realy though so much about my own stature in relation to them so long as they were learning from me as an instructor. But through this discussion and the comtemplation of it afterwards, I realized that I was giving it thorough thought not only because of its nature but also because of who was saying it. Ultimately it was because of said individual's commanded respect that each statement had emphasis and brought about the realization that the quality of what I teach is made more credible if I evolve as a martial artist myself.

The time has come to evolve, transform and transcend.

Truly Awesome

Earth Hour + Settlers = The most romantic game of settlers ever

Get ready

T-Bone is now officially slated to return to ON in May from the 10th to the 17th. Looking forward to seeing all of you ON folk.

'After all these years and miles and memories'

On most b-days, I usually take a moment to reflect on how lucky I've been at every juncture in my life to have lived as full a life as I have. With that being the case, in this 27th B-day post, I'm going to do something a little different and typical. The following lyrics are from 'Just Older' by Bon Jovi and to say that I've felt almost every lyric today would be an understatement. The feeling behind this song resumes the exact place in my life where I find myself and I couldn't be happier about it.

Hey, man, its been a while
Do you remember me?
When I hit the streets I was 17
A little wild, a little green
Ive been up and down and in between
After all these years
Can you believe Im still chasing that dream
But I aint looking over my shoulder

Chorus:
I like the bed Im sleeping in
Its just like me, its broken in
Its not old -- just older
Like a favorite pair of torn blue jeans
This skin Im in its alright with me
Its not old -- just older

Its good to see your face
You aint no worse for wear
Breathing that california air
When we took on the world
When we were young and brave
We got secrets that well take to the grave
And were standing here shoulder to shoulder

Chorus:
I like the bed Im sleeping in
Its just like me, its broken in
Its not old -- just older
Like a favorite pair of torn blue jeans
This skin Im in its alright with me
Its not old -- just older

Im not old enough to sing the blues
But I wore the holes in the soles of these shoes
You can roll the dice til they call your bluff
But you cant win until youre not afraid to lose

Solo

Well, I look in the mirror
I dont hate what I see
Theres a few more lines staring back at me
The nights have grown a little colder
Hey man, I gotta run
Now you take care
If you see coach t. tell him I cut my hair
Its been all these years
Can you believe Im still chasing dreams
But I aint looking over my shoulder

Chorus:
I like the bed Im sleeping in
Its just like me, its broken in
Its not old -- just older
Like a favorite pair of torn blue jeans
This skin Im in its alright with me
It s not old -- just older

Evolution

I talk about myself a lot. This is nothing new. Most people do. One of the things that I often lack in most of my self indulgent stories is a visual reference that reflects the time period as it usually has some bearing on my personality at the time. Today, I remedied that and present for my small cadre of readers, 'Evolution of the Bone'.

Out of curiousity

Everyone's noticed the Haks and I appreciate all the comments and well wishes but, has anyone noticed that I have a beard and that it is spectacular?

A report from out west

Well, it has been a while since I've posted but here we are once again for another update. Last week was a complete and utter whirlwind between work/the new club/getting ready for the Thumper visit. I will attempt to address each as best I can.

Work - Work sucks. Most days were average but Monday was especially terrible. I was pulled from one of the nicer working areas with newer equipment to do x-rays of a decomposing corpse which was so decayed that it was green. On the plus side of things though, I was able to selfishly use the computers at work to do some of the paper work associated with the new club.

The new Club - Tuesday had to be one of the days I was the most excited and scared about. Naturally I was ecstatic about finally starting a club in BC but that residing fear of no one showing up and everything turning into a flop was also very prevalent. This was compounded by an e-mail on Monday stating that as of the writing time, there were only four individuals registered. Initially I was put off by this but figured that people would still show up for the 'trial sessions' I'd unofficially organized. And thankfully that's exactly what happened. My first sessions saw nine, enthusiastic energetic novices on the mats who were eating up everything that I was giving them. Thursday saw the same number and numbers have since gone up to 10 paid members as of Thumper's Tuesday sessions visit. Speaking of which...

Thumper's Visit - Without missing a beat, Thumper and I picked up where I'd left of when I left ON back in Oct of 06. There was our usual brand of bad comedy, a copious consumption of delicious foods from around the city and the usual fun of training on the mats. I could go on in boring detail but the following two pictures tell the story better than words could.






















These past two weeks have been some of the most rewarding experiences of my life having seen many of my long term dreams come true. Long ago as a purple, I thought to myself that it would be an honour to stand beside Thumper as both his student and a Sensei to others and this week I had that honour. I've also found myself riding the cusp of my dream of moving to Vancouver and starting a Jitsu club. There are moments where I catch myself even wondering if this is actually happening and whether I'm about to wake up from the dream. That hasn't happened yet though and until I do, I'm going to savour every last moment of this new ride.

On a disappointing last note, whoever decided to be so classy and leaving the anonymous comment of " I think you are still a self centred waste of time thats going nowhere", grow up. Not only does it reek of immaturity that one hides behind the veil of the internet to fling feces like a monkey, but its also petty and lacks any form of dignity. If you really have a problem with me (not that anyone should as its been more than half a year since I've had any real significant battle with anyone), take it up with me in the real world live civilized individuals do.

A few more doctrines

A while back, while having to deal with the backward folks of Cornwall, I had a post about some values which dominate the majority of my actions. Over the past few days, the following two themes have been on my mind and are new doctrines which I would like to add to the book of Zout.

The stupidity of 'Just joking'
Since I've been a child and as long as I can remember, people have always used this term as it was an absolution of any prior statements and actions that might have just occurred. What I've never been able to understand is why people have never understood that, instead of back tracking to try and cover there actions with such a lame statement, they should have just been smart enough to have never followed the path of the unwise action in the first place. Moreover, it also seems ridiculous to me that some would use such a whimsical statement to cover their track than a heart felt explanation and apology. The latter are the things I appreciate from people and don't think its far fetched to say that most others would sympathize with that sentiment.

Every action should have a net positive effect
A man who I respect dearly once wrote that you should always look to find a method to better any situation you're in as the net effect is bringing about a better outcome for any party involved in the situation. If one dictates their actions accordingly, there should never be a situation where you have to cover your tracks with 'just joking' as action to better should have been the initial though and the followed thought.
While the reality of such a thought can be far fetched depending on the nature of the situation, it does more good to start from this school of thought and follow from that than to just start with nothing and to question what you can do. If one is seeking the best possible outcome for anything, it is beneficial to work from the top down.

Please and Thank You Can Never be used enough
Enough said.

A costly vice

Over the past year, after establishing some financial stability for myself after my move, I have developed a vice that has taken its tole on my wallet. This vice is my somewhat ridiculous lust for technology. It all began back in Dec of 06 when I wanted my first big purchase to be a flat screen TV. The decision was self vetoed by my more logical side as at the time we had no furniture and decided that that would be a better purchase. Throughout that portion of time though, the lust stayed strong.

In March of this year, I bought myself a new desktop PC. For about a month I budgeted a good system for a reasonable price. The total price in the end was nothing that would break the bank and overall was a well founded purchase. However, at the last minute, I decided I wanted a flat screen monitor to take advantage of the DVI card that I'd bought and the budget went out the window.

Around Mid-summer, I decided I needed a new phone even though the phone I was using worked fine. After some phone lobbying, I purchased myself the KRZR from Rogers even though I didn't really need a new phone.

From then to December I was pretty good in terms of keeping this beast quiet. Then came boxing day sales and the roar of desire for that flat screen TV I'd wanted the previous year. Now since it had been a year, I figured I'd break a little and get the TV. The 32" LG that I bought was a good buy for the price I paid in the end so it didn't hurt too much. The laptop that found its way into my cart wasn't a super smart move though. It wasn't a super necessity, but moreover just a lustful purchase.

So why a confession now? Well with all the HDMI and audio features of the new TV, I find myself looking at Home Theater systems... Home theater systems which I don't need but would like to have. There's also the PS3 that plays Blu-Ray discs idea that is lurking in my head. And with all that sitting in my head, I'd like someone to tell me that spending all this money at once would be foolish and that saving money would be the wiser choice. Then after they say it, keep saying it so that eventually it processes in my wee little materialistic brain.

I suppose its better than a drug or booze addiction as there is something of value left over time but that's not a full justification for this technology addiction.

Looks like its time to channel some will power to stop this.

Some day I'll be bigger than my body gives me credit for

This past Wednesday, a lot of the details surrounding the first Vancouver Jiu Jitsu club were put onto paper and thus the club as an existing entity became more official. At the point when this happened I was ecstatic but beyond that I felt as though a barrier into a whole new world of social maturation had disappeared. Its a growth area that I've always been aware of and is one of the reasons that I made the big jump when I did. There were points last year when I saw all of this fading away and me being left with half the dream of it coming true. Now that's its actually going to unfold it justifies all the persistence and sweat along with the despair that brought me to this point. Getting here has been a small victory and the first step in this new stage of growing. I'm very much looking forward to the rest of this journey and the man I'll encounter at each step of the way.

That and making more ridiculous videos.

A new set of resolutions

With the various dialogs that run through my head these days it occurs to me that this blog might actually stay going in a self introspective manner. This past week I've been contemplating what my new resolutions might be with me actually being successful at most of the resolutions last year. This is what I've come up with:

1) In the last four months, in a realization that Jitsu Van was going to take off, I began to train pretty intensely so I wasn't a fat slob on the mats. During that time I went from 192 to 172 and my stamina increased quite significantly. This year, I'm hoping to get myself down to 165 as that seems to be a healthy weight for my size.

2) Jitsu Van is about to take off in a few weeks. While I'm sure I'm going to have a rockin good time with all that will come with it, I'd like to make it a point to step back every so often and just soak it all in. (Hopefully at such points, they'll be other instructors to teach such as to avoid strange silences)

3) This past year was good to me. On the inside I dezoned karma wise and just found a neutrality that hadn't been there for a while. On new year's though I realized that it would have been nice to have a counter part to share a New Year's kiss with. Thus, this year, I'm setting my sights on positioning myself to get a New Year's kiss.

It shouldn't be too hard to find success when it comes to these three things as they're pretty simple in nature. Time will tell though.

A promo for the dream

An evaluation of resolutions

At the beginning of this year, I came up with the following resolutions for 2007:

1. Set into motion the Jitsu Van domain of Jitsu Canada
2. Stop fearing that decisions made in the past will have the same repercussions. Every situation is different.
3. Get off these bloody night shifts.
4. Finish at least two CT courses (work related stuff).
5. Let everything be. If drama comes, it comes; if it goes, it goes. Everything happens for a reason.
6. Reduce my student loan 25% of the total by years's end. (Naturally the goal is right down to 0)
7. Become a man that people could portray as being 'A man who lived the dream.

In part of what may be a temporary or a full time return to blogging, I am making my first post in a while an address of these resolutions that I set out at the beginning of the year.

The reduction of the student loan has been quite significant and by the end of this year I will have reduced it to one fifth of its original value thus reaching the goal of 25% or better. While on nights I managed to finish the two CT courses that I had set out to do which makes for another accomplished task. After that I escaped nights and by Sept of 07 got myself into a daytime rotation which was a nice treat. The drama significantly tapered off since I had little exposure to individuals of a dramatic nature. Over time this was hugely beneficial to me settling back down to a neutral state of karma as I'd carried around a significant amount of bitterness coming off of 2006. Come the latter part of 2007, I was able to clearly focus myself in the direction that I wanted.

As for Jitsu Van and the man that makes dreams come true... Well, it took a little while, but...

Trip home so far

Thursday was the flight home. Nothing too special as it was a standard flight. Shockingly enough though, everything ran smoothly and I arrived on time with all my possessions. I got settled in at home and arranged everything for the next few days. Jet lag totally screwed up my sleep as my plan of shutting my eyes for sleep at 9 only matured into a nap and thus I was up from 12pm to 4pm which was nuts. So goes life though.

Friday I was suppose to help my mother with some gardening but that changed as she told me she had to work that day. So my plans shifted to some other items that day which included picking up my rental car, getting the bride and groom a present and getting home to do some ironing. While I was ironing, my mother decided to chastise me on how much the shirt and tie I bought for the reception were. I just smiled and nodded. Guess Mom will never stop trying to be Mom.
After dinner, I took a small nap (which wasn't three hours) then went to pick up Mosie from the subway. Much like everyone else who got to seem him that weekend, his beard was a bit of a shocker as he's been clean shaven as long as I've known him. That effect quickly wore off though.
After dropping his stuff at my place and feeding him we made our way out for a rendez vous with the other gents who were in town. The lot of them had chosen to go to a strip club for this event which was an interesting choice. It was the first time Mosie and I would be going to a bar of this nature but figured that if at any time there was ever a time, than this would be it as we wouldn't see half these folk again for a long time. The actual location which was called Whiskey a go go was like something out of a movie in terms of the layout. I truthfully half expected some vampire hunters to burst through the door looking to slay vampires in hiding. That didn't happen though. What I noticed though is that there were quite a few gentlemen there that need there mouths washed out with soap. My goodness were they over the top about the things they were saying. The hour we spent there was enough for me and was glad to be leaving there in favour of getting some sleep before the wedding and reception.

Saturday, Mosie and I shockingly awoke at a decent time to get ready for the wedding. I allowed him two hours to both have breakfast, have a shower and get ready. He took up all of this time to get ready. Should have been thankful at least that he didn't use up any more time.
The wedding itself was pretty new to me as I'd never been to an uber religious Christian wedding. They held communion as well which was totally off the page for me as well as, while I know the story in the bible and understand it, had no idea what the structure was for it in the church. You learn something new everyday.
The reception was a blast save for the part where someone decided to help themselves to the gift cards we'd amassed while we were taking pictures. That was a little disheartening. This didn't bother me so much though as it was only potentially money lost and the real value of the reception was still there which was celebrating the union of one of the best guy's to his wife. And celebrate we did with lots (and lots) of eating, dancing and general merriment. I was definitely sad to see it all end come 'closing time' as there was a definite euphoria in the air.

Sunday, I decided to head to Kingston since I'd booked the rental car for three days and decided to make good use out of it. This was probably the wisest choice and I was terribly hungover from the copious amount of wine and Zambuca that I drank and it was in my best interest not to let my parents see that. I arrived there in the late afternoon and grabbed some dinner with Fish, Mr. and Mrs. Bus. After dinner, we all took a wet walk to see their new pad and then joined up with Thumper and NapDragon to see Pirates. About 20 mins into the movie my system crashed and I passed out for the entire saving Jack Sparrow scene. It rebooted after that though for the rest of the movie and I still got to enjoy the majority of the swash buckling action. That night, I passed out like a rock until I had to get up to leave in the morning. I was definitely beyond tired.

Monday was another recovery day. I returned my car, packed up my stuff that was all over the place and watched some TV on the tube.

So far my vacation has been quite memorable if and only if for the reason that I got to witness one of the coolest guys in the world, have a fairy tale wedding. Yeah for happily ever after.

In the last week

Back to day shifts
Last wednesday, after having two switch over days, I made a triumphant return to a daytime schedule at work. Overall the sleep switch was a little trying but I was definitely glad to be up during hours on sunshine. I have tried not to get to use to it though as I have a brief encore return performance to nights due to a temporary shortage of staff. It will suck but at least two of the five days will be at much higher pay since I'll be supervisor.

The Bandana BBQ!
The house warming BBQ that we hosted this past saturday was a total blast. Everything ran pretty smoothly and there was an optimal turnout I'd say. The flat could definately hold more but I wouldn't have wanted more as we only have the one bathroom. The many random events which included steaks and grillems, hot dog launching, bandanas, pies, seven layer taco dip, beirut and a host of other hijinks will put a smile on my face for a long while. There will definately be more themed BBQs that follow. Next one will likely be after I return from ON at the end of this month.

Trip Home
The trip home is officially book and confirmed for the 24th to the 31st. The two main events which have been planned so far are a good friend's wedding and reception (which I'm very much looking forward to) and Phantom of the Opera (which I'll be attending with my sister). Everything for the trip has been fairly straight forward except for how to get my suit back. I bought a nice piece of luggage recently at sears as it was half off but I'm pretty positive suits are not meant to be squished into it and thus I don't think it will be going home. Thus my two options are to borrow a suit from my Dad or to rent a Tux. Renting a Tux sounds appealing as it will allow more ability to style and profile but I'm not sure if I can get a Tux on such short notice. It might also be very expensive. I'll have to do some research on this matter.

Coffee Date
Still hasn't happend. Crossing my fingers that it will as I'm still quite smitten. That is all on that matter.

Another engagement!
I recently found out that a good friend from university recently got engaged to his longtime girlfriend of three or four years. I am ecstatic for them, especially since its a relationship that I had a role in establishing and it is nice to know that some part of my actions have resulted in a happily ever after for two genuinely nice people.

Cool Songs
Foo Fighters - Times like these (acoustic version from last episode of Jericho)
Linkin Park - Bleed it out
Chantal Kreviazuk - Wonderful
Nelly Furtado - In God's Hands
The Corrs - So Young (K-klass remix) (Got a nice summer feel)