Exploring 2.0

One of the reasons I love to travel is because I love to explore. I'd take a trip to Europe over a trip to a 5-star all-inclusive Caribbean resort any day.

But after watching this video I realised you don't need to fly across the Atlantic to explore. You can do it right in your own backyard. It makes me want to go back to New York City and re-trace their steps.

Whose You're Grammar Police?

5 and a half years ago I married the grammar police.

I didn't know it at the time, but bad grammar drives Crystal up the wall. She frequently corrects my use of "less"/"fewer", and seems to find people using the wrong "you're" almost daily.

Yesterday my parents came up to visit and we were looking at a restaurant's online menu when Crystal noticed this.

Notice anything?

Your Back!?!?

On the professionally designed website of a major restaurant chain! This is a tragedy! How can this happen!?!?

Maybe it's because Crystal points them out to me, but it seems like this sort of thing is happening more frequently lately. I'm sure someone can relate it back to computer usage and the fact no one knows how to cursive write anymore.

How 'bout you? Do these grammar faux-pas bother you? Are you guilty of any of them?

Home Renovations

Crystal and I have a long list of things we'd like to do to our house, (finish the basement, patio, new lights, etc), but realized it's going to have to happen one room at a time. So first up on the list is the family room.

We're going to take our Christmas money and put it towards some flooring and paint. I've put Crystal in charge of paint colour, and I think she's found one she likes.

It's a grey/purple/blue'ish colour.

Today I came across this interesting inforgraphic about the psychology of color. It looks like Crystal made the right choice.

Click For The Larger Image

The Sweet Nectar

To celebrate the new sizes of coffee at Timmy Ho's, everything you ever wanted to know about think beverage of the gods... coffee.

Remembering Sarah Burke

Yesterday we received the news that freeskier Sarah Burke succumb to her injuries and passed away in a Utah hospital.

Before this week you probably had never heard of Sarah before. She was born in Barrie, grew up in Midland and became a pioneer in the freeskiing world. She was one of a handful of women who would make appearances in the ski movies I'd buy each year, throwing down along side the fellas and holding her own against the guys.

I don't know Sarah personally, but the news yesterday hit me harder than expected. Sarah was the same age as me and my own mortality became very real in that moment.

Every year my family would take a trip west during March break. Lake Louise, Whistler, Big White, all bring back special memories for me. I was raised to love the mountains, skiing, fresh pow, bluebird days and the adrenaline rush from pushing myself past the barrier of fear.

I have a tremendous amount of respect for Sarah. She pushed to have women included in X-Games competition, and she spearheaded the inclusion of female skier halfpipe in the 2014 Olympics. (Which she was favoured in.)

Sarah chased her dreams. That is probably the number one thing I respect in someone, chasing the dream God has placed in them, no matter the opposition.

I watched this video this morning with tears in my eyes. I can't imagine what Rory must be feeling today.

To be so young.

To be so in love with someone, and lose them so early.

To see Sarah fight so hard to have her sport included in the Olympics and realize she'll never see it happen.

To have to go through the rest of his life without Sarah to laugh, cry, and celebrate with.

It's heartbreaking.

So today, if you have a moment, pray for Sarah's husband Rory, the Burke family, and the action sports community. Pray that they sense God's presence in this difficult time. That He is right along side them, mourning with them.

Alcatraz - Hit or Miss?

Watched the premiere of Alcatraz the other night. I have high hopes for this show. I loved LOST, watch Person Of Interest and Terra Nova each week and I'm hoping JJ Abrams can continue his streak of quality tv shows.

I wasn't overly impressed by the show. After the 2-hour premiere I found myslef feeling 'meh' about it all. I'll give it another couple episodes and see what happens.


At least it's better than American Idol.

Dream Show

I realize we are only a couple weeks into 2012, but I think I have already found the concert event of the next year.

April 14 at the Opera House (my favorite venue) in Toronto. Needtobreathe and Ben Rector together in concert!

You probably know about needtobreathe, we play them on LIFE (not enough, but we play them), but Ben Rector might be a new one for you. Let me tell you, this guy is wicked awesome!

Take a listen.

Needtobreathe's new album is pretty stellar as well.

It's pretty close to my "best concert ever" lineup, so yeah, I'll be there. You should check it out too. Buy tickets HERE.

What's your dream concert look like?

Mine? - Mat Kearney, needtobreathe, Jack's Mannequin, Ben Rector

Teahupoo The Beautiful

Who says surfing isn't a spiritual experience? I could watch this all day.

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