a visit to Montreal - just for laughs

I haven't spent too much time in Montreal, but what time I have spent there has been great. It is a very creative, gritty, down to earth, eclectic, metropolitan, interesting city. It is alive with colour, sound, sidewalk cafes and a refreshing open minded atmosphere.

Janice and I spent an evening there earlier this week at The Just For laughs Festival. We attended a Gala (5 or 6 comedians at a theatre, taped for broadcast at a later time), saw street performances, had pizza and beer on St-Denis Street ... it was wonderful.

The festival really is a great way to get a taste of the city. It shows it's creativity and artistic side in a way that only Montreal can. Slightly bizarre at times ... circus like and wild; loud, amusing and witty.

We will be returning again for more on the weekend, and look forward to going again next year as well.

Blues Festival

For the last two weeks, Ottawa's Cisco Blues fest has been on at Lebreton Flats. With more than five stages to choose from, the variety of musical acts gives you many choices. It should really be called Music Fest and not Blues Fest - as the bulk of the big names are not blues acts.

I volunteered this year at the festival for 3 shifts at the Wired tent, providing beverages for festival goers. This was a good opportunity to get my feet wet in this huge event, so that next year my experience might prepare me for a better volunteer position.

Volunteering allowed me to see a few acts as well ... Our Lady Peace, Jeff Beck, The Zombies, Alan Parsons Project and more ... not a bad little perk for volunteering. I also got to know a little more of the city, and made a few new friends.

Next year, I hope to be part of the Transportation team ...

beach volleyball

Today I am playing at the HOPE Volleyball SummerFest ... Ottawa's largest beach volleyball event. It's another one of those win-win things that I love so much. I get to play beach volleyball, get some exercise and fresh air, meet some new people and raise money for charity at the same time.

The weather forecast for today calls for showers and thundershowers, so I am a little dissapointed with mother nature. I can't control the weather, so I will try and focus on being grateful that I won't have to worry about a sunburn today :P There is no point in focusing on poor weather ... all that does is help embed in your mind the negative feelings and disappointment, making it worse.

I will be playing with a few people today that I have not met. Many of my team mates today haven't played for years. Since we are playing in the recreational division (and not the competitive) I hope no one is expecting too much of us today ... let's just get through the day without any injuries and try to have fun ...

Happy Canada Day

It's Canada's 142nd birthday today.

I'm lucky to live here and proud to call Canada my home.

We live in the second largest country in the world. For me, it's beauty and diversity have always kept this country an exciting, warm place to live.

During my three day trip to Ottawa from the prairies in December, I remember the rugged Canadian Shield and the friendly people I met on my journey.

I have been lucky enough to see much of this beautiful land, and have fond memories of seeing many wonderful places.

Canada is a wonderful place to work, play and live. I cannot imagine living anywhere else, and love it here.

Happy birthday Canada!