tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93008942024-03-07T15:17:58.010-05:00Loves and Joys of BuddhaKenjiThe church of basketball, books, booze, cuisine, movies, music, TV. Save me Jeebus, indeed!BuddhaKenjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815441380285575006noreply@blogger.comBlogger1169125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9300894.post-2285085123347661622011-06-03T23:41:00.002-04:002011-06-05T15:59:17.539-04:00Area 51The Blue Jays AAA team plays in Vegas. It was bobblehead night for outgoing mayor, Oscar Goodman. My brother is a baseball fanatic. So we went.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72895221@N00/5796446545/" title="cashman by buddhak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5120/5796446545_31484a3f93.jpg" alt="cashman" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div>The best part of the night was when I bought my hat, featuring a nifty alien head with baseball seams atop its cranium. Although the frenzied scramble for Mayor Goodman to autograph the bobbleheads, and the resultant spray of styrofoam globules was rather amusing.<br /><br />The <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=t400&gid=2011_06_03_tucaaa_lvgaaa_1&cid=400&t=g_box">game</a> was underwhelming. Shaky pitching from the starter Scott Richmond, consecutive homers off reliever Rommie Lewis, multiple misplays by the 3rd baseman Craig Stansberry and an 0-4 from Travis Snyder accounted for an 8-5 loss.<br /><br />There was a bizarre infield pop-up that landed between the pitcher and the catcher only to eventually roll foul, prompting many WTF?s. The fan sitting next to us was taking and making wagers on any and all possible outcomes of each at-bat. I should have bet him 40-1 that he couldn't keep quiet for the rest of the game.<br /> <br />That was the extent of the drama at the game, save for a towering foul ball into the stands somehow eluded the well-positioned hands of a fan and clunked him right on the head. A chorus of sympathetic "ooh"s and "ouch!"s rang out. He seemed OK. But quite embarrassed. <br /><br />However, in case of dental emergency, we would have been well-covered:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72895221@N00/5796449559/" title="team of dentistry by buddhak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2072/5796449559_62682ef432.jpg" alt="team of dentistry" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div>BuddhaKenjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815441380285575006noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9300894.post-18791510150944640622011-06-03T18:17:00.001-04:002011-06-05T15:41:17.075-04:00Charlie HustleThe first celebrity sighting was of disgraced baseball great, Pete Rose. Sitting lonely at a signing table in The Mirage casino next door, I bought a wedding card for my brother and soon-to-be sister-in-law, hoping that he would wish them matrimonial bliss.<br /><br />For a $75 minimum purchase of Pete Rose paraphernalia, I could ask him anything I wanted, get my picture taken with him and have him sign as many items as I wished. Charlie Hustle, indeed.<br /><br />Instead, I got a photo with Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, 2 more reasonably priced celebrities:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72895221@N00/5796444031/" title="optimus, bumblebee and me by buddhak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2693/5796444031_d1d6db3093.jpg" alt="optimus, bumblebee and me" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div>BuddhaKenjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815441380285575006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9300894.post-42259379987498012462011-06-03T18:02:00.003-04:002011-06-04T12:17:27.796-04:00Viva Las Vegas!So my brother is getting married on a Sunday morning. In Las Vegas. After a long day of packing and travel yesterday (the kids are at home with grandparents), we eventually woke up and found our way to brunch. <br /><br />We walked from our pirate-themed hotel, Treasure Island, and explored the neighbouring area of The Strip: The Fashion Show Mall's fashion show, The Mirage with its domed greenhouse, Caesars Palace in all its opulent massiveness, The Bellagio's stunning lobby with glassy floral ceiling and tribute to America Day.<br /><br />By then, Shelley and I headed back, stopping for late lunch and getting lost in the Venetian after seeing its Hogwartian painted ceiling. A stop at Walgreen's for a new toothbrush and some rest before a Skype conversation with the kids and Grandma back home.<br /><br />Sadly, this is as close as we got to Celine:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72895221@N00/5797010834/" title="Celine at Caesars by buddhak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3622/5797010834_9be7cae6e3.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Celine at Caesars"></a>BuddhaKenjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815441380285575006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9300894.post-58415586544957882732011-02-17T23:41:00.003-05:002011-02-23T00:09:31.897-05:00Epcot CentreFearful that I was turning into "that guy" (the one glued to his CrackBerry mobile device to the oblivion of the magic surrounding him), I accepted Shelley's dare not to use "that thing" all day. (Although in my defence, it was 20 seconds at a time to record the event and then devoting my ever attendant attention to my kids and Disney propaganda).<br /><br />The day dawned bright and warm, and we arrived at Epcot Centre with little fanfare. Maybe it's the physical layout of the site, or maybe/probably the result of waning legs and energy, but things seemed to be further away today. We purposefully collected our FastPass for "Soarin'", another vaunted extra-sensory experience; I cringed my way through Test Drive, an immersive simulation of what crash test dummies must endure; Shelley and I traded off the kid-minding to fulfill a milder version of a Gary Sinise-hosted space mission; soared over California in "Soarin'" (next time, I'll keep my eyes open for the whole thing); boated our way through Living with the Land.<br /><br />On to the Akerhaus restaurant for a Princess-themed lunch where I pigged out on venison sausage and Reiko held audience with Princesses Belle, Aurora, Cinderella, Snow White, and Ariel.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72895221@N00/5470404790/" title="2 princesses by buddhak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5214/5470404790_3b80ac9883.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="2 princesses" /></a><br /><br />As we retreated for a mid-day siesta at our retreat, we garnered a Baby Tigger stuffed animal souvenir somehow.<br /><br />Our evening return was in time for our dinner reservation (grilled Mahi Mahi for me) after which we ventured undersea Finding Nemo. Our party split up after that, Reiko and I completed a Kim Possible mission at the China pavilion while Kai and Shelley had a Turtle Talk with Crush. We reunited under the geodesic dome and thusly concluded our Disney adventure.BuddhaKenjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815441380285575006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9300894.post-52564195351017436082011-02-16T23:17:00.002-05:002011-02-22T23:37:42.814-05:00Magic Kingdom Redux (à la The Facebook)The day as presented in Facebook statuses (and accompanying pictures):<br /><br />09:09 a.m. - lined up for Dumbo - all going according to plan<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72895221@N00/5458254445/" title="dumbo by buddhak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5294/5458254445_b71dc4bb97.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="dumbo" /></a><br /><br />09:26 a.m. - got funneled to the gift shop after the Pooh Bear ride - these people know what they're doing<br /><br />09:32 a.m. - on standby for Peter Pan's Flight. Just think I could be arriving at the office on an ordinary week.<br /><br />09:40 a.m. - bathroom break - TMI?<br /><br />09:47 a.m. - temporary delay at "It's a small world" - still smells swampy<br /><br />10:54 a.m. - thought PowerPoint sermons were cutting edge - then saw "Mickey's PhilharMagic"... how am I going to get 3-D Smell-o-vision into the sanctuary?<br /><br />11:25 a.m. - ice cream and popcorn for elevensies; in line for a Tigger-Pooh Bear photo op<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72895221@N00/5458860712/" title="elevensies by buddhak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5176/5458860712_51e8941cbc.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="elevensies" /></a><br /><br />12:02 p.m. - spin on the Teacups<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72895221@N00/5458863132/" title="teacups by buddhak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5137/5458863132_954a60c36b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="teacups" /></a><br /><br />12:25 p.m. - respite from the heat and sun; back to the resort for lunch, poolside and down time before returning to Magic Kingdom<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72895221@N00/5470351414/" title="caribbean pool by buddhak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5138/5470351414_801b4bdb73.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="caribbean pool" /></a><br /><br />05:18 p.m. - back at it. Portrait with Pluto, picked up FastPasses for Jungle Cruise and waiting for our table at Liberty Tree Tavern. Crayon colouring limited to red and blue (and white)<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72895221@N00/5470356210/" title="pluto by buddhak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5214/5470356210_3fe6f902eb.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="pluto" /></a>BuddhaKenjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815441380285575006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9300894.post-27357993791619066762011-02-15T23:00:00.002-05:002011-02-20T11:29:41.882-05:00Animal KingdomUp early for the morning warm-up at Animal Kingdom, where Mickey, Minnie and Pluto hyped up the crowd (the mainline church doesn't have a chance against the likes of this "Call to Worship" liturgy).<br /><br />Much of the day amounted a game of Pokemon Snap! as I tried to capture images of the wildlife in flattering and interesting poses.<br /><a title="giraffe by buddhak, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72895221@N00/5458855648/"><img alt="giraffe" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5096/5458855648_902fd4a371.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br /><a title="mama elephant by buddhak, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72895221@N00/5458856580/"><img alt="mama elephant" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5136/5458856580_a0170c3731.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />And dinosaurs too:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72895221@N00/5458854266/" title="kai-saurus by buddhak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5255/5458854266_3b1b34d864.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="kai-saurus" /></a><br /><br />In spite of all that was available, Kai's favourite parts of the day were digging for dinosaur bones (read: playing in the glorified sandbox)<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72895221@N00/5458250589/" title="dinosaur dig by buddhak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5099/5458250589_96d52ea628.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="dinosaur dig" /></a><br />and not having to wait long for the bus at the end of day.BuddhaKenjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815441380285575006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9300894.post-55042571350286382302011-02-14T23:32:00.001-05:002011-02-20T11:42:49.717-05:00Now with PicturesWe started in Detroit (Romulus, technically)<a title="detroit rock city by buddhak, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72895221@N00/5458240099/"><img alt="detroit rock city" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5294/5458240099_2453a6b1cc.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />and arrived in Orlando onto Disney World.<br /><br />They cater very well to kids - princesses:<br /><a title="princess rei by buddhak, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72895221@N00/5458849408/"><img alt="princess rei" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5014/5458849408_696d7e2332.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />and pirates:<br /><a title="pirate kai by buddhak, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72895221@N00/5458852896/"><img alt="pirate kai" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5173/5458852896_00413ecbb8.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />An afternoon through Magic Kingdom had some initial trepidation about the "Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin," we got assembled for our mission:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72895221@N00/5458850944/" title="recruit by buddhak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5137/5458850944_2126fcf0f6.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="recruit" /></a><br /><br />and defeated the enemy.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72895221@N00/5458244457/" title="zurg'ed by buddhak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5015/5458244457_121b80179b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="zurg'ed" /></a><br /><br />Apart from Shelley sitting in gum, me leaving my glasses and meal medication in the resort room and a slightly broken camera (which got fixed if you've seen the above posts), it was a well-orchestrated first half day of Mouse Magic.BuddhaKenjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815441380285575006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9300894.post-87468287506488263172011-02-14T23:10:00.006-05:002011-02-20T11:32:43.588-05:00StV in FLAAfter an Olive Garden supper and a hotel night in a familiar-looking room,we shuttled to the airport where we stretched out before the migration south.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZpEpZh2wlxFVPmjdAU1AP78yZae2PQP-JTe_LfU_VPMpZPFvi7FHeWiOlCsg42cQ_mUpaf46mfLemqraWFqh7PowLVXW7_vfTSgxYcrch6w10nItTS_JuG9R-cA5dmmspmtE/s1600/IMG-20110214-00003.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573904533358991170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZpEpZh2wlxFVPmjdAU1AP78yZae2PQP-JTe_LfU_VPMpZPFvi7FHeWiOlCsg42cQ_mUpaf46mfLemqraWFqh7PowLVXW7_vfTSgxYcrch6w10nItTS_JuG9R-cA5dmmspmtE/s320/IMG-20110214-00003.jpg" /></a><br /><br />After shuttling our way to our Disney resort, we blitzed our way through the Magic Kingdom: jamboreed with the Country Bears; toured up and down Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse; saved the universe's power supply with Buzz Lightyear; filled the laugh can at Monsters Inc.; staked out a viewing position for the Electrical Parade while Shelley Thundermountained. We found an out-of-the-way vantage point for fireworks with supper and kept warm, crowded up for our bus back to our resort.<br /><br />It was our warmest Valentine's Day ever!BuddhaKenjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815441380285575006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9300894.post-23514277116350810022011-02-13T15:34:00.000-05:002011-02-14T14:23:28.520-05:00Winter HiatusAt the Annual Congregational Meeting this morning, I was thanked for a great first 6 weeks; why don't I take the next one off?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgYftpHzHIZCqaU42mZzdqBw4WBL4o3Px80-X7M0h2lyyHM3i65LdGk-D5xfJnRNNeX4xwHRpQF0n7_47rjP-IKS-wWuxHhv_fEsWp3k7WX3_pf-sNYb70DriX7BOaL04Le9U/s1600/IMG-20110213-00002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgYftpHzHIZCqaU42mZzdqBw4WBL4o3Px80-X7M0h2lyyHM3i65LdGk-D5xfJnRNNeX4xwHRpQF0n7_47rjP-IKS-wWuxHhv_fEsWp3k7WX3_pf-sNYb70DriX7BOaL04Le9U/s320/IMG-20110213-00002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573571779622772146" /></a><br /><br />In fact, why don't I take the family to Florida and forget about the cold and snow?BuddhaKenjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815441380285575006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9300894.post-90923415112350551502011-01-04T21:28:00.004-05:002011-01-04T23:47:30.887-05:00Orientation DayAfter months of mounting anticipation, I finally got a glimpse of the office that my friends have been raving about. It wasn't so much the spacious corner office with <span style="font-style:italic;">en suite</span> bathroom, wall of bookcases or formidable desk that impressed me, but the waiting stack of blank file folders, fresh Post-it notes, box of paper clips and Uniball Micro pens. Small touches, but very welcoming.<br /><br />It was a day of many little tasks: adding a new set of keys to my ring, moving boxes into the office, setting up my work email account. The tour of the contorted and sprawling premises impressed upon me the need to keep my keys at hand at all times. I ordered my work laptop, got started on Sunday's worship service, sorted out some paycheque paperwork and booked a lunch meeting for Friday.<br /><br />Now that day one has come and gone, it'll be a matter of settling into a routine that works for my family schedule and the other staff. One item of concern, though... If I haven't been able to identify who fits the <a href="http://www.schrutespace.com/">Dwight Schrute</a> archetype in the office, does that mean it's me?BuddhaKenjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815441380285575006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9300894.post-3125388945496791592011-01-03T22:22:00.003-05:002011-01-03T22:34:01.737-05:00New TechIn quasi-preparation for the new gig, I upgraded the cell phone and its attendant plan to join the legion of Blackberry users (which should help keep family and friends gainfully employed at RIM). Carrying the Torch in my pocket, I will enhance the dexterity of my thumbs with BBM-ing and the like, as I minister with Calvary United. Apparently, there's been audio-visual improvements at the church with the installation of screens and computer projection equipment last month.<br /><br />In other news of technological upgrades, new Keiser exercise bikes were unveiled for use in spin class tonight. Despite a silent, smoother ride, the seat felt a tad too hard (not quite broken in?) and the digital readout of tension/gear and RPMs revealed just how much farther I had to go in keeping pace with the instructor. Of course, he decided to inaugurate our ride with a full-out 2 minute sprint. I'm really beginning to dread the song "Paradise City" by Guns N'Roses.BuddhaKenjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815441380285575006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9300894.post-50174953862552056052011-01-02T21:01:00.002-05:002011-01-02T21:17:19.153-05:00Cleared ScheduleThis afternoon as we were filling in the new family calendar for January, I was a bit unnerved by the absence of anything to write in. Shelley has her evenings booked and trips to Toronto and Montreal coming up; the kids with music lessons, school days and daycare; I had nothing.<br /><br />I'm sure that will change on Tuesday when I venture into Calvary United's office for the first time. I do have a lunch date on Wednesday with a friend who also starts a new church job. Until then, it seems I've got time on my hands.BuddhaKenjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815441380285575006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9300894.post-78888688755145980892010-12-31T23:49:00.001-05:002011-01-01T18:48:07.812-05:00KFC: Kenji Fried CandyWith Jeffy's arrival, we undertook the arduous New Year's Eve task of grazing through a gauntlet of appetizers. Featured atop the menu were Deep Fried Snickers/Mars bars:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72895221@N00/5311047409/" title="KFC - Kenji Fried Candy by buddhak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5201/5311047409_671c063f60.jpg" alt="KFC - Kenji Fried Candy" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><br />Some Settlers, Hey! That's My Fish and decidedly cut-throat Blokus, managed to keep us awake until the magic hour. For all of our hard partying, I'm glad all the vomiting had concluded by mid-morning.BuddhaKenjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815441380285575006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9300894.post-75323152732279497362010-12-30T21:21:00.004-05:002010-12-30T21:43:50.354-05:00(Shirt) BuddiesOur dear friends arrived for the annual New Year's Eve family visit, Cheryl and her 4 kids with Jeffy coming tomorrow. The kids separated themselves by gender - some dolls and Polly Pockets in one room, cars and Transformers in another.<br /><br />Overheard: our 5-year old son to the 6-year old boy, "Let's hang out like real teenagers."<br /><br />When I was visiting them in October, there was some chagrin that the outfit that matches mine couldn't be found. We corrected that today:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72895221@N00/5308506186/" title="shirt buddies by buddhak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5167/5308506186_148ae41da2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="shirt buddies" /></a>BuddhaKenjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815441380285575006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9300894.post-32836387625358968912010-12-28T22:14:00.002-05:002010-12-28T22:22:24.996-05:00Boxing and ScrubbingWell, Christmas came and went; with it, my last duties as minister with Glencoe-Appin Pastoral Charge. After morning worship on December 26th, I packed up the remaining books, files and sundry office items. Yes, I literally spent Boxing Day with boxes.<br /><br />Except I remembered that the desk drawer that I had saved for last, I didn't get to so I went in today do some final packing, report writing, and general tidying. The church laptop has been cleaned as best I could, trying to remove all trace of my computing for my eventual successor. Although the time to delete some 35, 000 files today took longer than I had time for - it seems there will be one final visit to the office to drop off the machinery.<br /><br />And then, for real, I'll close the door and walk away.BuddhaKenjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815441380285575006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9300894.post-906939301787174312010-12-25T22:56:00.000-05:002010-12-28T22:59:52.542-05:00Bands of SillinessThe craze with school kids these days is flexible bracelets of shaped elastic. Trademarked as "Silly Bands" it does seem rather inane. Our kids are going to be popular at school after this Christmas.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72895221@N00/5301781655/" title="Silliness by buddhak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5201/5301781655_98a8bf5a0b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Silliness" /></a>BuddhaKenjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815441380285575006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9300894.post-34168634037479119462010-12-25T22:32:00.000-05:002010-12-28T22:52:31.145-05:00Christmas morning<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72895221@N00/5302342444/" title="Xmas Rei 2010 by buddhak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5204/5302342444_a01fc82bf2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Xmas Rei 2010" /></a><br />Zhu Zhu Pets abound.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72895221@N00/5302341426/" title="Xmas Kai 2010 by buddhak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5081/5302341426_afa5095a7d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Xmas Kai 2010" /></a><br />I think he's excited. I can tell by the whites of his eyes.BuddhaKenjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815441380285575006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9300894.post-33089832141162511122010-12-06T14:45:00.002-05:002010-12-06T14:52:21.836-05:00Snow DayWith dire weather warnings, closed schools and travel advisories today, I was reminded of this bit of brilliance from <a href="http://www.easyiephelp.com/easy-iep-help/grade-drawing-priceless/">EasyIEPHelp</a> -<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.easyiephelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/first-grade-drawing.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 432px; height: 323px;" src="http://www.easyiephelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/first-grade-drawing.jpeg" alt="" border="0" /></a>There was a note of explanation that followed:<br /><p style="font-style: italic;">Dear Ms. Davis [teacher], </p> <p style="font-style: italic;">I want to be perfectly clear on my child’s homework illustration. It is NOT of me on a dance pole on a stage in a strip joint surrounded by male customers with money.</p> <p style="font-style: italic;">I work at Home Depot and had commented to my daughter how much money we made in the recent snowstorm. This drawing is of me selling a shovel.</p> <p style="font-style: italic;">Sincerely,</p> <p style="font-style: italic;">Mrs. Harrington [mommy in question]<br /></p>BuddhaKenjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815441380285575006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9300894.post-22332348289395855982010-12-02T23:38:00.002-05:002010-12-02T23:44:00.536-05:00Stocking StufferIt's practically a tradition now: decorate the tree and Kai puts his stocking on his head. Yes, he's feeling somewhat better.<br /><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5048/5227696671_988573b61c.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5048/5227696671_988573b61c.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />His sister is more reserved.<a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5124/5227697373_076fe70f1c.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5124/5227697373_076fe70f1c.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>BuddhaKenjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815441380285575006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9300894.post-28014977167265917522010-11-30T20:12:00.002-05:002010-11-30T23:24:11.834-05:00The CroupierKai's been under the weather for a couple days: fever, barking cough, raspy voice, lethagic, no appetite. Last night he was up every 90 minutes with coughing and wheezing. There'a a colourful array of medicine dosing cups with residual banana berry red Tylenol and raspberry blue Advil on the kitchen counter, reminiscent of a shooter bar ("what's a shooter bar, Daddy?" - "uh, sometimes people get drinks in small cups and drink them fast").<br /><br />We got into the doctor today who diagnosed a viral infection, suspected croup and prescribed 9 mg of steroid followed with a pudding chaser. We'll keep him out of daycare tomorrow and hope tonight's a quiet night.<br /><br />With a blogpost title like this, you'd think there'd have been more gambling references beyond the casino bar.BuddhaKenjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815441380285575006noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9300894.post-61612654598739981412010-11-28T21:20:00.002-05:002010-11-28T23:37:03.753-05:00A New FocusAbout mid-September, the timing belt of the 2000 Focus gave way and I found myself stranded on the side of the road. Inconvenient at the best of times, the matter was complicated by the fact that I was on my way to the airport to catch a flight to Sault Ste. Marie. Calling roadside assistance, I discovered the program that we'd accessed in the past no longer existed (once the operator stifled her scoff upon hearing the age and mileage on the vehicle).<br /><br />There was a panicked call to Shelley who happened to be home with Kai who happened to be home sick from school, a call to our dealership to arrange for a tow truck and a call to the airline to explain the situation. Watching the minutes tick by, I also called the hotel in Sault Ste. Marie to inform my colleague that I likely wouldn't be available to meet for supper as planned.<br /><br />My rescue arrived when Shelley and Kai speedily delivered me to the airport, in time for my original flight! It wasn't until my return home that we made arrangements for a replacement car (we'd figured the cost of the next major repair would be better directed towards a downpayment on another car). We discovered with all the incentives, upgrades, and enticements, a new car would only be a couple thousand dollars more than a used one.<br /><br />So after 300, 636 km, we handed the keys over in exchange for another Focus (2011 with Sirius satellite radio for 6 months - hello Radio 3!) I think I'll call it Desmond as a tribute to Paul Quarrington and Maury Chaykin. <br /><br />Such was the adventure of the new car, apart from the fact that I lost my passport at the airport in Toronto...BuddhaKenjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815441380285575006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9300894.post-87335378367031964232010-11-26T22:20:00.003-05:002010-11-26T22:46:32.051-05:00"Taking My Talents to South London"The biggest development in the year past is my resignation at my current churches to take a position as "Lead Minister" (lightning rod) at Calvary United Church in London. Effective January 1, 2011, I've been trying to wrap things up where I am but things keep cropping up.<br /><br />I have to say this came about rather suddenly. I wasn't expecting to re-locate so soon, but an opportunity arose that was too good to pass up. Given the uncertainty that many mainline Protestant congregations are facing, the proposition of a stable and viable ministry that had opportunity for further outreach into its local community seemed like divine providence.<br /><br />While I look forward to being part of a staff team (children's minister, youth minister, visitation minister, administrative and custodial support), I'll certainly miss the earnest commitment and engagement of Appin and Trinity United Churches and the support they've shown to myself and my family. But such is life, full of transition with cost and reward.<br /><br />Reiko's first question was when we broke the news to her was: "We don't have to move, do we?" Which wasn't really a question, followed quickly by: "So, we won't have to decide what church we're going to on Sunday morning." That was the extent of her analysis and she deemed it to be good.<br /><br />All this was happening in June/July when all the Raptors were getting ready to cut ties with Chris Bosh and LeBron James was preparing for his ill-advised LeDecision. Here's hoping I handled it better than they did.BuddhaKenjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815441380285575006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9300894.post-18327654985291422122010-11-26T21:45:00.002-05:002010-11-26T21:57:07.260-05:00What's New?There's been a lot happening in the year-plus of inactivity onsite here. Where have I been? I guess The Facebook is to blame for a lot of it. And me being otherwise occupied (read: lazy) is another.<br /><br />So, what's new? New job, new car, those are the big ticket items. Also, new glasses, new school year, new user ID at CBC Radio 3, new expansion pack for Settlers of Catan...<br /><br />I'll go into more detail on each of these in due course (and backfill some of the missing year too). I was looking for an opportune time to return to this cyberspace; thanks to Ursula for having a birthday giving me that excuse. I am so excite! [sic]BuddhaKenjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815441380285575006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9300894.post-43428996329131389782010-11-23T23:33:00.002-05:002010-11-23T23:38:07.456-05:00Rebirth<div style="text-align: center;">back to beginnings:<br />birthday wishes for urs.<br />time to blog again!<br /><br /></div>BuddhaKenjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815441380285575006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9300894.post-72125666845137488932010-10-31T23:00:00.000-04:002010-11-26T23:01:21.582-05:00Halloween 2010<div style="text-align: left; padding: 3px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72895221@N00/5210808760/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5128/5210808760_59bc1b65de.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0.8em;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72895221@N00/5210808760/">Halloween 2010</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/72895221@N00/">buddhak</a>.</span></div><p>Reiko as a lioness and Kai as the Autobot Transformer Bumblebee. <br /><br />I'm taking the picture, dressed as Travis Ishikawa, the light-hitting, defensive substitute for the San Francisco Giants. I have on my cap (circa 1987) and ballglove (circa 1978). It's an elaborate costume for me to masquerade as a Japanese-American first baseman when everybody knows I'm more of a middle infielder!<br /><br />But you don't really care, look at the kids! For your information (and our own record-keeping) the count was 108 visitors between 6 -8 p.m.</p>BuddhaKenjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815441380285575006noreply@blogger.com1