Things couldn't be better...

Right now things seem to be perfect. I have an amazing wife, a great job, a wonderful family, supportive friends and a newborn baby girl who could appear on the next Babies R Us catalogue cover.

One of the amazing things about Natasha to this point is, she sleeps so well at night. Sure, she wakes up for feedings - every three or four hours, but she is never difficult to calm down or put back to sleep. She's making this whole first-time parenting thing really really easy on us.

We've also had a lot of help this week from Sarah's parents, her grandmother, my folks, my sister and her husband Mike.

Diane came over Monday night when Sarah and I were just exhausted and didn't go to play with Tasha or hold her or anything until she was about to leave. For about three hours all she did was housework and organize baby stuff for us. It was awesome. We didn't ask her to do it - she just wanted to. She says she wants to come up again before they leave for Portugal on Saturday.

I'm really going to miss not having my parents and sister here for the next few weeks. They've had this vacation planned forever (originally Sarah and I were going to go, then we found out we had a miracle on the way) and of course I want them to have a great time. I just keep hearing my mom say that she wishes she were here to help us out, and to watch Natasha grow. On a lighter side, it'll be the first time I celebrate my own birthday without them.

That being said, mom and dad decided to give me a birthday present on Monday. I'm not going to go into details, but let's just say, I was totally blown away. Their thoughtfullness seems to know no boundaries.

Things couldn't be better...

This is a PSA for Seymour

My brother-in-law Joe (aka Hank) is in a great lil' band called Silent Seymour. They're playing this Friday at the very trendy and very posh Drake Hotel. Ok, well, they're in the less posh, dungeon-like basement of the Drake but it's STILL the Drake and hey - it's rock n roll baby!

Click here for the email Joe sent me with details about the show and his secret recipe for rock n roll cookies! Mmmm mmm.

Click here for Silent Seymour's super cool awesome amazing spectacularly nice website.

The preceding announcement was paid for by the "Friends of Seymour" organization.

More pictures of Tasha....

Natasha and Mommy finally come home!

Today has been another very emotional day. The exhilaration of watching my baby girl literally enter my life was closely followed by the overwhelming realization that "We get to take this little angel home!"

After 3 days and four nights in the hospital, we were finally discharged. Truth is, I was in no hurry to leave because my girls were being well looked after by the nurses. Once they decided they Sarah was able to go home on her own we packed up, put lil Tasha into her 'police-approved car seat' and went off to start a whole new chapter in our lives.

On the way home, Tasha slept like a little angel. Sarah and I got into the whole conversation of "firsts". Her first time outside. First time feeling a breeze. First time seeing the grass. First time in a car. The list is endless. Forget the little baby-memory booklet... I need 7 or 8 volumes of enclyclopdeia proportion to record all of this!

The next few days will be all about Mommy catching up on much needed sleep, Tasha adjusting and establishing routines.

We love receiving phone calls, but we're asking that everyone hold off at least a few days before coming by to see our little princess.

Once again, thanks to all who wrote, called and visited while we were in hospital. It's great to be home.

Uhhh no... how fast was I going officer?

Funny little story. I left the hospital one morning to have breakfast at my parents place. While driving down a little side street I was pulled over by a cop, who almost literally jumped out from behind a tree. I quickly checked the guages - 50 in a 40. Hmm, ok. I am "speeding", but 10 over? He's stopping me for 10 over??

Once I stopped my car, the policeman walked over to the window immediately. I thought that was strange. Normally they go to their car, punch up your plate, etc etc. Then he pointed to the two ribbons I'd been wearing that said "It's a girl!" and "New Dad". I had hung them on my side mirror.


"Just had a baby, huh?"
"Yes sir"
"Girl, huh?"
"Yes sir"
"No how fast you were going?"
"...."
"Lemme guess... you've been up all night, barely slept and are runnin out to get a bite to eat and pick up a couple things for your wife and the baby..."
"Yes sir...."
"Want me to check your babyseat?"

He was totally pulling my chain the whole time. He said afterwards that he was also a new dad and had the exact same ribbons at home. He checked the seat and told me it was "Rock solid" and hadn't seen an installation that tight in years! I can thank my boy Darkside for his installation assistance.

Tasha's first night

Who was I kidding? They sent me home last night at 7:00 PM to get some rest and to relax, but I knew I wasn't going to stay there. I was home just long enough to download some pictures, post the story on this site and send out a few emails. Then I went right back to the hospital to be with my girls. After a quick shower I actually felt great, but there must be something in that hospital air that makes you sleepy! As soon as I walked in, I felt my eyes getting dry and droopy. I got back around 9 to see Tasha bundled up tightly with my mom sitting there watching my dear wife finally get some much needed rest.

My mother offered to go get me some dinner (something I neglected to do in my haste to get back) while I sat there with my girls. Sarah woke up a few minutes later when Tasha made the slightest little noise. She's got mommy-radar already. Tasha was obviously hungry again and it was time for another feeding. That's when Gamma Lex and Uncle Joe showed... after visitng hours - naughty naughty. Oh well!!

Because Tasha was born via section there was still a lot of fluid in her lungs when she was born. A lot of that was removed by the nurses immediately, and they said she would just spit it up on her own over the next few days. All I had to do was burp her, and wipe her down. I can handle that. This baby stuff is easy.

After burping and wiping, Lexie swaddled her up and I put her down to sleep. All our visitors left shortly there after and Sarah looked like she was just exhausted. Quite frankly, all three of us were.

I tucked both in, and went to lie down on my little hospital cot. Wow those things are uncomfortable (especially if you happen to be a 6'8" 240 pound monster). Just as I laid down, Tasha made a little throw-up noise. Daddy jumped out of bed to tend to his little peanut. This process continued for the next two hours or so - right up until baby's next feeding.

While Sarah nursed I finally fell asleep. During the night, the nurses came along and told Sarah she could no longer have her convenient bag of morphine (I think she had way too much fun hitting that button!) or her I.V. They gave her a little tylenol and encouraged her to sleep.

At about 7:00 I got up to find baby with a poopy diaper. So this was it. This was the moment I had feared my entire life. I was about to finally change my first (yup, that's right, first) diaper on a real live baby. First off, the Cabbage Patch doll i diapered in our pre natal class was not nearly as squirmy. I think I actually did alright though. After changing, Sarah took her for another feeding. After 20 minutes of that, guess what my little monkey did for daddy....... yup, another poopy diaper - but this time it had pee too. Wooo hooooo!

Actually I was very excited. This means she's eating well and developing properly. So now it was time for diaper change #2. No problem. I'm an expert now. Oh ... wait, why's she pooping right now? I thought she was done! Funny thing is, the poop didn't bother me at all.

My little princess is resting now, as is my bride. Both are doing really well. Sarah managed to get up on her own today. She walked to the bathroom, around the bed, and just started getting her legs loose. She's very sore still because of the stitches and everything, but she just seems to be glowing with a new found strength.

Wow I can't wait to take her home.

Say hello to Natasha Alexis Venusina....

On August 25th of 2005 at 10:12 am, my beautiful wife gave birth to our first child. A gorgeous baby girl. Natasha Alexis Venusina is a vision of perfection. She was born at a very healthy 7 pounds 10 ounces. All those cliches you hear are so true. "Your whole world will change as soon as you see her" or "you have no idea how hard you going to fall in love". It's all true. Every word.

The funny thing is, when we woke up on Wednesday August 24th, I made a comment to Sarah about “today could be the day you go into labour” and she laughed saying “no, I think I would have felt something by now”. We had an appointment scheduled with the O.B. for 11:15. The appointment was pretty much what we had expected – the doctor telling us to wait another week and she would have us scheduled for an induced labor on August 31st. Just as Sarah hopped off the examination table, the doctor noticed a huge puddle where she had been sitting. “I think you just got your ticket”. She had Sarah sit back up again and discovered that her water had just broken. “Ok, guys, you’re going to go for a walk, run a couple errands if you like, then go home and relax. If labor doesn’t start within the next 12 hours, go to the hospital.

Pardon me? What? My brain exploded for about 1000 different reasons at that moment. I had just wrapped my mind around the fact that we were going to have to wait another week, and now I’m being told this whole thing is going to start before midnight, Heavy.

We really didn’t get much in the way of errands or walking done. We went back to the house after making a few calls to immediate family, and I asked Sarah to rest. Every book I read and every recent mom I spoke to said the same thing, “SLEEP early in your labour, because you won’t have a chance later one”. Nope, Sarah didn’t want to sleep; she wanted to vacuum (allegedly this is a very typical response). I eventually told her she had to lie down, She didn’t get any actual sleep, but she did get a little down time,

We first noticed contractions at about 12PM on Wednesday. She said they were very mild, and really no big deal. For about 3 hours, her contractions were 5 minutes apart. When I called the hospital they said to stay home until the contractions were unbearable. We finally left the house at 10:40 PM. Her contractions were comparable at that point to severe menstrual cramps. By 11:10 we had been admitted and taken to room 35.

The parade of doctors and nurses began at about 11:30. The number one thing on everyone’s lips was to make sure we expedited the process since the bag of waters had burst so long before. The risk for infection was there if labor lasted too long. After being monitored and examined, we were given permission to walk freely. We killed the next hour or so just wandering the hospital. Sarah’s parents, my mother and sister were all in the waiting area. By 12:30, my sister made the wise decision to go home and sleep. I told her nothing would be happening for quite a while anyway. After grabbing me a sandwich from Tim’s, my mom went home around 1:30 – as did Sarah’s dad. The only one that stuck around was Alexis.

By 1:45AM things took a drastic turn for the worse. Sarah’s contractions reached a new height. I had been doing my best the entire time to try to focus her breathing – which she did a good job of doing at first. After a while, the pain was so severe that she was breathing very quickly and moaning loudly. She was practically hyperventilating. It’s so hard to sit there and watch your wife suffer. I asked her if she wanted pain medication. She just gritted her teeth and soldiered on.

The pain became even worse with each passing contraction. Around 3AM, Alexis came into the labor room allowing me to take a nap for about 45 minutes. I slept in the chair right beside Sarah. When I woke up she was still grunting and moaning but fairly controlled.

By 6:00 AM she was screaming for relief. The pain had ravaged her body, and she was just physically exhausted. At that point she was still only 3cm dilated. It didn’t help that we only slept about 6 hours the night before. She couldn’t bare with the thought of this pain another minute – never mind another 5-15 hours. Right then, she made the decision for an epidural. Sarah had said for a long time that she didn’t want an epidural, but I begged her to keep an open mind, and let the situation dictate our actions. She certainly didn’t second guess herself at 6:00 AM.

The anesthesiologist came in 20 minutes later and Sarah was feeling relief by 7. Now she was finally able to rest a little bit.

At 8:30 the doctor was beginning to show a little concern. He said the baby was showing some early signs of distress with an irregular heart rate. That’s when he said the only words Sarah had dreaded more than epidural … “C-Section”.

Sarah was scared and very apprehensive about having the surgery. The doctor wasn’t giving us a choice though. He simply said if there was any issue whatsoever, he’d end the hopes of a vaginal delivery. He tried to put her mind at ease saying that it would be easier to have a C-Section under their own terms as opposed to an emergency operation hours later.

At 9:45AM after a final exam, the doctor threw in the towel and said he wasn’t going to wait any longer. Sarah was only dilated 5cm (keep in mind, she’d have to be dilated 10) and the baby’s heart rate was dropping. Signs of distress were becoming more evident. Natasha had spoken – it was time to be born.

At 10:08 I was brought in the operating room where Sarah had been prepped. My little soldier. She was doing so well dealing with the whole situation. We had said a prayer and made peace with the fact that while most people say a natural child birth was the way to go, this baby wanted something different. She wanted just a tad more drama (that’s my girl).

At 10:12 PM, Tasha was born. There are certain moments in life you have imprinted in your mind forever. 10:12 on 8/25/05 was pure magic. The doctor pulled her out and said “Come on Don, take a look………. It’s a girl!” Right then, Sarah and I both exploded with tears. Sheer happiness combined with fatigue and the feeling of having accomplished something so great just took us over.

The nurses quickly took Tasha to the back of the room to clean her up while the doctors worked on closing up my wife. By the way, looking deep inside your spouse’s abdomen is quite a surreal experience.

Once Tasha was cleaned up, I got a really good look at her – my God. She is perfect. No really. A gorgeous face, perfect skin … not a blemish on her. I think my cell phone’s ringing – it’s a modeling agency looking for Tasha.

One of the nurses swaddled her up and let me pick up my daughter for the first time. My daughter. My daughter. Wow. I took her over to Sarah for a couple kisses from mommy. Sarah was shaking pretty violently, but was still crying tears of joy. The nurses asked me to take the baby out and meet them in the room in about 15 minutes.

I walked out to the waiting area to see the glowing faces of both moms and dads. They couldn’t believe I was walking out so soon with a bundle in my arms. “It’s a girl!” and they all got so excited. I was still crying like … well, like a baby, when I introduced my girl to her grandparents. The moms went running out the door to start their respective phone trees. The dads sat there proudly watching over me.

15 minutes later, Sarah was all cleaned up and being wheeled back to her room. She was really shaky and nauseous, but she knew that all that hard work had paid off.

Never will I be able to explain how proud I am of my wife for all her hard work, or how proud I was that second when my daughter was presented to me.

For those who are wondering, Her name actually has a lot of meaning to us. The explanation of her middle names is quite simple. Alexis is Sarah’s mom, and Venusina is my mom’s real name – before she went and decided to Canadian-ize herself by having all the canucks call her Cindy. Venusina (little Venus) is a beautiful and very rare name. I think my daughter is very lucky to carry it. Alexis is Sarah’s guidance, Natasha is a name that came to us one day after staring at several baby books for months. We both just seemed to love it. I don’t even remember who said it first. Then we both agreed that Natasha would be her “formal name”, but ‘Tasha’ is what the world would know her as.

I just got home. I was sent home actually. The grandmothers, my wife and my baby all I thought I needed to sleep in my own bed for a few hours. I’m going to rest up, shower and head back.

I want to formally and publicly thank everyone for kind thoughts, words and prayers. Momma and baby are resting comfortably and will likely stay a couple more days.

For the past 15 years I've been called "Big Daddy" by friends and colleagues. Now I really am.

Best wishes, comments and thoughts may be left here. Thanks again!

More familiar neighbors

My friend Sarah Tobey from work is supposed to be moving into her new house today with her fiance, which just happens to be in my community. Her house is two streets south of mine in the second phase of our development. I drove by tonight to see if
she was around, when much to my surprise I saw that another familiar face had just moved in, right around the corner from Sarah.

Nigel is a basketball coach at MCI who i've competed against for the past 5 years. He's a great guy - first class. I was shocked to see him standing outside his brand new house talking to some people in a car. In the car was Jackie - a friend of his and another long time MCI coach. Nigel said he and his wife (who's expecting - due in January) moved into the neighborhood about a month ago.

So now the list of neighbors I knew before we moved in expands to: Sarah Tobey, Darkside and Char, Jill and Jay, Samantha, and now Nigel. Honestly, it's a small community. It's a small world.

The Champ's down but not out.

I don't even know why I'm blogging this. Maybe because seeing it on a screen just makes me realize it is reality and I need to come to terms with it. I found out about a half hour ago that our family dog, a 10 year old Bichon Frise named Champ, has gone completely deaf.

It's not clear at this point if it's a result of a recent ear infection, a side effect of the medicine the vet gave, or just something that little white dogs are pre-disposed to. The cause is irrelevant though. The fact is, that little dog can't hear me or anyone else anymore. When I phoned my mother to give her the daily "No baby yet" report, she told me the news. I was blown away and it really hit me hard.

After speaking to Sarah, and digesting what my mother had said, I started thinking that Champ will be just fine. This little dude has been through alot and come out with flying colours. Torn tendons, infections, tumors, bath time with John... if he could endure all of that, then this will just be another obstacle.

Mike's parents have a dog that's blind. I'm not sure which is worse at this point, but I'm under the impression that she lives a happy life, despite the handicap.

My sister is already researching ways to help Champ adjust. No one has discussed the 'permanent' option at this point. My mother only said that she won't put him down. I'm just going to have to teach him sign language or something. I can't believe how much I love that furball.

Take a look at our nursery...

It's still empty *what's that kid waitin' for*, but many out-of-town family / friends have asked to see what our little nursery actually looks like. I snapped a few pics today, but I must admit, I'm not thrilled with them. I don't think you get a true sense of what the room is really like. Basically, you're just going to have to come over and visit for a better perspective.

The first pic is a three quarter view showing the fantastic giraffe mural Sarah and Sophie painted, and the impressive window treatments they did. My wife is so talented. I hope that's hereditary!

The second shot is what we call the "reading corner". A couple book cases loaded with brain tingling material and toys. Sophie was kind enough to bring us a couple of books written by her talented uncle, a noted children's author, Robin Muller. How many times will I read "Row row row your boat" or "Little Wonder"? The over-under is currently set at 160. All we need now is to add a glider or a rocker to complete that corner.

I couldn't fit everything into a couple of snaps. There are the two wall mounted shelves we bought at Michael's (that I had so much fun sanding, filling and painting - then decorating with monkies), the Ikea corner shelf (loaded with giraffes) and the beautiful matching crib / dresser. Right now the dresser is so perfectly organized with the diaper-depot on the side and the little diaper genie down below. How long before the depot has been tossed on it's side and the genie is just covered in poop? I give it a week.

Click on the links below to see all the shots
Opposite corner
Monkey shelf
Bear shelf
Cara Mia crib
Ikea corner shelf
Cara Mia dresser / change table
Rocking horse, made by Sophie
Baby Papasan swing and seat
Animal prints above closet
Night light

George hangs up his whistle

After 30 years of coaching excellence, one of my mentors and friends George Kraus has decided to officially retire from coaching basketball. I've had the honor of working with George the last four seasons and it's been an outstanding learning experience. The man is a proven winner who seems to get more out of any given player than even they know they are capable of.

When I was a student at B.A., I remember watching the girls team he coached - led by Lori Taylor and WNBA player Tammy Sutton Brown. Those teams were unreal. He medaled twice at OFSAA with them. He also won titles with Seneca College, the MDHS boys and was an assistant with the women's team at Vermont (NCAA Division 1).

When I began my coaching career at B.A. I knew I had a lot to learn. When I made the jump to MDHS I realized I had more to learn that I ever could have imagined. I know that I'm a better coach today because of the time I spent with George - during games, practices and away from the court. He really is one of the top coaches in the provice, and basketball at the grass roots level will miss him. That being said, George will continue to run his camps during the March Break and summer months. Click here for more info.

Yesterday, Wilf and Sue Tuck threw a big retirement party for George. They invited players he has coached over the last 30 years - from Andy Boss (who played on his first team in '74) to Adam Folker who just finished grade 10. They started the day with a game at a local community center, and ended up with a BBQ at the Tuck's place.

This was also probably my last chance to see a bunch of the guys who are on their way back to their respective college teams for the year. Chris will be a senior at Stonehill, Mike Tuck a sophmore at Loyola, Eugene a sophmore at Long Island, Andrew a freshman at Harmony Prep in Ohio, Mike Folker a freshman at Acadia and Tyler McGarrity a freshie at Windsor. I've worked closely with the last three guys (not to mention Matt Cole goin to Niagara) for years and can't wait to see how they do on their own.

Good luck George with your new business, and good luck boys in pre-season.

A look into (what will be) our bedroom

Recently, Sarah and I purchased our first bedroom furniture set. We had initially set out with the intention of finding something more affordable that would last us a few years. Something cheap - but hopefully didn't look like it was made on Trading Spaces.

We then stummbled across this small furniture store at Brock / 401 and found this set by Magnussen. We immediately fell in love with the set and ended up buying the king side bed, 2 nightstands (3 drawers each), a 9 drawer dresses / mirror combo and a beautiful armoire.

Unfortunately the set won't be delievered until sometime in mid-late September. I'm way too excited about it. Who knew I'd be getting all giddy and smiley about furniture? Dude, I'm gettin' old.

And now for the finishing touches...

Sarah and Sophie worked for most of the day today making drapes (for the nursery) out of some material we picked up yesterday at Fabricland. I also grabbed some animal themed wallpaper-stickers and have to finish touching up the shelves I put up. I imagine this will all be done by tomorrow ---- then, and only then, will I post some pics of the nursery. SO STOP ASKING!! :)

By the way... anybody know anything about breast pumps?? Darkside suggested we pick one up, and I did a little research today on them, but I'm wondering if anyone can recommend a brand or weigh in on manual VS electric.

What up Kaysar?

I'm hooked on Big Brother 6 ... much like I was the last 4 (the first season was pretty brutal, and they made a ton of changes to the rules and format in year 2). This season has been interesting because of the competitve balance between the two main alliances.

Last week Kaysar - head of the alliance of 'real' people was voted out of the house for the second time! He had been voted out two weeks ago, then brought back in by popular demand of the viewers - only to be ousted once more. Poor bugger. He was just too much of a threat.

Which leads me to ask - If I was on a reality show like BB, what would be my strategy to ensure I get my hands on the cake at the end. Play smart and strategically and you are deemed too dangerous... stay low and in the weeds and they think you are shifty and not trustworthy.

I think I'd end up being more like James, or Marvin from last season. Choose no particular alliance, but establish links to both sides. Do your best to plant little seeds here and there and try to have enough irons in the fire to keep your ass safe from week to week.

Someone told me last week that BB7 will open it's doors to Canadian contestants for the first time ever.... Could I leave home for three months in seclusion? $500,000 U.S. is a nice chunk of cake! Maybe I should just do something easier like eat bull testicles or spider eyes on Fear Factor.

Everything's fine...

For the last couple weeks Sarah has suspected that the baby was not positioned the way it should be. She feels a little poke here and there and then tries to determine what exactly it is that she’s feeling. She was concerned that the baby’s head may not be down yet. The doctor has told us that everything seemed fine but would do an ultrasound just to be sure.

So yesterday we went to the hospital and, yes… the baby is in position, just a little high.  The doctor is now reinforcing what she told us on Tuesday that the baby will likely not be born until after the August 23rd due date and more than likely, Sarah will have to be induced sometime between the 30th and the 2nd.

We’re hoping it’s no later than the second since my parents, sister and brother-in-law are all leaving for Portugal on the 3rd.  I’m still holding out blind faith that he / she will be born by the 23rd.  Darkside told me that the baby is waiting until AFTER Summerslam so that daddy can enjoy himself this Sunday. What baby doesn’t know is that daddy wants to watch Summerslam WITH baby!! So hurry up already! Speaking of Darkside, just got off the phone with him, and my boy sounds like a veteran dad already! Two days on the job and he’s got it all figured out. I’m not surprised in the least.

And the good news keeps on coming...

Was on the phone today with my buddy Kari (who I haven't spoken to in far too long) and just loved hearing the amount of excitement and enthusiasm in her voice. Kari sent me an email on Aug.12 letting me know that the boy she met last summer popped the question and they're hookin it up all legal-like next March in Venice Beach. Congrats Dirk! She's a great girl.

Darkside's crew just got a little bigger

Last night, my boy Darkside and his beautiful wife Charlene gave birth to their first child Kaylin Elizabeth. I'm thrilled to death for them. Charlene and Sarah initially had the same due date, but they moved up and we've been moved back. Regardless, I've got a little playfriend comin soon for Miss Kaylin.

Congrats guys... Click here to read Darkside's first hand account of how the whole thing went down.

Let the blogging begin...

Where to start? Life's been insane lately. Friends and family have been joking with me about how nice it is to have the entire summer off to prepare for the arrival of the baby. Unfortunately I haven't had a whole lot of "free time" at all. Sarah and I have been swamped. I worked the entire month of July at basketball camp and have spent the last few weeks doing little things around the house. Gardening, painting, re-organizing, etc etc. It's actually been great. Having everything in it's place makes me feel calmer and a little more prepared for the upcoming chaos of fatherhood. That being said, I can't wait to be a father. Could be anyday now. Doctor seems to think we may have to wait until Aug 30th. then be induced, but my instincts tell me it'll be sooner. Still no idea as to the baby's gender, but I'm good either way. We've got killer names picked out either way.

Ok, now onto the day to day stuff.

Yesterday we took Serene and Lucas to the Zoo. Are you SURE you want to do this Sarah?? She did, and I was amazed. My pregnant wife held up better than I did. The damn hill on the way back from the Grizzlie bears is just stupid. Put in a moving sidewalk or somethin!! I wasn't sure we'd make it. Thank god for those pre-natal classes... that staggered breathing finally came in handy!! :)

The kids had a great time, and we managed to pick up a few more key items at the Zoo gift shop for the nursery. Our giraffe theme is either going to be very cool or we're going to end up being a segment on "Weird Homes" on TLC. Note to friends / family... we're good on the giraffe front for now. You can all slow down with your giraffe themed merchandise! This whimsical little idea we had has taken on a life of it's own!! Ok, I'm exagerating, but that's what I do.

When we took the kids home, Beto was nice enough to lend Sarah his IPOD for the delivery. He knows what a music addict she is and this thing holds like 10,000 songs. That SHOULD be enough to get her through the night / day / night / however long it takes. It's my first time playin with an IPOD. Damn these things are sweet. Note to readers - my b-day's coming up and um, ya, IPOD's are cool.

I was out tonight with my boy Dan-e-o www.dan-e-o.com, Brian and Courtney at a WWE Smackdown show. Now, I've been a wrestling fan since ... hell since forever, but tonight I must admit the show nearly put me to sleep. If not for the awesome company and the fact that I had so much fun playing the role of crowd heel, the night would have been a total bust. Am I getting too old for this crap? Dammmit, I didn't think that'd ever be possible. I'm hoping it's not true and I'm just second guessing myself because it was a HORRIBLE show. Summerslam will be better right?? Right?

Speaking of Dan-e-o, I finally got my own copy of Speak No Evil (The Last of Dan-e-o) tonight. The cd is awesome. Great remixes from the See no evil, hear no evil album, with a whole new twist. I can't wait for D's next big career move. The most talented underground rapper in Canadian history won't be underground much longer.

Because I was out tonight, I missed Big Brother - of course, I already knew what was going to happen (thank you jokersupdates.com and BB6 Live Feeds) and I must say I'm pissed that Kaysar is on the outs again. This guy is the only one, other than James that makes the damn show interesting this season. Intelligent with a streak of evil makes for good TV. Hmmmm, they really SHOULD put ME on that show. Brew + BB7 = ratings and $500,000 in my pocket.

I'm about to go shopping on eastbay.com for new basketball shoes. I've finally given up. Stores are not for me. A big man like myself just wasn't meant to shop at the malls. If anyone knows where I can walk in and find size 15 kicks, email me!


Website recommendation of the day... if you're bored try movie-mistakes.com I can literally spend hours (ok, another slight exageration) on there. It's a lot of fun to read the list of bloopers, inconsistencies or factual mistakes and THEN go and watch the movies over again. What the hell do these editors / directors / producers get paid for when big budget flicks like the Matrix and Lord of the Rings have over a hundred major flubs? I love it though. Yes, I'm a loser.