Marsden dead at 69

Earlier today, one of my former colleagues at the FAN 590, and a Canadian broadcasting legend Pat Marsden lost his long battle with cancer.

Marsden, best known on the national scale for being the voice of the CFL for so many years was a guy who could tell a terrible story and make it compelling.

I interacted with Pat a lot during my days at The Fan when I was working overnights and Pat was co-hosting the morning show with John Davidson.

He'd look at me and say in his snarly voice, "You still work here? I thought I told Millman [program director] to fire your ass". The first time he said that I panicked a little. 'What did I do to piss off Marsden?'

When he used that same line for the next couple months in lieu of "hello" I realized that this man was all about getting in a good rib.

One story I'll never forget.... in the early 80's, Marsden was out in Edmonton for a CFL game. Pat was never one for political correctness, and got himself thrown in jail for comments he made on the air. This was on a Friday night. He was bailed out by Ron Lancaster. Three days later he was working an Ottawa Roughrider game, and got thrown in jail again! This time he was bailed out by Brian Mulroney.

He was a one of a kind, and a true original in an industry that fosters so many imitators. Thank you Pat.

Marsden was 69. He is survived by his wife T.A., daughter Taylor, Connor, and children Mike, Patti-Lee, and Ruth Mary, from his first marriage.

School's done!

I did it - I wrote my English Lit exam tonight, ending my first year back at school. I was terrified going into the exam, but I think I did pretty damn well.

I got my essays back that I handed in and got A- on all of them.

I told Sarah tonight how grateful I am to her for basically forcing me to go back to school. I knew I wanted to, but didn't have the confidence to think I could succeed. I feel so much better about myself and my future plans in education.

Thank you sweetheart.

Ding Dong Quinn is Gone!

What a great day! I wake up this morning and tune into the radio to hear that Pat Quinn has finally been fired. The highest paid coach in the NHL who has never won a damn thing (other than that gold at the Olympics four years ago) has finally been let go. Unfortunately, the man who canned him, Leaf GM John Ferguson Jr, still has a gig - but one step at a time.

I've heard fans defend Quinn for years - and never understood it. Tell me, what sort of systems do Quinn teams employ? What young player has he ever developed into a star? Do you know that Quinn's practices NEVER consist of special teams work, power play options or anything else that most teams have had success doing?


Quinn is a 63 year old dinosaur. He's one of the good ol' boys of the NHL who refuses to adapt and grow with the game. The game changed this year. Quinn did not.

Did you know Matts Sundin, one of the top players on Earth, has been saddled with the same amount of ice time as many 3rd and 4th line players on other decent teams. WHY? Quinn believes in rolling four lines and playing everyone equally. How the hell would that have worked 13 years ago if Pat Burns had played Gilmour the same amount he was playing Eastwood. I'll tell you one thing, we wouldn't have gone to the final four twice.

This now opens the door for Paul Maurice, who has been coaching the Toronto Marlies this season. Maurice took the Hurricanes to the Cup Finals a few seasons ago and has a great eye for the new NHL. He understands how to develop talent, he's media friendly and a tactitican in the mold of a Scotty Bowman or Ken Hitchcock.

See ya Patty, it's been real and it's been fun, but it ain't been real fun!

Talkin up a storm...

So apparently Natasha's new favourite things to do are to show off her lungs and yelling out insightful bits of baby musings like, "baa baa", "bla bla", "da da" or just "yaaaaaaaah!".

I won't lie, i'm partial to "Da Da". I have a video on the computer that Sarah shot last week. I'll upload it in the next day or so for you all to enjoy.

She's growing up so fast. She tried pulling herself up the other day in her crib by hanging onto the side.

I updated the April 2006 folder on Shutterfly, so go check out the new pictures!

Thanks to everyone who gave Tasha an Easter gift. It REALLY wasn't necessary but it is appreciated.

Well, I should get back to studying...

Tasha's first Jays Game

On Saturday, Natasha got to see her favourite baseball team up close in personal. My dad, Humberto, Serene and Lucas and came with Sarah, Natasha and myself to the Rogers Centre to take in the fun.

We got great seats too. Fourth row, section 114 on the first base side. Awesome seats. How close were we? I heard parts of the conversation between the guys standing at first base!

How close were we? Kids at my school came up to me today saying they saw me on TV holding my baby.

We had an awesome time... The only down sides were when the Jays were scored on after a misplayed ball, and when Zaun knocked a homerun out of the park ... At those points the park got a little too loud all at once and Tasha yelled right back. Not a 'i'm chipping in' yell - but more of a "everyone shutup now" noise.

I think it'll be a while before she heads back down to the dome... but in the meantime, she has her little Jays cap that matches daddy's, and she can park right next to me on the couch and take in as many games as she likes.

It's baseball season...

With my best Jerry Howarth voice, "The Blue Jays are in flight" having opened their season on Tuesday and taking two out of three from the Twins.

Natasha is getting into the spirit of baseball season, as you can see here rockin' her pink Blue Jays merchandise that was a gift from her Uncle Dan-e-o when she was just a couple weeks old!

Upon donning the pink pin stripes, my future athlete grabbed the nearest pink hardball and showed daddy her split-finger and circle-change grips. I was pretty impressed but told her to stick to fastballs until she's a little older to avoid injury.

You'll also be happy to know that there are more pics of Tasha in her baseball gear, and pics of her with Uncle Dan-e-o on the ShutterFly site.

Walking for Wendy

My sister Diane will be participating in a very special event called The Weekend to End Breast Cancer.

As was posted here on this blog, we lost a friend in Wendy Parent in January to cancer. Diane was very close to Wendy, and the entire Parent family and plans to help out with more than just thoughts and words.

She plans to walk 60 kilometres over the course of one weekend with thousands of other women and men. The net proceeds will support breast cancer research, treatment, and services through the Princess Margaret Hospital.

She has agreed to raise at least $2,000, and she will need your help. Would you please consider making a donation? Any amount that you can give will help her get closer to her goal. Please keep in mind how far she's walking - and how hard she will have to train.

According to the National Cancer Institute of Canada, approximately 20,500 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and about 5,400 will die from the disease.

Click here to visit Diane's personal sponsorship page...

Click here t see the page dedicated to Wendy's Walkers...

Tasha's first words!?

THIS IS NOT AN APRIL FOOL'S PRANK!

This may be the last picture you see of my little angel with a soother in her mouth. After today, she may never want to be baby-muzzled again!

You are all going to think we're nuts, but Sarah and I are pretty sure that our baby genius has spoken her first coherent english-language words!

At about 9:30 this morning we were all giggling and playing when Tasha unmistakebly said "OH YEAAAH". Sarah and I both started laughing and couldn't even believe our ears. After a few more minutes of cooing and giggling, Tasha let out another "Yeaaah". I couldn't wipe the smile off my face.

15 minutes later while sitting on my lap looking at her mom, Tasha said "Heeeeey". This was not a grunt that 'sounded' like "hey" this was CLEARLY and unmistakebly "Heeeey".

7 months old and she's already said more than baby Maggie Simpson has in 17 years!
1
My verbal little girl has officially uttered her first words - purposely or accidentally, I'm counting it.

Awesome.

Photo Update...

At long last, I have finally posted new pics over at Shutterfly. The entire album labelled 'March 2006' is brand new. There are pictures there from Tasha's baptism, and just random shots around the house.

This shot is of Natasha and her Godfather, Adam back on March 3rd.

We've got to get some shots of our little angel modelling her new denim overalls. Wow they are adorable or what!

If you have any pics Aof from the Baptism that you want to share, email them to me! Hint hint Di.

What March Break?

I've been a very, very bad blogger. I've let my site collect dust while i've been off bustin my butt. I had been looking forward to the March Break since the Christmas Break... as another opportunity to spend some uninterrupted quality time with my girls. Instead, I ended up working for George at the Conquest Basketball Camp.

I enjoy working camps, and I have missed coaching - but it is so hard to focus on drills when I notice that it's almost 11:00 AM and Tasha's probably going down for her nap. It's hard spending so much time with other's people's kids while my wife is home with mine. I'm hoping that this summer I will work 5 or 6 weeks of camp and then have a couple weeks to spend with them.

I am glad though that I got to spend some time with the staff. Adam, Matt and Hailey were there all week. Tuck came in on Monday before heading back to finish the school year at Loyola, and he put on a little dunk show for the kids.

Andrew and George were there on Thursday and Friday. Wow has Andrew changed. His tatoo, his conditioning, his attitude. He seems to really be headed in the right direction. There are a couple NCAA schools looking at him now and I hope he signs early.

Sarah and I have discussed the possibility of a U.S. road trip this summer - to visit family in PA. That would be pretty terrific. The last time we made that journey was in July of 2000. Things have certainly changed a lot since then.

This past weekend was pretty relaxing... Saturday night was unbelievable. Sarah made a gourmet pasta dish, along with some fantastic grilled chicken, while I sat around with my in-laws, my dad and Dan-e-o. The parents left fairly early while Dan and I settled in for about 7 hours of sporting tv. Both semi-finals of the World Baseball Classic, WWE Saturday Night's Main Event, March Madness NCAA Basketball, Maple Leaf Hockey.... holy crap. There was just too much TV to watch!

Dan made comments all night about Sarah's unbelievable cooking and how cool it was that she just let us sit there and watch TV till 2AM. I'm not going to lie - I've got a really sweet set up.

Tasha's Baptismal-fun crazy weekend recap

Wow. What a weekend. On Friday Sarah and I were thrilled to welcome Adam (Tasha's godfather) and his parents (Is and Brian) to stay at our place. They had travelled from deep in PA to be with us for our special day.

We had a great time just catching up, and watching them finally introduce themselves face to face to my little angel.

On Saturday morning we went out to breakfast at one of our favorite local spots and then did a ton of running around before having to head down to the church. Yes, we were late. I'll take full blame. When we got there, we had a ton of work to do.

Setting up the church basement / hall for Sunday's reception, making a run to the local beer store to pick up enough suds for a small army, and the actual rehearsal with the priest.

That's when I got to see a whole bunch of people who came up from the U.S. - my godparents, my uncle and aunt, charlie, alex and the girls, Lina J and more. I really wish that we weren't all so distant. We really should see each other more often.

By the way - We'll never again do seating arrangements. That was WAY too complicated. Sorry to those who were inconvenienced by my oversights and by the fact that I printed out a draft copy and now the final revised edition. Doh.

I neglected to properly thank Tia Lourdes publically on Sunday. She invested so much of her own time and money into making Sunday a spectacular event. Sometimes we (meaning me) take for granted those who have ALWAYS done so much and have ALWAYS been there. I meant no offence. I love you Tia - thanks for all your help.

Anyway - I know what everyone wants - pictures and videos from the Baptism... They're coming soon! I promise.

Video - Tasha eating a frog and babbling

Here's another little video clip that Sarah shot earlier this week when I was at work. Enjoy.

New pictures posted

Yes there are a bunch of new pics over on Tasha's photo gallery site. There are pics of her lounging around, chewing on everything in site and even modeling her fancy white dress that she'll be wearing to her baptism on March 5th. When you get to the site, just click on the February 2006 folder to see the newest additions.

The address to the site is http://bigbrew.shutterfly.com - be sure to bookmark it if you haven't already, because it changes regularly!

Video of Tasha eating ACTUAL FOOD for the first time!

Well it finally happened. Early on Saturday morning, Natasha decided to celebrate her 6 month birthday by eating something that didn't come from a breast. She had so-called rice "cereal", which Charlene more appropriately refers to as 'mush'. Tasha actually seemed to enjoy the mush that made it into her mouth. Alot of ended up on her chin, but hey - she's a baby.

A couple hours later she actually had a lot more than she did in this inital meal, but that one didn't get recorded. Sorry folks, I can only do so much!

Say "O"!

As if there wasn't enough crap on the internet about pro wrestling, Dan-e-o and I decided to start our own little blog dedicated to that mind numbing past time that has consumed much of the last 25 years of our lives.

The site's only been up a week or so, but is actually growing quite nicely. It's been a lot of fun venting on the industry - something I haven't had a chance to do since my days with the radio show or when I was writing for both TSN and Slam!

We decided to call it 'Tha O Show' - in hommage to those special moments that make you jump up and yell "Ooooooo!" Our plans for the "show" portion are long term, but we plan on having our own online audio program. Hell it's all the stuff we talk about now anyway - the only difference is we're going to share it with the whole bloggin' galaxy.


If you're not into wrestling in the least - this isn't for you. If you are, even on a casual level - then bookmark it and check it out often.

The site can be found at www.ThaOshow.com

Pictures of Tasha & Falynn

Many of you remember Kristine - maid of honour from our wedding. Well, Kristine happens to have a beautiful baby girl who is now about ten months old, named Falynn. Earlier today Sarah, Kristine and the babies hung out together. This isn't the first time Tasha and Falynn have played together by any means, but I do believe it's the first time we got any decent pics of it!

It's amazing to see all the things that Falynn can do! Crawl at the speed of sound, lift herself to a standing position, steal Tasha's nuk.... it's hilarious. I've posted a few of these shots in the February 2006 album over on Shutterfly.

Valentine's Day Menu - how spoiled am I?

Ok so, I have heard for years from friends that have been married awhile that after 6 months or a year (AT MOST) I would stop seeing those fabulous gourmet meals that Sarah has always made for me. Friends swore up and down - that's what women to do to land the man - once he's there, it's Kraft Dinner and "heat something up your damn self". Well.... I was home on Valentine's Day (my school gives us a day off to work on our report cards) and I was treated to an unbelievable lunch and a spectacular dinner.

For Breakfast:
Banana crunch muffins
Yogurt with fresh blueberries and huge strawberries
Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Frittata
and hazelnut coffee

Like DAMN!

Check out dinner......
Ginger Garlic Dijon Salmon (best salmon EVER)
Butternut squash, watercress & pinenut salad (best salad EVER)
Blackbean & roasted red pepper soup
and Lime Margaritas

Yes, that's right. Her time at home with Natasha has turned Sarah into an even BETTER chef! Ha! Take that you bitter old poops who are stuck with your Chef Boyardee and your Hamburger Helper!

God it's so nice to be so loved ;)

Baby, you've got lungs!

Just listen to my girl sing.... i had just been playing some music. When I turned it off, she kept singing and banging her teething rings. Ah raw talent.

Video of Tasha playing with her toys

New pics!

We took a bunch of pics today of Tasha modelling this new t-shirt. Sure it would have been more appropriate at St. Patty's Day, but the way she's growing, it might not fit her by morning!

There are other new pics in the February 2006 folder including shots of her playing with some of her toys, and sittin in her new Peg high chair.

Diane, if you see this - please send me the pics you guys got on the weekend of Tasha sportin her new shades! Oh ya..... coolest baby in town!

University Update

A lot of people have been asking lately how my university english course has been going. Well...

I got a letter in the mail on friday saying that I have shown outstanding effort and have managed to maintain a very high average despite the stresses of juggling a full time job and home life. They even asked me to come out and tutor others who aren't nearly as smart as me. Maybe that's not quite how it was worded but the bottom line is, I fooled someone else into thinking I'm a genius.

The letter was signed by the Dean and my prof... which kinda surprised me, cuz I didn't think the prof liked me. He's a sarcastic, sometimes surly type, and I verbally spar with him all the time. I guess he appreciates a good 'battle of wits' - even if he is unarmed.

Welcome Tyler!

Congratulations to our friends Greg and Allison on the birth of their second baby boy, Tyler Lee. Tyler was born February 2nd and weighed in at a very healthy 7lbs, 13ozs. Apparently his older brother Ryan is thrilled and just can't stop kissing him.

He's a beautiful little boy. You two really lucked out again! Looks like Tasha will have yet another playmate for years to come. We're very happy for all four of you! All the best.

I'm a big girl now!

Thanks to a gift from Tasha's great grandmother, (Sarah's Baba), Natasha now gets to sit at the grown ups table like a big girl. She now has a Peg Perego (the Mercedes of baby products for you non-baby types) Primma Pappa Diner chair - complete with "oatmeal" coloured leatherette apoholstery! This girl has been hooked up!

As soon as she got into her new chair she started bangin on the tray like a drum and laughing hysterically. She is SUCH a happy little thing.

The Jays are NOT playin' around!

Yesterday the Toronto Blue Jays continued their insane off season by signing two time gold glover catcher Bengie Molina. At 31 years of age, Molina is a former World Series Champion, a solid hitter with power, awesome base stealing ability for a catcher and a terrific arm behind the plate.

The Blue Jays line up now looks tough with some serious weapons on the bench... High average hitters, power, speed, gold glovers all around and don't forget that pitching staff!

Here's what I'm thinking the batting order might look like.

LF Catalanotto
2B Hill
DH Hillenbrand
3B Glaus
CF Wells
1B Overbay
C Molina
RF Rios
SS Adams

That's a very tough contact hitting line up with some solid power in the 3,4 and 5 holes. If Overbay returns to his form of two seasons ago when he led the majors in doubles, this could be wild.

Then check out the bench...

Left handed hitting Hinkse ... who as much as he's been maligned has had decent numbers the last couple seasons and can play first or third.

Zaun - a switch hitting catcher who is solid behind the plate.

Reid Johnson is my favorite player without a doubt. All guts, and will scratch and fight for ever inch. He'll likely platoon once again with Rios and the Cat.

John McDonald returns to the Jays this season after being dealt away last year to the Tigers for cash. He's a slick fielding utility guy who will more than make up for the departure of Mennechino.

I really like the arms on the staff this season.

Halladay (best pitcher in all of baseball), Burnett (potential Cy Young stuff), Chacin (super rookie last season), Lilly (Lefty vet), and Towers who started putting it all together a year ago, and really stepped up in the second half when Roy was hurt.

In the bully, you've got dependable righties like Frasor and Chulk - potential set up men in Spier and League and then three lefties. THREE talented lefties in a bullpen! Wow....

Schoeneweis is a specialist but Gibbens must avoid the temptation to run Scho out there against righties when he's cruisin along. Scott Downs showed last season he can pitch out of tough spots at he Major League level, and then of course - our first free agent aquisition of this off season - left handed closer B.J. Ryan.

When I look at what the BoSox and Yankees have done (or not done this year), and the fact that their teams are getting old in a hurry, I am very cautiously optimistic about the Jays snagging the wild card, or - dare to dream, the pennant.

It's nice to see that Rogers is taking my huge monthly bills and turning them into ball players that will entertain me for 6 months in 06.

This should be a great season!

Thanks for the Exer-saucer Grandma!

Before she left for Texas, mom left a special little present for Natasha - a really sweet, fully loaded Exer-saucer. This thing has a ton of little toys built in, crazy shocks, a great sound system, massive rims ... wait no. No rims. Saucer, not low-rider. Anyways, it's pretty awesome, and as you can imagine Tasha loves it! Click the little play button in the video window to see for yourself.

Make sure you turn up the sound on your computer because you don't want to miss that sweet little laugh.

More video of Tasha and her ball

By popular demand, I'm publishing another video taken on the weekend of Natasha playing with her funky little ball. I love the fact that she figured out on her own that pushing the various buttons makes stuff happen. Eventually she'll figure out she doesn't have to use her mouth to push those buttons. Baby steps!

My fav part of this clip is when I offer a hand and she keeps pushing it away. Possesive isn't she? Hmmm, where does she get that from????

Hey Lina - Tasha loves your Christmas present!

Earlier today Natasha was playing with her funky little ball that Lina, Humberto and the kids got her for X-Mas. As you can tell by this video, she absolutely loves it. Apparently it tastes good too.

Have a safe trip Mommy....

Well my mom decided to head off to Houston Texas today to become a full fledged redneck. Actually, I think the real reason she's going is to visit Mario and Isabele, but I suspect she'll come back a redneck.

Have a safe trip mom. Don't forget I want a big 10-gallon cowboy hat!!

Squeeze that bunny

Check out this video of Tasha taken Christmas eve! She loves her bunny! By the way, there are lots of new pics in the January folder of Natasha's Photo Album. Click here to check them out.

Video on the way!

Last night I signed up with VideoAddOn.Com so that I could post videos on my blog. The one below, from Dan-e-o's commerical is being hosted by VideoAddOn.Com.

Over the next few days and in the weeks and months (and dare I say years) to follow, I'll be uploading more videos of Tasha and general little bits of nonsense and entertainment!

Yay video.

Dan loves the Pizza Pops...

So - quick show of hands... how many out there have seen Dan-e-o's new commercial for Pillsbury Pizza Pops? I swear when I watch TSN or Comedy, it's on every 10 minutes! Anyway, I grabbed a lousy quality recording of it, and if you haven't seen it - you can watch it here by clicking the play button in the little window above. Dan and two other dudes are rapping inside some guys brain... they actually represent the music he's listening to on his headphones. The "stomach" walks in and kicks everyone out of the brain because it's time for the kid to focus on his hunger.

Is it just me or does the brain-backdrop look a lot like the same set they use for Maestro's Drop The Needle video??? Jus sayin!

Since I'm pluggin for Dan, make sure you visit Dan-e-o.com! Take a listen to some of his recent tracks, watch videos and buy his damn CD's!

The song 'It's Over' from the Jackhammer Vol.2 CD has honestly made it to the top of my list of all-time fav songs. You can also add a whole bunch of other Dan-e-o tracks to that list. What can I say? The man makes good tune.

P.S. Dan...... I'm still whoopin you in the WWE game.... SUCKKKKA!

Random good news ......

My friend Gina told me last week that she is expecting her first child in August! I couldn't be happier for her. She was married mid 2005 and is looking now to start her own family. Now I get to share with her all the stuff I learned at this time last year! Should be fun!

Tasha has graduated from rolling and is now scooting around the room. She lies on her back and uses her legs to push - a reverse crawl! She actually covers a lot of ground very quickly. Kinda like the world's cutest inch worm.

Adam Folker scored 47 points in a 30 point beating of CW Jeffries on Sunday.

At Wendy's funeral on Friday I saw an old high school friend, Meghan. Meghan was married last year and is living out in the west end. I love getting a chance to bump into old friends and catch up - even if only for a minute.

At Mary's funeral on Saturday I saw Sarah's Uncle and Aunt The Wombacks, (Joe and Lozanne) parents of Johnathan. You may remember several years ago when his story made headlines. He was beaten nearly to death by a group of high school kids in his second year. John was in a comma for months and was said to be brain dead. I'm happy to tell you that today, he's preparing to graduate from Seneca College! He's now looking at the possibility of enrolling at York university or some other school to continue his education. Joe and Lozanne also recently discovered that despite his disability and despite never having had any musical training, Johnny appears to be a musical prodigy. He has picked up the piano and has apparently taught himself how to play and sounds like a seasoned veteran of the keys.

It warms my heart when I think what this kid went through and how well he's doing for himself now. Way to go John.

Adam Folker - athlete of the week

Adam Folker, a 6'7" point guard who I had the pleasure of coaching the last two seasons was named the Toronto Star's Athlete Of The Week yesterday. Adam is an outstanding young player who has had a ton of experience for his age including AAU, an invite to the Nike All Canada camp and two trips to the provincial championships.

As a side note... Adam is also Tasha's favorite player, and she's decided that she too wants to be a 6'7" point guard!

The following was taken directly from the newspaper...


Jan. 24, 2006

SCHOOL: Markham District

LEAGUE/CITY: York/Markham

GRADE: 11

AGE: 16 ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Folker, who has led his team in scoring in 17 of 23 games this year, powered the Marauders to three league wins last week. He had a 30-point game in an 81-54 win over Father McGivney, poured in 22 in a 75-65 win over Middlefield and had 25 in a 75-64 victory over St. Augustine. A 6-foot-7 shooting guard, Folker has been on the senior team since grade 9 and last year was chosen to an all-Canada talent camp.

PLANS: A former athlete of the year at Richard W. Scott elementary school, Folker has been on the Markham academic honor roll the past two years. He volunteers as a referee for games with younger players, wants to pursue a business career and is being recruited by Cornell and Central Michigan.

Happy Birthday baby girl

Today Natasha turns five months old. It's amazing to think that five months have passed since I watched her enter this world, and at the same time it's hard to imagine it's ONLY been five months.

Some days I find it very, very difficult to remember what life was like before her. I know one thing, she and my wife are the greatest things to ever happen to me.

Today, Sarah drove me to work, so Tash came inside for 15 minutes to say hello to staff and students that have been dying to see her. Needless to say, they were all shocked (most haven't seen her since Halloween) at how big she's gotten and how smiley and giggly she was.

I was reading the "What to expect in the first year" parents bible last night and literally checked off every point from the 'Fith Month Chapter' on "What baby should be able to do" and "What baby might be able to do".

Happy birthday baby.

The loss of a family friend...

Tonight Diane called to tell me that Wendy Parent, age 61, passed away at approximately 6:00 PM after a lengthy bout with cancer.

Wendy became close to my family many years ago when introduced as Tracy's mom. Tracy was one of Diane's bridesmaids and closest friends. Her mom and dad, Ron and Wendy, got to know my folks and forged a friendship. Last summer they all took a trip, along with the Willocks to Portugal - something Wendy apparently had always wanted to do.

I won't pretend to know her well. She was at my wedding, but we never really did get to know each other. Even still I am saddened by her passing as I do her children and I'm all to aware of what she meant to my family.

Wendy Parent is survived by he husband Ron, 3 children (Greg, Tracy and Leanne), grandson Ryan and second grandchild, expected to be born any day now.

Rest peacefully Wendy...

Good luck Soph & James!

And they're off! Those crazy kids Sophia and James are off on yet another global adventure. Yesterday their plane took off for Taipei where they will be stopped over briefly before begining a new chapter of their lives in Taiwan teaching English.

You may remember Soph as one of Sarah's maids of honor from our wedding - or from her many witty comments she's left on this little blog. Sophie and Sarah have a great friendship that was forged in high school and lasted some 13 or 14 years. When I first met her, I knew that all the stories Sarah had told me were true, and that this was a very special person.

James (who just recently completed his Masters) is great guy who is a lot like Sophie, but in many ways is the Ying to her Yang. Like chocolate and peanut butter - it just works baby! (unless you're alergic to peanuts - in which case, have an epi-pen standing by).

They have both been very generous with their time over the last few months when it came to Natasha. Doing things for her, spending time with her... I know it's much appreciated. That big smile on Tasha's face when she sees her Aunt Sophie is priceless. Unfortunately it'll be at LEAST a year (maybe longer) before they are re-united - well face to face at least

Thanks to the magic of Skype, MSN and webcams - the world seems just a little bit smaller, and it's going to be easier to stay in touch.

I hope you guys have a great time, and an amazing experience.... Soph: start another blog! And try updating it!! I'm dying to know if every nik-nak you pick up there says "Made in ..... ummm here" on the bottom.

Roll baby roll!!

Six days before she turns 5 months old, she did it! Sarah JUST sent me a text message while I was at work with this picture attached telling me that Tasha rolled over all by herself this morning. Get this - she didn't do it just once ... no no no - that could be chalked up as a fluke. No ladies and gents, she rolled an impressive three times from back to belly.

When I got the message I started beaming and glowing with pride. I can only imagine how proud I'll be when she is named Prime Minister of Canada or wins her first Olympic Gold Medal or breaks the single season scoring record in the WNBA!

Oh Natasha... I love you so much, and I'm so proud of you. What's the next major milestone? Crawling? Running? Don't grow up too fast babygirl.....

Oh Dilbert.

Random basketball news

The Raptors have officially proven to me that they are headed in the right direction. Their destruction of the red-hot New York Knicks yesterday afternoon as well as their overall record in January and December shows that the BRUTAL month of November had more to do with a team filled with young players and lacking any kind of true identity.

If they can keep their core group of young players together, that list is headed up by Chris Bosh, and manage their cap they will be contending for a legit playoff spot next season and possibly even more. I hope they can re-sign Mike James, but I'm not overly optimistic.

Despite his huge showcasing effort yesterday, I still think the Raps should try to swing a trade for Jalen Rose (not because he can't play, but because they need the cap room) and throw Eric Williams in there too. Eric Williams has stated publicly yet again (i've heard this before) that he wants to be moved. This is a guy who's only appeared in seven games this season and has proven to be inconsistent in minutes played and horribly injury prone. He believes he's still good enough to start for a CONTENDING team. He feels being on a young rebuilding team isn't right for him because "less worthy" guys are getting time ahead of him. Note to E-Will..... Charlie V, Matt Bonner and Joey Graham are BETTER THAN YOU!

Away from the NBA, my buddy Ron Burrows and co-coach Richard Gallagher and their squad at Mother Teresa had a terrific run this weekend winning the very prestigious Nike Silver Fox Tournament in Hamilton. The Fox is the biggest highschool basketball tourney of the year aside from the provincial championships themselves.

Mother Teresa (a provincial silver medalist last season) has been riddled with injuries for the first half of this season. Despite only having 4 losses against almost 20 wins, they had been dropped from the GTA top 10 by virtually every media outlet in favour of trendier pics. Winning the Fox by beating St. Thomas Moore (after Moore upset 4 time provincial gold medalists Eastern Commerce) proves they are still in the medal hunt. Congrats guys.

Finally.... my old team the Markham High senior boys continue their rebuilding year, but are having a tremendous amount of success. They are currently 8-1 in their league and won a tournament last week as well. Tonight they host Father McGivney.

She's right.! Baby socks suck.

The following is a complete and utter rip off. This text was completely lifted from Char's blog, I heart baby toes. I enjoyed it soooo much, I had to republish, and throw a link her way. Read her brilliant letter, and check out some great Kaylin pics in the process!

An open letter to the baby sock people

Dear people who make baby socks,

Are you kidding me? Do you people actually sleep at night knowing that the little pink socks you manufacture each day never really serve their purpose? How can you look in the mirror when you know full well that the tiny toe covers you produce never really stay on said toes?

On behalf of all mothers everywhere, let me say that I am quite disappointed in all of you. Baby socks do not stay on!

You should be paying me to be searching the floor every half hour for those little tubes of stretchy cotton! I should send you an invoice for all the time I spend putting those socks back on my baby's adorable feet. And what about all the time I waste smooching those little exposed piggly-wigglies when your stinky socks fall off? You owe me big time!

I hope that this letter makes you stop and think about yourselves and the injustice you create in this world on a daily basis. You should be ashamed.

Yours truly,

Charlene

PS - And why do newborn socks have treads on them? Where exactly is my baby going in those treads that I don't know about?

Who you gonna call? HOAX BUSTERS!

Have you ever received a forwarded email that spoke of impending doom if you were to use some over-the-counter commercially available product? How about the "forward this email to 100 people and Bill Gates will pay you $100 for each person" ... or "this little girl is missing and needs your help. Please forward this to everyone you know so we can try to find her".

These are nothing more than old school chain letters with a cyber twist.

The following is the email I received yesterday. Compare it to the relevant hoax page

Subject: Medical Alert
Subject: Phenylpropanolamine (PPA)

I would like to thank those of you who expressed condolences on the recent passing of my mother. She suffered a hemorrhagic stroke while she was driving home from my house on 9/30 and passed away on 10/3. My mother's stroke and passing was an enormous shock to my family because she did not have any symptoms or risk factors for a stroke. Just the week before she had gone to her doctor for a check up and received a clean bill of health.

She did, however, develop a cold while she was visiting me and had taken Alka Seltzer Cold Plus for 3 days. Since her passing, we have learned that Alka Seltzer is one of the many cold medicines that contains Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) which can cause hemorrhagic stokes or cerebral bleeding even with the first use.

I am forwarding a list of other medications that currently use PPA. These medicines are supposedly being recalled but my mother just purchased this medication less than two weeks ago. Pharmaceutical companies have known about this danger for years, we unfortunately, did not. I urge you to review the list of medicines with PPA and avoid these medications.Thank you again for your thoughts and prayers. Sincerely,Nancy Moran-Rice

DRUG RECALL INFORMATION:

All drugs containing PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE are being recalled. You may want to try calling the 800 number listed on most drug boxes and inquire about a REFUND Please read this CAREFULLY. Also, please pass this on to everyone you know. STOP TAKING anything containing this ingredient.It has been linked to increased hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in brain) among women ages 18-49 in the three days after starting use of medication. Problems were not found in men, but the FDA recommended that everyone (even children) seek alternative medicine. The following medications contain propanolamine:

Acutrim Diet Gum Appetite Suppressant

Acutrim Plus Dietary Supplements

Acutrim Maximum Strength Appetite Control

Alka-Seltzer Plus Children's Cold Medicine Effervescent

Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold medicine (cherry or or ange)

Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine Original

Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Cough Medicine Effervescent

Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Flu Medicine

Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Sinus Effervescent

Alka Seltzer Plus Night-Time Cold Medicine

BC Allergy Sinus Cold Powder

BC Sinus Cold Powder

Comtrex Flu Therapy & Fever Relief

Day & Night Contac 12-Hour Cold Capsules

Contac 12 Hour Caplets

Coricidin D Cold, Flu & Sinus

Dexatrim Caffeine Free

Dexatrim Extended Duration

Dexatrim Gelcaps

Dexatrim Vitamin C/Caffeine Free

Dimetapp Cold & Allergy Chewable Tablets

Dimetapp Cold & Cough Liqui-Gels

Dimetapp DM Cold & Cough Elixir

Dimetapp Elixir

Dimetapp 4 Hour Liquid Gels

Dimetapp 4 Hour Tablets

Dimetapp 12 Hour Extentabs Tablets

Naldecon DX Pediatric Drops

Permathene Mega-16

Robitussin CF

Tavist-D 12 Hour Relief of Sinus & Nasal

Congestion

Triaminic DM Cough Rel! ief

Triaminic Expectorant Chest & Head

Triaminic Syrup ! ! Cold & amp;am p; Allergy

Triaminic Triaminicol Cold & Cough .

I just found out and called the 800# on the container for Triaminic and they informed me that they are voluntarily recalling the following medicines because of a certain ingredient that is causing strokes and seizures in children:

Orange 3D Cold & Aller! gy Cherry (Pink)

3D Cold & Cough Berry

3D Cough Relief Yellow 3D Expectorant

They are asking you to call them at 800-548-3708 with the lot number on the box so they can send you postage for you to send it back to them, and they will also issue you a refund. If you know of anyone else with small children, PLEASE PASS THIS ON. THIS IS SERIOUS STUFF! DO PASS ALONG TO ALL ON YOUR MAILING LIST so people are informed. They can then pass it along to their families.


To confirm these findings please take time to check the following: http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/ppa/

Crap like this is designed to scare people and make the author think they've really accomplished something. Next time you receive something scary like this, go to hoaxbusters, do a search on a relative key term, then consider the source.

Tasha's bag of tricks...

Friends and family members have recently said "everytime I see Natasha she's doing some new trick"... and it's so true.

Right before Christmas she started 'singing' along whenever Sarah or I sang Jingle Bells or some other happy carol. It was unbelievable. Then she started doing this thing that apparently Sarah also did as a baby. Whenever someone would hold her, she'd throw her head backwards to try and see whatever is behind her. A few people were startled and a little confused. Get a grip their granny, Tasha's takin you for a ride.

Recently she adapted that move into what can only be described as her own little pony ride. She'll sit on someone's lap or knee and throw all her weight back and forth and rock herself while you support / steady her. The best part is, she starts laughing uncontrollably.

Of course she also blows raspberries constantly and is our own little bubble machine. Those cute little razzing sounds never get old.

She seems to be close to rolling all the way over to her tummy. She gets to a side, then rolls right back. That is apparently a 5 month thing, so we won't pressure her too much!

Stop nagging me - here's your update! Sheesh

So between my father telling me that the blog has been slacking and my mother-in-law impersonating my daughter in the comments section begging for new stuff, I guess I'll stop playing Grand Theft Auto for a while (which by the way is more addictive than crack) and update the ol' blog.

Oh, before you read anything else - i know 90% of you are here for the pics... so new pics have just been added to the photoblog.


New Years was cool... kinda laid back. We went over to Darkside's to hang with him, Char, Kaylin, another couple and their two year old. Everyone was pretty much chilled out, and I really have firmly convinced myself that New Years is one of the best scams on our calendar (followed closely by Valentine's and Simcoe Day).

Yesterday we were at my in-laws for David's birthday. It's always great hanging out with them, but the drive home was a damn nightmare. I've never seen fog so thick. I literally couldn't see more than 2 feet in front of my car at any point. Some spots were even worse. For some reason the drive made Sarah and I really nauseus. I wonder if there's something about fog that would do that? I don't know.

Oh, and for the jerks drivin behind me on highway 7 with their highbeams on --- ohhhh i don't like you at all.

Well I've got an essay that needs my attention so catch ya later blog-heads.

The greatest fake out ever...

Ok.... time for a little bit of a back story.

For the last few months Sarah has been talking about how EASY shopping for me is this christmas, and how she has sooo many options. She had also been hinting for a long time about picking up an XBox 360. She asked things like, "so if you got one, which games would you like" and "you really think you want one of those?"

I had also caught her reading about it on xbox.com and a ton of review sites. Over the last few weeks all XBox mentions have stopped around the house. I let it go.

A couple weeks ago at Lina's place I was chatting with Lucas about Xmas. I asked him if a 360 was on his list and he said no because he was very happy with his old school Xbox. I told him I secretly hoped I was getting one. Later on, he sold me out and blurted to Sarah that i thought I was getting a 360.

That's when she hatched her little plan.

I asked her a couple times for hints into my gift - so I'd know what ballpark the gift I got her should be in - price wise. She wouldn't say. I told her she was getting a new perfume called "Lovely", to which she replied "Oh". I laughed and had her admit - well thats close to the price of ONE of the things I got you - but there's also a big gift for you that a bunch of us chipped in on. That comment definately had me thinking XBox.

When Christmas Eve came, I opened up a ton of AWESOME presents. From Sarah i got the WWE DVD board game which Dan-e-o and I run all the time. It was a cool gift, but I was a little confused. I asked her afterwards, "what happened to this group gift you were talking about". She quickly replied, "you're getting it tomorrow at our house". I didn't understand why all other gifts has been opened but one was left out. She made some remark about the gift not being ready, then seemed frustrated and just blurted "it's an expensive new suit. We all chipped in and got you a black suit with thin pinstripes from George Richards".

Now, don't get me wrong - a suit sounded great, but it seemed a little out of left field. She continued on - "I know you wanted an XBox, and we tried to get you one, but they were all sold out. We looked everywhere. The things were selling on Ebay for 1500 and we weren't about to spend that much. Your mom thought this would be a much better gift and she loves seeing you dressed up in suits".

Man... oh well. To be honest, I knew in my heart the XBox 360's were selling like mad and I didn't think they'd be able to pull it off - so a suit seemed very very generous.

Sunday morning we opened more gifts for Tasha and Sarah gave me all the stocking-stuffers she picked up. Dark chocolate, a Q20 game (WHICH I LOVE) and of all things NBA LIVE 2006 for the XBox 360! HUH??

She said that she bought the game months ago, knowing it would sell out, and expecting to get one of the later shipments of an XBox unit. She said she was on a waiting list at EB and something MIGHT materialize in February or March. She said I could hold onto the game or just return it Monday.

I appreciated this tremendously. This to me, was proof she had REALLY tried. I was blown away. I thanked her repeatedly.

Both our parents, Baba and Joe came by that afternoon. The plan was for David to prepare dinner and for us all to enjoy together.

Sarah told me to thank both moms for chipping in on the suit - to which 'Ma Lex' and my mom acted all surpised. "You told him Sarah? You ruined the surprise!"

Just before dinner, my dear wife said that my mother brought the suit and it was time to unwrap it. I was preparing to check out my new threads when suddenly, what was brought to me was a wrapped box! Well figure out the rest...

I was FLOORED. BLOWN AWAY.

They went on to tell me that they had lined up on three seperate mornings outside a store for three seperate shipments. The first two had them come up empty handed, but my mom got an inside tip on a small shipment coming in a few weeks ago and she lined up and snagged one. They said they even had family in the states searching the department stores.

Wow.

I'm still floored - even now - after having played about 9 hours of NBA LIVE 2006.

The only downside is learning that my wife is a TREMENDOUSLY gifted liar and I can never trust her again. Ever.

But at least I have an XBox.

MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Baby's first Christmas!

Christmas Eve has long been the most important day of the year for my family. We all gather at my parents house, eat enough to feed the portuguese army, and then open presents at midnight.

If I was going to try and list everything Tasha got for Christmas, this entry would take me the rest of my holiday vacation. Tons of clothes, toys, sentimental ornaments and more. It's amazing how many people just want to spoil my baby girl. She truly is very fortunate to be surrounded by so much love, and a ton of loot!


Even I got spoiled with a ton of gifts. A new track suit, DVD board game, dress clothes, cash, etc etc. Sarah got the Nike Shox she wanted from me, and a renewal of her gym membership (from my folks).

There to celebrate Natasha's first noel were both sets of granparents, my sister, both brothers-in-law, Lina, Berto, Lucas, Serene, Tia, Tio, Sophie, James and of course, Champ.

The night was of course topped off with the very traditional 'clams and beer'.

It was honestly just an awesome night.

New Tasha pics now online!

There are a whole bunch of new Tasha pics now online. Just visit her online gallery at bigbrew.shutterfly.com. Click the December folder and scroll through the various pages. I added a whole bunch of never before seen Tasha goodness, including some shots from one of her recent Christmas photoshoots, some family snaps and more!

She is just way too cute for words. Someone get this kid a modelling contract quick!

Markham!! What???

Tonight was awesome.

Sarah, Joe, Tasha and I went to Milliken to see the Markham boys take them on in a battle for first place in the division. The Markham boys are not the same basketball team they've been the last 8 years... they are rebuilding with youth. So many of the top guys graduated last year and are now playing college ball.

Adam was on our team as a grade 9 and 10. He was basically a role player on a very deep team, but we always knew he had potential. All season he's been leading this team and scoring a ton. Tonight, he did it when it mattered most.

Markham lost the first game against Milliken a couple weeks ago but it was very close. They knew if they played hard they would be ok in the rematch. Adam came out hard and just dominated. A 6'7" point guard can do that.

Milliken went up 4-0 but then saw Markham's press and couldn't do a thing about it. Adam ended up scoring 20, had a ton of steals and assists and led the team to a very impressive 7 point win.

Part of the fun was seeing Adam's brother Mike (home from Acadia), Hobbsy, Cole (home from Niagara), Burrows, AK (home from Ohio) and CK (home from Boston) and a bunch of other familiar faces.

It was like old home week.

What a great game....

A little bit louder now...

Tasha has a new trick........... it's called, comedy. She's into laughing as loud as possible and babbling non stop - especially amongst a crowd, all for attention. She really is daddy's little girl.

On the weekend, Sarah and I talked about how much Tasha has changed in the last 72 houra. Her personality is really starting to shine. Yesterday, while Sarah was feeding her, I coughed - Tasha stopped eating looked at me and gave up a little baby cough. Sarah looked at her and said "Are you copying daddy?" to which she started laughing hysterically.

SHe got time to hang out with Lou, Lucy, Army, Matilde and the grandparents on the weekend and as per usual she was a crowd pleaser.

Oh - amd I'm blogging this so I have witnesses and so he doesn't try going back on his word. My uncle Lou predicted that Ottawa and Toronto would once again meet in the playoffs, and Toronto would once again stop them from advancing to the next round. I'm sayin, ain't no way in hell anybody is stopping the Sentators Express in 06.

Samoa Joe makes wrestling cool again

Dan-e-o and I just got through watching the TNA Turning Point ppv. Yes, I love wrestling - but TNA reminds me why. Everything they put forth tonight was rock solid with plenty of "HOLY CRAP!!" moments.

At the top of the "HOLY CRAP!!" list is Samoa Joe. Man this guy is sick. Everything he does just looks and sounds sooo real. I swear you can't fake what he does. This is an outstanding character with limitless potential. Joe's been one of my favs since he started in ROH and I'm thrilled he won the X-title tonight. I'm a regular reader of his blog and visit his site regularly.

Despite his gimmick, he's one of the 'good' guys in the business. Much respect Joe. Keep working hard.

Christmas shopping is fun

Well I picked up the big part of Sarah's christmas present today. I hope she likes it. Nothinig worse than one of those ...."oh... great. no really. it's just what i wanted........."

Do you wanna know what I got her? Promise not to tell?


Ya right. Nice try Sarah. I don't trust ANY OF YOU to keep a secret! And no peeking in my underwear drawer! (d'oh)

Tasha meets the other side

We took Natasha to the Christoff family christmas on saturday afternoon and introduced her to even MORE family. It was great. Amazing how she really commands attention.

We handed out these lovely Tasha-christmas cards (don't worry - yours is in the mail) which were a big hit.

After the party we went to the Garsides for a little chill time and to let Tash and Kaylen hang out. Good times.

Let's go Blue Jays, Let's go!

Not since the early 90's has there been THIS much excitement about the Toronto Blue Jays. Their off season moves have the entire baseball world talking about their commitment to winning. General Manager JP Richardi has said for years that they would clean up (former GM) Gord Ash's mess, build through their farm system and develop within. Then, when they felt close - go out and aquire talented players.

So far the Jays have signed the top free agent pitcher of 2005/2006, AJ Burnett, a terrific left handed closer in BJ Ryan and first baseman Lyle Overbay.

Burnett is a guy who many feel will be the next Roy Oswalt in baseball, which would give the Jays two supreme studs at the top of their rotation (obviously Halladay being the other), plus rookie standout Gustavo Chacin, veteran lefty Ted Lilly and the inning eater Josh Towers. Not to mention the 5 star pitching prospects on the farm like Dustin McGowan.

The aquisition of Ryan and Burnett makes Miguel Batista (former starter / current closer) a very tradeable and attractive commodity. He could probably be packaged to bring back another power hitter.

Overbay at first will be a defensive improvement over Hinske - but I don't think Overbay has enough power to play first.

There are still rumors flying about Adam Dunn, Manny Ramirez or Bobby Abreu coming to Toronto by trade or free agency.

I have to admit - I am jacked about the Jays.

Tis the season to see Tasha

Here they are...... the first batch of Tasha's holiday collection! We have her modelling on the couch, in front of the tree and in her Bumbo!

It's amazing how fast she's growing ... weighing in now at an impressive 17.5 pounds! When I look at pics of her from a month or two ago, I can't believe how much she has changed and grown. I'm blown away.

To see all the pics, visit her photo blog

7 years ago...

Seven years ago today, my old buddy Mealin held a party at a crappy little hall in New Market and invited as many people as he could think of. I was there (though I almost didn't go) and thank god I was. hat night changed my life. That was the night I met Sarah.

I'm not going to recount the entire story (if you reeeeally need to hear it, feel free to get a copy of our wedding video!) but needless to say it was a chance meeting that changed the way I felt about everything else. Suddenly my world was thrown upside down. I wasn't in any way looking for a relationship at the time - and suddenly I found myself feeling something I had never felt before. It was unbelievable.

Sarah, you instantly become my best friend, greatest supporter, true love and life long soul mate. I always remember how lucky I am and am so appreciative that fate stepped in seven years ago today.

I love you.

Silly Politicians...

The honour of being the first to be made fun of for something said on the campaign goes to...

It's a tie between Prime Minister Paul Martin, leader of the Liberal Party and Jack Layton, leader of the NDP. Here's why: In response to Stephen Harper's pledge to have no parallel private health care they each said the following...

Paul Martin - "I believe in a Canada that values and protects it's universally publically funded healthcare system, so that healthcare requires a health card, not a credit card."

Jack Layton - "We want our healthcare system to be one that where it's your healthcare card that gets you the healthcare, not your credit card." (Bonus points to Mr. Layton for holding up a health card and credit card as props, just incase we didn't know what he was talking about)

So, not only do they both use bad cliches, apparently they hire the same writers for them. So thank you to Paul Martin and Jack Layton by saying absolutely nothing, using the most words possible and therefore insulting my intelligence.

PS - Don't take me picking on the Liberals and NDP as giving the Conservatives an easy time. I plan to give them all a ride.

We caught Potter fever

Sarah and I left Tasha with Baba Lex and Grandpa David last night and went out to see Harry Potter 4 - the goblet of fire.

The big buzz word from cast members to producers to fans is that this film is much "darker" than the three that preceeded it. Indeed it is. In fact, I was watching it and remembering the number of 6,7 and 8 year olds and my school who said they had already seen it. I'm not sure it's appropriate for their age at all. Graphic depictions of death, scary imagery, horror movie-inspired sound tracks.... I'm just not sure this was for small children.

I understand that the CORE audience for Harry Potter is 10-14 years old and is growing up with the books - but the younger ones are also into it. I was trying to decide how old Tasha would have to be before I'd let her watch this, and I'm just not sure.

Anyhow - aside from the parenting issues ... I enjoyed the movie and thought it was really well done. The fact that it has made 200 million so far blows me away though. It's only been in theatres two weeks!

I'm in the wrong line of work.

Tornado on Tansley

So our place looks like a tornado has gone through it! Sarah and I decided the room that has received the least attention in our house deserved a little love this weekend. Our living/dining room was painted up with the very popular and trendy colours of light blue and brown. My father-in-law did the bulk of the painting while my pops came over on Sunday and lent a hand.

I must admit, the final effect is very dramatic and warm. It may not be everyone's cup of tea - but if it's good enough for the last four houses on Extreme Home Makeover - it's good enough for us.

I'll be posting pictures as soon as the curtains and artwork are all in place!

Tasha's Abreu-Debut (hey that rhymes!)

Last night Tasha and her mom and dad went to the Abreu family christmas party. It was a lot of fun. We had the whole big brood gathered in a church hall for some eating, drinking, dancing and gambling. Just the way it should be in a church basement.

For many of my cousins, uncles and aunts - this was their first chance to see Tasha in person. Needless to say they were impressed by her size, strength, stunning good looks and impressive vocabulary. Most seemed taken with her bubbly "a-goo" sound but others also enjoyed her views on a non confidence vote and a winter election.


She was totally spoiled too. In addition to all the attention she received, she also cleaned up taking home gifts from Michelle, Sandy (Steve, Blaze and Riley), Matilde (and Army) and Tia Percella. Honestly, everyone was just way too generous. We are all humbled by your kindness and are very appreciative.

Anyhow - it was a good night. I haven't had a chance to download pics yet. I will, and then I'll post some here and on the photoblog.

Oh ya, Mike won all the dough playin poker - but next time I'm playing.

Happy Birthday Natasha!

Hard to believe. It was three months ago today at exactly the time I am writing this post that my little angel came into our lives. It's amazing how much life has changed in three months. Priorities, visions of the world, and general mood have all made dramatic shifts. Sarah said something 3 minutes after Tash was born that I'll never forget. "She's going to do great things".

I do believe my daughter will change the world. She's already changed mine.

Happy birthday my little bath-loving devil!

Ughhh..... enough already with the snow!

Isabele and Adam had been planning to come up and visit this weekend for quite some time, but unfortunately the first snow fall of this winter made that impossible.

Buffalo and Syracuse got hit hard, cutting of their two main routes to come up. Damn you snow. I'm glad they didn't decide to chance it though.

My drive to work on Thursday was a nightmare. First of all - my standard 20 minute drive took two hours! The roads were a little icy, but really no big deal as long as you slow down a LITTLE and just relax.

Unfortunately, too many people out there go one extreme or the other. They drive like the conditions haven't changed at all - then end up in a ditch as I drive past and laugh .... OR ... they slow down to the point where glaciers and evolution are moving faster. FRUSTRATING.

Yesterday my prof let us all leave class an hour early to avoid the evening down pour. Again, I don't understand these people who JUST PANIC. Where did they grow up, Jamaica?? If you are a Canadian citizen - or live ANYWHERE in the North East U.S. and CAN'T drive with a little white stuff on the ground, you should be immediately imprisoned or executed. I'm not sure which.

Just stay out of my way!

Sleep well Mr. Miyagi

Since his role on Happy Days, Pat Morita has seemed to always play the role of the loveable old guy. I loved the Karate Kid movies during the 80's. Of course, Morita had to act his tiny ass of to carry Hilary Swank through the terrible sequel "The Next Karate Kid", affectionately known as 'Karate Chick'.

Sucks to hear that he passed away - but I was surprised to hear he was only 73. I mean geeez - William Shatner's older!

The following story was written by the Washington Post and the Associated Press.

Noriyuki "Pat" Morita, 73, whose portrayal of the wise and sly master teacher in "The Karate Kid" earned him an Oscar nomination, died Nov. 24 at his home in Las Vegas.

There were conflicting reports about the cause of death. His daughter Aly Morita said he died of heart failure at a Las Vegas hospital. His longtime manager, Arnold Soloway, said the actor died of kidney failure at a hospital while awaiting a transplant.

Pat Morita played the mentor to "Daniel-san" (Ralph Macchio, left) and later to a character played by Hilary Swank in the "Karate Kid" films. (Associated Press)

As Kesuke Miyagi, the mentor to Ralph Macchio's "Daniel-san" in the 1984 movie, Mr. Morita taught karate and such skills as how to catch flies with chopsticks. He lost the Academy Award for best supporting actor to Haing S. Ngor, who appeared in "The Killing Fields." But he won more roles, including three "Karate Kid" sequels, the last one in 1994 with actress Hilary Swank.

An experienced stand-up comic and comic actor, Mr. Morita had previously been best known for his recurring role in the 1970s and 1980s as the excitable malt shop owner Arnold on the popular television series "Happy Days." He also was a regular on "Sanford and Son" as Lamont's buddy Ah Chew. He was the first Japanese American to star in a television series with the leading role in "Mr. T and Tina," which aired in 1976.

He had worked frequently in movies since the 1980s and provided the voice for a character in the Disney movie "Mulan" in 1998. He had a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Mr. Morita's success in Hollywood was a long way from his start as the son of migrant fruit pickers in the fields and groves of Northern California. He contracted spinal tuberculosis at the age of 2, and when he was finally able to walk unassisted, he and his family were forced into the World War II-era internment camp at Manzanar, Calif.

"One day I was an invalid," he recalled in a 1989 interview with the Associated Press. "The next day I was public enemy No. 1 being escorted to an internment camp by an FBI agent wearing a piece."

After being released, the family opened a restaurant in Sacramento, serving Chinese cuisine because of lingering anti-Japanese prejudice. "You get the picture?" he once said to the Los Angeles Times. "A Japanese family running a Chinese restaurant in a black neighborhood with a clientele of blacks, Filipinos and everybody else who didn't fit in any of the other neighborhoods."

He eventually became a data processor with the state Department of Motor Vehicles, then secured a graveyard-shift job at Aerojet-General Corp. At age 30, he made the make-or-break decision to go into comedy full time.

His first appearances were in small clubs, until he was asked to fill in for entertainer Don Ho at a 2,000-seat hall in Hawaii. Mr. Morita unexpectedly found himself facing a huge crowd of World War II veterans, many of them disabled. They were there to observe the 25th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

"If you're a comic, these are the moments when you have to prove you've really got it," he told the San Jose Mercury News in 1998. "So, I began by telling them I wanted to apologize, on behalf of my people, for screwing up their harbor."

The vets roared. He went on to build a two-decade career in nightclubs, but not until he began making movies was he was able to develop a believable Japanese accent. He won the audition for the sensei in "The Karate Kid" even though he had no martial arts experience and the producers wanted a Japanese rather than a Japanese American actor. He agreed to use his given name, Noriyuki, rather than his stage name of Pat, for the credits, to make him sound more ethnic.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn, and three daughters from a previous marriage.

So what are your intentions towards my daughter young man?

It has begun. Natasha has a boyfriend.

Well, we couldn't hold on to her forever. I had hoped we would at least keep her around until she learned to use the toilet and talk, but apparently her heart now belongs to another. We had to give her up sometime!

On Wednesday, Sarah took Tasha down to see Alexa (the bridesmaid who passed out at our wedding -- ya that's her) and her two boys. Saam is almost 3 and Sasha is four and a half months old. They let the two babies lay down together, and next thing you know he reached out, grabbed her hand and wouldn't let go!

So far his intentions seem honorable but I'm keeping an eye on him! Don't make me get David's axe!

There are more pics of the happy couple available on Tasha's photo site.

What happened over the last 9 days?

Well, i've been a very bad blogger! I was sick with report card fever. I am proud to say however that several late nights have allowed me to hand them in two days early for the first time since I started teaching. Yay!

Let me try to catch you up as to what's been happening - rapid-fire style.

Sarah and I bought a Christmas Tree last week. It's a really nice 7.5' with prelit LED's. We put it up last week, decorated it and it looked gorgeous. Problem now is, one whole section of the lights have gone dark. They won't light at all and I'm not sure if there's a sudden short or a wiring issue or just defective lights. I'm just hoping we don't have to take all the ornaments off and return the damn thing!

Our Christmas lights outside the house are up too. Dad and I put those up on the weekend and I must admit, they look great!

Class has been busy lately. I've had a ton of reading to do, and with all this report card stuff going on it's been a little tricky to stay on top of it.

My former team - the Augustine girls won another York region title this week. My other former team, the Markham boys are struggling. I went and watched their practice last night and was reminded at just how much the team has changed. Everyone's gone except for Adam and two end of the bench guys from last year. I just hope Adam keeps working hard, and has a good year.

Tasha's been babbling a lot this week. Talking on and on. It's hilarious. She was laying on her playmate last week and hit the dangling ball with her hand. She giggled then kept hitting the ball for the next hour or so. It's so much fun seeing little things like that happen.

Tomorrow Is and Adam are coming up to finally see Tash and spend the weekend with us! I can't wait.

Oh, and there are NEW Tasha pics posted on her photo site.

Eddie Guerrero: 1967-2005

I first met Eddie Guerrero in 1998 in Buffalo at a WCW show. Unlike most wrestlers I ever met when I was still doing my wrestling show, I was actually really excited to meet Eddie. I had been a fan of his since his days in Mexico, and had followed his career closely. I was amazed by his charisma and work rate. When Eddie, Benoit, Saturn and Malenko decided to leave WCW and go to the then WWF, I was thrilled to help broker that deal for him. It was an honor to get four talented guys off the Titantic.

I was shocked into stunned silence on today when I learned that Eddie Guerreo died Sunday morning at a Marriot hotel in Minneapolis.

According to WWE.com "The cause of death is unknown at this time. An autopsy will be performed in Minneapolis on Monday, and Eddie's body will then be flown to Phoenix. Funeral arrangements are set for Wednesday in Scottsdale, Arizona."

More recent reports are suggesting that Eddie had an enlarged heart - caused by years of steroids and drug abuse. His problems with cocaine and pain killers has been well documented - but after going through re-hab and nearly dying in a car crash, Eddie cleaned himself up and had been sober for three years.

Unfortunately, he never stopped doing the juice. Just last month, Dan and I were discussing how Eddie's arms were looking bigger than ever. What a shame. His fellow wrestlers found him laying on the floor of the hotel bathroom, with a toothbrush still in his mouth. Hardly an ending suited for such a warrior.

Eddie is survived by his wife Vickie and daughters Shaul, 14, Sherilyn, 9, and Kaylie Marie, 3.

Vaya con el dios Eddie.

Leaf Nation just got a little bigger

The following is a TRUE story. None of the facts have been changed or altered in any way by the author.

For those of you who don't know - Sarah and her family (Joe and Dad) are Habs fan (booo!) while I (and my father) are Leaf fans... YAY. Last night I sat down with Sarah, Tasha and my folks to watch Leafs and Habs go at it once again. The entire first period featured the Toronto Maple Leafs trying desperately to kill of four penalties and struggle to keep the game scoreless. During Coach's Corner, Tasha was dressed in her Leafs gear. Minutes later, the Buds scored their first of the night! YAY. Shortly there after, they scored again. Tasha fell asleep for a while and Montreal managed to tie the game. When she woke up she started crying (obviously having realized the Leafs were no longer leading). Before the end of 2, Toronto scored again and Tasha stopped crying.

Shortly after she fell asleep again the Habs tied the game and went ahead. Then, while holding my baby girl in her bedroom, Toronto won the game in OT!!

The moral of this story is Natasha is a not only a die-hard Leaf fan, but also a Leaf good luck charm. Despite Quinn and Belfour's best efforts to blow it, Tasha pulled out the win! Yay baby!

Oh, and for more pics of Tasha in Leaf gear, click here....

Proud Poppy

Happy Rememberance Day! We're having an assembly today at the school to mark the occassion. Guaranteed I will lose my poppy again this year. It's just a given. Why have the poppy-people not done away with the straight pin system in favor of something with a backing or a clasp?

What happened to the old poppies they used to hand out with a pretty green center? Now they all have black in the middle. I heard once that it was to make them look more realistic - but come on! It's made of felt!!

Anyway... to all the vets, thank you.

Weekend pictures

Well Tia Di went camera crazy again and snapped a few more. These shots were taken after Toni and Brian's wedding at my parents place, and when Sarah and I went to the reception and it took 60 people to babysit!!

I believe this was the first time Natasha had an outfit completely purchased by mom and dad. Her little hat, dress, shirt....... oh no..... sorry, grandparents bought those cute pink shoes. What can I say, she's got stuff coming in from ALL angles.


Since Shutterbook has been so buggy, I've moved Tasha's online gallery over to Shutterfly. The address is http://bigbrew.shutterfly.com This system appears to be much more user friendly, and stable.

I've put up six different albums so far so checking Tasha out online is easier than ever! :) Yay! More Tasha pics!

Atta' girl!

Look at my baby girl!! Holding her head up all big-girl like. I tell ya by next week she'll be running and by December she'll be going for her G licence.

Tasha has now abandoned the "size 2" diapers and moved on to size 3. Size 3?? Are you kidding me?? This kid is definately taking after daddy! Not to mention the fact that last night Sarah and I had her wearing a very cute outfit that was sized as being appropriate for a nine month old. Reality check: Tasha will be 11 weeks old on Thursday. 9 MONTHS?? It's not just that one outfit either. All her 0-3 months stuff has to be folded and boxed up. There are clothes that say 6 months that are tight on her.

Obviously breast feeding works. Not only has she been getting nice and chubb, but she's also getting taller. By March she'll be dunking.

I love you Tasha, my giant lil' girl!

Check your horoscope - Brew style!

Introducing a new feature here on my little blog. A montjly horoscope, cleverly called the Brew-scope. How uncreative is that? Sorry, best I could do. I'll endeavor to keep it updated on a monthly basis. There's a cute little logo on the side bar that you can click to read it anytime.

Click here for November's Brew-scope.

Ultimate finale!

Anyone who knows me, knows that I've been a wrestling fan since the age of 7. What they may not realize is that over the last 9 years I've actually become a huge fan of MMA - Mixed Martial Arts fighting. The UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) has actually done a lot of good for the world of MMA: taking it from being known as nothing more than underground bloodsport - to mainstram TV.

The reality show "Ultimate Fighter" pits amateur MMA fighters who wish to be trained against each other. Like Big Brother or Survivor, they are put into teams, must face challenges - then have a fight each week. Winner stays, loser goes home. Season two just ended on the weekend with a huge marathon broadcast and the final episode dubbed "Ultimate Finale"

The show had four spectacular fights with really compelling storylines. Unlike the WWE experience, these storylines aren't contrived and soap opera like. They are real life issues, settled in an eight sided steel cage! YESSS! THAT'S entertainment!

They have a big pay per view coming up Saturday November 19th. I SUGGEST checking it out! For more information - go to UFC.tv

Busy weekend

On Friday night, Sarah and I took Natasha out to Anna and Roulof's place for a little Friday night drink and barbeque. It was actually a lot of fun. I got the chance to meet some of Sarah's friends from work as well as their significant others. It's kind of funny hearing a group of teachers from a different school talk about what they are happy / unhappy about. Gives me a different perspective on my own working situation and how fortunate I actually am.

On Saturday we went to a wedding. Sarah's cousin Toni and her new husband Brian had a lovely service and a very nice reception. Everyone was quite taken with Tasha at the church in her little dress and hat (pictures on the way). We took Tasha to my parents house after the wedding, thinking that the reception might just be a little too much for her. So we armed the grandparents with three bottles of milk, the Baby Papasan chair, a diaper bag, and my old crib (which Dad assembled for Tasha).

On Sunday I had a meeting with my group from Trent on good old Doctor Faustus. I can't lie. I actually ENJOYED this play. I'd recommend it to anyone.

Sunday night after what felt like HOURS of grocery shopping, I came home to Khira and Andre. They were dropped off and spending the night with us before flying back to Boston on Monday. It was nice. We just hung out, had some dinner, watched School Of Rock with Jack Black and sent them on their merry way to bed.

Overall, not a bad weekend at all.

Now I just have to find some time for my report cards!!!