The Bachelor Party

Nathan's bachelor party. We were celebrating his marriage, or more like it... just rubbing it in. It was all it was supposed to be. We went to Country Harbour to where the wedding is going to be. We were helping get the cottage ready for the big day. We got skirting put up on the cottage, put up siding and constructed a deck. Also, we got soaked in the rain. Around 7 we went to the other camp in Goshen. Just before that, we slapped the ball and chain on Nathan's ankle. We also gave Nathan a couple gag gifts.

We arrived there, Brandon and I were driving so everyone else was already having a good time. When we got there, we realized we couldnt sit inside, so we put up a tarp and pulled the picnic table onto the deck. After getting everything setup inside, we started sitting around and having fun. The bugs weren't too bad seeing as how it was pouring out. We also managed to prove a point that even soaking wet wood will burn. Devon Mike and I went for a canoe trip but realized that 3 people in a 2 person canoe can be a little scary and tippy. We ended up staying up till about 2am. Somehow, Brandon's keys got locked into his truck, so we had to break into it at 2 am. It was entertaining to watch. This is the 2nd time we had to do this, so we are getting better and better at it.

In the morning, we had a great breakfast, cleaned up and headed back home. Spent the day doing laundry. As usual, just waiting for 10 pm to come so I can get some sleep.

Bruce, Mike and Brandon building another deck

Nathan with his "ball and chain" attached (padlocked to his ankle)

Nathan, Devon, Keith, Mike, Brandon and Joel in our makeshift shanty

Pouring rain all day and we managed to get a fire going.

Me in my element.

The camp in Goshen. Always a great time.

It's finally done!!

Have you ever worked on something for 5 months and finally finished it? It gives a great sense of accomplishment. I started it in Feb. now I need a new project!

My new dresser.

Another pic.

Another Random Rant...

So today I took the Escape back in to get the front end worked on. The mechanic was convinced that the only problem was the tires being out of balance, but I knew the tie rod was bad. I was trying not to argue with him cause at the end of the discussion, he was the one working on the vehicle. I kept asking myself... "How do I get him to believe that my tie rod is bad, without pissing him off". Finally we agreed that the tires needed balancing but he'd "check" the tie rods. So, when I went to pick up the Escape tonight, it had one brand new tie rod on it. Ha ha he still had the last laugh tho... $300.

So, now its a matter of replacing the axle seals. Parts cost $14 and labour is almost $200. I'm pretty sure I can do it myself, but it seems like a lot of work. I have to get through a bachelor party this weekend tho.

July is definately looking like it will be my favourite month ever this year. Going to charlottetown for June 30 having a big party for July 1, Nathan and Sarah's wedding, and I think Lobster Carnival is going to kick some major ass. I always enjoy July.

Did the usual drive past the grocery store tonight and thought to myself again "I should stop there, I have nothing at home". When I got home I realized that I had tuna fish and taco shells. Made some tuna salad (celery, pickles, gr pepper, etc.) and stuffed the taco shells with a little cheese. Very very creative I thought. It was definatley enjoyable. Some people didnt think the sound of it was too great (Melissa, ahem.).

Going to wood shop to slap on the back of the dresser. Bring it home hopefully in my newly fixed car. Then the usual waste time till bed routine.

I wonder who actually reads this thing?

Me & the Escape (old pic, but does the trick)

Paintball

Nathan, Mike, Terri, Keith(hidden), Tasha and Brandon

We got to the field at about 9:00am after a big breakfast at A&W. Again, bacon and eggs... goooood. Carried the 1000lb CO2 tank to the field through a big ditch and at about 9:05 we were tired enough to go home. Just Kidding.

Unfortunately, as we started, my gun wasnt working. I spent the first 30 mins of the day listenting to people play and cursing at the gun. Then finally, I realized that I was stupid and had overtightened the barrel. I'm such a genius.

We played numerous games until about 5:00pm. By that time, we were all pretty much out of breath and paint. Then Brandon and I put a couple coats of varathane on my dresser, and had a barbecue at Brandon's. Mike and I went to Sam's and then to the Cabaroo later on until about 2:30 then decided to come home, play guitar and go to bed.

Sunday we filled CO2 tanks so we sent the big tank home empty. Its kind of funny how fast vaporizing co2 will freeze your hand to a tank. Haha lesson learned.

The only safe spot to take a picture of our field.

Whitepoint Beach Resort

I have discovered two things while at Whitepoint Beach Resort.

1. The ocean is still way to cold to swim in.
2. Don't take your wallet anywhere near the ocean.

I must have dropped my wallet out of my pants when I was swimming and then the tide came in. I found my room key, but not the wallet. I have a lot of cards to get again. Grr... Thankfully the lady at the bank in Liverpool was very nice to me. She got someone else to take her son to his piano lesson so we could straighten out getting a new client card and such.

When I get home, I notice a lot of oil splatter on the back of the Escape. Turns out I blew an axle seal. That should keep me occupied and help me with all the "free time" I have lately. Was a great day tho. Started getting ready for the paintball game tomorrow. Somebody should tell the blackflies to chill out for a day.

The waves were fairly large. I'm not sure who thought swimming was a good idea.

I'm not sure if I've been motivated to write another post or not. Let's see... this weekend was fairly entertaining. I was down at Brandon's on friday night havin a couple beer and a couple rum. Not a whole lot happened, but around 1am everyone went to bed. I decided to lay down but realized I needed a glass of water before I went to sleep. Then in my great wisdom I decided I'd go for a walk outside. Haha, I was walking for almost 45 minutes before I decided to go back in. Lets see... 2am... must be about time to hook up the X-box and play a couple games. Unfortunately it wasnt hooked up... so... great. Its a good thing everyone was sleeping, cause someone who is slightly intoxicated trying to bend over to plug in an x-box in the back of a TV is fairly entertaining. I was having a good time laughing at myself. Took a few trys but eventually I figured it out... Turned on the TV, played one game then zzZZZzzz...

Woke up Sat morning and went to A&W for breakfast. I would like to state something I've stated a million times before. I LOVE BREAKFAST! Bacon and eggs should be the basis of every meal in existance. Anyways, after this we went to Farmer Clem's and bought some squash corn and brandon bought some other plants. We went back to Brandon's and he planted his crops and then he was getting ready for a wedding. I only had a couple hours to blow before I was going to visit Melissa, so I figured I'd just go hang out at home. Bad idea... if you are even the slightest bit lonely... then being by yourself for a couple hours makes those couple hours seem like an eternity.

Eventually went and planted more stuff in the garden. Presently we have corn, potatoes, basil, onions, cucumbers, watermelon, green peppers, squash, broccoli and soon to come are the carrots, beets and hot peppers. I cant remember the rest of what we have, but eventually it will get planted as well.

Decided to rent a couple of movies to watch with Melissa, the family stone and the producers. I picked up the producers cause it looked like a funny movie and it said comedy. Turns out, it is a musical. Now, I'm not a big fan of musicals... but this one was pretty damn weird. Not reccomended. It was good seeing Melissa, and as always Nanuk (her dog).

Sunday just kind of lounged around... finally finished putting the drawer-fronts on my dresser and finished the top. 2 coats of varathane and that puppy is done.

Not much else in the life of chris... just more garden planting to come.... get to go to whitepoint beach resort thurs and fri... big paintball game on saturday so i should have some colourful pictures... anyways its probably time for bed...

An old picture of Nanuk on my couch.

Building a deck in Goshen...

So we get to the camp to find that there is a FULL truckload of wood in the camp. So, we move the wood and unload the tools. We'll get started in the morning... first thing... have a couple beer.

We had a couple beer outside, but it kept raining, so we moved inside to the sound of a fire and a wind-up powered radio.

Terri, Brandon and Meghan

The next day... time to start building. First went up the cribbing.

Keith Mike and Nathan

Brandon

Mike and Meghan Fishing

Then the framework. Did a little fishing.

Brandon, Keith and Mike

Then the decking. We said we wouldn't drink until the decking started.

Me chopping a tree

Nathan towed Meg out on the raft then left her... haha

Then the rest of the crew showed up and we had a good fire, told some lies and went to bed (3am).

Overall it was a great weekend, we used every last drop of wood, just have to build a handrail and a set of stairs. If you ever need a deck built in a day... please call someone else.

The finished deck.

Trip to Ontario

So, my sister is moving to Ontario from Halifax and presents her BF and I with the need to load up a U-Haul (worst company ever) and drive it ~2000 kms to her new location. So, of course, we accepted and bought a lot of beef jerky and sunflower seeds to make the trip worth while.

Arrived the night before in Halifax, and turns out we have to drive 40 mins to go pick up the U-Haul (uhaul 1, us 0). We did. Got to Halifax, and cracked open a beer. Now we need to get rid of an old couch. So, take a picture, make a sign, put it in the entrance to apt building, go back to room, pick up beer... *knock* *knock*... yah, we want the couch... so then there was nothing left to sit on for the rest of the night. In total it took 4 minutes to get rid of the couch. So, Mike and I had a few beer and packed some stuff.

Next day, packing... started at 9 am and on the road finally at 3:30. Stopped for coffee on Barrington St Tims in Hali. Went to Robie St. Esso and pumped up flat tire on back of uhaul (uhaul 2, us 0). Decided Stewiake was best place to fill up with gas. Drove to Stewiake, pulled into gas station, shut off truck... giant puddle of anti-freeze on ground under truck (uhaul 3, us 0) then double checked tire that was flat... still no air in it... (uh 4, us 0). Its now 4pm on monday, just on road. Drove to aulac, NB to eat.

Finally on the road making some progress, stopped in Moncton, Oromucto and Murray's river for coffee. U-Haul leaked coolant in Murray River (UH 5, us 0). Then Mike took over the car, and I continued driving the truck. We didnt speak french very well so we decided to continue on moving through NB. Drove 8 more hours and stopped outside of Levis, Quebec. Woke up in the morning (after 1 hr snooze) and hit the road again. Stopped for gas, and you guessed it... leaked coolant again (Uhaul 6, us 0).

We found "Old Gummy" hitchin a ride with us...

Made it through Montreal a newly invented way (don't ask cause we probably couldn't do it again). Mike and I actually got into a couple shouting matches, but I guess thats OK since we were driving a big truck through Montreal in rush hour. Good plan by the way, if you want to shorten your life by a couple years due to stress levels.

Don't use a flash inside of car

Mike in Ontario

Got to Ontario and breathed a sigh of relief... but still we were only half way there. Of course, the U-haul spit up its guts again and the score stopped at Uhaul 7 and us 0. Finally I did some sleepin and Mike and Meghan did some more driving and we made it to London. Normally its a 20-24 hr drive and with the good 'ol U-slug, it took us 31 hrs.

We crashed hard when we got there.

So, we made it to London, the U-Haul made it with no major issues... the engine was slowly losing power on the last stint. Overall, the U-haul may have tried to beat us, but we managed to win the battle. We picked up two 2-4s and decided to have a couple beer. In total we drank 5 before we all passed out on the floor. I guess thats what happens with a couple hrs of sleep in 2 days haha.

Dad showed up in the morning and we got the Uhaul unpacked, and then came back to Kingsville with Dad. Got to see my dog. Talked to Melissa online and she showed me this web log thing. Good thing too, cause without it I might have been bored.

My Buddy

Cool Ship at my Parents Place

So, now its a matter of making it through the weekend and going back to work on Tuesday.