Halloween, Family Style

This is the Halloween weekend and it seems Nathaniel is having more fun than us. He went out for 2 consecutive nights and had been going to bed late. It was lots of fun for him when he dressed up in costume and partying with his friends in various family oriented renues. I am glad that commnity is doing more to promote a safe halloween and brings fun to the kids.

We went to 'Haunted Villiage' at the Burnaby Villiage Museum last night. We took Ansel, a friend of Nathaniel, with us. We got to the 'haunted villiage' around 7:00 and the que to get in was long. We were fortunate enough that we went into the Sonnet family we know from Nathaniel's school and they invited us to join them. Hailey Sonnet is the girl that Nathaniel wants to marry when he grows up. He had been saying that since Kindergarden.

Once we were in the "Haunted Villiage,' the kids had so much fun. The ghostly villiagers were trying to spook them. They were trick or threating at various haunted houses. We walked around the place for about an hour and we headed to the Carousel. While on it, Nathaniel and Hailey were holding hands. They would make a cute couple.

The Carousel ride ended around 9, and that was the same time they shut down the Villiage. We walked the empty haunted streets in the brisk cold. By the time, we loaded up the kids and head home, it was a 9:15.

We were tired from the fresh air and walk as well. We passed out around 11.

My life with a Norco VPS

Although I have logged many miles on my mountain bikes, but I may hang up my mountain bike soon. The trails around in Vancouver are not cross country friendky. Most of them are set up with the Freeriders in mind. They are loaded with jumps, drops and narrow logs. I have tried to learn how to ride them in a full suspension Norco VPS for 2 season. I bought elbow pads, shin pads and even a full face helmet. My bike VPS looked like a off road motor cycle and I looked a motorcyclist.

The suspension helped me to ride the differcult terrains. I rode the North Shore Mountains with my brother-in-law a couple of times a month. My skills were improving and I was having fun. The more I was familiar witht he trails, the braver I got. I started to take on more challenges and my fingers were off the brake lever more often. My speed increased.

But I was loosing interset fast.

The bike helped me to head down the hill faster, but I wasn't having fun. It was because I have a pig for a bike. The bike was very heavy and It weighted over 40 pounds. I didn't enjoy the weight and it wasn't a climber.

As much as I enjoy going down hill, I enjoy riding up hills more. I enjoyed the feeling riding out of the saddle. With a light bike and a stiff rear triangle, the bike reacts to the pedal stroke and move forward. It is that simple. But with a stupid VPS, the bike just didn't like to climb. The rear suspension abosrbed the energy. I need a bike that can go up the hill. I can't ride a bike that can't go up the hill.

I sold that bike earlier this year because it was sitting in the garage for over 12 months. It was collecting dust. I sold the bike to a kid for $800.

Crossed the line

Well, I just deleted two previous post because people thought that I had crossed the line. The post was too harshed on some one. At least, I got to rant about my life for once. Now, i feel better, the posts do not have any more reason to stay in the cyber space.

I am just looking forward in November to spend the time with Louise's Family because most of them will be coming to Vancouver and to attend her brother's wedding in Campbell River, BC. IT should be lots of fun and lots of partying. Aside of the big day, there are at least 2 outtings with the family. I am not sure there will be a guys night out, but who knows? We may be heading out to a cafe somewhere to enjoy a cup of tea and some jazz music.

At least, I will be taking a week off from work again. Then again, with the my MAC and my Blackberry, I probably will be bringing work with me.

To buzz or not to buzz?

To buzz or not to buzz, that is the question.

It had been a week since I last buzzed of my hair. I am not sure whether I will buzz it again because I am thinking about letting my hair grow out. It had been 2 years since I have seen my barber and it is almost time to see him on a regular basis again. But I am to grow my hair out , I don't think I will have crew cut again. I want somethig different, but does not require me to use hair product. I just want a wash and go style.

But I have a feeling that my hair is going to meet the buzzer soon.

Quiet Weekend, sort of

We enjoyed a quiet Thanksgiving Weekend. We spend the last two days at home with a big bucket of Legos. We were building castle, trucks, cars, labortory and anything we could think of. It was a load of fun for just spending sometimes at home with toys and the television. We had been busy all summer long and it was time for us to take a break from the real world and focus on some family fun. Soon enough, we will be busy again.

Of course, it was a good weekend for sports as well. Kimi won the Grand Prix, Cancuks beat The Red Wings, and England qualified for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Birthday Boy

Show and Tell
Originally uploaded by bcmtnbka.

Yesterday was Nathaniel's 6th Birthday and we did something for him to celebrate his day.

We sent him off to School in his Royal Stewart Kilt. It was his second time he went to school kilted. He really enjoys wearing the kilt to school. His Classmates did't really care what he wore. Because for other 1st graders, he is cool as long as he plays hard in the playground.

We brought him Sushi for lunch. Sushi is one his favourite food and his favourites are Tuna roll, Salmon Roll, California Roll and Cucumber Roll.

He asked us to take him to the Boathouse Restaurant for dinner. It was indeed an unusual request from a 6 year old. Most of them would have wanted to go to a fun restaurant, like Chuck-E-Cheese, but not Nathaniel. He had Sword Fish for dinner whcih he absolutely enjoyed. He even enjoyed the Clams and Mussels that I gave him. He is going to be a very special man.

We got him a light saber set, star wars toys and a set of lazer tag toys.

He is going to have fun!!!

Happy Birthday to my special little boy.

Vancouver is the best city to live

According to a Survey in Europe, Vancouver was voted to be the best city to live in.

It is hardly surprising. The crime rate is relatively low and there are not that many scarey areas in the city. The public transit system is some what alright, as long as you are going to the Downtown core.

We have a passion for our Canucks. We have never lost faith in them. We know that they are going to bring the Cup to Vancouver.

When I first arrived in Vancouver 9 years ago, I wasn't sure that I was going to like it. It took me 2 days to realise that Vancouver is the city I intend to settle. I was driving across south bound on the Cambie Bridge at night and I realise Vancouver is absolutely beautiful. The City lighted up nicely and the feeling was surreal for some one who just left Los Angeles. It was quietly displaying what a advance city should be. It was about living and enjoying life. The City is small enough that we have all the convinence of a big city but with out most of the big city headache.

The transition of being a Vancouverite took a little time, but eventually I started to wear my GoreTex jacket and hiking boots. And of course, a Vancouver Canucks jersey.

I am very proud of my Home.

Dress to kilt fashion show

Dresstokiltfashioshow
Originally uploaded by bcmtnbka.

The 'Fashion Show' took place on October 1st at Doolin's Irish Pub in Downtown Vancouver. We had loads of fun showing off kilts for Bear Kilts and Utilikilts.

AFter the Fashion Show, We stayed at the pub for the Canucks Game and more partying. The Crew from Utilikilts surely knew how to party as they were chatting up with every lady in sight. Well, Gustave's 'Home Depot' Kilt definately drew lots of attention.

More Importantly, the fashion show definately turned more than a few guys into giving the kilt a try. They were enjoying their new found style.

This 'fashion show and tell' was good for business.

2 reasons to party

Reason 1: CANUCKS HOCKEY!!!! Do I need to say more?

Reason2: Alexander Keith's 210th Birthday. He brewed a fine IPA and his successors decided to celebrate his birthday with celebrations across the country.

Given these reasons, I will probably be sitting somewhere in a pub with a pound of wings and a pint of Alexader's IPA.

My Cross Bike

My Cross Bike
Originally uploaded by bcmtnbka.

Cyclocrossing is a fun sport. The races are fast and you need to give 100% effort from the 1st turn.

I don't think I will be racing this season because I was not serious about training this year. It takes lots of dedication and time to be a good Cyclocross races. Most of the Guys came off their Mountain Bike or Road Racing Season and do these Cyclocross Races during the fall/winter season.

My fitness just cannot compare with any of them. Let alone racing against them. I Just wish the season is longer, and I can have more time to preprae for them.

Even I don't race, this bike still more dirt than an average SUV.

Nathaniel and his cast

Nathaniel and his cast
Originally uploaded by bcmtnbka.

It happened before last week's Nine Inch Nails Concert. All of us went out for Thai food before the concert, and Nathaniel was all too excited in seeing our friend Dana. He got carried away and smashed his hand with the Caravan's passenger door.

The bone was fractured and was fixed up by Friday Morning.

I am Cooler than you

I am Cooler than you
Originally uploaded by bcmtnbka.

I was Cooler than most people in Vancouver. I was hanging out with some of the coolest people in the world that day. I gotta meet them because they answered the call for The Gathering in Vancouver.

That photo was taken in a Corn Maze in Pitt Meadow. We took our time and we had load of fun which included many corny jokes.

Good Day

It was a wonderful day yesterday.

I woke up early to watch the football match between Manchester United and Fullham at 7am. It was action packed, and Manchester United beat Fullham with final score of 3:2.

12 hours later, the puck dropped at GM place, and the hockey game between the Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers started. After 3 periods, Vancouver Canucks won the game with the score of 6:2.