Christmas has come and gone....on to the New Years Party

Here are some of my pictures from this years holiday season thus far.

The main building I am currently working on in Brockville.















Sunset through the rain droplets on the windshield.

I don't know where Lawren gets those killer tendencies.

We are having a fondue because we are fond of you!

My parents house on Christmas Day - where is the snow?

Smoking with my Oma.

Walking with my wife.

Checking out 100 small towns in France.

The mini sens jersey for my new nephew/neice who is behind schedule on the whole being born thing.

A Sufjan Stevens type of Christmas

Currently Listening To:
Sigur Ros
Takk
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A couple months ago when Sufjan Stevens released his latest compilation I was immediately interested. Several reviews said some good things and the clincher was when I read the record label's review. His label, asthmatic kitty records, has the best name for a record label. Anyway, the review stated somewhere that Stevens started the Christmas collection out of his inherent aversion to christmas carols and the frill and excess that almost always accompanies them. That sounded perfect for me.
So I bought it.

A month later and it is pretty much the only cd (or cds) Irene and I listen too. Now I find out that pretty much everyone else has already heard the cd and thinks its awesome. My brother Lawren actually bought it too.
Oh well, so much for being new and cool. Looks like the cool kids are right there behind me. Actually it is encouraging that there is so much good musical taste out there.
Anyway the other cool thing about the compilation is the packaging that comes with essays, short stories, guitar chords, poster, comic and stickers among other things. Definitely good times and with that great Sufjan touch on every song this music is hard to beat.
Only one question: How Christian is he?

Here I am with Sufjan and his 'family' and my favourite poinsettia.

Barcelona: The Great Enchantress

Currently wanting to listen to:
The Dears
Gang of Losers
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Lately I have been reading a book by Robert Hughes about Barcelona. Ever since I learned about the incredible architecture there from my History teacher in Mohawk I have dreamed of going there. Next year, the Lord willing, I will be there (sadly for only one day). Barcelona is probably best known for Antoni Gaudi the architect of the Sagrada Familia, Casa Milo and Casa Battlo. Seriously amazing stuff. The more I read about the guy, the more I like him. He was fiercely conservative and a very pious Catholic. He was intensely deep and I am sure many people couldn't understand him. Like many famous architects he was not rich and cared nothing for money. He would only take a commission if he had full artistic control (sounds like an indie band). His work influenced many modern architects like Frank Gehry.

So I want to post this quote from this book which is quoting another architect from Barcelona with the same independent Catalan spirit.
"Only societies without firm fixed ideas, which fluctuate between todays thinking and yesterdays, without firm faith in tomorrow's - only those societies fail to inscribe their history in durable monuments"
Domenech i Montaner (1849-1923)
Looking back on that statement in our americanized world it seems all the more true. North Americans know relatively little about architecture and history. It seems so sad to me. I hope I can gain something culturally by visiting Europe and seeing all that history with my own eyes.

I'm back.......sort of

Currently Reading:
Barcelona: The Great Enchantress
By: Robert Hughes

The funny thing is when you go on vacation and don't do any work you get home and realize that, strangely enough, no work got done.

Blogging has become one of the victims of a busy life. Working and then leaving early so you can get more done on your other job doesn't leave much time for fun and recreation aka blogging. But I am taking a lunch break and its Friday so why not. Most consultants leave early on Fridays anyway.

Anyway, anybody who has followed the latest technology in Blu-Ray and HD DVD knows that there is a battle of technology going on that rivals the Beta to VHS insanity of years gone by. As in all conflicts many people simply must jump on one side or the other. One of my favorite sites Engadget.com has been on this issue like a fat kid on a smarty since before day one. According to someone there the latest news in the tech world is that Sony is done and Toshiba will win with its HD DVD system. And while I am inclined to agree I still can't picture Sony getting knocked around too easily with all these other companies supporting them. Sure they have taken a few blunders in the past while but come on.

Either way if I was going to call it, I'd say Sony will lose out (they certainly are right now - stupid PS3) but it really doesn't matter because I can't afford either of the systems.

And I'm going on vacation tomorrow....

So this is an example of what can happen when you go on vacation for a couple days (note the post-it notes on the monitor). And this is what happens when you don't use your keyboard for too long. I wonder what my desk will look like when we get back from Winnipeg....

Look at me I'm a Boston Creme!

You Are a Boston Creme Donut

You have a tough exterior. No one wants to mess with you. But on the inside, you're a total pushover and completely soft. You're a traditionalist, and you don't change easily. You're likely to eat the same doughnut every morning, and pout if it's sold out.

What Donut Are You?

Actually I do like those donuts but the best are plain sugar coated from this little indie bakery in Stittsville. They melt in your mouth - so good.

Song of the Day

I have been extremely busy lately and will be for the forseeable future. I am currently working two jobs and all the travelling on the weekends takes up any free time I might have had.

Anyway on the busride home (my only real quiet reflective time) I heard a great song on my mp3 player and I just wanted to share it with everyone. (I was previously going to post the lyrics to another great song but that will have to wait I guess)

It is 'Such Great Heights' by The Postal Service (yet another great band off of Sub Pop Records. Here are the lyrics:

I was thinking it's a sign that the freckles
in our eyes are mirror images and when
we kiss they're perfectly aligned
and I have to speculate that god himself
did make us into corresponding shapes like
puzzle pieces from the clay
and true, it may seem like a stretch, but
its thoughts like this that catch my troubled
head when you're away when I am missing
you to death
when you are out there on the road for
several weeks of shows and when you scan
the radio, I hope this song will guide you
home

they will see us waving from such great
heights, "come down now," they'll say
but everything looks perfect from far away,
"come down now," but we'll stay...

I tried my best to leave this all on your
machine but the persistant beat it sounded
thin upon listening
and that frankly will not fly. you will hear
the shrillest highs and lowest lows with
the windows down when this is guiding
you home


Now I am not always a fan of love songs but this one is so irresistable with its catchy beat and soft melodies......oh so good!