December 13, 2012
In contemplation of what is supposed to be taking place on Dec 21, 2012 I thought that I had better create a post.
Best wishes for a holiday season to each and every one. No reason to spell out the various religious holidays, non-religious holidays or even the special days -- just happy holidays.
Looking back on 2012 I decided that my bucket list is just about complete -- there are a couple of additional things I have to do but they are going to wait until next summer. What I have now decided to do is to move away from my Bucket List.
I now have another List -- It rhymes with Bucket but starts with "F". Use your imagination. It basically outlaws the words: will, must, should, shall etc.
be well
allan
Pie in the Sky
When you have jumped out of a plane without a parachute (but trusting that the person who is attached to you is in good health and knows how and when to pull his or her parachute); and swam just above the bottom of a lake 30 feet down in the water; motorcycled around Lake Erie and Lake Ontario all on one July day there isn't much else to do other than climb a mountain, sail a boat, bungie jump or do a thousand other things ---- unless of course you live in or around Toronto.
Then you have the privilege and pleasure of going for a 30 minute or so stroll around the CN Tower -- albeit above the restaurant and very, very high in the sky. Again like most of what I do -- you can't get hurt -- you can just "get dead". Not a chance with the Edgewalk. You are given a breathalyzer test; all personal possession are removed or taped (as in rings that will not come off); frisked; frisked; and frisked again.
You are then put into a jump suit and frisked another couple of times. Up in the dedicated elevator and then to the walk off point. By this time the group of 6 individuals who were all chatting five minutes earlier are deadly quiet. Good thing no one had lunch. That seems to be the biggest difficulty experienced by individuals prior to stepping into inner-outer space.
We were each told to stand against the wall and then individually we were hooked up - front and back - to a rope. Everyone was checked about 3 times (I can't really remember because by this time I was wondering what the heck I was doing -- considering that I am terrified of heights.)
We then stepped out onto the edgewalk. I think that the escort was concerned about me -- he didn't let me go last.
We walked about 15 feet - all close to the wall until the escort told us that it was time to have some fun -- as in leaning backwards at the edge. That was bad enough but 15 or more feet and he asked us if we remembered the movie the Titanic -- we all more than groaned but all but one of us actually leaned forward into open space looking down at the ground. We were now crowing like expert skyscraper workers.
After that we walked as if we owned the joint. We did the back lean twice more -- it was now a piece of cake. The whole thing lasted 35 minutes and it was an experience of a lifetime. Would I do it again? Maybe -- but not until I have climbed a mountain, sailed a boat, bungie jumped and probably grew a full head of hair. ;-))))))
allan
Then you have the privilege and pleasure of going for a 30 minute or so stroll around the CN Tower -- albeit above the restaurant and very, very high in the sky. Again like most of what I do -- you can't get hurt -- you can just "get dead". Not a chance with the Edgewalk. You are given a breathalyzer test; all personal possession are removed or taped (as in rings that will not come off); frisked; frisked; and frisked again.
You are then put into a jump suit and frisked another couple of times. Up in the dedicated elevator and then to the walk off point. By this time the group of 6 individuals who were all chatting five minutes earlier are deadly quiet. Good thing no one had lunch. That seems to be the biggest difficulty experienced by individuals prior to stepping into inner-outer space.
We were each told to stand against the wall and then individually we were hooked up - front and back - to a rope. Everyone was checked about 3 times (I can't really remember because by this time I was wondering what the heck I was doing -- considering that I am terrified of heights.)
We then stepped out onto the edgewalk. I think that the escort was concerned about me -- he didn't let me go last.
We walked about 15 feet - all close to the wall until the escort told us that it was time to have some fun -- as in leaning backwards at the edge. That was bad enough but 15 or more feet and he asked us if we remembered the movie the Titanic -- we all more than groaned but all but one of us actually leaned forward into open space looking down at the ground. We were now crowing like expert skyscraper workers.
After that we walked as if we owned the joint. We did the back lean twice more -- it was now a piece of cake. The whole thing lasted 35 minutes and it was an experience of a lifetime. Would I do it again? Maybe -- but not until I have climbed a mountain, sailed a boat, bungie jumped and probably grew a full head of hair. ;-))))))
allan
Another Drop in the Bucket
As the bucket list goes -- it grows but so do the adventures that are placed in the bucket.
I have just finished the Open Water Scuba Dive portion of my scuba training. I am now a certified (and still certifiable) scuba diver. What a hoot! The training and adventure were amazing and like most things that I get myself involved in there is always an added "kick" to the story.
The 4 dives that constitute the open water training took place on Saturday and Sunday at Confederation Park in Barrie. Saturday morning was particularly invigorating with a major downpour and 15 degree weather. I suppose you could say - big deal since we were going to get wet anyway -- but it does make a difference when everything around you, clothes, papers, food etc is soaken wet and downright cold. But then the upside is that the water looks inviting. One scuba school actually cancelled its class.
Anyway, after an orientation session, we geared up - I now have the experience of what women go through in putting on certain clothing -- when I had to put on the wet suit; boots, hood and gloves. By the time I had my 24 lb. weight belt and BCD on I was just about exhausted. We then had to walk about 40 feet to the shore and into the water at which time we put on the fins (I kept calling them flippers - but that just shows how old I really am.)
The testing was organized and would go well if it wasn't for the fact that I now had to come to grips with a realization that probably existed for decades -- I have a waist - what I don't have is hips!! Which means the weight belt will not stay up. It sounds funny. It ain't. By the time I had completed the first test (satisfactorily) I left the water and was ready to call it quits.
The 3 diving instructors then had to consider how to deal with the issue of how to keep the weights on me so that I would be able to descend into the water - and yet be able to get rid of the weights in a split second if necessary. They were quite imaginative and by the time they were done I was wearing two sashes with the weight belt resting on the sashes. All was well and I was now a relatively happy camper (or diver).
For the next two dives, the sky would look as if it was clearing and then the rain got worse. The visibility in the water was about a maximum of 12 inches. Really freaky. But all went well and by 3 p.m. I was on my way home, tired, water logged and not hearing very much.
Sunday looked promising. The weather was sunny. However, as soon as I stepped out of the car at the park it started raining for about 30 seconds. Definitely someone was laughing at us!
The last of the 4 dives went quickly. We were all certified - 6 guys; 2 gals; ages from the young lady who was about 12 years old to the 63 year old motorcyclist; sky diver; etc.
But the best was yet to come. One of the instructors stayed behind to take 7 of us on our first additional dive. An excursion to a sunken barge 29 feet deep. It was a 30 minute dive and was fantastic. Beautiful views (about 5 or 6 feet of visibility) and lots of fish. It was amazing to stop and look at a fish who just simply looked back at me. It was as if we were communicating.
So thank you to Liam, Dan and Alan (with one L) ( all of Scuba2000 in Richmond Hill) who took us on the dive and emphasized all that is important to remember about diving. I can't say enough good things about Scuba2000. They are a class act!!
So, I have now done - earth (motorcycling); air (sky diving) and water (scuba diving). After I finish the Edgewalk at the CN Tower shortly, I am looking forward to the next adventure. I am going to again meet up with Alan (with one L) since he is also a ski instructor. Judy and I have never downhilled skied - and it is about time we find out what it is all about. I suppose I should tell Judy that Alan (with one L) is also a pilot but she may not be very happy about that.
be well -- and my MD says that my full hearing should be restored within a few days ;-)))))
I have just finished the Open Water Scuba Dive portion of my scuba training. I am now a certified (and still certifiable) scuba diver. What a hoot! The training and adventure were amazing and like most things that I get myself involved in there is always an added "kick" to the story.
The 4 dives that constitute the open water training took place on Saturday and Sunday at Confederation Park in Barrie. Saturday morning was particularly invigorating with a major downpour and 15 degree weather. I suppose you could say - big deal since we were going to get wet anyway -- but it does make a difference when everything around you, clothes, papers, food etc is soaken wet and downright cold. But then the upside is that the water looks inviting. One scuba school actually cancelled its class.
Anyway, after an orientation session, we geared up - I now have the experience of what women go through in putting on certain clothing -- when I had to put on the wet suit; boots, hood and gloves. By the time I had my 24 lb. weight belt and BCD on I was just about exhausted. We then had to walk about 40 feet to the shore and into the water at which time we put on the fins (I kept calling them flippers - but that just shows how old I really am.)
The testing was organized and would go well if it wasn't for the fact that I now had to come to grips with a realization that probably existed for decades -- I have a waist - what I don't have is hips!! Which means the weight belt will not stay up. It sounds funny. It ain't. By the time I had completed the first test (satisfactorily) I left the water and was ready to call it quits.
The 3 diving instructors then had to consider how to deal with the issue of how to keep the weights on me so that I would be able to descend into the water - and yet be able to get rid of the weights in a split second if necessary. They were quite imaginative and by the time they were done I was wearing two sashes with the weight belt resting on the sashes. All was well and I was now a relatively happy camper (or diver).
For the next two dives, the sky would look as if it was clearing and then the rain got worse. The visibility in the water was about a maximum of 12 inches. Really freaky. But all went well and by 3 p.m. I was on my way home, tired, water logged and not hearing very much.
Sunday looked promising. The weather was sunny. However, as soon as I stepped out of the car at the park it started raining for about 30 seconds. Definitely someone was laughing at us!
The last of the 4 dives went quickly. We were all certified - 6 guys; 2 gals; ages from the young lady who was about 12 years old to the 63 year old motorcyclist; sky diver; etc.
But the best was yet to come. One of the instructors stayed behind to take 7 of us on our first additional dive. An excursion to a sunken barge 29 feet deep. It was a 30 minute dive and was fantastic. Beautiful views (about 5 or 6 feet of visibility) and lots of fish. It was amazing to stop and look at a fish who just simply looked back at me. It was as if we were communicating.
So thank you to Liam, Dan and Alan (with one L) ( all of Scuba2000 in Richmond Hill) who took us on the dive and emphasized all that is important to remember about diving. I can't say enough good things about Scuba2000. They are a class act!!
So, I have now done - earth (motorcycling); air (sky diving) and water (scuba diving). After I finish the Edgewalk at the CN Tower shortly, I am looking forward to the next adventure. I am going to again meet up with Alan (with one L) since he is also a ski instructor. Judy and I have never downhilled skied - and it is about time we find out what it is all about. I suppose I should tell Judy that Alan (with one L) is also a pilot but she may not be very happy about that.
be well -- and my MD says that my full hearing should be restored within a few days ;-)))))
august 3
Just when you think that you are smarter than all that nature can muster - wham -- you are brought back to reality.
Such has been the case with me for the last couple of days. Thinking that my youth had not left me I decided to jump out a plane; ride a bike like Captain America; and for those of you old enough to remember - swim like Lloyd Bridges in Sea Hunt.
Suprise, surpise -- not likely. I now have the most miserable summer head cold to remind me that you can't fool with mother nature. I have never been one to believe in the adage: "all things in moderation". I believed that "grab what you can because it will be gone tomorrow". Unfortunately my body is thinking otherwise. So instead of walking around the outside of the restaurant at the top of the CN tower; or doing a solo parachute jump -- I will hibernate for a few days and be ready to be stupid again by the middle of next week. After all, I can use the excuse that I forget what I did last week and simply repeat it.
be good.
Such has been the case with me for the last couple of days. Thinking that my youth had not left me I decided to jump out a plane; ride a bike like Captain America; and for those of you old enough to remember - swim like Lloyd Bridges in Sea Hunt.
Suprise, surpise -- not likely. I now have the most miserable summer head cold to remind me that you can't fool with mother nature. I have never been one to believe in the adage: "all things in moderation". I believed that "grab what you can because it will be gone tomorrow". Unfortunately my body is thinking otherwise. So instead of walking around the outside of the restaurant at the top of the CN tower; or doing a solo parachute jump -- I will hibernate for a few days and be ready to be stupid again by the middle of next week. After all, I can use the excuse that I forget what I did last week and simply repeat it.
be good.
July 29
All within the month of July, 2012
by land, by air and by sea
air - tandem parachute ride at 14,000 km.
land - iron butt ride - great lakes - 16,847k in 19 hours
sea - scuba diving certification -- my open water certification to be completed asap.
all at the young age of 63
we don't get older we get better.
by land, by air and by sea
air - tandem parachute ride at 14,000 km.
land - iron butt ride - great lakes - 16,847k in 19 hours
sea - scuba diving certification -- my open water certification to be completed asap.
all at the young age of 63
we don't get older we get better.
July 24, 2012
The second of my "triathalon" ----
GOING FROM TORONTO TO KINGSTON VIA SARNIA!!
the final tallies for the Iron Butt Ride -- a Saturday July 21, 2012 ride are:
started at 2:54 am and ended at 10:44 pm. -- way too many cigar breaks; leisurely trip along the seashore parkway in pa; texting; and having to pay cash for gas
odometer: 1684.7k
overall average 86.6k
moving average 101k
max speed - I forgot to use it ; or I deleted it (sorry your honour, really)
total moving time 16:38 hours.
hardest parts -- I-75 is a mess; Buffalo to I-90 is a mess; 401 is a mess all the time
conversations with Customs -- priceless
at Port Huron -- the officer heard of the ride -- he didn't think he could do it on his Harley -- since he was wearing a gun I merely gave a non-committal nod without any other comment.
cost - about $110.00 not including the cost of Gold Balm
temperature -- 12(not including wind chill) in the morning 87 in the afternoon
amazing: I did not use my air horn even once!!
what I learned -- I do not have an iron butt.
That ghost is gone forever!!!!!
Now that I have done the “air” and the “land” time to do the “sea”
allan
GOING FROM TORONTO TO KINGSTON VIA SARNIA!!
the final tallies for the Iron Butt Ride -- a Saturday July 21, 2012 ride are:
started at 2:54 am and ended at 10:44 pm. -- way too many cigar breaks; leisurely trip along the seashore parkway in pa; texting; and having to pay cash for gas
odometer: 1684.7k
overall average 86.6k
moving average 101k
max speed - I forgot to use it ; or I deleted it (sorry your honour, really)
total moving time 16:38 hours.
hardest parts -- I-75 is a mess; Buffalo to I-90 is a mess; 401 is a mess all the time
conversations with Customs -- priceless
at Port Huron -- the officer heard of the ride -- he didn't think he could do it on his Harley -- since he was wearing a gun I merely gave a non-committal nod without any other comment.
cost - about $110.00 not including the cost of Gold Balm
temperature -- 12(not including wind chill) in the morning 87 in the afternoon
amazing: I did not use my air horn even once!!
what I learned -- I do not have an iron butt.
That ghost is gone forever!!!!!
Now that I have done the “air” and the “land” time to do the “sea”
allan
July 17th
Every so often I review my bucket list and wonder if it is time to strike another adventure off the list. So it was in the last week or so.
I could tell the story as follows: I decided to go for a plane ride over York Region, Ontario. I booked the flight, paid the fare, got on the plane but after reaching 14,000 feet I was very unhappy with the plane ride - so there was only one thing to do - I left out the back door.
But really, the exit was planned -- as in -- jumping out at 14K as a tandem jumper meaning that attached to my back was a professional parachute jumper. They made me sign a five or six page letter containing numerous acknowledgements and waivers -- but nothing about hijackers. They then put the harness on me and started giving me the details of the flight.
About 12 jumpers and 3 photographers started off in the plane. It took about 12 minutes to get to 14K feet -- above the clouds. We walked off the back of the plane -- did a somersault; did a free fall; flew with a mini parachute to keep us at 200 k/h and then after about a minute the parachute opened and it was another 5 minutes of a slow descent and then a soft landing.
The only thing I forgot was to ask what happens if my tandem partner blacks out. Oh well -- it turned out to be an unnecessary question.
Two things -- on the plane they asked me two questions -- how was I doing. I gave the answer about a dozen times with my head nodding "bad idea", "bad idea". Then they asked me if I had any last words. I said "amen".
With that I walked off the plane.
Next time I will get a better seat !!!!!
Every so often I review my bucket list and wonder if it is time to strike another adventure off the list. So it was in the last week or so.
I could tell the story as follows: I decided to go for a plane ride over York Region, Ontario. I booked the flight, paid the fare, got on the plane but after reaching 14,000 feet I was very unhappy with the plane ride - so there was only one thing to do - I left out the back door.
But really, the exit was planned -- as in -- jumping out at 14K as a tandem jumper meaning that attached to my back was a professional parachute jumper. They made me sign a five or six page letter containing numerous acknowledgements and waivers -- but nothing about hijackers. They then put the harness on me and started giving me the details of the flight.
About 12 jumpers and 3 photographers started off in the plane. It took about 12 minutes to get to 14K feet -- above the clouds. We walked off the back of the plane -- did a somersault; did a free fall; flew with a mini parachute to keep us at 200 k/h and then after about a minute the parachute opened and it was another 5 minutes of a slow descent and then a soft landing.
The only thing I forgot was to ask what happens if my tandem partner blacks out. Oh well -- it turned out to be an unnecessary question.
Two things -- on the plane they asked me two questions -- how was I doing. I gave the answer about a dozen times with my head nodding "bad idea", "bad idea". Then they asked me if I had any last words. I said "amen".
With that I walked off the plane.
Next time I will get a better seat !!!!!
April 24
Almost a month -- and the very good reason why I have not posted is that I am way way too busy to be putting my fingers to a keyboard -- until this moment and the ten minutes that it is going take for me to spell out what has happened.
First -- way to much work at work. Hearing, tribunals, attendances, real estate, corporate, estates, mediations, etc etc etc. It is a good thing that I love doing what I do. And then, since I had some spare time, I finished the Motorcycle Training Program at Centennial College. My students aced the exam last weekend -- I shadowed an instructor and the seven students passed the MTO exam. It was great watching them develop from individuals very nervous to sit on the bike to riding like a pro during the exam. I am still aching from all the exercise I got -- and my voice is still hurting from acting as a cheerleader.
And now I have meetings all the rest of the week and Saturday morning.
If idle hands are the work of the devil, there must surely be a place for me elsewhere.
First -- way to much work at work. Hearing, tribunals, attendances, real estate, corporate, estates, mediations, etc etc etc. It is a good thing that I love doing what I do. And then, since I had some spare time, I finished the Motorcycle Training Program at Centennial College. My students aced the exam last weekend -- I shadowed an instructor and the seven students passed the MTO exam. It was great watching them develop from individuals very nervous to sit on the bike to riding like a pro during the exam. I am still aching from all the exercise I got -- and my voice is still hurting from acting as a cheerleader.
And now I have meetings all the rest of the week and Saturday morning.
If idle hands are the work of the devil, there must surely be a place for me elsewhere.
March 27, 2012
I have always tried to live by the adage -- if you really want to live, then you have to experience or learn something every day of your life.
That being the case -- this past weekend I underwent WHIMS training. And then completed a course on Motorcycle Training. It is always important to give back as much as you take. Since motorcycling has been great for me over the last ten years -- it is time to put some passion in to the next group of motorcyclists. It is a seriously involved process with a substantial commitment for the time involved -- but it will get me off the couch and out of the house on weekends. And most importantly -- it is one of those events where everyone is there to "grow".
Another part of my bucket list taken care of!
be well
allan
That being the case -- this past weekend I underwent WHIMS training. And then completed a course on Motorcycle Training. It is always important to give back as much as you take. Since motorcycling has been great for me over the last ten years -- it is time to put some passion in to the next group of motorcyclists. It is a seriously involved process with a substantial commitment for the time involved -- but it will get me off the couch and out of the house on weekends. And most importantly -- it is one of those events where everyone is there to "grow".
Another part of my bucket list taken care of!
be well
allan
February 24th
Almost the end of February -- it is either raining or snowing outside.
This may be completely inappropriate -- but I am going to do it anyway.
check out the following:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doRwaaLyqv8
and the answer is obviously yes.
allan
This may be completely inappropriate -- but I am going to do it anyway.
check out the following:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doRwaaLyqv8
and the answer is obviously yes.
allan
February 11, 2012.
I have the eerie feeling that if you stand still you are going to get run over. That being said, today I have completed half of my motorcycle training course and have become a part-time faculty member of Centennial College in Toronto. Kind of weird at my age - but I live for weird. I am looking forward to my first teaching assignments this spring.
Now back to studying -- I have another full day of class tomorrow and the teacher is a little demanding.
February 10
Seven weeks since my last post. Some people would say that my lack of daily posts is a sign of a lack of dedication; others would say it is a sign that there is no addiction involved with my posts. My reason is simple -- if you have nothing to say then don't say anything! This is not as if I have a commitment to provide 800 words of wisdom on a daily basis.
Anyway, this week I had the great pleasure of having to go downtown (as in south of Steeles Ave. three times for hearings). I guess I will have to wait about a month to see if I contravened any traffic intersection photo cameras. The score was two chiropractic hearings and one labour board hearing.
I read an article in Chiropractic Reports today which was a copy of a speech given by a chiropractor/lawyer. For the chiropractors in the audience -- it is a must read. The site is at
http://chiropracticreport.com/portal/images/back_issues/No_%206%20-%20Nov%202011.pdf
The article is by Dr. Richard Brown. For those of you in the chiropractic profession who live on a different planet and may be unaware - Chiropractic Report is published by David Chapman Smith, LLB., legal counsel to a number of national and international organizations.
I suppose I could sum up my appreciation of the article by indicating that my concern for the profession rests with the fact that unless there is a continued and advanced commitment to chiropractic education and research the profession is doomed to continue on a merry go round which provides little comfort when dealing with the powers to be in health care. In a very "sick" sort of way, you will know that chiropractic has reached the level of the other health care professions when we no longer have to consider the following, namely:
when a medical doctor does something wrong it's "bad doctor"; when a dentist does something wrong it's "bad dentist"; when a chiropractor does something wrong its "bad profession" !
Now that is a strange goal to stive for!
and to the Doctor that I met at the Chinese New Year Dinner last week --- no I am not retired -- while not teaching (full time / part time) I do continue to work a half-day each day as in about 8 am. to 8 pm. -- and still loving it.
Anyway, this week I had the great pleasure of having to go downtown (as in south of Steeles Ave. three times for hearings). I guess I will have to wait about a month to see if I contravened any traffic intersection photo cameras. The score was two chiropractic hearings and one labour board hearing.
I read an article in Chiropractic Reports today which was a copy of a speech given by a chiropractor/lawyer. For the chiropractors in the audience -- it is a must read. The site is at
http://chiropracticreport.com/portal/images/back_issues/No_%206%20-%20Nov%202011.pdf
The article is by Dr. Richard Brown. For those of you in the chiropractic profession who live on a different planet and may be unaware - Chiropractic Report is published by David Chapman Smith, LLB., legal counsel to a number of national and international organizations.
I suppose I could sum up my appreciation of the article by indicating that my concern for the profession rests with the fact that unless there is a continued and advanced commitment to chiropractic education and research the profession is doomed to continue on a merry go round which provides little comfort when dealing with the powers to be in health care. In a very "sick" sort of way, you will know that chiropractic has reached the level of the other health care professions when we no longer have to consider the following, namely:
when a medical doctor does something wrong it's "bad doctor"; when a dentist does something wrong it's "bad dentist"; when a chiropractor does something wrong its "bad profession" !
Now that is a strange goal to stive for!
and to the Doctor that I met at the Chinese New Year Dinner last week --- no I am not retired -- while not teaching (full time / part time) I do continue to work a half-day each day as in about 8 am. to 8 pm. -- and still loving it.
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