Happy birthday to me! 56 looks good on me!!

As I was unable to secure housing in the Lower Mainland, I am now staying at Dad's place to start my life over here in Southern Alberta. Along the way; I have discovered that while I will likely walk again, I won't ever be able to ride a bike again. T'ant pis!

What am I going to do next? Well, Dad and I are trying to set up my HBC pension. Someday soon we'll drop the right word to the right call center rep, and get things moving on that fixed-income I've heard about. 

My mind is mush. I may consider self employment, if I can find the right gig. I'm considering voice over and narration work. This means I'll have to put together a Demo.

Hello World, pt III.

 Ohhh...kay.

Let's see:

• I had a bacterial infection. 
• Did a few weeks in the hospital.
• Got sent to Care Life to rehab. 
• Had a massive pulmonary embolism. 
• Went back to the ER. 
• Was prepped for a thrombectomy. 
• Slipped into a  coma and my organs began to shut down. 

According to my sister Kathleen; my case quickly became critical.  There were crisis - level medications being pumped into me. All in an attempt to keep me from dying. 

Strike two.

Of course, while lying there unconscious at death's door; I flat lined a couple of times. 

Strike three.

My family in Alberta came to Vancouver. My kids were told they needed to say goodbye. 

My father, as any LDS patriarch would, gave me a Priesthood blessing. I don’t know what was said, (I was unconscious at the time) but I do recall some very fun and even a little prophetic dreams while I was out.

I finally woke up in an isolation ward at Royal Colombian Hospital. The private room, I was told later; was due to my vulnerable situation, and because COVID had finally arrived at lower mainland hospitals. I remember seeing a mylar helium balloon with a happy birthday printed on it. Which means I missed my birthday last year. 

I'm writing this on my birthday this year.

That was early August last year (I think), and a few weeks later I was back at Surrey Memorial for some iv medication treatment. The antibiotics cocktail was administered over the course of six weeks. However, my toes had gone necrotic (right foot), so back to Royal Colombian I went to get 'em amputated. Normal post-op recovery; and afterwards I was once again sent off to Care Life.  This was in September, I believe. The only outstanding memories I have of my time this time around was Thanksgiving, my kids visiting and bringing me Macdonalds, and Paul Tomlinson dropped in to visit for an hour or so. By November/December; I was transferred again to Queens Park physio facility in New Westminster. They were supposed to teach me to walk. Didn't happen. 

Got out of Queens Park December 8th. Spent about 90 days at Kathy and Grant's place. Moved on to live with Dad in early March. 

Hello World, pt II.

 Now, where was I? 

Ah yes, we'd headed off to the ER at Surrey Memorial. I was there for about two weeks. On or about June 18th, I was placed in a PATH facility for rehab. Care Life rehab residence in Fleetwood. 

After my first day at Care Life, I had a massive pulmonary embolism. Strike one. People  die all the time in care facilities. Accidentally. So when I tilted my bed back after dinner my first day. I immediately noticed the weight on my chest. I reached for the bed buzzer and pressed it. 

Item 1: this was sudden and unmistakable. This did not fool me into thinking it was just indigestion; and then kill me in my sleep later.

Item 2: those of you who have been hospitalized for an extended time know that you can never find those bed buzzers when you need them. Even when you can find them, they don't work, and even when they do work, there's no one at the nurse's station to answer. 

Lucky me. The buzzer was right there in reach, it worked, a nurse answered right away, and I told her I was having a Cardiac Episode, and she called 911 right away. I was delivered back to the ER  -- in 30 minutes or less. Sometimes the system works! 

The Embolism came about from lots of damaged vascular tissue in my lower legs. They broke up into clots, and those clots wound up getting stuck in the plumbing of my heart and lungs. Those who have read the post previous to this one will not be surprised. The ICU tried iv medication to clear the blockage, but to no avail. Next; they proposed a manual thrombectomy. You remember that wound in my groin? The one I was told was when they nicked my femoral artery while removing my iv mainline? There may be another explanation for that; that was the entry point for the thrombectomy.

I'm relying a lot on Kath's memory of events from here.

Apparently, the procedure went okay, they cleared out the blockage. But I wasn't recovering as anticipated. Sometime around June 21st, I fell into a coma. I'll pick this up tomorrow. 

Hello world, I almost died - twice!

It has been a few years since I last updated this blog. You see; I had a Grand Medical Adventure. 

This Wild Ride began in mid May of 2021, over a year after my headlong fall down the entry staircase of my basement suite in South Surrey. I always said going up and down those stairs was going to make - or break! - me. Well, after that fall, I was pretty broken. Remember that dislocated clavicle I had? Well, it was forcefully relocated for awhile after that incident. 

Let's  have an honest assessment of my health after January 2020:

• I was 285 pounds and 'pre-diabetic'. Now, 285 pounds was my average weight. My actual weight was as high as 305, and I saw 275 lbs for a little while, after I started working out and obsessively weighing myself on the digital tare scale at work. 
• My waist was 52" around. 
• The issues that began in my lower back had moved to my hip joints, and my mobility gradually declined to where I started using Bridget's cane to help me get around. I then lost Bridget's cane (sorry, Birdie...).
• My favorite form of exercise was now too painful to do. I had completed the RANGER folding frame ATB. (It turned out awesome, BTW!) I ended up donating it to Kath. 
• I was eating crap. A change of diet was definitely needed.
• My personal hygiene was pretty good, but I was neglecting cleaning and upkeep of my living quarters. Most notably; in my tub/shower. 

Not very surprising then, that I picked up a Group G Streptococci infection in my legs. It started with a small scratch on one calf in the shower; but it soon spread to both legs, below the knees. After TEN DAYS of not correctly treating the infection, AND ignoring Kim's advice to go to a doctor and get some antibiotics; I had a lovely set of running sores on both lower legs. 

Saturday, May 29th, I went to work as usual. I then noticed the puddle of pus I'd left under my office chair. I excused myself from work, drove myself home, and called BC Ambulance service.  

That was my last Normal Day.

Sorry; but I will have to stop here and pick this up later. 

"Checking In"

You know, I really ought to, every six months or so.

Let me talk about what's happened since I wrote that last post in April.

First off; I did not mention all that was going on in my life at the time.

I had a massive Asthma attack early in 2017. About a year after I'd moved into my place on 116th street. At the time I didn't think much of it, but the aftermath had some serious consequences:

-I have developed rather a bad case of Arthritis in my lower back.

By March of this year it had become clear that I couldn't keep up physically at work. Our (then) new HR rep, Stephanie Whiting, took me aside and pointed out that I couldn't go on like this.  She offered what help HBC's resources had to offer.

Including re-training in another role.

So I was on "light duty" for a few months doing busy-work. Some of it actually turned out to be useful: IE, a thorough examination of our reserve racking for damage and breakage found a few notable instances that had to be addressed. We're actually supposed to inspect the racking regularly...but at that point it hadn't been done for a few years.

By August this year, I was seeing my MD and a Specialist. Medication I am now taking for Piriformis kinda interferes with my ability to operate heavy machinery in enclosed spaces, so I lost my machine operator certification.  At the time, it kinda hurt; though I did recognize the necessity.

Then an un-expected opportunity came up.

Vitor, an intelligent and competent young man, (who had been hired by our MHF department after Soon retired) left HBC for a new career at SeaSpan. There was an internal hiring process started for the new opening in Clerical, and myself and one or two others applied.

I got the job.

I was brought on in late August and ... well, I'm still learning the job; four months later. But I've gotten pretty good at the parts that I do most often.

I'll talk more about the more ... interesting parts of the new gig later. For now; I'll tell you about Christmas.

Ever since Mom had to go to the care home, we've all had this gloomy idea hanging over our heads that "this Christmas could be Mom's last!". This is her second Christmas in that facility ... and frankly, she's not doing so well now. Dementia is like that. So now that idea is a stark faced reality ... and it hurts.

Oh, I put on a brave face; said something like "well, Mom put up with me for 19 years, so I guess I can give her a few years in return".  But she's not there any more.

Mentally, I mean.

So ... I've sort of been focusing my energies on my relationship with Dad. (While I can still have one, says my inner cynic.)

I should mention in passing that while the new gig doesn't strain my body nearly so much as "wrestling mattresses and humping appliances" did; it doesn't pay as much either. I took about a 20% pay cut.  Adjustments are still being made.

Back to Christmas:

• I couldn't afford to fly out to Alberta.
• My nephew Mike, after several months of trying, was unable to find work sufficient to allow him to stay in Vancouver. His Mom was searching for a way to bring him back home that wouldn't cost an arm and a leg. (Karen's finances are, if anything, even tighter than mine -- she's still paying a mortgage!)
• Colin wouldn't let me weasel out of a deal that I had made for getting him a new laptop. Well played, kid... but I'm still taking it back if you flunk out of school.

So the upshot of all that was that I was going to be driving to Alberta in the middle of winter.

Again.

Yep, that's about as crazy as it sounds. However; I had a co-pilot. Mike agreed to come along.

Complication #1:

As the "new guy" in the MHF office, I felt duty-bound to work both the Saturdays around the Holidays. So our journey to Alberta began 2 PM, Saturday December 22. Then I also volunteered for the following Saturday -- even though it meant cutting my visit to Alberta a little short.

Remember that bit about my relationship with Dad?  I was determined to go to Church with him on the 23. NOTHING was going to prevent that. If I only had a few days to visit; I was going to make them count!

Mike and I arrived 8 AM Alberta time. At that point, I had been up almost 27 hours straight.  We made it. I drove the 40 minutes to Cardston and was on Dad's doorstep at about 9 AM.

To find that my Father's en-suite toilet had leaked all over the Master Bedroom and into the basement below.  Dad discovered the "flood" at 4 AM, and had been up since then vacuuming the water out of the carpet. (We're still drying things out as of me writing this.)

I caught a nap. Dad took a break.

We went to Church. It's the simple things you treasure.

Complication #2:

The week before I was to leave on my whirlwind Christmas Tour; I was helping Kim out. She was bringing in supplies for her visit to Quesnel, and also some stock-up for her return.  There's a new house being built across the street from Kim's place and sometimes the contractors like to park their really big Ford Behemoth pick ups on the verge in front of the place.

Which they're not supposed to do.

On this occasion, buddy went one better and parked the beast with a trailer hitch sitting two feet over into the driveway.

Now, I saw the trailer hitch, and maneuvered my car to get past it (space was a little tight as another pick up was parked just ahead of the other side of the driveway); but ... I failed to see the 3" hook sticking off the back of the hitch. One of those small pin hooks that are used to secure the chains for an anti-sway bar. (It was a BIG trailer hitch...)

The hook caught the seam between my fender and the bumper cover about mid way up the side of the wheel well ...

... and peeled the bumper cover off the front of the car like a banana.




That's a photo of the aftermath in situ. The detached bumper cover is in the back seat of the car.

Well, much as I was calm and poised about it when it happened; my brain spent the next day or two gibbering to itself whilst running in small circles. The body shop I got the HHR's mirror replaced at refused to just put the cover back on; oh no! It had to be done with all new parts! Regulations, you know.

I prayed about this one... 'cause I was out of ideas.

In answer; I got the idea, "call Tony Holobuch".

There followed a conversation along the line of "Hey bro, you ever put the bumper cover back on a late model GM?"

-"No, but I've put the bumper cover on a late model Honda; can't be that much different."

"Where do we start?"

-"Remove the broken bits and get a new set of brackets and clips from your GM dealer."

And so we did.



All fixed!

Sorry kids, I found a new hobby.

WHERE have I been...?

On Quora.

"Question Or Answer".  My card: https://www.quora.com/profile/Brian-R-Sanderson

So there's that.

Okay...so here's a rundown on what I'm up to lately:

• Barry Kemp -- fine gentleman that he is, handed me some graphics projects that took a "borrowed" copy (thanks Peter!) of Photoshop and some weeks of time to finish.  Final result: I know a little about Photoshop and just what it is that Graphic Designers do all day.
• Barry also handed me off an old HP laptop that I in turn handed off to Kane Brunsch to see if he could fix the video (intermittent fault).  Kane will be getting back to me in a few days.
• Just had a Family Reunion over the Easter Weekend.  Family LEVEL 9000!!!  Worth every bit for those precious hours together.  This is good...because I am deeply in hock until such time as I get all the extra charges paid off.  I have resolved to be a much smarter traveller in the future.
• I dented my car today.  I am (strangely?) not all that upset about it.
• I'm dating.  Kim and other ladies.
• I'm corresponding.  With Kim and other ladies.
• I'm cohabiting with my Barely Housebroken Teenage Son.  But only on the days he has College Classes.  My goal is to get him accustomed to not needing a ride everywhere.  Starting with how to use Transit.  Baby Steps, Baby Steps...

More on all the above (and that's just TODAY). Later.

Moving on...

Moving Day.


This is going to be an unusual move.  In more than a few ways.

For the past 5 years, I’ve been living in the same house as my Sister’s family.  I’m the weird Uncle who lives under the stairs.  Before that, I lived in my (ex) wife’s house.  Before that, I was a footloose and fancy free single guy in the good old days of unregulated rental housing.

So this is the first time I’ve had to carry renters insurance.  Also the first time I’ve had to deal with things like: “pre move-in” inspections, references, damage deposits, and the like.

Strangest of all: I’m currently (for the next few weeks) living at one address while paying rent on another.

Grant informs me that Deo (our former landlord) has waived rent for February as we have to be out before the end of March anyway.  Also; we don’t need to clean up the house or remove our junk for the next occupants because there won’t be any.  This house is being demolished after we all move out.

So I have weeks to get all my stuff transferred to my new address.
And it’s only a block away.

I find myself wondering what I’m going to do with all these empty boxes I got from work.  Probably give ‘em to Grant and Kath.

I miss my old couch...

Here's another in our continuing series on Getting Older.

Did you know that it used to be commonplace for older folks to get up in the middle of the night and read or whittle or putter around at whatever until their eyes got heavy enough to go back to bed?

Of course, folks used to get to bed a lot earlier "back then".  Used to get up earlier in the morning too...

I find myself in much the same situation now.

There is a comfortable bed in the back bedroom.  There is a waterbed in my (sub-divided) living room.  There is my oh-so-comfy couch.

There was my oh-so-comfy couch.  It got replaced this week with a new model...that I have yet to figure out how to sleep comfortably on.

See, I get up in the middle of the night.  I go to bed pretty early these days.  I am also getting up earlier in the morning.  Sometimes I rise early to hit the gym.

Oh yeah, I'm going to the gym somewhat regular-like!  Also making good use of that treadmill I traded the tool chest for.

Anyways, I've still got sleep apnea, and my mouth applicance helps, but it's a little yucky to wear.

So I got into the habit of sleeping sitting up on the couch.

BUT.

The new couch isn't as good for sleeping sitting up and I'm...losing sleep over it.

Sigh.

I share the following from my FaceBook page from a few weeks ago:

"Teenage" moment.
(Parents with Teens will understand.)
I'm in the bathroom at 4 AM (middle aged people will understand). I hear the following from the kitchen down the hall:
CRACK! CLUNKclunkclunk! clatter! SHshshhhhhh...
The Boy is in the kitchen at 4 AM on a Saturday making himself a cup of Hot Chocolate. One of my Ice Cube Trays is now in three pieces, there are ice cubes scattered across the floor and counter top.
He doesn't like his Hot Chocolate to be too hot, you see...
...and I'm out of Milk...
...and he's never used Ice Cube Trays before...
After a quick demo on "flex gently with a twisting, and NOT a bending motion";
...and then showing him where the Ice *bucket* is in the freezer...
...I said goodnight.
I'm going to miss these moments when he finally moves out on his own.
(And no, I didn't raise my voice...not even a little bit. I live in the downstairs suite of my Sister's house and getting upset over this would 1) have been very bad behavior at 4 AM and 2) would have been VERY un-helpful where The Boy is concerned. He felt bad enough already and he really *didn't* know better...

I share this as I have had a lot of "I'm going to miss these" moments in the past couple of days.

I'm getting older.

My parents are getting older.

My friends, relations, acquaintances, and associates are getting older.

It's quite obvious that I have entered that "stage" of life where people I've been used to having around all my life are going to start leaving this life.  I'm talking about Mortality, of course.

Now I'm not going to get all mushy and write any pithy truisms about how life is precious and you need to hang on to those nearest and dearest because you just don't know how long they're going to be around in your life.  That stuff is all obvious.

But we don't think about it all the time.

A good old fashioned "home for the Holidays" type Christmas does bring it to mind though; especially if you and yours are scattered some distance from each other and don't get to be in each other's company very often.

I've had a wonderful time here, and I feel blessed and lucky to have this time with my loved ones.  That's all I want to say.

Not that this week hasn't been without a few difficulties...but those can wait for the next post.

The Twelve Days of MHF:

On the first day of Christmas, Logistics sent to me,

A re-pack from E.B.T.C.!

On the second day of Christmas, Logistics sent to me,

Two RTV's , and a re-pack from E.B.T.C.!

On the third day of Christmas, Logistics sent to me,

Three cancellations, two RTV's and a re-pack from E.B.T.C.!

On the fourth day of Christmas, Logistics sent to me,

Four re-schedules, three cancellations, two RTV's, and a re-pack from E.B.T.C.!

On the fifth day of Christmas, Logistics sent to me,

FIVE HOURS on hold with C.A.P.S.!  Four re-schedules, three cancellations, two RTV's, and a re-pack from E.B.T.C.!

On the sixth day of Christmas, Logistics sent to me,

Six mattress liners. FIVE HOURS on hold with C.A.P.S.!   Four re-schedules, three cancellations, two RTV's, and a re-pack from E.B.T.C.!

On the seventh day of Christmas, Logistics sent to me,

Seven king sized boxes, six mattress liners. FIVE HOURS on hold with C.A.P.S.!   Four re-schedules, three cancellations, two RTV's, and a re-pack from E.B.T.C.!

On the eighth day of Christmas, Logistics sent to me,

Eight hours of O.T. (Ain't gonna happen!), seven king sized boxes, six mattress liners. FIVE HOURS on hold with C.A.P.S.!   Four re-schedules, three cancellations, two RTV's, and a re-pack from E.B.T.C.!

On the ninth day of Christmas, Logistics sent to me,

Nine feet of imports, eight hours of O.T. (Ain't gonna happen!), seven king sized boxes, six mattress liners. FIVE HOURS on hold with C.A.P.S.!   Four re-schedules, three cancellations, two RTV's, and a re-pack from E.B.T.C.!

On the tenth day of Christmas, Logistics sent to me,

Ten boxed recliners, nine feet of imports, eight hours of O.T. (Ain't gonna happen!), seven king sized boxes, six mattress liners. FIVE HOURS on hold with C.A.P.S.!   Four re-schedules, three cancellations, two RTV's, and a re-pack from E.B.T.C.!

On the eleventh day of Christmas, Logistics sent to me,

Eleven back-orders, ten boxed recliners, nine feet of imports, eight hours of O.T. (Ain't gonna happen!), seven king sized boxes, six mattress liners. FIVE HOURS on hold with C.A.P.S.!   Four re-schedules, three cancellations, two RTV's, and a re-pack from E.B.T.C.!

On the twelfth day of Christmas, Logistics sent to me,

Twelve customer pick-ups, eleven back-orders, ten boxed recliners, nine feet of imports, eight hours of O.T. (Ain't gonna happen!), seven king sized boxes, six mattress liners. FIVE HOURS on hold with C.A.P.S.!   Four re-schedules, three cancellations, two RTV's, and a re-pack from E.B.T.C.!

Merry Christmas, one and all!

Silk Purses...

I will take a moment to brag (uncharacteristic of me, I know) about my proficiency as a "Wrench".

For those not in the know, a "wrench" is cycling slang for a bicycle mechanic.  Wrenches may ride...or not ride...but they *do* invariably possess a mental storehouse of cycle-mechanical lore.

And a collection of fairly unique tools.

I've been fixing bikes for 40 years.  I've got a set of tools that you would find in most shops -- with the exception of some very expensive specialty tools used in frame preparation and modification.

A COMPLETE set of bicycle mechanic tools (old school) looks like this:

That is a Campagnolo Master Set.  They're still made and sold today, despite being older than I am.  The Campagnolo company is one of the last remaining OLD bicycle builders.  This set has everything needed to prep, assemble, maintain or repair a Campagnolo Racing Bicycle and its frameset.

My own (more modest) toolset looks more like this:

That is a Park Tool AK37 Pro Shop Tool Kit.  Do I have one of these?  Nope.  But I do have every tool shown in that picture.  As I mentioned in a previous entry from wayyy back: when the time came to buy some proper bicycle tools, I found that I had a small collection started already.  So, I didn't buy one of the - more expensive! - ready-made kits.  Instead, I just bought what I didn't already have.  I have added to my toolbox since, in an effort to keep up with present cycling technology.  The last item I added was an IceToolz I.S.I.S. splined bottom bracket removal tool.  

I haven't done a whole lot of wrenching until very recently....

My kids don't seem to cycle much.

Grant's kids do cycle but are inclined to take good care of their rides so I don't have many requests for "fixes".

Ben Williams (my Nephew-in-law) did bring over a garage sale "find" that needed some love.  He originally intended it for his wife Shayla (my niece), but found it was a little small for her.  I think one of Grant's other daughters ended up riding it.

Grant decided he's through with cycling and has taken up running.  Finished his first race just last month!  I did fix up his old Norco Monterey...and it's still hanging on a hook in the garage; months later.

I never *did* hang out my shingle as a travelling cycle mechanic; which is too bad because I think I would have made a really good one.

I've got a real talent for taking a pile of parts and turning it into a ride-able bicycle.

Now we arrive at the point of this entry:

Peter.

There's a saying to the effect that we should treat people not as they appear to be, but as they could be.  We should believe in others and treat them as if they have in them to be better than they are.

And I do.  I believe in Peter.  He's gonna make it.  He's already come a long ways...with a ways to go yet.

Part of getting where he is going involved enrolling in school and getting a new job.  The need for some personal transportation came up and Peter bought an old Raleigh bike off craigslist...

What a metisse that thing was...and I don't mean that in a good way.

While giving it a once-over and trying to fit the frame to Peter, I discovered that its rear derailleur had been replaced with another that was incompatible with the frame.  Also, the handlebars could not be raised as the stem was too short.  So, a pilgrimage to O.C.B. was in order.

That was a few days ago.  We set up right on the floor (while the OCB guys looked a trifle askance), and found a new stem, derailleur, and tire for the back wheel (among other issues, it had a 2.75" tire on a rim meant for no more than 1.9").  I am sad to report that I left my raggy black CANADA hoodie at OCB.  It's probably been thrown out or adopted by some hipster bike messenger...

Anyways, on our way back home, we went 'round the block on 116A on the way to my place and saw a couple of bike frame - sans wheels - on the roadside.  The lady of the house arrived moments later while we were looking them over and told us they were indeed for salvage - take 'em away!

So we did.

One of the frames was a Gary Fisher Wahoo that just happened to be Peter's size!  The other was a dept store suspension frame, fairly new...but not what we were looking for; we took it anyways.

We spent an hour putting new wheels on and setting up the Fisher.  With ALL SPARE PARTS!!!

I've never had a Spare Parts Monster go together so well...or so quickly.  Peter says it may be that he is a good influence on me -- or perhaps I'm just a better cycle-mechanic than I think I am.

I let Peter borrow my "Jeep" helmet, and he bought some lights at Canuck Tire...he's ready to go.

Will post pictures later...

Robin Williams' death has me a little baffled.

I mean, we all knew the guy had a truckload of personal demons...a look at his life/career over the past 40 years (I grew up watching Mork!) gives ample evidence of a self destructive nature.

But I thought he had enough personal strength, and enough support from those closest to him to stay on top of all those demons.  I thought for sure he, of all people, wouldn't let the demons drag him down.

I look at one of Robin's comedy mentors; Jonathan Winters.  Winters died last year at the ripe age of 86.  A little over 4 years prior he lost his wife of more than 60 years to cancer.  Winters had the same irreverent, slightly off-kilter view that Robin had...and had no problem saying what was on his mind.  Winters also had his share of personal demons. Spent a few months in a mental hospital at age thirty-something.  Had a bona-fide diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

But he managed to cope.  Robin didn't.

It may have been that Robin was pushed a little too far to cope with.  There's a UK Guardian piece circulating about Williams' money troubles.  The $30 million he wound up paying his two ex-wives.  His new show "The Crazy Ones" got pulled.  A multi-million dollar ranch that wouldn't sell and wouldn't sell and wouldn't sell no matter how much the price dropped.

Minor crises in the life of a Hollywood "big shot"?  Perhaps, but taken together...and on top of everything else he'd been dealing with all his life?

Too much?  Maybe.  Maybe he was just...tired.

They say Alexander wept when he learned there were no more lands to conquer.  A frank look at Robin's life reveals a man who, in the eyes of his peers, achieved pretty much everything the Hollywood E-ticket ride has to offer.  Where do you go from there?  Why do you bother if it all stops being fun?

Okay, so, I'm back from Alberta a WHOLE WEEK early!

Mission: Accomplished.

Got Karen the new tires for her van.  Got the mower fixed, the yard maintenance done and the trash from the basement clean-up (they had a flood during the heavy rains a few weeks back).  Even got to take the kids out for dinner after they got home from trek.  Helped out Mom with her computer.  Got talked into carrying Erin K's stuff back from Cardston to the Lower Mainland.  She's moving back in a couple days and Arvid's truck will only accomodate about half her stuff - the other half is in the back of my van.

Speaking of the van:

I sort of side-swiped a moose on the way down.

Senor Bullwinkle was standing on the shoulder of Hwy 22 South about 1 mile north of Turner Valley.  He had his head down, and started ambling across the road about the moment I came over a slight rise in the road and spotted him.  I pulled abruptly to the left, and he brought his head up and began ambling faster.  So I'm heading for the Left-hand ditch and Mister Moose seems determined to meet me head-on before I get there.

Now, if I had hit him dead on...I wouldn't have a van anymore.  Also, I might be making this entry from a Hospital bed instead of at home.

But the moose thought better of trying to continue his crossing and turned around to head back to the right.  Only problem is; Moose are big, and a sudden turn-around is apparently not something they're capable of.  So he was more-or-less on the centerline of the road, paralell to the road, and I was almost all the way over into the Left lane when I reached where he was...so I almost passed by without hitting him.

Almost.

My passenger side mirror was clipped so forcefully that it left an imprint on the window.  Fortunately, the mirror is built on a pivot and it didn't break from the impact.  Putting it back was no biggie.  The sliding door on the passenger side, however, was not so fortunate.  I'll need a new sliding door, if ICBC can be persuaded that my vehicle is worth fixing.

Anyways, I'm OK...could have been worse.  I'm back early because I had an appointment with ICBC to get the damage assessed.

Postscript:  I spotted two young deer a fair ways South of Turner Valley on my way back.  Unlike Mister Moose, I saw them in plenty of time to slow to a stop and let them prance 'cross the highway in front of me.

What new, exciting and interesting things are happening THIS month, Uncle Brian?

That's me.  The Weird Uncle Who Lives Under the Stairs. (WUWLUtS).

Well, we got our new Collective Agreement presented and ratified last month.

I resumed Home Teaching last month ('bout time too!).  Our ward choir performed an arrangement of "Praise to the Man" that went so well that we were asked if there was a recording available!  I have been trying to get our Choir Director interested in a side project where a few of us from each section get together and sing the piece again so we can record it.  Hey, I can dream, can't I?

I'm off to Alberta to help out my nearest and dearest.  Well, they are dear to me...but they're also 1200 KM away.

I'm toting along a set of good (used) tires for Karen's van.  She phoned me in a bit of a worry about the "bald" tires the vehicle is presently equipped with.  She was worried the tires might explode, or something like that.  "No, see, first the tires will simply stop holding air for more than a day or so..."

"...then they'll explode."

I can be very re-assuring, don't you think?

Ladies and Gentlemen (and you know who you are!).  I now present the SANDERSON FAMILY SPACE PROGRAM!

Or...how to keep the Model Rocketry hobby interesting.

1. Pick up the skills and learn to use the technology:  We started with this:

That's the Estes "Shuttle Express" starter kit.  We're still using the launch pad and Estes Electron Beam Launch Controller that came with it, but the rocket itself is probably obstructing someone's rain gutters now.  Strong winds can be a caution.  Then we continued on with other "ABC" class rockets like these:

That last one?  The Cosmic Cobra.  Let us never speak of it again...

Anyways, on to the next step.  All these models thus far were pre-assembled or "E2X" - a special class of kit for rocketeers starting out.

2. Start learning to build our own:

That is a loadstar II.  Something I forgot to mention...all of the previous models shown were LOST.  For example; the original Loadstar had a good run, but now it's up a tree somewhere near Crescent Park School's ball field.  High winds and poor launch rail alignment can be a caution.

3. Build bigger and better:

That's Colin with the first level one "D" class rocket we built - The Stormcaster.  The little green one is the last ready made we bought and the only one we didn't lose - an Estes Skytraxx.  Like the Loadstar II, the Skytraxx has a clear upper section below the nose cone for payloads.  Colin wanted a model he could build on his own and so we added the Blue Ninja to the collection.

Seeing a pattern here?  This is as far as we've got yet.

4. Do interesting things with the rockets that push the envelope:

We want to try a Sunset Launch.  This requires putting lights on (or IN) the rocket.  We actually have two models with payload sections (see above) and BOTH have now been flight tested - in normal daylight conditions - with a cluster of light flashers on board.  Next step is to launch them IN THE DARK.

Well, not actually in the dark - that's against C.A.R. rules.  I'm talking about a launch under low-light conditions.  The lights should ensure we're able to find the models again, even under low light.  The Skytraxx will be first up, followed by the Loadstar II if we're feeling really adventurous.

Another "interesting" project?  A multi engine cluster!

We've got one of these:

The engine mount will accomodate ONE D-class engine.  It will reach only 200' on that engine as it is a very HEAVY model.  Not terribly rugged either.  One of the popular modifications of this model is to cram 4 C-class engines in a cluster around the D-class.  Like this:

That's a photo of Randy DeArman's multi-engine and multi-stage Saturn V build.  That is WAY more trouble than I want to go thru...but I wouldn't mind building a 5 engine cluster into ours.  Make it a "higher flyer"!

5. Aside from the bigger and better stage - we also have to gain some experience with higher power rocketry:

That's an Estes STM-012.  It's an "E" class rocket.  Stands a little over 5' tall.  We've got one of these under construction at the moment.  We'll have to find a new field to launch it...none of our usual haunts has enough open space to ensure a safe recovery.

6. The ultimate: the Scissor Wing Transport.

When I was but a young, eager, novice rocketeer...this was the ultimate.

By far the most complex model Estes ever offered as part of their regular line, it is sadly no longer available.  However, some enterprising enthusiasts have made the plans for this model available online.  One of the more popular projects among serious rocket nuts is to take the plans for the original model - an ABC class - and double all the dimensions!  Thus turning it into a D or even E class model.  What I am wondering is if an E class engine could provide enough thrust that you could loft the "upsized" version with a small battery, Xcver and servo on board.  Instead of just having it glide back to earth, what if you could steer that sucker?

7 ...AND BEYOND!!!

Where will our love affair with rockets end?  I don't know.  Colin is 15, and has started being REAL interested in Girls and Dating and the like.  His days as a eager-eyed rocketeer may be coming to a close.

But as for me?

Sometime before I retire, I'd like to graduate to real high-powered rocketry.  In the meantime, I think I'll read Dan Pollino's book: "I still have all my fingers - how to build a big sugar rocket on a budget without losing a limb".  It's available on Amazon, check it out!

What can I say...maybe I'm finally growing up.  After all, you're only young once...but you can be immature forever...

...or not.

If Maturity means getting things done even when you don't want to, then perhaps I'm not quite there yet.  I'm having a "lazy day".  Some plans I had for this evening fell thru and here I am; writing a 'blog post because of all the productive ways I could be spending my downtime, this is the easiest.

I'm growing my hair.  Why?  Because I'm nearly 50 years old and this may be the last opportunity I have to enjoy having long hair before it either turns grey, or starts falling out (or both!).  I may even keep it long up until I go to visit the folks next month...whereupon I could offer my Dad the opportunity of cutting my hair like he used to do when I was a kid.  I'm not sure he would enjoy that, I used to give him a lot of guff about it.  As the son of an Air Force Officer, long hair was just not in the equation.

It's Ok, but a whole lot more care involved than when I kept it short.

I'm also looking for a new vehicle.  I have confirmed that the Quest will NOT exceed 18 mpg in the city and with gas at 1.50$ plus a liter, that will not do.  I can hypermile to extend the van's range...but that only works up to a point and can put serious strain on the transmission and starter of an older vehicle.  I was thinking of a PT Cruiser.  A 2001-2004 model with a manual transmission (easier to hypermile)...but I can't really afford one.  I was even getting nostalgic for my old Mk III Caravan!  That model is available on the junker market, but not for the 200$ that I bought each of my previous 2 Caravan's for.  But it's close - especially if you figure in what I spent re-building Mean Green's engine.  The Elio - my dream vehicle with the 68 mpg fuel economy - will not be available in the NA market until later this year (if ever) and is unlikely to be available in Canada until next year (if ever).

I finally have a career goal in mind.  I can learn most of what I need to know online, but I will need a two-year certification course at some point.  Acquiring the books and courses would be easier if I had any money left at this point.  Wah.  Still getting started on it...the parts that don't require any money, that is.

So my money situation is contracting...I'm now dipping into my savings, the spendthrift days of money flowing like water are over.  I'm not even unemployed yet!  Lucky me.  HBC does seem to be in it for the long haul but if the economy doesn't pick up soon...I don't know how much more the company can cut and still stay in business.  Not really itching to find out, either.  So I have decided on a backup plan...and as the plan is not completely formed yet, that's all I'm going to say about it at the moment.

I have been called to the Elder's Quorum Presidency.  Obviously the Bishopric has some plans for me...and who am I to argue?  I had already decided on a life of service and activity in the Church...but still, this came as a bit of a surprise.  Not sure what I'm supposed to do.  Should be reading my Leadership Manual!  I'm feeling more than a touch damp behind the ears here, nowhutImean?

And I think it's high time I started dating.  I mean actually setting out some goals and seeing some people and exploring some expectations and what I've really got to offer!  'Cause I'm kind of awesome...

I am thankful for all I have...I have it really good right now (money issues notwithstanding).  The Lord has been very patient and very generous with me...and I have enjoyed all the opportunities I've had to serve...and I am thankful that they are not going away any time soon.  I am thankful for the wisdom and knowledge the Lord has given me, and the opportunities to learn.  So much I don't know!  I am especially grateful for the opportunities to teach the gospel.  I really should get around to reading all of "Preach My Gospel" one day soon.

Annnd.  I think I'll close here.

Merry Christmahannukwanzaayule!

I don't know who thought that one up.  I'd love to claim it...but no.  Not much happenin' in my lifes y'all...

Well...almost.

Done with Xmas, but now I am pondering a road trip to Sunny Southern Alberta to visit kith and kin for a few days.  Could also finally get that entertainment wall unit out of the garage and back to the folks' place in Cardston.  The highways seem (mostly) clear and the weather is (mostly) amenable.  Only trouble is I would probably have to do the trip all in one go.  There is a highway closure in Revelstoke scheduled for tomorrow morning (avalanche control) that I might need to work around.  I would like to time my arrival for early AM in Cardston...but that means leaving 13 hours earlier and minimal stops for food and etc.  Most of day one at the folks place will likely be spent in recovery sleep.  It's do-able...but I'm really not as young as I used to be.

I've re-divided the space in my humble hovel: I now have a super twin waterbed which is super-comfortable to sleep on.  It sits on the south wall next to the front window of my living room.  The living room boundary is now re-defined by a three-section wall unit that I traded to Tony H for my Loft Bed.  There is a new captain's bed living in my bedroom now.  It's where Colin sleeps when he visits me.  With a bedroom of his own...I can now think about having the boy stay with me full time.  He would be able to make such a petition to the BC Family Courts once he is sixteen.  That will be in 13 months.  We'll see what transpires in the next year or so.  Speaking of Family Court and such.  Coral will be 19 years old this January.  As such, L will be eligible for support payments from me for Colin only.  That would of course change if Colin's residence changes.  Hope she's ready...

I might need to have a word with the Family Law Resource Center downtown.

Brother Roy Crabb is in my thoughts and prayers as he may be facing (yet another) surgery to keep his much used and abused body going a while longer.  The good doctors he has seen over the past week or so are surprised indeed at the amount of discomfort and pain he has endured with this latest development.  If only they knew...The ER nurses who counted the various scars and bits of metal in his body - and therefore decided on an ultrasound scan rather than an MRI - seemed surprised that he was still walking around under his own steam.  He's a tough old Hawk, our man Roy.

Paul may be passing by in the next while and I may not be here...gasp!  I would so like to meet his new missus...but family comes first; I'm sure he'll understand.

Well, here we are again;

I simply must travel by air more often.  Sorry gang, haven't been hitting the 'ol 'blog very hard lately.  I think I may be spending too much time on FaceBook.  Then again, FaceBook is more fun...

So what's been going on lately?  I have been learning.

One of the things I have learned is about helping others: you don't have to be perfect.

Isn't that great?  Helping other people is a come-as-you-are, start-any-time, bring-your-friends-and-family-along kind of proposition.  You don't need to wait!  You just need to be willing.

Mind you, there is no helping some people...but that's a post for another time.

And yes, putting yourself out for the benefit of others can be a pain in the @$$ once in awhile...but it's often well worth it.  Why?  Because you get to see people win.  Seeing someone else win, and knowing that you helped bring that win about, is almost as satisfying as "winning" yourself. (apologies to Charlie Sheen)

In other words...there's a little bit of "fun" involved.  When vice and self-indulgence stop being fun...maybe you should check out clean living and generosity -- just sayin'.

Hmm.  Sorry, getting a bit preachy there.

So what's up next?

Back to work tomorrow, or Tuesday.  I have to check back with the office about how much accrued vacation time I don't have.  Labor day was in the middle of my 10 days off...but I think our HR people already figured that in.  I'll check.

I was off for a week prior to my vacation...oh the shame.  A pinched nerve in my neck I suffered a few years back recurred with a vengeance!  Was not expecting that.  Is OK now...despite the fact I spend the past week on the hardest innerspring mattress I've ever encountered.  Extra extra firm is NOT for me!  Will be good to get back to the Treadmill-and-Yoga routine now that my "temporary roommates" have departed for greener pastures.

Can I mention the rental car?  Economy rental is an Ontario based outfit that has recently opened outlets near Calgary and Edmonton airports.  Good Rates!  They hadn't finished licensing on two new Kias that came in...so they upgraded me to a Nissan Altima sedan.  Awesome.

Anyways; this next week I have to de-contaminate my place and replace my battered and abused Craigslist Couch.  Probably with yet another Craigslist Couch.  I foresee a Dump Run in the near future!  My Brother in Law Grant will be thrilled.

I have also GOT to get started on those six PC systems Peter and I are going to build.  If we can get an average of 200$ each, then Peter should be able to pay the money he owes me for Kim's move and have some ducats for himself. (a young Bohemian Man needs his ducats).

One final story about air travel.

I found my Leatherman multi-tool!

Or rather, the baggage scanner at YYC found it; in my laptop bag where it has apparently been all this time...including on the flight over here from Vancouver.  Oops, YVR dropped the ball there...

Not a huge problem, they made me go thru screening again, and I got to MAIL my multitool back to myself - it should arrive Friday.

Six Months?

SIX #$%^&*!!!??? MONTHS??

Am I kidding me?

To think that I once thought of this 'blog as a Quarterly.  What?  Have my publishing costs gone up so much that I have to switch to semi-annual publication??

Nah.  Just lazy.  Too wrapped up in...myself.

Seems like a good time to write, no?  I really ought to carry a notebook around so all those wacky ideas that come into me head when I'm working nights at HBC can be shared with the World...or whatever part of the World cares to show any interest in what I muse about when I'm working.

You know, I had a whole plan laid out for a new life:  I was going to be let go at HBC after 20 years service.  I was going to go to Cardston and stay with the folks for awhile.  I was going to get a new job, probably in Lethbridge, working in some kind of I.T. capacity.

All of which may still transpire...but not yet.  Step one: losing my job of 20 years with HBC didn't happen.

So, I'm staying put.  For now.

The last time HBC "re-allocated" our Logistics Center Workforce was way back in the beginning of 2003, when our present DC was completed and the staff from the Zeller's DC on Viking way in Richmond, and the Bay DC on Lake City Way in Burnaby, were both merged into our then-new building.  This required some...adjustment of shifts and pay scales and re-assignment of some staff to other departments because; quite frankly, not everyone could have the shift and department assignment they preferred.

The management team decided to have a "competition", based on seniority, to handle the transition.  This involved written requests and a couple of interviews and a WHOLE lot of nail-biting.  It was not unlike attempting to get hired on...for a job you were already being paid for.

Now, thanks to the Global Economic Downturn and the fact that we only service 2 of the 4 retail banners we used to supply from our DC, our present Management team is forced (reluctantly, I am sure) to "right-size" our workforce.  Our banners have been reduced in number because Zellers was sold to Target USA.  Also; Fields was closed as it was deemed too expensive to continue operations.  This is the new reality at HBC: We've retrenched a ways...and are slowly re-building.

It also means we've gone from a roster of 430 full and part time employees at our peak...to 43 full time employees, plus perhaps another 50-100 part time; called in as needed.  The roster is also slowly increasing...but we all know it will be some time before we are called on to work at the kind of capacity and pace we experienced before the Downturn.  I am convinced HBC will recover...but I've no idea how long it will take.

When the new "core" roster was announced, I felt certain that the time had finally come to move on from HBC to...another opportunity.  I was far enough down the Seniority List that there was no possible way of qualifying for one of the core roster positions; or so I believed.  Hence; the aforementioned plan for a new life in Southern Alberta.

I kept in mind the hoops I had to jump through the last time my Employers had to re-arrange their workforce.  I decided that if I wasn't going to make the full-time roster anyway; I wasn't going to bother jumping through the inevitable hoops required to try to make what income I could for what work there was.  If I was going to have to make such a change in my employment, it wasn't going to be all that much more trouble to find a new job.  I even imagined that I was looking forward to picking up and starting over.  The plan did have some...advantages.

Well, at least I was becoming accustomed to the idea.

So imagine my surprise when our Facility Manager came to me one Thursday evening and asked; "we have three more slots on the core roster, do you want one?", "doing what?" I asked in turn.  "Same as you are doing now: MHF Mondays to Fridays on the PM shift".

"Okay."

It was that easy.  Totally unexpected too.  My Father's advice to me in December before all this unfolded was: "Son, don't jump unless you are pushed!".  Sound advice that.

So...not the opportunity I had "braced" myself for...but an opportunity nonetheless.  Better make the most of it, no?

Sitting in an Airport...wotta yawn.  Got the laptop perched on top of the valise. (anybody want to buy a hard sided display case suitable for sales samples or WarHammer figurines?  It's Air Canada certified for carry on.)  All told, my vacation with the Folks has turned out well...until now.  Arrived one hour before departure to be informed that owing to "maintenance issues" my flight would not be departing at 7:45...but instead at 11:25 PM.  This has since been updated to 11:48; or "midnight" as we English speakers would have it.  Latest update on the story of this flight was that it was out of Halifax, NS bound somewhere southern-like (Carribean?, I've no idea), and there was a medical emergency that necessitated a return to Halifax.  This aircraft is now inbound from Halifax to Calgary.  I got a couple of "meal" vouchers from WestJet (for a whopping 16$)...I think I'd rather have a 50% discount on my next trip...or an upgrade.

Got to see Karen and the niece and nephews...except Evan.  He decided on Friday to stay with his Dad past the weekend and was unable to make Xmas at Grandma's.  Karen was a little ticked that the Rundquists didn't say anything about the change in plans until the last minute on Xmas eve.  Classy.

Got Mom's new (to her) desktop set up. Transferring the files between the Dell and the new HP was a little tricky; when I tried to mount the Dell's hard disk in the HP...it crashed.  The HP has been acting a little un-stable since.  I can see I've already got a maintenance call ahead of me in the Spring (or Summer, whenever), when I go back for a visit.  I set up the Dell with the spare monitor and keyboard the Folks had kicking around, so there are now two PC's living on Mom's desk.

Mom and Dad are in California on Art's (dad's boss) dime.  They were unable to make it to Disneyland as there was some unseasonably WET and WINDY weather in LA (more than typical in California in December, I mean).  Too bad; Mom still hasn't been on "Soaring over California".  The reason I mention it is because Mom was profoundly stirred by the "America Sings" presentation in 1976.  That building, in Tomorrow-Land, has since been re-purposed.  "Soaring over California" is the new "America Sings".

Going back to C.B.I. for physio on Monday...and I have to drop by the HBC offices in the morning, or Tuesday morning, to get some vouchers signed off.  Also must remember that tax information form for WSBC so they know how much to keep paying me before my "early and safe return to work" plan kicks in.

Next on the Agenda is to set up the remaining HP desktop unit + goodies for Susan.  She'll be without a PC come the new year 'cause her ex took theirs with him.  She's got a work-from-home gig coming up and she NEEDS this unit.  All good to me, 'cause it means I can empty one of the storage bins that are crowding the project table that Colin and I want to build Rockets on.

Got to see Keith.  He's living just north of Lethbridge, and working for the GEEK SQUAD of the Lethbridge Best Buy.  He ROCKS this gig.  We went to dinner on Friday eve and I was supposed to get him at 6:30 for his end of shift.  Instead, I arrived late to find him poring over a macbook pro that had apparently run out of hard disk space.  Wouldn't boot, wouldn't do anything.  Watched as Maestro Keith did a command line re-write of the drive and convinced it to dump about 2 gigabytes of superfluous log files and backups.  30 mins later, the mac is working brilliantly and the customer happily paid the 104$ OS install fee.  That's not what he did...but that's what they decided to bill it as.  What he actually did is the kind of thing you would normally send a unit back to the national service center in Toronto for.  A manufacturer-level fix.

Speaking of manufacturer-level fixes:

Since I've got the time, I'm going to tell you how I got that mainspring back into the pull starter on VJ's echo line trimmer.  Newer models have a sheet metal "keeper" that holds the spring even if the pulley that holds it inside the housing is removed.  As I mentioned before, this early model trimmer lacks that refinement.  SO: the problem is to keep the spring wound, and immobile long enough to get the pulley in place over top of it, then bolt the whole thing to the starter housing.  At the factory, this is done with a jig, and a special press.

I don't have those.

Winding the spring was no problem; put a couple nails in a scrap of wood and use the fitting on the center of the pulley to wind the spring up until it is slightly smaller than the diameter of the pulley.  Keeping it wound is no problem either; use 3 zip ties (in a sort of triangle configuration) to hold the wound spring around its circumference.  Getting it back into the housing with the zip ties around it ... that is a problem.  The zip ties around the circumference of the wound up spring make it too big to fit into the housing.  Even if you could slip the spring out of the zip tie "keeper" and into the housing, there is no way to keep it in there.

I used three copper paper clips, tapped and formed with a kraft hammer and using a door hinge pin as a tamper.  The clips slipped into the spaces provided by the three zip tie clasps (at each corner of the triangle, as it were), and once wound tight and formed around the spring , they held it in place and allowed me to remove the zip tie "keeper".  The clips were only a couple of mm thick, so the spring fit quite easily into the housing.  Next step was to use two 4" c-clamps to hold down the spring while I cut the clips.  I backed off one c-clamp just enough to cut away and remove the first two clips; then re-tightened it and loosened the other c-clamp, then cut away and removed the third clip.  Now: how do I remove the clamps and get the pulley back in there without the spring flying out of there again?

I froze it.

I used wax (thanks, Babybels!) to plug the hole the starter cord comes out of, then filled the housing, c-clamps and all, with water - up to the top of the fitting for the pulley.  After a couple hours in the freezer, I took the assemblage out and fired up the old 65 Watt soldering pencil.  I melted the ice around the foot of one of the c-clamps, and removed it.  I re-filled the melted hole with water and stuck the starter housing back in the fridge for a couple more hours; then removed the remaining c-clamp, re-filled, and re-froze.

So now I've got the spring wound up, in the housing, held in place by a 1/2" cake of ice over top of it.  I removed the wax plug, and melted the ice immediately around the fitting in the center of the housing where the pulley attaches.  I bolted down the pulley...and waited for the rest of the ice to melt; tightening the bolt a little more every few minutes while I waited.  After the pulley was bolted down completely, I treated the starter with compressed air, aerosol part cleaner, and WD-40.  Installed the pull cord and VOILA' - good as new!

I'm just that good sometimes.

There are times when a major inconvenience can be a blessing in disguise.

Our most recent move, for instance.

Grant and Kathy got their move out of the old place done by the 27th of October.  All their worldly goods had been moved out of the old place and crammed into the new.  This caused some logistical problems.  I had a few larger items: the TV and cable drum it sits on, my couch and my waterbed.  I gave Grant until the 31 to clear me a passage through the garage in the new house so I could get at my door and get these items moved in.  He did so.  I arranged for help on the night of the 31st and the 1st to get the items moved and give myself time to clean the carpets, counters and the kitchen appliances.

I got up at the usual time for work on the morning of the 31st, and made the usual trip to the bathroom for my morning communion with the water-closet...

...to find an inch or three of standing water in the bathroom, and more coming from under the kitchen counter.

My bedroom, with the still-full queen-sized waterbed bladder (sitting on a flimsy particle-board sub-frame), is between the bathroom and the kitchen.  I realised I wasn't going in to work...as I had to get that waterbed drained before the frame got soaked and collapsed under the weight of the bladder.

That took two hours, by which time the water did soak the sub-frame and rendered it unusable.

S'Okay.  I had no room for a queen waterbed in the new place anyway.  My lovely waterbed, with its now-damaged frame, went to the landfill.  I'm sleeping on a brand new loft bed with a brand new foam mattress.

We suspect the flooding is a result of the property owners refusing to pay to have the foundation drainage of the house connected to the new storm drain line the city installed a few months ago; after which the city also filled in the drainage ditch on the west side of the property.  That house didn't have terrific drainage to begin with, and the flooding in the backyard, the garage, and eventually the house, (which is still on-going as of this writing) seemed inevitable.  It made some hurry for Grant and Kathy to get their stored stuff out of the garage before it all got waterlogged.  Ironically, they had just got finished cleaning the carpets downstairs the night before the flooding started.  I, of course, didn't bother cleaning the carpets in my place as they were going to have to be replaced anyways.  The landlords still made me clean the oven, fridge, and counter tops (splish splash) and would not release the Hastings' damage deposit until I had done so.  Some people, I tell ya!

With the closure of the Annex I had hoped to be back to work as usual in the Central Stock department at our main building.  Not a chance.

Central stock has gone from 2 shifts (down from three) and 16 staff; to 1 shift and 8 staff...or less.  Wade, Barry, Heather, Mike, Sanjee, Gurmej, Marv, and Amresh.  All of whom are higher on the seniority list than I.  For all practical purposes, this means there will be no further vacancies in Central Stock until someone retires...or dies.  All other W2 staff formerly associated with the department have been "loaned out" to other departments.

This is how I found myself in Major Home Fashions ( the department formerly known as Big Ticket).  My day now consists primarily of wrestling mattresses and humping refrigerators...

That's not a pithy witticism...that's what I actually do all day.

Or rather, that's what I did all day: up until November 6th, when I tried to haul a walkie battery weighing several hundred pounds with a crate hook - sideways - and succeeded...in straining my lower back.

We've been here before, haven't we?

Lucky me; because of the previous experience with Lower Back Injury, I know now that one does NOT wait a few days while the discomfort and pain get worse and worse before doing something about it.  I went and reported the injury immediately, and got Dave to put some ice on it at the First Aid station.  They sent me home in a cab, which I had drop me off at the clinic on Scott Rd and 84th, after which, I got Grant to take me home.  My car had to stay where it was for a the next 5 days.  Armed with doctor's orders to rest, and a prescription for Naproxen and Benzaprine; I did my best to stay "off" my back for a few days.

Of course...our HR department at work started jonesing right away about their "Safe and Early Return to Work Plan".  Huzzah.

After a week or two, WorkSafe BC got involved (the department formerly known as the Workers Compensation Board).  I now have a case worker / nurse whose first bit of advice was to immediately find myself a physiotherapist.  I did so, in the person of Coral Bates of the Scott Road Physio clinic.  She's a real sweetie!  Easy on the eyes too...

Alas, my Physio Nirvana was not to last long, because HBC ran out of modified duties for me to perform at work.  (I was doing six hour shifts hanging garments in Put To Store for the Top Shop project.)  I was put on layoff for a couple of days, at which point my WorkSafe case worker informed me that as I was on layoff, I had to enroll in Occupational Rehabilitation Therapy right away...or they couldn't keep paying me.

Both my Doctor and Physiotherapist felt OR Therapy might be a little premature...but not to worry; by hook or crook, I've managed to delay the actual onset of the WCB Health Club for Broken People for a few days and the financial downside hasn't been bad at all.  So: next week (after a follow up with my MD to get my blood pressure checked - oops!, I forgot that last time!) I begin daily sessions of physical training and exercise designed to build me up and equip me with the knowledge I need to maintain that physical level so I DON'T get another back injury in the future.

Know what else would prevent me getting hurt at HBC?  Finding another job that doesn't require wrestling mattresses and humping refrigerators!

I'm going to discuss scheduling with my OR Therapy clinic tomorrow.  I want to take a day out next week for a Career Development Seminar at LDS Employment Services.

Okay...time to clean house.

I'm at the folks place in Cardston, Alberta.  Been here a couple of weeks now.  Helping Mom get a few things done around the house and putting out some feelers in the area for a new job.  Still; I'm heading back to the Lower Drainland come the 26th of this month, which is next Friday.  I took a few weeks off (unpaid) to help the folks and look into a few new career possibilities, yes; but what I really came out for was for an unfinished project: Mom and Dad's 2002 Mazda sedan.

I just don't have the vinegar in me to finish this sucker.

It started out as a ring job.  Straightforward, no?  Just pop off the cylinder head, pull the oil pan, remove the pistons, hone, re-ring and re-install...simple, right?

Wrong.

The year previous to this model, a new 2.0 liter engine was offered to replace the standard 1.8 liter.  Slightly bigger engine in the same size engine bay has the same effect as the same size engine in a smaller engine bay: stuff gets moved around.  In this instance, the "stuff" was two of the bolts used to hold on the "engine baffle".

Part number 14 in the Diagram I pinched off the 'Net.

Okay, see the red circle up there?  That's where a couple of bolts that hold the "engine baffle" in place are.  Notice how the "engine baffle" is an actual solid bulkhead between the crankcase and the oil pan -- with some drip holes, sure, but it makes it impossible to access the crankshaft and pistons without removing the baffle first.

Now note that those two bolts circled in red are inside the casting!!!  Positioned immediately next to the transmission bell.

Which means...?

YOU HAVE TO DISMOUNT THE *&^%$#@@!!! TRANSMISSION TO GET AT THEM!

If there was an Academy Awards for automotive engine design, I would happily nominate this engine for Stupidest Design Flaw That Could Have Been Avoided.

I was game to try, I admit.  I tried last time I was here in March.  I tried again (and again) this week.  I've thus far come within a hairsbreadth of dropping the transmission onto the garage floor -- twice!  I've spent 200$ on tools and sundries to try to make further progress on this car and I just...can't.  Everything I've tried to do, I've had problems with.  I broke both front ball joints, I broke a new breaker bar.  I've gone through TWO sets of 1/2" extenders.  I've practically dis-assembled the entire front end of the car and even if I somehow manage to get that baffle off...I'm still going to end up screwing around with re-assembly and dis-assembly before I can get the rings swapped, the engine re-assembled, and the transmission re-mounted.

I really just want to chuck it all, you know?

It's not like I don't already have other projects waiting on me here.  Karen gave me a Dell laptop that needs to have its screen connector re-connected.  The Acer laptop I fixed for her lost its wireless.  In that instance; I'm going to recommend a mini-USB wireless adapter.  

I also have other projects waiting at home.  Colin and I have model rockets to build.  With the help Erik gave me with the Passat, I now know the car is in good shape and I ought to get it back on the road.  Baaska's laptop needs a new hard disk, Ramesh wants me to fix his kids' computer again...

Sometimes it's hard not to feel overwhelmed, you know?

I have been able to get a few things accomplished with my time here.  I spent a day at the LDS services center in Lethbridge, going over my work experience and getting my new resume' done.  I've now got an account with LDS services and with the Job Bank.  I'm checking daily, and sending out resumes' to anything that looks interesting.  Tomorrow I'm going to try to arrange for a few minutes with a company in Lethbridge that has definite career potential.  Just to be thorough, I'm also sending out resumes' to companies in the Lower Mainland.  It's nice to have a job to go back to...but only if I have to.

The only other major accomplishment was getting the garage cleaned up (apart from the dis-assembled car in it), and finally dealing with that unholy-travesty-bio-hazard-eldritch-terror that was my parents' (accidentally defrosted for three weeks) freezer.

Been a long time...again.

I'm not sure I like Bloggers new look, but I suppose I can live with it.  For this entry, I think I will start where I'm sitting...and move outward.  

First is the new computer.  A Dell Precision 490 workstation with WAY more power than the custom Asus machine I was using.  I've got it sitting at the foot of my massive waterbed on a little Ikea-esque desk I bought from JYSK a few months back.  It has all the toys; webcam, mike, internet phone link and a printer/scanner/copier that is sitting on a rack above the desk...bolted to the wall.

I am so going to miss this place when we move out.

Oh yeah; I suppose I should mention us getting evicted.  This summer, and past spring, the Landlord spent a little money sprucin' the place up a bit.  We got a new coat of paint, a new backyard fence, some new woodwork on the back deck...

Note that exactly none of that was requested, or required.  This is just how the management company that acts as Landlord for the Owners decided their yearly budget ought to be spent.  I can hardly blame them; between the brand new United Church on the north side of our property and Mr. Avtar's new house on the south side, this place was looking like a dump.

Mind you, what the place needs is new double-glazed windows and new non-drafty-and-non-dry rotted doors.  A new furnace would have been nice.  Kathy told the Landlord that we would not be signing the lease renewal unless they could at least address the furnace issue.  They said; "see ya!".  Silly people.  Mind you, we're still probably going to fix the garage door for them...'cause we need for it to be able to open in order to get our stuff out of it.  This will require dis-assembly of a very heavy (and ALSO dry rotted) solid wood garage door about 10 ft wide.  Has some damaged hardware too...

Hmm.  Got sidetracked a bit there.  What was I doing in the garage already?  Okay, lets move over to the living room next...

Starting at the fireplace, we've got the toolbox holding all the Model Rocket Gear...

I got Colin into Model Rocketry.  Just like his old man, the boy has taken to "blowing stuff up" (under controlled conditions) really well.  His catch phrase when pressing the launch button on our Estes Electron Beam Launch Controller (tm) is; "SUCK IT, PHYSICS!!!".  We've lost 4 ready-made models this summer after about 18 launches (or six packs of engines, if you prefer...).  Our most reliable model was an Estes Loadstar, with 10 Launches and 9 successful recoveries.  That's right, the remaining three models accounted for only 8 launches between them.  Heck, the Cosmic Cobra didn't even open its parachute!  The shuttle express had 4, and the Athena had 2, and a "frankenflight" of the Loadstar with the Athena's nose cone had 1 flight...which crashed.  The Loadstar was repaired after the crash, but never really flew straight after that.  It's up a tree somewhere east of Crescent Park School's ball field.

We learned from our mistakes.  Our current ready-made is a bit fancy: an Estes SkyTraxx, with a 3 piece nose cone suitable for carrying a small payload.  We've also moved up to D class rockets.

The back story behind the move to bigger and better goes like this:  One of my many Facebook friends is a former Single Adult Ward alumnus named Roger Tewson.  Rog is a EMT these days and he's been following our rocketry exploits on my page for awhile.  A few months back he asked me how best to get himself and his boys started in the hobby, and I obliged.  He bought his youngest son the Estes Moon Mutt mini-A class kit...and himself and his older son the starter kit with the Estes Amazon and Crossfire models.  The Amazon is 34" tall...way bigger than our somewhat battered Loadstar.  That's right folks...I got Rocket Envy.

So, our next model was a level one D class kit: the Estes Stormcaster.

It's very similar in design to a Canaroc kit I built when I was Colin's age: the Black Brant V.  The Black Brant series is still in use in Canada and other Commonwealth countries...but sadly Canaroc, and the models based on the Black Brant sounding rockets are no longer available.

Okay, so what else is there in the living room?  Well, there's my workbench.  I bought a PVC folding table and a couple folding chairs for it.  It's the nexus for most of my Projects.

Ah yes...my Projects.

I have discovered that I need Projects to keep me...sane.

Currently there's a couple of HP workstations that I got from Sister Williams.  One has been donated already to my friend Tony, and the other is being used by Colin; 'cause he killed his Dell laptop after spilling water on it.  Teens with expensive electronics?  Buy the extra warranty coverage!  I still have another of those HP's and the previously mentioned Asus system to find homes for.  I've got Colin's system hooked into that boom box that used to belong to Laurie's Opa.  Sounds awesome.  I've been using it to dub my CD collection onto tapes (reversal of fortune, no?) as the new mini van's CD changer doesn't work (I removed it), but it's tape deck does.  What else gets done on there?  Well, we built the Stormcaster on it, (and when I say "we", I do mean both of us; Colin helped) and I performed a Minor Mechanical Miracle there.

The MMM came about when Vijay was trying to replace the pull cord on his Echo gas powered line trimmer.  I've read the manual for that model and there ought to be a warning something like this: "CAUTION: under NO circumstances should the user of this trimmer EVER REMOVE THE PULLEY FROM THE PULL STARTER UNIT."

Newer model trimmers made by Echo and other manufacturer's now include a sheet-metal retainer inside the pull starter housing to keep the clockwork spring in place...but this was an older model and it lacked that refinement.  So, Vijay removed the pulley, the retaining bolt flew to the far corner of his shed, and the clockwork spring SPRANG out of its housing and darn near took his eye out...

...and he asked me to try to put it back together.

I did some due diligence: I had a consult with the guys at Fraser Valley Tools in Surrey, and reviewed a few YouTube videos on the subject.  The consensus from all sources was that getting that clockwork spring re-wound and getting it to sit still long enough to get the pulley back in place over top of it was absolutely and unquestionably IMPOSSIBLE - without the factory tools and jigs used to put it in there in the first place.

Took me nearly a month to figure it out.

I have discovered a native talent for mechanical assembly:  If I can envision it in my mind, I can make it work.  If I can't see it...that is, if the "simulation", the mental model I've built of a procedure in my mind doesn't work...I can't do it.  If I can see it working, I can do it.  If I envision it, and I can't see it working...I keep thinking about it until I find a way that it can work.

I would love to describe how I pulled this off, but I think I'll leave it for another post.  Are we at the front door yet?  Yes?  Good, let's go outside.

First thing in view is the Van.  I'm rather pleased with it.  It really proved its worth today as we participated in the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive for the Surrey Food Bank.  We picked up two routes in Delta and transported a third to the depot at the 126th street chapel.  We also did a little overtime chasing missed pickups in the area.  I had to bribe Colin to get him to come along, but it worked.  It's going to come in handy when I move.

Further outward yet and what do we have?  My neighbor Roy Crabb.  An incredibly interesting man.  He's recently joined our Ward and is a fellow Ward Missionary.  I have a lot of respect for the man.  He's also going to be the subject of another, later, post.

Beyond that there's Church, and Work, and Phil's hobby hut; that last being a place that Colin and I have made frequent pilgrimage to in search of engines, models, and other Rocketry sundries.

Oh! Church! I almost forgot; my eldest niece, Shayla Marie Hastings...is getting married next week at the Vancouver Temple.  I will be attending.

Work has been awesome...and it's about to end.  I am saddened by this.  I'll tell ya more about it later.