The rumors of my demise...

I have another character flaw.

I don't adapt well to change.

The last time I was due for an update I had a mildly traumatic event.

After having clawed, backstabbed and blackmailed to get my toe into Branch 90, Sterling Cranes' heavy lift division, I was ignominiously kicked off Suncor's site, for being over 6 feet off the ground without a safety harness.

I was up on the 330 ton crane in what I thought was at the very least a grey area. Apparently not. Within 30 minutes after said incident I was off the site and back in my room.

The next day I was on new site with an uncertain future. No internet. And a strong predilection to hunker down and reassess my choices.

Bodies strewn everywhere. And all for naught. Back to the bottom of the heap.

I finally ended up here: (my crane on the right)






in an excellent camp with a good job, but it was hours from town and very isolating.

Almost immediately upon settling there I got the opportunity to buy another rental apartment. Only this time I had learned from the first one and was determined to do it right. Cash flow positive.

Both rental units are now under professional property managers and I believe the newer one is cash flow positive. Time will tell.

The business I am focusing for my retirement (must find a new description for that period) is a music studio. A full professional studio, can be bought anywhere in the world for 750K. With 30% down you can get a business loan. At this point it's just a dream. Catamaran first.

Cami got married. I always describe Ryan as the kind of guy that walks into the room and makes everyone feel comfortable. Wish I was kewl like him.

Ya Ya, I'm kewl. But not as kewl as him. She dun good. As usual. Very proud of her.

Morgan is doing well. Still promising to go to school. He knows what to say to make me happy. He is also the prime source of hugs. Every one is appreciated.

OCT 23. Vegas. Always wanted to see Elton John in Vegas, but he is usually there in March, and for some reason I am always poor in March, maybe it's my xmas holiday. This year he is doing two weeks in the fall. Must see. Cher is there too. And Cirque. And helicopter ride into the grand canyon. Iiiiee. Only budgeted 4 days :)

The Irish embassy has accepted my application for citizenship. I have to wait 18 months from now for the answer.

I'm tired of telling people I am making good money, but I can't seem to get ahead. I owe more now than when I came here 6 months ago. It's always something. Soooo. I am going to do the save 10% thing. Only, Doug style. Two weeks ago I started putting 25% of my net income into savings as soon as I get my cheque. No idea if it sustainable, but I'll know soon enough :)

Getting my hated tattoo, laser removed. In contact with a new tattoo designer. I finally found a true artist, Jenny Jarrett at Liquid Amber to do the ink. Very excited again.

Ordered a carry-on backpack after much research. In theory if I pare down the stuff I take on trips to one small bag I can walk right onto planes and off again without long waits at the carousel. And no more lost/missing luggage.

1428 days.

Oh, and I landed back on my feet. back at Suncor, on a 500 ton Demag.
(The one in the middle)

Gonna publish now, because my thoughts are endless...

The things that matter in life...aren't things.