Ireland

I felt guilty about not writing a post about my experiences in Ireland. I lost most of the pics. I lost the memory card with the majority of pics on it, but the previously mentioned Brazilian girl had a copy. Apparently she couldn't spare an hour of her time to mail it to me, although she promised several times. She's gone.

So here is the Ireland adventure...
I landed in Dublin the day of the U2 concert and spent the day finding my hostel, buying a new camera, buying a phone and grabbing a bite to eat. Then it was into cab and off to the concert. I had excellent seats and U2 didn't disappoint. Bono has a boatload of charisma and endless hits.

After it was finished I wanted to head downtown to find the famous Temple Bar area but there was a lineup with 80 thousand others all trying to hail a cab. I walked a few blocks and came across a bar so crowded, people were packed right across the sidewalk and onto the street. My kind of place. It was an adventure just trying to squeeze my way through to get a Guinness. I did it. Drank my pint but the lure of downtown still pulled strong. Or more accurately, I didn't fall in love. So back out onto the street to find a taxi. Still 75 thousand people out there. But I was alone. They were ambling. I would just hoof my way to the front of the crowd. Wrong. After a few more blocks I came to another bar. Much like the last. Big. Packed. If ya can't
beat em...

So I made my way inside. Better music. Prettier girls. No use hurrying. Might as well enjoy the beer. I worked my way through the different areas of the bar looking for a place to lean against. After about ten minutes I spotted a bannister at the top of some stairs and found a place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. There was a pretty girl occupying the other bannister, minding her own business. I soaked in the music. The people. Debated my future.

After a few minutes the girl next to me lifted her empty Guinness glass. Looked at it. Put it back down. Watched the crowd... Was that my cue? She sure was pretty. So I leaned across and said "Excuse me, do you have any Irish in you?" Just kidding. I said "Want another Guinness?" She said "I'm just lazy..." I never went to my own room for my first three days in Ireland. We ended up going to see U2 again the second night. She was pretty, intelligent and adventurous. We had a lot of fun. She had just flown in for the concert and only stayed 3 days.

Temple Bar... Picture this... You are standing in a packed bar. Live music. One man and his guitar. Sometimes a duo. Sometimes a trio. The bar is a warren of tiny alcoves big enough for a table or two. Occasionally a minibar. It is packed so full you are squished up against someone on all sides. Not even enough room to snake your arm through to set your drink down while you fumble with your camera. So you hold your Guinness close to your chest against the inevitable bumps. The laughter around you is in twenty different languages. You recognize some of them, but you already know what they are saying, "Damn that guy with the blue eyes is hot!". The musician strikes up a chord. You recognize it. Everybody recognizes it. "Take Me Home, Country Road", "One Love", "Sweet Home Alabama". Everybody sings along at full volume. Someone cheers. Someone else cheers. Toasts are made. Friendships are sealed. Pictures are taken. Memories are born. The "Temple Bar" in the Temple Bar area of Dublin was my favorite, but there are many very similar.

I did the brewery tours. Jamesons and Guinness in Dublin, and Bushmills in N. Ireland. They were what you'de expect. Buy the tshirt and of course take home a sample.

Spent two days in Belfast. Looked for nightlife but didn't find anything intriguing. There are still many symbols of sectarianism once you get out of the city center but I didn't sense any threat. No charm for me in Belfast.

Then I flew down to Limerick to say hi to Emma. She has since given birth to a perfect child, Scott. I can't imagine a better mom (cept mine of course). Only got to spend an hour with her as I it was already early evening when she got off work and I still wanted to see "Durty Nellie's", billed as the oldest pub in Ireland. Never fell in love with it. Again, I understand it's all about the people and it was just the tour bus crowd when I was there. Next door I found a pleasant surprise in Bunratty Castle. I got there just on time for a medieval feast with authentic music, costumes, and fare. Wench Aislinn even brought Lord Doug a vegetarian meal and extra servings of mead. Next morning it was bus ride to Cork. The roads are very narrow all through Ireland and instead of traffic lights they use traffic circles. Lot more thinking involved driving there. On Cork it was right off one bus and on to another and whisked up to Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone. Was much fun for me. Then back to a Cork and back to Dublin. After a few days you don't even check the schedules anymore. There is always a bus leaving within the hour to wherever you want to go.

Back to the temple bar then next day up to Newgrange to see the passage tombs. As a history lover it was interesting but it has all been dug up and replaced so it is basically a reconstruction. While I was in the parking lot I noticed a sign saying "Battle of the Boyne" 6km. So I ripped up my bus ticket and called a cab to come out from town. Bit of a disappointment. It's basically a restaurant and an audio video demonstration. Not much to see. From there it was a cab ride to see the famous walls of Drogheda. Just remnants left. Happily right beside the bus station so... Back to Temple Bar.

I went to the geneology center and searched the records for my grandmothers birth certificate but apparently she was never born. As a last gasp effort I asked the really nice lady who worked there, if there was a mechanism for turning a baptismal certificate into a birth certificate and joy of joys there was. She mailed the paperwork and it is just matter of seeing a notary on my next day off then mailing it back to see if indeed I now have the final document to complete my application for an Irish passport.

A seven dollar item here costs seven euro there, so everything was about 60 percent more expensive at the time I went. Buy necessities before you leave home. Like a comfortable rain jacket. The only thing I wanted to see but didn't was Galway. Everyone said I should have gone there but the weather was crappy when the time came.

If I get the passport I will have a base in Ireland. If I will be be visiting Dublin regularly.

To Risk is to Live (v.234618)

I had the opportunity to invest in a bar in Mexico. I believed in the two guys that were starting the business and was offered 15% for 20K $US. I didn't have cash the to buy, but I could have borrowed it privately.

There were a lot of risks in this scenario. Losing my job and not being able to pay back my loan. Being stretched even thinner financially. The business could have failed. Endless reasons not to take a chance. In it's favor was my belief that owning a business is an important pillar in my quest for financial sovereignty. Also I knew the guys involved and believed they had the ability to succeed. Thirdly it was a learning opportunity.

The deal fell through because they never raised enough capital. Clearly not enough people interpreted the risk/reward ratio the same way I did. But in my opinion the moment you stop taking calculated risks you abdicate the incredible palate of possible futures you can eek during your limited existance.

Failure is how we learn. Embrace it.

I did end up learning a few things I find quite valuable. As I saw the business plan evolving I realized that it's really just an attempt to create an argument that is convincing enough to get others to buy into your vision. Would I have learned that in school? Maybe. I also learned that I could get others to invest money in my business. Until now I had only considered banks.

Anyone want to invest in a Music Studio/Bar/Hostel for Wayward Girls? ; )

It's going to happen. Something is going to happen.

Think I saw a leprecaun..

But alas it was before I kissed the Blarney stone and I couldn't coax him out of the castle ruins. I stood there for six hours cajoling, bribing, flattering, begging, but not even a sniff of a reply. Now I am doubting whether he was even in there. I sure hope so, or else all the strange looks I got from the passing tour bus groups might be embarassing.

One thing I did find was a ray of hope for my passport. I went to the Government Registrars Office in Dublin and personally searched the the records. They are handwritten and typewritten in well worn books. After exhausting every possible name, I was about to leave and thought to ask if there was a process for converting a Baptismal Certificate into a Birth Certificate, and praise the god of passports there is! To make it even better the woman I talked to was a fountain of optimism and helpfulness. Process is underway.

Haven't posted for a while primarily because my life has been a maelstrom. Last November the world economy crashed. No one feels it harder than construction workers. If the economy isn't expanding we ain't constructing. Of around eleven thousand construction workers at the plant I primarily worked at, over nine thousand lost their jobs in less than a two month period. The attrition continued until June this year. Every week the skeleton workforce that remained was pared down. The company I work for shrank to 10% of what it was at xmas. Sudden and brutal, then slow and painful. Happily my record is near spotless and my skill set and work ethic are almost unmatched, so I survived the slaughter in good shape. The corner seems to have turned and opportunities are opening up again. Barring a reversal, the future looks bright again.

I haven't made obvious progress in financial sovereignty in the last couple months, but I now have in place an accountant and a financial manager who I am pleased with. Since I found property managers for my rental units I don't even think about them any more. Happy Happy. I paid for my vacation out of savings so I won't have added credit card debt.

I kissed a girl, and I liked it! Met a girl in Ireland, who is from Brazil. Check back in a year and I'll tell ya how it worked out :)

Loved Dublin. Tons of live music of every sort, many fascinationing stories, and an endless stream of people looking to have fun. Expensive as a tourist though. Possibly more reasonable if you live there. Cloudy with occasional dribbling rain everyday I was there, but only wore a jacket four days out of twelve.

I lost the memory card with photos of the first four days in Ireland on it, but "the girl" has most of those photos and when I get them I will make a post about the other experiences I had there.

Cami is thriving, and Morgan starts college in September, and everyone I know is healthy, so my life is good. Oh and I'm driving sweet ass BMW. Normally I wouldn't mention what I am driving because I am soooo not my car, but it is just another little thing that causes me to be thankful.

Taking a university english course by correspondence, and have fallen behind, but will catch up. Working out semi regular. Not playing guitar as often as I would like.
But I feel like I am living life to it's fullest. So theres that :)

The world's luckiest guy

The way we were

I saw a movie "Once"...

It planted a seed.

I have always searched out live music in intimate venues. I have spent many hours considering how I could have more of it in my life.

In the movie, there was a small music studio. As soon as I saw it I knew instantly I could muster the resources to have one too. Epiphany.

The seed flourished into a sapling, and has overwhelmed all other considerations of what to do when I end the current phase of my life.

"From desire, ariseth the thought of some means we have seen produce the like of that which we aim at; and from the thought of that, the thought of means to that mean; and so continually, till we come to some beginning within our own power."
Hobbes, Leviathan

At this point in my ruminations I would like to meet people that have studios. In conversations I have already had, it seems clear the sound engineer will be an important draw to the studio. My thought is that if I do not meet the right engineers before I have the studio, I will tour universities asking the professors to recommend outstanding students. I will be living in Europe. The studio will be in Europe.

I am interested in opening a dialog with anyone who shares these interests.

On a different note.

I instituted a savings plan several months ago. 25% of my net. It has been successful. It's hard. I have fallen behind a couple times but always caught up. I find I don't have the discretionary income anymore, but I have adapted and I am happy I have savings now.

I am moving my investments to a personal money manager from my self-directed RRSP. Most people who have any wealth use them.

I should get the final decision on my Irish citizenship by the end of '09.

I have had to change my union affiliation to an Alberta local in order to stay in Fort McMurray. I considered coming back to BC, but the work situation here is questionable. This switch has ramifications. In BC I can retire at 55 with only a 15% hit to my pension, but in Alberta its a 30% hit. So the pension I have already earned won't be affected, but the part I earn in Alberta will take the hit. I'm not sure how I will deal with this.

I have two rental units now. Both are in the hands of Property Managers. They are well worth money, considering the units are in Edmonton and Terrace and not easily accessible by me. I don't have to spend any time thinking about the properties other than making payments (about $400/month beyond what rents cover).

Didn't go to Cuba at xmas, due to all the flux in my life over the work situation, but still plan on Paris in April and Ireland in September.

1288 days til the new chapter begins.

**presses the publish button...closes his eyes and wonders if the Hostel for Wayward Girls could somehow fit as an adjunct to the studio**

I'm a Loner

I am not anti-social.

I think people are the only reason to live. Without validation from others, there is no reason to exist.

Many of my thoughts are of how short life is, and all the things I won't accomplish that I have tremendous desire to experience.

I always wanted to be a helicoptor pilot. I'm not ruling it out, but I have to balance that against the time I would like to devote to going into the jungle villages and trying to convince old women to stop cutting off the clitoris's of young girls? And when do I go to university? Feel the thundering hooves of the wildebeasts pounding across the Serengeti? Spend the weeks going to all the gothic cathedrals and dwell on the men that built them? Travel from end to end in India? China? Azerbijan? Own another motorcycle? Catamaran? Learn to dance? Play guitar? Go where Alexander went? Caesar? Captain Henry Morgan? These men have tales to tell? I want to hear their stories?

So I think.

It's easier to think when you are alone.

But that's not the whole story.

My feelings are intense.

I feel awe, often.

Some sunrises make my jaw drop. Sunsets. Beautiful girls. Orchids. Thoughtful people. The fact that we are on the crust of a molten ball flying through the universe...

I treasure the company of my family and friends, and derive a large measure of who I am from my interaction with them.

But I often feel compelled. To do this. Or that. And I find it easier if I don't have to negotiate. You can judge for yourself if that makes me self-centered or selfish.

Which also explains why I haven't had a girlfriend for the last 10 years. I need a woman who stirs feelings in me so deep that I am willing to sublimate to some extent my own needs.

The good news is I felt that way with Emma, but I didn't make my case, and although she listened intently, she got away. I will find another. Just the process gives me hope. Serves as a beacon.

So if I am with you, it is because I want to be with you. Enjoy our time as is your wont. But understand there are powerful undercurrents pulling at me.

Tick Tock.

...because ordinary just isn't good enough today.

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.

This is too cool. By...

This is too cool. By pressing the number 3 button on my cell phone I speed dial Jott, Jott asks me who I want to talk to, I say blogger. I hear a beep and I can talk for 30 seconds into my phone, Jott will transcribe it and forward it to my blog, 20 seconds I am done I can send this message anywhere to any link to any e-mail to any place. Jott.com, too cool. listen

Powered by Jott