It’s been a while since our last post. We’ve been busy, and a lot has happened. March and April in particular has been a little crazy. This is one of those posts where I don't know where to begin.
There were a ton of birthdays the last while. In early March, we all had the opportunity to head up to the mountains to try out some dog sledding. It was Eric and Ken’s b-day, and Ken’s BIG 30, so we wanted to do something memorable. We had a great time and I’d recommend it to anyone. You can view the pictures I took in our Flickr account. The link is just on the right hand side of the screen.
Then In mid March it was my Grandma Wilson’s 97th birthday. Kirsten and I weren’t able to make it out but I heard the whole Wilson clan was there in Belleville for the landmark celebration.
Kirsten’s b-day was next. She’s now the ripe old age of 26. I had a little fun with that, setting up a surprise diner for Kirsten at our favourite restaurant, the Sicilian Pasta Kitchen. I love a good surprise myself, but even more so, I like springing them haha…
Karate is going really well. Both Kirsten and I are still training regularly. Kirsten just successfully tested for her 3rd green stripe and will now get to move forward and learn some new material, including a new kata, and 2 new bunkis. This is good timing because this summer the All Open International Uechi Koshuki and Tournament will be held in Edmonton on the weekend of June 9th. There will be competitors from all over the world here. Should be a great time.
On the job front, there have been some big changes for me. I decided to retire my jersey at the Edmonton Oilers and take a full time management position working at the Edmonton Grand Prix. I was really sad to leave the Oilers. I had a great, great time working there. It’s an incredible thing, working for a professional sport org where you ride along on all the emotional lows and intense highs. I loved it! But, this is an exciting move for me and I am already having a blast working for the Grand Prix. I have some new roles and the new experience will be valuable. I’ve actually worked for the grand Prix on a contract basis on both of the previous races here in Edmonton as a Project Manager so it really has been a comfortable move.
Other big news… We’re moving. Finally! As many of you know, we’ve been looking for our first home for a long time now, and we actually found it. We couldn’t be more happy! We’ll still be downtown, close to the LRT line, and all the things we love about living centrally. We couldn’t be more happy! Our possession date is June 1st. So coming up quickly, but really to me that still seems a long way off. I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas – it just can’t come soon enough haha…
Some other news of note, April 3rd was my Mom and Merrill's 25th Wedding annivsary. It feels like yesterday that I was walking my Mom down the isle as the bag pipes played. You know come to think of it, that's probably why I like the bag pipes so much. For their 25th, the kids surprised them and sent them off to Niagra Falls for the weekend to relax and enjoy themselves. Happy Anniversary you two!
On the periphery, there has also been a lot of news in the lives of our close friends. Jon and Lisa, (Jon having been the MC at our wedding) have also bought a new place. They excitedly move in on May 1st. We’re looking forward to the house warming/shaker to end all shakers!
Myra and Graeme are still in the UK, in Reading to be precise, and loving life. Myra is finishing her Masters there and has been accepted to continue into the PhD program. Professor Theissen has a very nice ring to it. Congrats Myra!
Tyler and Carla, who’ve been an the adventure of a lifetime in China for the last year, will be home pretty soon now. Tyler gets back in June, while Carla will be off to India for 3 weeks of humanitarian work before she returns home. Ty says he’s in some pretty good shape these days and that he’s been biking everyday. That’s good because it looks like I am going to need a new biking partner soon…
Ken Hurd (best man at the wedding) and racing partner, has taken a new job in Calgary. He’ll be working for an ad agency there called Critical Mass. It’s the big time, and a great move for him. Critical Mass has five clients, Mercedes and Nike being two of them. I hope Ken remembers the little people once he's jetting around the world and rubbing shoulders with high society ;-)
Also moving to Calgary, is our friend Eric Tam (groomsman at the wedding). He’s taken a great new job with Direct Energy and will finally be able to be nice a close with his honey, Cathy, who’s been working in Calgary for the last year as an M.D. No more friday afternoon races to Cowtown haha...
So ya, a lot of change the last while, and all of it at once really. Ain't life exctiing!
