Gettin' Schooled...

Much has happened since my last entry. My birthday party was a blast: bouncy castle, sandbox, friends and unbridled excitement. Thanks to everyone who made it! Needless to say, I crashed earlier than usual that evening - it was like a crime scene.

Of course with a new age comes new experiences, and yesterday was my first day of Montessori Pre-School! (I was going to take my briefcase, but went with my new frog backpack instead - turned out to be a good call.)

We set out for the long journey kitty corner from our house just before 0900 hours. It's so great over there. So much to do, really nice people and great activities. I started the day with a little Science just to let the locals know.

As we're talking about learning, I asked my Dad what asshole meant the other day. We were driving back from soccer practice and Dad complimented another driver by saying nice work asshole. I didn't get a straight answer but I think it must have been the man's name, or maybe it means good guy or something. We didn't dwell on it anyway.

I'M THREE!!

I stayed up as late as I could tonight to tell you the big news and be the first one to sing Happy Birthday to myself. (Although, as I told Daddy 3 days ago, it's frowned upon and you should really be quiet when other people sing it to you.)

So... I'm turning THREE in a few hours!! May 10th! I can't wait. Just for fun, I took a stroll down memory lane and enjoyed some moments from my past. This was my first DubJam back in late 2009. And then, interestingly enough, this is what I was up to exactly 1/2 my lifetime ago. And lastly, in the interests of Mother's Day, I remember my first Mother's Day like it was yesterday.

(For those who are curious about this photo, my parents left me with my Grandpa, Nanna and Grandma for a week recently... they let me do all sorts of things!)

Whitecaps!

So I'm trying to take in as much of the world as I can before I hit 3 (I know, I know, 3 is the new 2). Recently, I went to a Whitecaps game with my Dad and some friends, and had a terrific time. We started warming up about an hour before kickoff when we all met at Handbag Lake near the stadium. Vince brought me a Whitecaps drum, so I gave that a spin during some quiet meditation.

The crowd at the game (21,000 strong) was very loud, and it was difficult to know exactly when to get louder and stand up (or when to yell 'White' and when to yell 'Caps'). During the second half I started to learn that you can blend in getting loud when you want and staying quiet when you want. It was a beautiful day and I can't remember who won, but I definitely know who to cheer for.

Whatever...

Well, we're back in the swing of things in Vancouver. The weather's been expectedly unpredictable, we've been hitting our usual lunch spots with familiar friends, and we're getting closer to this year's Federal Election.

In other news, this Saturday is annual Record Store Day so think about buying a recording from a store, it's less than a month until my 3rd Birthday, and I haven't worn a diaper now in over a month! That's right, I'm diaper and soother free, baby! Big boy stuff.

As a last bit of news for you, but certainly no less important, I tried out my first 'Whatever' last Sunday. My parents had quite the reaction - so I plan on dropping a few more around town.

Indiana Visit

We had a great time in Indiana! Right off the bat we got picked up in a Limousine by a guy named Jerry (stage name probably). We drove all the way to Bloomington where we were dropped off at our new temporary home - a delightful Bed & Breakfast (there was a bathroom aswell).

Then we went to see Granddad play the piano with a trio before dinner. It was nice and loud, and there were drums. This was the first time I'd seen Granddad play - he was pretty good for a guy who just started.

A couple of days later I was invited to walk the prestigious campus of Indiana University. It was huge - and I walked it all. They were nice enough to give me the run of the place for a couple of hours and I could tell I was getting smarter, more quickly than normal.

On my walk, I discovered a tree that grew shoes! I know right? Madness. You have to see it to believe it. We examined and discussed that tree for a lengthy period of time as you can imagine.

The next day, my Dad and I did a few duets on the old ivories. As you know, I don't like to blow my own horn, but we got pretty good. This piano was also loud. I'm starting to like pianos.

On the last day, I retired for the evening on my claimed bed, organized these photos, researched some new jazz songs for Granddad and watched an episode of Curious George. It was a pretty quick trip, but we had a great time!

Travel Bug...

I recently left to do a little traveling with my family, and we kicked it off in style. This is a picture of me and my Dad in the cockpit of the plane we all took to Phoenix. (Sorry about the photo quality, the pilot may be good at flying, but he was pretty rubbish at picture taking.)

Mum and I went to the great state of Arizona to visit Grandpa and Nanna who were there for a couple of weeks, while Dad went to a conference in Austin. We had such fun in Phoenix. I can't post those photos right now (security), but as a teaser I'll mention our time involved a Suns game, baseball games, slow trains, great zoos, sky diving, camel rides and popcorn. It also had some impromptu fountain dancing where I took off all my clothes to hit the water. I haven't felt that young in months.

We met up with Dad again, this time in the great state of Indiana where we are visiting Grandad and Judith. The weather's been awesome here - perfect for running at the 93rd percentile for speed and form. I watched Grandad's trio play when we arrived which was wonderful. More pictures to follow...

Doing it...

I'll be honest, I like good food. I like Greek yogurt (including the calories), cereal in whole milk, oranges, and any variety of delicious popsicles. And it stands, that to enjoy the rewards (food), sometimes you have to do the work (shop).

Now, I'm not a certified philosopher, but I'll tell you, I'm starting to find that sometimes the work is the reward. Take grocery shopping - in some ways that's the chore, but I have to say, I often enjoy the chore. What's not to like? People, colours, food, action... Or if I could be so bold, how about peeing? Sure, I get a delicious candy (that's actually a vitamin - my parents think they're so clever), if I pee in the toilet - but I like peeing in the toilet. Again, what's not to like?

I digress... I just wanted to remind us that sometimes we forget to take pleasure in the day to day things. Sometimes they're the best part of my day.

The Gym

Once a week I go to gymnastics with some next door neighbour friends - or what our gang refers to as The Gym. We make it a regular Monday morning routine - it really starts our week off right before getting bogged down with the day to day.

This sort of training helps me run faster, jump higher, and encourages new dance moves that I'd previously not even thought of.

I've also been doing soccer camp since November, and I'm seeing some serious improvement (I know, right?). I'll try and get some photos, but cameras are frowned upon as they distract the athletes.

We recently had a family flu which was no fun at all, and caused the three of us to point responsibility-fingers at each other (which gets ugly). But it sure made me appreciate my health once I was all better. Health! "That's what I'm talking about!"

Sidenote: Please forgive me if you see doubles of posts sometimes - I've been having some technical difficulties and apparently I don't control the Internet (which is more than a little annoying).

Stripes

I hope everyone is enjoying their January. Even if you're finding it a little cold, or wet, I say embrace it. It's going to be spring before you know it and then summer, and then you won't be able to wear that coat you love, or the cool boots you just got, or the jacket with the hood. And while we're on fashion, I'm here to tell you stripes are still in. If you're wondering how I know... "I just know these things." Stripes are so in, that although we got back months ago, I'm actually still acting a little French (eating croissants with a touch of misunderstood attitude).

We were even a little embarrassed at the last SFU game we went to - I had to roll my eyes when mum took her sweater off. Some wiseguy asked if we were related.

Speaking of relations, I recently got word that I have a new cousin! Helloooo Sabine! And well done Dave and Gin. We look forward to meeting you soon. (We'll probably be matching.)

Happy New Year!

What a great holiday season! It seemed to go on forever. Christmas morning was a little overwhelming... I've never had so much to do in such a short period of time. We took a couple of story breaks which helped me realign and reboot.

I got some wonderful toys, and clothes, and cooking equipment, and empty boxes (which are still terrific fun). Sometimes you might not get everything you'd hoped for, "but you can still be happy."

I went up to Grouse Mountain to skate and play in the snow with Erin, Dexter, and Mum and Dad. I learned a number of things about snow, most importantly Facewashes are fun to give but not to get.

It was nice to get back into the swing of things again. After the break I have new inspirations for my artwork. Speaking of which, I got a fantastic new chair for my art station from my Great Grandma and Uncle Bruce. I've found comfort and style are pretty important when being awesome.

'The Big Day' Eve

Well, it's certainly a festive time of year. I kind of remember past Christmases, but I feel much more prepared for this one. I'm ready. It's go time. Let's do this. (Cue any track by 2Unlimited.)

I went to a Christmas party with my Dad last week, loads of adults (yawn), but I met a super cool girl named Charlotte. She taught me how to do jumping jacks, and she made up a cool song called 'two and a half'. It was pretty awesome!

Hopefully I'll see you over the Holidays, but if I don't, have the best Christmas ever! Goodness knows you deserve it.

BBall, Man time and Birthdays...

Days keep passing and I keep growing - sure physically, but I would suggest there are greater changes happening emotionally, mentally and maybe ideologically? Few of these things can I get through with such limited space, but again... the highlights. It was my mum's birthday a couple of weeks back, and I was front and centre - partly because the camera's kind to me, but also because it was my 2.5 year birthday not too long ago.

Last Saturday we went to a basketball game at SFU with some friends. Mum and I went to sit on what's called 'the floor', even though we still had to sit in seats. We had a wonderful time, and the home team won!

In the photo above, that man in the red suit isn't Santa Claus, but the new coach of SFU (that, or Santa Claus is moonlighting). Apparently we've got an 'in' with him, which got everybody fancy seats, food and drink. I'm hoping next time, he might sub me in.

My mum just got back from a work trip to Salt Lake City. She was gone for 4 days. In that time there was much learning happening - I tried to be gentle, and I think my Dad really picked up a few good lessons. He can be pretty stubborn but we connected and worked well as a team. Having said that... Mum's Back!

Remembering Snow...

I have seen snow before. It was maybe a year ago, and I realize now I didn't give it the credit it deserves. Last Thursday we watched some well spaced planes fly overhead and heard some guns fire in the distance - apparently it happens every year.

We then went over and had lunch at an old stomping ground of ours... Savary Island Pie Co. Once we finished, we hopped into the Family Racing Car and headed up the mountain.

I barely stayed awake on the drive up Cypress, but once we got there, I turned it on. Snow seems to be the one thing that I'm actually encouraged to throw at other people. It's hilarious - I could do it all day, no question.

On a side note, my Dad was telling me that today is 15 years since he and my Mum went on their first date. 15 years ago today, there were a couple of kids sitting on a beach with a thermos of hot chocolate... snowless (although it was raining).

I'm not surprised hot chocolate was on the scene - that stuff's amazing.

Soccer, Swimming and FireFighting...

Now that we've settled back in to domestic regularity, I've started a few new things. I recently began taking swimming lessons, mainly so I can drop the 'JR' from my previous appointment (that seems a long time ago now). I also started mini soccer on Saturday mornings with my Dad (something tells me we'll be on time for those).

Last weekend I was able to don a proper Fire Fighter's uniform. I went from house to house, checking to make sure none of them had fires in them, and as a thoughtful, thankful gesture, the owners of the houses gave me a little treat (which I promptly deposited into my mouth). Seemed like a pretty fair exchange to me.

Sidenote: This is being considered for the album cover of my upcoming single, covering the popular hit of the early 90s... For Real.

Paris.... check.

We've had a lovely time in London, filled with new family & friends, football, food and fun - we even had a Dexter cameo. We've now made our way over to Paris on something called the Eurostar, which Dad tells me they reserve for European Pop Singers.

As soon as we got off the train, I could feel the culture and fashion, and felt I had to add a little attitude and style to my already overwhelmingly impressive self. So I got myself a backpack, some new trousers (complete with suspenders or 'braces'), learned a few new French words and accepted compliments from strangers.

I think the next time I cross the channel, I may just come on my own.

London: Go Go Go...

Wow. I thought I moved fast, this place is very speedy. We've been taking these trains a fair bit, so I'm pretty sure I could drive one now. Doesn't seem that hard.

We've been doing the usual. Ice Cream with Flake bars, crisps, milk, soccer, museums....

Boy, that Tate Modern was big - you could probably park a fire engine in there. But talk about big... there was a whale hanging out in the British Museum.

Whales are BIG!! (Not very talkative though.)

Off to bed now for me. My Dad is coming in the morning!! He's probably on a plane right now.

Oh, and I met someone...

Umm... Airplanes!

Earlier today (tomorrow? yesterday?) we headed to the airport in Vancouver to get on an Airplane that'll take us to London! My Dad dropped us off and helped us with the luggage and the gate hunting (he's going to come later and meet us there).

Get ready, because I'm pretty sure my next update will be in a different accent (after crisps and a pint of milk).

Clean...

Not too long ago, some of us went to Salt Spring Island for a weekend. It was lovely: The market, the nature, the hippies... It was there that my Mum and Dad's Mums bought me my very first personally-sized, professional broom. Of course, kids love to sweep - but for those of you who know me, I take sweeping very seriously, and I love this serious broom. If you don't have something you love as much as I love this broom, look into it.

We also went on an hour plus fishing excursion. That was fun (mostly). Sidenote: Fishing and brooms do not go well together. We all survived (including the fish).

Lastly, we visited our old home recently. It looked better than when we were there (don't tell the parents I said that). I didn't have my broom with me at the time, but boy did I charge up and down that hallway.

Sidenote 2: Congratulations Liam, and Hello Olive!

Form

Just a quick update to let you know that I'm still working on my game. There can be a fair amount of temptation when you're in your late 1s and you've got a solid kick, to lay back and ride that kind of accomplishment. Approaching my mid-2s that's not going to cut it anymore.

A few days ago, with the help of some gruelling drills, I got a better handle on dribbling (it has a heavy emphasis on moving and running which are two of my favourite things).

A Big Wheel...

Last weekend, I was in Victoria where I did the usual amount of eating, entertaining and constant calorie burning. All in all, it was a pretty familiar weekend, until we found an old Big Wheel. I didn't even have time to check if all the parts were secure before I started barreling down the hill - this was an urgent matter as you will briefly see in my new DubJam video (better with sound)...