Well we just got home from the boy's hockey camp in Winnipeg. For five days we set up shop at the Canlan Ice Sports arena at 1871 Ellice Ave. in Winnipeg. First thing I have to say is the facility is perfect for a hockey camp. They have 3 indoor rinks, plus an indoor soccer field, a pro shop and a restaurant with a view of all of the rinks upstairs. Pretty nice. The pro shop did the best skate sharpening job I've ever seen, if we go back, I'm bringing my skates in. The gear they had for sale was all high end stuff, no naturally it was pretty expensive.
While we were there, they also had camps going for soccer, and.... wait for it.....ringette! I thought that game was extict, but I guess not.
We mostly hung around the rink and watched the boys practice. All I could think about was how jealous I was that they were playing hockey, it didn't help that there was "pay and play" for adults twice a day there. Next year, if we come back, I'm brining my gear! Anyways, sure sitting and watching the kids skate around pylons got a little boring once in awhile, but luckily Polo Park Mall, Walmart, and most importantly; Golftown were five minutes away. My only complaint was the restaurant upstairs was pretty expensive. $13.00 for a burger, fries and a coke? (mind you, it was a really good burger!)
After hockey each day we did some fun stuff. We took the kids to laser tag in Stonewall one night, and Grand Prix Amusements another night. Plus we took them to Dispicable Me (great movie) and Jennifer and I took in Inception with my best buddy Charlie. (also a great movie.)
So that's it for summer trips for us, except for down to the lake I guess. If you read this and live in the Sioux Lookout area, stop in for a swim! We'll be home!
See ya next post.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
My Proudest Moment As A Father (so far!)
In honour of this past father's day, I wanted to post my most proudest moment as a dad, so far. Sure there's the usual things, teaching the kids to ride a bike, learn to skate, do the dishes, cut the grass....(OK those last two were a joke) but this moment is extra special to me.
In March of 2009, Andrew was 7 years old and told Jennifer and I he wanted to play hockey. Since it was too late in the current season, he couldn't start until October, 2009; so to give him a bit of a head start, we put him in a hockey camp in Winnipeg at the end of last August. The plan was for him to stay at my dad's and go to camp for a week while Jenn and I stayed home. Just before he left I gave Andrew a good talk about camp, that it would be fun, but it would be a lot of hard work too; he said he understood and reassured me he would do fine.
Well, two days in, we get a call from my dad. "I don't think Andrew wants to play hockey anymore." He was crying on the ice, crying in the dressing room, and making up any excuse he could not to participate. Andrew even said his skates were hurting his feet, so dad bought him new ones, but nothing was helping.
Now, Jennifer and I knew this might happen; and there's lots more to the story than what I'm saying here; but to keep it short; about one hour after dad called I got time off work and booked it to my dad's, I got there just as Andrew was going to bed.
I said "Andrew, I know you want to quit hockey, but you are going to finish this week of camp, because that's what you, me, and mom agreed you would do. After this week, if you still want to quit, that's something we will talk about." He agreed and went to sleep. My dad said, "I don't know what you can say or do to change his mind."
The next morning, I took Andrew to hockey camp myself. He was fine all morning but in the dressing room, I could tell he was getting nervous. (Here's my shining moment....) I asked Andrew if he was nervous because the other kids out there were better hockey players than he was, and he said yes. I said "Andrew, don't worry about anybody else; just go out there; listen to your coaches, do the best you can and have fun." He quietly and confidently said "OK" and headed out to the ice.
I have to say that hour I was watching him practice I was on pins and needles the whole time. Although Andrew has skated before and taken some lessons, he was a horrible skater compared to the other kids out there, and he didn't even know how to stop. Every drill he was the last kid done, and I was just waiting for him to come off the ice all discouraged.
But he didn't.......
He got off the ice and in the dressing room he told me he was happy and having fun! I stayed with him the whole day, they did exercises outside and watched videos of hockey drills and ate lunch. Then he had another on ice practice in the late afternoon which he participated in and did great. I could even see a little bit of an improvement in his skating from that morning. That night we had pizza for supper and let Andrew pick a movie at the video store in celebration of his great day.
The next day, we went up again, and Andrew did great in his morning practice. That afternoon, my dad came up to watch him practice. "Holy shit" he said when Andrew got out there. Dad couldn't believe how much progress Andrew had made in a day and a half. Andrew's coach Larry Bumstead or "Bummer" as everybody calls him, saw dad and I standing there and came off the ice to see us. "Is this Andrew's dad?" When dad said yes, Larry reached over; shook my hand; and thanked me for keeping Andrew in camp. "Look at him" he said. "He's smiling and having fun, just like everybody else." I snuck away from my dad and sat in the bleachers by myself for a few minutes, and while I watched Andrew do his drills with a smile on his face, I started to cry like a chick for about 10 seconds. I was so proud of him. Once I regained my composure; I went back and stood by my dad.
The story get better.
I had to leave Winnipeg and get home to go back to work, but Jennifer was able to go and watch Andrew's last couple of days at camp, including the game they have at the end. Well, during that game, didn't Andrew score a goal! Jennifer said the place went nuts and all the coaches cheered for Andrew and gave him high-fives. I got three phone calls that night about Andrew's goal, one from him, one from Jennifer and one from my dad. One of my friends said to me later "You know, that goal is going to cost you about 10,000 bucks on future hockey fees." I know he's right but I don't really care.
This past fall, Andrew played his first season of minor hockey. Although he is still not the best skater, he works hard out there and he's strong on his skates. He scored about 5 or 6 goals this year (10 or 20 if you ask him) but I really noticed was his development as a defenseman. He was hard for kids to get around, but most of all he had fun and wants to play again next year.
So, why was this my proudest moment? Well, anybody who knows me knows I'm passionate about hockey, and to see both my kids playing minor hockey today is a thrill for me. Also, my dad and Jennifer were there to share the experience with Andrew too. Will Andrew make it to the NHL? Probably not, but if he does this would be one hell of a story. Thanks for reading.
In March of 2009, Andrew was 7 years old and told Jennifer and I he wanted to play hockey. Since it was too late in the current season, he couldn't start until October, 2009; so to give him a bit of a head start, we put him in a hockey camp in Winnipeg at the end of last August. The plan was for him to stay at my dad's and go to camp for a week while Jenn and I stayed home. Just before he left I gave Andrew a good talk about camp, that it would be fun, but it would be a lot of hard work too; he said he understood and reassured me he would do fine.
Well, two days in, we get a call from my dad. "I don't think Andrew wants to play hockey anymore." He was crying on the ice, crying in the dressing room, and making up any excuse he could not to participate. Andrew even said his skates were hurting his feet, so dad bought him new ones, but nothing was helping.
Now, Jennifer and I knew this might happen; and there's lots more to the story than what I'm saying here; but to keep it short; about one hour after dad called I got time off work and booked it to my dad's, I got there just as Andrew was going to bed.
I said "Andrew, I know you want to quit hockey, but you are going to finish this week of camp, because that's what you, me, and mom agreed you would do. After this week, if you still want to quit, that's something we will talk about." He agreed and went to sleep. My dad said, "I don't know what you can say or do to change his mind."
The next morning, I took Andrew to hockey camp myself. He was fine all morning but in the dressing room, I could tell he was getting nervous. (Here's my shining moment....) I asked Andrew if he was nervous because the other kids out there were better hockey players than he was, and he said yes. I said "Andrew, don't worry about anybody else; just go out there; listen to your coaches, do the best you can and have fun." He quietly and confidently said "OK" and headed out to the ice.
I have to say that hour I was watching him practice I was on pins and needles the whole time. Although Andrew has skated before and taken some lessons, he was a horrible skater compared to the other kids out there, and he didn't even know how to stop. Every drill he was the last kid done, and I was just waiting for him to come off the ice all discouraged.
But he didn't.......
He got off the ice and in the dressing room he told me he was happy and having fun! I stayed with him the whole day, they did exercises outside and watched videos of hockey drills and ate lunch. Then he had another on ice practice in the late afternoon which he participated in and did great. I could even see a little bit of an improvement in his skating from that morning. That night we had pizza for supper and let Andrew pick a movie at the video store in celebration of his great day.
The next day, we went up again, and Andrew did great in his morning practice. That afternoon, my dad came up to watch him practice. "Holy shit" he said when Andrew got out there. Dad couldn't believe how much progress Andrew had made in a day and a half. Andrew's coach Larry Bumstead or "Bummer" as everybody calls him, saw dad and I standing there and came off the ice to see us. "Is this Andrew's dad?" When dad said yes, Larry reached over; shook my hand; and thanked me for keeping Andrew in camp. "Look at him" he said. "He's smiling and having fun, just like everybody else." I snuck away from my dad and sat in the bleachers by myself for a few minutes, and while I watched Andrew do his drills with a smile on his face, I started to cry like a chick for about 10 seconds. I was so proud of him. Once I regained my composure; I went back and stood by my dad.
The story get better.
I had to leave Winnipeg and get home to go back to work, but Jennifer was able to go and watch Andrew's last couple of days at camp, including the game they have at the end. Well, during that game, didn't Andrew score a goal! Jennifer said the place went nuts and all the coaches cheered for Andrew and gave him high-fives. I got three phone calls that night about Andrew's goal, one from him, one from Jennifer and one from my dad. One of my friends said to me later "You know, that goal is going to cost you about 10,000 bucks on future hockey fees." I know he's right but I don't really care.
This past fall, Andrew played his first season of minor hockey. Although he is still not the best skater, he works hard out there and he's strong on his skates. He scored about 5 or 6 goals this year (10 or 20 if you ask him) but I really noticed was his development as a defenseman. He was hard for kids to get around, but most of all he had fun and wants to play again next year.
So, why was this my proudest moment? Well, anybody who knows me knows I'm passionate about hockey, and to see both my kids playing minor hockey today is a thrill for me. Also, my dad and Jennifer were there to share the experience with Andrew too. Will Andrew make it to the NHL? Probably not, but if he does this would be one hell of a story. Thanks for reading.
Friday, May 21, 2010
May Long
Well, it looks like our family will be making two trips to Dryden this May Long weekend; one for a birthday party and one to catch an Air Show so that should be fun.
If you're travelling this weekend or if your staying home shopping; check out my links in my earlier posts. Sites like Sears and Expedia are having great deals this weekend. Peace y'all!
If you're travelling this weekend or if your staying home shopping; check out my links in my earlier posts. Sites like Sears and Expedia are having great deals this weekend. Peace y'all!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Travelling this Victoria Day?
Hi all,
Expedia.ca just sent me this link for all those folks interested in doing some travelling during the Victoria Day weekend. Some good deals here so check them out!
Expedia.ca Victoria Day Deals - Last Chance to get a great deal on hotels for Victoria Day! - Expires 6/23/10
Expedia.ca just sent me this link for all those folks interested in doing some travelling during the Victoria Day weekend. Some good deals here so check them out!
Expedia.ca Victoria Day Deals - Last Chance to get a great deal on hotels for Victoria Day! - Expires 6/23/10
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Links!
Hey everybody,
Here's an updated banner list of the companies I'm promoting.
Lots of great deals here so please check them out!
Much love, Rick
After you click the buy.com button below, make sure you switch to their Canadian website!
$10 off your next purchase of $75 or more* with bonus code 941612560
Planning a trip? Check these out first!
And finally my favorite links to promote;
Here's an updated banner list of the companies I'm promoting.
Lots of great deals here so please check them out!
Much love, Rick
After you click the buy.com button below, make sure you switch to their Canadian website!
$10 off your next purchase of $75 or more* with bonus code 941612560
Planning a trip? Check these out first!
And finally my favorite links to promote;
Monday, April 19, 2010
My Perfect Day
Hello all,
I had such a great day yesterday, I just had to put it on my blog.
First, let me quickly tell you what a typical Sunday looks like for me.....
-up at 8am and at the church by 8:30 for band practice. (I play bass.)
-8:30 to 12: attend church; play about 5 or 6 songs with the worship team.
-go home and make "lunch" for everybody, usually bacon and eggs.
-spend the day doing stuff around the house, usually the laundry and handyman stuff,
(ok, that last part was a joke)
-occasionally separate the kids from fighting with each other.
-have supper, wind down in the evenings, put the kids to bed, maybe watch a movie with Jennifer, maybe do "other stuff" with Jennifer.
Now HERE's how yesterday went!
-up at 8 and found out by phone I did not have to play in church today.
-had breakfast, made coffee, watched the hockey highlights from the night before while the kids played outside.
-went to church
-came home, Jennifer made lunch.
-said "forget it" about the laundry and spent a crazy amount of time outside with kids! We played on the trampoline, played t-ball, chipped golf balls, went to the park, and went swimming! (the boys did, not me.)
-BBQ'd for supper, and watched hockey while the kids watched a movie and Jennifer went out.
-hit the hay around 11, not a bad day huh?
I had such a great day yesterday, I just had to put it on my blog.
First, let me quickly tell you what a typical Sunday looks like for me.....
-up at 8am and at the church by 8:30 for band practice. (I play bass.)
-8:30 to 12: attend church; play about 5 or 6 songs with the worship team.
-go home and make "lunch" for everybody, usually bacon and eggs.
-spend the day doing stuff around the house, usually the laundry and handyman stuff,
(ok, that last part was a joke)
-occasionally separate the kids from fighting with each other.
-have supper, wind down in the evenings, put the kids to bed, maybe watch a movie with Jennifer, maybe do "other stuff" with Jennifer.
Now HERE's how yesterday went!
-up at 8 and found out by phone I did not have to play in church today.
-had breakfast, made coffee, watched the hockey highlights from the night before while the kids played outside.
-went to church
-came home, Jennifer made lunch.
-said "forget it" about the laundry and spent a crazy amount of time outside with kids! We played on the trampoline, played t-ball, chipped golf balls, went to the park, and went swimming! (the boys did, not me.)
-BBQ'd for supper, and watched hockey while the kids watched a movie and Jennifer went out.
-hit the hay around 11, not a bad day huh?
Monday, April 12, 2010
Golf Links
Hi all,
As you may or may not know, I have a side gig in the summer teaching golf. I received my certification from the Canadian Golf Teacher's Federation in 2006. My experiences have been with the Dryden and Sioux Lookout golf courses where I taught a junior program and individual lessons. I've kind of slacked off a little bit in the last couple of summers, but this year I'm feeling like I want to get back into it so if you read this and want a lesson, get in touch with me!
Here's a free golf tip. When buying golf clubs, keep your height in mind before you select any new clubs. Guys up to 5'10" should fit a standard set of clubs. Women up to 5'8" should fit a standard women's set. If you are taller, (or very short) you should consider getting "fit" for a new set of clubs by a golf professional. Trust me, fitted clubs will improve your game. And don't ignore what shaft your golf clubs come with. You have a choice between metal or graphite shafts. I would suggest graphite if you are a beginner, as they are light and easy to swing. Metal shafts are a little heavier and stiffer, but are more accurate, so they best suit an experienced golfer.
I also promote a few golf companies on the web, so here they are........
Golf Outlets is the best site I could find for clubs as far as quality and prices go.
They have a great variety of clubs and price ranges. I suggest checking them out, especially if you are a golfer who's been playing for awhile and in the market for some new gear...
The world's best golf teaching aid.........
Surprisingly to me, Sears has some good clubs at decent prices. An excellent
place to shop for clubs if you are a beginner in my opinion.
As you may or may not know, I have a side gig in the summer teaching golf. I received my certification from the Canadian Golf Teacher's Federation in 2006. My experiences have been with the Dryden and Sioux Lookout golf courses where I taught a junior program and individual lessons. I've kind of slacked off a little bit in the last couple of summers, but this year I'm feeling like I want to get back into it so if you read this and want a lesson, get in touch with me!
Here's a free golf tip. When buying golf clubs, keep your height in mind before you select any new clubs. Guys up to 5'10" should fit a standard set of clubs. Women up to 5'8" should fit a standard women's set. If you are taller, (or very short) you should consider getting "fit" for a new set of clubs by a golf professional. Trust me, fitted clubs will improve your game. And don't ignore what shaft your golf clubs come with. You have a choice between metal or graphite shafts. I would suggest graphite if you are a beginner, as they are light and easy to swing. Metal shafts are a little heavier and stiffer, but are more accurate, so they best suit an experienced golfer.
I also promote a few golf companies on the web, so here they are........
Golf Outlets is the best site I could find for clubs as far as quality and prices go.
They have a great variety of clubs and price ranges. I suggest checking them out, especially if you are a golfer who's been playing for awhile and in the market for some new gear...
The world's best golf teaching aid.........
Surprisingly to me, Sears has some good clubs at decent prices. An excellent
place to shop for clubs if you are a beginner in my opinion.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
