Jesus was a Carpenter

Just got back from Caronport. Went out there to help out Shane and Amanda frame up a new wall and put in a new window.

The day started early when I met my friend Carl, Shane's dad, for a coffee at 7:30. Had a good chat, but wish I had more time with him. I know I can always book a massage with Carl and talk there, which after today I think I will, but sometimes I just like sitting around and talking with him. He would like me to do some carpentry work for him on his fireplace mantel. This is good, I love doing carpentry work. I recently bought a new planer and am anxious to use it with the jointer I got at Christmas. Marsha said that I kind of have an addiction for tools like she has for clothes.

(Now on with my story. If you couldn't tell, sometimes I ramble and go on tangents during a "Braden Story" as my friends would say.)

Carl and I then went to the hardware store to pick up the lumber for the trailer out in Caronport. I then loaded up and headed to Caronport to meet my friend James to help him, or I guess we helped each other, frame up the wall and put in the new window.

I figure it's been about 1 year since I've really done some carpentry work like this before. I usually kind of shut down during the winter due to no heated shop as of yet. I have a few projects left to do. The biggest project is to rip my parents kitchen apart. They've picked out the cabinets and have ordered windows. Looks like next is demolition. I enjoy demolition, but I really like to see the final product at the end of the day. I felt satisfied today when I saw the window in place. It looked sharp if I can say so myself.

I really should look into carpentry. James says there is the market out in BC, Marsha would be glad. I feel like I've accomplished something when I see the finished product. "I did That" Now this may come across that I'm full of myself, but no I keep it to myself. It just makes me feel better. I feel like sometimes I don't get much accomplished at work.

Now I am tired and my back is stiff, but I guess if I didn't work 10 hours in a day I wouldn't be like this, that and not doing it for a year. If I just could have max number of hours in a day to do the job, I'd be happy. Unfortunately sometimes you don't have this option. I feel I should get the project done as quickly as possible. You also have to be at a certain stage before you quit. You can't quit when you're half done painting that wall, or the wall isn't framed in totally and there is a big hole in the wall. Now I understand that I have to set priorities. Is work and money everything, I don't think so.

I think I should pursue this carpentry idea a little further. Who knows what the future holds.

Frustration Times Two, OK Maybe Three

I've had two unpleasant experiences in the past week that I wish I'd never had. They have both been very frustrating when I was trying to make a point but never seemed to get it across. I thought they just weren't listening.

One was with a co-worker. I was simply just trying to get a question in when the other person would keep moving past it. I just wanted my question answered. The co-worker apologized but we realized that our argument really didn't matter, we were only frustrated that we were arguing over something really we had no control over. It was something that needed to change but the problem should be realized by our superiors. Unfortunately, both of them seem to be too busy to even take time to think of what's actually going on with their staff.

The other was today with, an acquaintance I guess you could say. I got into a big discussion / argument that lasted nearly an hour. This one bothered me more because it was more personal. This one involved the new theatre in town. Nice theatre, just am disappointed that you have to be a favourite to have the chance to work there. I've felt, maybe I'm wrong, that I've been blamed for things that were not my fault. I felt hurt that the individual did not confront myself rather than go around my back and ask someone else to fix the problem. I feel that if there is something that is bothering you that involves me, then discuss it with me. Don't go around MY back and tell others that I did something that I was never aware that I did in the first place. Then finally, he tried to make it up by putting on a happy face and think everything was just fine. I want to work there, cause I love theatre so much, but then I think what's the point. I'm just setting myself up for more hurt.

Work has been going slow. It could be busy, but I chose to keep it cool rather than working against myself. I wish we had up to date information. Was frustrated again when the foreman from outside called to see if I had a drawing she was looking for. I remember seeing something to do with the project but couldn't remember where I saw it. Referring back to Operation Braden, the filing system plain sucks. I did use my excellent memory to find the drawing though. I don't really understand it. I can only imagine if you asked my boss about that drawing. Where would he start to look. Pick a drawer. In frustration, I filed some more things away, labeling the drawers I put things in. It's amazing how much easier it is to find things in drawers when they are labeled. My favourite label that we have is the "Misc" drawer. Can you guess what's in there. If you can, please post something that might be in there. It probably it's just buried deep in the drawer.

Maybe I'm just the problem. I am the common link. I do know I can be confusing some times when it comes to explaining things. And maybe I'm just taking things the wrong way. I do have to be more patient with people. Well thanks to all who let me vent to them today. I know it will still be running through my mind when Marsha gets off work. I hope she can bear with me.

Boss for Two Weeks

My boss is off for the next two weeks. Could be fun. I'll just implement operation Braden. My plan is to take over the drafting department and clean it up and get it up to speed. First is to get Steven, my subordinate, to transfer a drawing that is really no longer duplicable into the computer so we can create a book so it will be easily updated. Now this was a suggestion I made to Barry and he said Steven could do it. Next would be filing. Everything is out of place in the office. We need a filing system. Next is to get our base map in to NAD 83. Now that means nothing to many of you I'm sure and frankly, I'm just going to leave it that way. Currently we are in NAD 27, that's right more jargon. Then I'd like to get some new GIS (here I go again)software. Something that would make the building work like a team, something I'm feeling we are not doing. Now this would require for us to convert all of our current information into a digital format. Like come on, we're in the year 2005 for crying out loud. Bear in mind these are all my ideas. I think if they were implemented the drafting department would be able to run way more efficiently. The likely hood that these changes would be made, a very slim chance. My boss seems to have the attitude that he's retiring in three years, why should he care. Now it may look like I want my boss' job, but totally opposite. I just want a good working environment, and frankly that just isn't happening.

Sigh, now that rant is done on to other news.

I will be going to Loren and April's for another Family dinner with the Hagertys shortly. This meal might not be all of the relatives, just the immediate family. Not that I'm saying "there is anything wrong with that", just that I might have some time with the immediate family to sit back relax and hang out. Marsha's mother said at the restaurant last night that she's seen me, but really hasn't talked to me. I've been kind of playin it cool with the relatives. Getting a feel for the family. I also figured they came to visit their relatives, not necessarily me, although I'm sure Marsha was in the mix and therefore in turn, I'd be in the mix.

I'm thinking of making a trip into Regina on Sunday. I haven't visited my friend Ryan since he's moved there who knows how long ago. Seriously, how long has it been, can anyone tell me. I've lost track of time. It's already near the end of July. I think we've been crossing paths. He was down when I was out in Vancouver, and I think again when I was in Waskesiu. My parents will be going in for church as Steve, my former pastor although I still consider him my pastor, will be preaching. I could go in with them or maybe I'll drive in myself and hang out for the day.

Pass the Tools Please

I am purchasing a 13" planer tomorrow, well dad will be as he gets an old man's discount at SEARS. Hey, I'm not complaining and saying my dad is old, its just he's past the 55 mark so he gets some discount coupons and such. This tool will be a great addition to my collection. It goes hand in hand with my last purchase, or gift, the joiner from Christmas. Now I'll be able to some of the projects I've been wanting to. I think its funny, Marsha spends her money on clothes and the practical things, I spend them on tools & meals (you could say tools are practical).

Had dinner at Joey's Only tonight with the Hagerty Family. I do like how they do things as a big family, not just the immediate family but extended, aunts and uncles. Our extended families all live in Alberta (Edmonton area and Calgary) so it's very rare that we have family time except for holidays. We are the one's often traveling, as we are the only Saskatchewanians. It is a little more difficult with dad being on dialysis, but he's arranged for a trip to Edmonton. He just had to reserve a spot in the dialysis unit there.

Interesting facts on my eating habits for this week:

Suppers I cooked this week: 2
Suppers prepared by someone else: 3
Suppers spent eating out: 2

Ready for Retirement

This week has not been going to well, work wise. I've been frustrated and have recently, today, applied for a 12 month position with the city of Saskatoon. I quickly updated my resume as the closing time was 5:00 pm today. I'm not sure if I have a shot at this, asking for 5 years experience and able to supervise others, but you can't get a job without applying. Not that I can't supervise (am currently doing it at work) but If I had the choice, I rather not. Things just don't seem to be moving forward at the City of Moose Jaw. Funny though, after hoping friends of ours wouldn't move to Saskatoon, here I am contemplating the move myself.

I've also been working at a banner design to be put all downtown. This is exciting, my "Art" could be displayed on the light poles down Main. Hmm, maybe next I should paint a mural.

Now you think having one job is enough, but not for me. I also have a couple drafting jobs on the go. One of them I've named "The Fire Escape From Hell". (I guess that's better than "Fire Escape to Hell") The owner has been pushing and pushing for this to be done. I don't like to be pushed, plus I'm working with an Engineer, so it's not like we live together. We have to meet, and I was on holidays, and he was as well.

I've settled into the house sitting thing. Dog is having fun, but If I owned a dog, I'd like for it to have free reign over the backyard. Kevin and Stacey haven't gotten the fence up yet, but I'm sure it's on the to do list. I'm looking forward to taking him out to the lake again this weekend.

Marsha's family is down this week for a visit. We are having them out to the lake Saturday for the day of relaxing and water enjoyment. Although, Buffalo Pound is not clean compared to other lakes, like ones in BC, its a time for relaxing and getting to know each other. This weekend is when the parents will meet for the first time. My parents, or should I say dad, knows relatives of Marsha's as he is a teacher as are (or were) 3 of the Hagerty family. Now to some of you this may be a surprise that my dad knows SOME people. Ya right, I think he knows 3/4 of this town. Come to think of it, I've run into lots of people I know and Marsha has commented the I know everyone in Moose Jaw. Like father like son.

House Sitting Part 2

Yes, this is part two of my post about house sitting. I just lost the whole post just before I was about to post, so hopefully I remember what I wrote.

I'm house sitting for friends of mine, Kevin & Stacey, who have gone to China to pick up their daughter Kaitlyn. I am responsible for taking care of the house and the dog Dreyfuss. I've quickly come to realize that Dreyfuss runs the house. If he could only feed himself and let himself out side he'd be fine. He's got everything else down. He even kicked me out of bed and made me sleep on the floor. He's a great dog. Now if you haven't noticed I enjoy dogs. Marsha, not so much. Ah, she'll get use to him.

Marsha thinks I'm gonna starve myself to death cause I can't cook. Lets get this straight, I can cook I just choose not to yet. And I'm not dead yet. Maybe that's cause I haven't really cooked myself a meal. Lets not refer to Camping 101. I just need the groceries, and I'll be fine.

This will be a test for me to see how I manage living on my own. The past week, my parents were out at the lake and plan on being out there most of the time. Yes I know, I'm 21 and I still live at home. But I got a great deal. Plus, once I move out I'm probably not let back in. I have lived on my own before when I was on work a term in Saskatoon. But this is different, cause I'm in a city where I know people. I can invite people over or get out and do something. This is where I feel comfortable right now.

Camping 101

I'm back from our camping trip to Waskesiu. The trip was great. Hot temperatures allowed for us to spend some time on the beach and relax, exactly what the doctor ordered. We found a cool campground, Narrows Campground, 25 km west of Waskesiu along the Narrows Road. What is with all the Narrows you ask? It was near the tip of the lake where the lake narrows. This campground was a self serve site, where you did the registration all on your own, all on the honour system. Kind of neat. Never done it that way. The campground had a marina, a place to launch our boat if we had one, or rent boats, canoes, or kayaks. It also had a little beach. They provided us with some firewood, but I found it to be damp.

The Narrows road is a gravel road. On our final day we got a stone chip in the windshield of Marsha's car. If I would have brought the truck it wouldn't have mattered as there already is large crack.

Our actual campsite was near the water and near the water (meaning the lake and potable water). We were well sheltered from other campers as the trees surrounded us. We also had a path through the "woods" leading directly to the water.

We set up camp when we arrived Thursday night and then cooked up some burgers for a late supper. We then proceeded to relax around camp and enjoy our time together. Friday we spent the day at the Lake on the beach once we got moving. Saturday was a day of biking and then back to camp for a nap before a late supper and a fire. Sunday we got up, packed up then went back to the beach to soak up the rays and to cool off in the water. Then we proceeded back home.

I was impressed with Marhsa's reaction to the beauty of Saskatchewan. "This isn't Saskatchewan" was the reaction once she saw trees and lakes. She did enjoy the ride up as you could see the progression from prairie to woods, so did I. She even said that the road leading into Waskesiu reminded her of home.

THINGS TO REMEMBER WHILE CAMPING

This is a list of things I'm putting together for anyone, and to remind myself, who is thinking of going camping sometime. You may find these hints helpful. Or maybe not.

1. Put bug spray on. Once you think you have enough on, put the same amount on for a second coat. I went through a full can in three days. The bugs are bad this year. It could have been that we were in a treed area. All I know is I have way too many mosquito bites.
2. Bring more bug spray and After Bite. See above.
3. Bring an AXE. Notice I specified and Axe not a hatchet. We brought a hatchet along, thinking this would work but I soon realized I should have brought an axe. If you got room for it, pack it.
4. Dry firewood is Key. As mentioned before, we were supplied with damp firewood which doesn't like to burn well. On the last night I finally ended up going into the woods to find my own dead wood. Luckily I found one like 50 feet away, wish I brought a chainsaw.
5. Do not bring meat that you plan on eating. We bought steaks for a good meal. When we opened the package on Friday night, the second night, the meat had a blueish tinge. NOT GOOD. Cooked it anyways, thought it was nothing, but I learned later when I the meat literally ate at my stomach.
6. Get some exercise before you go on a bike trip. We brought our bikes with us to get on some good trails. I wished I had at least gone for a bike ride before going on one like the one I had. Although I do feel good.
7. Bring lots of food. Wait I did that. Lots of food means lots of options. Again, if you got the room, pack it.

Well I hope that this list of pointers will help any of you who are thinking of going camping. I enjoyed my trip and time off. It was good for me.

Well Needed Vacation

So I'm off to Waskesiu to go camping this weekend. I was lucky enough to score 3 days off this week for some holidays, adding this to the weekend gives me 5 days off, a super long weekend after a long weekend - SWEET. Marsha and I planned going camping long time ago, but never made clear plans. We planned for this weekend, but that's all. She finally traded Thursday's night shift so we could go. She's currently working a night shift and we'll be leaving around noon. Could be an interesting morning she tells me. I've never been to Waskesiu and I hear its nice up there. The last camping trip I did was back in Outdoor Ed, one way up northern Saskatchewan for a canoe trip and another to Kananaskis for a bike trip. Fun times, had plans to go camping ever since. We will be bringing our bikes as well, a bonus, haven't done biking in a while either. So all in all, I'm kind of excited.

Been busy the last few weeks. I've got a couple of side drafting jobs on the side. One is kind of a disaster, a fire escape. Basically there is a platform leading to a ramp leading to a staircase. You think you can't understand it, imagine being the draftman on this project.

Work has been steady, but kind of not productive. I have 20 drawings sitting on the table next to me waiting to be checked. Have been for 2 weeks now. Been wanting to get them done and over with but don't know if that'll ever happen. I also am designing a new banner for downtown. I hope it turns out and it gets printed and put up.

After reading my friend Kevin's blog, I too realized that this blog is more for my benefit than for anybody else's. Gets things off my mind and out into cyberspace. I can write pretty much whatever I please, and nobody can stop me. Hmm reminds me of the line "Somebody Stop Me" from the Mask staring Jim Carey. A movie I enjoyed. But now we've gone made a sequel that sucks The Son of the Mask (haven't seen it but who really cares) to ruin all my good memories of the Mask. Better go out and rent it.