A Mens' Group

Saturday, June 9 +23, sunny with a slight breeze, a great summer day

Warren called to play squash this morning; we had a great set with each of us winning the same number of games. Because of the games I was able to get rid of the aches and pains from my golf holiday in Kananaskis on Friday.
I had driven down Thursday night and stayed in Calgary overnight; I was up at 5 am and drove to the Kananaskis golf course in the clear morning air. The mountains were breathtaking as usual. Played golf all day and just relaxed in good company and a friendly atmosphere. Had a bit to eat and then drove home. The traveling on the highway was the most difficult part of the journey, with all the speeding and reckless drivers. My hands and feet took quite a physical punishment with all the activity but they will get better with a little care and attention. Next time I will have to drive down in the morning, golf, stay overnight and then golf in the morning the next day. It will be easier and the scenery in the bar might give rise to some interesting results.
The discussion with the guys on Thursday night was interesting. Peter was in Calgary, but Warren, Everett, Hector and myself were present. We spent most of the time listening to Warren's recounting of the difficult work week that he had. He was getting back into the competitive business work atmosphere, very cut throat, and his alarms were going off telling him that he did not want to participate in this sort of activity. He was able to recognize what was happening and put himself to one side, even though he was being affected by it. The upcoming meeting on Friday was causing him some stress but he had decided what he was going to do and felt quite comfortable about it.
Everett was reacting very strongly about his wife's actions and energy level in the evening at their home. I suggested that he tape the Oprah show, play it when Louise was around and discuss the topics if they were relative to their interests. He said he would. He is developing an attitude that what is , is, and he should not get to bent out of shape that it is not what he wants it to be or what he thinks it should be. A big step for him.
I have not heard from Susan, it has only been since Sunday, but it seems like an eternity. I know she is well and enjoying Mathew and her daughter. If I remember correctly, today is the day that she and Anne start their trip up north. The weather promises to be good and the scenery is called spectacular. It will be nice to get a phone call from her when she gets back.
I doubt if I will get a call from Susan, the bird lady. But stranger things have happened. The discussions with my clients are moving along quite nicely with some concrete results in the next couple weeks. I am concerned about how Gillian is reacting to the events surrounding Simon's wedding.
As to be expected, Cory and Dana’s are living well and are enjoying their lives.
Dana will be a little more relaxed and more confident now that he is working more and using his skills to the level that he can justify. I expect the work to continue.
Cory will probably stay with Gillian at her home till the fall and then take a place in the city by himself. It will be of great concern to her, but as long as she is not owed any money, it will be no problem.
Jason's continued need for Cory and Dana help and work experience will be a bonus for both of them.
The real possibility of my going to Toronto for Simon and Kahti's reception is something I will have to keep in mind. It will be a sore spot if no one from the family goes to the function in the fall.
Terry and Merci have no intention of going, even if it is in Toronto with the attitude that they have at the moment. If Gillian continues to press the issue on the location of her painting; the emotional tension will only get more strained.
Monday, June 11, Sunny and bright, + 21
Dana called early last night, in a good mood. His visit with Shauna, his girlfriend from back home, was a great deal of fun. He also worked a couple three days and has more lined up this week. A major film is in town and he expects to get on board with it. Jason is not involved so Dana feels good that he is doing it on his own. He has managed to pay down some of his bills, along with settling his account with Cory.
Cory is going to take a few days off work to get involved with the special effects area of film to see if he likes it and can handle the inconsistency and the erratic money flow.
I still have not heard from Susan, it seems like a long time but it really isn't.
Had a couple of clients come in to further our discussions about their new homes. It is giving me something to do and keeps me busy.
Warren and I played a great series of squash games on Saturday and we will continue the activities tonight.
I received some information that a client continues to shop the suppliers for the house that he wishes to build. I will let John know what I have discovered. John suggested that it would be no problem if I wanted to take a Thursday off.
Gary said that he would sit in for me. Possibly in July, I can take the time and go down to the south country and do some golfing. Everything else seems to be going along quite nicely. No real great trauma or difficulties in my life that are apparent to me when I check with my feelings. The need to have female company comes by in waves and really is of no great significance when I think about it.
When Susan returns I will be able to get a better understanding of her feelings and emotions. I would really like to be with her, under what terms I will have to discuss with her, but if she is not available I will continue on with myself and keep my emotions open for the next female to come into my life. I would like to continue as a friend with Sheila until she leaves for the east to go to school.
It is apparent that Dana and Shauna have something special in their lives but I will let him discuss it with me. It will be some time before she is coming to Toronto so they have time to decide their living conditions. He is still determined to go to Australia to do some work and sightseeing.
I expect that Cory has given up his dream to go down to Atlanta. Even he must be aware that Greg, his boss, is not someone who easily keeps his word. Time will tell.
Tuesday, June 12.Cloudy with rain showers, + 18
I did laundry during the morning hours. Did some house cleaning, noticed that the ski boots were in the outside closet, not having used them for a couple three years, I decided that they would be better off in some one else's possession. I left them outside by the trash bin; some one will pick them up and put them to good use. I managed to clean up some other items and dispose of them. I felt good about doing this. I located the map that I acquired when I went sailing in the British Virgin Islands. I am going to get a frame for the map and mount it on the wall, wrinkled paper and all. Contacted Andy, a client, during the afternoon and faxed him the information that he asked for. Called John M for an appointment on Wednesday but he suggested next Monday would be better. So be it.
Warren called to confirm the squash game in the evening. We had a great series both winning three games. The shot making is getting quite intricate and varied. The work out was very good, with no ill effects on my ankle tendons. I discussed with Warren the possibility of placing an ad in the personal column of the Journal just to see what would happen.
I listened to a professional, on the radio; explain that we should make a small list of what we want to do before we die. This would be something that everyone or at least I should do to see what will happen.
I suggested that Hector bring along his personal ad to give me some direction and information about what to write in the ad.
Everett is not able to make the meeting on Thursday.
Called Cheryl for lunch on Wednesday. She had to go to the dentist in the afternoon because of a broken tooth but we had lunch in the early afternoon. She had spent some time at the new job at the Hotel that she will be managing. The owners seem to be quite alright but any new undertaking has a certain amount of stress that goes along with the new people and environment. All in all, she is quite happy.
I was able to get a birthday card for Susan. Although she has been gone only for a week and a half I am missing her and do want to see her. I hope her trip and time away with Anne is a good experience for her.
Work is continuing along quite nicely, with the company building a large bungalow on spec at the end of the crescent. It will be nice to sell this unit to someone who needs a home quickly. The days are passing quickly with the time getting closer till when the home sales are finalized. My accounts are below the line but a sale will make up for any problems quite quickly.

Thursday, June 14, rain in the morning, cloudy with sunny breaks in the afternoon, +21

Everett was not able to attend because of his daughter's awards night. Everyone else attended at the showhome. Hector had to leave early to baby-sit his kids at seven in the evening.
We had a good discussion with Warren about a close friend of his calling him “her hero”. He had a great deal of trouble coming to terms with the concept of if she really knew who he was and what he has done, whether she would still consider him a hero. After some discussion he was able to be more comfortable with the comment.
Peter was trying to be comfortable with the angry emotion he is feeling about his wife still spending so much time at work, even with the end of the school year at hand. It may be that she did not go to see their son's soccer game, after he expressly asked her to come to see him play. She said that the work at school was of more importance than the child's activity.
I had asked Hector for his personal ad that had been placed in the Examiner to help create my own personal ad.
After some discussion about the ad that I had created, a few suggestions were made by those in attendance to clarify the intent of the ad.
Because of the merit of doing something/ anything; ergo getting on with life, not waiting because of the “unreliability of life” I have decided that only good events could come of the publication of the ad. We also decided that Warren would benefit from the ad in a secondary fashion; I would pass on all the culled contacts that did not meet my level of interest. We also decided that there would be no charge for Warren to receive these contacts.
Traffic is slow at the show home, but this is to be expected on the Thursday.
I was able to frame the ocean chart that I brought back from the British Virgin Island sailing trip. It has turned out to be quite an impressive piece of art.
I received a postcard from Susan today saying that she was thinking of me, along with expressing her love for me. I will have to wait to better understand her feelings when she arrives back home and we have a chance to talk again.
Cory called last night to say that he had a bit of a cold and was taking a few days off work to recuperate. He also had put his name in to work in special effects on any production that was available. As is his way, he informed the company that he is currently working for, that he was doing this just so they would know. He is quite strong in his ability to say what he means and believes in. He is not a person to go around people's backs. This is a very strong characteristic, I wonder where he gets that from; probably his mother. His bike is performing well. He is getting a great deal of enjoyment from it and said that he is having it serviced on a regular basis. The weather has been quite nice and except for a few rain showers, the weekend should be good enough to go golfing in.
Saturday, June 16, Cloudy all day, with rain showers off and on all day, heavy rain in the evening +14
Traffic was slow during the day, with a few interested parties. I did some reading, but just a slow day. Thinking of Susan , where she is and what she is doing. Wondering what her state of mind will be when she returns. Played squash with Warren in the morning, we both won three games. After losing the first two games, I was able to win three of the last four games. I felt quite tired after golfing at Couger Creek and walking the course, some of the time in the rain. I stretched out after the game but still felt it in the legs in the morning. Derek called before I left for the squash game to invite me to stay overnight at their place and golf in the morning. It was a nice thought and I was quite flattered by this gesture but having to work at noon on Sunday, I was not able to go. Watched some golf in the evening while I enjoyed a coffee.
Sunday, June 17, cool and possible showers during the day, Father's day.+12
Had a chance to look at my bank account which is going down slowly because of no sales. I am trying not to obsess with the state it is in. One or two sales will quickly rectify any problems that may occur. I can continue on in this fashion for quite a while but it is difficult on the mind not to be productive from my point of view. There are a couple of sales in the wind and I know things will be all right, but it is still hard not to worry. I am more concerned with the upcoming meeting with Susan when she returns from her trip up north. Logically, I can come to terms with what is happening but emotionally I am still struggling. This is sales and I should be aware of the ups and downs of the business. As I have said many times, do not deal with the problems that may happen, deal with any problems on hand, of which there are very few. Wait for the problems to occur and then have the possible solutions on hand to put them to rest. What a thought.
Still cannot find an Edmonton Examiner to have a look at the lay out. I will have to call Hector for a copy.
There is a big air show in town with some British Harrier jets on hand for the display. I drove by to have a look at the massive fighter jets. All steel, armaments and business. They are meant to do a job, handled by professionals who know what has to be done and how it is to be done. I have a feeling these units are so unstable that they can turn on the pilot and kill him quickly if he is not careful.
I expect the traffic will be slow at the beginning of the day and pick up later as the kids have their way with their dads.
I am proud of the way Cory and Dana have turned out and it is nice to see them turn out so comfortable with who they are.

Monday, June 18, sunny with clouds , + 19

Completed the wrapping of the birthday gifts for Susan. She called in the morning to say that she was back from her travels. I went over and had coffee in the early afternoon and heard about her trip with Anne up to Juneau and Skagway Alaska.
Talked to Luke about some decisions he had to make before the end of the week, whether to travel to Europe this fall with Kyla, get a job, continue with his interviews for the City police and RCMP (become responsible) or go to school. The first police interview suggested that he move out on his own and get a little life experience. He is in a quandary but will make a good decision, which will strengthen him. It was very nice to see Susan since we have not seen each other for a while.
The driveway for the showhome is being constructed with the concrete pour on Tuesday which will not interfere with show home traffic since it is so slow at the moment.
An evening thundershower with winds is keeping everyone close to home.
John and I are meeting with a client at his place to continue with the finalization on details on his new home. I expect it to go quite well.
Gillian called late last night to express her frustration with none of the family calling Simon and Kati about their wedding. She is very distraught that none of the family is showing her and Simon the proper respect. This will continue well after the fall gathering in Toronto for the newlywed couple.
Gillian will continue to be frustrated by the lack of response from the family. I do not have anything to say that will make any sense to her, relative to the intensity she is displaying because it is her son's wedding. Her comments regarding the great low level of responsibility that Jason is showing to those around him is disproportionate to what he is really doing. Oh well, families are an intricate lot.
Cory is thinking of making a decision to work full time in the special effects area. He will do well.
Dana is continuing to do well in his field of work. He was a little frustrated that he missed out on a special effects jobs because he took some straight labor work but it shows that he is trying to get all the work that is available and is not being to picky. A nice sign; shows a degree of maturity.
After a discussion with Susan, I will make a concentrated effort to move to the south side so that time will not be such an issue in our relationship. I will have to resume my search in the next couple of days and revisit the loft on the south side.
Wednesday, June 20, hot and sunny with a possible thunderstorm in the evening, +26

Workman poured a driveway for the showhome on Tuesday so we kept the unit closed for the day. I did some shopping during the day for odds and ends.
I talked to Susan during the daytime before she went to see her dad.
Checked out a couple more apartment rental units and made an appointment to see a unit on Wednesday afternoon.
Went over in the evening to see Susan and continue getting reacquainted. We went for a walk with Dusty, her dog, before it got dark. We tried to redefine our relationship and discussed how we wanted to interact in the future. It was quite relaxed and comfortable. She got a phone call from a friend whose father was quite ill, so I left her to the conversation.
Warren called me to arrange a squash game for Wednesday evening.
I picked up mother for lunch on Wednesday, to discuss the wedding that Simon and Gillian are in charge of.
Mother is quite angry that she is not being treated correctly.
Terry is on the list of people who are ignoring her, along with his attitude toward her. Cheryl is frustrating mother because she does not want to settle down. Gillian’s discomfort is the only bright spot. Mother is happy that Gillian is so flustered by the wedding not progressing as she wants it to do. Such is life.
I dropped by the apartment to have a look. It is a ground floor unit facing south east quite secluded from the street noise and intrusion. As large as the unit I am currently in with the appliance, storage space and general decor quite modern. It will be painted when the present tenant moves out. I filled out an application, left a deposit and I hope to move in Aug. 1. The rent is $550 per month on a yearly lease. It would be a benefit if I could move in before the end of the month to allow for a cheaper move and I would have more time to get out of my place, clean it and move into this one. Moving into this unit should be quite easy because it is on the ground floor with access from the back through the patio door. I will arrange for the sofa, chair and bed to be picked up by Good Will before I move so the move is easier. When I purchase the bed and sofa I can have them delivered directly to the new place. What a plan. The manager lives in-house so I should have no trouble with any noises from the other tenants. I noticed a tennis court across the street. The new YMCA is down the street a couple of blocks. It will have good facilities for racquetball games between Susan and myself.
John acquired some information about the lot in Sherwood Park that John and Nadine are interested in. I passed along the information on Tuesday. John said he would have a look at the property and get back to us. I told him that the lots were moving quickly and that he could secure the lot he preferred with a deposit of $1000 that would hold it for 21 days.
I am getting some traffic at the show home today. With the weather being quite nice, people are starting to feel pressure to make a decision if they want their new home to be completed before winter.