My PCN appointment

 Thursday turned out better then I expected. Anne needed the cell phone because of the Amazon order she was expecting. No photos of my outing are availible. The foot nurse took me in early. She cleaned up the calluses on my feet trimmed my toe nails and did the ABi scan. I wasn't sure about the pin prick test but the 5 pin touches on each foot I scored 10 out of 10. I did really well. I was out by 3pm. It was so warm that day I had to remove my wind breaker once I got to the bus stop at Winston Arms apartments. I was home by by ~ 4pm. 

I hailed Nathan in chat to see if he could pick me up for lodge. He picked me up at 5:45pm. Anne made me a bite to eat. I dreassed got my iPad BT speaker for Lodge. We were at lodge by 6pm. O if it could be that way for every lodge meeting. Even taking ETS Valley line Churchill connector and the Capital line to Coliseum Sation just to get the #8 bus is demanding enough for a 71 year old seniior with a can and a back pack. Lodge was quick and easy, in and out.

When I got home, I just through off all my cloths on my office floor. I felt woozy in the head. Stomach bothering me. I couldn't eat. I was screaming and moaning in my office chair. This happened this time last year when I was in Wetaskiwin. I felt better once I laid down the fan blowing cooler air in my face. I passed out. I didn't even hear Anne climbing into bed. I woke up next on the bathroom floor! There was very little feeling in my legs.. I was able to drag mysel with my arms sliding on my bum.. Beside the bed I got into push up position and got to my hands and knees. With great effort I sat on the bed andclimbed in. This was about 10:30am. Friday. I slept until ~6:45 missing most of game 2, Oilers lost in Double OT 4-3. I felt much better and finally got some feelin in my legs and was able to move around the apartment. Anyway, that's all for now.  

The only serious casualty this week was I was unable able to attend

my lodge's emergent meeting last night. We had a couple Entered Apprentice's prove up to FC, nice guys. Hopefully at a emergent meeting in September I'll be a part of their MM degree and or prove up or both. It would have been great to be there but we were given short notice last night we'd have a early shift. Because we were let out at 7:30pm last night I probably could have made it in time for the second half of the degree. Now that I think about it, I could have been there for the 2nd half but not in suit after all. One of the ladies with years of seniority lives in Beverly. Her daughter picks her up every night and drives a bunch of the other ladies home after work. I probably could have fit in the van somewhere off to lodge and at least be there for some of it. I had a bit of a toothache for the last 2 days and that was taking its toll on me. 

Now that Star Wars "The Force awakens" is in video on demand, Anne and I are going to be ordering this for tonight on vod. Star Trek and Star Wars are my 2 favorite movie franchise's followed by James Bond and most anything out of Marvel studio's. Most likely once Star Trek has launched its streaming service, Disney might adapt this model for Star Wars. I could see a streaming treatment for Marvel studio's, James Bond etc. If Star Trek streaming is successful maybe this would be something Disney might do as well for Star Wars. This weekend looks good, 4 days off Star Wars, Extreme Rules, a outing and maybe even a Wendy's meal in there somewhere as well!

Since I began our Spring campaign at this job, I have had 1 day where I handed in a empty tally sheet. A tally sheet is how many "completes" we acquired in a 4 hour shift. I had only one empty tally sheet during our campaign. I was worried last night until in the 2nd half I'd leave home with a empty tally sheet. I got one warm "complete," last night "that saved" me. Just before the start of the shift I called my other job. Next week we're doing some clean up on the project we began last Friday. I hope to be in on that one, but I'll  know Tuesday. We got a badly needed rain storm about 7pm. I could breath easier last night because I could put my name down as online complete if push came to shove. I was relieved when I got another "warm complete" last night. We got out early and Dave (an old colleague from other jobs years ago) with the supervisor took the bus to Carona station. The rain had stopped about 7:15pm. Dave and I rode the train to Clareview and I was home by 8:30pm. it was a pretty good day and now, I have 4 days off. Anyway, that's all for now.  

I managed to get my haircut

yesterday afternoon. No waiting. Anne made me a bit of lunch before I got ready cleaned and dressed up. I wasn't in any hurry but as soon as I left out of here it was a warm +6 and spitting rain.

I don't know how I missed this one but there was a major story about Adolf Hitler and Eve Braun in the bunker at the end of April 1945. The story unfolded last June. The "official version" has it that Hitler/Braun committed suicide. He shot himself in the head and she took cyanide in the bunker. But there is no physical evidence to link that scenario in any basis to reality. The Russians say they have a skull fragment complete with bullet hole confirmed the cause of death to be suicide with subsequent DNA testing in 2009 backing these findings, apparently. However DNA testing proved the skull the Russians had been claiming was Hitler's since the end of the war was actually that of a forty year-old woman. The Russian government is still refusing any access to the "body parts." Even the FBI was looking for Hitler months and even years after their so called deaths, and don't believe he died in the Chancellery bunker. Also Joseph Stalin told U.S.President Truman that Hitler escaped and believed so until his passing. Eye witnesses inside Hitlers bunker said he saw Hitler and Eva go into their apartment but didn't see anyone come out. This recent expose assumes that two prisoners would pose as Hitler and Eve, were executed and placed in a shallow grave and burned. Hitler often used look-a-likes or substitutes. Hitler and Braun's bodies were never found. Exactly what happened to them on 30 April 1945, has long remained a mystery. The truth is that no one saw Hitler and Eva Braun die in the Bunker in Berlin on 30 April 1945. No photographs were taken to document claims Hitler and Evan Braun committed suicide. Hitler's body was never recovered. No definitive physical evidence exists proving Hitler died in the Bunker in Berlin. So if Hitler did escape how did he do it? He might have gotten out by a nearby Ju-52 float plane to Sweden and then to Argentina. Its all part of the..unexplained.

Last night Reg drove me home after lodge. It was a great evening and I had a nice day off yesterday. Anyway, that's all for now.

Sunday is the day

I look forward to the most. Normally its the only day I can sleep in not knowing I have to hustle to go to work. Anne fixes us her late Sunday brunch and we can wrap up the rest of the day to relax. If I get to pension every weekend will be a long weekend. No more getting up early on a Saturday morning when its -25.

If I had the money I'd get something like this: 

Yes I know its not music. It isn't about music, its sound design. The rig in this image is modular synthesis in a Eurorack system. I couldn't enjoy those white KRK monitors in this apartment. This system here is about $10K.  

So, today its taking it easy, sleep, eat read but at 6pm I'm heading out to the lodge. We've got our Sunday practice before our regular meeting. I'll get home about 9:30pm. Anne's making our brunch a bit latter and I can get ready for Monday. I'm at my second job tomorrow. Anyway, that's all for now.

With the markets

reacting the way they were yesterday sent the price of oil to $38 a barrel. As I understand it with my limited knowledge on the topic this all has to do with the slowing down of the economy in China and the low demand for oil world wide. Even our dollar slipped to a 10 year low to .75 US. The lowest the price of oil bottomed out at was 2009 when it was $35, then oil bounced back up from there. I just hope we don't have another meltdown like 2008. 

The economy took centre stage on the election race today. Some people are saying better a devil we know then one we don't. The NDP were saying that if elected they'd increase the gis. That's not the issue. The issue with that is more Canadians need to be able to access the gis then increasing the amount they receive. In other words the qualifying threshold needs to change.

Hard to believe that lodge resume next Thursday. I've got just a few more months to go with this ipm chair. I think what I would like to do is take over the registrar's chair instead of the JW. Too much work to do in that chair. Anyway, that's all for now.

I hope I have another 2 days off but not much more

then that. Its nice having time off and all but it is summer. Anne's making me a nice rack of ribs for my dinner while watching Monday night Raw tomorrow. 

Our JW picked me up at my place about noon yesterday and we needed a few things from the lodge before we got underway to the Shrine club. We had a small contingent at our annual lodge bbq. There was wedding reception underway next door. I helped our JW set things up played a few games of crib waiting for people to arrive. I think there was about 12-14. It was a small crowd. It rained right after the food was grilled. Perfect timing and

down beside Dan standing packed up. After this photo was taken we watched a bit of the 3rd Q but figured it was all over from there so we cleaned, packed and locked up and got underway. I got a box of goodies left over and a ride home. I spent $5 for the beer and had a good time.After Anne leaves out for her usual Sunday shopping outing before brunch, while I have a moment to myself, I'm calling Dave to have a chat with him and see how he's doing. Play catchup type thing. Looking forward to that. Other then that its going to be relaxing Sunday today. Anyway, that's about all for now. 
It rained for a solid 2 hours. I had a couple of burgers, and socialized over a Sleemans beer while watching the Esks smoke the Bombers 32-3 by the time the 3rd quarter was  almost over most of the folks left. That's me sitting  

This heat has been taxing my

patience as of late causing friction in the family. I just need to find calm and be steady. Right now I've got a nice cool breeze coming in through my window, which almost gives the impression of a fan.

Lets see, so far for movies this summer, there's been a Mad Max reboot, a Mission Impossible, Avengers, Terminator and now a new Ant Man movie. The only one that has any appeal for me is the Mission Impossible movie and I might go see it in the fall at the dollar theatre. I heard that the next Star Wars movie "Rogue one" would be December 16th 2016. That's 8 months away from their historical original May openings. Initially I was concerned because Disney was involved that this new trilogy would be a dumb down version for kids. Disney does not just do kid movies anymore. They did "Tron," "The Game plan," "Pirates of the Caribbean" and others. From the Star Wars trailer released in April, this new movie, looks to be a little on the "darker side" from what I've seen of the trailer. I'm not going to go out of my way to see this Star Wars movie, but I want to see it in the theatre for sure. I hadn't heard anything Star Trek yet. Apparently James Bond Spectre will also be out next year as well. Anne and I see about 1 movie/year on the big screen.

Since Anne and I were fighting a bit last night over that ei cheque that was supposed to come in but didn't, I never had a chance to get at that Heineken in the fridge. I'll have it Saturday night. If its still there. I tried calling ei just now but I my wait time was 45 minutes. Our cordless phone would have timed out by then. I was going to do this earlier but I didn't sleep well over night. 

I called one of my lodge colleagues a few minutes ago to arrange a pick up ride at Southgate this Sunday. We're holding a planning meeting near Stony Plain at 12:30pm at the Lodge masters residence. Its a good way to spend a summer Sunday afternoon. I'm off work at 8:30 tonight and it kind of reminds me the old Xentel always off at 8:30 Friday nights. I'll do my banking after work and come home. I hope to get a full 7.5 hours for tomorrow since I missed last Saturday. Anyway, that's all for now.

I'm dropping off my application form before I leave

out of here this afternoon. Its just a formality to show I live here. No damage deposit will change hands etc. Management can't do anything because they had their chance back in November 2000.

At the moment I'm just working out the week. Yesterday on the job was slow going. At least I got out at a decent time and home about 10:30pm. It's so nice leaving from work to home when it's still light out there.

Anne bought me a new backpack and made us a nice prime rib dinner. Not much going on today, except to drop that application off at the rental office and into work. I had to cancel the Doctors appointment but just as well because they were going to call me to rebook because the Doctor is about to retire soon. That's good because I can sleep in without having to wake up to go anywhere but lodge. It's our last meeting before we break for the summer. Anyway, that's all for now.

Saturday after work

(my favorite time of the week) I rode the #5 bus to Corona station with a colleague having a friendly chat. He's about the same age as me. I wasn't about to hang around downtown too much as there's nothing to do anyway after 6pm. Now that baseball season is here in Edmonton I might check out a Prospects game at Telus field. The tickets are $20 for the bbq area. A burger and a adult beverage on a hot Saturday after work, sounds like a good idea.

In my email when I got home last night shortly after 7pm our lodge secretary sent a email notice about practice, tonight. I called our WM and he opened with "sounds like you have the same cold my wife has." So I said I'll be at lodge. Sorry about missing tonight's practice. 

Last night we got some badly needed rain. It was actually teaming rain about 3am. It felt good. With that and the sleeping pill I had a good 9.5 hours of sleep. I'm just working on my first coffee. Birds are chirping outside. Its a beautiful sunny day.

Tomorrow is very busy. I've got to run down to get a bank statement, meet with the caretaker to find out what's going on with us here and then I've got to head into work. I want to pop into Audrey's and pick up my book and into the job. Anyway, that's all for now.

Some days are just golden

such as Thursday. These days are good news days. As days go I'd rate today on a scale from 1-10 a 8. Most days lately they've been meh kind of days.

I left out of here 2pm and I caught a bus to Northgate. I didn't need to wear boots. A bit on the cooler side but sunny. At Coles all of the Warhammer 40k Omnibus books were slightly over my $20 budget. I picked up a Star Wars "Legends" series books "Crucible."Happy with my purchase I went to see my pcn and my pharmacist saw me right away. I got 3 month supply of insulin. Happy about that I headed across the street to Wendy's and almost got ran over by a ets bus in the bus loop. My Wendy's was good but the bacon was a bit undercooked. I got the #182 to my place with about an hour to clean up and get dressed. I was out the door by 6pm and at lodge at 6:30pm to read on the steps in the sun. Kelly showed up and people began filing in. Even George Rockw... showed up after wintering in Arizona. Yet the big news

         .    

for me was receiving my past masters (pm) certificate. That's me in the centre of the photo. John Slade is our DGM and the guy on the right Kelly is our lodge master. Actually he's a pm and the one that presented this to me. I have a medal like what Kelly has but I must have taken mine off. I wasn't expecting this until about October. I still got the certificate and I haven't paid my lodge dues yet. I'll have it paid off before the end of May. After that I had a Sleeman's beer at the festive board. It was a good day. I'm going to sleep in until whenever.

George gave me a ride home on the tail end of a bit of a blizzard. It'll burn off later today. The only downer today was the Oiler's losing 8-2 over LA. Anyway, that's all for now.

Lets see now I must have placed

about 3 calls at home to the job lead and all I got was vm. The only thing I could do at this point was leave a message. 

So I headed out to catch my #11 Northgate bus. Much better weather out there today. At pcn I had about a half hour wait, so I read and met my 3pm. I had a chat with my pharmacist about my current woes how it was 1 week ago today I was let go from my job with still know roe. I got my blood pressure checked and a couple of boxes of insulin. I didn't meet up with the aw lady for the medical benefit forms. My appointment said he'd try to raise her but she was tied up. Hopefully I'll get the forms at our April meeting. I called one more time to my job lead and left a message. On my way out of the mall I stopped into Coles and they have 5 Warhammer 40K Omnibus books I could easily spend $100 bucks on. If I had it. I had a 5 minute wait for my #11 home at the Northgate bus loop and home just after 4pm. There were no calls for the day from my job lead. 

I got ready for lodge and arrived there about 6:50pm. Lodge was short with a nice presentation on the psychology of Freemasonry. Good education. Lodge was done 9:15pm and I had a half hour wait at Bay station for Anne. We had a nice ride to Clareview station and walked home. Anne made me a burrito platter, we watched the news until midnight.

Update: I just called my former employer and after a weeks worth of waiting he said my roe gets filed immediately with Service Canada (sc) access code and here I am waiting for my roe in the mail or email. I received a sc access code a few days ago. I opened up a My sc account and called sc and got a real person (probably because its my first time) I was told that the reason for termination was shortage of work but I needed at least 920 hours and I had 200 less then that and even with adding Direct Buy, Pizza wasn't quite enough. They don't have 2 others but when I mentioned Xentel for 15 years, there's more then enough. The sc person said I should bring those hard copies of my roe Monday and the last 22 weeks worked. I'll be doing that over the weekend and in Monday Morning. It takes 4 weeks to make a decision and its already been 1 week. Based on what they have I don't have enough hours for a claim but by submitting my Xentel claim, I should. I'll have a decision by the end of the month, otherwise not much I can do now. I'm on hold to sc to ask how many minimum hours I need to open a claim here in Alberta at this time. I'm on wait time 25 minutes. Ok its (at this time ) 910 hours and I have enough to qualify for ei here in Alberta. They also want what's called labour force attachment. I could get up to 45 weeks, which could be about 11 months. 

I still need to contact my job lead this afternoon. So far all I'm getting is vm. The thing with ei is (or used to) they pay out the weeks waiting in one lump sum. Anyway that's all for now. 

Not much good news lately

other then yesterday the guy that Anne knows that's been doing our taxes for the last 3 years from her job that isn't there anymore, returned my message left on his voice mail. He said everything is the same, same price, when we're ready. So Anne is going to set that up.

The upside of having all this time off is that I'm making some good reading progress on the book I'm currently reading. I'm about halfway through it. This series "Horus Heresy" keeps getting better and better.

I decided that my job lead has had two days to go over my  resume. I'm going to call before I head out this afternoon. I need to know one way or another. If I get the green light, great. If not I'll try my next job lead Friday. I've got my pcn appointment at Northgate at 3pm and then home to get a bite to eat clean up and out to Freemason Hall. Hopefully I'll have good news and I'll celebrate and have a cold one. Anyway, that's all for now.

This morning I've got to go to the

employment agency (ea) to get my resume tweaked and see what they can do for me, check my web mail do a job search, head over to my pc by way of the #16 bus and see the front desk and ask for the medical forms again, then upstairs to AW get in line and see what I can get accomplished with all my t4's and a job search. I'll ask if I can see somebody today or this week. I can't do anything further with ei until I get my roe anyway. After that I'm calling a place I used to work at to se if they have started yet and if they need anyone. I've got another place like that and an ad job.

I think we got a lot of things accomplished at the lodge last night. I don't need to worry too much at the moment as I'm not 2 years in arrears. One of the guys there is in the same boat as I am but at least he has a job.

The Hyperloop guy is back. Elon Musk’s radical plan to let people travel in 760 mph tubes will be tested in California next year. The man behind Tesla Motors, SpaceX and Paypal joint-founder. Is this another pipe dream or can Musk pull this off. LA to San Fransisco in 30 minutes is almost as fast as a Concorde but faster then a Boeing 737. Its about 613 Km between LA and San Fransisco. Or about the distance from Calgary to Fort MacMurray. Here's a link to the story. Anyway that's all for now. 

That was one heck of a snow storm

last night. I had a long wait at Rexall on 118th from about 6:15pm until about 7pm. Nothing was coming by. No #8. I asked the #143 what happened and he said the bus comes from the south side, which means it has to come up hill out of the river valley. He said he goes to 50th st. Perfect. I waited for about 40 minutes, taking a seat outside and back to warm up. No seating inside.

I got to lodge about 7:15pm. We presented a member with a 50 year jewel and recognition. Our SW gave a slide show presentation on Freemasonry in the Philippines. Also, in a presentation, I received my ipm jewel and my apron, presented by our current master and our DDGM. It was a great night. A milestone night for me. The festive board was pulled pork (had that last night at home) We had a good turnout of visitors as well. What's next in Freemasonry for me after I pay my lodge dues? Royal Arch and more lodge visiting. I'm going onto Royal Arch that in the Spring and continue work in my lodge. 

Our SW Will gave me a ride home. This was about 11pm and the snow had stopped. The eye of the storm because we're supposed to get round 2 today. Just what we need for family day weekend. I'm also waiting for my schedule most likely in my email before I leave. If I have any unexpected off days, let them be after a Tuesday. I know I'm in on Saturday and I hope I have Sunday.Anyway, that's all for now. 

I had a great evening

although my wife came home with bad news. Apparently they are cutting back her hours and to 2 shifts next week. They are hiring at the same time. We don't know what's going on. For all we know her shifts might be restored next week or maybe next month.

I'm off tonight for lodge. Traditionally (as far as I know) every immediate past master (ipm) usually at the time of installation receives a jewel and a ipm apron. I've seen this happen since 2002. The apron looks similar to a MM apron but with a ipm symbol and the jewel looks like a military medal hung from the suit jacket. Both signify I am an installed master. I did the work by running the lodge for one full year. I didn't get either at the time of our installation before Christmas but apparently they were ordered for me according to the last lodge master as he pretty well said as much in June but I didn't get them last meeting. I'm also thinking maybe I its because they only present the apron/medal (aj) There's also a certificate that gets presented at the end of ones ipm year and a case. Mike said in June "they're in the back." He wasn't at the last meeting. So all kinds of things are going on through my mind now. Are they doing this to put pressure on me to ask for a demitt? So I'm hoping tonight lodge presents the aj to me in traditional format. If not then I'll have some decisions to make. Do I continue on pay my lodge dues as if nothing has happened and then ask for a demitt around November and a letter of good standing and join another lodge? It's not like I don't have any options. I don't want to ask for my aj. I shouldn't have to ask for them. No ipm should ever have to ask for their aj. This is why I think somethings up. I have a few allies in the lodge by by and large, I'm not well liked because I'm not a union guy or a professional or in the trades and my disability stains the lodge in a way. Or so this is my perception. There are guys that do like me there, Neil, Nathan, John, Dan and and the new guys, and I pick up on that. If I don't get my aj, I'll quietly leave this lodge and join another. I kind of like the Saturday lodge anyway. It's not a York right lodge. But I don't want to give anything away either.

I'm really looking at ELektron's Octatrack. It's a multi sample, glitch effects machine, that can do some amazing things. its a little on the pricy side but a piece of gear I've got my eye on. Anyway that's all for now. 

The photo I tweeted yesterday morning

didn't show the freezing rain we had overnight. I didn't know this until at the time i tweeted that photo. I didn't slip even without the cleats heading to my train. 

I got my breakfast at Tim's and took my insulin in the office. I had another look at the schedule posted and noticed how it was just me that had hours cut. The one of the supervisors was going to everyone saying because we're we're running low on numbers for this current project work is going to trickle to a crawl. I started lighting up a bit and felt better. We had our party and watched movies on the big screen in the background. There was no alcohol but everyone had a good time. Lots of food and some presents. I got a box of chocolates for Anne and some cookies etc to take home and stuff in the fridge over night for later. The boss and staff really did a good job on setting this all up. I had a bunch of candy canes for Anne some cookies, a box of chocolates and deserts in the fridge to take home for tomorrow. 

The boss said I might have 3-4 hours today, when the project numbers run out. I could be home by 4pm today, which is ok because I get to watch the Rangers/Oilers and see the Oiler's loose tonight. 

 Anne and I did Face Time with each other a few minutes ago from our iPad to my iTouch, so that was a first. I haven't sent a text yet and that's next. 

Friday night I had my installation, last night the staff party and just 2-4 hours in the office today and I can pop into Audrey's books. Also, there's a Oiler game on for tonight. So far I'm having a great weekend. Anyway, that's all for now. 

I went to bed about 1am this morning and even after having that

Sleemeans beer at lodge last night, I still got about 3 hours sleep during my 6.5 hour in bed.

Last night I was installed as ipm of our lodge and had a great night. The fellowship is great and Dan put together a excellent festive board. I wore a white lambskin apron in the MM position all night that the lodge had in the prep room.  The only problem I had with the night was I didn't get my ipm apron and jewel. This bugged me but I began to realize that the jewel and apron don't usually get presented to the new ipm until January. I got a ride home and it felt different not having a case in my hands. Anne had just got in and made us a bit of lunch. I went to bed about 1am and I woke up about 3am. That's when idea of not receiving my apron and jewel bugged me because our new secretary said I should have received it at the time I was invested ipm. All kinds of things began running through my mind: They knew where my jewel and apron were kept, (ordered by the last WM before me.) was I being toyed with here? Do I have to buy my own apron and jewel or what? If I don't get them then what do I take a demitt, join another lodge at the end of my ipm year? All these options are still on the table. All kinds of things were bugging me. Then a few hours ago I recalled when I invested our last ipm, he didn't have his jewel or apron either. I'm pretty sure I'm going to get mine next meeting. 

I got my schedule for next week, I'm working Sunday 12-8 and Monday 6-9, Wednesday 6-9. Not many hours but we're winding down over the holidays. I'll have enough to meet my obligations for January and get the bus pass. It's all going to be good. Anyway, that's all for now.

About 8am this morning

I developed a stomach cramp. I figured I could just sleep it off. Sporty needed to be fed so I opened  up a can of cat food and the smell assaulted my nostrils, vertigo crept in. I began to sweat. Uh-oh. I made it to the toilet. My head was spinning. I grabbed the waste bucket we use for tissue and after a minute or 2 of moaning holding this thing between my legs, I finally let loose. What a mess. I paused for a bit and cleaned up feeling better and had a shower, new underwear and went to bed. Then the sensations above happened again. I went to the toilet, only this time i felt like shit. My head was spinning but my mouth was dry. After a few minutes of moaning and groaning worse then before Anne comes out needing to pee. "Not now," I cried. Then as before with bucket in between my legs I let lose again. I heaved out several times. After I paused a bit and took some deep breaths of air, I felt better, cleaned up and went back to bed until Anne's alarm went off at 1:15pm. I think the episodes above had more to do with last night chilli. then anything else.

Not a good start to my day off but I'm still going in for tonight. I'm up early Saturday for 6 hours and our staff Christmas party. I should be home by 8pm. Since, I'm only getting 10 hours this week, chances are none of those 10 are going to be Sunday. I hope to have my schedule in this afternoon before I leave for lodge. They're cutting back hours over the holidays so they don't have to pay stat pay. That's my guess. Anyway, that's all for now. 

Friday morning I did my banking downtown and

came home. I had a few hours to myself and about 5:30pm got ready for lodge.

I got there a bit early and nothing had been set up. Some of the guys came by and helped me set things up. We had  about 20 guys show up and had a great night. The highlights of the night for me was a ceremony called "The empty chair" and giving a Jack a 50 year jewel. I might get a 25 year pin but not a jewel, which for me will be in another 12 years. We also presented my ipm with a certificate, which I'll get at the end of my ipm year. It was a great night. I had a Molson dry and enjoyed the festive board and got a ride home. In by 10:30pm to watch what was left of Smackdown. 1 more Friday night and in January we're back to the 2nd Thursday. What was interesting is this evening we had the current DGM, current DDGM and the DDGM elect. All from our lodge! Lodge officers posed for a group photo for this historic event. I'm going to try and snag a copy of the photo on our SW's camera. I decided though, I'm paying my lodge dues in early January.

I got my schedule for this upcoming week: It's tomorrow 12-8, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 1-9. Full hours, less ot but there's a stat day in there as well, so I'm happy about that and next Saturday off. 

Tomorrow is the West CFL semi finale, Riders/Edmonton and at 7pm after the football game is the Coyotes/Oiler's. Should be a good one and I'll probably be home in time to watch most of the game. Anyway, that's all for now.

Why sleep never came when I went to bed some

5 hours ago isn't much of a mystery. My restless legs syndrome compromised the idea of sleep as soon as I got under the covers. 

I'm concerned about this meeting later this morning. I need to print off a copy of the report \i have to deliver at the meeting. it's in two pages but the font is small. I also got to dress up and head to Rexall, get the #8 bus to lodge by about 9:30am. I hope to leave out of here 8:30, in theory. This way I can have some breakfast cereal before heading out. After the meeting and festive board I hope I can get a ride back to my place and before Anne leaves. This way I can nap for awhile and maybe catch some of the BC/Winnipeg CFL game. There's no Oiler game this weekend so the Football game and maybe Doctor Who are all that's on TV this weekend.

I have a bit of a dilemma. I bought the Kobo aura ebook reader a few weeks ago reader to read Warhammer 40K ebooks etc that the Black Library (BL) doesn't publish in print form. As a experiment I tried to (using a popular 3rd party app called Calibre") and a book from Google's project Gutenberg. Kobo wouldn't take the book and I think this is because the book was not in a "Digital Rights Management" or DRM format. Next weekend I'm going to try and order a BL ebook from the Horus Heresy series as its in ePub format and see if that can be added to the aura library. If not then, that pretty much renders my Kobo useless. The other ebook option and I like this as well, is to get the new iPad mini 2. The iPad mini 3 has just been released but the mini 2 is cheaper and I can use it for other things as well. The iBook store has most if not all of the Horus Heresy stuff where as Kobo hasn't any Warhammer 40k. I don't know if I can get other BL ebook editions though from iBooks. Anne usually uses our iPad more then I do. I was also looking at the iPod touch 5th gen and that still might be a option but the screen size is still pretty small to read ebooks and I don't find it a very good reading experience as its hard on the eyes and too much pinch and zoom. The price difference between the low end iPad mini and the 32Gb iPod touch isn't that much of a price spread either. So, that's my dilemma. Do I keep trying to get ePub books onto Kobo or abandon Kobo for the mini, where I can buy ebooks using a iTunes gift card from there? Or will Calibre take the iTunes ebook from my laptop even though my laptop isn't a Mac? I have just under $10 bucks to spend in my iTunes account. 

Not that I'm going to have much of a weekend anyway this time around what with this meeting this morning. At least \i'll have the night to myself. I'm back on the job tomorrow from noon-8pm. Its a long day Sunday and I'm 1-10pm all this week. Hours like these where I work are rare and I want to take advantage of them as they probably will come to a end by about Grey cup weekend. After that most likely its 5-9. Anyway, that's about all for now.