March 28, 2006

I'm finally recovering from about two and a half weeks of the flu. I haven't been that sick --ever. I'm still really tired most of the time, but I get better everyday.

It all started on a Tuesday night a couple of weeks ago. I got home from my stake meetings at about 11:30 PM and did some work for about thrity minutes and gradually started feeling really tired and achy. I fell asleep at my computer, with my head resting on the keyboard. I went to work the next day, but felt really terrible.

That evening I had a meeting with a website client that I've been working with and really didn't want to go. I felt terrible, but I had put the meeting off twice already, and I didn't feel like I could put it off again. I asked JD Taylor to come with me (he's been doing some design work with me on another project). I somehow made it through the meeting with my best face on, but after the meeting I just let go. I asked JD if he would drive me home -- I was freezing, and in pain. I quickly got worse.

I didn't got to work the next couple of days. Amy Ritchie and the kids were in town, so Erin took the kids and left alone so I could rest. About a year ago, when I had felt simmilar -- I bundled myself up in sweaters and blankets and basically forced myselft into a fever. The fever burned the illness out of me and I felt completely better the next day. I decided to try the same thing this time. I bundled myself up and slept most of the day -- nothing happend. Nothing happened except I got so dehydrated that on Thursday afternoon I almost passed out while having a shower. I managed to get out of the shower and call Kevin to come pick me up and take me to the emergency room. He thought I was joking.

When Kevin arrived, I did my best to get my coat on and walk to the door. Cooincidentally (or not) Steve Miller called me looking for a key to the church. Kevin answered the phone and told Steve that I wasn't well. Steve told Kevin not to take me anywhere, but that he was on his way and would be at my house in a few minutes.

Steve arrived and he and Kevin gave me a blessing. I dare say it was the first blessing he has given as a stake president. After the blessing he asked me to lay down on the couch and he gave me a quick physical exam and instructed Kevin to take me to the emergency room at the Foothills hospital. He told me it was possible that I had kidney stones, or a bladder infection -- but that he wasn't sure and I should go to the hospital to get some proper treatment. Thankyou president/doctor Miller!

Keving took me to the Foothills, which ended up taking an hour just to have someone talk to me (I coulnd't see much because I had my hat pulled down over my eyes). The triage nurse took my blood pressure and listend to my heart etc.... She told me to get comfortable because just then (at 7:30 PM) they were only seeing patients who presented at 11:00 AM. Brutal.

I ended up spending the night in the hospital -- where they pumped 3.5 liters of saline into me. I didn't sleep for the pain I was in, then the doctor gave me some serious pain killers and I went right to sleep. The pain killers did make me really jumpy though -- and I had really strange dreams.

My folks came to visit me the next day, and at about noon, I was discharged from the hospital and sent home. I didn't feel much better, but at least I was re-hydrated. It took me another full week before I was in any condition to get out of bed. After that week, I went back to work for only half days. I didn't sleep much during that week. A couple of nights I didn't sleep at all -- but instead lay on the couch downstairs moaning in pain. I really have never been that sick.

If there was any positive to come out of being sick, it was that the NCAA March Madness tournament began at the tail end of my illness, and I got to watch almost ever first and second round game in every bracket. Something I don't think I've ever done.

I'm feeling much better now -- tired, but better. I'm basically back to about 90%. Wouldn't you know that within a few days of my feeling better, Gracie got some sort of stomach bug that kept her vomiting and having episodes of diareah for the next couple of days. I don't know how Erin has done it. She's kept our home functioning and as heathy as possible for the last three weeks. She's borne the entire parenting and household load.

Matt and Dad

 

Hanna Marjorie

 

That's My Son...

 

I'm Taking Back the Web

I've officially switched my home and work web browser to FireFox.

I tried switching more than a year ago -- but I couldn't make it stick. I'm pretty sure it will stick this time. I'm really liking the lightweight feel of the browser, tabbed browsing, and I especially like the extensibility.

Influenza: Day 6

Movies I've watched since being sick:

1. Pay It Forward
2. Moulin Rouge
   
3. Bonnie and Clyde
4. Wittness
5. Matrix Reloaded (twice)
   
6. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
7. Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (Extended Edition)
   

Weekend With the Melchins

We had a nice weekend -- will post more later. 

Lara is now a "Blogger"

Welcome Lara Freiberg to the world of blogging.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Last Battle

I just finished the last installment of the Chronicles of Narnia, "The Last Battle". Quite a remarkable book. C.S. Lewis certainly understands Christianity and does a wonderfull job simplifiying it into a children's story. I've decided I'm going to start reading the books to Grace at night. She may still be a bit young -- we'll see.

Definately worth a read!

March 1, 2006

Erin called me at work yesterday in tears. She told me that Matthew had somehow taken the sharp end of a coat hanger and dragged it along his back basically from his lower back all the way to his shoulders. She told me she'd never seen him cry as hard before. She took him to the doctor, who ruled against stiches. I have to admit, when I first saw it I was a little shocked. It's quite bad.

We did our first round of testing for the upcoming stake conference. We're trying something new this time -- a bridged wireless connection from the Royal Oak chaple to the West Stake Center in Silver Springs. Fortunately the steeple at the Royal Oak chapel can be seen from the roof of the silver springs chapel -- which means that with the right equipment, we can get a decent wireless network between the two buildings. Doing this gets us more bandwidth, and more importantly gets us off the public internet and onto a private network.

When we turned it on last night -- it didn't work at first. Then, to make matters worse -- President Heninger (2nd Counselor in the Stake Presidency) showed up to inspect our progress. He didn't say much at first, so I wan't sure what he was thinking. After getting it working, and trying several configurations we finally got it to a point where he agreed that it was acceptable.

The testing was successfull. I expect that we'll have an excellent broadcast on Sunday.

This coming weekend the stake presidency will be released. This is a big deal for Erin's family, in that her father is the current stake president, and has been in the stake presidency for the last 18 years. It'll be a major change for the Melchins. Elder Dalin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Tweleve Apostles will be attending the conference, and re-organizing the stake presidency. A historic ocassion for the Calgary Alberta West Stake.

Dad & Matt

Matt and I at the Freiberg's after dinner. 

February 19, 2006

Hectic day at church today. I had the kids alone for most of it, Erin wasn't feeling well. We did the routine (visited the Wolff's and the Melchins).

Matt has taken to pulling his blanket over his head (his whole body in fact) in order to fall asleep at night. It's quite funny. He gets into his crib, lays down and pulls the covers over his body -- then he pulls them right up over his head and tucks the blanket in under his head on the other side. When I say goodnight, he looks at me from under the covers and smiles.

Stake conference is just around the corner -- it's hard to believe. I've been busy making preparations for the Internet broadcast (been investigating the possiblity of doing a wireless broadcast from the stake center to the Royal Oak chapel).

Exciting times.

Ouch! Swizerland Defeats Canada 2-0

Enough said.

Eulogy of Isabella Hendry Wolff 1915 - 2006

Our Birth is but a sleep and a forgetting
The soul that riseth with us, our life’s star
Has had elsewhere its setting
And riseth from afar
Not in entire forgetfulness
And not in utter nakedness.
But trailing clouds of glory do we come
From God, who is our home.

Isabella Hendry Wolff was born October 13, 1915 in the Hendry home, south of the temple here in Cardston, where the Seminary building now stands. Her older siblings were Melvin who died in infancy, Wilby, Margaret, Mable, Roszella, Hazelle, and Merlin. Her parents were Adam and Mary Ann Hendry. Isabel was a name frequently found in her father’s Scottish pedigree. Mother was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the newly built temple. Her older brothers and sisters were baptized in the waters of Lee Creek. Grandpa Hendry came to Canada from Utah in 1888. He saw the beautiful green hills and magnificent view of the mountains near the Canada US border in the Carway/Boundary Creek area, and proved up a homestead there. This is where Mother grew up, spending the summers at the ranch, and the winters in town where she attended school. At that time, the main Custom’s House was at Twin Lakes. South of their ranch was “The Gate” to the border. Mom was told that an American Indian was stationed there to keep tally. He wasn’t educated to read or write, but he could draw anyone who passed through if a likeness was needed for the records. Many people travelled by on their way across the line, and hospitality was extended to all. They had food to share and a barn to sleep in. Mother said her father Adam was a kind, honest, hard-working man whose handshake was his bond. Grandma Hendry had come to Canada from England after a short stay in Idaho. As a young girl she worked for several families keeping house, tending to children, milking cows, churning butter, and later nursing her mother through a terminal illness. Her mother, Eliza Crooks Perrett was the first woman buried in the Cardston Cemetery. Grandma married soon after her Mother’s death, at age 19, and put all her “work experience” to good use. Grandma Hendry was a real lady, well-mannered, genteel, and soft spoken. She taught mother to dress tidily, and always carry a clean handkerchief. When mother wrote about her mom in her journal she could have very well been describing herself. I quote: “Mother was always busy, she was a real homemaker. Her home was neat and clean and reflected her ability to sew and cook. The personal touches she added were original and thoughtful. Even though she was not forward or pushy about things she still had the courage of her convictions and championed what she knew to be right. She always supported us in all that we did. Mother had beautiful blue eyes with dark bushy brows and gray hair. She had a nose that was prominent, a family characteristic- any Englishman would call it a nose of breeding. Mother’s clothes were like her – always in good taste.” (end quote)

Isabella’s brothers and sisters were very important to her. As the youngest girl she inherited hand-me-down dresses and shoes from her older sisters. She always blamed her bunions from wearing shoes that were too tight. When she was able to, she purchased the best clothing and footwear she could afford. She certainly had a sense of style.

Mother said that being the youngest girl in her family, she was well taken care of and enjoyed a happy childhood. She and Evelyn Pilling Bohne liked ride their horses over the beautiful hilly country and pick berries. Mom remembers fondly one trip the whole family and their friends made, by horseback and wagon to the timbered area near Old Chief. The menfolk cut down logs and the kids hiked, rode horses in the mountains, swam in the icy water, and camped out. I’m sure grandma was kept busy feeding them with meals cooked on the stove they hauled along for that purpose.

In the summer, mother would help raise orphaned, or “pet” lambs as she called them, to be sold in the fall to help earn money for school clothing and books. The one time of year the girls would receive a new dress was July First. This was a very special holiday with fireworks, festivities, and a parade. Grandma Hendry would handsew for each of them a “Dominion Day” dress. Mother and dad taught Robb and I the importance of living in this wonderful country of Canada where we can enjoy the freedoms preserved for us by the men who fought in the World Wars.
Mother attended her church meetings in the old Tabernacle in the First Ward. She writes: “I always thought the arched stained glass windows were beautiful. I particularly remember at early morning Conference the sun shining through the coloured glass and reflecting on the congregation.” She was very sad when the decision was made to have it torn down.

Mom’s parents taught her good work ethics. She believed that any job worth doing, was worth doing well, and she impressed that on me several times over the years. If she felt inadequate or incapable, she went by faith, and got the job done.

Mom and dad had a simple wartime wedding ceremony in 1941, at the family home in Cardston. Her best friend Trix McMillan had married dad’s brother, Dr. George Wolff, and that was how she became acquainted with dad. After a honeymoon fraught with flat tires and a breakdown on muddy roads, they made their first home in Mediciine Hat where I was born. They then moved to balmy Vancouver which mom enjoyed, but she yearned for the Prairies. When Grandpa Wolff was ready to retire he asked dad if he wanted to run Wolff and Son Machine Implements, and they settled back in Cardston for good. Robb was born during the coldest winter on record and our family was complete. When I started to go to Primary mom became more involved with the Church. She taught in various organizations and was a councilor in the Second Ward Relief Society with Thora Jensen. She and Sue Smith were Visiting Teaching Companions for several years.

Mom was a great hostess and entertained for family birthdays, and all the holidays. Rodeo time was a highlight of the year. In the early days it was an outdoor event with friends and neighbors participating in a branding competition before the Rodeo began. It was lots of fun for all the families to get together. As a Rotarian, dad was involved with the Parade and always showed his support by entering an antique car or two. Mom and the sisters would cook a big backyard fried chicken picnic and it was such fun to all be together. After dad passed away mom missed him so much, and especially at this time of year. She was not one to dwell in the past and adapted her life accordingly. When they moved up to the westend of town, from their creekside home, she began attending the temple. Dad joined the church after being friendshipped by some wonderful people, and gaining a testimony by reading the Book of Mormon. This was an especially happy time for mom. She has always been a prayerful individual and a woman of great faith.

She knew when it was time for her to leave her home and the garden which she loved, and join with friends and helpful staff in the Chinook Lodge. Robb and I knew it wouldn’t be home without mom, but it was the right thing for her. She has enjoyed this past year, lonely for family to come down and visit her, but participating in the activities in the Lodge and grateful not to have to cook and look after a big home. She still did her own washing and ironing, cleaned her room and had a flair for decorating. The past few months she became too ill and tired to “do for herself”. She said she knew she was sick because food just didn’t appeal to her. Mom was appreciative of friends, family, the handi-bus drivers, and the Chinook staff right until the end. When Christmas came she couldn’t rest until she had a little something for everyone.

For mom’s 90th birthday last year we had a surprise celebration in July. We presented her with a book full of tributes written by many of her posterity. The cover of the book was made from the dress she wore for her fiftieth wedding anniversary. She was very touched by all the sentiments and kind thoughts expressed by loved ones far and near.

Mom was blessed with a long healthy life. Now she has gone to join my dad, almost exactly nine years since his death. She is at peace after suffering with debilitating health problems this past couple of months. Her last words were Good Night. She was so appreciative of the tender care given her by the nurses and Doctors, they seemed to sense what a great lady she was. It is so hard to lose a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, but we are strengthened by the great legacy she has left us.

No man is an island, entire of itself.
Every man is piece of the continent, a part of the main.
If a clod be washed away, Europe is the less, as if a promontory were,
As if a manor of thy own or thy friend’s were.
Every man’s death diminishes me because I am involved in mankind.
Therefore do not send to know for whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.

May we be ever mindful of each other and follow mother’s example of always looking for the good. At the end of the day may we reflect on the words of one of her favourite hymns – Have I done any good in the world today, have I helped anyone in need? ……… Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure, a blessing of duty, and love.

As I was walking down the golf course hill one morning last week, I saw two colts frolicking in the pasture. I thought, mom would be so pleased, she always felt sorry for a horse penned up all by itself. She said horses are sociable creatures and very unhappy when they are alone. Mom will be no longer be lonely as she has joined her beloved companion, for time and all eternity.

Given by Judy Hawthorne (daughter)

Isabella Wolff (1915-2006)

Grandma Wolff passed away early Saturday morning (about 3:00 AM).

She's been in and out of the hospital since moving into the seniors home, and this week when mom and dad went down it was a little bit different. I wasn't surprised when dad said she may not live too many more days. Just before Christmas, she was admited to the hospital, and I felt strongly that we should go down as a family and see her. We put the kids in the car and went to see her. She was so pleased to see us, especially to see little Hannah. I'm really glad we did that.

To be sure grandma Wolff comes from solid stock! She lived to be 91 years old (her sisters Mable and Rozella also lived into thier nineties). She's lived 9 years without grandpa, and as I type this, I feel such happiness for her to be reunited with grandpa. She was ready to pass on, she told dad as much and asked that he give her a blessing to release her.

Grandma Wolff (a likewise grandpa) was the consumate host. An excellent cook, and very welcoming to all who entered her home. I never hesitated to offer grandma's place to any of my family and friends who were looking for a place to stay while in Cardston. She was so accomodating.

In her late seventies, after being married for more than fifty years to Harvey (who didn't join the church until only a few years before he died), grandma decided it was time for her go to the temple -- even if it meant going without her husband. Not long after this, grandpa was baptized. After grandpa died, my father acted as proxy for my grandfather, and grandma and grandpa Wolff were sealed together in the Cardston temple.

Grandma lived alone for nine years -- she's not alone any longer.

Erin Turns 30

Erin turned 30 this week (Feb 8, 2006) and Lara helped me organize a surprise party for her. I started planing it about a week before and managed not to blow the surprise (although a couple of times I had to make a clever recovery).

Mid week, Erin decided she was going to oraganize her own party (just for family) at the same place and time as the surprise party. Despite my initial concern, it worked out well -- I didn't have to make up any reason to go over the the Friebergs, and Erin arranged for her own babysitter.

We had about 12 couples over and spent most of the evening sining karaoke. Erin was really surprised. People had a fun time -- everybody sang except Jeff Shipley and Sean (who were both legitimately sick and could barely talk).

I managed to get some Crave cupcakes, which were in fact very good (even after Dave Maller tried to convince me that they were just cupcakes). Lara went to Costco and got a bunch of appetizers. All in all, the party was a success. Happy birthday Erin. I love you.

Erin and I went to Matador to celebrate her 30th birthday last night. I bought her 30 roses (this is perhaps only the third time I've bought flowers for her in 9 years of marriage).

I stoped by to pick up some cupcakes from a trendy bakery in Kensington called "Crave", but they were closed because they were sold out. They must have some pretty good cupcakes.

Gracie's eye is healing very well, she's been really brave this last week. She goes in for her follow-up visit today.

Gracie's Eye Surgery

Grace had eye surgery today.

More than a year ago, Erin noticed that when Grace moved her head in a certain way, her left eye wouldn't track evenly with her right. On a routine visit to the doctor, Erin asked if there was something wrong. The doctor referred Grace to a specialist, and the specialist confirmed that one of the muscles in Gracie's left eye was weak. Erin was told that this was fairly common, and that it was easily treatable. She was also told that there was a chance it may affect her ability to learn to read, or there was a chance it was totally benign and would have no effect at all.

In early December (2005) co-incidental with Hannah's arrival -- Gracie began to have a hard time going to school -- especially riding on the bus. She stayed home from school on several occasions because she was too upset about going to school. Whenever I would probe her about her troubles at school, her only worry was that she couldn't read very well, and that she was unable to complete her "homework".

Just before the Christmas break, I paid a visit to Mrs. Jantzen and discussed Gracie's situation with her. Mrs. Jantzen insisted that Gracie was progressing normally, and that her difficulties at school were limited to the coming/going on the bus. I became quite certain that the weak muscle in her eye was not causing her trouble at school -- despite a nagging feeling that it was somehow detracting from her overall wellbeing.

A few days after meeting with Mrs. Jantzen, I was at the Health Resource Centre. I had been visiting with the guys, and after Bernie inquired about the kids (as he always does) I mentioned that Gracie was having a difficult time at school. For some reason I also mentioned the condition of her eye -- and right away Bernie asked a few questions: "does she fall down allot? does she have mood swings? does she have a difficult time concentrating/focusing on one task?" I answered affirmatively in all cases. Bernie explained that about the same age, his son Paul was diagnosed with the same condition. Paul underwent the corrective surgery, and his balance, mood and focus were improved dramatically -- like turning on a light switch. He strongly encouraged me to take Gracie in for the corrective surgery.

Having this discussion with Bernie made me feel so certain that Erin and I ought to do everything we can to help Grace feel comfortable at school. After leaving HRC, I called Erin from the car and told her how strongly I felt that we should be doing everything possible to manage Gracie's situation at school, and that in part, this would mean getting Gracie in to see the eye specialist again.

Erin called to get the appointment with the optometrist, and not two weeks ago Gracie went to the Alberta Children's Hospital for an assessment. The optometrist confirmed (again) that she had a weak muscle in her left eye. At the end of the appointment, the optometrist noticed Dr. Astel (the eye surgeon) in the hallway, and asked if he could see Gracie at some point. Dr. Astel said that he had a free moment right then, and with that Gracie was in with the surgeon. He also confirmed her diagnosis and asked if we would like to schedule the corrective surgery. Erin said that she would like to discuss it and get back to him. When Erin told me about the outcome of the appointment, I told her that I felt we should do it. Shortly after Erin called back to advise Dr. Astel's office that we would like to schedule Gracie for the surgery -- the booking clerk responded that Dr. Astel had just had a cancellation, and that Gracie could be booked for the following Thursday (less than a week away). Erin accepted.

Yesterday morning I told Gracie that we were going to see the doctor again, and that he was going to look at her eye again. I told her that she would have to be asleep this time when he looked at her eye, and that I was going to come with her. She started to cry. I think she had a sense that this was something more than the fairly harmless visits she had in the past.

I took the day off work today -- mom and Cathy took Matt, and Gracie, Hannah, Erin and I drove to the Children's Hospital. Gracie cried on and off all morning; Erin was very reassuring.

We arrived at the hospital at 11:45 AM and by 12:30 we were in getting changed into her hospital gowns (Grace didn't want to put the gowns on -- she was starting to get quite nervous at this point). We were told that Dr. Astel was about 30 minutes ahead of schedule -- a pleasant surprise. After getting into her gowns and having her oxygen levels testes with a special clip that fit on her index finger (she didn't want to do that either) we went back to sit in the waiting room and Gracie watched part of a movie on a personal DVD player.

After only ten minutes or so, the nurse called for Gracie, and we all walked down the hall toward the operating room. Erin said good-bye and I put on a cap and gown so that I could go right into the operating room with Gracie.

The operating room was very bright, and had Mickey Mouse decals at Gracie's eye level. She was quite brave as she walked down the last stretch of hallway into the operating room and even while she got up onto the operating table. The calm ended when the anethetist asked he to lay down and put on the oxygen mask. Gracie started to cry and refused the mask. I held her as close to my chest as the anethetist could let me, and I tried to reassure her by telling her that I was there and would be helping. She still resisted the mask, until finally I put my hand on Gracie's head to steady her while the anethetist place the mask over her face. Gracie was very upset.

It only took about 20 seconds before the anesthetic began to work, and Gracie became limp in my arms. That was a very strange feeling. We laid her down on the table and I kissed her on the cheek and told her that I loved her and then left the operating room. That was really tough.

I don't really remember walking back down the hallway away from the OR toward Erin, but she was surprised at how quickly I had returned. I told her about the operating room, and then had a brief teary moment. We left the waiting room and sat in the chairs in the hallway just outside the waiting room doors. It seemed like more, but about 45 minutes later they told us that Gracie would be coming out of the recovery room and we could see her in the post-recovery area.

They wheeled her out in a hospital bed and she was very disoriented and sobbing heavily. She was in a lot of pain, and very uncomfortable. Her eye was quite swollen and oozed puss for about 20 minutes. She cried for about 45 minutes. I think the worst part of the experience was the uncomfort of the IV that was in her left hand. She wanted that out immediately. We were told that she could have the IV out if she could drink and retain fluid. The nurse brought some apple juice, but we couldn't convince her to drink it (which I thought was kind of strange because by this time she had been fasting for about 18 hrs.).

Nurse Fran saved the day. She came in, looked a Gracie and said, "Grace, there are some things we have to do. Dr. Astel said you have to drink this apple juice before your IV comes out." Nurse Fran picked up the apple juice and gave it Gracie, and she drank. I was kind of shocked. With that, nurse Fran removed the IV and things got better from that moment. Nurse Fran told Grace to continue to drink the apple juice. Erin and I tried to get her to drink -- but she wouldn't, she would only drink if nurse Fran would instruct her to. So, I went to get nurse Fran.

By 3:15 PM the operation was done, Gracie had calmed down and we were discharged from the Hospital. From the hospital we went directly to MacDonalds, then to Dairy Queen for an ice cream cone. We came home -- and relaxed for the rest of the afternoon.

I marvel that this morning we drove to the hospital, and this afternoon we left and Gracie (given her situation) is ok.

Yesterday Erin asked me if we were doing the right thing by proceeding with the surgery. Without thinking about it I rehearsed my "coincidental" conversation with Bernie, the "coincidental" meeting with Dr. Astel last week, and the "coincidental" cancellation that would see Gracie get a surgery scheduled in just over a week, and couldn't help feeling that it wasn't all that coincidental.

Tonight before bed we all kneeled down to pray, like we do every night and I gave a prayer of thanksgiving for skilled doctors and modern technology, and most of all the Lord’s watchful hand over our family. I prayed that Gracie would recover peacefully and quickly. Gracie knows that her prayers are heard – and from time to time in moments like these she’ll prompt me to ask for a blessing for her. While I was praying, Gracie leaned over and whispered in my ear "bless my eye". I stopped, and asked for a blessing on Gracie’s eye – and I’m sure of everything I said in my prayer tonight, that was the most sincere.

 

January 30, 2006

Keri and Cade appeared on MSN Messenger last night -- they got a webcam, and we had a serendipitous video conversation. The kids loved it. We got the whole family in front of the camera -- it was a blast.

It was Gracie and Dad's birthday last week. Grace had a bunch of her friends over, and really enjoyed herself. We had family over the next day (Sunday the 22nd) for a family party.

Webservices

http://www.webservicex.net/WS/default.aspx

Why I like Photography

I've always enjoyed taking pictures (I think most people do), but until today, I couldn't really articulate why. Of course it's fun to take the photos, and fun to look at them after -- but why exactly?

I played squash today with Eduardo and Karl, and as I was watching them play, I thought to myself that I should bring my camera next week and get some great action shots. Then I thought that perhaps I should bring my video camera. But that just didn't seem like it would be as much fun. I don't think I'd ever plug in the video camera and watch the video of Karl and Eduardo playing squash -- but I most definately would look at the pictures again...somtime. There's something fun about catching the action, and freezing it in a photo.

I've heard my father (who at one time was a semi-professional photgrapher) say, that a photograph "freezes a moment in time". I recently heard a proffessional wedding photographer say that there is no such thing as a perfect picture, only a perfect moment.

It occured to me that perhaps why I would rather capture a squash game in a still photo rather than a moving picture (and subsequently why I like still photography more than I like video) is because when I look at a photo my mind re-creates the moment in the way that I want it to be created, not necessarily how the moment actually took place. In other words, though the reality of the precise moment that the photo captured has forever vanished, when I look at that moment on film (ie: a picture), my brain re-creates that moment in whatever way it so chooses. It makes up what it wants to see. It embelishes.

A video doesn't allow any room for embelishment. You simply sit back and relive a segment of time exactly how it happend. Your brain doesn't embelish -- it just sits there and recieves what it's been given. No fun.

Karl's First Act of Stupidity

I was greeted after lunch by Karl today with the words, "Scott, you will wittness the first stupid thing I ever done".

Karl bought a notebook lock & cable to secure his notebook at work -- and somehow managed to lock it in such a way that he cannot remove the lock -- at all.

Here's a photo of him trying to surgically remove the lock.

January, 18 2005

Yesterday when I arrived home from work, Erin greeted me with a surprise. I must say, I haven't been this surprised in a very long time (years no doubt).

She reached into her pocket and presented me with my wedding ring. I haven't known where my wedding ring was for at least the past two years, probably more. As it turns out, Matt droped a small safety pin in between the cushons of the couch up stairs, and when Erin went to retrieve the pin, it clinked against something. More interesting still is the fact that last Saturday, Erin and I took the vacum to the inside of the couch and it out -- entirely.

Erin has instructed me never to take my wedding ring off again. I obeyed the instruction for about 2 hours, until it became so uncomfortable that I just couldn't stand it any longer.

Web Standards with Visual Studio 2005

A great article on creating web standards applications.

Smartest Guy

 

Erin And Hannah

 

Erin And Matt

 

Gracie and Hannah

 

Gracie and Matt

 

Matthew Richard Wolff

 

Hannah Marjorie Wolff

 

I got a new camera today -- a Nikon D50. I was going to take it back (I've been suffering from a fairly serious case of buyers remorce) but after seeing the pictures it takes, I simply must keep it. 

Great resource for string formatting in C# http://radio.weblogs.com/0106479/stories/2002/12/10/stringFormattingInC.html

September 28th, 2005

My birthday today. I had lunch with Kevin at the Tecate Grill (my favorite Mexican restaraunt). When I got home, Erin had one of my favorite meals prepared, and Gracie surprised me with a bag of Skittles. Matt kept repeating "happy birthday", almost like he was trying to sing the song, but couldn't quite get the tune.

We went for a walk after dinner (around the loop), Matt and Grace took turns riding in, then pulling the wagon. At one point Graice was pulling the wagon down a hill, Matt was walking well ahead of her -- when all of the sudden Grace lost control of the wagon and had to let it go by itself down the hill. Wouldn't you know, as it gained speed, it formed a perfect line to Matt, and would have ploughed him over had it not been for a bump on the pavement that knocked the wagon just enough off course to only brush up against Matt's right side. Erin and I were anticipating a major catastrophe -- fortunately most of the crying was about the possibility of the wagon going down the hillside of the ravine.

Grace has been having a difficult time riding the bus lately. She's pretty good about going to school, but she gets teary coming home. She loves school, but the bus ride is intimidating. So many loud, older kids.

We went to a 1 hour presentation given by Gracie's kindergarten teachers (Mrs. Janzen and Ms. Jocelyn) last night. They're amazing. I am so glad that Gracie's first experience with school is with these two instructors. We're really fortunate to live in a place when our children can be educated by some of the finest teachers. Gracie's also got lots of friends at school. Makenna Kwasney, Julie Gedlaman, Kayla Lee, Sydney Taylor, Nathan Kearl, Rian McMullen (I'm sure there are others).

Icons

In addition to the icon set that shipped with VS.2005, I found this free icon set that may be of some use.

http://www.famfamfam.com/lab/icons/silk/preview.php

Monday September 26, 2005

Had a busy day at work, and came home to sick, crying kids. Erin took Matt to the doctor today, and he confirmed that Matt's got an ear infection. Erin pointed out that Matt is getting old enough that he can communicate what part of his body hurts. This is the first time he's been sick, that he's been able to say what's bothering him.

Gracie didn't go to school today. She's been sick a bit also -- just sick enough that she couldn't overcome her anxious feelings about riding the bus. When I got home from work, I took Grace and Matt off Erin's hands and went for a walk. Gracie and I talked about going to school and riding the bus, and she told me that she would go to school tomorrow. She's really growing up.

While we were out walking, we passed by the Harker's house. They happend to be out picking vegetables out of thier garden, so we stoped for a chat. Shelly was kind enough to send us on our way with a bag of carrots. When we got home, Erin cleaned off the carrots, and Matt and Gracie dipped them in ranch dressing. They really enjoyed it.

The Webdeveloper's Handbook

I found this site the other day -- it's got tons of very good web development links.

Scary...

Very scary.

Web App Lessons Learned

Here's a summary by Jason Freid, a successful application developer, of some lessons learned while developing his project management tool Bascamp.

Karl's will love this.

IE Developer Toolbar

Perhaps I'm easily impressed, but this Internet Explorere Developer's tool is absolutely awesome. There's also one for Firefox.

Great CSS Resource

http://www.westciv.com/style_master/academy/hands_on_tutorial/index.html

XHTML Entity Reference

http://www.digitalmediaminute.com/reference/entity/

September 21, 2005

Went out with the kids tonight to pickup some photos from Future Shop. On the way home we stoped by 7-11 for a treat. Gracie and Matt got the usual $0.05 candies, and on the way to the till I spotted some "Pop Rocks" popping candy. In the car on the way home, I put some in my mouth and showed the kids -- they loved it. Matt instantly wanted to try some, Grace was hesitant. Matt had two mouthfulls, each time opening his mouth wide (like I had done) to let the popping sound out.

I had lunch with the Saunders boys today (Tom, Dave & Chuck). We met at the usual spot -- Chili's. It's nice to catch up with those guys. I miss being around Tom, now that we don't work together any longer.

MSN Form Fill

Some documentation on authoring webpages that work with MSN form fill.

The E-commerce standard: http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc3106.txt
MSN Documentation: http://search.msn.com/docs/toolbar.aspx?t=MSNTbar_CONC_FormFillForWebmasters.htm

September 8th, 2005

I got a phone call from Erin today at lunch saying that my old Toronto elementary school buddy, Ben Gaum, was in town. I called Ben on his cell phone (he happed to be at Northland Mall, just 15 minutes from our house) and invited him over for dinner.

Ben is completing his graduate school to become an architect, and he's currently in a work term that takes him all over North America.

Ben showed up at about 5:30, ate dinner, played in the park with the kids, and spent about an hour and a half catching up. He then got in his rented truck, and drove up to Edmonton . What a fun night.

After Ben left, Gracie and I got in the car and delivered flyers for the food bank. The six Calgary stakes are sponsoring a city-wide food drive for the Inter-Faith food bank. Gracie rode her bike from house to house while I delivered the flyers. After about 30 minutes, she got smart to the idea that she could also deliver the flyers. So, she would walk up to the door of every-other house and hang the donation bag/flyer on the handle of the front door. She'd jump back on her bike and catch up with me. It was so much fun.

September 6th, 2005

Gracie's first day of school. What a fun day. I came home from work at about noon, and met Grace and Erin at home. Grandma and Grandpa Wolff came also. At 12:20 we walked down the street to the bus stop, and waited for the bus. Makenna Kwasney was there also. The bus came late, and Gracie was so excited all day. She's been excited all week actually (every night she would count down the number of sleeps until school).

I admit I was a little bit axious about putting Grace on the bus alone, and sending her on a 25 minute bus ride to Marion Carson Elementary (in Varsity) -- but Gracie was excited, and did just fine. She cried a bit when waiting to get on the bust at school to come home. Fortunately Lara was there to pick up Sommer, and was able to calm her a little bit. Erin asked Grace about it later in the evening, and Grace said she was a little bit intimidated by all the noise and older kids. It's now September 9th, and she's been on the bus and back three times, and hasn't cried since. She's having a really fun time at school.

After putting Grace on the bus, Erin went down to meet her at the school and reassure Gracie that school was going to be great. I think it was Erin who was looking for the reassurance. Erin watched as Gracie went into her class and looked for her name tag. All the kids got thier name tags, but Gracie was still a bit confused. Grace knows how to spell her name, "G-R-A-C-E", and the only nametag left to pick up (after all the kids had taken thier nametags) had the name "G-R-A-C-I-E". Erin was looking in from the window and could see that Grace was getting a little upset and confused. It looked like her name, but clearly wasn't. Erin went in and explained that it was her nametag, and quickly taught her that Graice and Grace have two different spellings, and that they could make a new nametage if she didn't like the Gracie nametag.

The theme for the Gracie's school year is "Water water everywher, and not a drop to spare". I think it's a great idea to have a theme -- I also think that particular theme is very timely.

I can't believe Gracie is old enough to be away at school for the afternoon. She's really enjoying it.

MTOM

An article from Microsoft about MTOM (Message Transmission Optimization Mechanism) the replacement of DIME.

How To Get Listed On Google

Here's a couple of links on getting found by the Google spiders:

1. http://www.google.com/intl/en/webmasters/1.html (general information about getting pages listed)
2. https://www.google.com/webmasters/sitemaps/stats (submitting sitemaps)

August 14, 2005

Last weekend we celebrated Grandma Wolff's 90th birthday. On Friday evening we loaded the kids in the van, and made the trip to Southern Alberta. The trip started and ended with Matthew screaming -- with lots of screaming in between. Erin finally got in the back seat with him, as it was the only way to keep him straped into his carseat - he still screamed nonetheless. Graice did quite well -- given the noise, to just sit and watch Winnie the Pooh for most of the time. I find it amazing that Matt is totally uninterested in watching movies in the van (or anywhere else for that matter).

We decided to stay in Hill Spring, on the farm with Grandma and Grandpa Gibb. The kids love the farm - and we don't get there as often as we should. When we arrived it was too dark to explore the farm, so we stayed inside with Grandma and Grandpa Gibb. We put the kids to bed in the west bedroom... I slept with Gracie, Matt slept in the crib, and Erin slept in the South bedroom (while she read Harry Potter).

The farm is filled with noises we aren't accustomed to in the city. We awoke at about 6:00 AM to the sound of uncle Larry's combine having it's blades sharpened. The sound was slightly more quite that the engine of a 747 jumbo jet -- but not much. Interestingly enough, we could also hear the sound of birds chirping -- I never would have believed how loud chirping birds can be at 6:00 AM when they're right outside your window.

Needless to say, we were up had breakfast and outside exploring at about 6:45 AM. Mom was kind enough to delay her trip into Cardston to help us entertain the kids while Erin got ready for the day. Mom, Grandma Gibb, Matt, Gracie and I went to see the loud noise coming from the big farm imlement, then to see the cows. The kids love the cows. Along the way Matt came across the feeding tractor (used to feed the cows), and mom loaded him into it. He had so much fun. By the time we were done exploring the farm Erin was ready, and we packed up and went into Cardston for the parade.

Dad entered his Model-T, and drove Grandma in the parade for her 90th birthday. As usual, his car won first prize. I'm not sure if the Model-T has won before, but one of Grandpa Wolff's cars wins every year for as long as I can remember.

The kids loved the parade -- the weather was great. Dad parked his Ford truck along the parade route (very close to the top of the hill), and Kevin and I sat in the bed of the truck with Mason, Matt. The truck proved to be an excellent corral for the kids. Gracie sat with mom on the stree and collected candy throw by the people on the parade floats. I think this is the first parade that Gracie has been old enough to really enjoy. She was completely enraptured. When dad and Grandma rounded the corner to come down the hill, I jumed up with dad's camera and snapped some photos.

After the parade, we went to the Loin's park for a family lunch. All of dad's side of the family was there, along with Ken and Judy Hawthorne, Jen and Bruce (and the kids), and some of the Hendry's. We each brough our own meal, and we visited and played with the kids at the park. It was so hot.

After the park, we went back to Grandma Wolff's house and had a small surprise reception. Many of Grandma Wolff friends and family came, and dad made Tin Lizzie Lemon ice cream with the Model-T, by removing the rear driver side wheel and hooking the old-fashioned ice cream maker up to the axel. Everyone was very impressed -- and the ice cream was fabulous.

Grandma Wolff had a very nice time.

One other thing of note: I went to Halifax Nova Scotia this week -- my first time to Nova Scotia, (in fact my first time that far East ... anywhere). My company is opening an office in Halifax (Dartmouth actually), and I went out to oversee the computer network, phone system and Internet connectivity. The jet lag made the first day tough, but other than that it was very enjoyable. Halifax is a really nice city -- I think I'd like to take the family there for a vacation sometime.

I ate more seafood these past few days than I've eaten in my whole life. Since Wednesay, I've eaten halibut, muscles (of three kinds), calamari, lobster, salmon and scallops. I don't really like seafood -- so I think I'll take a break for a while.

July 26, 2005

The Royal Oak chapel was dedicated on Sunday (July 24th). It was an enjoyable meeting -- members of the Royal Oak and Crowfoot wards were invited. The speakers were: Bishop Wayne Jones, Bishop John Gibb, Lynne Miller (Stake Relief Society President), President Lynn Rosenvall (Cardston Alberta Temple President), President Howard Heninger, and the dedicatory prayer was offered by President Richard Melchin.

Keith Wood conducted a stake choir, which performed several pieces -- most noteably, "The Spirit of God" which is perhaps my favorite hymn. It is such a powerfull hymn -- I sometimes so overcome by it that I am not able to sing. The choir was outstanding; the music was terrific, the talks were excellent, and the dedicatory prayer was inspirational. It really was a historic event.

It's very impressive to observe how eloquent President Melchin was during the dedicatory prayer -- he's normally a very good speaker, but this was different. I know that he spent considerable time pondering what could be said during the dedicatory prayer, but the prayer is not in any way prepared beforehand, in fact -- he doesn't use, or even make any written notes of any kind. I'm sure he spent substantial effort contemplating whether he could pronouce that a temple would one day be dedicated on this site. He's been instrumental in ensuring that the church retain the excess land, and that the city have the land zoned for two buildings. On more than one occasion church administrators have tried to sell the excess land, as I'm told it's church policy not to bank excess land. The original plot of land was 20 acres, and was acquired almost 30 years ago for the purpose of retaining land for what is hoped to become a temple site. Of course over the years a temple has not been built, and a couple of years ago when substantial development of the area was underway, the church sold 10 acres of the land. Rick told us on Sunday evening, that at one point more of the land was to be sold (leaving only enough to support a single chaple), but he insisted that the land not be kept. The matter was taken to President Faust, who said something like, "you'd better listen to the Stake President", and ever since the land has been kept, and there has been no further discussion of selling the land.

During the dedicatory prayer President Melchin petitioned that because of the faithfullness of the local Saints, the land one day receive a temple. I've always thought that this will come to pass.

The building is substantially complete, with only a few minor items inside the building remain outstanding. None of the exterior landscaping is complete.

The air conditioning was not operational on the day of the dedication, but fortunatley the temperature outside was cool and rainy. We opened all the outside doors, and let the cool air circulate through the chapel.

Both Gracie and Matt weren't feeling well, and Erin debated keeping them home. I'm glad she didn't. She did however end up taking the kids home just before the dedicatory prayer was offered. Gracie was complaing of an upset stomach, and kept saying she was going to vomit. Last time she said that at church, she threw-up all over me. -- so Erin didn't make her sit through the last 30 minutes. Matt behaved quite well (wich isn't normally the case during a one hour sacrament meeting, let alone a two hour meeting).

It was a nice day. All of the Melchins were in town (except Cade and Keri) -- and we had dinner over at Erin's parente place afterward.

Plotting Polylines on Google Maps

http://particletree.com/features/integrate-your-exercise-route-with-google-maps

XHTML Templates

http://particletree.com/features/quick-start-your-design-with-xhtml-templates

Leadership and Self-Deception

"No matter what we're doing on the outside, people respond primarily to how we're feeling about them on the inside"

July 11, 2005

We celebrated Matt's second birthday today. We waited until now because Keri and Amy both came up -- and they didn't arrive until yesterday. Matt didn't mind putting his party off a few days -- he was oblivious to the celebration, gifts and the cake (not the candles though). I think it spent a total of 3 minutes playing with his new toys -- the cousins got way more out of his toys than he did.

Matt did however speak incessantly about playing with dady's keys, in dady's car -- (or whose ever car he felt he had the best chance at). He constantly obsesses over the keys and cars of everyone he knows. I'm not kidding when I can identify every extended family member by either thier keys or car.

Gracie had lots of fun reuniting with her cousins today. She and Annie get along quite well. It's really good of Amy to make the long trip from Utah -- pregnant, with three kids, and without help (Brad will be joining us later in the week). Amy is a real trooper.

I'm already nervous about Gracie going to school. Of course I don't let her know that. I can't believe that in a few weeks, she'll be riding a bus from Tuscany to Varsity -- spending the afternoon at school, getting back on the bus and returning home, all without our supervision. I keep telling myself not to wimp out, that every other parent goes through the same ritual. Still... I'm nervous.

I had a nice conversation with Rick this evening about Objectivism. He's re-read An Objectivist Epistomology, by Ayn Rand -- and he's excited to say the least. I think I'm going to get a copy of the book and read it with him over the next several weeks.

I got a voicemail message from David Waite today saying that he won't be able to come to Calgary after all. He's got some urgent company business that needs his attention. Too bad -- we would have had lots of fun together. I'm sure we'll see him soon. David, if you're reading this -- we'll miss you!

July 3, 2005

We had a nice night at the Melchin's this evening. Gracie is still sick; fortunatley she's still quite lively -- just has a pretty bad cough. Matt is starting to come down with something -- he was quite fevered when we left.

The boys (Sean, Micheal, Rick and I) had an ejoyable gospel discussion this evening. I always learn something when we have these type of discussions.

After getting home and getting the kids to bed, I dove into some more ASP.NET 2.0 study. I get more impressed the more I learn. The new framework is really feature rich, as is the Visual Studio IDE. I'm really excited to get to build some real applications.

Last night Erin came down and told me that when she was putting Gracie to bed, Gracie was going in and out of sleep, when suddenly she sat up -- still half asleep, and said, "Birds don't chew -- they don't have teeth." Funny what must be going through her mind when she goes from wakefullness into sleep.

July 1, 2005

I’m writting this from Delbert Beazer’s house in Cardston.  We came down for the Hill Spring July 1st celebration.  We’re staying at Delbert’s house because the Hawthorne’s are staying at Grandma Wolff’s house, and the farm is way too crazy to consider staying there.  Besides, Delbert has a beautiful home — maybe he’ll let us stay here in the future.

We arrived last night, in time to put the kids to bed; Matt resisted for at least an hour.  We decided not to rush, so we missed the parade, and arrived just in time to see that the program had been interrupted by a 20 minute fire alarm episode.  The BBQ beef was excellent as always; Matt Burnham won the Rootbeer contest — personally I thought Eric Gibb had it locked up.

Matt and Gracie ran in races — they both did well.  Gracie is getting old enough to understand and be excited to run with all the kids.  She did great.  They both did great.

After going to Spring Glen Park, Dad, Matt and I got in the van and drove arond Police Lake for a couple of hours.  I really enjoy that part of Southern Alberta.  I’d love to own some property down there one day.

After Police Lake, we went back to the farm and Timothy and I took the four-wheelers down to the riverbottom.  The mosquitos were crazy.  The ride didn’t last that long — especially because my quad ran out of gas part way through the trip.  We collected the kids and drove back to Cardston for some Pizza’s and Cream — Matt was uncontainable.  What a relief to have them in bed.

Tomorrow we go to Waterton.  Shoud be fun.

June 25, 2005

I woke up this morning and took the kids to the run in the Bishop’s Fun Run.  I had planned on going alone (and actually running), but I decided to take the kids and let Erin have a break.

The run was quite fun — I put Matthew in the stroller; Gracie wanted to run on her own.  When the race began, Gracie took off with Makenna Kwasney, and they both ran about 600 or 700 meters without stopping.  In fact, Gracie got far enough ahead of me (about 60 or 70 meters) that I had to ask her to stop.  At the end of the race, Gracie and Matt got ribbons.  We all had so much fun.  After the run, a pancake breakfast was served.  The whole event took about three hours.

Erin and I went out this evening.  We saw Batman Begins — quite a good movie.

Hosting Multiple Websites with Windows XP Pro

This looks interesting...

23 June, 2005

I would seem we may have entered into a new phase of parenting -- the "kid goes to the park to play all by herself" phase.

I took Grace and Matt to the park tonight, much like many nights before, but this time when we went home, she asked if I would take her back. I replied, as I do most times, that she could go back by herself if she wanted to. Normally, this offer is never accepted -- but not tonight. She said she would go back, and her only request was for a cookie before leaving.

I watched her play from the kitchen window, then I took Matt downstairs to play. The whole outing wasn't more than ten minutes -- which, to be honest was fine by me. Matthew also had a first this evening -- he said his own name with enough announciation, that I could understand clearly. I was very impressed.

I've been listening to/reading "Winning", by Jack Welch -- I'm totally consumed. I very well read, especially in business books... to be sure, but this book is clearly excellent. I'm only half done and I can honestly say I'll going to be a better business person because of it.

June 21, 2005

I had lunch with Don Evans today. I've been reading a little bit latley about execution and winning, and I've come to the realization that I want to get better in my professional life, and I may need some external help. Don is a business coach, and he was kind enough to meet me for lunch to answer some of my questions about business coaching. He really helped me determine what is probably obvious to most people -- that I have to know exactly what I want before I can get it. It was a good meeting.

Gracie told me two jokes before she went to bed this evening. It was really cute -- she learned the jokes from a childrens website she was playing on today.

1. Q: Where does chocolate milk come from? A: A Brown Cow!
2. Q: What do you call a sleeping bull? A: A Bull Dozer!

She laughed, and was so proud of herself for properly delivering the punch line! She's so cute.

June 19, 2005

Fathers Day today.  I had a nice day — we all gathered at our house for dinner and didn’t do much.  Gracie gave me a mint Aero chocolate bar, and a Canada t-shirt as a gift.  She was so excited. 

Matt was ornery for a good part of the day yesterday.  He’s been very pleasant for the past few weeks, so it was kind of odd to have him so cranky.  He’s utterly obsessed with keys, cars, and car keys.  The first thing he says to us in when he wakes up is a question-esque listing of keys of everyone he knows, “Mimi’s keys?”, “Leela’s keys?”, “Lara’s keys?”… and so on.  To be sure, there is only a few minutes of his waking day where he isn’t holding someone's keys. 

A funny Matt word: “CamaLOWp”, which means either “cantaloupe”, or “candle out” (he’s taken to blowing the candles out) depending on what he’s pointing to.

On Saturday I got to spend some time playing with Visual Studio 2005 Beta 2 — awesome!  There is so much to learn — I don’t know how you can learn it all.

Name of SQL Express Edition Default Instance

When adding a connection to SQL Express (installed during the VS 2005 Beta 2 installation) you have to reference the default instance of SQL Express named:

.\SQLExpress

I've worked on this for more than an hour this evening.

Google Map Hacks (Plotting your own GPS Waypoints)

I found these resources while doing some investigation on plotting my own lat/long coordinates on Google Maps.

1. As simple as possible, but no simpler
2. http://stuff.rancidbacon.com/gmaps-standalone/

Update: this link seems to be the best summary:

1. http://stuff.rancidbacon.com/google-maps-embed-how-to/

June 16, 2005

I took Matt and Gracie to the park after work today. They both hung from the mokey bars -- Gracie ventured to swing from one bar to another (she only did it once, then got a bit nervous). Matt hung, and kicked his feet -- quite remarkable given that he's not quite two years old. He hung for almost a minute before needing some support.

Erin called us in for dinner -- meatballs, of which Gracie ate none, and Matt ate six; that's more than Erin and I ate together. Matt did the same thing a couple of nights ago when we had pasta. He ate an adults heaping plate (more than Erin and I together).

A telephone solicitor called this evening. I've determined that the best response to an unwanted telephon solicitor is simply to ignore him, and tell him about your day, talk about current events, ask him about his family etc. I don't really recall what this fellow was pushing, but it only took me about one minute to have him hang up on me. I wasn't rude, or insincere -- I just started telling him about what's going on in my life. Brilliant!

Melinda is here now doing her laundry. She's been kind enough to bath the kids and let Erin and I clean up a bit.

For the past few nights, Erin and I have been watching Pride and Prejudice in the evening before going to bed. I confess, I quite like the story, and I'm totally into the language. I wish I could speak as elegantly as Jane Austin writes.

GPS NMEA Spec

I found this link while researching GPS receivers -- looks like it may be usefull for working with waypoint data from a GPS reciever. I'm really keen to buy one.

June 11, 2005

Erin and I returned from Toronto yesterday. We were away for two (an a bit) days. I had some meetings in TO, and for the first time, Erin accepted my offer to come along. Grandma Wolff stayed with the kids for most of the time, and Cathy helped out too.

It's ironic that it seems that what Erin and I want most is some time without the demands of children, yet when we get some time away -- we think about them for most of the time.

Toronto was hot -- 30 degrees Celcius, for the whole time we were there, and the humidity made it feel much worse. The heat was hard on Erin, but I loved it. It's been so cold and rainy in Calgary for the past 10 days; I enjoyed every minute of the Toronto heat.

We spent a good deal of our time (when I wasn't in meetings) walking around downtown, and shopping at Eaton's Center. We had fun riding the subway (from North York Center to Union Station and back). On Thursday we spent most of the day wandering.

I was excited to take Erin to the "Movenpick" restaraunt. The name has been changed to "Richtree", but other than the name change, it's still the same place. Erin had a steak and roasted veggies, I also had a steak with a baked potato. We shared a Napolean for desert. We didn't get to Honest Ed's restaraunt -- we just couldn't make it work. Next time I guess.

On Thursday morning we flaged a cab and drove to Thornhill. We went back to our old house on 51 Lilac Avenue. I took photos of the old neighbour hood, including our house, Micheal Goldberg's house, Craig Fullford's house etc... One day it would be really great to go back with Mom, Dad and Kevin.

Being away was nice -- this trip was the first time Erin and I have been away together without the kids. It was just the right amount of time.

This is the route we walked today. We started at about 11:00 AM, and returned to hotel by about 5:30 (roughly six hours). We started at College and Young, and walked west to Spadina. We turned South on Spadina and walked through Chinatown. We turned East on Queen, and ate at a restaruant called Rivoli. We both had Pat Thai -- a Thai noodle dish.

Erin standing on the corner of Queen St. and John. You can see the Much Music studio and Speakers Corner in the background.

Erin standing outside the Finch subway station. Finch is the northernmost stop on the Young St. subway line in Toronto.

Looking west on Lilac Avenue (towards Darly and Adam Frankfurt's house).

48 Lilac Ave -- Micheal (across the street) Goldberg's house.

The entry way to 51 Lilac Ave. If you look closely, you can see the "51" inside the vestibule (which was added after we moved out).

Me standing infront of 51 Lilac Avenue (the home my family lived in from 1985 to 1990). I'm talking on the phone to Kevin.

21 May, 2005

The server room move (from 16th Ave. NW to 29th St. NE) went well. We began at about 5:00 PM on Thursdsay evening preping.; by 7:00 PM the 17th Ward group had shown up to elp us move equipment. We packed the equipment and arrived at the NE Columbia center at about 10:30, and we were completely unpacked by 11:00 PM.

The boys left, and we decided to press forward, mounting the UPS's and servers. We got everythigng that need to be up and running mounted into the racks, (and the rest put into storage) and we powered up the servers successfully at about 4:00 AM. We were satisfied with our testing and ready to go home by 4:30 AM. We were all back on the job by 9:30 AM on Friday morning (only 5 hours later), and we had the network functional and Columbia centres up and running by lunchtime. Overall the move was successfull. I'm really pleased with the skill and effort of my team. I work with committed, very smart, talented people. This was the single largest risk item I've ever worked on -- it was also quite possibly the most successfull.

Erin is feeling the effects of pregnancy more and more. She's doing quite well though. This morning she commented that about what the baby would look like. Gracie looks like me, and Matt looks like her... who will number three look like. Erin goes in for her first ultrasound on Tuesday morning.

Matt has really begun to speak in phrases -- and I'm noticing that he's becoming less and less frustrated (no surprise there -- we've always know that his frustration comes from not being able to express himself in a way that we can understand him). His phrases are really cute -- he's really cute. He's started to go to bed a little better. Erin bought a crib tent for him, so he's not getting out of bed anymore. At first the tent angered him, and we still had to lay in his room for 30 mintues to get him to fall asleep; but he's getting so that he's not so bothered by it now.

Gracie went to her kindergarten orientation this week (at Marion Carson elementary school). She had so much fun. It's really too bad she's got to be shipped all the way to Varsit. Erin and I are both a bit nervous about putting her on the bus -- she's becoming a little bit sensitive to being left alone lately.

I think it started when we went to Utah, and put her in primary with a class and teacher she didn't know. I dropped her off, and with a kiss, started to leave the room. I noticed out of the corner of my eye that she was feeling nervous. By the time I made eye contact with her, I could see plainly that she was very uneasy being left alone. I smiled and continued to walk to the door -- I could see that she way trying to be brave, but the more she could see me look at her, the more her eyes welled with tears and her lip trembled... until finally she bowed her head into hands and cried. It was so sad. I ended up sitting with her for all of singing time, then we went back to Brad and Amy's place instead of going to class. Ever since we've been back from Utah, Gracie has been very reluctant to go to class. She insists we check on her frequently during singing time, and from time to time I have to stay with her in order to keep her there.

This behaviour is very unlike her -- her nature is to be very free spirited and somewhat un-attached. She's hasn't had trouble with babysitters, or visiting in the homes of families she doesn't know. Erin and I have both been confused at this recent behaviour. When Erin took Gracieto her kindergarted orientation, she started to get a little nervous, but Erin quickly put her at ease by pointing out all the fun things to do. Erin said that despite some momentary hesitation, she did quite well.

Practically Assailable

Dad gave me an audio book commentary on Moby Dick. It's been enjoyable. I read Moby Dick in 1996 (almost ten years ago now) -- and I'm interested all over again. To this day I haven't read fiction as stirring as this:

That intagible malignity which has been from the beginning; to whose
dominion even the modern Christians ascribe one-half of the workds; which the
ancient Ohites of the east reverenced in thier statue devio; --Ahab did not fall
down and worhip it like them; but delirioulsy transferring its idea to the
abhorred white whale, he pitted himself, all mutilated against it. All that most
maddens and torments; all that stirs up the lees of things; all truth with
malice in it; all that cracks the sinews and cakes the brain; all the subtle
demonisms of life and thought; all evil, to crazy Ahab, were visibly
personified, and made practically assailable in Moby Dick. He piled upon the
whale's white hump the sum of all the general rage and hate felt by his whole
race from Adam down; and then, as if his chest had been a mortar, he burst his
hot heart's shell upon it.

May 7, 2005

Spent part of the day at work today -- not doing my regular IT duties, rather I helping with the renovations to the NE Columbia Centre. I learned how to to inside wall framing with metal studs (not that it was really hard). I'll feel pretty comfortable doing my basement, when the time comes.

I framed out the new server room, my new office/the IT area, and Dave's office. I find this kind of work very relaxing... it's nice to do manual labor, good for the mind.

Came home at 4:00 PM, and took Erin and the kids to Market Mall. Gracie was hoping to buy a mother's day gift for Erin (actually three gifts: a necklace, a ring, and a dress) -- but we couldn't find any jewelry that we thought she'd like, nor did we thing that we should buy her a dress, given that she's pregnant.

After a couple hours shopping (interrupted by a 20 minute stint in the play area), we abandoned our original gift ideas, and decided to get some new tablesettings. Erin couldn't decide what she wanted, so we left the mall empty handed. Honestly the best give I think I can give her, is just being out with her and the kids for an afternoon.

We went out with Sean and Libby Haslam last night. We had dinner at the Outback, then went to the new movie, "Kindom of Heaven". The dinner was great, the movie was decent. We always have fun going out with the Haslams.

The World Factbook

While researching Wikipedia today on the "Gaza Strip", I came across a reference to the C.I.A.'s World Factbook. This thing is really amazing (see Wikipedia's description).

May 2, 2005

Cathy's birthday today, we all went to Joey Tomatoe's for dinner. To be honest, I really don't like that place; I think the food is way overpriced... and it's good, but not that good.

Matt appearantly had to major breakdowns today. Erin tells me that at one point he was actually foaming at the mouth. Poor kid.

Matt has taught me a lot about parenting -- mostly that I should never be critical of a person's parenting skill (or appearant lack of it). I suspect most of what I previously would have judged as poor parenting, is more likely than not the result of a very frustrated parent who's doing thier best. Matt is so cute when he in a pleasant disposition, but he's very difficult to deal with at other times.

May 1, 2005

Stake Conference today; an interesting one. It was the first "satellite broadcasts" stake conference, transmitted from the Foothills Stake Centre in Calgary to 93 other chapels in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and part of Western Ontario. Elder Marlin K. Jensen who conducted the meeting pointed out that even a small congregation in Yellowknife was watching. President Monson, Elder David A. Bednar and Elder Jensen came to Calgary to conduct and speak at the conference.

The conference was given in two parts, a Saturday priesthood leadership meeting, and the Sunday general session. The Saturday priesthood training went from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM (an hour longer than scheduled), but it felt no longer than about an hour and a half. All three gave very good instruction, but I was particularly inspired by Elder Bednar's comments (at both sessions).

Elder Jensen conducted both sessions, and spoke only very briefly (about 10 minutes) to open the priesthood session. Elder Bednar spoke next for about 45 minutes, then President Monson for about an hour. There was a 20 minute break, then they all spoke again.

Elder Bendar is the newest of the Twelve, and by far the youngest. He's got a very accessible speaking style, yet very doctrinal. He's an excellent teacher. He told us of the process of being ordained an Apostle, and taught about priesthood keys in a very clear, insightful manner. He taught about how priesthood keys should be used, and how they should be received. Several times he spoke about how "with God, nothing is impossible."

During the general session, he used a theme (developed by Elder Maxwell during a previous General Conference) about how the individual brush stokes of a masterpiece painting are unremarkable when viewed by themselves; but after the painting is completed, and the individual brush strokes are viewed collectively, the masterpiece is revealed. He taught the family scripture study, seminary attendance, family prayer can be likened unto the brushstrokes, and that for most of us, there likely will not be one prayer, or one seminary or Sunday School lesson (i.e.: one single brush stroke), that we can "point to" that made the masterpiece (so to speak) -- but that after the years go by, and all the brush strokes are viewed together, then the masterpiece is revealed. To illustrate he pointed out that his children may not remember a single morning's scripture study, but they remember that they had scripture study every morning.

At the close of his Priesthood talk, Elder Bednar gave his witness of the Saviour. I'm not sure why, but there was something different about hearing him bear testimony of the Savior in person, than hearing all the Prophets and Apostles bear testimony at general conference. I can't really explain why, but I was more real, more honest than others I've heard.

Overall it was an uplifting conference.
P.S. The production of the conference was quite remarkable. A large semi-trailer was driven up from Salt Lake, with all the camera, sound and satellite equipment required to perform the broadcast. Technically and logistically, it was amazing.

April 23, 2005

We went for another hike through the ravine last night, this time Erin joined us -- and we had rubber boots for both Gracie and Matt (Matt wore Gracie's old boots that didn't fit very well). The kids had a fantstic time spashing in the water.

I was really surprised how well Matt did; I expected him to fall into the water on the first or second crossing. He actually made it to the fourth or fifth crossing before filling his boots with water and eventually falling right in. A couple of times he teetered, but managed to keep his balance. By the end Matt was completely soake, and I scooped him out of the water and rushed him home (ahead of Erin and Gracie) before he got too cold. We both decided that if Matt was going to have any chance at staying dry, he'd need new boots... we remedied that today (he got new boots from Wal-Mart). I put Matt down for bed, and as I've been doing the past few nights, I laid on the bed in his room. I fell asleep with him at 8:30 for the night. Sweet!

Tonight,after going to Wal-Mart we went to Peter's drive through for dinner and stopped off at the Melchin's for the evening. Sean was preparing for his priesthood lesson tomorrow, and we had an interesting discussion on the "key to the knowledge of God." We've been taught previously that the key to the knowledge of God is the covenants and ordiances of the priesthood, and Sean is going to use President Faust's talk from the October 2004 priesthood session of general conference. Sean is gives a very well prepared, uplifting, inspired lesson. I look forward to it.

I've been reading the "Miracle of Forgiveness" by President Spencer W. Kimball. It's the classic LDS book on repentance and forgiveness. The more I read the book, the more I'm interested to learn about President Kimball, he must have been a very pure, humble person. Tonight Cathy described him as being "without guile".

April 22, 2005

Grandma Wolff surprised us with a visit to Calgary, and she and mother stoped in to see us last night. It's good for Gracie and Matt to spend time with her -- we don't go down to Cardston very often (certainly not as often as we should). Gracie was so interested to show grandma Wolff her Barbie dolls. I took some pictures of the visit, and as usuall Matt became obsessed with the camera to the point that we had to put him to bed. It is such an effort for grandma to come to Calgary, I'm quite surprised she came -- but very happy she did.

April 19, 2005

Work is really busy lately -- I'm having a hard time staying on top of everything.

After dinner this evening, we took the kids to Leavitt's Ice Cream Shop. Dad, Kevin and Mason met us there. On the way we took a detour to the top of Canada Olympic park. I parked the car, and Gracie and I walked out and looked out over the city from the top of the hill. It was fun.

Lara has had a bit of a scare with her pregnancy, but fortunately everything is fine. Erin seems to be getting over her constant tired/sick feeling -- thankfully.

I had to stay with Matt for about 35 mintues this evening in order to get him to bed. I just sit and read in his room.

April 18, 2005

J.D. Taylor came over for dinner this evening. His wife and kids have been in Utah for the past couple of days. We had pizza and talked about building a deck -- he's got some great ideas!

Friday morning of last week, Erin was woken by the sound of someone downstairs in the kitchen. It was Matt. He climbed out of his crib, opened his door and started roaming around the house.

He gets out a night too. He's decided that he doesn't like to go to bed anymore, so I've been putting Matt to bed for the past week or so. Up until last week, Matt would gladly go down -- his bedtime ritual consisted of turning on the humidifier, and turning off the lights. Now I've got to stay with him and rub his back, this process now takes about 15-30 minutes.

Mom and Dad, Kevin and Mason came over for dinner on Sunday. Elise stayed home with Porter who's significatly improved, but not well enough to leave the house yet. Erin made Chicken Taco Pie, everyone loved it.

April 17th, 2005 -- (Terry Fox)

This week marked the 25th anniversary of the commencement of Terry Fox's run across Canada. I shamefully admit that until this week I didn't know much about him... other than he tried to run accross Canada in an attempt raise money for cancer. I know alot more about him now.

At age 21, Terry Fox began his "Marathon of Hope" in St. John's, Newfoundland on April 12, 1980. When he began there were only a few people who knew him or his cause; 143 days later most everyone in Canada knew him. Terry had a type of bone cancer, and his leg was amputated well above the knee.

I saw Terry's brother Darrell on TV this week -- Darrell pointed out something remarkable. He said that most people who run a marathon will train for months, and will take weeks to allow thier body to recover. Terry Fox ran the equivalent of a marathon everyday for 143 days. He did it with a prosthetic leg -- and cancer.

He ran over 5000 km's (more than half the distance of Canada), and eventually stoped outside Thunder Bay, Ontario because the cancer had spread to his lungs. To date, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised over 360 million dollars for cancer research.

This week I've seen lot's of archived video tape of Terry Fox, and what impresses me most is that hope, and optimisim seemed to radiate from him.

Terry Fox is a hero.

"Some people can’t figure out what I’m doing. It’s not a walk-hop, it’s not a trot, it’s running, or as close as I can get to running, and it’s harder than doing it on two legs."

"I'm not a dreamer, and I'm not saying this will initiate any kind of definitive answer or cure to cancer, but I believe in miracles. I have to.”

"If you’ve given a dollar, you are part of the Marathon of Hope .”

--Terry Fox

April 10, 2005

My computer has been down for the past several weeks, so I haven't made an entry recently. It's should be fairly telling that I haven't had time in the last 45 days or so to fix my computer -- infact for the past three weeks I haven't even turned it on (I've been bringing my notebook home from work however).

I got a modest bonus from work (a pleasant surprise I wasn't expecting), so I used part of it to replace the mainboard and hard drive on my home machine. I also added another gigabyte of memory. Kevin mentioned to me this evening that when he at WestWorld Computers before leaving on his mission (1996) the fastest computer processor was a 33 mHz, and the absolute most memory you could put in a computer was 32 megabytes. I now have two gigabytes of RAM in my computer -- which in 2005 is uncommonly large, I suspect that in five or ten years from now 2 gigabytes of RAM will be uncommonly small (if we use RAM at all).

Enough about computers...

Here's a brief recap of the past thirty days: We leased a van, we drove to Utah, we found out Erin is pregnant.

After thinking about it for some time, and doing a fair amount of research, we decided to lease a 2005 Pontiac Montana. It's quite a nice van (as far as mini-vans can be nice). It has a built-in DVD system -- which was a non-negotiable feature for Erin, and an automatic sliding passenger door. The rear seats also fold down. While driving, Gracie becomes quite engrossed watching DVD's (her current favorite is The Incredibles) -- Matt on the other hand couldn't care less. He sits with arms raised, and hands behind his head most of the time. Matt is extremely determined to do things for himself. For instance, he insists on buckling his carseat himself -- which is tough, because at his age he doesn't have the strenght or the dexterity to do it. Needless to say, getting in and out of the car has become moderately frustrating.

One of major influences in the decision to get the van was that we had decided to go to Utah to visit the Ritchie's and to attend general conference. We had assumed that the van (or better said, the DVD system) would make the 15 hour trip more palatable for the kids. The trip back to Calgary was better, but the trip to Utah was nigh unto unbearable. The DVD system did nothing for Matt, and Gracie kept getting frustrated because she couldn't fall asleep in her carseat. At one point all four of us were yelling. On the trip down, we learned a some things about the configuration of the van (ie: tilting the seats back to promote comfortable sleeping), and the trip home was much more enjoyable.

Utah was fun. For the first time I felt like I could live there. The weather was great -- the community that Brad and Amy live in seems really nice, everything just seemed good. The kids had fun with thier cousins. Gracie and Annie got along quite well. Gracie was over-stimulated most of the time, and was frequently given to tears -- but she had a good time nontheless. Matt did quite well with his afternoon naps but struggled a bit with nighttime. The sun was up early and shone into the room we stayed in, waking Matt up at 6:00 AM the first few mornings we were there.

Almost all of the Calgary group got sick while in Utah. It started with Lara, then Erin and Melinda, then me, then the kids.... We were introduced to a cold remedy called "Airborne", which seemed to work quite well.

While in Utah, I worked on a website for Brad for a couple of days, and on Thursday we skied Brighton. I was almost at the peak of my sickness on the Wednesday before, and had decided not to go, but when I woke up to 47" of new snow in the mountains, and a perfectly blue sky, I reconsidered how sick exactly I was. On Friday, I paid the price. The skiing was great, some of the best I can remember.

Conference was nice. It's really something to be in the Conference Center. I attended the Saturday afternoon and Priesthood sessions. This is my third time attending conference in the Conference Centre, and it still impresses me. It's quite remarkable to hear the hum of 20,000 people come to a complete silence at the first appearance of the prophet. The sound of 20,000 folding seats -- closing almost instantaneously -- followed by utter quite, is quite unique. I can't think of any other place or event where that many people can be that quite, and show that much respect. The congregation rises to it's feet, and becomes silent before the prophet can make more than two steps into the room.

One of the highlights of the trip was getting to spend some time with David Stratton Waite. We met him for dinner on Tuesday evening at the Macaroni Grill. It was great to see him again. He tolerated the noise of the kids, and the constantly interupted conversations for about an hour, then we finally gave up and determined to meet again another night without the kids. So, on Thursday after skiing, David and I went out for dinner and got a chance to catch up. Getting together with David is quite intersting -- he's got a way about him. I can't explain it, but somehow even though we don't get a chance to speak to each other more than once or twice a year, and even though we don't spend time together in person more than every three or four years -- somehow, when we are together, it's like we've never been apart. I've often thought that the bond we created as missionary companions, is somehow stronger than all the time we've spent apart. We spoke about family, work, books, church, future plans. It was great. David is great.

Lastly, Erin is pregnant. Though I hadn't planed on an exact date, nor had Erin and I really spoken about it, I've been feeling like it was time for us to have another child. Number three is kind of intimidating, but I'm sure it will be great. Erin is starting to become quite ill -- moreso than I remeber with Gracie or Matthew. She's nauseated and tired most of the time. I hope we can all make it.