New Year Late Update

I know, I know. I have been absent for far too long. With the holidays and the new year over, I plan on getting back on track with the blogging. So here is a quick low-down on my holiday highlights:

• December 24 am - wallet, money and brand spanking new blackberry 8700r stolen out of my jacket. Scramble to cancel all cards and services, which poses a major problem cause I have done zilch in the realm of Christmas gift shopping. Merry fucking Christmas to the Asshole who stole it. Your ass is grass if I ever figure who you are...I have connections you know, so you better be smart.
  
• Onto better things, I am working on a project which I will soon unveil to you all in a short bit. It has been an Idea of mine for quite some time, but I just haven't got around to actualising it and making it a reality. Once I have it out, I would love your input, suggestions and ideas. Expect something by end of week. :)
• January 6-8, 2005 - Flew to NYC (last minute) for my cousins wedding. Wedding reception was lovely and simple and drank a lot with her crazy friends. Didn't do any shopping which I was hoping for, but I did get to slip out at 1am after the Wedding reception to meet up with Life. by Jase and his friend. They were 2 of the sweetest most entertaining Fags I have ever met. We went to Starlighte for some casual drinks and chat, and I was soon dragged to a dance bar (Jase, you will have to remind me of the name: Was far too inebriated to recall, but know "Boys" was in the name). Jase never quite told me he was a Go-Go Dancer or that he swing from a Pole (ahem). He certainly has a lithe, tight body made for sliding up and down Poles, so I'd suggest you call him up if your ever in NYC. Again, a big Thank You for being so hospitable to this Canuck. Even with my severe hangover the following morning, I didn't regret a moment.
• Now I am back to the Grind at work, but expect pictures to be posted soon from NYC.
  

Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats got it right...

It goes without saying that Monday mornings are anathema to my idea of happy living. In fact, I would think most people don't like Mondays. It falls in the same category as a hangover, or diahrrea. Honestly, they could remove the whole day and I would have no issue with it, but that of course would make Tuesdays, The Monday - and we simply can't have that, so I guess I'll just have to live with it.

I know. I know. "What is the point of this random chatter?" you wonder. Well this past Monday I had a pre-arranged appointment to see my Gastroenterologist for a procedure called a sigmoidoscopy. For those unwilling, or too lazy to click the provided link, it's when they stick a camera up your arse to view the lower end of your bowel (the sigmoid). Plain and simple as that. End of story.

Not a pleasant experience.

Even further unpleasant, when done at 8:15 am on a cold Monday morning, sans caffeine, coffee or food.

I arrive at the hospital and get to the designated room, and am assigned a gurney, gown and a washroom. I am sharing the room with 2 other patients, whom both share a rather unpleasant look on their faces.

They too must hate Monday mornings.

The nurses and technicians, I must say were phenomenal and very friendly. Maybe a bit too friendly. Patricia (Pat) introduces herself to me and tells me she needs to perform 2 enemas on me, the whole time with a smile across her sweet face. My Monday is not looking any brighter and I tell her I am not looking forward to having this procedure done. She assures me that it won't be too painful, just a bit uncomfortable, and proceeds to open a casual dialogue with me:

Pat: So dear, do you go by Alex, or Alexander?

Me: Um, Alex will be fine, thanks.

Pat: Dear, I need you to lie on your side with your bum bum facing me.

Sound of a box opening.

Me: Hmm....I thought I had the worse part of this procedure.

Latex glove slaps on.

Pat (laughing): And will you be celebrating the Holdays at all this year Alex?

Sound of bottle being shaken.

Me: Um, yeah. With family on the 24th, 25th. Friends the other days.

Sound of Surgical lube squishing.

Pat: Oh that's nice. And does your mum make the traditional dinner?

Feeling a cold breeze on my "bum bum" as she lifts my gown.

Me: No, the boys usually do all the cooking.

Pat: Oh that is what I like to hear! What wonderful boys you must be...Ok, Alex, here goes.

I can't really explain what the feeling is like. A rush of cold air or ice cubes being shoved up your arse is the closest I can get to it. After all the preparation work, and a few runs to the loo, I am pushed on my gurney into the examination room. While in the examination room, my doctor and her assistant pulled out the nefarious looking endoscope and proceeded to turn me towards the monitor so that I could watch my own sigmoidoscopy examination. This experience was even worse than the enema, and I was watching the whole damned thing on a monitor. The process includes filling you up with air and water so that you bloat up and feel like your having menstrual or gas cramps.

Again, NOT a pleasant feeling.

Seeing your innards was quite the experience, and if someone ever calls me a shit disturber, I'll have more than a few words to say.

P.S. Apparently, I am fine and have a "beautiful sigmoid". Her words not mine. All I could think was, I hope she doesn't use pick up lines....ever.

Anatomy of a wrong SMS

Sunday, I was helping move one of my best friends to her new place. It was a lot of work, so at the end of the evening, we sat down to several bottles of wine and good ol Popeye's chicken. In the midst of the drinking I get an SMS (Short Messaging Service) also known as a Text message on my Blackberry.

Hi Ryan, Just wanted to say I had a really great time the other night, and if Brad asks, go ahead and tell him. I'd rather him know than find out from other sources. I am really looking forward to picking up from where we left off wink wink. Paula

Me: Hi Paula, I am glad you had a great time and would like to pick up where we left off. What a sweet girl you are to message me. You obviously are a load of fun, but unfortunately you have the wrong number and I am not Ryan. He must have been hot though for you to send this message, but you ought to know you messaged the wrong fella.

Paula: Oh my god. I am so sorry. Who is this?

Me: Someone who gets that you had an AWESOME time, but who unfortunately is not Ryan, and who also happens to be as Queer as a three dollar bill. Though from your message, Ryan sounds like a very good catch. Good boys are hard to come by, so I wish you luck. Message when you want babes! ;P

Paula: LOL Yes, Ryan is really hot and cute. I will let you know what happens. Any tips? Thanks!

Me: Good on ya Paula! Have fun and enjoy the boy. But always remember it takes a good woman to make a real man. LOL

Paula: Really? I suppose you would know, or at least are a Master/mistress at it?

Me: You're a smart girl Paula. lol Have a great night and good luck!

A few of my Favourite Peeves

- People who don't say "Thank You" or smile when you open or hold the door for them.
- People who spit and throw cigarette butts on the floor.
- Know it all kids.
- People who interrupt.
- Weak coffee
- Uncharitable types.
- Malicious gossip.
- Pimples (on me)
- Coughing (me)
- People who are not themselves and who always have a facade or fakeness about them.
- People who don't Poop and scoop (Their dogs pooping. Them scooping).
- Rude sales people or service industry staff.
- Customers, who are rude to sales people or service industry staff.
- Running out of toilet paper.
- People who pee on the seat and floor
- Not washing hands after going to the loo
- Overly defensive people, or people who always have to appear to be the "Right One"
- Tardiness.
- People who do not pick up the phone, return calls or emails.
- Not admitting you were wrong and carrying on from there.
- Constant complainers.
- People who complain when they create their own drama.
- Seagulls
- Feeding pigeons.
- Weak vodka drinks (I'm rather heavy handed and generous with my portions)
- Steak that is anything more done than Medium rare.


Ok, Ok...some of these aren't so much as Pet Peeves, as piss-me-off-royally or just general kvetching, which you may have noticed was one of my pet peeves. Which of course leads me to the final Pet Peeve:

- People who take themselves too seriously and can't laugh at themselves.

I am going to be an Uncle

Congratulations to my brother and sis-in-law! They are expecting their first in June. I will be the most Awesomest Uncle. So excited, as this is the best birthday and Christmas gift I could ask for.

Truths

1. True. I have had over 35 hamsters in my life time. I have had a lot of experience therefore with hamsters escaping. The pencil fell out from behind my ear and did actually bounce off the floor and as I placed my foot down, the pencil went about half an inch in and broke. The lead piece is still there.

2. True. We were very odd kids.

3. True. I thought they were candy adn that my parents were trying to hide them on me.

4. True. It was weird at first, but I didn't care. They were hot.

5. False. My parents thought I was retarded after I was born, but just realised I was an idiot and a poor student. The grades after C are correct though.

6.True. This was a dream that I thought was real until my mid-late 20's. I should make the clarification, that my grandmother sleeping in my parents bed was also part of the dream, but I didn't know it at the time, until I figured that would not be possible and was too weird.

Spot The Lie

Well, after having read Tornwordo and Dickeybird's "Spot The Lie" game, I thought I would steal the idea for myself, as I thought it rather cool and interesting. Listen, I never said I was all that original and I've never had a problem telling people their ideas were great.

So here goes. Spot the Lie. You have the weekend to figure it out.

1. When I was a young lad, one of my many hamsters escaped it's cage and ended up chewing a hole into my parents couch, whereupon it got stuck and began to cry for help. I was doing my homework, so stuck the pencil behind my ear and proceeded to cut into the couch to get her out. Just as I was about to free her, the door bell rang, so I ran downstairs to open the door, upon which the pencil fell out of its holding place, bounced off the floor (eraser end) and embedded the lead tip into my foot. I opened the door to 2 girlfriends of mine who just stood in shock as I hopped about on my left foot and bled from my right foot and explained that my pet was stuck in a couch.

2. When we were kids, our home was the central gathering place since we had a park out front and a Pool out back. One summer morning we noticed the Consumers Gas technician coming in and out of our backyard to do some work. It was a hot day, so in the afternoon, we decided to go for a swim. We noticed the technicians truck still out front, and went to the backyard only to to find him floating in the pool tangled in hose with his head bobbing on the top. We freaked and began screaming, but upon closer inspection found out it was a raccoon who got caught in the automatic pool vacuum and hose, which we thought was his body.

3. I once ate Flinstones multivitaamins like candy and got diahrrea for over a week.

4. I once had sex with twin brothers who liked it that way.

5. My parents told me that I was mentally retarded when I was a kid going through school, so as to boost my ego because I was not a very bright student, and often got letters after C as a mark.

6. I had a dream when I was a kid that there was a ghost in my room who was a mime. It had white gloves and a top hat and wand, and that was all you could see. In fear, I sneaked past the ghost and ran to my parents room where my grandmother was sleeping between my parents. I believed this was true until only a few years ago.

A little Perspective

I don't like to be preachy, but wanted to bring a little perspective regarding our financial and economic status compared to others in the World. Please click on the following image and have a read.

So the next time you think or hear someone gripe about not having any money to purchase the latest iPod, dress shirt or Flat screen LCD, give them a little perspective. We all need it every once in a while and in no way is it meant to be a guilt trip or condescending. We all work hard and have our own gripes and issues, but remembering our place relative to others is a sure way to make us understand what gratitude and giving is all about.

Holiday Tip: If your having a Christmas or "Holiday" party this year, might I suggest asking your guests to bring non perishable foods or money to donate to the Daily Food Bank (or some local charity in your area) rather than accepting gifts and tacky Christmas stuff? It's a small gesture that will be greatly appreciated.

A few additional Facts:

How much money the average person relying upon food banks has to spend each day?

$4.46

Number of people relying on food programs each month in the GTA in 2005?

175,000

Number of children in the GTA who live in families that rely on food banks each month?

66,500

% of people relying upon food banks who have homes?

98

Tagged

Sweet Sister StaceyPatrick has tagged me with this rather interesting tag, so here goes.

Name 5 simple pleasures that you like most, then pick 5 people to do the same. Try to be original and creative and not to use things that someone else has already used.

1. Walking or hiking in a pristine forest or conservation park. It is that feeling of being completely enveloped in Mother Nature, and that overwhelming feeling of purity, peace and solitude.
2. Hosting a party with all my friends and seeing them smile, laugh and enjoy themselves.
3. Kissing Rib Breaker in the morning while he is still asleep and seeing goosebumps pop up all over his skin.
4. Watching a thunderstorm and the ensuing rain. It's invigorating and intoxicating.
5. Waking up everyday and knowing that life is a big mystery and that I have another day to get a crack at it.

Who do I tag?
Greg the Surly
Tornwordo
Dickeybird
Snooze
Splenda in the Grass

Sorry, but blame it on Sister...she wrote the rules :)

Northern Diaries

We left Toronto by 8:30 am on Monday morning. I was excited and a bit nervous to say the least. After all, I was meeting the in-laws and I had no idea what to expect. David tried to assuage my fears by telling me that his mother was easy going and that he thought I would be fine and to just be myself. I really wasn't expecting to be anything else. I never am. I figure if someone doesn't like me, screw them, but this was his mother and family we were speaking of, and I felt a need to be accepted.

We packed the car and headed North and made good time. We reached North Bay just after noon, so David decided he would take me to the Mall. We walked about and got some hiking shoes for him. The people were friendly and more approachable than us Torontonians. I looked around at the people and noticed how they seemed more casual and relaxed than us big city folk. It wasn't an observation that was meant to be condescending, but I was rather pleased that it wasn't a big bustling city. I thought about all this and how I was possibly stereotyping people living in the country as simpletons or backwards. I caught myself, and realised how backwards I was for thinking that.

We decided to make our way to his Mums place, located on the outskirts of North Bay in the Powassan Municipality, a small town bordered by lots of farming and country homes. The area was also heavily settled by Mennonites living in the traditional sense. Buggies and carriages would pass by frequently and I was amazed by the dichotomy and clash of societies living side by side.

We drove through the country, fields and farm homes dotting the hilly landscape and I soon realised David had no idea where he was going. When I asked him what street they lived on, he shrugged his shoulders and said it was a "bluish home with trees around it". My look of disdain made him laugh even harder, and I couldn't help laugh at the blog worthiness of the story. Shortly thereafter, David surprisingly found the bungalow and when we got out we were greeted by David's mum's boyfriend. To say he was a big man, was an understatement. When we shook hands I noticed my hands were almost completely engulfed in his. Over the week, as I got to know him, I found out that he was a jack of all trades, a Northern Canadian forester, lumberjack, steel miller, etc. In otherwords, he was a tough man, but with a big heart and a very friendly and sarcastic disposition. When David's mum arrived, the 2 hugged for a long time and I was introduced to her. I liked her immediately. She had this carefree, relaxed and very sarcastic humour, which I found comforting and I eased into it, like a pair of warm slippers.

Over the next 3 days, we went shopping, ate and chatted and spoke about family, friends, and life in North Bay, and life in Toronto. I got the feeling she liked me and I told her that we would make a concerted effort to see her more often, or have her come down to Toronto to stay with us.

Tuesday, was spent shopping with David's mum, as it was her birthday and David sweetly bought her several gifts. Their bond is quite noticeable and on the Tuesday night, it became blindingly obvious how much they both missed each other. It was late in the evening, and I was looking at one of his mum's cat paraphenalia - everything this woman owns has some cat theme to it - it boggles the mind, but is quite endearing. I turned to comment on the cat lamp, when I saw him beginning to sob. I went to him, and held him in my arms. We didn't say much, but I felt his pain at being separated by his loved ones, and lightly cooed to him that we would see her more often. He is such a quiet man, but he has such a deep emotional well, which makes me love him like nothing else. He made me realise at that very instant how much more I need to appreciate and love my family and friends who surround and support me. I love how he does that to me without even knowing it.

On Wednesday, we took a hike on the Candadore Trails situated on a large hilly and mountainous conservation park just behind David's old college. As we began to walk, snow began to fall and the trees and trails were quickly blanketed in fresh snow. It seemed in our minds as though the forest had never been walked and there was a certain satisfaction in leaving the first footprints. I can't tell you how romantic it was (see below and Flickr ). Our intention, was to find a water fall, but David got us lost deep in the brush, off trail, deep in snow and in streams. I was cold and wet, but despite it all, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The only drawback was that we were going to visit his Grandmum right after. When I greeted grandma, I was soaking wet, covered in dirt and pine needles. I was mortified, as I took off my socks and wandered about her home with dirty, wrinkly feet, but she shushed me and told me not to worry about it. I should have known she would be fine, since she was the one asking if we would get married the night before on a phone call.

Thursday, we were woken early to David's mum singing Happy Birthday to me. It was a sweet gesture as were the card and the Scratch tickets she gave me (all of which won by the way). We dropped his mum off to work, took a few pictures then returned to Toronto early to clean and pack up some of Davids apartment belongings. It was a good trip and I was happy to see this other side of David. He is such a complex man, and I love finding these tiny scattered pieces of him. Everytime I think I know him, I am gobsmacked at how much more I have to learn.

World AIDS Day

Today is World AIDS Day, and it is also my birthday. The coincidence is rather sobering, but it reminds me that the fight isn't over for myself or others who have HIV. Many thanks to those who have been my support in hard times and I look forward to the day when this disease will just be a part of history.

Click on the ribbons to find my previous thoughts on HIV and AIDS:

On the road

Hello Blog kids,

RB and I are on our way back from North Bay. The trip was quite lovely and his family very friendly. I was going to audio blog again, but listened to my last entry which was completely incomprehensible. I sounded like the Teacher from Charlie Brown. Will post a blog and pictures soon. Still kinda tired as I was woken at 6:30am by his mum as she sang Happy birthday to me. Gave me a cute little card as well.

I think I was a hit!

Anyhow, we are driving along Hwy 11, and I am wirelessly connected to send a quick hello. I am still alive.

Audio Blog from the North Bay Outback

Update: Honestly, don't even bother listening to this unless you can understand Charlie Brown's Teacher. It is totally and utterly incomprehensible.

Drip drip drip

Sorry All,

I've been under the weather with a terrible cough/cold/flu since Monday and just came back to work today. Still feel a little ripe but can't avoid the work or emails accumulating on my blackberry. I will likely not post until another weeks time as I am heading North on Monday to North Bay to visit RB's mother.

The in-laws.

Not sure what to think, but I am trying to prepare myself. In my ignorance, I asked RB if there were any Asians there other than the token restaurant owner, but he doesn't know. I will be out of my element and in a cold place, so wish me luck. You'll more than likely get an AudioBlog Post from me, so until then, be well and take care my friends!

Osteopathic Fixes

The body is truly an amazing thing, something we take advantage of far too often. I have mentioned in the past that I have a number of joint and muscle problems such as Ankylosing Spondylitis, and fibromyalgia. I've lived with it for many years and you sort of get used to the daily pain and fatigue. This morning wasn't any different. I was sore and completely fatigued as I was unable to sleep well the last 3 days due to my sciatica. I went to work and was not feeling well, intending to head home to rest after lunch.

I've tried many different therapies, but it was only when I met Rib Breaker that I began to understand how intricate the body worked and how your mood and disposition could easily be affected by what was happening to it. RB, being a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) would often tell me to do certain things to promote better health and strength. RB has been instrumental in teaching me more about the body and we both went to look at the amazing exhibition at the Ontario Science Centre called Body Works as part of this continued education. It was an eye opener and I would highly recommend the trip to go see it.

The one thing RB has been pushing me to do, was to see his Osteopath. I was hesitant, as I tend to be cautious and a bit cynical when it comes to treatments. I've seen Physiotherapists, Chiropracters, doctors, rhemotolgists, gastro-enterologists, etc, and my general conclusion is that they have all been useless. The pain is always there and all they do is poke, prod and examine you, telling you the same thing you have always known, followed by prescriptions to some COX 2 inhibitor NSAID.

Well, the cynic finally has nothing to complain about, and that in itself is an acccomplishment. In fact, after seeing this Osteopath, I have energy and a sense of well being. He manipulated my muscles, joints and re-aligned my body and I feel great. The procedure was unique and I didn't expect to hear my body crack and pop as much as it did, but despite the shock of it, I am glad I went. It has been a while since my body has told me that it feels good. Today it is telling me I am great.

So, thank you Doc for this and I hope to see where this will go.

HNT Deux

HNT Part 1

Two

No thanks to Myke, I have been tagged to dish out more crap about me. Baaaah, "Wok the heck", it's a rainy day and I have nothing better to do anyways.

Two Names You Go By --
1. Alex (friends and family call me this)
2. Sasha (long ago I was called this by Jewish bubbe's in my neighbourhood)

Two Parts of Your Heritage --
1. Shanghainese (people from Shanghai, China)
2. Hakka Indian(Chinese people from India)

Two Things That Scare You --
1. Blatant ignorance
2. The inability of some to think for themselves.

Two of Your Everyday Essentials --
1. Coffee from Starbucks
2. Clean pair of tightie whities

Two Things You Are Wearing Right Now --
1. Black underwear (couldn't find said clean Tightie whities, and Black is not my preferred colour choice).
2. Vintage T-shirt for the movie Superchick.

Two of Your Favorite Bands or Musical Artists (at the moment) --
1. Franz Ferdinand
2. Simple Plan (My happy cute boy band group for the moment).

Two Things You Want in a Relationship (other than Real Love) --
1. To be taken care of, as much as I like to take care of others.
2. Somebody to talk to about my dreams, fears, worries and desires.

Two Truths --
1. A single word can deliver a life altering message. In my case it was "HIV+". You can either wallow in self pity, anger and regret, or fight the battle, look forward with head high and be strong. I chose the latter.
2. I have generally always been optimistic and happy.

Two Physical Things that Appeal to You --
1. A person, who when they smile, it shows in their eyes.
2. The look and feel of a man's obliques and that fleshy bit called the love handle (moderate).

Two of Your Favorite Hobbies --
1. Painting and drawing
2. Writing

Two Things You Want Really Badly --
1. To travel the world and "live" life.
2. To swim with dolphins

Two Places You Want to go on Vacation --
1. New Zealand
2. Australia

Two Things You Want to Do Before You Die --
1. Travel and see the world
2. Make a difference somehow...To become the man I believe I can and will be.

Two Ways that you are stereotypically a Guy --
1. I like the outdoors and getting dirty.
2. I hate shopping (despise)

Two Things You Normally Wouldn't Admit --
1. I can become emotionally cold to protect myself from hurt.
2. I had a crush (still do) on Julia Roberts.

Two Things You Are Thinking About Now --
1. Why this questionairre has taken me almost 90 minutes to complete.
2. That Christmas Carol "Let it Snow"

Two Stores You Shop At --
1. Grocery stores
2. Art supply store (Curry's)

Two people I haven't talked to in a while --
1. Catherine (lost touch, no fault of hers)
2. My parents (they are in New Zealand)

Two bloggers who may now dislike you for passing this on to them --
1. Earth Mother: The Goddess Hopeful
2. Greg the Surly

Bonus (sorry, Myke added this and I feel like pissing more people off today so I decided not to remove it) of 2 more bloggers who may now be ticked off at me --
1. Dantallion
2. Mikevil

Hey there copper, mistah crime stopper

A long time ago, when I was about 17-18, I had a run in with the law. Well, run-in isn't quite the word, but it sounds more exciting. Like I'm an outlaw or something.

I was with my old high school buddies, driving home at night around 2 am. We had been relaxing at Life Over Easy's (LOE) home in North York, and it was past 2 am when we decided to leave. It had been a rather long night, but Life Over Easy had kindly offered to drive us. The 4 of us piled in the car, with our school bags and notebooks in tow.

We chatted and listened to The Cure as we drove North along Yonge Street. It wasn't particularly busy on the streets, and we made good time. As we closed in on my neghbourhood, we noticed a police cruiser stopped at the red light going West bound on Elgin Mills Road. As we passed the cruiser, it suddenly veered into the North bound lane on Yonge street, following us. We slowed down thinking the cruiser was on a call and about to pass us, but there were no sirens or signals for us to pull over, save the fact that the cruiser was now tailgating us with the highbeams on. Just as LOE signalled to turn right into my neighbourhood, the cruiser lights came on and we were signalled to pull over. We waited about 3-5 minutes before 2 cops came out of the cruiser to approach, one to the drivers side, the other to the rear of the passenger side. It did not go unnoticed that both were armed, with their hands on their holsters.

The officer tapped on the drivers window, his flashlight in our eyes, and LOE rolled his window down. This is how the conversation went.

Officer: Drivers license and registration.
LOE: Uh, Yes officer. Here (passes to officer)
Officer (looking around in the car): Where you boys coming from at this time of night?
LOE: From my house. We were studying, and I'm driving my friends home.
Officer: Is that right? And where would your home be?
LOE: xxx xxxx in North York.
Officer: Have any of you been drinking?
LOE: No sir. We don't drink.
Officer: And who are you driving home?
LOE: Umm, well, him first (pointing at me, behind driver).
Officer (looking at me and tapping my window): Lets see what's in the bags. Let's have a closer look in your bag.
Me (opening my bag): Yes sir. They are just text books.
Officer: Let's see your identification or drivers license.
Me: Yes sir. Here.
Officer: Right. Stay here.

The officer stepped away to his cruiser and we waited for about 15 minutes for him to return. While we waited another cruiser pulled up and 2 additional cops came out and stood around LOE's vehicle. We were nervously concerned as we had no idea what this was all about. It felt odd and rather uncomfortable.

Officer (to LOE): Here's your registration and license.
LOE: Thank you
Officer (to me): So where did you say you were coming from?
Me: LOE's home in North York.
Officer: and what is his address?
Me: xxx xxxx address.
Officer: And where are you going? What is your address?
Me: Ummm, the same as the one on the Drivers license at xx Woodstone Ave, just down this street on the left.
Officer: Uh huh. And what's your name?
Me: Umm, Alexander
Officer: Do you go by any other names?
I look around at my friends who offer "Al" as an answer.
Officer: No, do you go by any other names?
Me: umm, such as what?
Officer: Why don't you tell me.
Me: Sir, I have no idea. Ireally don't go by any other names.
Officer: You mean you don't ever go by Kun Phuc Yi?
Me (hearing "Kentucky" as in Fried Chicken): uh, I'm sorry what?
Officer (more loudly): Kun Phuc Yi! Kuuun Phuuuc Yiii. Do you go by that name?!
Me: Um, no. That sounds like a Vietnamese name and I'm not Vietnamese.
Officer: uh...hmmm. Well, according to our check you match the decription of Mr. Kun Phuc Yi.
Me: Well sir, I'm sorry, but that really is not me. I don't know what to tell you. Umm, out of curiosity, may I ask what this is all about and why we were pulled over?
Officer: well, uh, we are following a lead with a description of a ... similar car with Asians in the car matching your descriptions, who are ... uhh ... trafficking stolen weapons.
Me: You could see us in the dark to know? Well, wouldn't you like to look in the trunk then as well?

The cops finally let us go, with a parting comment that we "boys, be sure to get home quick". I'm sure there was more said, but we didn't want to stick around.

Flanders Fields

IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

A heartfelt thanks to those Veterans and the highest respect to those who lost their lives. We would not be here today without your sacrifices.