Knee-Cap Pain

Ok, so I've failed to mention this before, but I've been having issues with my left knee-cap as of late. It started about four weeks ago when I would do my daily speed walk...After a quick Internet search it appeared that my pain was as a result of over-use. A pocket of water and inflammation builds up behind the patella thus cause aching and swelling.

Yesterday I went to the doctor (despite my hatred for visits) and he confirmed the problem: overuse. Seems 4-8 miles of walking per day isn't doing the old bones any favours. So, I have to cut down the walking, wear a tensor and do some rest and relaxation.

Bah.

Christmas Eve

Wow. It truly is unbelievable that as I write this message, it is Christmas Eve. Seems like it kind of snuck up out of no where, if you know what I mean.

And you know what? This is the first Christmas Eve in the last seven years that I've actually enjoyed. And ironically, it also happens to be the first one that doesn't feel like Christmas Eve.

As I mentioned some time ago, I have had a string of awful Christmas' over the last several years. And when I say "awful", I truly mean it.

This year is a little different though. I'm feeling fantastic because the today has played out in a manor in which I wanted it to play out, for a change. And I must mention that even despite the horrible cold (throat, nose and head) which I've been fending off for the last three days, my Christmas hasn't been ruined even the least bit.

Woke up at 4:30am, ate and then surfed the net for a few hours. And after I saw that I had a new double-match on HotorNot.com, felt totally confident and happy. Really look forwarding to talk with her.

After that, I spent the entire day with my father around various locations in Vancouver; a few of which included Granville Island, exotic car dealers and Jericho Beach. So, suffice to say, I got lots of exercise today and am feeling completely refreshed.

And for the last couple of hours, I've not only been surfing the net, but rocking out to as much music as I bloody want. And because my house-neighbours went away for Christmas this past Saturday, I get to listen to it at any volume I desire. I've been listening to Rush and Porcupine Tree non-effing-stop. In fact, I'm listening to Rush's 1989 album, "Presto" at the moment...

Essentially what I'm trying to say is that I think what most people fail to recognize, is that Christmas is something different for everyone. While some people's idea of great Christmas consists of a big party, a thousand family members, turkey and a ton of presents, my idea of a great Christmas is a great deal simpler. Hell, I didn't even set up a tree. In fact, my house looks identical to how it did 6 months ago. No decorations, no nothing. And I wouldn't have it any other way. For me, Christmas is best enjoyed with few family members (my dad specifically), food (other than Turkey - perhaps Pizza), loud music and next to nothing when it comes presents. Truth be told, I hardly got any presents for Christmas this year, but couldn't care. I've got my dad, and I've got my music.

And you know what I'm going to do first thing tomorrow morning? I'm going to listen to Rush's "Snakes & Arrows"... And I'm going to enjoy every minute of it. Now this is what I call a great Christmas.

Oh, and here's something that makes me that little bit happier.

Snow in Vancouver?!

No joke there my fellow readers.

As had been expected, it started snowing this weekend and below is the scene some 2 hours ago:


I love it! Honestly, I'll take snow over rain any day of the week. The reason wjy snow is so great is because you, a) don't get wet as you do with rain, b) don't get depressed because it's bright, and C) it's looks beautiful!

The people of Vancouver however, would probably disagree. Aside from a few kids, most everyone else absolutely hates it; complaining that it's too cold. Cold? Nigga, please. For a Vancouver native, sure, but for a Calgary native such as my myself? No way. It's not even -10 out there.

Did I go for my daily walk(s)? You damn right I did - three times in fact. Loved every moment of it. I love snow!

She Was Cute!

Yeah, so...I just came back from my "daily walk" and along the way I encountered one of those "I know you're looking at me because you think I'm good looking" things. You know, when you encounter a member of the opposite sex and it's clearly evident that one of the two likes the other. In some cases, it's even a two-way street. And I believe what happened to me some 15 minutes ago was indeed a two-way street.

As I zip around my regular walking routine - around the corner I turn every day - I notice there is this girl walking towards me. And at this point we're quite far away from each other; far away that neither of us can see each other's face. As we get closer and closer to each other, I notice she puts on some good 'ol eye contact. Lots, in fact. And not eye contact simply because we're passing each other, oh no, the type of eye contact that can only suggest an attraction.

And now, oh-so close to each other, I can in fact see what she looks like, and let me tell you: cute!! And her red toque (that's Canadian slang - if you haven't a clue as to what that is, type it in Google) with her fashionable winter clothing further accentuated her cuteness.

And now is the time. We're finally passing each other - trying our best not to make eye contact with each other. Quick look -- look away -- The discomfort at this particular moment builds and I, for whatever reason, feel as If I'm going to trip. I feel oh-so nervous.

And then it's over, we have eventually passed each other. Though the experience only lasted a minute or so, it felt like an eternity. Shortly thereafter, all I can think is: "thank God the uncomfortableness has ceased", but as I head onto the next block, all I can do is crack a slight smile and think: "doh! Why the hell was I feeling so uncomfortable about the whole situation? I'd love to have a girlfriend that looks like that".

I obviously haven't a clue whether she was thinking about this short encounter in the same manor in the way I was, but I'm pretty damn sure she was just as uncomfortable as I was.

So yeah... Who ever thought I could write a post about about a minute encounter with a cute girl on the street? Ridiculous, isn't it?

And that all being said, I'd like to talk about the subject of my shyness pertaining to girls that I am attracted to. I'm not very good at talking to girls I'm attracted to. Not the least bit... Or at least the first time the two of us speak, or encounter each other. I always seem to freeze up. Not in the sense that I end up saying stupid things, but more in the sense that I don't know what to say. I try my best to keep it together, but sometimes, I have the feeling I might come off a little strange as a result. I also have a great tendency to start laughing for no apparent reason when around a girl I like.

"What's funny?"

"Umm, nothing. I was just thinking about something else".

And then they either think you're making fun of something they said (and let's hope she was telling a joke, other wise...) and/or that you weren't even listening to her.

Oh I how I hate that. I'm way too shy for my own good. Additionally, I suppose I lack a bit of confidence in the "talking to women" department.

And that folks, is just another day in Bruce's life.

If I Can't Walk & Talk, I'm Fucked

Please take note: I thank Mike Clattenburg and the Trailer Park Boys crew for inspiration of what comes from what is arguably the greatest TPB episode ever: "If I can't Smoke & Swear, I'm Fucked".

Anyhoo, after a some three month hiatus from wearing proper shoes, I finally took the leap and purchased a new pair this past Sunday. Here's a picture:

They're made by WindRiver and boast the oh-so-original name of "Quad Comfort". They're damn good shoes though. As I'm more of a classical and conservative person, this style of shoe is exactly what I look for. I love the fact that they have an old school allure to them, and not that new age shiny bullshit look. And may I just take the time to relate that last comment to Ferrari (shiny rubbish) versus Porsche (conservative, tasteful) - give me the Porsche any day.

There is however, one problem with them thus far. And that happens to be the fact that they have not entirely broken in and are ripping my heals to shreds. Uggh... They're starting to break in now, but I've been walking around like a cripple - with the shoes on, of course - for the last three days.

In any event, I'm glad that I finally found a pair of shoes that I not only like, but actually fit! Purchasing a pair of new shoes has always been a terrible experience for me. The first reason being because even though my shoe size maybe 10 1/2, the width of my feet is just insane. Sure, they maybe the right length, but you wouldn't believe how many shoes I've rejected because of the width. The second reason being because of the absurd styles of footwear they peddle off these days. You know those trendy shoes which are extremely pointy and look more fitting on an Elf than a human being? Yeah, well... I hate those things.

Cold Daily Walk

Ughh... I just came back from my daily walk and the weather was just atrocious. Coldest day I can remember in a long time, and that's pretty sad considering it's only 8°C. Though that isn't that cold, when the humidity is mixed with the cold air, the result is awful. Oh and yeah, it was dark as hell out - you know, apocalypse style.

My bones ache.

Thankfully, it wasn't raining, but the next three days are going to be shit. According to the local weather channels the temperature is going to hold at the current figure, but we'll be greeted with the addition of rain.

So yeah, that's going to suck. But then it is Vancouver, isn't it? Captain over-rated! It always sucks.

Random Thoughts

It's only 7:21 AM at this moment, but I already feel like I'm jacked up on Caffeine. And no, I haven't had any sugary pop of any sort.

I'm just exicted about my daily walk later today. I have yet to mention it, but I've increased my daily activity like woah. Yesterday for instance, I walked 6 miles; not all at once, but over the course of the day.

Two weeks ago I was walking a mile a day, but over the last two weeks I've increased it to 2 miles per day. And now, I hope to bring it to 3, perhaps 4 miles per day. And do take note that I don't walk, but "speed walk".

I feel so hyped up! And as result, I'm feeling a helluva lot more hungry than usual.. Last night was insane, I swear I could have eaten a bag of Oreo's..

But you know what's really kick ass? As per usual, my annoying housemates have gone away on the weekend. Most usually they leave on Friday afternoon and come back Sunday night, but for whatever reason, they left last night instead. Thus I'm listening to Rush's "Lock & Key" at an absurd volume...I haven't got the chance to listen to the album ("Hold Your Fire") at such a volume. The production is superb.

Meaning of Life

What is the meaning of life?

This has been an unanswered question on my mind for the last couple of years. Not to sound too much like a philosopher, but while each one of us is different, we are all the same.

Everyone's life consists of one thing, that being routine. We all lead different lives, but we always follow a routine. Whether that routine be going to work, or to school - it makes no difference. After a while that particular routine gets boring and as a result you try to change it. You know what I mean - take a different walking route, go to sleep a little earlier or even listen to different music.

I believe I passed that stage long ago and now I don't even try to change my routines to improve my life. I see life as nothing but routine (some good, some bad), but don't worry, this isn't some pathetic cry for help. I enjoy my daily activities.

Odd way to look at life, isn't it? Yes I guess it is, perhaps it's far to deep. Do people even think like this?