Yukon Jay - 小祥

Aussie Travel Advisory

I woke up this morning and realized I am very lucky to be alive and safe. This according to the Australian govenment's travel advisory:

"We advise you to exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect your safety in Canada because of the risk of terrorist attack . . . Heavy snowfalls and ice in the winter can make driving dangerous. The wind-chill factor can also create dangerously cold outdoor conditions . . . The province of British Columbia in western Canada is in an active earthquake zone. Alberta and British Columbia are also subject to avalanches . . . Tornadoes can occur in some areas of Canada between May and September . . . Bush and forest fires can occur any time in Canada . . . All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, there is a more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis".

8 years now in BC, I feel so fortunate not to have faced death as a result of snowfalls, terrorists, earthquakes, tornadoes, forest fires and my favourite, tsunamis.

Whatever happened to travelers taking responsibility for their own safety while overseas? This is one classic example why always take a government issued travel advisories with a grain of salt.

Off to the ferries back to Victoria now... hopefully I'll make it safe from the tsunamis.

Christmas in Halifax

Here are some Christmas pictures from when I visited Andrea's family in Halifax. Overall, it was a lot of fun - crazy at times because there were 18 of us. We had people fly in from Vancouver, Victoria, Phoenix and Richmond, Virginia. Incase your'e wondering, Andrea has 3 brothers and 2 sisters.

Out of 18 of us, 6 were kids. Molly, the one in the middle, is 8 and has been assessed as a "gifted" child. For example, she read the last Harry Potter book in 1 day and was able to ask any question you throw at her. She can also speak Chinese... pretty cool.

Molly is the oldest, and Luke is the youngest at 1 year old. We call him the Eating Machine.

So Andrea's brother, Mike, is in a band and they were playing at a local pub. So as family tradition when they are all together, we went to the pub to watch them play... it turned out to be my initiation.

Here are Andrea's sisters (Collette and Deniseand the sister-in-laws (Lisa and Carrie). From left to right, Collette (my roommate in Victoria), Lisa, Carrie and Denise.

And the brothers (Andrew, Mike & Bruce) and brother-in-law (Tommy). From left to right: Andrew, Bruce, Tommy and Mike. Do I need to point out which one was in the Special Forces?

Lastly, me and Andrea.

Disappointing Decision

First, my condolences go out to the Potter family... although I have only met Grandpa Potter on a few occasions, I know in those times he has inspired and motivated me through his wisdom, energy and enthusiasm. My thoughts will be with you all.

Yesterday I turned down an interview for a Senior Project Manager, which was very disappointing to say the least. I was notified of the interview late last Friday, and had to respond yesterday before the writing exam. I spent most of Monday talking to bosses and colleagues on whether to accept.

It turns out this is a high-profile job for a 2 year project that would report directly to the Assistant Deputy Minister. Once I heard of this I came close to saying yes... it was the challenge and high level project that most intrigued me.

Anyways, I turned it down because I couldn't negotiate with them to allow me to work in Vancouver. Second, my heart is set on going to Carleton University and I already submitted my applications. Had they allowed me to work in Vancouver, I would gladly postponed grad school for a year.

I must say I am very disappointed... I've just given up a great opportunity and all I know Carleton will reject my application.