Ticks

I would like to know who frightened the men in this world, so much so, that even the word "dance" results in locked knees, damp armpits, and that priceless look of terror/stubborn resolve, as the hands instantly clamp their seat like a vice-grip. --as if the chair is going somewhere.

Fear shmeer everyone. Weddings with dances should mean the men and women dance and be merry. It's a celebration! So you look a little silly-- does anybody really care?

On a different note- I picked off 7 ticks from my poor helpless skin- 2 of which I'm fairly certain were in my hair. EW. I can't even explain to you how nasty that is. Even as I sit here, I have a sneaking suspician there is a small regiment of ticks planning their next attack. They are probobly heading for my exposed toes. Shooot.
They befriended me on my walk with Rob and Trine through an open field. The grass is really tall now, so they (the girls) were hiding, and Sam and I were trying to track them. You'd think the girls rolling around in the meadow would be the easiest victims, but I suppose these things get some sort of twisted pleasure in challenging themselves. Somehow, the one bounding through the grass- (that ould be me) contracted a small colony, while Rob and Trine got off with one or two. Ticks are stupid- with claws of steel.

I am still disgusted. I feel like the kid in grade school that is singled out for having lice. How aweful was that. And everyone knew it was them, because they had to go home. The worst.

Anyways, the rest of the evening saw a brilliant red sky, a relaxing hang out with the girls- an effort to pin point where we will all be a year from now, and then a viscious scrub in the shower to rid myself of unwanted company.
Overall, life is pleasant.

Bloopers

If I could somehow arrange it, I'd attach a small videocamera to my left shoulder and make one sweet movie of Maple Leaf bloopers during the work day. Last week was a winner-- it would look something like this

- a golfcart careening down a steep hill- brakes already locked and proving useless- with Robyn and I smiling in the front seat, and a hysteric Katrina dangling off the back as the self proclaimed brakes in an effort to spare us from being dumped into the harbor.

- then our efforts to go back up- Robyn and I still smiling- this time because Katrina has decided to become the 'legs of the operation' and is ineffectively pushing a motorized vehicle up one very steep hill.

- then doing donuts on that very same golfcart, testing Trine's forearm strength as she stands on the back and clings on for dear life

- a Kayak race that involved one kayak and one Katrina. She had to race around the pond in the time I could turn around and race across it. Lesson #1. Don't try to turn a kayak too sharply
Lesson #2. Your kayak will tip. (note- that Robyn has not stopped smiling through all of this)

- Again- on the balance 'note' Trine and I were tagging some emerald cedars on a steel trailer, with her feet planted firmly on the stone driveway, and mine balanced on a teetering fibre pot on the raised end of the trailer. I place a fair amount of trust in my mongoose- like reflexes, which saw me casually chatting with Trine one second, and then flying through the air and landing on my back in the next. Trine found this particular incident fairly hilarious.

-Kristina's motivational speeches to get us to work through break so she can go home. They always fail- but they are quite funny to watch. I think I'd zoom in on her face the moment she sees us hop on the trailer to head in for coffee. Just priceless.

There are many more- but they are censored.

All in all, summer seems to be sprinkled with a fair bit of work and socializing, which, when blended, is the perfect combo. The other night was particularly enjoyable. Since Trine and Robyn live in Hamilton, I am able to snag rides every now and then to see one very goodlooking guy. James- don't worry, every one knows it :) We picked him up at the bus stop, then we all took a ride down to the grocery store, loaded up the car with goods and made an amazing stir fry dish to split between the five of us (Kirk was there too). After dinner, James and I picked up some Timmies for the group, and we just sat and talked around the kitchen table. Very nice. This was followed by a bit of scrubs, and then a comfy bed. Life really is good.

I'm finding my weekdays pretty packed these days- and I don't know if I initiate that, or if plans just have a way of stacking themselves up on their own. In any case, tonight will see Trine, Robyn, Vaness, myself, Hugo, Pablo, Ivan and Tina (our Mexican amigos) taking a trip down to Port to grab a coffee and walk the pier. Hopefully they are all still coming, but if not, I'm excited to just chill with the girls by the lake.

Tomorrow is already Friday, and I have no clue where the week just went.
Cheers to the crowd from both Redeemer and England. I miss you all!