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The Life and Times of Joe: Life Changes
By: Joe


So yeah, it's time for another one of those "life update" blogs that everyone does.

I've moved to Vancouver. Finally. Heh.

I love Whistler, and I'm going to try to stay close to it, but it was finally time to make the move to the city. I think in the long run it'll be a good idea, I've lived around it all my life, from Victoria, Nanaimo and Whistler. I guess I have kind of circled around the city for a long time without ever really coming over here. I haven't found a place to live yet, but I'm sure that'll happen soon. I looked at a RAD townhouse on saturday, but like any of the places I've looked at so far, a million people were looking at it as well. Heck here, you have to fill out a two to three page "application" to rent from someone. This might be standard for a lot of people, but for me, it's pretty ridiculous. Hell, most of them even ask for info that they aren't allowed too, I don't fill it out, but what are you supposed to do?

Why am I looking for a place down here you may ask? Well I found a new job down here. I'm doing a lot of the same things I was before, web and graphic design, fun computer stuff, etc. Should be pretty cool for sure. Big change, but hey, sometimes you gotta do it.

Everyone here rules, and it's been a ton of fun. I'll still be around for sure, but not as the admin guy you know me of. I've met a ton of friends on here, and will continue to meet more!

Joe



Published On: 9/3/2007
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News: Eoinn Finn & Insiya from Vancouveryoga.com
By: yoga.colonies.com


In support of Vancouveryoga.com
 

Vancouver Yoga is a great site. Insiya and Eoin are doing a fantastic job, not only with the site, but in the type of  class that they are taking around the country. Here in Whistler, at Neoalpine Yoga studio, we were recently lucky enough to have this dynamic duo breeze into town and turn our little yoga community on our heads!

Being a mountain resort we are all a pretty fit group and Eoin gave us a run for our money! His combination of yoga, karate, and surfing moves combined with great music and Eoin´s infectious personality has us all sweating, and smiling. Not to mention the blessing of having the presence of the lovely and gracious Insiya in the class along with us.

Yoga colonies supports Eoin and Insiya and Vancouver yoga!




Published On: 6/11/2007
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News: Yoga in Whistler,BC
By: yoga.colonies.com


Yoga colonies is originating in Whistler! Yoga is alive and well in Whistler. We are a transient year round resort so our classes are often filled with young people who are travelling around the world and just here for a season. We have a core group who live here and love yoga. Because we are a mountain resort everybody is in pretty great shape , so the yoga classes tend to be a little more of a  workout than a lot of other places , however you we have a number of different studios and you can find all levels of practise.
You see Kristen who owns NeoAlpine Yoga which is already on yoga colonies. She is a fantastice teacher who is constantly learning, her most recent intensives have been with John Friend and anusara. Tina James has recently moved her from London and is creating a strong Jiva Mukti yoga following. If you are looking for a great vacation summer or winter and want to keep to your yoga practise, Whistler is just 2 hours north of Vancouver.
~OM Shanti~


Published On: 6/1/2007
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The Life and Times of Joe: Crap
By: Joe


I was tired and took the greyhound up from Vancouver to Whistler this morning, I was near the front of the bus, and as I got off I got rushed by some people behind me, so I forgot to scan the seat to see if I left anything behind (something I do every time). So of course, this was the time that I left my fancy phone on the bus. I went back 2 minutes later and talked to the Greyhound lady, she said they'd have to wait for the bus to get to pemberton before they could check it. I'm going to guess that whoever took it got off in the village.
 
Anyway, I reaaaaly hope I can get it back, cause I'd not be stoked on having to get another one. Argh. I hate it when I leave things behind. I hate it even more when I know EXACTLY where I left it and it wasn't there when someone looked for it.
 
Oh yeah and I've been wearing the same clothes for 3 days now, I feel great.


Published On: 12/4/2006
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Giraffe Entourage: Surfing Tofino
By: Rodney


So I went surfing for the first time in Tofino this past weekend.  Wow...what a trip with Clayton and Kristina.   Started off with us leaving the office at 1pm to arrive in a massive car line up for the ferries to take us to Vancouver Island.  As we approach the line, the stupid ferrie guy tells us we will probably get on the 9 O'Clock ferrie!  it was 3:30!  So I figured the guy made a mistake and meant we may get on the 5 O'Clock but if not then the 7:00.  Nope.  What he meant was the 9:00 which was leaving at 10:30PM!!!  So yea...We got on the stupid ferrie at 10:30pm and got to tofino at around 3:30.  14 hours. grr. 
 
 
So on Saturday we start calling around looking for a place where we can take some lessons and rent some gear.  "No places will be renting or giving lessons this weekend because of the large swell".  What the!  The entire reason for going to tofino and ruffing that 14hour trip was to surf.  So we try to make light of things and plan some other activities such as whale watching and kayaking.  We went to go check out the waves to see how crazy they were because Clayton or I had not seen the beach in Tofino before.  The waves weren't too bad and after taking some pictures (which turned out pretty crappy..check the galleries for some decent ones) we went to a local surf shop where tehy told us we could rent equipment for Sunday.
 
Luckily, we did rent gear on Sunday and it was amazing!  It was pouring rain and cold but nice and toasty in the wetsuit.  We had the full enchilada on.  Hood, Gloves and boots.  The quote of the day was "Where did all my bones go" compliments of Dane.  So the waves were pretty decent and the water was refreshing but boy was I ever tired after surfing. 
 
We came back monday and the trip was a Huge success.  Special thanks to Xtina for planing the whole bumbaclot extravaganza and for driving.


Published On: 11/14/2006
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My Journal: Leaving on a jet plane, don't know when i'll be back again.. oh babe, i hate to go.
By: cazza21


For the past 5 years I have been travelling around trying to figure out what to do with my life and where i wanted to be.  I've done the soul searching, tried too many different jobs, and lived in too many different towns in too many different countries.  And finally, I think i have found it.  The true test is that no matter how crappy my job was, I still loved every minute of being in whistler!  The mountains outside the window, the lakes, the crazy nights, the lazy days, the people... everything about this town makes me happy.  And yesterday I had to say goodbye to that town, those mountains, and to all those great people. 
 
It's one of those things... I know I can stay in whistler right now and i would be so much happier than if I went back to Ontario.  But logistically, it would be a nightmare.  I have so much unfinished business to take care of, and i need to make some more cash.  All that travelling wasn't cheep and i'm still paying for it. So that is why today i sit in Vancouver, hours away from a flight that will bring me back to Ontario.
 
It's funny how you can look for so long for something, then when you finally  find it, how everything just falls into place.  I am really sad to have had to leave.... but knowing that i will be back soon makes it bearable!  The move back to Whistler countdown has already started....


Published On: 8/23/2006
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My Journal: They like me.. they really like me!!
By: cazza21


Last night I came home to a great email.... Head office in Vancouver has finally recognised all the extra time the Whistler staff puts in, so we each got a 750$ bonus! woohoo!!!! add that to the 240$ bonus i got on my last check, and I am one happy chicka!!
 
there was also a dance off going on in the lounge when I returned from the play... the counsellors had the music blaring and were having a great time! A couple of them are really great.. one won the dance contest at a bar in town last monday.
 
kinda fun to come back from my day off to a bonus and happy dancing people as opposed to the usual negativity!
 
Now, only 3 days of work until I get another day off! And my friend Lou is coming up from Scotland this weekend! haven't seen her for 2 years so I cannot wait to party with that girl again!!! woohoo!!
 
AND!! i just found out i'm off tonight! yipee!


Published On: 8/9/2006
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My Journal: Can't wait until Tuesday...
By: cazza21


I need another day off already!  This place completely drains me! My throat is killing me.. and i was doing such a good job at fighting this cold! Maybe it was yesterday's 5.30am to 10pm shift that did it.  Or the negativity in this place!  I'm usually a pretty happy person, but damn, after working all day, on computers that regularly crash, i've had enough!
 
Plus, I hate stupid people. I know i've said this many times before, but never have I seen so many in one place. I think it's because my boss is an idiot and she hired them all. Sometimes, I think that if myself and the other supervisor were off, this entire camp would fall apart.  On my days off, i keep getting call from boss-bitch to come in and help her, to anser her questions, blah blah.  It's a pain in the ass!  She has no idea how to run a camp.  She'd be a fab counsellor, but when it comes to the behind the scenes she is clueless!  It takes me 30 minutes to do rounds and get the 140 kids to bed.  It took here 4 hour.. then she called me the next morning to take over her shift because she needs her sleep! I haven't had a real night's sleep in res since i got here! i'm getting good at functioning on 5 hours a night! Only good thing is that on weekends, head boss comes up from Vancouver and picks up her slack so that we can sorta run a decent camp! lovely! 
 
right, so that's my rant for this very early Sunday morning! 


Published On: 8/6/2006
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My Journal: 5 days of hell...
By: cazza21


I swear this camp in cursed....
 
day one- fire in a room when children try to make jiffy pop on a stove they found that wasn't turned off
day two- i only heard about this the next day... but there was a near drowning at the lake
day three- one of the mexicans may have drugged one of the columbians.. police are still investigating what drugs were used and who may have done it... lots of fun
day four-child decides to see if the carpet will melt or catch fire when he burns paper on it
day five- 11 of the kids get caught shoplifting and had been in police custody this morning until the shop owner dropped charges
day 6- Group of 14 students get to the Airport in Vancouver, and realize they have forgotten their passports back in the camp lock box!
day 7- counsellor gets drunk and parties with the kids
day 8- head boss forgets to send bus to pick kids up.. i have night off and am heading to watch a movie with the gang at Joe's and run into 20 kids at the bus stop, and have to call into the drivers to get them back to rez before I can go out.
day 9- Mini bus gets a flat tire and our other bus is in vancouver.. so only 2 buses shuttling 120 people around today!
 
any bets on what will happen next?
 
 


Published On: 7/28/2006
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My Journal: The kids have arrived....
By: cazza21


I spent 17 hours working yesterday on 2 hours sleep... i slept one hour last night... at 6.30 I was already on the phone with head office trying to sort out sending kids back to vancouver.  Right now, i'm in the office sorting out transportation and everyone is at Breakfast. Lucky for me, there is a fridge full of Quiznos... litteraly over 40 subs.  If you're hungry, come visit!
 
I know it's only day 1 of camp... but wow, why did I think this job would be a good idea?
 
 
 
bit of an add on.... so it is now 2pm, still noone around, but I did find the 2 missing japanese students.... but my translator is at the beach.  So i just spent time chilling with the maintenance guys, feeding them, and actually got a phone number!! woohoo for me!
 
So now i'm just bored, and melting in the heat while trying to uderstand the japanese version of connect 4 going on beside me!


Published On: 7/24/2006
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My Journal: You learn something new every day....
By: cazza21


I'm starting to get a bit frustrated with this job.. if I have to stay in vancouver for another few days, i may expload! i was supposed to be in Whistler by tomorrow night to see Jay and the gang... but looks like that' not happening... I may not even make it up until Friday now. If they do that, i'm taking thursday off. Screw them i'm tried of being at this camp and having to hel them out (because they are pretty clueless here) and i am not getting any of my work done!
 
But the kids are great, for the most part. And as much as they are here to learn English, I have picked up on some spanish and am working on my Asian languages (jap, taiw,etc).  The staff here is also tons of fun, very international.. from colombia, australia, hong kong, tons of Ontario folk, and a few from BC.  Also doing some interviews and nterviewed an actor yesterday who wasin Blade (the series) and the stargate series! so hilarious when you ask when are they available to start and they answer ' have to check with my agent' ha! 
 
Anyway, hopefully i'll bein whistler soon and having more fun! i have a feeling i won't be sleeping much this summer! ha!


Published On: 7/11/2006
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My Journal: Summer time, and the livin is easy....
By: cazza21


Well, it's finally time.  Tomorrow morning I fly off to BC for the summer!  I'll be in Whislter from July 3rd to 5th, then back to Vancouver for about 2 weeks of training, then in Whistler until August 22nd!
 
I'm looking forward to hiking in the mountains... I haven't done any real hikes since I left France, so I cannot wait to get out on the trails... as long as my ankle holds up!  I'm also looking forward to meeting up with some of you crazies! Can't wait to party with those of you I know already, and meeting those I don't!
 
I am really happy to be getting out of this town. The past week has been overly emotional for me. I've wanted to leave Peterborough and the school since November!!!! And now the time has finally come.  Telling the kids was so hard.  So many of them cried, so many begged me to stay. And if you had been following my blogs when I was trying to figure out what to do at this school, you know that I only stayed for them!  I have received so many letters and cards from the kids.  Most wrote to me about how much I changed their attitudes about french, but most were letters about me being missed. I didn't realize the effect I had on this group of kids until I had to say goodbye.  As much as I felt that I didn't do my best this year as a teacher, from what was said to me, I finally fell as though this was a successful year. Even though I didn't reach all 174 of my students accademicaly, i sure did reach them on a personal level! I want to share some of the things that were said... spelling mistakes and all... some made me laugh, some made me cry... but they are all so important to me! 
 
'.. you have really taught me how important french really is. '
' I know i can misbehave sometime (okay, all the time) but I really learnt a lot! I prbably would have learnt more if I was listening!'
' Hope to see you on the slope sometimes'
' Thank you for never giving up on me when I got a little out of control'
' I didn't really like french, but I always knew that you would have something fun planned for us'
'You have A LOT of energy'
'Hope there is always snow on the mountains for you'
'thank you for making french fun and easy'
'Unlike some of the other teachers, you gave us respect and i felt like I was respected for the first time in a couple years'
'I wish you could stay and follow us into high school'
'I know I was a pain in the but sometimes, but hey, I had to keep you on your toes!'
'can you adopt me so I can move in with you and go to the school you teach at next?'
'because of you, i've decided to be a teacher too!'
'you have taught me a lot, and i've taught you that Airheads make everything better!' (I may or may not bride kids with candies)
'you know, I really did like you as a teacher, even though you got me suspended for swearing in your class'


Published On: 7/2/2006
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My Journal: 23 days until Whistler!
By: cazza21


I'm having a bit of a crisis. I can't for the life of me decide what I want to do next year. 

Whistler would be great.. but I don't think I can afford staying out there the entire year, so I was thinking of heading out end of Dec/January-ish.  I will have to fly back for a wedding in February though, so not sure if I can find a job that will give me a week off.

Vancouver would be fabulous, but I still haven't heard anything from the schools I have applied to. I doNt, know the town enough, and it's so huge... still not sure if i'm ready for that, but will take a serious look when I'm there this summer.

London, Ontario.. yeah I know it doesn't sound as glamorous, but I have a place to stay so I can save some cash.  I have 2 great schools that I can supply teach at making 220$/day minimum without having to work full time. That way I can take holidays when I want (ie make it to the entire week of telus), stay in the city I still pretty much consider home, and live with my best friend. 

I have to make a choice... live pay check to pay check and try to have as much fun as I can on a budget, or stay in Ontario for another year and actually make some cash to move out West in a couple years, while being able to afford having some fun and travelling.

Grrrrrr i hate being a grown up and having real responsibilities and depts and having to make responsible choices!!  

Published On: 6/10/2006
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My Journal: Phase one of moving to BC complete!!!
By: cazza21


So yesterday after my last class, i jumped on the school computer to check my school email, then i had to check my regular one... and there it was.. the email I had been waiting all week for.

I got a job in Whistler!!!  I will be the Food and Transportation Supervisor for the ESL summer camp.  Now what kind of qualifications do I have for this.. well, none actually. But the job I had interviewed for was a shorter term (by 2 weeks) and less than half the pay.  When I asked them why they gave me this job, they said it was because i told them the other one didn't pay as much and I was a little leary of taking it cause I have to pay for my flight, etc.  So they gave me this one because they really think i'll be an asset to their staff! It's also a live in position, so no need to get all stressed about finding a place to stay!

I'll be flying into Vancouver on July 3rd, and heading staight up to Whistler to get used to the accomodations and camp there, then back down to Vancover and the UBC camp where I will job shadow for a bit to get to know what the hell I'm doing, then a week of training, then up to Whistler July 16th until the 21st of August to help run camps there.

My main goal while i'm working there for the summer is to find myself a job for the winter.  Hopefully I can get in at the school there, but I know that's a far stretch!  So maybe i can at least be a supply teacher and work at a hotel or something on the side.  I'm already looking into other jobs and places to stay. Thank you to everyone on here who had been so helpful with helping me sort out things for the winter!! I heart you all!!

Published On: 5/13/2006
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My Journal: I hate stupid people...
By: cazza21


So this fabulous job that i want in BC.. here's a bit about it.  It's a couple weeks of living in Vancover to get things set up for camp, then 4 weeks in Whislter as the Live-In Dorm Supervisor.. ie, i'll be responsbile for scheduling the night staff, key drop offs, and other lame dorm business.  Sort of like an RA. It sounds like a pretty easy job, and fun, and hell I'll be in whistler, where I can start trying to find something else hopefully.

The problem is, the person who had the job last year (or who has it now in Vancouver, not quite sure) wants it back or to keep it.  So now I have to actually have an interview and go through the real hiring process.. that's what I get for not accepting the job right off the bat! oh well, so keep your fingers crossed for me.. I have my phone interview next friday, and need to learn a shi*t load about running a dorm before then!

Published On: 4/28/2006
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My Journal: If I could move anywhere tomorrow...
By: cazza21


... it'd be BC!  After my weekend in Whistler, and seeing how gorgeous Vancouver is.. I now know that I want to be out west.  I had toyed with the idea for a while, but was reluctant to move somewhere I have never been.  Now I know... it's just a matter of figuring out how I can afford to be out there.

Telus festival was great, although my weekend there was much too short. It was great to see some of the gang again, and meet some new sb.commers.  The mountain was great.. although I am not used to all that real snow and the lenght of the runs, I think I could get used to it very quickly!  The partying was great also... nothing better than gettign drunk with you great people and being silly. It's too bad I had to come home.. i bet ther rest of this week is the big party days.. damn you! ah well, hope all of you who are still out there are having a gret ime.. have a jug of Kokanee Gold and a couple donkey punches at Dusty's for me! ha!

Published On: 4/21/2006
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My Journal: my trip to Vegas
By: kyle


first off the departure gate at the Vancouver airport was competely boxed in which I've never seen before.  Made me feel like I was in a holding cell.  I felt better after running into Dixen, Keenan, Jared, Don and Jen.  Vegas itself was out of control.  Right after the plane ride we jumped into a huge limo to the hotel.  Huge dinner and off to gamble and drink.  I was amazed how we could buy jumbo beers and drink it outside, in the hotel, in cabs, walk in and out of stores.. didn't matter.  It was crazy.  Hard Rock was the place to party.  Fun times.  SIA was huge, I would get lost in that place trying to find stuff.  POW Gloves are coming out with the most amazing gloves ever... all white with two pink figures and one brown.  Can you guess the name of it?  The Shocker!  I thought that was rad.  Also I was super impressed with Arbor.  Bamboo shirts and boards.  If you haven't seen the stuff they make, I really recommend you check it out.

I was super stoked on how the main vibe was everyone happy.  Nelson from Westbeach gave me a little insight about a sweet new product coming out.  A press release will be launched monday next week.  O'gio was rad.  Shapiro came second at the rail jam infront of thousands of industry people.  Congrats on that.  Logan Short came 8th... go team Canada.  and Trav made sure I was right drunk most of the time and stumbled apon the best burger in the world.

All I can say in that Vegas is crazy.  The locals seem burnt out, cab drivers talk about crazy things... no laws apply in Sin City.  People throw away money like it was dirty underwear.  Everything was so huge and impressive.  Looking forward to Vegas 2007.



Published On: 1/27/2006
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The Life and Times of Joe: Please snow soon.
By: Joe


THIS IS NOT FAIR, IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE WINTER.

5 Day Forecast from  Environment Canada

Monday
night
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
         
Risk of
freezing rain
Low -1°C
Rain
High 7°C
Low -1°C
Rain or snow
High 4°C
Low 0°C
Rain or snow
High 3°C
Low -1°C
Periods of rain
High 2°C
Low 0°C

TUESDAY..PERIODS OF RAIN.
ALPINE HIGH PLUS 2.
RAINFALL AMOUNT 15 TO 20 MM.
FREEZING LEVEL RISING TO 2300 METRES IN THE MORNING.
MOUNTAIN TOP WINDS SOUTH 30 KM/H GUSTING TO 50.



Published On: 12/20/2005
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My Journal: 10/12/2003
By: kyle


BC FERRIES CREW walked off the job today. Meaning that everyone on Vancouver Island is stranded unless they want to wait in hour long line-ups trying to catch over booked float plane rides out of here... Dam you BC ferries and over paid union.

Published On: 12/10/2003
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Old stuff: 16/2/2004
By: Joe


Photos are up from the Snowboard.com meet in Vancouver. It was pretty low key, but a lot of fun. I met up with a bunch of really cool people on this site, and started to realize how cool it is that we can all get together.

Published On: 2/16/2004
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