Vancouver a lonely city?

Kate struck a nerve with her recent article in Swerve – Lonely Town.

She reflects on her personal experience after reading a the Globe and Mail story called “Alone, so alone, in Vancouver”:

… I’ve been complaining about loneliness in my adopted city for years, often to skeptical Calgarians who spend their holidays merrily tromping through our rainforest.

My husband has had two career moves that brought us to Vancouver from Calgary, the last time in 2001. This lovely city offers many pleasures; still, as we enter our 12th year here, we constantly dream of Calgary, where, when we visit, our generous, exuberant friends are as eager to seize any chance to see us as they were back when we lived there. In those days we got together all the time, no matter what the weather. At home in rainy North Vancouver, weekends come and go with nary a phone call. If we want to play host, we have to book people weeks in advance. …

Lonely Town

Check the comments.

I’ve suggested Kate take a lover on the side. … Another one, I mean.

Oh, and get a cat. :)

Google Doodle

Kim and Karin’s young son won a contest to have his Doodle up on the Google home page for 24hrs Down Under.

CONGRATS.

The family is on the road: Bali, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, India (if the visa’s come in time) Jordan, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Namibia, South Africa, Dubai, Argentina and Peru

remembering Rob Glaser

Ron Shewchuk:

Beautiful video by Michael Glaser documenting a trip by family and friends up Two Pine to commemorate the anniversary of his dad Rob’s passing. Thanks for this, Michael. It’s a fitting tribute that generously shares the experience to those who couldn’t be there today. I can feel the snow on my face.

Click PLAY or watch it on Vimeo.

paint ball New Years

Dave Adlard has his own paintball course and gear. I joined in the annual tradition of doing unto others before they do unto ME.

Here’s why you ALWAYS wear a face shield.

Andy Dec. 31st, 2011

That was a fluke shot. Right?

Here’s Andy Jan. 1st, 2012.

A paintball can suck the eyeball right out of the socket.

More paintball photos.