The summer rolls on here in Calgary. The weather’s been quite nice here, which has given many of the staff at the school ample reason to take some time off. With that, and students having erratic attendance on the nicest days, it’s been relatively quiet at school.

With Gala back and multiple assignments to mark, I’ve been slowly returning to a normal routine. With just over a month before a new class begins, I’ve got lots of little things to get prepared again. The four month semesters are rapid and just as I get used to one group, they move on to the next component of the course. It feels strange.

I was surfing along the web and found a website with hundreds of thousands of name definitions. Looking up James, I was actually surprised how much it said. I don’t normally put any stock in this stuff, but some of the points in the definition were eerily like my personality:

‘As James, you are responsible and generous, although somewhat scattering and disorganized at times. Any jobs requiring systematic and conscientious effort, or involving any form of drudgery, dismay you. In your work, you would seek a position offering self-expression through contact with people, such as sales or teaching, or a position giving scope to your creative, artistic talents.

You are good-natured and likeable, and people tend to confide in you and seek your advice in personal problems. Others sense your sincere interest and desire to help, and you can always be counted on to see the bright side of any problem. You enjoy making others happy and you never let your own problems “get you down” for any length of time, even though you do tend to worry too much at times. Your optimism can be a source of inspiration to others as well as yourself. In close personal relationships you are usually thoughtful and considerate. However, your natural interest in others, coupled with your sympathetic reaction to problems, could draw you into emotional situations which may be difficult.’

I thought you guys would get a kick out of that. Looks like all the James of the world are trouble…

Not too much to say at this point. Things here are pretty good and I’m just rumbling along as usual. Hope you’re all doing well too.

It’s just me and the cat here.

My cousin Lisa left early this afternoon and Gala’s gone on vacation to Seattle until Thursday night. It’s the first time I’ve been at the apartment alone for more than a few hours. It’s a strange feeling, with pangs of loneliness thrown in for good measure.

I’ve been so overloaded with having people around me at school and at home that I can hardly believe that there’s no one else here to share time with.

Showing Lisa around Calgary was quite fun. We rented a car last weekend and headed out to Banff and Lake Louise for some hiking. Every time I head up there I’m amazed at the beauty of the scenery around me. One look around the mountains and thousands of trees and you’re awestruck by the power of nature all around you.

The great thing about that was also that I got tons of photos. Actually, I’m gonna have tons of photos all the time now. I finally bought myself a digital camera. It completely kicks ass! High quality photos instantly that I can easily download to my machine. It’s a great tool for reference and, of course, showing you all my adventures more so than ever before.

I was worried we wouldn’t have enough to do to fill her time here, but it worked out okay. Exploring during the day, taking it easy in the evenings. Watching some movies, playing some cards, just visiting and talking.

Wednesday we went to check out the Final Fantasy movie. I had read some brutal reviews of it and went in expecting the worst. Actually, it was pretty good. Some of the acting was stiff and the dialogue was cliché ridden, but it was visually stunning and had a nice ending. In fact, I thought the ending saved it from being Hollywood typical and was quite pleased with that. It’s definitely worth a look if you’re searching for some summertime entertainment.

Yesterday, Lisa and I went to the Stampede grounds. This is the first time I’ve ever been to the actual Stampede. I’ve always avoided it because of the prevailing “Yeehaw” attitude and country music. “So” you say, “what’s the verdict?”

Stampede is, for the most part, a lot like The Ex in Toronto on steroids. More country stuff and cowboy hats, but all the same types of rides and food stands. Overpriced and too many kids just like The Ex, but with the added bonus of horseshit on the ground for you to step in if you’re not careful. It wasn’t all bad, mind you, just not my type of thing. I definitely wouldn’t have wanted to go on my own. Having someone else to explore it with made it worthwhile.

But that’s all done now and it’s just me and the cat. Weird.

I know that originally I was intending to go solo on this apartment thing. It’s strange now that I’m used to having Gala here. I wonder how much of a hermit I would have become if I would have gotten my own place.

I’m hoping to buckle down and get some personal art done in the next couple days as well as do some major cleaning around here.

That’s the week. Okay, time to stop vegging on the computer. I’ve been invited out for a beer tonight, so I should get cleaned up and ready. And chase the cat around the house…:)

Summer is blazing here in Calgary and the Stampede is in full swing. Now that the city’s gone crazy again, I get some much needed time off and can enjoy the weather, if not the mad country yeehaw bullcrap.

My cousin Lisa has made the trek out to see me during Stampede and it’s amazing having her here. There’s a 10 year gap between us, but it doesn’t hinder things in the slightest. Just like when I was in Toronto, we should be doing all sorts of exploring and shopping around town. If I can arrange it, maybe we’ll head to Banff for a day and take in the site of the mountains.

She commented yesterday while we were downtown that the air seemed a bit cleaner here than back in Ontario. I guess I’ve taking that for granted. If she thinks that’s clear, the Banff air should make her practically dizzy.

Back at Father’s Day, I asked my Dad what he needed for a gift. Just buying trinkets or knick knacks seems silly at his age, so it’s better to ask him what he wants. This year he asked me to buy one of those disposable cameras and take a roll of photos around the new apartment so that him and my Mom would know where the heck I was living and how it looked.

Jim enjoying the view from his balcony.

I’m going on the look out for a digital camera when Lisa and I go shopping today, so I may finally have an easy way to record the weird and wonderful adventures in Calgary with photos attached to each Newsletter.

The weather here is almost too warm with intense heat and glaring sunlight, nary a cloud in the sky. The city is a sea of people wearing cowboy hats and disturbing country style clothing, but the economic boost it provides is a good thing too.

Otherwise, things are great. A little bit of relaxing, a whole lot of exploring and enjoyment as per the norm as of late. No complaints, only adventures 🙂