Ode to Stu

So there is a family that we have known for our entire lives. They lived down the street from us on Somerset and our families were close from the start. Over the years things have changed a lot for the Young's and the Beasley's but some things have stayed exactly the same.

The characters. The Young children are Stu, Andy and Megan. Stu is one year younger than Vic and they have been BFFs for many many years. Andy and I are the same age and we used to terrorize Somerset Crescent as children, then we went to Queen's University and lived together for a short time. Megan is the youngest, nicest and cutest of the bunch.

Stu. I don't know anyone else quite like Stu. Now what prompted this Ode to Stu you may ask? Well, two nights ago my phone range at about 2AM and the next morning I found out that Stu and his brother Andy drunk dialed me. This has been a somewhat common occurrence over the years for Stu to drunk dial a Beasley. Off the top of my head I remember him calling from Venice and talking to my dad and my sister briefly before falling into a canal. There was the time when he missed the last train out of London England and drunk dialed us from a door way in middle of London - where he ended up sleeping I might add. And then there was the time he slept in a field and woke up to a wild Boar sniffing around... So the other night was not uncommon. Oh Stu.

Stu has a lust for life and the best attitude toward life that I have ever encountered. He does whatever makes him happy. He works hard and plays hard. And he doesn't take anything for granted. He truly lives with the saying "You only live once" as his motto. And what's more is he makes it look easy. He hated Ontario for several reasons including the weather and hated living in London because it is a soul sucking void of culture and ambition; his words, not mine and I may have paraphrased slightly. So he moved to BC - done. He wanted to travel. So he picked up went to England, got a job, experienced the life, traveled around Europe doing whatever and when ever (sleeping in fields, falling into canals - referred to earlier) then came home. He went to Uni then did his Masters and now works for the BC government assisting the big guys with public policy and strategy (or something) and loves it. And any time we have a conversation I leave thinking I can take over the world then I never to do anything.

The point of my story is I find him quite inspiring. I'm sure he will make fun of me for a long while after this post, but I really think something can be learned from the way Stu sees and lives life. Now just applying the life lessons..... that's harder for anyone other than Stu.

Stu, never change.

VEGAS BABY!

Den and I went to Las Vegas last week for the first time. What a crazy place! So much going on all the time, so many people, so HOT and so fun! The funny thing about it is there is something to do at literally every moment of every day. And unlike other vacations you can get the best of all worlds. You can be busy everyday doing crazy fun, energetic, thrilling, dangerous things or you can laze around the pool drinking frozen cocktails and read a book. And let me tell you, we did it all. Ok maybe not the dangerous part but it wasn't because Den didn't want to. I can't even tell you how many times he tired to lure me to the Gun Range. Yes, he wanted to go shoot guns while we were in Las Vegas. I told him to save it for the boy trip - in hindsight, I may regret saying that.

Regardless, we had a fantastic time. We ate great food, did a little gambling (and lost), saw a couple shows (amazing, Cirque is crazy), lounged by the pool, shopped and went site seeing. I can't think of a better time. Just check out our pictures.

Glamping

This morning I was listening to CBC Radio - like always - and they did a segment on Glamping. This is a word I have never heard before. So what is Glamping you ask? Well, Glamping is Glamour-Camping. I like it already.

I guess there is a fad now that people are very into camping; now this isn't new in and of itself, but it is the people that make the difference. The people that are into Glamping are people like me. People who maybe, over value the many comforts they enjoy in life - hair dryer, mattress and nice meals. For us types, we glamp. We show up at the camp site and it's already built. Not only is it built, it is a spacious tent, a bed and not a sleeping bag on the ground. There are cooked meals for you and your camp fire is already glowing away when you pull up all ready for smores. And the goodies to make your smores are sitting by the fire ready to go.

Now some may argue that this actually isn't camping. But I would argue who are they to judge what my camping experience should be like? If these luxuries make me have a great time while enjoying the great out doors then why judge? I question many people's choice in clothing; but I wouldn't ban them from going out in public.

So I say glamp on. I think I will....

Lapsed blogger

It has been a very busy few weeks. Work, getting ready for vacation time, going on vacation, coming back from vacation. It's a hard life.

I will be better and post updates on the vacation and life shortly.