Ties the Room Together

Our New Car!

2006-12-12T21:46:00.000-07:00

My Celebrity Look-Alikes

2006-12-06T17:12:00.000-07:00

http://www.myheritage.com

Bye Maui!

2006-11-03T20:43:00.000-07:00

Maui was such a great trip. I would head back there in a flash! The warm moist air and relaxing atmosphere were just what the doctor ordered. Thanks Mom and Dad Sinclair for a fabulous trip. We couldn't have done it without you and can't wait to share our stories! Doesn't that guy look refreshed?

Thank you Sun!

2006-11-03T20:40:00.000-07:00

After a couple of worried cloudy, rainy days, the sun came out again. We rushed to Napili once again to take it all in. What a way to cap it all off!

Hono Koa

2006-11-03T20:37:00.000-07:00

The Hono Koa was good to us. Tacky fonts aside, it was a classy place to stay!

Refreshments

2006-11-02T20:35:00.000-07:00

Even on a cloudy day, we found a way to enjoy ourselves. Here is Carrie at the Pupu Lounge in Kihei enjoying a Tropical whatsit after an exhausting morning of snorkeling near Makena Beach.

Carrie Palms

2006-11-01T20:32:00.000-07:00

Carrie hangin with the Palm Trees at the beach. Blue sky anyone?

Closed Beach

2006-11-01T20:31:00.000-07:00

This was one of the beaches that they closed. It was still alright to swim, but the night before had washed out a lot of it. Kapalua Beach next to here was completely washed out and there was nowhere to sit there.

2006-10-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

Sunset at Ka'anapali Beach.

Ka'anapali Carrie

2006-10-30T20:30:00.000-07:00

Carrie walking down the path at Ka'anapali Beach. We went for a drink at Tropica and had a delicious skewer appetizer.

The Honeymooners

2006-10-30T20:29:00.000-07:00

This is Carrie and me at Ka'anapali Beach watching the sunset. We had a few people take pictures of us, but people are quite worthless at doing that and none really turned out. C'est la vie!

Zen

2006-10-30T20:26:00.000-07:00

This was my moment of zen on the trip. It was early on in the week and I didn't have a care in the world. I must have stood here looking out at the ocean and the beach for 25 minutes without moving; it could have been longer, I just wasn't paying attention.

Napili Beach

2006-10-30T20:24:00.000-07:00

This was probably our favourite beach and definitely the one we frequented the most. Not a far drive from our condo, when other beaches were closed, Napili offered a safe haven. The beach was very laid back, but still a lot of fun.

Maui 2006

2006-10-28T20:11:00.000-06:00

This is the view from our condo at the Hono Koa near Ka'anapali. Not too shabby!

Squash

2006-10-24T20:59:00.000-06:00

I entered my first squash tournament this weekend. I was 2-2 and lost both my games to Juniors! I couldn't believe it at the time but apparenty those sandbagging little ... players are pretty good and win these tournaments all the time. I will just take my medicine thank you! Am I a big dork or what!?

Let Me Just Check With My Wife

2006-10-11T16:53:00.000-06:00

After a year of marriage, I am still discovering the hidden benefits to holy matrimony. Of course there is all the cliched advantages like someone to talk to, share stuff with, and received support from, but I am talking about much more selfish bonuses here. For example, I am a sucker for a good salesman and I could never before get out of a purchase. When I say I am a sucker, I mean it. I am left totally powerless by a good salesman, but now I have a new shield, or rather, deflector.

I went in to a tanning studio yesterday (take a minute... roll your eyes... okay) because we are headed to Maui at the end of the month and I don't want to look like Casper. Now, this guy wasn't a great salesman, but I just don't know how to say no. So, now I say, "I like what your selling here, but I have to check with my wife." It is an awesome way out of this situation. I know inside he is calling me a wuss, but there is no comeback to it. They just accept it! Is it bad to shamelessly use my wife as a deflector in her absense?

"I'd rather be rich than stupid." - Jack Handey

Hockey Season Starts!

2006-10-05T20:47:00.000-06:00

It is that time of year again. The mercury is sinking, leaves are falling and now the puck is dropping. My beloved Canucks started their season off on the right foot tonight with a 3-1 victory in a near-empty Joe Louis Arena. Much to Carrie's chagrin, I will be spending most of my Saturday nights watching hockey. I am hopeless!

It should be quite the season. There have been lots of changes around the the league. It is unpredictable!

Waterton 2006

2006-09-30T11:28:00.000-06:00

Well, here you have it: Waterton 2006. It was a little less crazy than last year (i.e. no one had to leave the game table and no one was accused of ruining the whole weekend for everyone.) Big 2: Boxhead Edition was dropped for the less intense Balderdash and later L.

We didn't see any bears, but that wasn't without trying. We didn't go as far as to make a steak suit; serenading was our weapon of choice. Nick's version of Michael Jackson's hit Man in the Mirror, Bear in the Mirror was certainly a highlight. Actually any song that could remotely fit "bear" into the lyrics was sung in the van to and from Cameron Lake. But it wasn't enough to coax any bears into sight.

Nick was certainly back to himself on the golf course. I will leave it at that.

Thanks to Kevin and Tina for another wonderful weekend!

My Bike!

2006-09-29T12:49:00.000-06:00

I got a new bike back in July and have been riding this baby to work in good weather. It is about the coolest bike in the world. It is an Electra Townie and it is so comfortable. I get to cruise downtown and enjoy the sites while all the faster bikers just try to go even faster! I get to be my hedonistic self even on my commute to work.

Jonny Rosco

2006-09-27T00:22:00.000-06:00

Look at this guy! What a handsome fellow. Can you believe that I haven't talked to him in a while!? Jonny! Thanks for the card, man, it was special. Hope to see you again soon.

Summer is Over: Let the Blogging Begin!

2006-09-26T14:01:00.000-06:00

Wow, it's been a long summer! So much to tell very shortly. I will be posting pictures soon including my new bike, this year's Waterton trip, camping, and more! Coming soon!

Victoria:Labour Day Weekend

2006-09-02T12:22:00.000-06:00

Carrie and Brennan at Gonzales Bay.
The babes at Gonzales Bay.
Joe and Robbie kicking a tune on the beach.

Carrie and I went to Victoria for 5 days to see the family, go to Trevor and Christine's wedding, celebrate our 1st anniversary and have some fun!

Congratulations to Trevor and Christine. It was a wonderful day!

Carrie and I went to Camille's for dinner in Bastion Square. It was an great meal at the site of our first dating anniversary.

We had a fabulous dinner with Arla and Darryl. The rib-eyes were perfect and how about that Montes Alpha Cab-Sav! A great patio dinner to say the least.

Camping: Kananaskis

2006-08-28T12:10:00.000-06:00

This was Carrie's and my trip to Kananaskis Country. We stayed at the Mount Sarrail campsite. It wasn't too busy, although we did have some French-Canadian entertainers next to us keeping us grooving. This is the view from our campsite. I don't know if you could ask for more than that!

Carrie and I at Upper Kananaskis Lake. I did some fishing, but no luck.

That's Lower Kananaskis Lake behind us.

The Drive Home From Nordegg

2006-08-22T12:00:00.000-06:00

What a beautiful drive home! We went through the Icefields Parkway and through Lake Louise. It was an amazing scene on a gorgeous day. Great picture-taking Carrie.

Camping: Nordegg, Alberta

2006-08-21T11:52:00.000-06:00

What a great weekend! It was a bit of a drive, but well worth it! It great to see Nicole and Ryan come down from Edmonton for the weekend. Ryan taught me a few lessons about fishing, but I was still unsuccessful! Ryan on the otherhand couldn't keep the fish off his hook!

We discovered that axe throwing contests, while fun and great competition, are detrimental to trees and axes. I am proud to say I got it to stick though! Good times!

Kittensittin'!

2006-08-12T13:31:00.000-06:00

Louie stayed with us for the weekend. What a cool cat! Sheila and Fred let us take care of him while they were away and we fell in love.

Castlegar: Family Reunion 2006

2006-08-07T13:35:00.000-06:00

Carrie and Kelsey.
Mark, Shiloh, and Ken
Kelsey, Carrie and Uncle Joe Jr.
Liz, Darren and Izzy.
Scottie and Gwen. Gwen knows Kyah, my first year roommate. What a coinkydink.
Party time in Castlegar!
The Aunties. Auntie Betty came out from England. It was so good to see her!

This year's family reunion was a great one! Carrie won the bocci ball tournament with her team and my golf team came second. It was my best placing ever! Thanks to Ken and Cherri for making us so comfortable at your place. It was great to see everyone again and we will see you next year!

Vault's Golf Tournament

2006-07-31T12:59:00.000-06:00

My company's annual Golf Tournament. We had a very good showing (in the dress department). It was a fantastic day out at Lynx Ridge G&CC. There are some real shacks in that area of town! It was a great team to be out there with.

The Subways

2006-07-30T13:26:00.000-06:00

The Subways played at the U of C. It was a good show, but short. Thanks for the suggestion Herman. They put on a pretty rocking show!

Stampede 2006

2006-07-12T21:09:00.000-06:00

Carrie and I did our Stampeding this year. I went to my first rodeo and we saw Nellie Frutado put on a great show. It is hella busy on the grounds and the food could call for a triple by-pass, but it just has to be done!

Dinosaur Provincial Park

2006-05-21T18:49:00.000-06:00

Carrie and I did a day trip out to Dinosaur Provincial Park. The weather was great and the Park is such an interesting place. We saw a rattle snake at the bottom of the valley, which was in a totally different climate than the top of the valley. There were actually cacti and scorpions!

Bradford Roy Collins March 1, 1950 - March 31, 2006

2006-03-31T00:06:00.000-07:00

My Dad passed away on March 31, 2006. It was tough to take. He was only 56 and was happier than I ever saw him before. Here he is last September at my wedding. He sure knew how to dress for the occasion! He will be missed dearly.

X-Country

2006-02-27T18:47:00.000-07:00

Carrie and I go on a cross-country course at Pocaterra. It was a beautiful day and just wonderful scenery.

Carrie and Joe Get Married: September 2, 2005

2006-02-12T17:25:00.000-07:00

The Bride. Carrie.

2006-02-12T17:19:00.002-07:00

The Groom. Me.

2006-02-12T17:19:00.000-07:00

The Mother. Mum.

2006-02-12T17:18:00.000-07:00

The Father. Dad.

2006-02-12T17:17:00.000-07:00

The Mother of the Bride! Arla.

2006-02-12T17:16:00.000-07:00

The father of the Bride. Darryl.

2006-02-12T17:15:00.000-07:00

The Maid of Honour. Sheila.

2006-02-12T17:14:00.000-07:00

The Sister of the Bride! Brennan.

2006-02-12T17:13:00.000-07:00

The Bridesmaid. Drea.

2006-02-12T17:12:00.000-07:00

The Best Man! Nick.

2006-02-12T17:11:00.000-07:00

The Brother! Ryan.

2006-02-12T17:10:00.000-07:00

The Brother. Randy.

The Brother!

2006-02-12T17:09:00.001-07:00

My new brother in law, Robbie. Man, this guy rocks the show. He put on a special performance for us on the piano. He actually wrote a song for us. Robbie! When are you going to record that track!?

2006-02-12T17:09:00.000-07:00

The Baby! Cameron.

2006-02-12T17:08:00.000-07:00

The MC. Erik!

2006-02-12T17:06:00.000-07:00

The Boys.

2006-02-12T17:05:00.000-07:00

The deed is done!

2006-02-12T17:04:00.001-07:00

The new family.

2006-02-12T17:04:00.000-07:00

The wedding party!

2006-02-12T17:02:00.000-07:00

The family

2006-02-12T17:01:00.000-07:00

A framer.

2006-02-12T17:00:00.000-07:00

The all around favourite photo of the day. My personal favourite as well.

What Does Joe Know?

2006-01-17T14:33:00.000-07:00

A pig's ass is pork
A frog's ass is water-tight
A donkey is also known as an ass

The Wine Fest 2005

2005-10-26T20:53:00.000-06:00

What a night! I can't say we were all the picture of class, but we did have a good time. Here are the boys prior to all the recklessness.

2005-10-26T20:52:00.000-06:00

Herman, Hardy, Laura, and Nick looking their best.

2005-10-26T20:51:00.000-06:00

And here is the whole gang!

2005-10-26T20:50:00.000-06:00

Poor Hardy... Things just went downhill from here.

Yo, Joe, Whadd'ya Know?

2005-10-18T12:59:00.000-06:00

I hate this. Even though you may think this is a clever thing to say, given that it rhymes and all, if you know someone by the name of Joe, don't say this to him. You want to know why? Because there is no good answer to the question. It can only result in an making everyone around uncomfortable. Let me explain.

On my first day of work, which was awkward enough already, someone said, "yo, Joe, whadd'ya know?" I ignored him, but then he said, "well...?" What do you say to that?

I have tried, "not much," but that really doesn't work. I have tried, "ahhhhh...," but that doesn't really work either. I have tried, "oh, you know...," but again, the end result is the same: an utterly painful social experience. If you have any suggestions for me, I will try them the next time someone says this to me. I guess it's the cross I have to bear.

What's Up?

2005-10-18T12:44:00.000-06:00

Well, no one ever said that I was a man of my word, and I would hate for them to start, so even though I said I would post a lot more, I haven't. It is not without good reason however. I have been up to a lot in recent weeks.

After much thought and deliberation Carrie and I bought a house! Actually that is not entirely true. There was very little thought and only a morsel of deliberation, but it was a good decision none the less. We just happen to find the perfect place quickly. We bought a townhouse and will move in at the end of November. I can hear you now... "married, bought a house, so when are the kids coming Joe?" Well, the answer to that question is not for a while, and by while, I mean 9 months. Just kidding, I am especially sorry to our parents who probably just got a little excited. No, we have things to do, man, big things!

I also recently started a new job working as a (insert explanation here that you don't really care about and would skip over anyways). It is a good job and there is plenty to do, so I am fitting in and have my own office. I am on the 20th floor and look out to the Calgary tower and the Saddledome.

Life is good. More pictures will be up soon. Check back. The wine fest was a little crazy, so I will only post pictures that were pre-9:30pm. It got a little ugly after that and I should make a general apology to anyone that was near the Roundup Centre or on 17th Avenue last Saturday evening. My words and actions were not my own. They were the words of "Wine Festival Joe" who is maladjusted to society and does not have a complete grasp of personal space or cordial speech.

How's Married Life?

2005-09-23T09:49:00.000-06:00

I have to say, I get this question a lot. People want to know how things are going in the newest Collins household. It's a fair question. So here is my official press release and if anyone asks me, I can refer them here.

I feel this strange sense of being legitimized. Now, previously I didn't care too much about what our elders thought. I don't mean that as an insult, but in a way that kids don't often listen to their parents. There are too many generational differences and it is easy to blame their opinions on this. Now, I feel this great sense of, well, being legitimate. And all you sinners out there shall now be judged by me. I kid, I kid, of course. I will leave the judging to God.

Not much has really changed between Carrie and me. We had made our committment to each other a long time ago, but being married has now allowed us the freedom to plan for the future. We have always left these things to their time and place and are celebrating that we can plan now. Day-to-day things are going pretty much as before (psst... although Carrie has changed a bit).

In Korea, when a woman gets married she undergoes a big change. She goes from the quiet, sensitive, insecure Asian schoolgirl we all have come across, into a bold, loud, strong adjumma. I wouldn't say that Carrie has changed quite that much, but I think it is fair to say she is getting more bold. She told be the other day (picture this) that she came to a four way stop and someone tried to skip a turn. She cut the person off, honked her horn and shook her fist. You be the judge of that. I like having a woman like that for a wife.

So, in short, married life is good. You should do it. Or continue doing it. Or get back to doing it. Or think about doing it. Or do it again. Because everybody's doing it.

Weekend at Waterton

2005-09-19T10:40:00.000-06:00

Beautiful Waterton Lakes National Park. Thank you Kevin and Tina for a wonderful weekend!

2005-09-19T10:38:00.000-06:00

Getting ready to go on the boat.

2005-09-19T10:37:00.000-06:00

My wife Carrie and Me!

2005-09-19T10:36:00.000-06:00

Skipping rocks was a worthy passtime. I think we did our fair share of getting those rocks back to where they belong. With our help Waterton will one day have sandy beaches.

2005-09-19T10:35:00.000-06:00

Neil waterskiiing. He also went cliff jumping and windsurfing. He did everything!

2005-09-19T10:34:00.000-06:00

The girls. Tina, Stacy and Nicole.

2005-09-19T10:33:00.001-06:00

Neil getting ready to jump off this huge cliff. Ryan also did this one.

2005-09-19T10:33:00.000-06:00

Neil jumping off a huge cliff (he is about halfway down).

2005-09-19T10:31:00.000-06:00

Let the Party games begin! I think it is suffice to say that we won't be playing Big 2 - Boxhead edition at anymore gatherings.

Panorama

2005-09-11T20:22:00.000-06:00

We spent a weekend at Panorama Mountain Resort courtesy of Auntie Liz and Uncle Pat. It was such a relaxing weekend. A big thank you to them!

Summer Hiatus

2005-09-06T15:21:00.000-06:00

After being MIA for the last month and a half or so, I am back. The summer has been a memorable one and I will be updating again soon. Please check back often as I will have some pictures up from the Bachelor party, the Wedding and more! See you soon.

Irish Times

2005-09-03T20:37:00.000-06:00

Everyone showing off their hoops at Irish Times in Victoria. What a shot!

My Groomsmen

2005-09-02T20:20:00.000-06:00

Here are my groomsmen and me! We got ready at the Laurel Point Inn in the beautiful Victoria Harbour. What a day!

2005-08-30T20:17:00.000-06:00

These were our party favours at our wedding. What a job! A special thanks to my parents for making the jam and getting it in those jars!

Wedding Wine Tasting

2005-08-16T20:15:00.000-06:00

Carrie and I tasted a few wines to see what we should have at our head table. Strangely, our favourite was the cheapest. The winner? The 2003 Five Vineyards Cabernet Sav/Merlot from Mission Hill.

Barbeque

2005-08-06T20:10:00.000-06:00

We went over to Kevin and Tina's for some bbq. Pretty tasty stuff. You really gotta catch those Calgary summers while you can. They are short!

2005-08-01T20:43:00.000-06:00

Carrie, Me and Chloe

My Bros

2005-08-01T20:42:00.000-06:00

We had a little barbeque in my parents' backyard. Good old island summers.

The Happy Family

2005-08-01T20:40:00.000-06:00

My brother's family: Sue, Ryan and Chloe

Cameron and Joe

2005-07-31T20:07:00.000-06:00

This is me with my nephew Cameron. He is a cool kid and has quite a smile!

The Weather

2005-07-20T21:49:00.000-06:00

Maybe there is no use in talking (complaining) about the weather, but like so many before me, I am going to anyway. Since moving to Calgary on the Prairie, I am somewhat dumbfounded by the weather. Never before have I looked at weather reports so intently. Every day is dictated by the weather reports I view in the morning. "Is it going to be -15 or +21?" (That is actually not that unusual.)

First, what kills me is that the weather reports are seldom right. I bet there is no real designation for being a meteorologist other than having a cool-sounding name and being able to step aside when a map screen comes on. I can see them all "graduating" now. "Don," they inquire, "can you say 'precipitation'?"... "Want to be the weather guy?" And they immediately hand him a certificate or whatever. Yes, I just going to come out and say it: they are not good at what they do. So, I decided to hedge my bets.

I took to looking at more than one report. I have been going to The Weather Network and Environment Canada to check both, just to make sure the information I am getting is good. Well, I have been surprised to find they are never the same! They have totally different reports. One says rain and 15, the other sun and 29: just how do you dress for that? Science my ass.

The other thing that drives me bonkers is that these guys have no remorse. They never admit that they are wrong. The day previous they could have said anything. "It's going to be a hot one tomorrow, I tells ya," or "Hah, hah, hah... you better break out that sunscreen, 'cause it's gonna be a scorcher." Well, that doesn't pan out, and the next day: nothing! No "guess I really shat the bed on that one, hey Frank," or "wow, I really blew that report yesterday, hey." Not even a sniff.

Anyone from the Prairies is propable mildly amused that I have any faith in the weather reports, and I am learning slowly to take them with a grain of salt. For example, today, while watching the news, we received a weather warning on the TV promising hale the size of baseballs, thunder, lightning, plagues of toads: I turned my head slightly to find not but blue skies. And I have seen nothing but since. Good old prairie weather? Maybe. Naive coastal boy, absolutely.

Kevin and Tina get married!

2005-07-09T22:47:00.000-06:00

Let's get this party started! Kevin and Joffre.

It was a night full of great times. Even with so many people so far apart we all found a way to come together. It was so great to catch up with people and reconnect. A big congratulations to Kevin and Tina! You did it! and put on a great party at the same time.

Another big THANKS to Ryan who did a great job as best man. He put on a great party for Kevin's stag, performed a great speech and made an excellent slide show. I was so happy to be a part of the wedding and wish the happy couple all the joy in the world.

Down the Aisle

2005-07-09T22:46:00.000-06:00

Tina and her Mom

2005-07-09T22:45:00.001-06:00

Mr. and Mrs. Lewis.

2005-07-09T22:45:00.000-06:00

Nick and Jonny.

Earls

2005-07-09T22:44:00.001-06:00

At Earls for a few drinks.

2005-07-09T22:44:00.000-06:00

The boys: pre-debauchery.

Cold Comfort

2005-07-09T22:41:00.000-06:00

Hmmmm.... yes... I do feel better after the Preparation H.

2005-07-09T22:39:00.000-06:00

Ryan (the best man), Joffre and Neil

2005-07-09T22:38:00.000-06:00

Nicole and Emily.

2005-07-09T22:37:00.001-06:00

Me, Joffre, Jonny and Neil

2005-07-09T22:37:00.000-06:00

Don't the girls look nice!

The Dance

2005-07-09T22:36:00.001-06:00

Dancing a good one.

2005-07-09T22:36:00.000-06:00

"I can't dance.... I can't dance!"

The Crew with the Couple

2005-07-09T22:35:00.001-06:00

All the friends with the happy couple. What a party!

The Garter

2005-07-09T22:35:00.000-06:00

Who do you think grabbed the garter? You know it was me!

2005-07-09T22:33:00.000-06:00

Emily and Sean showing us a good time.