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MK’s Surprise Party, Bluesfest, Aventure Lafleche Photosets Posted

Ryan J. Allen — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 00:43:45 +0000

Hi Internet,

I have posted some new photosets to my Flickr account. In chronological order, MK’s Surprise 30th Birthday, Bluesfest 2011, and from a trip to Aventure Lafleche’s aerial adventure. It is worth noting that these events all took place before Stephanie worked her magic on my hair, which is now beautiful. None-the-less, they are enjoyable.

So, enjoy.

Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest

Ryan J. Allen — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 01:19:31 +0000

This year I did something that I’ve wanted to do for a few years now: I purchased “festival passes” to the Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest and went every day*. I had the pleasure of Will’s company for the majority of the festival, too–it’s not the sort of thing you want to do alone. The purpose of going every day was to enjoy music we might not otherwise hear, and to expose ourselves to artists we weren’t aware of. In both respects I would call the two weeks a success.

For my own benefit I will share some notes from the shows. We saw some of Coheed & Cambria. There were lineup issues getting through security on this first day so we mostly heard them from a distance. I was okay with this. I later learned that a member of Coheed would hold up a pharmacy and subsequently be arrested. Saw Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros the same day; they tried too hard. The Flaming Lips put on quite a stage show, and Soundgarden was incredible. I definitely got the impression that Chris Cornell was enjoying the experience of performing for a large group of people again–probably more than he ever had before.

The next day Will and I went a little earlier and had chairs. We heard Alberta Cross, which were good enough to convince us to get some of their music, then Monkeyjunk, who will be playing at Kingston’s bluesfest. The Roots were popular, for reasons unknown to us, and Ben Harper was pretty darn good. Will told me that he’s not a big fan of slide guitar, but Harper did it well.

On Thursday I forgot our tickets so we arrived a bit later, but caught enough of Big Jeezus Truck that we weren’t sad to have missed what we did. We walked past Infected Mushroom and decided that was more than enough for us. The Sheepdogs were pretty good–certainly more Will’s style than mine. Steve Miller Band was a band that we couldn’t name a song that they performed, but knew almost every one that they did. It was a great show.

Friday was epic storm number one day, but before that we heard Cage the Elephant. They were quite good, and included a nice super-long crowd surf from the lead singer. Rise Against was…well, we were happy others enjoyed it. After Rise Against a big wind and rain storm came down on the park delaying the Black Keys for an hour. They finally went on around 10:30 and played almost an hour, blowing through the 11:00 pm cut-off. This was welcomed by everyone at the park, and the Black Keys saved it somehow.

Did you notice that asterisk up there in my first paragraph? Will and I decided to skip Saturday. The Tragically Hip were playing and we thought the best Hip concert would be the one we didn’t go to. A collective high-five right there.

We wrapped up the first week with guitar-talking Peter Frampton, who was awesome. Huey Lewis & the News treated us to a music sensation that unfathomably did not include their hit Hip to be Square. It actually left Will and I in a bit of shock, but we were still able to pack up our chairs and move over to the A Perfect Circle show at the next stage. APC’s music was alright, but it totally sucked that they didn’t want to be there. If you were there you know what I’m talking about.

The fun re-started on Tuesday with Three Days Grace (thumbs down), and John Fogerty (thumbs way up). Fogerty just might have been the highlight of the festival. This was another artist where I couldn’t have named the songs he sings, but I knew every one that he played. Really, really great.

On Wednesday we showed up in time for Metric. Meh. We took in Buddy Guy, who was great and who also brought an incredible 12-year-old blues playing kid with him. This kid could play guitar like a veteran. It was really amazing.

Thursday saw Will return to Kingston, but I kept going. A short stint to see Al Wood and the Woodsmen was ended when Brian directed me to John Primer’s stage. A good choice–definitely better than Cancer Bats. I went to see Arkells next and was pleasantly surprised. I will check out their new album when it is released this fall. I finished the night at the Tea Party show. I admit that I did wander over to Billy Talent and stumbled upon their singing Try Honestly. I didn’t care for the lead’s voice and was happy to return to the Tea Party.

On Friday Adam and Kyla joined and we heard Hannah Georgas, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, a little bit of Classified, and then Blue Rodeo. Blue Rodeo was quite good. I didn’t recognize most of the songs, but I appreciated that they were Canadian classics and enjoyed them.

The second Saturday was my day. I was very, very excited for Death From Above 1979 and Jane’s Addiction. I arrived early enough to see what all of the fuss was about Braids, but quickly moved to hear Amos the Transparent instead. When Amos finished I moved into position for DFA and was blown away with how good their show was. I never thought I would see these guys perform again, so it was a real treat. The mosh pit was crazy, but I kept clear. I didn’t notice any major injuries. Jane’s Addiction followed and I got an even better spot for them. They basically played their greatest hits, I got confetti cannoned, and I enjoyed the show in relative comfort guarded by a nearby, protective father and show security. Perry Farrell obviously loved the fans and seemed happy to be performing. A completely awesome day.

The second and final Sunday was set to be quite good. Adam and I arrived early and heard a little bit of Derek Miller (small crowd, it was sad), Tristen (a bit weird), and then Lupe Fiasco. Lupe was surprisingly entertaining, though I don’t think I would listen to the music at home. We caught the first 20 minutes of Cheap Trick and were just on our way to see Ra Ra Riot when pandemonium struck and the whole thing was cancelled. We were hoping to later see John Butler Trio and probably would have peered in on Death Cab for Cutie for the last half-hour or so but that was all ruined by a little storm and collapsed stage. Oh well.

All in all, an amazing couple of weeks with some great music. It was exhausting, though. I have lots to catch up on, and a 30 page paper due soon. Tomorrow I think I’ll return to running and/or the gym, just in time for 35+ degree weather.

Family Filled Weekend

Ryan J. Allen — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 02:06:53 +0000

I had a family-filled weekend.

Thursday night I made a shrimp pasta, and visited with Will until I almost fell asleep. Friday morning Will and I went to the gym, then Starbucks, then joined Alex, Mom, and Aunt Shelley for lunch at the Golden Rooster. Then a drive with Nana, Shelley, and mom to Toronto.

The four of us stayed with Uncle Steve and Aunt Cynthia Friday night. Mom and I went for a 10 km run on Saturday morning, and Shelley joined us for the first couple of kilometres. We started our drive to Hamilton, picking up Erin on the way, got stuck in traffic, but still made the main event: Robin Hood the musical, starring an incredible cast that included our cousin Michael. The play was excellent; they had a real bunch of talent there.

After the play the group of us headed to the Limeridge Mall, then headed back to Toronto to the Westin Harbour Castle. We had a regular little party going on there, with 7 of us staying across 3 rooms. We all headed to dinner for 12 at Baton Rouge, walking there and back in the beautiful outdoors. Walking by the CN Tower I got the idea of bringing Will back for the CN Tower climb in October.

Back at the hotel some of us went for a swim, and Nana came down to check out the pool and patio. Afterwards we had a romp of a time up in the hotel room, fitting 10 of us together for some beverages and potato chips. After all of that driving and family time I had no problems falling asleep.

Early in the morning I woke up and mom and I went to meet Erin and Stephanie for an 8:30 am run. We did a nice 6 km run around and through the Mount Pleasant cemetery. After the run we headed back to the hotel to prepare for the day (including a stop at Starbucks, plus Starbucks brewed in the hotel room), then checked-out and walked to Fran’s for brunch. Uncle Paul and picked Michael up from his apartment in Oakville and Mr. Keeves also joined us for brunch. I had Fran’s Big Breakfast.

On our way home we all stopped at Steve and Cynthia’s again for a little pool party. Andrea and Wylie joined, with Braydon and Alyson, not to mention Erin, Stephanie, and Mark. It was a nice little visit. It felt weird to leave as early as we did, but we all had to return to Kingston. After dropping Nana and Shelley off, we picked up Will and he joined mom and I for dinner. We made shrimp pasta again, because Will missed out on dinner Thursday night. After this a sleep and then back to Ottawa in the morning for me.

A fun, family-filled weekend. (And I’m in Kingston tonight for a belated Father’s Day dinner, which was excellent spaghetti.)

General Updates

Ryan J. Allen — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 02:33:55 +0000

Hello, world. Here are some general updates.

Last night I woke my motorcycle from hibernation. Immediately it felt familiar and comfortable. I took it around the block a few times, as did Adam J., and it was generally a great experience. I rode to work this morning and the weather was beautiful. It was warm, the roads were dry, and the sun was shining. A little cooler on the ride home, but still awesome.

I received my new chain tool in the mail. I have started a post about why I have this and will not repeat it here. It is exciting, though.

The previously mentioned road trip with Will has decidedly become an east coast trip. It removes some of the randomness, but is still awesomely exciting. I am more excited about the idea of going out east than going to the US.

I had a group assignment for my class titled Social Context of Business. The group was 8 people and we had to produce a 20-page (double-spaced) answer set to a series of questions about BP. It was a challenge to coordinate but the project was completed and handed in on-time.

Oh, and I forgot to mention: I ran a half-marathon tonight. This is in preparation for the full I am meant to run in 10 weeks. I haven’t been taking the training very seriously, though I should change that. In 2 weeks I will be running the Harry Spring Run Off 8 km run in Toronto. I should be ready for that.

Go

Ryan J. Allen — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 22:31:56 +0000

It feels like I’ve been quite “go” lately. I need some quiet time.

I have to get some milk and other various groceries today. I also must run a couple more small errands. When I return home I have some laundry to do, and a few things to put away. Maybe I’ll also do the dishes that are in the sink.

Tomorrow I have work, then class. Maybe I’ll go to the gym if my second class ends early. Friday I will work and then my weekend will start. And let me tell you, my goal is to do as little as possible this weekend. Though I may try to install my in-wall speakers.

Housekeeping Sunday

Ryan J. Allen — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 01:48:24 +0000

I just had a housekeeping Sunday. I was in desperate need of one.

I did laundry, cleaned my bathroom, vacuumed (upstairs only), and cleaned out the fridge. The fridge had a lot of food in it that was past its prime. I had amassed a huge amount of leftovers that, try as I might, I could not finish. I’m starting relatively fresh with it now.

It was so significant that I blogged about it.

I Didn’t Win a Barbecue

Ryan J. Allen — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 04:34:36 +0000

Last weekend was packed full of adventure.

My journey started directly from work. I had the pleasure of taking a 2009 BMW 750Li for the trip. This made the driving extremely enjoyable, comfortable, and easy.

The first leg was Ottawa to Kingston. I needed to stop into Kingston to pick up my tent and sleeping bag. When the 416 was nearing an end an unbelievable rain storm. Cars were slowing down to less than 80 km/h; some were pulling over. The rain sensing wipers were praised, and the 19″ V-spoke wheels kept me cruising without delay.

From Kingston I continued on to Toronto. It started to get quite sunny so I put the automatic rear sunshades up. With lane departure warning enabled, active cruise control with stop and go, and active blind spot detection the car basically drove itself. My overnight destination was One King West where I valet parked the car, naturally.

In Toronto that evening I met up with Mr. Keeves. He is confirmed to be alive and well. We met after he had finished working for the day, and we made our way to a microbrewery on Yonge St. This place had flammkuchen, a treat that I hadn’t had since leaving Germany. I had as close to traditional flammkuchen as possible–it was good, but not quite right.

The next morning I met Stephanie and Erin for a run. It was awesome to meet with them on such short notice. We ran through Mt. Pleasant cemetery, and along Yonge and St. Claire. At nice as the route was, the company was better. I had some 50% off fruit that I left with Stephanie. I wonder if she ate it.

I visited MEC, the CBC’s World Cup Street Party, and Starbucks before heading into traffic en route to the Niagara region. The traffic was surprisingly bad for a Saturday afternoon. This caused me to stop for some New York Fries–I’m not complaining about that. The best-in-class infotainment system in the BMW kept me on track, in contact, and entertained. It was a real joy even in traffic.

When I arrived to Eric’s parents’ place I met with Brunke and Rebecca then setup my tent. I have a super tent that virtually puts itself up, and does so in seconds. It didn’t take long, so we managed to get some joy riding in with the Bimmer. Scott had most of his fun with the active drive mode set to Sport+.

After a delicious meal at Casa B. we headed to the Thorold Legion for Eric and Tiffany’s “Stag and Doe”. I had committed that I would win a barbecue at this event but I did not. The barbecue in question was a Broil King Crown 10. I had quite bad luck at this event, actually: after spending around $200 I had no barbecue, no money, a “fun basket” prize, and I didn’t even save Tiffany from getting a pie in the face.

The drive back to the “campsite” was pretty nice. The girls in the back seat had the massage and heating features on. They were quiet and relaxed. The amount of stuff we comfortably fit in the trunk was also quite impressive.

Sunday morning was an amazingly complete breakfast followed by a trip to see Niagara Falls. I had never been. We spent $20 to park for 10 minutes to see water falling off a cliff. It was worth it to not have to make a special trip from Ottawa to see them again.

I left the Niagara region at about 13:30 and made it to Kingston at 17:00, in time for a steak dinner with family. It was amazing, but it disabled me for a short time due to being full. I left at around 21:00 and returned to Ottawa. I drove to Ottawa via highway 15 and had enabled the automatic high-beams as well as night vision with pedestrian detection to assist with a comfortable drive back. And after hours in the car, if I ever felt restless I simply enabled the driver’s seat massage.

Alas, I returned to Ottawa without barbecue. I spent this week procrastinating from doing my school work and researching barbecues. I am happy to report that I think I found a winner.

Twittered

Ryan J. Allen — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 02:28:42 +0000

I went to the International Chicken and Rib Cook-Off on Sunday after church. It was delicious. Alex and Matt came to the city to pickup a subwoofer but couldn’t stay for the cook off, in part due to an incident at a Tim Horton’s.

Later in the day I had a milk emergency, which I twittered about.

I still worry about Lindsay Lohan.

Another Semester Finished

Ryan J. Allen — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 21:44:52 +0000

As of last night, I have finished another semester of school. I had two classes this semester, which meant two exams. My Managerial Accounting exam was held last Friday evening, and my Financial Management exam was last night.

I was nervous going into both exams. I had many weeks to prepare leading up to the exams, but I didn’t. In both cases I left it until the last minute. On Friday I was at work, but my focus was not. I always like to do an “course summary” type of writeup to prepare, and usually when I do I end up with a short couple of pages describing what was covered. This was true in the Managerial Accounting class: it covered a few core concepts, not a great range. At the exam it was clear that I understood these core concepts and was able to apply my knowledge effectively. My expectation for this final was an ‘A’ grade.

Yesterday morning I woke up and felt so ill-prepared that I took a vacation day at work. I took a day to study. But I didn’t really study. In my many hours at home I did manage to create the “course summary” and found that Financial Management covered a greater amount of material compared to MA, but still only 4 or 5 pages worth. In the end, I also felt good about this exam. I think I earned a ‘B’ on the final exam.

So, I’m done this semester! Next semester starts Monday. Awesome.

Motorcycle – Back in Ottawa

Ryan J. Allen — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 05:29:48 +0000

It was a bit of a chilly day, but an eagerness to get the bike out in the warmer weather led me to pick my motorcycle up from Kingston. I drove it back to Ottawa where it sits safely in my garage.

Now, I am quite tired after a long day (early wake-up, gym, drive to Kingston, ride to Ottawa, birthday party), so this will be brief. I will say that the bike felt very natural–like I hadn’t ever taken a break from riding. I am thrilled with it, still. I cannot wait for some nicer weather.