Lets start with we were in the fall of 2010. Living in TCMs uncles house. I was still hating my go nowhere job. TCM was looking for a clinic, but at least could still work for KTs dad in the office. The fact was it was a rut. Nothing was changing. Or maybe that is growing up? Just eat, sleep, work and that's about it. Little did I know things were really about to change. Lets fast forward to early December like Xmas party season. KTs house had come to a boil. CJ was a mess. When she showed up to the staff Xmas party she was a mess. KT decided it was time for her to move out. I picked up a drunk Amazing, KT and TCM at the end of their party. Fun side note it was at the hotel Mac. We saw the Blackhawks that night and might have taken a couple bottles of wine from the bar.... maybe. Anyways as CJ was passed out in the basement we discussed what to do. KT wouldn't just booted her Even though TCM and I though that was the right idea. Amazing didn't want to say anything. So by the end KT decided she would give her a month I think. But turns out she was gone right away. I am not 100% sure BUT I think by this time Amazing had also moved out and was living with the Frenchman. So KT had a few open rooms. Tats moved in.
Friends Xmas was at our place. That year was a good one for me lol. I cannot remember if I said it but we had gotten Bud a job working for TCMs dad. He loved it and was doing great. So when he came I got my first Xbox (360) a nice bottle of wine for TCM and a Crown Royal special for me. We did a big meal again and then I think I had 2 weeks off. That was great.
Christmas came and we had it in Edmonton with TCMs family that year. On actual Xmas day we had a very small meal. Her Grandma, mother, sister and me. On a random chance I called Chad. He was in town so I had him come over too. I don't think people should be alone on Xmas. I dunno if I should blame myself but we had a few drinks. Chad was supposed to go to work at midnight. But instead he helped me finish the Crown Royal and lost the best job he had.
Shit kept coming. We were supposed to go to GP for my family Xmas on boxing day but that aunt I liked so much Glo. She passed away. The funeral was in Onoway. So we stayed. I was a pallbearer. It was fucking freezing. I bought my first real suit. Wasn't smart enough to buy gloves though. It was the first time I had seen my extended family in years.Shitty occasion for it though.
We did spend New Years in GP. We rang it in with Evil and DB. Then it was back to Edmonton and life. My work posted a job opening on our salesdesk. Like Cowboy told me I should have done years ago. So I applied on it, then we as a group booked another trip down to Mexico. KT, TCM, me, Tats, Bebad, Candy and Mandy (Let's introduce Mandy. She is Candys girlfriend at this point. She is french from out East. Super friendly and man can she party) and a bunch more. It was for the beginning of March again. Then something fucky happened. TCM and I broke up.
Yup just after 9 years we broke up. It went like this. It was a payday, we stopped by the Lounge for a couple drinks with a few people then headed home to make dinner. We cracked a bottle of grandpa wine and started talking. The truth is I don't remember exactly how it came up but she said maybe we should split. Over then next few bottles of wine I agreed. So it was done. We both woke up the next day and carried on. (late) I went into work. There was a bit more to it but that all people really need to know. So I go to work late the next day and I knew I smelled a bit like a drunk and of course it was the day of interviews for the sales desk job. When I got called in I started with the truth. I was sorry I was late and likely stunk liquor liquor. They were shocked, really broke up? Weren't we together for a long time? There really wasn't much of an interview, if I wanted the job it was mine. So ya big changes coming on.
I had two weeks to train a replacement. The fact was there was no anger with TCM, we just split up. I stayed living there for the next 2 - 3 months not sure on exact time lines. Plus I was learning a new job. One I enjoy way more. Not sitting looking at reports over and over but actually talking to people, being social ya!
Everyone needs a Cowboy lol. I mean a friend like him. Doesn't that sound funny. I think it was the second weekend of being single he was on a fun bus down to Fernie. At the last minute someone cancelled and he got me the ticket. Just said pay me when ya can but lets go have fun! Should give Shy Guys little sister a name since she will pop up a bit more. Anyways she came to, and her Irish friend and Tall Kid came and a bunch more. It was a crazy weekend. I think by the time we got to Fernie only Shy Guys Sister and I were still up. Let's just start calling her SGS. The next day we hit the slopes early and hung over. BUT a couple drinks fixed that. We shared more than 1 joint (My first in many years). Almost missed the bus back to the hotel cause I was in the liquor store buying Wisers. A crap ton of us walked over to the hotel pool. Was a shit show. I think it ended up being 10 of us stuck in the water slide. Then they booted people out of the hot tub. Capacity was 12 and we had 20 in it. Was going to go out for supper with SGS but she took to long and I passed out sitting on her bed. Either way in the end she woke me, we went for dinner and did not make it to the bar. Went back to the room and passed out. On the bright side I was good to ski the next day sleeping it off when a few people were pretty hurting. It was a good trip to get away. Other highlights included Tall Kid getting so wasted he lost all his snow gear but had it shipped to our work and another guy banging the ski trip hostess in our laundry room.....
This is a mix of Skiing and Partying
For travel, this was a great spring. We had already booked our Mexico trip and flew down in March. This time there was a few of us going so we stayed in a different condo a little ways from the one the year before. Actually it as two Condos as there was way more of us this time. I brought a crap ton of books, planned on doing nothing but reading and relaxing this time. The fact was I drank too much yet again. One of the first nights we went out to that seafood place I loved so much last time. After a day of drinking I think I passed out at the table. Super trashy. Smartened up a bit the rest of the trip. I mean don't get me wrong we went to the Riu. Somehow they had in a year made it from that giant hole in the ground to a full hotel. For $50 you could have an all inclusive days pass. I had never done all inclusive so I made it count. Not as sloppy though. While we were there a U of A group won a drinking contest. That was a bit O Alberta pride. Another night we all paid for another bar to be all inclusive but that was a rip off. Sure the bartenders where happy to help the females but us guys could stand at the bar for an hour and not even get a hello. We complained and basically were told fuck off. The best night there though we started in a little pub, somehow KTs family knew the guitar player there. Then went out to a dance bar. By closing time it was me KT and Tats along with the guitar player from earlier. We ended up going around Mazatlan a 3 or 4 in a taxi. After we dropped him off we sat on the patio at the condos and watched the sun come up. Truth was it was kind of a awkward trip. Like how do I act around TCM? We were not huggy and shit but you don't wanna like ignore each other. It was fine but strange lol. Anyways it was a good trip but of course the last day has to provide some excitement. We loaded up two trucks with all our shit and headed to the airport. The were black suburbans. There wasn't enough room but I said I can lay in the back with the bags. So we are driving to the airport when like and action movie our trucks get surrounded by other trucks. And men with assault rifles jump out. They swarm the trucks demanding we get out. Well of course I sat up and all of a sudden they train the guns on me, since I pop outta nowhere. What happened was they had heard a narco kingpin was in the city travelling in suburbans. When they realized it was white tourists they laughed and let us carry on. Ever had an automatic weapon in your face? Side thought, did they mistake us for El Chapo?
That is a coconut filled with Rum
The last trip was like a week later. My mom calls me and says pack for a week, tell your work you're off. Family trip to Vegas. I am going to start this with there is lots in Vegas. Neither of my brothers were of legal age so you would think it limits shit (It does a bit) but not a ton. First off we rented a car. I think me and brothers were thinking sports car. We got a sedan. Next we got to the rental house, it was awesome! We each had our own room and bathroom. There was a pool and hot tub out back. A games room, with pool foos ball and shuffle board or whatever that game is. Crazy ass side note, I took a picture by the pool of my brothers. About a year later, somehow I came across a porn clip at a pool. I had to stop it and go find my pic. Now it could be a cookie cutter house that they hammered a bunch out but even the flower bed looked the same. Part of me felt glad I showered every day there! Anyways that is where I first went to Outlet malls. Holy fack! Those are awesome. I remember splitting 2 shirts, 2 shorts a hat and sandals with my brother and it costing me less than a shirt of the same brand in West Ed. would cost me. We went out to the dam. Saw a show, blue man group was really good. I plugged a few $$$ into gambling but I really didn't have much, since I had spent my money going skiing the week before. My little brother and I went through the mob museum exhibit. Him and my dad did the stratosphere rides while the rest of us watched. At one point my middle brother who was about 6ft at that point did put some money on a table and won, but the next hand they asked to see his ID so we took off running. I wanted to see a fortune teller but she never opened her wagon on Freemont. Circus Circus, stunk. I would never go back. However my one brother won a giant banana that he insisted we take back. It had to get special handling on the plane and now at Christmas if he doesn't come home mom takes pics with the Banana and tags him in it. The food is amazing. At Hard Rock they asked how I wanted my burger done, I said cooked and they laughed. Knew we were Canadians. However I tried a rare burger later, yummy new favorite burger style! We saw the water show at Bellagio. And toured the strip. Sex sells, like every street corner. I would go back in a heart beat if I had the chance. We didn't make it into any strip clubs but yes I would like to see that in Vegas too! Oh and try the gun range, we didn't do that. But all too soon it was time to come home.
And our Pool in Vegas Yard
So fun side fact Booty Call must be a face book stalker (See Earlier blogs for who she is). At one point I had added her as a friend. But deleted her or she deleted me not sure which. I hadn't though of her in a couple years either way. One night I get a message on Facebook. So I open it up and it's her. She says hi, I was in BC but back now. Ex has the kids and I am bored and lonely. I talk for a couple minutes online but leave it at that. The next night, same shit. Upset that her man left her cause of a drinking problem. But she says she knows I like to drink and am single so I should come by for a drink. I politely said no, then she just flat out says she is drunk and horny. I should come by. I was more agressive in my no and then no more talking. She was mad. Didn't hear from her after that. She had added me on facebook for those 2 nights but blocked me after that. IF I am honest with myself it is a good thing I was still living with TCM at that point or I might have went. That woulda been a slide back into 20 year old me.
The honest truth was I was kinda becoming that fool again. I got paid Wednesday at midnight, so Thursday AM I would pay whatever needed paid that week and then go to the same old lounge, see SGS and blow most of my cheque. Then head home and argue "breakup" with TCM. The fact was she actually said it. If I didn't smarten up on Thursdays I would have to move out. So I did smarten up I mean, or if I had to much I would go out and not come home to argue. Repeat on Saturday nights.
In the world of hockey. Cook, Bud and I had found a new team to play on. These guys were a younger group and in a bit higher of a div. but it was fun. By now though I had a ton of free time and was playing two nights a week in co-ed and whenever men's played. Though my liver might not have been the healthiest I think I was in the best shape I ever was.
So spring carried on and I had to move. Not cause of being a drunken ass, just cause it is strange to live with your ex. KT came through for me. I was going to move in with her and Tats. Tats and I would split the basement. Tats spent most of her time upstairs anyways so it would be kinda like having my own suite. I am kinda paranoid but I didn't want TCM living all by herself either. To be honest I don't how it came about but Chad agreed to move into her house. So moving day came. I moved out, into KTs basement and Chad moved into TCMs basement. Was a strange day, I remember drinking the night before and the night of the move.
So that was that. I was living with KT and Tats and their two dogs. It was actually a pretty decent set up, we all got along. I had great rent but now I was single. I fail at dating, seriously. But my friends were going to help me out with that....lol.
First of Heartbreak, remember her? See old blogs but she randomly get single! Strange coincidence. Like she had been with her boyfriend as long as TCM and I were together. Then they broke up. I won't lie, I messaged her and right away she said yes lets go for a meal. We did, it was alright but she was pressing on me her new found religion and this program she was part of. Rereading that sentence it doesn't make a ton of sense. They were two separate things. I was not going to church but I would try her meeting thing. To me it sounded like a pyramid scheme.So I go to this shitty little townhouse. Where people are wearing cheap suits and watch a presentation. I have in my life met some successful people. CEOs, company owners, some extremely wealthy, lots on the high end side of middle class. One thing they all have in common, they don't site in cheap suits in little rooms learning about buying knock off products to sell to their friends and families. I of course was in my regular hoodie and jeans. I did comb my hair and wasn't wearing a ball cap. Which is good for me. To be fair at this point I only had a single suit jacket, pair of dress pants and maybe two dress shirts. They were nice though, in my mind IF your going to look good. Look good, not tacky. I wasn't about to wear them to this. Anyways I asked her after if she wanted to go for a drink or something she said no. Then the next day she tells me maybe if I want to come again a hoodie isn't proper attire. That was probably a good, it cured me of wanting to be around her. I don't feel any ill will. I believe she is married and a mom now. Hope things are going good for her but I was out!
The spring was turning into a shit show. Not terrible but for example me and Bud go to the old lounge for a few drinks. We decide we can save a few bucks if we go buy a bottle and go back to my place. Bud runs across the street to the liquor store and is supposed to be right back. After a drink I go looking. Nope, they say they haven't seen him. So I go into the nightclub next door. I run into SGS, it was her night of so she was in this other place having a drink and she says she hasn't seen him. So I head back to the liquor store buy a bottle and walk to my house. An hour later I go to bed, wondering what happened. Next morning TCM calls and asks why Bud is asleep on her couch. I say dunno, she laughs I guess at abut 2 the doorbell rang. Bud was standing there.. She reminded him I didn't live there but he just asks if he can crash. Of course she says yes and to this day not really sure how he ended up there. Or another time out with Chad and Bud. Same thing, same place. We decide a bottle is cheaper and go buy one. Then we walk back to TCM and Chads. She was gone with Sister for the weekend so we tied one on there. My kitties were happy to see me. I woke up on the couch, sleeping inside a duvet cover but both kitties were curled up in it with me. Whether SGS knew what was going on in her lounge or not I dunno. All the waitresses were super nice but one was beyond. I was there having drinks, again with Chad when we said we had to go home. I was dog sitting for KT and Tats. Now I cant remember why this time but it doesn't matter I need to go home. As we are leaving, the waitress says she loves dogs. Bring them back and they can sit in the lounge with us. (Which I knew they weren't allowed) I said no, I didn't want to cause grief with SGS. So she says fine, walk them here, she will walk them and then we can drop them off. Plus she is willing to let us hook the Xbox up and play in the bar. Again I said no, but that's just how this place was. And how that spring was going.
Come late May early June I started to think about maybe going on a real date. Now here is kicker, I have no idea how to date. I mean I guess TCM and I had a "courting" period but not really. The other women I had been around well they didn't require "dating" but either way I rented Priest and started texting Bugalow from my co-ed team. I never did actually watch much of Priest, was it good?? Spent the night texting. What made me laugh is later that same night her friend and our team mate Ref texted and hinted to me I should ask Bugalow out. She didn't realize I already had. Now funny side note. TCM texted me and asked if I wanted to come over for a bbq. I said sure and laughed to myself. I knew what it was about. When you have a small tight circle of friends, when you play hockey together and a good friend is her roommate I was aware she was starting to date the Goalie. She hadn't told me, but I figured that is what the bbq was for. I was right! We had drinks and dinner, she said they were seeing each other. I told her I was going to be going out with Bugalow and we were happy for each other..... Strange break up eh? But it was all good.
Anyways our first date came. As per my normal self I showed up basically when we had agreed to be there. I was unaware that in timing she is polar opposite of me and had been there for a few minutes. She was worried I had stood her up. To me that is just mean, I don't think people should ever do that. If you don't enjoy the date don't go out again but there is no reason to be cruel. Anyways we had supper, I had my regular she stuck to pop. I thought it was odd but it went good so we went for a walk in the river valley of St. Albert. After that I invited her over to watch movies at the house. I called Tats and asked her what she was doing. She got the hint and went down to her room of course she was on the phone to TCM telling her I was bringing a girl home. I asked if Bugalow wanted anything from the liquor store.She again said no, but I still got my Wisers and a couple movies. Anyone remember blockbuster? Good times..... Anywho we get to the house and her phone rings. Her mom is worried about her on her date and wants her to come home. Sadly she says she has to go. I sat down, drank some Wisers and did some writing but after that we started seeing each other. For a few weeks.
We did all the normal stuff, went out, made her steaks at the house. Hit the driving range, where I thought I would teach her to hit but it turned out she could already drive farther than me. We had a fun few weeks.....
Now as a side note but a big one KT was looking for something to do with her life. Something fun and interesting. So she applied on an architech school in the City of Angels. And she got in! I was happy for her BUT will admit my first thought was crap I am going to have to move yet again!!! But nope she was going to keep her house her and Tats and I could rent it while she was in school. Plus she would be home for the summers. Well she went down a couple times looking for a place, one time with Tats I believe. I ended up dog sitting two big dogs, but I liked the company. I am a strange duck that way. Somedays I want the world around me. And other days it was super nice to just be me, alone.
So it is summer 2011 and I was going to be 30 years old. Bugalow had gotten me a small cake a couple days before but came over crying. Her dad I guess gave her the ultimatum. She wasn't allowed to see me and live under his roof. I guess I was "wanting" kids or something in his mind. Boy did he not know me. She was just starting out as a sub teacher and couldn't afford to move out so she broke it off with me. That was how my summer started. BUT my 30th was a great party. And after that my friends took it upon themselves to try and fix me up. Amazing, well she decided I needed new clothes. So on a Sunday we went down to Whyte Ave and looked around. She didn't end up finding me anything, I think we ended up at the black dog drinking but she said I needed at least a new hat. Bud and I were going to go out one night (Not just to our regular lounge) and I put on my steel toes. He says what the fuck man??? I said what?, so he let me know it was time for new shoes. Had my friends had their way I might dress much different today but I am stilla hoodie and jeans guys lol. Also that summer I got a reputation for no shoes, no socks, no shirt. KTs place was the main hub, I guess is how to describe it. People always came over there. And since I lived there I was always comfy. Meaning yes even being not Channing Tatum I just wore my shorts! No need for anything else. Even this summer the Frenchman made me laugh when he came over and said he was surprised to see a shirt on me.
TCMs luck with moving wasn't as good as mine. Her travelling uncle came back and pretty much booted her out. Chad moved back in with the Dutchman and TCM moved in with the Goalie. I had to joke with her the day she moved out of Inglewood and into Sherwood Park there was a robbery. Told her she was bringing her neighbourhood with her. Also in early August I believe it was KT moved to L.A. Tats moved all her stuff upstairs in a flash. Which was fine, we were both getting a great deal on a great house. I didn't give up on Bugalow though. Still sent her texts and shit. The day Chad and I helped TCM move into the Goalies house my alternator blew. SO the next day I bought Bugalow lunch for her to run me around ding some errands. However Tats didn't last long either. She had been talking to old friends in BC and a month maybe two after KT left, she moved back to BC. SO I was all alone. KT gave me a slight rent increase. Which was fine cause I don't think anyone rents a whole house at the price I was paying! So then I moved upstairs. No point in living in a basement when no one was upstairs.
Then came Halloween. I went with the Frenchman, Amazing and a few people to the southside. Bugalow texted and said hey if we needed a ride home she would come get us. So little red riding hood came to get us. She looked good, one of Amazing friends started hitting on her. Even though Amazing was trying to signal the guy not to. Hard to describe but it was funny to watch. I am going to make a statement here. I never understood jealousy. Unless there is trust issues. To me it is a compliment if other men are hitting on your lady. The flip side of that is she shouldn't be getting bought drinks or anything but a dance or whatever who cares. IN my opinion gawk all you want, she is coming home with me. But that was way side tracked. She did drive them home and then said she wanted to stay at my place that night. I was fine with that!
My weeks then became pretty uniform. Monday work, come home and catch up on any missed TV. Tuesday work and maybe see friends or game. As an adult I should be embarrassed but I think that year I had finished 5 or 6 season on NHL. Which to win the cup would mean about 160 hours real time playing..... Wednesday Bugalow would come over, never spend the night but do something. Thursday was pay day and hit the lounge. Friday night and Saturday night she would spend over, one of which we would hang out with someone then go home Sunday and I would chill. Maybe write some. Weekend we would be up all hours and sleep until noon. Now even on weekends I am up by 6.... oldman. In mid December we had my Christmas party. They always posted only "spouses" allowed. I always brought TCM even though we weren't married. I brought Bugalow, even though I hadn't even called her my girlfriend. We stayed at the hotel it was happening and I cracked. Started using the term girlfriend that night.
Christmas came, KT came home for a visit and we had our annual friends Christmas. I went home by myself that year. It was a pretty quiet visit. We rang in New Years that Year with Bud and Lish. Chad stopped by for a bit but was on his way somewhere. And so 2011 wrapped up. A ton changed for me that years. Had someone told me January 1st of 2011 how my life would be by Jan 1st 2012 I would not have believed them!
So my friend KT well she has traveled the world. By that I don't just mean nice Mexican beaches. But Africa, Europe, South America what I am saying is here passport is fun to look at! She has a site with some tips, stories an stuff like that. Feel free to look her up.
Friends Xmas was at our place. That year was a good one for me lol. I cannot remember if I said it but we had gotten Bud a job working for TCMs dad. He loved it and was doing great. So when he came I got my first Xbox (360) a nice bottle of wine for TCM and a Crown Royal special for me. We did a big meal again and then I think I had 2 weeks off. That was great.
Christmas came and we had it in Edmonton with TCMs family that year. On actual Xmas day we had a very small meal. Her Grandma, mother, sister and me. On a random chance I called Chad. He was in town so I had him come over too. I don't think people should be alone on Xmas. I dunno if I should blame myself but we had a few drinks. Chad was supposed to go to work at midnight. But instead he helped me finish the Crown Royal and lost the best job he had.
Shit kept coming. We were supposed to go to GP for my family Xmas on boxing day but that aunt I liked so much Glo. She passed away. The funeral was in Onoway. So we stayed. I was a pallbearer. It was fucking freezing. I bought my first real suit. Wasn't smart enough to buy gloves though. It was the first time I had seen my extended family in years.Shitty occasion for it though.
We did spend New Years in GP. We rang it in with Evil and DB. Then it was back to Edmonton and life. My work posted a job opening on our salesdesk. Like Cowboy told me I should have done years ago. So I applied on it, then we as a group booked another trip down to Mexico. KT, TCM, me, Tats, Bebad, Candy and Mandy (Let's introduce Mandy. She is Candys girlfriend at this point. She is french from out East. Super friendly and man can she party) and a bunch more. It was for the beginning of March again. Then something fucky happened. TCM and I broke up.
Yup just after 9 years we broke up. It went like this. It was a payday, we stopped by the Lounge for a couple drinks with a few people then headed home to make dinner. We cracked a bottle of grandpa wine and started talking. The truth is I don't remember exactly how it came up but she said maybe we should split. Over then next few bottles of wine I agreed. So it was done. We both woke up the next day and carried on. (late) I went into work. There was a bit more to it but that all people really need to know. So I go to work late the next day and I knew I smelled a bit like a drunk and of course it was the day of interviews for the sales desk job. When I got called in I started with the truth. I was sorry I was late and likely stunk liquor liquor. They were shocked, really broke up? Weren't we together for a long time? There really wasn't much of an interview, if I wanted the job it was mine. So ya big changes coming on.
I had two weeks to train a replacement. The fact was there was no anger with TCM, we just split up. I stayed living there for the next 2 - 3 months not sure on exact time lines. Plus I was learning a new job. One I enjoy way more. Not sitting looking at reports over and over but actually talking to people, being social ya!
Everyone needs a Cowboy lol. I mean a friend like him. Doesn't that sound funny. I think it was the second weekend of being single he was on a fun bus down to Fernie. At the last minute someone cancelled and he got me the ticket. Just said pay me when ya can but lets go have fun! Should give Shy Guys little sister a name since she will pop up a bit more. Anyways she came to, and her Irish friend and Tall Kid came and a bunch more. It was a crazy weekend. I think by the time we got to Fernie only Shy Guys Sister and I were still up. Let's just start calling her SGS. The next day we hit the slopes early and hung over. BUT a couple drinks fixed that. We shared more than 1 joint (My first in many years). Almost missed the bus back to the hotel cause I was in the liquor store buying Wisers. A crap ton of us walked over to the hotel pool. Was a shit show. I think it ended up being 10 of us stuck in the water slide. Then they booted people out of the hot tub. Capacity was 12 and we had 20 in it. Was going to go out for supper with SGS but she took to long and I passed out sitting on her bed. Either way in the end she woke me, we went for dinner and did not make it to the bar. Went back to the room and passed out. On the bright side I was good to ski the next day sleeping it off when a few people were pretty hurting. It was a good trip to get away. Other highlights included Tall Kid getting so wasted he lost all his snow gear but had it shipped to our work and another guy banging the ski trip hostess in our laundry room.....
For travel, this was a great spring. We had already booked our Mexico trip and flew down in March. This time there was a few of us going so we stayed in a different condo a little ways from the one the year before. Actually it as two Condos as there was way more of us this time. I brought a crap ton of books, planned on doing nothing but reading and relaxing this time. The fact was I drank too much yet again. One of the first nights we went out to that seafood place I loved so much last time. After a day of drinking I think I passed out at the table. Super trashy. Smartened up a bit the rest of the trip. I mean don't get me wrong we went to the Riu. Somehow they had in a year made it from that giant hole in the ground to a full hotel. For $50 you could have an all inclusive days pass. I had never done all inclusive so I made it count. Not as sloppy though. While we were there a U of A group won a drinking contest. That was a bit O Alberta pride. Another night we all paid for another bar to be all inclusive but that was a rip off. Sure the bartenders where happy to help the females but us guys could stand at the bar for an hour and not even get a hello. We complained and basically were told fuck off. The best night there though we started in a little pub, somehow KTs family knew the guitar player there. Then went out to a dance bar. By closing time it was me KT and Tats along with the guitar player from earlier. We ended up going around Mazatlan a 3 or 4 in a taxi. After we dropped him off we sat on the patio at the condos and watched the sun come up. Truth was it was kind of a awkward trip. Like how do I act around TCM? We were not huggy and shit but you don't wanna like ignore each other. It was fine but strange lol. Anyways it was a good trip but of course the last day has to provide some excitement. We loaded up two trucks with all our shit and headed to the airport. The were black suburbans. There wasn't enough room but I said I can lay in the back with the bags. So we are driving to the airport when like and action movie our trucks get surrounded by other trucks. And men with assault rifles jump out. They swarm the trucks demanding we get out. Well of course I sat up and all of a sudden they train the guns on me, since I pop outta nowhere. What happened was they had heard a narco kingpin was in the city travelling in suburbans. When they realized it was white tourists they laughed and let us carry on. Ever had an automatic weapon in your face? Side thought, did they mistake us for El Chapo?
The last trip was like a week later. My mom calls me and says pack for a week, tell your work you're off. Family trip to Vegas. I am going to start this with there is lots in Vegas. Neither of my brothers were of legal age so you would think it limits shit (It does a bit) but not a ton. First off we rented a car. I think me and brothers were thinking sports car. We got a sedan. Next we got to the rental house, it was awesome! We each had our own room and bathroom. There was a pool and hot tub out back. A games room, with pool foos ball and shuffle board or whatever that game is. Crazy ass side note, I took a picture by the pool of my brothers. About a year later, somehow I came across a porn clip at a pool. I had to stop it and go find my pic. Now it could be a cookie cutter house that they hammered a bunch out but even the flower bed looked the same. Part of me felt glad I showered every day there! Anyways that is where I first went to Outlet malls. Holy fack! Those are awesome. I remember splitting 2 shirts, 2 shorts a hat and sandals with my brother and it costing me less than a shirt of the same brand in West Ed. would cost me. We went out to the dam. Saw a show, blue man group was really good. I plugged a few $$$ into gambling but I really didn't have much, since I had spent my money going skiing the week before. My little brother and I went through the mob museum exhibit. Him and my dad did the stratosphere rides while the rest of us watched. At one point my middle brother who was about 6ft at that point did put some money on a table and won, but the next hand they asked to see his ID so we took off running. I wanted to see a fortune teller but she never opened her wagon on Freemont. Circus Circus, stunk. I would never go back. However my one brother won a giant banana that he insisted we take back. It had to get special handling on the plane and now at Christmas if he doesn't come home mom takes pics with the Banana and tags him in it. The food is amazing. At Hard Rock they asked how I wanted my burger done, I said cooked and they laughed. Knew we were Canadians. However I tried a rare burger later, yummy new favorite burger style! We saw the water show at Bellagio. And toured the strip. Sex sells, like every street corner. I would go back in a heart beat if I had the chance. We didn't make it into any strip clubs but yes I would like to see that in Vegas too! Oh and try the gun range, we didn't do that. But all too soon it was time to come home.
So fun side fact Booty Call must be a face book stalker (See Earlier blogs for who she is). At one point I had added her as a friend. But deleted her or she deleted me not sure which. I hadn't though of her in a couple years either way. One night I get a message on Facebook. So I open it up and it's her. She says hi, I was in BC but back now. Ex has the kids and I am bored and lonely. I talk for a couple minutes online but leave it at that. The next night, same shit. Upset that her man left her cause of a drinking problem. But she says she knows I like to drink and am single so I should come by for a drink. I politely said no, then she just flat out says she is drunk and horny. I should come by. I was more agressive in my no and then no more talking. She was mad. Didn't hear from her after that. She had added me on facebook for those 2 nights but blocked me after that. IF I am honest with myself it is a good thing I was still living with TCM at that point or I might have went. That woulda been a slide back into 20 year old me.
The honest truth was I was kinda becoming that fool again. I got paid Wednesday at midnight, so Thursday AM I would pay whatever needed paid that week and then go to the same old lounge, see SGS and blow most of my cheque. Then head home and argue "breakup" with TCM. The fact was she actually said it. If I didn't smarten up on Thursdays I would have to move out. So I did smarten up I mean, or if I had to much I would go out and not come home to argue. Repeat on Saturday nights.
In the world of hockey. Cook, Bud and I had found a new team to play on. These guys were a younger group and in a bit higher of a div. but it was fun. By now though I had a ton of free time and was playing two nights a week in co-ed and whenever men's played. Though my liver might not have been the healthiest I think I was in the best shape I ever was.
So spring carried on and I had to move. Not cause of being a drunken ass, just cause it is strange to live with your ex. KT came through for me. I was going to move in with her and Tats. Tats and I would split the basement. Tats spent most of her time upstairs anyways so it would be kinda like having my own suite. I am kinda paranoid but I didn't want TCM living all by herself either. To be honest I don't how it came about but Chad agreed to move into her house. So moving day came. I moved out, into KTs basement and Chad moved into TCMs basement. Was a strange day, I remember drinking the night before and the night of the move.
So that was that. I was living with KT and Tats and their two dogs. It was actually a pretty decent set up, we all got along. I had great rent but now I was single. I fail at dating, seriously. But my friends were going to help me out with that....lol.
First of Heartbreak, remember her? See old blogs but she randomly get single! Strange coincidence. Like she had been with her boyfriend as long as TCM and I were together. Then they broke up. I won't lie, I messaged her and right away she said yes lets go for a meal. We did, it was alright but she was pressing on me her new found religion and this program she was part of. Rereading that sentence it doesn't make a ton of sense. They were two separate things. I was not going to church but I would try her meeting thing. To me it sounded like a pyramid scheme.So I go to this shitty little townhouse. Where people are wearing cheap suits and watch a presentation. I have in my life met some successful people. CEOs, company owners, some extremely wealthy, lots on the high end side of middle class. One thing they all have in common, they don't site in cheap suits in little rooms learning about buying knock off products to sell to their friends and families. I of course was in my regular hoodie and jeans. I did comb my hair and wasn't wearing a ball cap. Which is good for me. To be fair at this point I only had a single suit jacket, pair of dress pants and maybe two dress shirts. They were nice though, in my mind IF your going to look good. Look good, not tacky. I wasn't about to wear them to this. Anyways I asked her after if she wanted to go for a drink or something she said no. Then the next day she tells me maybe if I want to come again a hoodie isn't proper attire. That was probably a good, it cured me of wanting to be around her. I don't feel any ill will. I believe she is married and a mom now. Hope things are going good for her but I was out!
The spring was turning into a shit show. Not terrible but for example me and Bud go to the old lounge for a few drinks. We decide we can save a few bucks if we go buy a bottle and go back to my place. Bud runs across the street to the liquor store and is supposed to be right back. After a drink I go looking. Nope, they say they haven't seen him. So I go into the nightclub next door. I run into SGS, it was her night of so she was in this other place having a drink and she says she hasn't seen him. So I head back to the liquor store buy a bottle and walk to my house. An hour later I go to bed, wondering what happened. Next morning TCM calls and asks why Bud is asleep on her couch. I say dunno, she laughs I guess at abut 2 the doorbell rang. Bud was standing there.. She reminded him I didn't live there but he just asks if he can crash. Of course she says yes and to this day not really sure how he ended up there. Or another time out with Chad and Bud. Same thing, same place. We decide a bottle is cheaper and go buy one. Then we walk back to TCM and Chads. She was gone with Sister for the weekend so we tied one on there. My kitties were happy to see me. I woke up on the couch, sleeping inside a duvet cover but both kitties were curled up in it with me. Whether SGS knew what was going on in her lounge or not I dunno. All the waitresses were super nice but one was beyond. I was there having drinks, again with Chad when we said we had to go home. I was dog sitting for KT and Tats. Now I cant remember why this time but it doesn't matter I need to go home. As we are leaving, the waitress says she loves dogs. Bring them back and they can sit in the lounge with us. (Which I knew they weren't allowed) I said no, I didn't want to cause grief with SGS. So she says fine, walk them here, she will walk them and then we can drop them off. Plus she is willing to let us hook the Xbox up and play in the bar. Again I said no, but that's just how this place was. And how that spring was going.
Come late May early June I started to think about maybe going on a real date. Now here is kicker, I have no idea how to date. I mean I guess TCM and I had a "courting" period but not really. The other women I had been around well they didn't require "dating" but either way I rented Priest and started texting Bugalow from my co-ed team. I never did actually watch much of Priest, was it good?? Spent the night texting. What made me laugh is later that same night her friend and our team mate Ref texted and hinted to me I should ask Bugalow out. She didn't realize I already had. Now funny side note. TCM texted me and asked if I wanted to come over for a bbq. I said sure and laughed to myself. I knew what it was about. When you have a small tight circle of friends, when you play hockey together and a good friend is her roommate I was aware she was starting to date the Goalie. She hadn't told me, but I figured that is what the bbq was for. I was right! We had drinks and dinner, she said they were seeing each other. I told her I was going to be going out with Bugalow and we were happy for each other..... Strange break up eh? But it was all good.
Anyways our first date came. As per my normal self I showed up basically when we had agreed to be there. I was unaware that in timing she is polar opposite of me and had been there for a few minutes. She was worried I had stood her up. To me that is just mean, I don't think people should ever do that. If you don't enjoy the date don't go out again but there is no reason to be cruel. Anyways we had supper, I had my regular she stuck to pop. I thought it was odd but it went good so we went for a walk in the river valley of St. Albert. After that I invited her over to watch movies at the house. I called Tats and asked her what she was doing. She got the hint and went down to her room of course she was on the phone to TCM telling her I was bringing a girl home. I asked if Bugalow wanted anything from the liquor store.She again said no, but I still got my Wisers and a couple movies. Anyone remember blockbuster? Good times..... Anywho we get to the house and her phone rings. Her mom is worried about her on her date and wants her to come home. Sadly she says she has to go. I sat down, drank some Wisers and did some writing but after that we started seeing each other. For a few weeks.
We did all the normal stuff, went out, made her steaks at the house. Hit the driving range, where I thought I would teach her to hit but it turned out she could already drive farther than me. We had a fun few weeks.....
Now as a side note but a big one KT was looking for something to do with her life. Something fun and interesting. So she applied on an architech school in the City of Angels. And she got in! I was happy for her BUT will admit my first thought was crap I am going to have to move yet again!!! But nope she was going to keep her house her and Tats and I could rent it while she was in school. Plus she would be home for the summers. Well she went down a couple times looking for a place, one time with Tats I believe. I ended up dog sitting two big dogs, but I liked the company. I am a strange duck that way. Somedays I want the world around me. And other days it was super nice to just be me, alone.
So it is summer 2011 and I was going to be 30 years old. Bugalow had gotten me a small cake a couple days before but came over crying. Her dad I guess gave her the ultimatum. She wasn't allowed to see me and live under his roof. I guess I was "wanting" kids or something in his mind. Boy did he not know me. She was just starting out as a sub teacher and couldn't afford to move out so she broke it off with me. That was how my summer started. BUT my 30th was a great party. And after that my friends took it upon themselves to try and fix me up. Amazing, well she decided I needed new clothes. So on a Sunday we went down to Whyte Ave and looked around. She didn't end up finding me anything, I think we ended up at the black dog drinking but she said I needed at least a new hat. Bud and I were going to go out one night (Not just to our regular lounge) and I put on my steel toes. He says what the fuck man??? I said what?, so he let me know it was time for new shoes. Had my friends had their way I might dress much different today but I am stilla hoodie and jeans guys lol. Also that summer I got a reputation for no shoes, no socks, no shirt. KTs place was the main hub, I guess is how to describe it. People always came over there. And since I lived there I was always comfy. Meaning yes even being not Channing Tatum I just wore my shorts! No need for anything else. Even this summer the Frenchman made me laugh when he came over and said he was surprised to see a shirt on me.
TCMs luck with moving wasn't as good as mine. Her travelling uncle came back and pretty much booted her out. Chad moved back in with the Dutchman and TCM moved in with the Goalie. I had to joke with her the day she moved out of Inglewood and into Sherwood Park there was a robbery. Told her she was bringing her neighbourhood with her. Also in early August I believe it was KT moved to L.A. Tats moved all her stuff upstairs in a flash. Which was fine, we were both getting a great deal on a great house. I didn't give up on Bugalow though. Still sent her texts and shit. The day Chad and I helped TCM move into the Goalies house my alternator blew. SO the next day I bought Bugalow lunch for her to run me around ding some errands. However Tats didn't last long either. She had been talking to old friends in BC and a month maybe two after KT left, she moved back to BC. SO I was all alone. KT gave me a slight rent increase. Which was fine cause I don't think anyone rents a whole house at the price I was paying! So then I moved upstairs. No point in living in a basement when no one was upstairs.
Then came Halloween. I went with the Frenchman, Amazing and a few people to the southside. Bugalow texted and said hey if we needed a ride home she would come get us. So little red riding hood came to get us. She looked good, one of Amazing friends started hitting on her. Even though Amazing was trying to signal the guy not to. Hard to describe but it was funny to watch. I am going to make a statement here. I never understood jealousy. Unless there is trust issues. To me it is a compliment if other men are hitting on your lady. The flip side of that is she shouldn't be getting bought drinks or anything but a dance or whatever who cares. IN my opinion gawk all you want, she is coming home with me. But that was way side tracked. She did drive them home and then said she wanted to stay at my place that night. I was fine with that!
My weeks then became pretty uniform. Monday work, come home and catch up on any missed TV. Tuesday work and maybe see friends or game. As an adult I should be embarrassed but I think that year I had finished 5 or 6 season on NHL. Which to win the cup would mean about 160 hours real time playing..... Wednesday Bugalow would come over, never spend the night but do something. Thursday was pay day and hit the lounge. Friday night and Saturday night she would spend over, one of which we would hang out with someone then go home Sunday and I would chill. Maybe write some. Weekend we would be up all hours and sleep until noon. Now even on weekends I am up by 6.... oldman. In mid December we had my Christmas party. They always posted only "spouses" allowed. I always brought TCM even though we weren't married. I brought Bugalow, even though I hadn't even called her my girlfriend. We stayed at the hotel it was happening and I cracked. Started using the term girlfriend that night.
Christmas came, KT came home for a visit and we had our annual friends Christmas. I went home by myself that year. It was a pretty quiet visit. We rang in New Years that Year with Bud and Lish. Chad stopped by for a bit but was on his way somewhere. And so 2011 wrapped up. A ton changed for me that years. Had someone told me January 1st of 2011 how my life would be by Jan 1st 2012 I would not have believed them!
So my friend KT well she has traveled the world. By that I don't just mean nice Mexican beaches. But Africa, Europe, South America what I am saying is here passport is fun to look at! She has a site with some tips, stories an stuff like that. Feel free to look her up.
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