September 14, 2006 (pre-trip)
It's not the ghetto!!!!
I feel as though I need to clear up some confusion regarding my current living arrangements. Yes, I live in Scarborough. NO, IT'S NOT THE GHETTO! I live on a lovely quiet little street with WWII era houses, lots of parks in the neighbourhood, and yes, believe it or not, TREES! It's a three minute walk to the bluffs that overlook Lake Ontario, and we're close to Bluffers Park, where Dale and his cousin Harold go kyaking and surf when the waves are up. We're ten minutes away from the Danforth! Yes, the yuppy part! And right on the edge of the Beaches (or the Beach, whatever). And yes, it is accessible by the TTC - we don't have to take the Go Train or Scarborough LRT. Check it out, here's our house.

See the trees? The green grass? The lack of bullet holes in the brick? We have the top two floors that you can see here, all to ourselves. We even have a wood burning fireplace, and each one of us gets an office all to ourselves! There's also a backyard (also with grass and trees) that doesn't have any broken glass, but lovely flowers and a hammock, not to mention the 8 person hot tub.

So let this be a lesson people. There is more to life then mid-town Toronto. There are nice neighbourhoods east of Bloor station. I understand where you're all coming from - a year ago I wouldn't have believed it either. But take it from me - Believe it!!

September 6, 2006 (pre-trip)
Somebody's Getting Married...!
No!!! Not me sillies! It's my brother Geoff! Two weekends ago he propsed to his girlfriend Courtney in an aluminum boat, in the middle of a lake, in a raging rainstorm. Now, that doesn't sound like the smartest plan in the world, but he is definitely a smarty pants for marrying Court, she's great! Here's a picture of the happy couple:

It seems as though proposals are in the air these days. There have been three this summer alone: Allie and Robbie, Ellen and Will, and now, Geoff and Court! Crazy! But, it's all really happy news, so you'll hear no complaining from me. I know all of these couples are going to have a blast planning their weddings in the coming months. All I can say is that I'm glad I'm going to be in Germany for most of it! Just remember people, two words: OPEN BAR!!!

PS. If you get a chance, also swing by the photo galleries. I've included some much requested photos of the lavender farm (you're welcome mom and dad!) as well as some shots I've taken over the past couple of weeks.

August 14, 2006 (pre trip)
A New Look
Thanks to Andew Hobbs this travel site is now rocking a brand new look. Yes indeed, I am Indiana Jones. Yes, I can think of nothing more adventurous than going to Germany to...duh duh duh, study intermunicipal cooperation and regional marketing associations! I know, I know, you all wish you were me. Seriously though, Hobbs did an awesome job, and I think it looks very very cool (if I do say so myself). Let me know what you think of the poo brown colour scheme (that was completely my doing). See, Dale and I couldn't really find the right colour for 'sand', which is what we wanted the background to be. If anyone can figure that out without excessive swearing (or even with! Why not??) let me know. There's always room for a "new look #2"!!

August 9, 2006 (pre trip)
We have liftoff...
Not only is this site now up and operating - no more "under construction" sign here - but I also have found a place to live in Frankfurt! Yay, I'm no longer homeless! More details on my delightful roomates to follow (they're both guys and one's dancer, the other's an opera singer), as well as some ground level photos of the living situation. But, to tide you over here is an overhead shot of my neighbourhood (or Umgebung, in German - haha, isn't that so fun to say?)

I know, most of you wont think that this is the coolest place to live ever, but I beg to differ. Crikey, all I have to do is walk across a parking lot from my place and I'm at a major rail hub that can take me to any exotic locale in Europe (including the airport!)! And you can just see the river in the background (the Main) which has a bunch of running trails and other fun amenities. Suffice it to say that I'm pretty excited about the situation. I'm sad to leave all of you behind (especially Dale). But I wont be gone that long, and I now have an effective way to keep in touch! Keep checking back for more fun.
- J