Surfin Schamaz

If a Surfin Dude can be white, hairy, have an inner flab tube around his waist and kneel rather then stand on his surf board, I was that Dude. Two weeks ago we headed to the miles of beach that is Tofino. Because that's what unemployed people do, that's why. We stayed in Ucluelet, 20min from Tofino because it was half the price yet twice the class (we discovered). We stayed at the Terrace Beach Resort, owned and operated by Jason Priestly himself. Sorry Aisling, the Reverend didn't make an apperance although apparently his father did. For what it's worth, JP made a wise career move because his places are booked solid and you see why when you walk in. Decked out in a rustic yet homey style complete with a TV/DVD inside and a hot tub on the deck. Most evenings were spent wrinkling up in the hot tub and watching the sun set over the ocean. (while in the hot tub)

We made the decision to go surfing the second day. There we stood, 10 clueless white unimpressives nodding cooling at the surfer dude "yeah man, 10 surfboards and wetsuits to go." As we left with our gear I asked him sheepishly where he suggested we change. He said "just change at the beach, that's what all the surfers do." After driving back to the resort we squeezed, yanked and finally stretched ourselves into our suits. Ever been hugged far too long? By a large someone? That's a wetsuit.

Arriving at the Ocean we grabbed our boards and headed for the beach. By the time we arrived at the water's edge we were all panting, heavy boards eh? We stood watching the force coming at us then spontaneously did the cool beachy run into the water trick. An hour later we were collapsed on the rocks having been beaten and battered by an unstoppable liguid rebel force. Surfing is like any sport, the pros make it look like any moron can do it. Well, I tried for 2 days and never stood up once. I did perfECt the kneel surf. Felt pretty proud. Felt even more exhausted though. Who knew lying on a board in water could feel like like summiting Mount Kilamajaro. So, besides surfing in Tofino, unemployment has been allright. Truth is, sometimes you just need to take the edge off. Relax. And who better to help then The Reverend, Mr. Priestly himself.

Its been awhile since I've written on this Crack, almost 3 weeks, so here's a schamaz of stuff I've wanted to comment on:

1. For the 3rd straight year my Edmonton Oilers missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs. There are few things I love more than watching my favorite sports team compete in the playoffs. They had the players but lacked the team. Maybe Mac T getting fired will be the start of something special. Am I still gonna watch? Yeah, the family on the island are huge Canuck fans so we'll be watching all the games together. I pick the Capitals to win it all but as a Canadian, I'll say go Canucks!

2. Somehow I'm always in the room whenever American Idol is on so unfortuantely I'm in the know this year. For what its worth, just give it to Adam already and allow Paula to finally park in that special zone. She deserves it. She really does.

3. I'm on EI, that's how we're doing it.

4. The past 5 movies Angie and I have watched have been incredible. Adaptation, Being John Malcovich, Road to Perdition, Doubt and The Reader (especially good). I'm not recommending these necessarily (unless you like them and aren't offended by any of the stuff)

5. Let Ovechkin celebrate however he wants, he deserves it. And your just jealous.

6. I'm in a family book club so I just finished reading The Grapes of Wrath. Steinbeck is a poet among other things. Besides that, I can't think of a better book for people to read in these times, you know, with our big recession and all. cough. Next book: A Complicated Kindness (another gem)

7. I'm currently exploring some exciting ministry opportunities out east. Its been far too long, I can't wait to get back in the saddle.

8. Ethan and I have been enjoying Cubs. Tomorrow we race in a city wide Cub Car rally. The little 6 inch home-made cars, you know the ones.

9. Maddie and I started playing bball together. She's a natural. Really is. Reminds me of myself when I was that age and a. . . girl apparently, should have thought that one through.

10. Alexa taught herself how to ride a big persons bike. One day she just went outside and the next thing I knew she was flying past the window. She's one of the bravest girls I know.

11. Angie continues to love and kiss and support her unemployed husband. Who could ask for anything more? ("I could, get a job why don't you ya bum?" - Love Angie)

That's good for now.

John