Blame Canada!!!
I had no intention of reusing that title, but what else can I say.
First, the service on my iPhone died. Upon arriving in Winnipeg I’ve had no service. This was not an issue when I went to Edmonton a few years ago so I never expected to completely lose all cellphone capabilities (thankfully I packed Jill, so I can still get around without getting too lost.) Yep, my iPhone is one expensive alarm clock right now.
Then, I read that Farrah Fawcett passed away. For those that know me well, you will understand when I say “sure, she was pretty but she was no Dorothy Hamill.” No one else’s death could possibly outrank this.
And then I read that Michael Jackson died at fifty!
I leave the country for one day and the shit hits the fan.
One Break Turns Out For The Better
When I set up my rental car I chose a “compact” vehicle because that was the cheapest. I normally this and don’t actually wind up getting a compact car because of the rental agency’s inability to keep cars available.
At the Winnipeg airport I was assigned a Suzuki Swift, which is a tiny vehicle. That didn’t bother me, but it was a hatchback with an almost non-existent trunk — which when you are toting around some expensive gear is a necessity. Well, as luck would have it, the hatchback wouldn’t open, Jeebus knows I tried, and when the rental car agent also couldn’t get the hatchback to open I was “upgraded” to a slightly larger car. W00t. Look out Winnipeg, I’m a man with a death wish driving a Mazda 3 through your town having no idea where I am going.
ITP Flickr Pic
Did you know that Canada has its own money?
It’s like playing Monopoly here. I wonder how many Queens and Hockey Players it will cost me to get some sort of cellphone service. I don’t need data services, though that would be nice, but I do need to place and receive calls.
I Did What You’d Expect Me To Do. I Drove The Perimeter Highway
After falling asleep for a good three-hour nap yesterday I decided that I’d drive Winnipeg’s Perimeter Highway in order to see what is out there. The answer? Nothing of interest.
I did see the cleanup of a one-car accident (it had flipped into a ditch), and was a little surprised to see traffic lights on the actual roadway (there were few on-ramps) but little else.
It’s supposed to rain today and tomorrow so I don’t know what impact that will have on my “plans” but I’m sure you’ll read about it Monday. 
This Version Of Earl’s Just Doesn’t “Get It”
With my Tour de Winnipeg’s Perimeter (it’s French, just like half of the signage here) I decided to get some grub. As I drove to the hotel I noticed a familiar sign for Earl’s which was right across the street from Winnipeg’s Union Station train station (Where am I? Denver?).
Based on Earl’s server-hiring policy I’d best describe Earl’s I’d as a “upscale Hooters.” And what do I get? A dude. This dude seemed nice enough — if I were into dudes, was not a very good waiter, and got a better tip than he deserved because I didn’t have any small denominations of Canada’s funny money.
The food and beverage at Earl’s was decent enough. I had a beef sandwich with au jus (see, I did that French thing again) and a Alexander Keith’s Red Amber Ale, which I just found out is a “regional brand” of Labatt’s Brewing. Both were rather tasty, I just wish they had been server to my by a pretty young lady in a basic black dress.
Stats & Goals
Daily
Current Mood – frustrated
Current Music – listening to this week’s “Cranky Geeks” podcast
Website Of The Day – When in Canada eat like Canadians…. eat some Tim Horton’s donuts. (yeah I know, Tim Horton’s also has locations in the US)
Mode Of Transportation To Work – n/a
Exercise (b)Log – nothing
Monthly
Foot Mileage – 4 miles, Wheel Mileage – 0 miles
Consecutive Days Of Bed-Making (Longest Streak) – 25 (25)
Vegetarian Days – 0, Carnivorous Days – 25
Marta Rides – 0
June Goals
- lose four pounds… plain and simple (not going to happen)
2009 Goals
- Reduce my weight to 190 pounds (today’s weight was 199.5 pounds)
- Completely read the book 1001 Paintings You Must See Before You Die
- Earn at least $150 through photography sales in order to cover the cost for the renewal of the Jalapeño Beach SmugMug account I opened the other day.
- Save $500 for the sole purpose of donating to charitable organizations of my choice
- Attend at least one professional photography workshop
The Unmeasurable
- Continue backing up all data, including the off-site storage
- Become a proficient programmer in Objective-C (iPhone development) and Ruby on Rails (Black Sheep web page concept)
- Do not create a solution for something which is not a problem
Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]
I’m wondering, is it that AT&T doesn’t have service there, or do you need an international calling plan?
I’d have liked to see you driving a Suzuki Swift – those are so little & cute.
Ahole commented on Facebook (desperate times require desperate measures) that there is an AT&T Canada plan. I just don’t understand because I kicked over to Roger’s cellular when I went to Edmonton.
That swift had the smallest, flattest ass I’ve ever seen on a car. Well, the SmartCar may have it beaten…
I have never been able to figure out the cell phone “difference” between the U.S. and Canada. Sometimes I’ve been able to switch gracefully, other times, not so much. Let us know if you figure it out. I certainly can’t.
Be glad you’re up there and not down south right now. As my friend and I said today, “Damn. It’s too hot to even sit in air conditioning.”. All you can do is stay under water. It’s too hot to even sin down here.
Cheers.