In The Pressbox

Welcome to the family

On Saturday, January 17th of 2009, my family got a little bit bigger.

On that day in Perth, Australia, my older sister Natasha gave birth to a healthy baby boy named Caleb Noel Perry.

To be honest, I'm still trying to wrap my head around being an uncle, let alone my sister being a Mom.

It seems like only yesterday that she, my Mom, my Dad and I would gather around the dinner table every night.

It's as if no time at all has passed since the days we made each other miserable over such crucial matters as computer time, use of the bathroom in the morning and who had dibs on the TV on a given night.

I can go even further back and remember, clear as a bell, the many times we walked to and from elementary school together, whether with a baby sitter or on our own. Those years don't seem that long ago, even now. But my sister is closer to walking her own child to school than she is to the time when our Mom walked us.

Any illusions I may have once had in regards to prolonging my "younger days" are quickly evaporating. My sister's a mom, my parents are grandparents, and I'm an uncle.

Times change.

I know my sister will make a great Mom, and I know my Mom and Dad will be fabulous grandparents. As for me, I'll make sure to be a cool Uncle.

I just hope little Caleb grows up to think Star Wars and comic books are cool. Otherwise, I'm screwed!

Saying goodbye is the hardest part

I'm an emotional guy. I wear my heart on my sleeve. I even cried over an episode of Futurama once.

So it's no surprise that I'm feeling a little wistful about turning in my first car this weekend.

In one of those decisions more motivated by finances than anything else, I am turning in the 2005 Pontiac Sunfire that I have driven for three years and "upgrading" to a 2008 Pontiac G5.

To understand the bond I have with my lovely orange car, you need to know that I was petrified of driving for years. When I finally got my license in November of 2005, it was the Sunfire which I took out onto the road with me. During my first uncertain forays onto Ontario's lethal highways, she was there. When I struggled to master the art of turning with just the right amount of speed, she was there. And when I finally learned to park, she was there.

Oh, she was there!

She's got plenty of life left in her too. Just under 90 clicks logged, and yet to need any major overhauls. Sure, she has some quirks; the light on her CD player burned out long ago, leaving me ever at a loss as to what time it is or what song is next; the 'open trunk' button doesn't work all the time; and the fuel hatch seems a little loose. But nobody's perfect!

It's hard to imagine driving anything else. And I think that every time I see an orange Sunfire, I'll get a little misty.

I know I'll form a bond with my new car in time... she sounds like a real catch... but as the saying goes, you never forget your first.

Letting go of the higher education dream

From 2002 to 2005, I was a student at Durham College, first in the General Arts & Science program and then in Journalism. So I've done the higher education thing. But sometimes I wonder if I did it right.

Now, my time at Durham was, for the most part, a blast. I made some great friends and got an education that put me on the path to a career. But sometimes I'd look back and say, "I could have done it better". I could have had more fun, partied more, hit on more co-eds.

So periodically, after my college career was over, but before I'd really landed a job in journalism, I thought about going back. Trying again. Maybe going to university to study literature or the arts. I'd move away and live on campus (because I bussed to school the first time - a sure way to miss out on a ton of campus fun), have a good time, become the campus King, Van Wilder style, and delay my entrance into the real world for a while longer. Plus, there are plenty of movies and TV shows out there that glamorize the college experience to the point that any red blooded male with a slight interest in alcohol, the opposite sex, or both, would fill out applications like there's no tomorrow.

It all sounds great, but there's a dark side to the college/university experience, and it's known as tuition and boarding fees. Higher education, you see, isn't just about learning and parties anymore. It's big, big business. Kids can rack up alarming amounts of debt after a couple years of studying at a far flung school. How would you like to graduate at 21 or 22, ready to start your life, as soon as you deal with that pesky 75 grand the bank is hounding you for? Like the water one might use to get over a college bender, those dollar figures will sober you right up.

Now add this and stir; these days, even tuition paid in full can't guarantee you the education and or party that you paid for. Look at York University, where teacher's unions have held students and the school hostage for months now. The campus stands empty as a pay dispute lingers on, while innocent students, guilty only of paying their money (or their parents, or the banks) in good faith, have both their education and their post secondary experience irreparably damaged.

Then there's this economy trouble you may have heard of. Marking up thousands in debt over four years while working a part time job at best just doesn't seem to be that great an idea anymore.

So I think I'll leave higher education in the past, happy to have had the fun that I did, grateful I made some life long friends and above all, thankful those three years of study paid off with a career.

What I want in 2008 (2009 edition)

Long time readers of my blog (I'm probably talking to family members and bored co-workers here) will remember that for my first entry of 2008, I ran down a list of goals I had - dreams, if you will - for the new year. Well since we are now saying hello to 2009, it's a good time to take a look back at all those '08 hopes, see how they turned out and see if they apply again this year.

Here goes!

1) A gold medal for the Canadian Juniors

I said...:  I always intend to watch more of the World Junior tournament than I actually do. It's usually held overseas so the game times are often inconvenient. Nevertheless, I always hope Canada will bring home the gold, and I'd love to see John Tavares, Steve Stamkos and the rest do it this year.

The outcome: They got it! And sure enough, I didn't watch many of the games.

2009: They're well on the way to a fifth straight gold... and I'm still not watching many games.

2) A Stanley Cup victory for the Montreal Canadiens

I said...: As a die hard Habs fan, it goes without saying I want this to happen. Sure, it's a long shot and nobody is picking us (though we are fourth in the East at the halfway point). But I've got two words for you doubters. Carey. Price. This kid is the real deal and he has the goods to carry a team all the way. That, and we have history on our side. The Canadiens have won a Cup in each decade since... ever. This season and next (the 100th anniversary of the team, by the way) are the last chances to keep that tradition alive.

The outcome: The season ended stronger than any of us Hab fans could have hoped for as we finished with the best record in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately our success didn't quite carry into the playoffs as it took us seven games to beat the (then) weakling Bruins before bowing out to the Broad Street Bullies in five games.

2009: This year we're not at the top of the heap, at least not yet, but we're holding down the fourth spot quite well, while the shocking Bruins seem to be running away with the conference, if not the league. I know that makes my friend/bitter enemy Mike Bahm happy over in graphics. I know this because he never lets me forget it. No matter. This is the 100th anniversary of the Habs, and destiny awaits. A 25th Cup for Les Canadiens this year!

3) A full season of Lost, Heroes, Chuck, Reaper, and all other good shows on television

I said...: You may have heard, there's a little spat down in Hollywood called the writer's strike. The writers of all scripted television content and films are on strike, protesting their payment (or lack thereof) for new mediums like DVD and Internet distribution. I'd love to write scripts one day and I respect the writer's position. It just sucks that I have to go without my favorite TV shows!

The outcome: The strike finally ended and writers went back to work in time to deliver abbreviated seasons of our favorite shows. Lost kicked ass, Chuck and Reaper were both surprisingly renewed, and happiness permeated.

2009: For the love of God, now it looks like there could be an actor's strike. Someone shoot me.

4) New goalie equipment for yours truly

I said...: For years I've dreamed of color coding my equipment to that of my beloved Habs. I've got the pads, but my glove, blocker and pants are all black. So is my mask, although it's adorned with CH stickers. Still, I'd love a mask with a personalized paint job. Hockey equipment, however, is worth its weight in gold these days and I doubt I'll have the funds to make this happen in 08. Still, I can dream!

The outcome: Um... I got two new sticks! I also scored a new jock. By far the most important, if least visible, item in a goalie's wardrobe.

2009: The dream is still alive. I'd love a new mask, but my first priority is a new pair of pants. I'm pretty sure I've never actually owned an adult pair of goalie pants. The pair I have now is small, and works in conjunction with my adult sized jock to make me look like the most endowed goaltender in history. Nothing wrong with that of course... it's a bit of a tight fit, that's all I'm saying.

5) A continually strong Canadian dollar

I said...: Not having to look up, waaaay up, at the American dollar anymore, frankly, rules. When I mosey into my local (well, in Oshawa) comic shop and grab my preferred graphic novels, getting to pay the American price (usually $10 cheaper than the listed Canadian price) is great. So let's go loonie!

The outcome: Um, yeah....

2009: *sob*

6) A playoff appearance for the Toronto Blue Jays

I said...: Though I'm not as diehard about the Jays as I was when I was little (the Habs stole their place in my heart) I still like the Jays and they deserve better than their current playoff slump. Who knew that Joe Carter's series winning homer in '93 would be all she wrote for the Jays in playoff ball? It's time for J.P. Riccardi to put up or shut up. For the better part of a decade the GM has been adjusting his "three year-five year-two year-three year" plan, finding excuse after excuse to justify his team's continued struggles. Let '08 be the year the Jays play ball in October once more... or else!

The outcome: No playoffs.... not even close... yet Riccardi is still around. There's no justice.

2009: To quote the denizens of Cleveland in Major League, "It doesn't look too good."

7) The speedy and continued growth of my hair

I said...: Having toiled in the cotton fields of shortly trimmed hair for far, far too long, I am immensely enjoying the continual growth of my now-neck-length hair. And lest you mistake it for a mullet (business in the front, party in the back) let me assure you that my hair is party all over.

The outcome: My hair grew, and grew and grew! In fact I've actually started getting haircuts again, just to maintain the perfect length and cleanliness of course. I've also taken a lot of crap from people who can't tell the difference between a mullet and a killer 'do. But great men have always faced resistance, haven't we?

2009: More of the same!

8) The creation of a 'coffee line' at Tim Horton's

I said...: I know this is a long shot, but it'd be great if I could get my morning bagel quickly without having to wait and wait and wait for all the caffeine nuts to get their fix. Just give me my pastries!

The outcome: Nobody listens to me...

2009: Canada's dependance on Tim Horton's coffee for its very survival is still a source of personal and national embarrassment.

9) A trip to Montreal

I said...: Last year I was unable to make my annual trip to the homeland, the beautiful city of Montreal. That, and me and my Dad have now gone two seasons without getting to a Canadiens game, a truly alarming situation. Here's hoping both these situations are rectified this year.

The outcome: I got to Montreal with my family in the summer, and aside from sleeping upon my grandparent's hardwood floor on an air mattress that held no air, it was a great time!

2009: I hope to return to the fully land locked city of Montreal quite soon!

10) My name and phone number becoming a valued commodity amongst all of Cobourg and Port Hope's single ladies

I said...: I think this is self explanatory. ;)

The outcome: Um, yeah... I'm just really focused on my career right now?

2009: It's still self explanatory.

11) A great summer of movies

I said...: Last summer was a great time to hang out at the theatre. New instalments in a number of franchises like Spider-Man, Pirates and Harry Potter hit the screens, as did new hits like Transformers and Superbad. This year we've got The Dark Knight (Joker!!!) and Iron Man, to name a couple. Keep em coming!

The outcome: There were lots of good times at the theatre in 2008. The Dark Knight took over the world, Iron Man ruled, Pineapple Express, Tropic Thunder, Sex Drive and Zack and Miri brought the funny... there was something for everyone.

2009: Watchmen!

12) A great summer, period

I said...: I look forward to spending some time at Cobourg's beautiful beach, and I'm hoping for a few cottage trips with the buddies. Let the days of summer begin!

The outcome: A great summer it was...

2009: A great summer it will be again!

13) Continued health and happiness for my family and friends

I said...: This goes without saying, but I've been blessed with good fortune when it comes to the people I'm close to. I hope they all have a great new year.</p>

The outcome: I'm happy to report that this came true, especially for my sister who got pregnant with her first child, whom she's due to deliver any day now! I'm going to be one of those cool uncles...

2009: More of the same, God willing.

14) My continued development as a writer

I said...: With my work at the paper, as well as some pro bono writing at www.411mania.com, I am writing more than I ever have. Throw in some creative projects that continue to swirl in my head and I hope for this to be the year I truly come into my own as a writing machine. But a nice machine, like Arnie in T2, not Robert Patrick in T2.

The outcome: Boy, did I write something fierce this year!

2009: From both a creative and professional standpoint, you ain't seen nothing yet!

15) My continued development as a person

I said...: I hope I have the same health and happiness that I wish for my loved ones (and for you) and I hope I continue to grow. Each new year (each day, really) should bring lessons and change. As a 24-year-old, I hope to heed those lessons and make 2008 my best year ever.</p>

The outcome: All joking aside, I experienced quite a bit of growth in 2008. None of which I could have experienced without the love and support of my family and friends.

2009: Life is a school and school is never out, even for the summer. So I hope to learn and grow even more this year.

So that's what I said last year, how it all turned out and how I'm looking at 2009.

Which reminds me...

Happy New Year!