Hello and Merry Christmas to all. We write you this special holiday update from the Dill residence in Moose Jaw, where Carly and I are spending a couple of days before heading off to Indian Head, Regina, and Estevan, all before going back to work in Saskatoon.
There are many updates of which to tell you, as it’s been a while since our last blog entry (apologies).
My parents, Alan and Daphanie, were up to Saskatoon recently to celebrate Carly’s birthday on December 14th. Carly is now officially one quarter of a century old. We had a nice supper at the 2nd Avenue Grill, where we were accosted by a herd of carolling firefighters, and then retired to our humble abode for a few fine wines, cheeses, and one hell of a game of Scattegories.
The following day, we enjoyed the company of Carly’s dad, Randy who took us out for another amazing meal before kicking back to watch movies on our 42” plasma TV, (compliments of wedding money; thanks!). Good times were had by all and Carly was spoiled as usual. Just kidding.
The only bummer was that Carly’s mom, Glendyne, couldn’t make it to partake in all the festivities, but much fun will be had with her over these holidays as we are off until January 7th!
Carly got especially good news on the day of her birthday, when, after a lengthy interview, she was offered a substitute teaching job with the Saskatoon Public School division. The interviewers were so impressed, in fact, that they offered her the job on the spot, which is an unprecedented act in the much-revered division.
To add to that good news, I have been slotted in for a full-time position at my current school, effective the end of January, and through until June. It’s true; good things come to those who wait.
Unfortunately, it hasn’t all been good news this year. On November 23rd, Carly’s beloved Grandma Kay passed away. Grandma Kay made it to both our wedding and her brother David’s wedding, and even managed to create a beautiful and elaborate quilt for each of us before her passing. And so, a sombre and solemn week was spent in Estevan remembering and celebrating her life, and we are sure that she remains with us in spirit now.
Back in Saskatoon, Carly and I have been enjoying our home, save a couple of frozen pipes now and again. Our digs are incomparably cozy, a feeling added to by our beautiful Christmas tree, which Carly has decorated with hundreds of intricate ornaments that she’s collected over the years. Some of said gems include: a pickle, a Marilyn Monroe, the Beatles’ Yellow Submarine, tiny dancers, homemade decorations, and one Bella look-alike. Our tiny little home is dwarfed by the 150-foot lot that extends a football field to the back, but it makes a perfect Frisbee run for Bella. Her life’s goal, I’m sure, is to bring flying objects back to their throwers.
So, we are settling in after a whirlwind wedding and California adventure trip last summer, where Carly and I met Donald Duck, raided tombs with Indiana Jones, evaded a T-Rex, survived a malfunctioning Space Mountain roller coaster ride, ate the world’s best steak, and sipped wines so divine you’d melt at the aromas, let alone the taste.
And so, we bid a fond farewell for now as another year comes to a close. My new year’s resolution: to eat the foods I couldn’t as a boxer. Carly’s: to hide them from me. ;)
Best wishes for a Happy New Year everyone!
Write to us!
- Carly and Khodi Dill
Monday, December 24, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
On to the Next Chapter: No Double Entendre Intended
It’s been a good run.
That’s what I would say about my short-lived but well enjoyed amateur boxing career. But after a devastating decision at provincials last month, and a lackluster performance at box-offs, the run, it seems, is over.
I remember sitting in a classroom at the University of Regina in 2004 with my cooperating teacher (and a bunch of other prospective interns and their mentors). The task at hand was to create a list of personal and professional goals for the future. I turned a few heads with my “Compete at the 2008 Olympics” contribution. Heck, at that time, even to me, the goal was just as enchanting as its elusive achievement.
So I would spend the next three years working away at the sport of boxing, picking away at it really, deciphering it, getting inside of it, wearing it, and, at almost whimsical times, living it.
Flashes of memories hit me now like a too-fast slideshow. Running in frozen-faced blizzards with my dog, pounding leather with determined fists, a rib cracking here, a neck snapping there – sweat, blood, pride, war. There are shades of saddening defeat, and of maddening victory, the will to do more and to be more – the search for the invisible limit.
And then there are flutters, fleeting but clear, of glory.
And few people have understood, fewer still will understand; there is a plight to all this. There’s a guy in the mirror and a voice in your head that spurs you on, holds you back, gets you up, and beats you down all at once. In twenty-five fights he’s all I’ve ever met. Because the war against the self is repetitious and tedious; it begs of time and tears.
Because the war against the self is the war for the self. It’s strengthening in all its destruction.
With all that it sheds it builds.
When a man sweats off his 17 extra pounds, his extra skin, his baggage, his indulgence, his smug contentment, his weakness, all that is left is starving emotion. It’s only logical though; it takes a lot out of someone to put so much into something.
For the first two years it’s okay – because satiation comes in learning, not just winning. A loss is a lesson and an honour. But time marches on, and losses leave lessons behind in favour of sad surprise: Provincials 2007. Then the will starts to go, and the baggage creeps back in. The emotion goes and the old pounds and guilt retake their place. The logic goes and the nonsense manifests: Box-offs 2007. It sucks when opportunity knocks but it’s coming from next door: Olympics 2008.
But, thank God, the long and learned hunger for self-betterment remains.
And so the will walks out of the ring and into a book.
I’m on page 45 so far. Go Riders Go.
- Khodi
That’s what I would say about my short-lived but well enjoyed amateur boxing career. But after a devastating decision at provincials last month, and a lackluster performance at box-offs, the run, it seems, is over.
I remember sitting in a classroom at the University of Regina in 2004 with my cooperating teacher (and a bunch of other prospective interns and their mentors). The task at hand was to create a list of personal and professional goals for the future. I turned a few heads with my “Compete at the 2008 Olympics” contribution. Heck, at that time, even to me, the goal was just as enchanting as its elusive achievement.
So I would spend the next three years working away at the sport of boxing, picking away at it really, deciphering it, getting inside of it, wearing it, and, at almost whimsical times, living it.
Flashes of memories hit me now like a too-fast slideshow. Running in frozen-faced blizzards with my dog, pounding leather with determined fists, a rib cracking here, a neck snapping there – sweat, blood, pride, war. There are shades of saddening defeat, and of maddening victory, the will to do more and to be more – the search for the invisible limit.
And then there are flutters, fleeting but clear, of glory.
And few people have understood, fewer still will understand; there is a plight to all this. There’s a guy in the mirror and a voice in your head that spurs you on, holds you back, gets you up, and beats you down all at once. In twenty-five fights he’s all I’ve ever met. Because the war against the self is repetitious and tedious; it begs of time and tears.
Because the war against the self is the war for the self. It’s strengthening in all its destruction.
With all that it sheds it builds.
When a man sweats off his 17 extra pounds, his extra skin, his baggage, his indulgence, his smug contentment, his weakness, all that is left is starving emotion. It’s only logical though; it takes a lot out of someone to put so much into something.
For the first two years it’s okay – because satiation comes in learning, not just winning. A loss is a lesson and an honour. But time marches on, and losses leave lessons behind in favour of sad surprise: Provincials 2007. Then the will starts to go, and the baggage creeps back in. The emotion goes and the old pounds and guilt retake their place. The logic goes and the nonsense manifests: Box-offs 2007. It sucks when opportunity knocks but it’s coming from next door: Olympics 2008.
But, thank God, the long and learned hunger for self-betterment remains.
And so the will walks out of the ring and into a book.
I’m on page 45 so far. Go Riders Go.
- Khodi
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Morning Mistaken
I just woke up at 8:00 this morning to take a subbing job at work. Only, the school doesn’t need me anymore. Normally, I would be aghast at the whole prospect of waking up without a good reason. I mean, not that I don’t have other reasons to get up in the morning. I mean, there’s Carly, but then – she’s still in bed, so that makes no sense whatsoever.
Anyway, showered and fed and watered, I think I’ll use this time productively, if not to write, then at least to think and reflect, or umm – watch TV. Yeah, that’s probably more like it. But did I tell you that Carly and I are both taking on the daunting task of writing novels? Maybe in about five years, you’ll see a first draft.
Anyway, last night was Halloween and a funny question struck me. Why do people always have to count the number of trick-or-treaters they get every year? I mean, I suppose it’s helpful information to the individual for future reference, but what I really don’t get is why that information becomes the hot topic of conversation the day after Halloween in every Canadian home, workspace, and collective human conscious:
“So, how many trick-or-treaters did you get last night?”
“Oh, we had about 60 or so. You?” “About a hundred actually.”
“Wow.”
What is a pointless conversation, Alex?
Anyway, I’m sure it’ll never change, but for the meantime, it really bugs me. Worst part is, I found myself having that conversation last night around 9pm with a friend.
We wanted to do something scary last night to celebrate the day, so Carly and I went to see the movie “Halloween” with some friends. It’s a remake of the old Michael Myers story, this time directed by Rob Zombie, whose often been compared to the devil incarnate. All I know, is that movie was just about worth walking out on. The gore was shameless. At one point, I actually called out “Noo!” during a quiet moment in the film when I thought the killer was gonna go for a baby. Thank God, he let her grow up another seventeen years or so and then tried to kill her. Phew.
My big rematch is on Saturday. Originally slated to take place at 7pm, the time has now changed. The fight will go on at 5pm at 1600 Dewdney Ave, Regina – the Lonsdale Boxing club. I know, I know – the Rider Game could be a time conflict. Don’t worry. I wouldn’t miss it if I had a ticket either. Anyway, if I win on Saturday, I will fight again on Sunday at the same place (not sure what time).
I'm sure excited for this fight though. I've been workin' real hard:
"I done somethin' new for this fight. I have wrassled with a alligatah; I don' tussled with a whale; I don' handcuffed lightnin', throwed thunda in jail. Only last week I murdered a rock, injured a stone, hospitalized a brick! I'm so mean I make medicine sick!" - Ali
Talk to you soon.
- Khodi
Anyway, showered and fed and watered, I think I’ll use this time productively, if not to write, then at least to think and reflect, or umm – watch TV. Yeah, that’s probably more like it. But did I tell you that Carly and I are both taking on the daunting task of writing novels? Maybe in about five years, you’ll see a first draft.
Anyway, last night was Halloween and a funny question struck me. Why do people always have to count the number of trick-or-treaters they get every year? I mean, I suppose it’s helpful information to the individual for future reference, but what I really don’t get is why that information becomes the hot topic of conversation the day after Halloween in every Canadian home, workspace, and collective human conscious:
“So, how many trick-or-treaters did you get last night?”
“Oh, we had about 60 or so. You?” “About a hundred actually.”
“Wow.”
What is a pointless conversation, Alex?
Anyway, I’m sure it’ll never change, but for the meantime, it really bugs me. Worst part is, I found myself having that conversation last night around 9pm with a friend.
We wanted to do something scary last night to celebrate the day, so Carly and I went to see the movie “Halloween” with some friends. It’s a remake of the old Michael Myers story, this time directed by Rob Zombie, whose often been compared to the devil incarnate. All I know, is that movie was just about worth walking out on. The gore was shameless. At one point, I actually called out “Noo!” during a quiet moment in the film when I thought the killer was gonna go for a baby. Thank God, he let her grow up another seventeen years or so and then tried to kill her. Phew.
My big rematch is on Saturday. Originally slated to take place at 7pm, the time has now changed. The fight will go on at 5pm at 1600 Dewdney Ave, Regina – the Lonsdale Boxing club. I know, I know – the Rider Game could be a time conflict. Don’t worry. I wouldn’t miss it if I had a ticket either. Anyway, if I win on Saturday, I will fight again on Sunday at the same place (not sure what time).
I'm sure excited for this fight though. I've been workin' real hard:
"I done somethin' new for this fight. I have wrassled with a alligatah; I don' tussled with a whale; I don' handcuffed lightnin', throwed thunda in jail. Only last week I murdered a rock, injured a stone, hospitalized a brick! I'm so mean I make medicine sick!" - Ali
Talk to you soon.
- Khodi
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Sweet November
In his song, Stronger, Kanye West says “50 told me, ‘Go ‘head switch the style up and if they hate then let ‘em hate and watch the money pile up.’” Only, when I switched the style up this weekend in my boxing match, that just didn’t happen.
In my past few fights, I played the counter-puncher (my most natural way of fighting); I would pick my shots and make them count. As that hadn’t been working for me lately, I decided to switch it up a little bit, and in my provincial title bout this weekend, I let it all hang out. I threw indiscriminate combinations, punches in bunches – to the body, to the head, and back again. I threw more punches than I’ve ever thrown in a boxing match before. My opponent did the opposite. He did what I used to do. He waited for me to finish punching, and then threw one to two hard shots.
At the end of the first round I was surprised but satisfied with my 6-4 lead. By round two, I couldn’t believe that I was only up by one point (14-13), but in the third round, when my second showed me the score 24-16 in favour of the other guy, I nearly walked out of the ring. There must be some mistake, I thought. Maybe they got the red and blue corners mixed up. Maybe it’s a misprint.
It wasn’t. In the fourth and final round I was sure to go out in style, so I punched until I couldn’t punch anymore. I punched myself out, and by the final bell, I doubt that I could have mustered even one more blow. That round, I felt as if my opponent didn’t throw a single punch. But he won.
I’ve seen bad decisions before. Heck, I’ve even been on the good end of some bad decisions before, but this one was a farce. On any other day, I might not have cared either, but this was provincials. Provincials lead to Nationals. And this year, Nationals lead to the Olympics.
I went to the judges after the fight for answers. Most said the same thing – I wasted too many punches on the guy’s arms. Great. Last fight, I was told to be busier, to throw even if the punches wouldn’t land, to be the aggressor.
Frustrations aside, my focus is clear now. Under the guidelines of the provincial governing body, I’ve put in a challenge against my opponent for the provincial team spot. We fight November 3rd in Regina; it becomes a best of three.
“And I want everybody to tell all they aunts and all they uncles: get to they TV, get to they radio set, ‘cuz I have never wanted to whoop a man so bad!”
- Khodi
In my past few fights, I played the counter-puncher (my most natural way of fighting); I would pick my shots and make them count. As that hadn’t been working for me lately, I decided to switch it up a little bit, and in my provincial title bout this weekend, I let it all hang out. I threw indiscriminate combinations, punches in bunches – to the body, to the head, and back again. I threw more punches than I’ve ever thrown in a boxing match before. My opponent did the opposite. He did what I used to do. He waited for me to finish punching, and then threw one to two hard shots.
At the end of the first round I was surprised but satisfied with my 6-4 lead. By round two, I couldn’t believe that I was only up by one point (14-13), but in the third round, when my second showed me the score 24-16 in favour of the other guy, I nearly walked out of the ring. There must be some mistake, I thought. Maybe they got the red and blue corners mixed up. Maybe it’s a misprint.
It wasn’t. In the fourth and final round I was sure to go out in style, so I punched until I couldn’t punch anymore. I punched myself out, and by the final bell, I doubt that I could have mustered even one more blow. That round, I felt as if my opponent didn’t throw a single punch. But he won.
I’ve seen bad decisions before. Heck, I’ve even been on the good end of some bad decisions before, but this one was a farce. On any other day, I might not have cared either, but this was provincials. Provincials lead to Nationals. And this year, Nationals lead to the Olympics.
I went to the judges after the fight for answers. Most said the same thing – I wasted too many punches on the guy’s arms. Great. Last fight, I was told to be busier, to throw even if the punches wouldn’t land, to be the aggressor.
Frustrations aside, my focus is clear now. Under the guidelines of the provincial governing body, I’ve put in a challenge against my opponent for the provincial team spot. We fight November 3rd in Regina; it becomes a best of three.
“And I want everybody to tell all they aunts and all they uncles: get to they TV, get to they radio set, ‘cuz I have never wanted to whoop a man so bad!”
- Khodi
Thursday, October 4, 2007
"What a Zin..."
Well, I guess the Saskatchewan vs. China wasn’t “sure” to be anything. As you probably know, the event was cancelled. Interestingly, word has it that the Chinese government withdrew endorsement of the trip after a large group of their athletes decided to defect last month after visiting Canada.
The cancellation means I will have no tune-up fight before provincials, but all is well anyhow. Now, I get to focus on just enjoying David and Megan’s wedding this weekend and all of the fun that the event will bring. Also, Carly’s been gone down to Regina for a full two days! So I’m getting anxious to see her again.
Life has been good as usual in Toon Town. Last weekend, we actually mustered the energy and organization to have a garage sale. Well, people were trying to break down our doors on the opening day, and our entire advertising effort consisted of a giant neon sign on the Jeep out front (thanks, Dad, for that gem of an idea). It pays to live on a busy street, as we had a steady stream of customers on a freezing cold Saturday. We sold our couch, our old TV, clothes, books, towels, dishes, appliances, etc.
But that’s not all. We also sold some items that we never thought would sell in a million years. In fact, we placed them out as jokes more than anything. One of the items was a half-empty bag of terrarium woodchips. I thought Carly was insane when she priced it at 50 cents and laid it out. I’ll be damned if it wasn’t among the first items to go. Other sales of note include a sweaty old pair of boxing hand-wraps that were ready for the dump (although, to be fair, those were placed in the “free” box). Still, I sure surprised Carly when someone decided they were worth taking.
That was our weekend. On Saturday we froze but made a killing, and on Sunday, we were a bit more comfortable but had a slower day. By the time we closed the big steel door on Sunday, we had made almost $400, and could easily park both vehicles in the garage (an improvement, no doubt, from the zero vehicle capacity prior).
Carly and I have also been “church shopping” up here. So far, we’ve spent two Sundays at the big Circle Drive Alliance church with our friends Dave and Cesia. We do like it there, but have resolved to keep shopping around. Here’s to hoping we can keep this up; it sure feels good to have a reason to get up before noon on Sundays.
In other news, I’m now sitting at a steady 135 pounds, so I’ve three more to go before provincials on the 13th and 14th of this month. I’ll need to keep it up for the following weekend as well as I’ll be going to the Western Canadian championships in BC. No doubt, I hope to get an invitation to Nationals in November as this is an Olympic qualifying year (a guy can dream, right?).
One last note: the thank you cards are coming! If you haven’t received yours already, please be patient as they will all be sent out in the coming week. Carly and I owe a huge debt of gratitude to you all. Thank you so much for being a part of our big day and for your generosity at our wedding. We were truly humbled by it. Love to all.
Much love especially to David and Megan, my brother-in-law and his bride-to-be! It all happens this weekend! So let the good times roll, 'cause love is in the air!
- Khodi
Recommended wine of the day: Dancing Bull Zinfandel (Sonoma, California). 3.5 stars from both of us. Full-bodied and bold, with a spicy finish.
The cancellation means I will have no tune-up fight before provincials, but all is well anyhow. Now, I get to focus on just enjoying David and Megan’s wedding this weekend and all of the fun that the event will bring. Also, Carly’s been gone down to Regina for a full two days! So I’m getting anxious to see her again.
Life has been good as usual in Toon Town. Last weekend, we actually mustered the energy and organization to have a garage sale. Well, people were trying to break down our doors on the opening day, and our entire advertising effort consisted of a giant neon sign on the Jeep out front (thanks, Dad, for that gem of an idea). It pays to live on a busy street, as we had a steady stream of customers on a freezing cold Saturday. We sold our couch, our old TV, clothes, books, towels, dishes, appliances, etc.
But that’s not all. We also sold some items that we never thought would sell in a million years. In fact, we placed them out as jokes more than anything. One of the items was a half-empty bag of terrarium woodchips. I thought Carly was insane when she priced it at 50 cents and laid it out. I’ll be damned if it wasn’t among the first items to go. Other sales of note include a sweaty old pair of boxing hand-wraps that were ready for the dump (although, to be fair, those were placed in the “free” box). Still, I sure surprised Carly when someone decided they were worth taking.
That was our weekend. On Saturday we froze but made a killing, and on Sunday, we were a bit more comfortable but had a slower day. By the time we closed the big steel door on Sunday, we had made almost $400, and could easily park both vehicles in the garage (an improvement, no doubt, from the zero vehicle capacity prior).
Carly and I have also been “church shopping” up here. So far, we’ve spent two Sundays at the big Circle Drive Alliance church with our friends Dave and Cesia. We do like it there, but have resolved to keep shopping around. Here’s to hoping we can keep this up; it sure feels good to have a reason to get up before noon on Sundays.
In other news, I’m now sitting at a steady 135 pounds, so I’ve three more to go before provincials on the 13th and 14th of this month. I’ll need to keep it up for the following weekend as well as I’ll be going to the Western Canadian championships in BC. No doubt, I hope to get an invitation to Nationals in November as this is an Olympic qualifying year (a guy can dream, right?).
One last note: the thank you cards are coming! If you haven’t received yours already, please be patient as they will all be sent out in the coming week. Carly and I owe a huge debt of gratitude to you all. Thank you so much for being a part of our big day and for your generosity at our wedding. We were truly humbled by it. Love to all.
Much love especially to David and Megan, my brother-in-law and his bride-to-be! It all happens this weekend! So let the good times roll, 'cause love is in the air!
- Khodi
Recommended wine of the day: Dancing Bull Zinfandel (Sonoma, California). 3.5 stars from both of us. Full-bodied and bold, with a spicy finish.
Friday, September 21, 2007
...said her husband
Well well well. I suppose this constitutes my first ever blog entry as a married man. Fancy that. I’ve gotta tell you though - it feels great. It’s kind of like one of those milestone birthdays like 16 or 19, where you get the pride that comes from driving a car or having your first legal drink, only better. See, with marriage, you actually get to be proud of something important, something bigger than you are – your new life with the one you love.
We really did get a fresh start here in Saskatoon. We managed to buy a house that suits our needs perfectly in the city with the fastest growing economy in Canada, and we did it in the midst of wedding planning. Try that on for size. We’ve got a cute little two-bedroom house with a giant backyard and brand new 2-car garage. It can be a little cramped in the house, so luckily we’ve got lots of space out back, where the bonfires continue, and where Bella can run as far as we can throw.
There have been a lot of changes this year. New city, new job. Unfortunately, we also had to find a new home for good old Caesar, our husky who helped us through a tough year in Cut Knife. A few aggressive incidents with him meant that it was time for Caesar to move on to a single-dog home, where he’d be happy as kingpin. But more about this another time; the memory of parting with my old friend has a throat-lump forming already.
I’m working at Nutana Collegiate Institute here in Toontown. It’s a school right in the heart of the beautiful Broadway area just off the river. The school is the oldest in the city, named after the town it first catered to in the early 1900’s. Now, the same old brick walls house a mishmash of walking modernity. Ipods and cell phones float from door to door like it’s the thing to do, attached securely to free thinkers and new-face vagabonds.
It’s a different kind of experience teaching there. The school is a little different in that it attracts a diaspora of students from every corner of the town, all seeking a comfortable place to exist from 9 to 3, a haven from the rest of town, or of life, in some cases. Trouble is, the students don’t always make it to school, much as one wishes they would. But as a former teacher from the school once told me, “It’s an important place to work.” Another wise one said simply, “Teach the ones who come.”
I’m settling in though, surely. And Carly and I are settling in to our new town as well. In Cut Knife, we had two options for what to do after school – take the dogs out, or drink wine. Now, we have a world of options at our disposal (but we haven’t forgotten wine). For instance, we live one block from 7-11! 7-11! It’s open 24 hours a day. Everything in Cut Knife closed at 5pm (if it were open at all that day). We’ve been spot-hopping from one trendy dance club to another, sampling some really good wines, hanging out at McNally Robinson bookstore and the library – enjoying married life to say the least.
A good old friend of mine and his wife recently moved up here too – Dave Aspinall. Dave and I have been best buds ever since he ran the 12 blocks home from my parents’ house in Grade 8 in the middle of a rainstorm with nothing but a garbage bag and a good-luck pat on the back. Now he and his wife Cesia live five minutes away from us. No doubt, double-dates have been frequent and fun.
Oh yes; there’s lots to keep us busy. Carly was dancing as a student again for a while, and now she’s taken up Yoga as her new niche, at a nice little place, again on Broadway Avenue (popular place). And me, well I’m finally training for boxing again. When my Moose Jaw coach called me on September 7th and told me I had to fight at 132 pounds on October 6th in Regina, I said, “Okay.” Then I stepped on the bathroom scale and watched it shoot up to 146 (great honeymoon food though). Needless to say, I was at the Hub City Boxing Club that night, working my tail off, literally. Well, three nights a week of that, and a few good runs has me at 138 pounds right now. Not bad, but I’ve got six more to go.
The Regina fight is a Saskatchewan vs. China event at the Casino – sure to be a top notch show. That weekend will also mark Carly’s brother David and his fiancé Megan’s wedding, the day after the fight. Not to mention, it’ll be Thanksgiving! Lots to look forward to – the weekend after is Boxing Provincials up here in S’toon.
Busy busy busy! We’ll keep ya posted.
- Khodi
We really did get a fresh start here in Saskatoon. We managed to buy a house that suits our needs perfectly in the city with the fastest growing economy in Canada, and we did it in the midst of wedding planning. Try that on for size. We’ve got a cute little two-bedroom house with a giant backyard and brand new 2-car garage. It can be a little cramped in the house, so luckily we’ve got lots of space out back, where the bonfires continue, and where Bella can run as far as we can throw.
There have been a lot of changes this year. New city, new job. Unfortunately, we also had to find a new home for good old Caesar, our husky who helped us through a tough year in Cut Knife. A few aggressive incidents with him meant that it was time for Caesar to move on to a single-dog home, where he’d be happy as kingpin. But more about this another time; the memory of parting with my old friend has a throat-lump forming already.
I’m working at Nutana Collegiate Institute here in Toontown. It’s a school right in the heart of the beautiful Broadway area just off the river. The school is the oldest in the city, named after the town it first catered to in the early 1900’s. Now, the same old brick walls house a mishmash of walking modernity. Ipods and cell phones float from door to door like it’s the thing to do, attached securely to free thinkers and new-face vagabonds.
It’s a different kind of experience teaching there. The school is a little different in that it attracts a diaspora of students from every corner of the town, all seeking a comfortable place to exist from 9 to 3, a haven from the rest of town, or of life, in some cases. Trouble is, the students don’t always make it to school, much as one wishes they would. But as a former teacher from the school once told me, “It’s an important place to work.” Another wise one said simply, “Teach the ones who come.”
I’m settling in though, surely. And Carly and I are settling in to our new town as well. In Cut Knife, we had two options for what to do after school – take the dogs out, or drink wine. Now, we have a world of options at our disposal (but we haven’t forgotten wine). For instance, we live one block from 7-11! 7-11! It’s open 24 hours a day. Everything in Cut Knife closed at 5pm (if it were open at all that day). We’ve been spot-hopping from one trendy dance club to another, sampling some really good wines, hanging out at McNally Robinson bookstore and the library – enjoying married life to say the least.
A good old friend of mine and his wife recently moved up here too – Dave Aspinall. Dave and I have been best buds ever since he ran the 12 blocks home from my parents’ house in Grade 8 in the middle of a rainstorm with nothing but a garbage bag and a good-luck pat on the back. Now he and his wife Cesia live five minutes away from us. No doubt, double-dates have been frequent and fun.
Oh yes; there’s lots to keep us busy. Carly was dancing as a student again for a while, and now she’s taken up Yoga as her new niche, at a nice little place, again on Broadway Avenue (popular place). And me, well I’m finally training for boxing again. When my Moose Jaw coach called me on September 7th and told me I had to fight at 132 pounds on October 6th in Regina, I said, “Okay.” Then I stepped on the bathroom scale and watched it shoot up to 146 (great honeymoon food though). Needless to say, I was at the Hub City Boxing Club that night, working my tail off, literally. Well, three nights a week of that, and a few good runs has me at 138 pounds right now. Not bad, but I’ve got six more to go.
The Regina fight is a Saskatchewan vs. China event at the Casino – sure to be a top notch show. That weekend will also mark Carly’s brother David and his fiancé Megan’s wedding, the day after the fight. Not to mention, it’ll be Thanksgiving! Lots to look forward to – the weekend after is Boxing Provincials up here in S’toon.
Busy busy busy! We’ll keep ya posted.
- Khodi
Monday, September 10, 2007
Home Sweet Home
Well, we finally did it. We're finally in a city! Those of you who followed our roller-coaster-journey last year know how much we struggled and triumphed our way through "Life in the Knife." Now we're living our dream: we're married, we have a cute little house in Saskatoon, and we finally live within walking distance of a 7-11. I don't think Khodi could have survived without slurpees for another whole year!
Many of you know that Khodi's teaching at a high school in the city, and I am finding my way on to the sub list while also trying to find another job. In the meantime, I have my work cut out for me trying to set up our home. It's in pretty good condition, but it does need a bit of fixing up; paint and decorating would work wonders. Only a few days ago we bought new couches which I am thrilled about! You know, I find myself becoming excited about things like new couches, a good recipe, and stainless steel pots and pans. Does this mean I'm actually growing up? Let's hope so, because in only a few months I am going to be 25. I'm sure you will read all about my grief and sorrow when that haunting day approaches.
Another cool thing about living in a big city (besides, you know, other human existence) is that Khodi started boxing again and I started dancing again! Khodi already has a fight lined up in October so he's training for that and trying to cut weight. I start dance tonight as a student for once! I am so accustomed to being the dance teacher, I can't wait to just learn again. Tonight I have hip hop and tomorrow is tap. I hope all goes well.
Anyway, the real reason I am writing is because I am excited to announce that we have officially opened our new blog. If there was some kind of ribbon-cutting-ceremony that could be executed online, imagine that it is occuring right now.
Tada!
Stay "Tooned" for more reports from Toon Town.
- Carly
Recommended wine of the day: Langmeil's Long Valley Shiraz (Barossa Valley - Australia). 3.5 stars from Khodi and 4 from me.
Many of you know that Khodi's teaching at a high school in the city, and I am finding my way on to the sub list while also trying to find another job. In the meantime, I have my work cut out for me trying to set up our home. It's in pretty good condition, but it does need a bit of fixing up; paint and decorating would work wonders. Only a few days ago we bought new couches which I am thrilled about! You know, I find myself becoming excited about things like new couches, a good recipe, and stainless steel pots and pans. Does this mean I'm actually growing up? Let's hope so, because in only a few months I am going to be 25. I'm sure you will read all about my grief and sorrow when that haunting day approaches.
Another cool thing about living in a big city (besides, you know, other human existence) is that Khodi started boxing again and I started dancing again! Khodi already has a fight lined up in October so he's training for that and trying to cut weight. I start dance tonight as a student for once! I am so accustomed to being the dance teacher, I can't wait to just learn again. Tonight I have hip hop and tomorrow is tap. I hope all goes well.
Anyway, the real reason I am writing is because I am excited to announce that we have officially opened our new blog. If there was some kind of ribbon-cutting-ceremony that could be executed online, imagine that it is occuring right now.
Tada!
Stay "Tooned" for more reports from Toon Town.
- Carly
Recommended wine of the day: Langmeil's Long Valley Shiraz (Barossa Valley - Australia). 3.5 stars from Khodi and 4 from me.
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