Go and do: My Bucket List

I think, at one point or another, every person has said, 'before I die, I would like to (inset legendary action here)'. I personally know that I have said this about one thing or another many a times before.

I have, of course, lived a pretty awesome life to date. If I died tomorrow, I would die a happy, albeit young, man. I have travelled across Canada racing my mountain bike, surfed in Hawaii, hiked in the Canadian Rockies, strolled through Central Park and crossed the Brooklyn Bridge. I have waded into the frigid waters off both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, conquered the Grouse Grind and caused the Capilano Suspension Bridge to sway. I have ridden my bike across dew soaked mountain roads in BC, kayaked in the Bay of Fundy, run around Diamond Head Crater in Honolulu and SUP'ed our majestic cottage-country lakes. I have skied in the Rockies and the Eastern Townships, ridden from Niagara Falls to Niagara-On-The-Lake and back (with a few beverage breaks on the way) and rafted the mighty Ottawa River.

I have, you could say, lived a very privileged life. And I would not disagree with you. However, it is by looking forward that bigger and better things get done. So, I present to you my bucket list. Something I have created over the past few weeks upon realization that without some idea of what life means to you, you are only wasting away your precious time here.

I have stolen some of these ideas from others previous adventures, and I have stolen some from an Outside magazine article. Though, despite this, this list is entirely my own. This is purely me as honest and bold as I can be. I encourage you to do this yourself and post yours in the comments. Just don't be upset with me if I steal the odd idea.

Life is not short, it is the longest thing you will do. So fill it with awesome...

1. Climb Mt. Everest
2. Climb the highest peak on each continent. (probably before no. 1)
3. Learn an instrument. (Not a guitar, or something of the like, but something different, like a Didjeridu or an Ektara)
4. Volunteer to build a school in a third world country.
5. Volunteer after a disaster abroad.
6. Go on an African Safari, and see the Big 5.
7. Stay overnight on Antarctica.
8. Ride a Tour de France stage (or two, or three, or all...) including Alpe d’Huez.
9. Run the NYC, Walt Disney and Boston marathons.
10. Live abroad for at least a year (see no. 12).
11. Learn to sail, then sail across an ocean.
12. Work on a vineyard, sheep farm and cattle ranch. (Abroad)
13. Race/ride the BC Bike Race.
14. Learn to fly a plane.
15. Hike the Pacific Rim Trail on Vancouver Island.
16. Surf in Tahiti, Fiji, California and Tofino.
17. Volunteer/work at the Olympics.
18. Swim in every major Ocean, naked.
19. Work/Volunteer at an animal sanctuary/orphanage.
20. Go deep sea fishing. (And catch a fish.)
21. Learn to Scuba Dive.
22. Skydive on every feasible continent.
23. Fill a passport to the point of completion.
24. Visit the wine regions of France, Italy, Greece, Germany, New Zealand, Australia, British Columbia and California.
25. Ski the worlds best, most renowned ski hills (Whistler, Chamonix, etc.)
26. Ride the Leadville 100 mountain bike race.
27. Get married to the most beautiful, adventurous, sexy, smart and funny woman in the world.
28. Become a father.
29. Practice yoga in India.
30. Sleep over on the Great Wall of China.
31. Bungee jump in New Zealand.
32. Visit the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro.
33. Paddle the Nile, Congo, Nahanni and Mississippi rivers.
34. Fly in a helicopter.
35. Drive from the most Eastern point of Canada to the most Western point. In one go.
36. Witness the Northern Lights.

(Editors Note: I intend on updating and growing this list as more inspiring adventures come to me. Life is ever changing and so too should be this list.)

This Strenuous Age

My employer recently hosted a team building and day of meetings for which we had a bit of homework to do. I was originally regretting the thought of having to do homework again (I thought I gave that up on graduation!), but regardless I cracked open my folder and began the readings.
One such reading was Stephen Leacock's short essay This Strenuous Age, a part of Frenzied Fiction, a collection of short stories, which he wrote in 1918. It's a satirical take on prohibition and quite a good read, if you're into that sort of literature. I can't say I was originally taken by the work, but as time went on I began to think about it more and more.
Today on a long ride through the agriculturally rich countryside around Guelph, I again began thinking about it. One of the points Leacock makes really spoke to me as a cyclist. Where he claims his friends go for walks to clear their heads (in place of alcohol), I can relate.
Cycling to me is my one time where I can just think. I've had a tougher than usual time lately with work being quite busy and my girlfriend travelling to Asia for an extended period of time. Not that I am complaining, I love my job and I look forward to seeing Amy again overseas, but it gives you a lot to think about! My time on the bike is when I can put aside all the little thoughts and just plain think. It really clears my head and lets me just relax and enjoy life how it was made to be enjoyed. Being on the bike, rain or shine, is where I smile the easiest. Cycling is my shangri-la.
So, although Leacock equated this need to 'clear ones head' with an omission of alcohol in ones life, even today with alcohol being plentiful, I think everyone needs to find their own shangri-la. Hopefully, it's as alcohol-free and as fitness oriented as mine!

in the kitchen

I sit here on the couch reflecting on the last month or so since school has ended and how things have changed so much! I can remember such a short period of time ago being anxious to have exams over and excited for the warm weather to arrive. Well, both have arrived and I must say, a lot of awesome has happened.

I have started managing at Borealis Grill in Kitchener and am currently training in kitchen management. Tomorrow is actually my last day in the kitchen and I must admit that I am quite upset about this! I never thought I would be someone who would enjoy working in a production kitchen, and yet I have loved it! After almost 5 weeks on the line, I have found a strong passion for the inner workings of a restaurant and learnt so much in this time. Not only have I been able to learn how to work in a kitchen, but also what it takes to work with some of the most elclectic individuals (not to mention get them to do what you want!). I was recently lent a book by Danny Myers called 'Setting the Table' in which he mentions that getting people to do what you want, while encouraging a successful culture, entails treating your staff like volunteers. By that he means thanking them endlessly and treating them like they have volunteered to be there. In my experience so far, albeit slightly limited to date, this is advice that every restaurant manager needs to live by. On Monday I will once again be back in the front of the house, but not without the odd shift (and project) for the heart of house!

On a semi-related note, it is my convocation on Tuesday!! This is sooo exciting! I have been looking forward to this day for quite a while! I have met the most wonderful people and I can't wait to see them all again! Following the ceremony I'll be hosting a barbeque with Ames at her house for our parents who have done so much for the two of us over the years.

I'll try to keep this updated more frequently with the trials and tribulations of my time at the restaurant, so stay tuned and hopefully I can provide a chuckle or at the very least a smile!

cheers.

Moving on...

It's been a few months since my last post on here, so I am going to use this space to recap a bit of my most recent adventures. As the semester comes to a close, and so too does my academic career, I can't see a better time to look back and reflect.

4th Year...
Well, this was quite the year. Between the insane coursework, travels and extra-curricular activities, this year certainly shaped up to be the best yet! And really, what more could one ask for as they graduate?! The HTMSA taught me many things, of which the most important is that a hands on manager is the most appreciated manager. Being VP of the association was stellar and an experience I will never forget. Getting to know so many people outside of the classroom, some more than others, has been fantastic and it is my goal to ensure these relationships are lasting ones. Working with some of the best profs in the industry was also very educating and enlightening.

On Honolulu Beach at sunset

Hawai'i
Reading week was spent with two of my best friends on Honolulu beach. Pretty rocken, eh?! Sun, sand and some killer surf made for a week that I will look back on with the best of memories. Oh and the pineapple... holy crap that stuff is to die for. Nothing better than a fresh picked pineapple under the hot Hawaiian sun!

Jordan indulges in an authentic Swiss Fondue

YHS
This was definitely an experience I shall never forget. Ever. I mean, how often does one get chosen to represent their country on the international scale at a competition amongst the most elite of their peers?! I could go on and on about this trip, but I already did over here on my other site...

Team UoGuelph (and Canada) after YHS in Barcelona

Spain
After rocking out in Switzerland the four of us from Guelph spent some time in Barcelona touring the many tourist/historic sites and eating the most unique and amazing food. Tapas is a concept I could get used to and the fresh seafood and cheap wine?! Simply devine. Although we spent three full days there, I would easily spend another 33...

Prof. McAdams during HTM Grad Formal 2011

Graduation
We haven't officially graduated yet, but that didn't stop us from holding a terrific grad formal last month. Good friends, a beautiful venue and a smoking hot date added up to one of the best times I've spent in a suit in a long time!

Oliver & Bonacini Mentorship
I am writing this post after having just returned from a week with O&B. I spent a day with the front of house teams at Jump, Biff's, Auberge du Pommier and Canoe, as well as a day with the kitchen staff of Auberge. It was a crazy week, running all over the place and learning so much, but I feel incredibly grateful to those who gave me this opportunity. Working with Will Predhomme, Sommelier of Canoe and learning from all the restaurant managers will be an asset that I will utilize on a daily basis in my chosen industry. A company whose culture seems to breed people who care is a terrific enterprise to work with. Oh, and the food? Boudin Noir, Venison stew, BC Sablefish, fresh made pasta... I could go on and on about how good it was, but then I would forget to describe the wines I drank... oh yeah, it was awesome!

So, as you can tell, the last while has been pretty incredible. I have grown SO much as a person that I can't even fathom how I made it through a day before this year. And the connections I have made through this past bit are ones I hope will last a lifetime. As I continue onwards I hope to update this more frequently, so stay tuned!

Below are more pictures of some of the crazy adventures...

I'm graduating!!! It's the end of an era!

Post-service at Amy and I's fine dining dinner. A huge success!

Driving to school... I guess my hands were cold.

Sexy couple? I think so! Grad Formal 2011!