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Gabriola, Life, Love, Random, Sketchup
Domicile doodles
08.31.09 | Permalink | Comment?

Today I woke up around 9:30, and got right to work on the drawing I stopped working on around 5:30am. That’s it above. It’s the house James is building as soon as he can (realistically next spring), complete with fireplaces and finishes. It took me less hours than I guesstimated, and turned out nicely. The drawings are for James to send to his engineers, so they can get an idea how much of the walls are glass, and see exactly how he pictures the finished product. I don’t think he’ll send the above one, because it’s a more artistic style, and since it’s for engineers, I think they’d want straight lines and shit like that. I’ll show him a couple different styles in the morning, and let him decide. Then I have to add a bunch of details (titles, compass, address) and convert them to .pdf for some reason.

After that, I get to watch as Jan and his son Mike raise the jig they constructed, with James’ design, so the students (who arrive this weekend I guess) have a brand new jig to play with. It was supposed to go up today, but things didn’t work out and everyone decided to try again in the morning. I’m hoping James doesn’t ask me to film the erection again, because I doubt it’s going to go smoothly. I asked Jan today how long it should take to set it up, he said “2 guys, 4 hours.”. They had 4 down there today for 6 hours, and decided to try again tomorrow, after failing to get even the first piece standing. I suppose prototypes don’t come with manuals though.

I got some other drawings done today also, including 2 with chainsaws! I’m back on the book now (BOOOOOOOOOOOORING), and I’m hoping having the classes here isn’t a distraction. However, I have considered claiming just that, as an excuse to go back to Ontario to finish the book. I’m hesitant to bring the subject of me leaving any time soon up, right after he paid me – I don’t want him thinking I’m bailing on the second half of the book now that I got paid (fuck that sounds tempting). It would be so nice to be back there right now though. Holly is going through all kinds of shit she shouldn’t have to, and I feel terrible that all I can do is listen over msn.

Here’s some more images of James’ house. I like it.
Gabriola, Life, Random, Sketchup
Contract confusion causes cobra chagrin
08.28.09 | Permalink | Comment?

Today has been frustrating and annoying. I woke up thinking everything was good in the world, only to have James inform me that he had been advised not to cut me any cheques. He had gotten an email stating that the publisher was under the impression the project was going to cost $1500 less than I quoted, and until they agreed to that, he should not be paying me.

After lengthy emails and numerous phone calls, I think we finally have things somewhat sorted out. I’d like to take this opportunity to point out how fucked up this entire situations is – I’ve done hundreds of hours of work on a project they’ve received and I haven’t been paid for, I continue to invest hundreds more hours in the remainder of the project, and they advise the guy who is paying me (according to them) not to give me shit until they get their asses in gear, and draft a contract between them. Then the girl who might be to blame for all this has the nerve to ask me about my deadline. Are you kidding me?? I have to take time out of my day to figure out what THEY should do to get me paid for work I’ve finished, and they’ve received!! I’m starving (financially) and I appear to be the only one doing anything, but also the only one not getting anything out of this.

I offered James his cheque back, or to not cash it until his contract is sorted out, but he said no. I feel bad because I’m sure if he thought I was financially stable, he’d have taken me up on the offer. Since he knows I’m broke, he feels bad and doesn’t want to deprive me of what I need. I should have kept that part to myself when I brought up needing to get paid for what I’ve done so far.

Somewhere in between all that, I managed to finish the floor plan for James’ house. That’s it up top, and it’s pretty cool in it’s original size. Now I have to do a 3d version of it so I can show some finished side elevations. Zack is cooking me pizza, and I’m listening to Holly vent about two people who are causing her a lot of grief, when they should be kissing her ass trying to display their gratitude.

Tomorrow I go to visit Michelle in Victoria, and possibly see my friend Cam, who I haven’t seen in probably 15 years or more. Hopefully I find some good pot in Victoria and can relax a little.
Gabriola, Life, Random
Cobra cash is coming
08.27.09 | Permalink | Comment?

This morning when I got up I packed up all my belongings and moved into the loft above the classroom. So long trailer, and whatever was living in your walls, I’m moving up in the world! The loft is a bit nicer so far, and I think I’ll like it here more, just based on the fact that I’ll have internet 24hours a day now – maybe now I can finally finish downloading all 3 seasons of Deadwood. I don’t know if I’ll like it up here once the classes start, but at this point I don’t have any other options, so I’ll go where I’m told.

As I was moving my last load over to the new pad, James said the 6 words I’ve dreaded since childhood – “I need to talk to you.”. I always assume I’m in trouble or forgot something I’m about to catch shit for. I think it’s because I was so bad as a kid, I always expected to be in shit whenever anyone said that. It turns out he actually had some good news for me. He had heard back from the publisher regarding my payment and contracts, and wanted to let me know that they had worked it all out. Basically, because he needs to retain the rights to his drawings, he will now be the one paying me, and then the publisher will pay him for the drawings. That makes it easier for contracts and shit I guess, but I don’t really care. I just want my money.

James said he’d cut me a cheque sometime in the next few days, so hopefully my money issues are laid to rest, even if it’s only temporarily. I’ll be getting a cheque for the first section, and then as soon as I finish the second section, I’ll get paid for it as well, plus a small bonus for doing the little extra work James has asked me to do for his house.

I also got a decent bag of pot this morning from a person I now love, and the hash was actually really good last night, so my habits are all taken care of for a little while. And as I said yesterday, I’m stocked for food, so I should be good for a week at least.

I also get to take a small break from the book, and do something that will be hopefully a bit more fun for now. First thing I have to do is recreate this drawing:

After I finish that floor plan, I need to do some finished elevations, and that should keep James’ engineer busy for a while.

Should be fun working on something different, in a different place.

That’s my new office, attached to my bedroom. pretty sweet huh? Now I just need to plaster the walls with hot pictures of Holly, and it will feel like home.

Oh, and speaking of homes, I was trying to think of all the places I’ve stayed in the last year, and it’s a pretty long list: my old house, Jon’s, Dave’s, Ryan and Amber’s, my parent’s, Dallas and Jenna’s, Holly’s, Jeff and Dawn’s, Dave Howe’s, the trailer, and now the loft.
Food, Gabriola, Life, Random
Cobra cuisine
08.26.09 | Permalink | 2 Comments

Today I got a couple drawings done in the morning, then I took a break and went with Ian (the guy who is basically James’ assistant) to the village. The grocery store had a sale on frozen pizzas (the kind i like even), so I bought 6 of them (they were 2 for $8, normally $6.99 each), some juice, and a small bag of mint chocolates from the bulk section. Then I picked blackberries at Silva Bay while Ian enjoyed a coffee and a chocolate bar. I’m glad there is free fruit here, otherwise I probably wouldn’t eat any at all (except what I stole from the ferry!).

When I came back I got another drawing done, then went to see about getting some good fucking pot finally. FAIL. On the bright side, I did get some hash (not sure if it’s good yet), and someone gave me a tiny nugget. And when I got back, James made me some fries! I hate fries (unless they’re curly), but I’ll take free food of any sort (meat excluded obviously) right now.

Here’s a picture of my new roommate.

I’m moving tomorrow morning (I haven’t told the roommate yet) then I’ll be spending all day working on drawings. Then I might spend a little time tomorrow night trying to get the Lego Factory software running on my machine. I found out about it the other day while Roan was showing me all the cool Lego sets he wants, and I thought it would be a cool thing to play around with. I’d love to recreate the Deathtruck using their software, then have them ship us a kit I could give him for Xmas. I know if I was a kid I’d think that was a cool gift, but who knows.

Time to go try this hash, and enjoy the fire Zack (my other roommate) built, then watch some dudes get hit in the face and go to bed.
Food, Gabriola, Life, Random
Cobras commit confectionary crimes
08.25.09 | Permalink | Comment?

While I was home I visited with a lot of people I haven’t had a chance to see in months/years/decades, and one of those people (SPK) gave me a great piece of advice for when I got back here. That advice was to pay the extra $10 on the ferries and get into the VIP area. He promised me reclining chairs, a quiet atmosphere, all you can eat snacks, coffee and tea, and a wireless internet connection. He was right on all counts but the Wi-Fi.

Normally when I take the ferry, I get a drink, and usually a slice of pizza (they have surprisingly good pizza for a boat bus) and it costs me close to $10, if not more. So today I figured I’d give it a shot, and hopefully I’d be able to chat with Holly the entire trip across. When I discovered there was no internet, I decided I’d better get my money’s worth out of the trip somehow.

Above is a picture of all the food I took back to my table, then wrapped in my napkins and put in my bag. Also pictured above is some pot this guy named Ray gave me.

I met Ray today on the Gabriola ferry. He asked if I was sleeping outside tonight (probably because I was carrying to big packs and a blanket with me) and I responded “Fuck no! I’m dreading just hitch hiking in this rain, I can’t imagine having to sleep in it.”. He then asked where I was headed, and said he’d gladly give me a ride if I didn’t mind waiting while he made a quick stop. After he made his stop, he handed me a joint and said “One for you, and one for me.”. I smoked the joint (first of the day) and we chatted about some stuff (mostly pot), and he told me he’s a mechanic in Nanaimo. He bought his land with cash years ago, and built his house without taking on any debt. We stopped at his house for a moment, and he came back with a handful of buds for me.

I love how nice everyone is here, and I hope that the fact that I’m pretty miserable about being here right now isn’t too obvious. I’m trying to stay positive, but I’m having a real hard time. At this point I’ve had enough of the lifestyle the island imposes on me currently. I’d much rather be back in Ontario working on a resume.
Fuck Microsoft, Life, Random
Cobras can’t stay in one place
08.25.09 | Permalink | 1 Comment

Holly dropped me at the airport yesterday morning with plenty of time to spare. I checked my bags, cleared security, then found a place to sit and play my PSP while I waited. As soon as I got on the plane I fell asleep. Occasionally I woke up slightly for a moment or two, but then I just fell right back asleep after adjusting a bit.

I got up and stayed up, at about 2000 miles into the journey. I was on a large plane (737), which always rocks, because I find the flight less bumpy, and the in-flight monitors actually have a working map system.

It may not seem so great, but I spent the entire remaining 200 miles of the flight playing around with it. I’ve only been on one other plane with a working map system. I don’t understand why they don’t all work – it’s a nice feature to have for someone with little patience like me.

It’s also perfect for people like me who are too inquisitve for their own good. It’s got tons of information about shit that most people probably don’t care about ever. But to me it was amazing to know what speed I was going and at what height.

When we finally landed, I went to wait for my bags, and Dave was there to meet me. On our way out of the airport I saw a familiar site, in an unexpected location:

The only thing that is certain in life is Microsoft’s ability fail.
Life, Love, Random
H is for how hard it is to leave
08.23.09 | Permalink | 2 Comments

I leave in about 7 hours to go back out west. I’m all packed (with the exception of my computer, which I’m using at the moment, and my toothbrush) and Holly is sleeping next to me. I wish I wasn’t going back out there right now. It would be nice to finish the book from here, but I know it will be better if I’m there. I think James prefers it as well, but I know Holly hates it. I wish I didn’t have to go so soon. We were so busy the entire time I was here, we barely got to just hang out and enjoy life together.

Hopefully I can get this thing finished by October 7th, otherwise it’s going to mean one of a couple things, all of which would suck.
Life, Love, Random
Cobras attend covert weddings
08.23.09 | Permalink | Comment?

Yesterday was Ryan and Amber’s wedding at the AGO. It was an unauthorized get together, so the ceremony was very quick, and very quiet. Both the bride and groom looked fantastic.

In the morning Holly and I were getting ready, and she offered to iron my outfit for me. She got through one pant leg fine, and then the second one burned the second the iron touched it. I thought she was joking when she gasped and said she’d buy me a new pair of pants – I had asked her to read the pant label a moment earlier, and she gave me the “it’s not my first time ironing, thanks”, so I assume she was just being a smart ass. My pants melted and turned to a pile of plastic fused to her iron.

We left to get Margaret, and on the way stopped at Holly’s brother’s house, for his daughter’s birthday. When we got to Margie’s, she greeted me once again with a huge hug, and a bag of goodies. It rained so much on the QEW Holly had to drive with the 4-ways on most of the trip. When we got into Toronto, the rain was gone, and we found a parking spot right outside our old place on John St. We walked down to MEC to replace my pants, then headed to the AGO to meet everyone inside for the “guerrilla wedding”. We ended up bumping into Ambers friend Siobhan and her family. Her husband had found 6 tickets outside, and gave us 3 so we didn’t have to pay.

We waltzed past security and headed up to the second floor where the wedding was “planned” to be. I spotted Ryan immediately and we stopped him to say hi. I asked how he was doing and if he was nervous, he said he wasn’t, but was extremely excited. Then we mentioned that we saw Amber downstairs, and he said with a ton of relief “Oh thank god.” – not nervous huh?

Everyone gathered in an enormous hall along Dundas St. that was full of incredible pieces of wooden art. I felt guilty looking at some of the stuff since I was there to see Ryan and Amber, but I had to deflect security guards at the midpoint of their vows, so I got to ask some questions. Unfortunately the guard didn’t know much, but did proceed to tell me he’d love to be getting high when I asked where the closest place to have a smoke would be (still trying to stall him from reaching the unauthorized wedding 50′ away).

After they said their vows and had their first kiss, everyone followed them out to the front of the AGO where their friend was waiting with an antique rickshaw. He drove them all the way back to Cabbage Town on 3 flat tires.

Holly, Margie and I, went with Dave Daniels and his wife Mel, to some restaurant for food and some drinks. Then we gathered back at Ryan and Amber’s place for champagne and finger foods with everyone else. Monty was there, and I took a bunch of pictures of him. I saw loads of people I met while living in Toronto, and haven’t seen since. I smoked a ton of weed with Ryan and Amber, and most of Amber’s family, then the party moved over to Jet Fuel (a coffee place in their neighbourhood). We hung out for a bit, witnessed a demon child in her glory, smoked a bunch more weed, then got ice cream and headed home.

Congratulations Ryan and Amber, I hope you have a great time in Jamaica, and I look forward to being back here soon to hang out with the new O’Brien’s
Food, Gaming, Life, Love, Sketchup
Remember, you’re Johny Cobra
08.21.09 | Permalink | Comment?

I just got back from Jade Sushi (or Sushi Jade, I’m not sure), and I’m full, and I’m never going back there. The food was good, but the servers were crap, and there was a difficult time figuring out what was vegetarian and what wasn’t. I did try deep fried milk for the first time, and I really enjoyed it.

Yesterday Holly dropped me at my mum’s early in the morning (6:30am) before her regular Thursday morning breakfast meeting. I wanted to spend the day with her since it was her birthday, but my social life (which I have sort of missed on the island recently) sort of got in the way. My mum left to take my dad to work, and I went online to write some blog stuff. Shannen messaged me and asked if I’d like to come meet her new tortie kitten. That’s pretty much a question no one ever needs to ask me – I will always answer yes with a giddy smile. She came and got me and we hung out for a bit while her kitty (Ginger) made a meal out of my fingers.

Shannen dropped me back at my mum’s and we decided to play some video games. I attempted to play some Pixeljunk Eden with her, but I think the controls in that game, although simple, are tricky to master when playing two player (especially for the first time). We didn’t get too far into it before my friend Natasha stopped by, and her and I went for a coffee.

When I got back my mum and I decided to play some more games. I busted out my 360 and we played some Puzzle Fighter. I tried to let my mum win a couple, but I’m not good at it. Even when I tried to kill myself, I ended up making huge combos and winning. After winning 6 games in a row, we moved on to 3D Ultra Mini-golf. I finished with a +3 I think, and my mum a +13. At that point my mum went to get my dad, and I played the Turtles in Time demo I downloaded. That was one of my all time favourite SNES games, and when I heard they were making an HD version I knew I’d love it. I bought it when my brother got home and we played for a bit. I can’t wait to have enough time to finish that game. The Technodrome should look amazing. And Super Shredder, ZOMG!

We had pizza and cheesecake when Holly got there, then an insane storm started. There were tornadoes in Vaughn and warnings of more for all around the area. We drove home through crazy rain, and constant lightning, then when we got back here Holly felt like shit.

Above is a tank I made for Roan. We have to do more work on it, but I’m having severe issues with my computer here at Holly’s. It’s too hot and too moist or something. It freezes every 5 minutes. It was doing that before when I was here, but didn’t do it once while I was on the island. The first time I used it when I got back here, it froze. Now every time, it freezes. I’ve decided not to use it, so I’m doing this update with Gage’s laptop. Thanks Gage.
Random, Sketchup
Deathtruck, Lovebike
08.20.09 | Permalink | Comment?

Yesterday Roan asked me to play lego and build something cool with him. I suggested instead, we build something in Sketchup. I did the clicking, he told me what he wanted. After about an hour we had what you see above. Roan decided Deathtruck would be a good name for our creation. We still have a little work to do, before we can colour it. Roan needs dual flame throwers mounted on the fenders, and then perhaps we’ll add an interior to the truck. We’ll see.

I also recently made this penny farthing, and I love it. It’s for something special, and hopefully the person it’s for gets it and likes it.