Rain, Rain and more Rain

The summer weather in Calgary has been very interesting this year. It's been a mix of rain, snow (hail) and little sunshine. I been telling people that it's the same as living in Vancouver, Canada during the winter time.

To fuel my curiosity on how bad it has been, I have found this summer's weather statistics:

Check out the average temperature for the month of June, July and August. Now that's cold for summer time....

Bush coming to Calgary?

What?

You got to be kidding... Our beloved most screwed up ex-president from United States of American will be arriving in Calgary next to give a speech about his ups and downs through out his presidency. I really don't expect to see a warm welcome and native Calgarians fork out the money to listen to his ramblings...

Here is a funny article from the CBC website:

Protesters prepare for Bush's Calgary speech

Peace activists in Calgary are preparing a less than warm welcome for George W. Bush, who will be at a private function next week delivering one of his first speeches since leaving the White House.

A coalition calling itself People vs. Bush has planned a week of protest activities, starting Wednesday at noon with a banner display near the downtown Telus Convention Centre, where Bush is set to speak next week "on eight momentous years in the Oval Office" and "the challenges facing the world in the 21st century."

Group spokeswoman Collette Lemieux said the activists will come from as far away as Vancouver and Toronto to participate.

"I think a lot of people are really motivated by the idea that we have to make it really clear to him that he's not off the hook," she said. "I think it's important to people who think that he has committed war crimes to not just let this go by the wayside."

The group plans to hold a mock war crimes trial for Bush this weekend and stage a peaceful rally outside his speech next Tuesday. Lemieux is asking those who can't participate to send their shoes for a symbolic protest echoing the Iraqi journalist who threw his footwear at Bush.

An estimated 1,500 people are expected at the invitation-only, paid event to hear Bush. Organizers Andy McCreath and Christian Darbyshire reportedly paid former U.S. president Bill Clinton $150,000 for a March 2006 speech in Edmonton, and have hired Lance Armstrong and Colin Powell for other high-profile speaking engagements in the past.

Source: CBC.ca

Aaron Gerhard Niedergesaess

A very close friend of my baby brother passed away in a car accident last Tuesday and I personally knew Aaron from the Calgary Hilltopper football days. His funeral was a very sad one as he will be greatly missed by many. I have included his Obituary here for your reading...

March 12, 1987 - September 30, 2008 Aaron Niedergesaess of Calgary passed away suddenly in a motor vehicle accident on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at the age of 21 years. Aaron touched the lives of many with his open, enthusiastic nature and his big heart. He was an avid athlete who excelled in anything he tried. In 2006, he helped the Vancouver Island Raiders win the Canadian Junior Championship. Aaron will be lovingly remembered by his daughter "baby girl" Giselle; soulmate Jenine Gilbertson; parents Margaret and Ernst Niedergesaess; brother Marc (Rachel) Niedergesaess; sisters, Kirsten (Mike) Petersen and Eve Niedergesaess; grandfather Paul Babchishin; nephews, Michael and Jesse; nieces, Kate and Anna; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends. Funeral Services at Centre Street Church (3900 - 2 Street N.E.) on Saturday, October 4, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen's Park Cemetery. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com . Donations can be made for Aaron's daughter, payable to Donna Babchishin and/or Sarah Anderson (in Trust for Giselle Niedergesaess) or at any TD Canada Trust branch. In living memory of Aaron Niedergesaess, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH. Telephone: 403-276-2296.

Marathon of Hope

Sunday morning of September 14th, I woke up at 8:00 am ready and was excited to run in the annual Terry fox Marathon of Hope. After jumping out of bed, I had a quick shower and put on my favorite running shorts & shirt and headed into the kitchen for a bowl of rice crispy cereal and a few bananas.

After feeling the energy from breakfast, I quickly called my friend Paul Chan from my work and to see if he was alright from arriving into Calgary from Los Angeles last night. After several calls and Blackberry text messages, he was not up.

I assembled my sports gear, went out to the car and headed downtown as we were required to complete the pre-event registration. On the way, I made another phone call to Paul and could tell that he was still not up. "I wonder what happened... Did he make it back in time?" Questions I asked myself.

Finally I found a great parking spot near the intersection of 4th avenue & third street. I decided to call Paul again to let him know that I was close to Eau Claire and ready to rock and roll. Finally I heard the tired voice answered on the other end. He did not get to sleep until 1:30 am and he realized himself that he better hustle and start driving downtown.

Walking into the Eau Claire Shopping center, I completed my registration and waited for Paul to show up. After 30 minutes later, he arrived and we finalized our pre-event tasks together and went outside to the starting line. A quick glance around the starting gate area, I was surprised at the vast number of participants that were ready to take on the 10 KM challenge raising funds for the Terry Fox Cancer Foundation.

A few minutes later after a few leg stretches, the event organizer started his count down and we were off!!!! Since I have not done 10 km for a long time, I decided to take it easy and get myself into a comfortable pace. I was not in this for the time, I was not in this for the competition, I was not in this for attention, I was simply in this because deep inside I wanted to support the ongoing charity and at the same time keep my body in shape. I did one in Vietnam so I knew exactly what I was getting myself into.

The run itself was not bad at all, it was a beautiful day with the bright sunshine over us and very little wind coming from the north. We covered the distance along the south side of the Bow River from Eau Claire all the way to Edworthy park and ventured back on the north side of the river pathways. Half way through the run, we ran into my boss from work and hung out for 20 minutes before he had to slow down.

At the end, after running through Price Island we finally passed the finish line taking 50 minutes. We did not have any watches on us however a media crewman filming at the finish line told us the time and we were both shocked that we did it in 50 minutes.

After we waited for my boss to finish the run, the three of us hung out and had a few snacks to eat and listed to the local post-run events. Music, the smell of BBQ hot dogs, Terry Fox souvenirs, and the history of the Marathon of Hope filled the atmosphere. After waving good bye to my boss, Paul and I headed to Chinatown for a big Asian lunch and reflected on the last two hours.

Saying good bye to Paul after our lunch, I walked back to the car and the first thing I did was called someone very special in my life and said:

"Dad, I finished the 10KM run here in Calgary and I want to dedicate this day to you after knowing the hardships you been through"... I could not finish the phone call as my tears and emotions were overwhelming...

Terry Fox Run

Since I have done one race in Hanoi, Vietnam, I have decided that I will run the 10 KM race in Eau Claire and raise money for the Terry Fox Cancer Foundation. The race will be on Sunday September 14th and it should take no more than a couple of hours.

For those who want to pledge for me, please send me an email and I will put you on the pledge sheet.

Return to Canada

The trip to Canada was long as the airplane flight from Hong Kong to Vancouver was over 14 hours long. Moon was thrilled at the fact that she never been off the Asia Continent so it was nice to see her joyful face as she looks into the unknown.

Arriving into Vancouver was pleasant for me as it was like my second home. I been flying for a long time so the Vancouver Airport has become a common place for me to pass through. The buildings, the Queen Charlotte Island architecture, and the fresh brew of Starbucks fills the atmosphere. For Moon, it was like another world to her as the speed of life, industrialization and the sounds of english language greeted her as she stepped off the Cathay Pacific 747.

Meeting the Canadian Immigration officer was an interesting story and nervous threat to our welcoming into Canada. I made the mistake of adding Moon to my arrival immigration card as I thought she can be labeled on the same card as we are staying together in the same household in Calgary. Officer Chris (remembered from the name tag) drilled us with questions in a direct rude like matter:

1. "Where are you from sir?"
2. "Where are you from Madam?"
3. "What are you guys doing here?"
4. "How did you guys meet?"
5. "How long are you planning to stay in Canada?"

After dealing with these questions, I quietly let Moon know that they are just doing their job and they are SOOOO much more nicer than their American Counterparts.

After our quick 1.5 hour flight from Vancouver to Calgary, we had to wait for about 45 minutes until my mother arrived at the Airport. When I saw her, I began to cry as I have not seen her for years. The last time I went to Canada was in July of 2005 which makes it almost 1 1/2 years since I step in my own country. Such a long time indeed! We cried for a long time and eventually Moon and my mother's best friend joined us for a 4 way welcoming greeting hug!

It's so nice to be home again...