Thank You Dr. Randy Pausch

Randy Pausch, Oct 23, 1960 – Jul 25, 2008

"Cancer didn't change me at all. I know lots of people talk about the life revelation. I didn't have that. I always thought every day was a gift, but now I am looking for where to send the thank you note."

Dr. Randy Pausch’s message gave my family a perspective from which to begin solidifying our own dreams and goals. We were inspired to record our dreams, list our short and long term goals and to even start a "bucket list" that we have begun working on fulfilling, right away (because, well, why wait?).

Today I feel that is I who overwhelmingly needs to "send a thank you note" to Dr. Pausch. In just one year, he has had an amazing impact on our lives. If I could, I would say thank you for reminding us that we can and should dream big, that we can always work for what we want, that good things will come our way if we remember to live our lives the right way and, especially, thank you for showing us that true grace, happiness and bravery is within us all.

People like Dr. Pausch appear to be rare, yet he taught us that we are all just like him. And he made us believe it. In a world full of all sorts of people wanting to cram their advice and opinions down our throats – Dr. Pausch's enduring gift to us really was, simply, faith in ourselves.

Goodspeed, Dr. Pausch. And Thank You.

An Enduring Legacy (CMU)

Spectacular Summer Sunset

We get some amazing sunsets here in Edmonton in the summer but not often are they so deeply vibrant. This sunset in particular has had people talking for days, and I was lucky enough to have the camera in hand to capture the most vivid moment of the evening.

Adventures at the Dog Park

Good Dog!

Having a car has dramatically increased our dog's quality of life - Luna loves the freedom of running around off leash at the dog park. So many dogs to meet, so many trails to explore and so many things to smell; I think she thinks it is more like dog heaven then a mere park!

I have to admit that while enjoying the sun, the silence of trees away from the roads, the gentle breeze and the sounds of the river I felt more relaxed than I have for a long time. I've been looking for a place like this to get away to, away from the noise and bustle of everyday city life. It's great that this is close and the dog can come too!

15 Years Ago Today I Was 21

... and giving birth to my firstborn child - a lovely, happy bouncing baby boy weighing in at 7lbs 10.5 ounces. He was 21.5 inches long and fit in the crook of my arm. A lot changes in 15 years!

Like I think I am shrinking!

Happy birthday Wesley! I know you'll rock your 15th year in style!

The New Car...

Left Me Wanting...

We saw "Wanted" last night. I still feel assaulted by this movie, and have a few thoughts to share.

First, when trying to entice an audience into suspension of disbelief you need to build into the plot something we like to call believability – that’s an element that you can't replace with special effects. Second, plot is usually developed in movies to allow the actors to act. Good actors can't carry a bad movie, try as they might.

It's true that the movie itself doesn't really aspire or claim to be anything great, and I'll confess that my expectations were high so disappointment might have been inevitable; but too many times in this movie I had my head in my hands wishing for it to be over. It's been a really long time since I've been in a movie where people have walked out (starting just over half way through) and I wish I had left when Duncan asked me to.

Read the end of the Wanted Wikipedia entry for the "Critical Reception" before you go see it and you'll have a valid frame of reference for watching this movie. However, I recommend giving it a pass.

Our Fourth Wedding Anniversary!

2004 - Wedding in Edmonton, Alberta

2005 - Niagara Falls, Ontario

2006 - Washington DC, USA

2007 - Hoover Dam, USA

2008 - Florida, USA

It's been four years full of fun, adventures, laughter, love and friendship!

Happy Wedding Anniversary Duncan! I'm so glad that you are a part of my life!

Yes, I am a Geek

And I think this might be the only time I have been really (consciously) involved in setting a world record. According to Firefox they had 8,002,530 downloads of the new Firefox in 24 hours.

If you missed your chance to download the newest version of Firefox with the rest of us cool kids, you can still get it here.

Strong and Free

Happy Canada Day!

We spent Canada at the Alberta Legislature grounds, with almost every other Edmontonian. The weather was gorgeous, the grounds were beautiful and people were happy - couldn't ask for a better birthday Canada!