Month: December 2019

The 2010’s

Posted on by Josef Havelka

Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual. ~ Mark Twain

Here’s some highlights of my life, with photos from those crazy 2010’s. Lots of family, travel and experiences. Mind you, I’m only sharing all the greatest hits. We’ve had plenty of mundane days and a few bad ones along the way. But I’d much rather look back on our fun!

2019

Axe throwing, weekend away, Calgary, kayaks, Queen

2018

Tokyo, Tubing, a new driver, Disneyland Again!

2017

Road trips, camping, Becoming a Jedi

2016

Silicon Valley and our first taste of VR, Disneyland again for the 60th anniversary, 15 years of marriage, Career change, Rainbow hair

2015

Ningen Headwear studio, More Cosplay and hanging artwork from conventions, New roof, Our oldest entered high school, Driving in the desert

2014

Hawaii, Jem cosplay, Disneyland again

2013

Felicia Day Emerald City, Lex joining our family, Voodoo donuts

2012

Disneyland Halloween

2011

Center of the Universe with my son, Tenth anniversary

2010

Conductor on a Steam Train, Disneyland Halloween, an interest in Speedskating began.

I’m happy that I’ve had such wonderful experiences with my family. Seeing the kids grow up over the years is heartwarming. I hope you had a great run during the 2010’s. And here’s to the Roaring 20’s starting once more!

Bailey’s Blues

Posted on by Josef Havelka

I’m going to start this off by saying, I’m not an alcoholic. Now for some background into that statement.

Yes, I do enjoy having beer, wine and other spirits. I have shared plenty of stories of my journeys to a variety of breweries and distilleries. I also go long periods without a drop. I don’t tend to buy a lot of hard liquor or flavored liqueurs. Most often is around Christmas time to share with family and friends.

I pick up a bottle of Bailey’s Irish Cream every year. For the past few years it has been coming with a free mug that we have been gifting to our daughter- and she loves them. In fact, she gets upset if anyone else uses one. So her brother and sister know to stay clear of those mugs, as do my wife and I. I look at it as buying a $20 mug and getting a free bottle of Bailey’s.

This year, for whatever reason, my best friend has been gifting me a bottle of Bailey’s every time he comes out. And every time he comes over- the bottle keep getting bigger. We received one in July, one in October and another in December. Plus the one we pick up in order to get the mug- that adds up to a ton of Irish Cream. Basically the large one he brought us last week and the one I picked up are still full.

If I keep adding it to my morning coffee, I’m going to become immune to the effects and start increasing the doses until there’s no more coffee in my mug. How do I ask my friend to stop bringing me such a tasty beverage without sounding ungrateful?

Or rather, how do I convince him that next time he should bring Kahlua?

Rich and Egg-citing Foods

Posted on by Josef Havelka

The winter season is all about food. Yesterday I mentioned Leftovers and previously I wrote about Christmas Baking. But there are other rich foods that I love and only enjoy this time of year.

Egg Nog.

The thick, sweet, dairy product that makes me feel bloated with joy. As an adult I have moved on from adding dark rum to this beverage. Now I mix it with Fireball or Gingerbread Rum. It makes my insides feel like I’m getting tipsy on what Christmas should taste like.

Deviled Eggs

Oh my. I could eat a plate of these little creamed yoke treats. But my brain knows that my body would be unhappy afterwards. So one, maybe two, are enjoyed. A simple delicacy that was often found at picnics or potlucks of the 70’s and 80’s. Now they dawn our table at Christmas. Our son made these ones and they turned out delicious- as always.

What rich foods to you over indulge with over Christmas?

Holiday Leftovers

Posted on by Josef Havelka

We enjoyed a variety of food over the Winter Solstice, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day that we do not need to prepare meals for the next few days.

Half of our fridge is filled with storage containers of a variety of foods. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cheeses, meats, desserts and all of the other sides that went with the meals. If the kids get hungry- they can mix and match the leftovers.

Yesterday and today I’ve been working on a turkey soup as well. Boiling the remainder of meat off the bones. It has created an excellent aroma in our home that adds a coziness to our castle. That’s tomorrow night’s lunch/dinner. Later today we will make what we call “Turkey Slop”. Mashed potatoes, gravy and turkey meat all mixed together in a pot. I cannot wait to enjoy it this evening.

Did you make an abundance of food over the holidays? Do you enjoy leftovers as well? Let me know in the comments what you do with your turkey leftovers.

That’s Mine!

Posted on by Josef Havelka

Seeing my name on the gifts that my family gave me this Christmas made me feel very loved. Knowing that they took the time to purchase or make the gifts they felt were in my best interest was very kind of them.

As much as I think that Christmas is for our children, I still enjoy opening gifts. The anticipation and surprise that is associated with gift giving appeals to me. Giving and receiving has its emotional benefits.

We may not have gotten spoiled this year with an abundance of presents, but we did have a great time sharing with one another. Seeing the joy in my children as I unwrapped their gifts to me was almost better than the joy I saw when they unwrapped their gifts from my wife and I.

Maybe this is the dawning of a new way of gifting to one another. More joy being shared instead of just stuff. My hope is that our children feel it is better to give than receive. I think my wife and I have done a good job raising kind and caring young adults. That’s the gift that keeps on giving.

2019 Good Gift of Christmas

Posted on by Josef Havelka

Yesterday morning was our calmest Christmas ever. The kids were still just as excited as ever and emotions stayed on the happy side of the spectrum.

Unwrapping of the gifts went smoothly and we shared with one another what Santa brought. Some clothes, a few toys, and gadgets that the kids (and me) wanted. It was a successful Christmas.

Not every Christmas can be knocked out of the park like we have in the past. Like last year’s Video Games , Tokyo Trip 2017, or 2016’s Musical Instruments. This year and going into next year has us on a tighter budget as our kids have many activities and travel expenses coming.

Because our kids are teenagers now, they have a better understanding of reality than they did as kids. We still celebrated and hung out playing video games and watching some Disney Classics like “Flight of the Navigator” and “The Computer Who Wore Tennis Shoes.” Spending time together was my favorite gift.

It was a good day

It’s Christmas Time

Posted on by Josef Havelka

Last night our son wanted to help with dinner, so I had him make pretty much all of it. And it turned out delicious. We made schnitzel together. It was the first time he has helped to make it.

It’s the dinner I had every Christmas Eve growing up. I’m not sure why, but schnitzel at Christmas always tastes better than schnitzel any other time. Last night was even tastier because of it being made by our thirteen year old.

Carrying on traditions and engaging our children in them makes me happy. We have many other traditions that we keep up with. But this dinner is my favorite.

What do you have for dinner at Christmas? Have you shared with your children how to prepare and cook meals? Let me know in the comments.

And Merry Christmas to one and all!

Christmas Eve 2019

Posted on by Josef Havelka

Ah Christmas Eve Day. There’s last minute shopping, plans for dinner and tomorrow’s morning rituals. Is it worthwhile? I like to think so.

I plan on finishing my day at work, drive home a bit more cautiously than usual and relax to some Christmas music. I’ll get home and listen to some more Christmas music while I make dinner with my wife. We will probably play a video game or watch a film as a family before retiring for the night.

My calm evening will lead into a calm day. I am appreciative of all the preparations that my family has done ahead of time to make Christmas go smoothly. Sometimes the expectations are too high. Not every Christmas can get knocked out of the park. I guess we shall see what tomorrow brings.

Have a great evening with family and friends!

Orange You Glad?

Posted on by Josef Havelka

When you’re happy- it’s good to share some smiles with the world. On Saturday our daughter decided to mark up our mandarin oranges with some attitude.

I take two of the oranges with me to work each day. To be honest, this actually brightens my days more than I expected. Our daughter shared the picture on her Instagram and her friends loved it as well.

Sometimes a simple gesture or a bit of fun can make people happy. Orange you glad I shared this image today?

Winter Solstice 2019

Posted on by Josef Havelka

Being an Atheist is easy. I follow the universe in the endless adventures bestowed upon it. Science explains so much of what is happening out there that it all seems so simple in the end.

Science, and the world around us, is full of wonder. It’s also full of obviousness. One of which is The Solstice. We celebrate the Winter Solstice every year at our home. I invite family, friends, and coworkers out for a feast and some drinks. We celebrate the longest day of the year which suffers the least amount of sunlight.

It’s the day that crests into the steadying of daylight hours. All of the days following shall feel longer. Until we reach the apex of the Summer Solstice.

Whether you celebrate the Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah or any other sort of tradition this winter- I hope you spend it with those who you care about and who care about you in return.

Local Beers

Posted on by Josef Havelka

As I have mentioned numerous times before- I love to shop local and support small businesses. If you live in Langley, BC I recommend you follow Tourism Langley on Instagram. They are always out there sharing great moments in our little neck of the Fraser Valley.

Yesterday they shared this picture. Langley grew over the past year adding four more breweries to their name. Previously it was only Dead Frog and Trading Post that graced us with craft beers.

I was excited to hear about the other breweries that opened This Year, that I went out and filled some growlers to share tonight. We have a few friends and coworkers stopping by for the Winter Solstice. And what goes great with food and friends? Sharing beers. I picked up samples from Dead Frog, Trading Post, 5 Roads, and Farm Country. I’m excited to try them and share with everyone.

Hopefully the beers I grabbed taste as good as their names sounded. We shall find out tonight.

Christmas Vacation 2019

Posted on by Josef Havelka

Today the kids start their winter break away from school. And as we do every year- we start it with a viewing of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation“. A classic film filled with perfect comedic timing. Also some wicked quotes that you can say and everyone knows where it’s from.

At least our Christmas Vacation is different than what the film portrays.

Today we announced to the kids that they are only going to be allowed thirty minutes each day on their phones. As well, if they want to play video games or watch tv it has be to with at least one other person. They are going to spend quality time together!

If you have kids- I hope that you have a great Christmas Vacation with them. It’s all about those family memories and creating traditions that will last a lifetime.

More Christmas Cookie Baking

Posted on by Josef Havelka

My wife turned me on to a wonderful tradition- baking cookies for Christmas. I bake a variety of cookies throughout December. The problem is that the cookies I baked two weeks ago are all gone. Now it’s time to buckle down and bake more for the winter break.

When my wife and I first met, we didn’t have a lot of money to spend on gifts for family and friends. So baking cookies, handmade candles, cards, and ornaments was a good way to show we cared. Crafting and baking was also a fantastic way to get some quality time.

Now, years later, I bake solo for the most part during this time of year. I’ve had the kids help periodically, but our weekends and evenings are filled up with activities. I bake during my days off with some Christmas tunes playing. I have a pleasurable time dancing around the kitchen.

I want to share one of my favorite recipes with you. No, it’s not Wookiee Cookies, even though they are top notch! I want to share one of the most basic recipes ever that is from a cookbook from 1979. I received the book in 1980 or 1981 and I’ve made these Peanut Butter cookies ever since. Only once did they turn out awful. That was a mix of the peanut butter I used (don’t use crunchy!) and the fact that I thought making them bigger would make them tastier. I was about 10 years old at the time- bigger should’ve meant better, right?

Here is the recipe:

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1 cup regular sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Preheat oven to 350°
  • In large bowl mix shortening and peanut butter. Add both kids of sugar, stir until mixed. Then stir in eggs and vanilla. Mix throughly.
  • In a separate bowl mix flour, baking soda, and salt. Then mix all ingredients together.
  • Form dough into small balls on an ungreased cookie sheet. Gently flatten with a fork to create a “hashtag”.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes. Makes 3 dozen cookies.

    • An optional change I have made is adding a cup of Reese’s peanut butter chips into the mix. The chips don’t melt and really bring out more peanut butter flavor to them.

    Enjoy this recipe! I’m now onto making those Wookiee Cookies and moist ginger snaps. Maybe I’ll share those recipes at a later date.

    Morning Poop

    Posted on by Josef Havelka

    I’m writing today’s blog while sitting on the toilet this morning with my phone in my hand. It’s a regular routine. Usually I just scroll through Instagram or play some Sudoku while I wait…

    Wait for my morning poop. That regularity which happens every morning after my second cup of coffee. Like a giant weight is lifted to start my day. Usually as I sit here I clear my mind.

    A physical and mental emptiness to be filled up with the day’s activities. Coffee makes me more alert and energized as well.

    And now it’s time to bring on the day.

    One Week Remains

    Posted on by Josef Havelka

    It’s getting down to crunch time! Only one shopping week remains to get that special gift for your special someone. Unless you are in a perfect relationship like I am- where my wife said to me, “You don’t have to get me anything for Christmas.”

    That is not what I wanted to hear. I’m fairly certain that she’s lying. I’m no good at guessing games. So if she dropped hints all year long- its likely that I missed them.

    My wife did however buy herself a few items and give them to me to wrap. I guess not knowing which gift is inside which wrap is good enough? At this stage in life, one may as well buy what they want and gift it to themselves. That way you’re not disappointed and display “Present Face” for those not-so-amazing gifts.

    In the past I’ve bought her jewelry she doesn’t wear and craft supplies she doesn’t use. I’ve even picked up kitchen knives and dishes in the past. These are more for everyone, but I throw her name on them so she has something to unwrap.

    Yup, Christmas gift giving to my wife has me turning into a husband cliché. I’m not sure how to break the cycle. Maybe one Christmas I’ll nail it. Until then, I wonder how late Walmart is open?

    Dream Work…

    Posted on by Josef Havelka

    I have a coworker who repeatedly says, “Dream work makes the team work.” Or she’ll say “One team, one dream.” Both are very positive mantras even if she is half heartedly saying them. I like to try and instill the second phrase a bit more when I’m at work though.

    And that’s tough because of so many variables. Working for a railroad is like being a big part of a machine. There are so many moving pieces- literally. As well, behind the scenes there are pulleys and levers to make those machines move. Some days we are a well oiled machine. Other days it’s organized chaos.

    Last night I was dreaming about work. Nothing crazy or nightmarish. Just work. As if I was there. Now I’m awake and heading off to work again. Does that mean I have a Dream Job? Or am I doing what so many people say–

    Am I living the Dream?

    Staff Christmas Party

    Posted on by Josef Havelka

    Last night my wife and I attended my work Christmas Party at my boss’s home. After a long day of watching our son at Speed Skating, it was nice to get out and socialize. And my coworkers enjoy socializing!

    I’m the kind of person who generally gets things going at various events- be it a wedding or party. I don’t mean getting out of hand and crazy. I mean I’m usually the first one at the food table gathering nun-nums and starting the conversation of what foods I tried. Last night was no exception. I also tend to place myself down in a good spot that many people “stop by” and strike up conversations.

    As the evening progressed, everyone let loose a bit more. A couple coworkers cleared off the dining room table for a beer pong tournament, while others shared some of their more fancier alcohols. Music, jokes and great conversations were happening. I had to cut my evening short about three hours in. It was already a long day, plus I had to be up early for work. My coworkers were getting up to some shenanigans and I’m sure some fun stories will be shared at the water cooler this week.

    Working with a hangover is for the young these days. I haven’t wanted to push my limits lately as there are already plenty of stories of my insobriety out there. Even my kids have a few.

    As we left, I thanked our hosts for the hospitality. My boss’s wife is quite amazing at cooking and baking it seems. There was a lovely spread of appetizers and treats laid out. As we were leaving, I asked for her recipe on how she made the doughnuts. She mentioned that it’s on her blog in which I follow. Honestly, I didn’t know that I followed her specifically, because I enjoy a variety of blogs. But there she was, and her first blog post- Doughnuts! I may have to try my hand at deep frying something beyond savory goodies one day.

    Just a friendly reminder- If you are out at holiday parties please make sure you have a safe ride home. As embarrassing as being a bit tipsy may be the next day, having a “next day” is more important.

    BC Cup Richmond

    Posted on by Josef Havelka

    Last month we were in Prince George for Part One of BC Cup. Today is Part Two in Richmond. Another early morning of skating for our son.

    If our son does okay at today’s meet, he will make Provincials without hesitation. He is currently in 4th of approximately 20 kids in his age range. He needs to remain in the top 12 in order to compete at Provincials. No pressure.

    Maybe a little pressure- but most of it is a pressure he puts on himself. My wife and I support Theory and travel with him to a variety of locations. As long as he is pushing himself and striving to be better, I am happy to wake up early and travel to the coldest parts of Canada in pursuit of his goals.

    He has skated here in Richmond previously, so he knows the ice. He’s also spent the past few years skating against many of the same skaters, so he is starting to understand their abilities vs his. But we are also here to cheer on every skater. These other families who travel, like we do, have become a friendly reminder of how much encouragement is out there for this sport.

    108,000 Kilometers

    Posted on by Josef Havelka

    I’ve owned my 2016 Nissan Rogue for exactly three years. I bought it the day I took a promotion and became a supervisor at my work: Changing It Up. The car received its regular oil change today. I also had the brake fluid flushed. My vehicle hasn’t required anything major considering I have put on 108,000 Kilometers on it since new. The service department was surprised by two things.

    First, that I haven’t had to change my brakes. They told me that most people get new brakes between 50-60,000 Kilometers. Mine are on the verge of needing replacement, but can wait until the new year. The service department said I must be really gentle on my brakes. Um… not really, but I guess the vehicle tells a different story.

    Secondly is my tires. They still have quite a bit of life to them. The tires came with the vehicle and are stock as well. Nowhere near high performance or high mileage quality. I’ll probably get some all-season tires in the Springtime. No need to fork over money for winter tires at this time either.

    All in all I will say that my Nissan Rogue has been a great vehicle. “Five out of five stars- Would Buy Again.”

    I did however forget to put insurance on it again this year. I noticed as I left the dealership that it expired yesterday. Oops. Time to get that rectified immediately. Wouldn’t want to have my car not taken care of since it’s been taking care of me for three years without complaint.

    Sisters Forever

    Posted on by Josef Havelka

    A couple of years ago we discovered the joy of Andrews Sisters Jing-a-Ling on a drive home from the school. Our daughters enjoy the song and love to sing with it. It has become a staple in our Christmas music playing.

    Our two girls seem to always get along this time of year. Last week when we were decorating, the two of them were loving and caring. Hugs and silliness abound. Seeing them get along like this warms my heart.

    I know that over the next few years life will change. Our teenagers will become adults. They will grow up and move on in their own ways. I don’t want to look towards the future with a heavy heart. Instead I am trying to enjoy the moments we have now because these will soon become a distant memory.

    And just like when we discovered the Andrews Sisters, I will become pleasantly surprised when my memories resurface once more through music and photos of yesteryear.

    Enjoy the now- it’s a gift of joy. I guess that’s why it’s called The Present.

    Order Now!

    Posted on by Josef Havelka

    We are coming up to the final days before Christmas. That means there’s going to be a big rush in the online shopping with hopes that items arrive in time. Ahhhhhhh!!!!

    I remember my teenage years staying up late watching infomercials. Products I didn’t know I needed, but they had a way of trying to seduce you with how greatly your life would improve. Dehydrator, vacuum sealer, even spray on hair. That last one… maybe I’ll be needing it sooner than I would like to admit.

    Back when tv was about twenty-thirty channels, my “surfing” would oftentimes end with boredom landing on The Weather Network or The Home Shopping Channel. And just like informercials- if I ordered NOW! it would only take 6-8 weeks for delivery.

    Nowadays we can get items shipped next day Free of Charge. A huge improvement over the years long ago. But now we don’t have the ability to hem and haw over calculating shipping costs and time. The online marketplace inevitably pushes us to faster more convenient consumerism.

    I want to go back to the days of K-Tel and the long list of songs they’d offer on record or cassette. Streaming Music is a whole other thing these days that I won’t get into again.

    Keep on shopping people! Buy all the things!!!

    First One Out

    Posted on by Josef Havelka

    I thought I was doing so well this year. Last night at dinner my family and I were talking about Whamageddon and how many covers there are out there. How each time a cover came o the radio, we were sure that we lost the game.

    I lost the game early this morning. I got into my car and drove to work. I turned on the radio and listened to the news station. For about twenty minutes I received updates on the world and my traffic commute. Since I was driving my daughter’s car I switched over to the FM stations in hopes to listen to some loud classic rock music.

    As soon as I hit the FM button, I heard “Last Christmas” just begin. It was as if the universe knew that I was to lose the game today. A large sigh and acceptance that I now had nothing left to fear from Christmas music, I let the song play out it’s familiar theme.

    I even sang along.

    Are you playing along with Whamageddon? Have you lasted this far into the month without hearing the original Wham! Song? Let me know in the comments.

    Thank You Carroll Spinney

    Posted on by Josef Havelka

    At age 85, the world lost a great puppeteer-Caroll Spinney. A friend of mine shared an amazing photo on social media today. Caroll Spinney is performing Oscar the Grouch and still wearing Big Bird’s legs:

    Everything about this image makes me happy and sad at the same time. It brings back memories of my childhood sitting in front of the television. As well as the magic behind those moments. This special person was able to bring to life two very different and iconic characters. They may have been puppets, but there’s a sense of life behind them, as well as a connection drawn between the audience and the actor.

    As children, we could relate to these cartoony characters- our wonder and amazement were portrayed through Big Bird; our frustration and anger through Oscar the Grouch. How to cope and deal with life were shared through the Muppets, and Carroll made it feel like family.

    Just like most families, we grow apart from those we care about and think they will always be there. Until one day they aren’t. All that’s left are memories.

    But Carroll Spinney left behind a legacy. Years of puppetry immortalized in film and television. And for that, we thank you Carroll Spinney.

    Natural Decorating

    Posted on by Josef Havelka

    I love decorating our home for Christmas. One of my favorite styles is keeping it “Country Living”. I utilize nature as much as possible.

    In the past I have used fallen branches as a part of our decor. Hanging them from under the skylight or adorning our main entryway. Using natural branches also means that every year the decorating changes.

    I have even made tealight holders from the thicker branches. I finished them off with some red burlap string and modpodge glue in order to keep their sheen.

    This year my wife suggested we use some holly branches. She loves the look of the red holly berries against the vibrant greenery. Holly, just like pine trees, keep their colours for quite some time. But once the season is over- they become brittle and dry.

    I’m loving that each year we modify our decorating just a little bit and that I use nature to do it.

    What do you make at Christmas?

    The Family Saturday

    Posted on by Josef Havelka

    Today was a long day filled with some quality family time. Quality time is something that I treasure whenever we can get it.

    It started with early morning speed skating training, followed by a free movie at the theater. It was Community Day so we took in a classic film- “A Christmas Story” to start our season right. By far one of my most favorite films. Seeing it in the theater added a new ambiance to the film and legitimate out loud laughs by the audience.

    The film was over around lunch. We came straight home, did a quick tidy/clean before settling in to a favorite family activity. It’s the first Saturday after my wife’s birthday, so that meant decorations for our trees were to go up!

    Loads of fun, dancing, singing and smiles were had. It helped that my wife and I had cookies and Firenog as well. Today is a day that our oldest loves to be a part of and willingly gets her picture taken with a smile!

    We have three trees, so the kids rotate which topper they put up. It’s the first year I haven’t lifted anyone up to do it. It’s also the first year that my wife did this:

    She broke an ornament! It’s not Christmas until at least one ornament explodes.