Month: March 2021

My Top 5 Colecovision Games

Posted on by Josef Havelka

I love retro 80’s video games. However, Atari was never my thing. I have always favored the Intellivision, but a close second is the Colecovision. Both of which were superior to the Atari in all aspects.

Aside from my opinion about which home console was best in an era “Pre-Nintendo” I also had 5 top games that I loved playing on my Colecovision.

Antarctic Adventure

A forward scrolling game where you jumped over holes, caught fish and avoided seals. The idea was a timed trial race around Antarctica. I completed this game numerous times, but still recall the “boing” sound as you bumped into seals.

Cabbage Patch Kids

This is a side scrolling “Pitfall” style game that gets harder as you go. I remember playing for hours on end, mastering each sprite location for the perfect jump. With only three lives to give- I don’t remember if there was an ending to the game.

Zaxxon

This was a space side scrolling game. The difference was that it was more of a 45° angle side scrolling- which proved tough to judge obstacles. The sound of the thrusters buzzing was classic.

Frenzy

This was a top view maze game, where you ran from room to room killing monsters and robots. Simple and a good way to burn off frustration.

Pepper II

Kind of Pac-Man esque. You avoid this creatures as you zippered up sections of a maze.

All of them were a great way to spend hours playing. Trying to beat high scores, how far you got, or times. Simple and cartoony. Pretty sure these games would be easy to beat nowadays.

Coffee Helps Me Sleep

Posted on by Josef Havelka

Coffee helps me sleep. That sounds really strange, but it is true. I have been drinking coffee since my mid teens. No, it did not stunt my growth- I still grew to six foot eight. It did however make me dependent on caffeine. I also drink quite a bit of cola as well.

I was talking with a coworker after our night shift. I was telling him how I was going to have a cup of coffee and head to bed. Clearly he thinks I’m crazy.

If I go a day or two without coffee, I tend to get bad headaches. Those headaches can make it very tough to function, including falling asleep. I’m lucky in a sense that one cup of coffee doesn’t keep me awake. It usually takes two or three cups or a really strong coffee in order to keep me alert if I’m tired.

After thirty years of coffee drinking, it’s no surprise that I’m addicted. But a cup of coffee after a night shift helps me sleep. Go figure.

Vibrant Mediocrity

Posted on by Josef Havelka

If I’m not taking pictures of my family and friends, I am usually taking pictures of food or nature. Skylines and trees are my personal favorites.

Sometimes I take a photo “just because.” It could be a picture of a movie title or a unique object. (Sorry… side quest… is it “a” or “an” before the word “unique”? Let me know in the comments if I was correct, and why.) The other day I took the following picture:

It is not one of my better pictures. But the colours and shapes on the kitchen counter bring me joy. Here are the reasons why:

The green glass bowl– I have always loved shaped and coloured glass. The wavyness of this bowl is fun. There’s even a little matching bowl inside.

The red apples– Apples are my favorite fruit. These were nearly perfect apples as well.

The blue canister– It holds fresh ground coffee. Need I say more?

The silver canister– Holds our sugar for coffee and baking. For the little sweetness needed in our lives.

All of them lined up in our kitchen awaiting their turn to be used. To me, the colours just pop. I could’ve used a filter, or adjusted my angle. Each item is as vibrant in their emotional impact for me as are the colours. I ended up overlooking the art aspect of how to take a good photo.

This picture is a Vibrant Mediocrity. And that’s okay as well. Giving it a title like that turns it into art.

Timex T80

Posted on by Josef Havelka

Back in the early 80’s my father had a wrist watch. I don’t remember what brand it was- either a Casio or Timex. I do remember the watch being digital with faux gold. He was really happy when he got it, showing it off to my mother and I. I was maybe five years old at the time, but I remember the feel of the metal strap and how it flexed.

Forty Years Later…

My wife bought me a Timex T80 for my birthday. But not just any Timex T80- the Fortieth Anniversary Pac-Man wrist watch T-80.

Timex came out with this watch last year to celebrate Pac-Man’s 40th Anniversary. This Timex T80 is a great combination of style and class. When I unboxed the gold watch and placed it on my wrist- I felt like my father did forty years ago.

I’m not a watch person. But the watch looks great and feels fantastic. I always wanted a Timex like this one. It was the perfect gift for me. My wife also remembered that I loved Pac-Man.

Besides a great retro look… my favorite bit of this watch is that it plays the Pac-Man theme when you press the top button!

What Is Love?

Posted on by Josef Havelka

When I was a teenager, getting my driver’s license was easy. At age 17, I was able to borrow my mother’s car periodically. One summer day my friend and I took our girlfriends at the time to the PNE in Vancouver.

It was a lot of fun going on rides, eating food and playing carnival games. The girls we were with went to the local radio station booth and sang a Brian Adam’s song and received a cassette tape of their rendition. Loads of laughs and handholding as we journeyed around the fair.

Anyhow, her and I eventually ended our relationship as the summer also ended. It was totally civil. We kept in contact over the years and went out on the occasional date every so often as we entered into adulthood.

I mention this specific date because my former girlfriend had removed her earrings. They were heavy and hurting her ears. She lost/forgot them in my mother’s car (which eventually became my car). I discovered them a few years later along the side of the seat and kept them with some other mementos from my youth- such as letters, artwork, and trinkets. I’m a bit of a hoarder…

Yesterday, I noticed my 16 year old daughter wearing the earrings. I had no idea that she had taken possession of them. But I find it really cute to see that teenage girls over the decades still have the same sense of style.

Puppy love is great. Perhaps my daughter will have a fun date this summer whilst wearing these earrings. Who knows.

In Stereo

Posted on by Josef Havelka

As I have mentioned in a few blog posts- I enjoy listening to music. When I was a teenager, we moved numerous times. Eventually my parents gave me their old stereo and speakers instead of throwing them away. I put them to good use until I needed to upgrade. At which point, I bought a new receiver and subwoofers. I was seventeen at the time and spent about $400 of my hard earned money on enjoying music. I also added my own art to speaker boxes since the “faux wood” look was already passé in the 90’s.

Now, twenty-eight years later, I’m finally letting go of them. Many of friends from my youth may remember these items as I used them for years as I went into my early 20’s. Those 12” subwoofers were great for house parties and rocked the neighborhood loudly. The receiver was a simple “Stereo Sound” with options for output to two or four speakers. Or turn one set off. Pretty fancy for the time.

As stereos and speakers evolve, oversized speakers like these are cumbersome and not necessary for good quality sound. I have a set of surround sound speakers from about six or seven years ago that give off an incredible experience. Yet even those are becoming outdated.

Letting go of these speakers is like saying goodbye to a part of me. It hurts a bit inside- but a photo and a short story are a better way to enjoy them instead of having them sit in storage for many more years to come.

Retro or Junk?

Posted on by Josef Havelka

As we declutter and prepare to move, we are finding lots of items that we have collected over the years. Some are really unique and deserve a second look. Other things feel like we are holding on to them for nostalgia sake.

Today my wife showed me a unique bottle from Germany that she got prior to us meeting. I think it is pretty cool and want it on display in our next kitchen.

At the same time, we have this hideous plastic cat clock from the 50’s or 60’s that has been on display in a bedroom for decades. I have no love for this item, but since it is in great shape and retro- I’m sure someone else finds it amazing.

In the end, it’s all a matter of taste. What is retro cool and what is just junk is a matter of opinion.

The Internet Reacts Quickly

Posted on by Josef Havelka

A few hours ago, a container ship (roughly as long as the height of the Empire State Building) got stuck in the Suez Canal.

The implications of how it is affecting the world economy hit almost immediately. Prices of gas has already shot up. Following soon will be the price of merchandise and goods. This vessel is preventing another 100 ships from going through the canal. It’s absolutely insane how quick the market is reacting to the news.

In true Internet fashion, the public’s reactions are humorous and just as quick. My favorite is the Austin Powers reference seen here. At the end of the day, no one is hurt and the ship will get moved. But the humor is far more appealing to most of us compared to the frustration of how much products and gas will cost in the coming days.

All you can do is laugh at the situation. I cannot wait to see what else comes from the talk show hosts and comedians today.

Be Positively Amazing

Posted on by Josef Havelka

Looking at what I write and share in my blog posts- I have realized it is not any one type of category. Just a bunch of ideas and thoughts from my mind. I enjoy telling stories. Tales of being a parent, a friend, a coworker, a traveler, a cook, a homeowner, a motivator; whatever the story may be- it’s mostly about what I observe.

I also do my best not to come across as conceited in what I write. “Because conceit is a flaw, and I have none.” (An old quote I used to say from my teenage years. Knowing full well that I sounded like a tool saying it.) However, I am prideful and love to share any and all accomplishments that surround me. Especially if the good news is about those who I care about.

Lifting one another up is a much better approach to life than trying to put someone down in order to make yourself appear better.

Decades ago, and at least three lifetimes before now- I read Celestine Prophecy. A couple of years ago I mentioned it in Feeding Feelings. It is by far the biggest influence on how I live life. This book, and it’s subsequent sequels, explain how to be positive and good so that good things will happen for you. After almost thirty years- I can look back at my journey and see that this is true.

I shall continue on my positive path as much as possible. Success in being happy is the best kind of success. Happiness is immeasurable, but completely achievable by everyone. If you nourish the good deeds and thoughts, more of the same blossom around you. Soon enough there is a garden filled with beauty surrounding your soul.

Be Amazing.

Be Positive.

Be Amazingly Positive.

Vertigo Go Away

Posted on by Josef Havelka

Before going to sleep this morning, my brain decided that a case of vertigo was needed. The experience was nauseating to say the least. So much so, I went into the bathroom in order to just sit on the toilet in case I threw up. I’m not sure why this kicked in, but I did not like it one bit.

Even as I lay in bed trying to deal with it, I was feeling sick to my stomach. It’s been years since I have had the sense of being “tilted”. There was a sense of being off balance and the floor was higher than it is. The sensation was as if my brain was glitching out.

As a small child I remember reveling in the sensation, trying to keep it as long as possible. I would try and control what was going on in my brain at age four. Little did I know that it was due to ear infections and fevers back then.

Today was unexpected. I’m not sick, nor do I have issues with my ears anymore. But as quickly as it started, it abruptly ended. Hopefully not to return.

Getting Too Old For This

Posted on by Josef Havelka

I thought I was alone in feeling old. In speaking with a couple of buddies yesterday, it turns out we are all feeling our ages.

Late nights don’t happen as much because of early mornings, dealing with teenagers is hair loss inducing, home repairs are getting overwhelming… the list of frustrations is long- and we are all feeling it.

Then there is the body aches and pains. The never-ending complaints about back pain, shoulder pain, muscle aches, odd strains that occur at random. Our bodies aren’t what they used to be.

So we find solace in one another. We are getting too old for this shit. I understand why we all need some “guy time” as well. Beers, campfire, cooking, just hanging out. All of these are a requirement in order to field the complaints. We know that each of us is in a similar boat.

Somehow we keep it together.

I’m pretty sure it’s because of napping.

Farewell Spring Break

Posted on by Josef Havelka

Today is the last day of MY Spring Break– even though it’s the First Day Of Spring! My wife still has Sunday off and our kids have another week off from school. Lucky ducks.

I’m not sure how it went by so quickly. I was up early almost every day and stayed up late as well. We achieved a lot around the house through packing and donating. I think that was where all my free time went towards.

We did get some driving lessons in for our middle child, which was good. As well as a ton of emails and paperwork completed for the purchase of our new home. My wife and I spent a lot of time together on a few walks, and we went out for my Birthday supporting the local businesses.

I guess in the end, it was a fulfilled “Staycation” keeping me busy. It just seemed like something was missing. Perhaps the whole “can’t travel” outside of Canada has me down. I’m sure once more folks receive the vaccine, those borders will open up soon enough. For now, I should just appreciate the time I had at home with my family.

It would also be nice not to have to return to work… but bills gotta be paid somehow. Now to look forward to my next set of vacation days- set for when we move!

Toddler Fashion Flashback

Posted on by Josef Havelka

As we get ready to move, we are going through our items that were in storage. Yesterday I pulled some totes out of the attic storage that were filled with clothing from when our children were tiny.

My wife started the process by herself, whittling six bins down to four. Most of the baby and toddler clothes were sentimental in some way or another. As my wife processed the outfits- we all began to talk about the clothes and the memories behind them.

At one point our oldest would run off to find a photo of herself in an outfit that was pulled out. The excitement of the memories brought joy to my heart. Not only did my wife and I remember dressing up our kids- they remembered favorite outfits as well.

Seeing how tiny they once were makes me hope that one day we get grandkids. One day. Not any time soon please- our kids are still teenagers! My wife and I will keep these bins in storage for that time. Perhaps in a few years we shall pull the bins out once more and downsize again.

I loved seeing those itty bitty outfits. It filled my soul with fond memories.

Green Food

Posted on by Josef Havelka

Yesterday was St. Patrick’s Day, so my wife decided to have some fun with our foods. We added a bit of food coloring to a couple of our meals.

Our pancake breakfast was a colorful way to start the day. This breakfast is always a family favorite no matter what colour we make them. The skillet cooked flapjacks were delicious.

Dinner however…

Dinner was unsettling.

My wife made fried chickpea patties, which are always good. We had a basic romaine lettuce salad on the side. Our other side was rice with a mushroom sauce. The mushroom sauce was dyed green and was most unappetizing looking. That made it a bit more difficult to enjoy, even though it is something we have had in the past (only in its normal state).

One of our kids described the sauce as ogre snot. The other said it looked like Nickelodeon slime. Unfortunately the colour changed how the meal tasted in my mind. I’ve had issues with foods in the past based on texture or smell. Never colour. This was a first for me.

Note to self: do not dye cream of mushroom soup ever again.

Sober St. Patrick’s Day

Posted on by Josef Havelka

I’m celebrating another St. Patrick’s Day by being sober. I have been dry since the end of August which is a huge deal for me and my health. At almost seven month without alcohol, I have had a few weak moments that came close to knocking me backwards into my old routines.

Besides mentioning my sobriety in today’s post, St. Patrick’s Day is just another day. Only I’m going to wear green and have Green Tea or perhaps matcha. That’s the extent of my St. Patrick’s Day celebrating.

When I was a child, I remember green being my favorite colour. I also remember the word GREEN was one of the first words my kids ever spelled. That was because of a preschool song from when they were 3/4 years old. It was very cute. Anyone who had kids at Wind and Tide would remember the same thing.

What are you doing today? Did you remember to wear green?

Supporting Local as My Birthday Gift

Posted on by Josef Havelka

For my birthday yesterday, my wife took me out to support a trio of small business restaurants in Langley. I’m a big proponent of helping out and buying from local businesses as often as I can afford it. To enjoy my birthday, I asked to support locally.

We started off with a late brunch at a place called Egg Bomb. This was the first time my wife and I had eaten there. It was funny because while we were inside, we talked about how the two of us used to attend the original coffee house that was first built in that location. Neither of us had met one another back in the 90’s at Castle Bay Coffee.

Egg Bomb was exactly that. Eggs! And amazing coffee. I had a teriyaki sandwich and my wife had prawn with hollandaise sauce. It was awesome. I would highly recommend them.

For dinner, the entire family went to a favorite restaurant of ours in Fort Langley- The Little Donkey. Burritos that were jam packed with delicious quality ingredients that filled our bellies.

And for dessert, my wife picked up a dozen Boston Cream donuts from Gourmet Donuts and Coffee in Walnut Grove. My wife remembered a story I had shared about my father from my childhood. Whenever he would attempt to quit smoking (this happened about five or six times) he would come home with a dozen Boston Creams for the family.

I enjoyed my birthday yesterday and all the food that my wife took me out for. Spending time with her and enjoying her company in the different atmospheres was wonderful. I really appreciate what she did for me and I’m glad we went out and helped other businesses by enjoying their wares.

He’s Hip. He’s Cool. He’s 45.

Posted on by Josef Havelka

March 15th. 03/15. Multiply the numbers together and you get 45. That’s right folks. It’s my birthday today. I’m turning 45.

Back when I was 16/17 the tv show “Kids in The Hall” did a skit. Check it out here:He’s Hip. He’s Cool. He’s 45. I remember it being goofy and ridiculous. Because people who were 45 weren’t cool.

And yet, here I am. 45. I don’t see myself as hip or cool. I am however, a father, a husband, a railroader, a geek, and an all around nice guy.

I have no plans for my Birthday today either. I’m not wishing or hoping for an extraordinary gift from anyone. I’ll probably get a few texts and phone calls from friends and family. That’s all I really need.

And maybe a nap. Naps are cool.

Want My Wood?

Posted on by Josef Havelka

My father-in-law enjoyed woodworking for many years. Once they moved out of this house, we had a lot of the pieces remaining for future use. But as most hobbies go, you end up with more than you require. And the hobbies take a spot on the back burner.

Since we are coming up on the last few months before we move, it was time to tackle the wood collection. There was large and small “cookies” cut from trees all stored in the upper part of the woodshed. I didn’t want it to get thrown in the fire, so it was time to start giving it away.

About one tenth of what we have.

My wife’s brothers came by over the last couple of days to collect a few pieces that they wanted. One of their friends also came by and he took a few big pieces. (We are getting a fresh Turkey for Easter out of the deal!) Later this afternoon, a few people locally are coming by to collect some pieces. Next week, I will be contacting a few other local craft/woodworkers and see if they could use some pieces.

Considering the wood has been here for decades, it’s all dry and in great shape. I used a few pieces a couple years ago and Painted them for decoration in our home. I’m not a wood worker, so the rest isn’t for me. I want it to all go to good use, and I’m sure my father-in-law will be happy to know it’s getting used the way it was intended.

If you are local and want to grab my wood, give me a shout.

Maskne

Posted on by Josef Havelka

It’s been a year of following guidelines and wearing masks. I never had issues from breathing through a mask. But I have on occasion developed some acne from mask wearing.

The term that I’m sure you’ve heard is Maskne. A combo of mask and acne. I have only gotten a couple of pimples on my chin since the pandemic began, so I’m happy about that. I generally have clear skin.

I did however discover a zit inside my nose yesterday. A ZIT INSIDE MY NOSE. What the heck? Why? And why does it hurt so much?

I had to stick my finger into my nostril and press my nail against it to pop it. I popped the zit by picking my nose. It hurt so badly I was crying. Yup, I am a sexy man. Sorry folks, I am spoken for. My wife is extremely lucky.

How is your acne behind the mask going? Any fun stories like mine?

Bose Forest Park

Posted on by Josef Havelka

Yesterday my wife and I took our teenagers to go and see the neighborhood we will be moving to. We parked up the street from our future home and explored the pathways. The area is called Bose Forest Park. It’s a well maintained set of trails in the suburbs. One of the paths lead past our new home, so we walked the neighborhood a bit as well.

Upon returning to the car, our teenagers excitedly went to the playground and goofed off. It brought me great pleasure to see the joy in their hearts as they played. They got along wonderfully and it made me realize that we did the right thing in choosing to move to that neighborhood.

My wife is happy that there are numerous pathways around with plenty of routes to choose from. After living in our neighborhood for so long, there is only so much you can see when you walk in a rectangle around the block.

I’m looking forward to the change and joining the suburban life. Don’t get me wrong- Country Living has been great and the neighbors have known each other for decades! But it will be neat to be a part of an ever changing community once more.

This time- we are going to be the newbies.

100 Days (And Counting)

Posted on by Josef Havelka

We are officially one hundred days from moving. I feel as if we are finally getting some relief for all that we have been through. I don’t mean just selling and buying a home. I’m talking about the past twenty years of stress and hard work- not just the struggle of surviving 2020.

This may sound odd, but our Future Home is actually our “First Home”. Let me explain that statement.

A little over twenty years ago, my father passed away. About nineteen years ago, my mother decided to uproot herself and move to literally the middle of nowhere on Vancouver Island. She moved to Gold River and asked my wife and I if we would want to buy the house she owned in Langley.

So I pushed hard and worked three jobs to afford a down payment and the first bit of paying for the house. We bought it at market value for $210,000. After four years, the market boomed and we had a third child. It was time to sell and move. We sold that house for $410,000.

At that point, my wife’s parents were wanting to downsize. After a lot of discussion and stretching ourselves thin once more, we used all of our equity from the first home and bought my wife’s parents’ place for $570,000. We also needed an extra $60,000 borrowed from them in order to get qualified.

All of the help from both my mother and my wife’s parents have put us in a very comfortable position to buy our “First Home”. In doing so, my wife and I will be able to assist our children if/when the time comes for them. This is our way to Pay it Forward.

My success is your success.

Nineteen years of paying down mortgages and struggling from time to time with finances has afforded us the luxury to be successful. All of our friends have watched us as we have hit hardships and windfalls. I appreciate their cheers from the sidelines and the hugs when we needed them. We continue to cheer them on through their endeavors and wins as well.

As we count down to our new home, many of our friends have volunteered to help us in a number of ways, I will be calling in these favors in exchange for pizza and beer!

Our Future Home

Posted on by Josef Havelka

In just over two and a half weeks we had listed our home, sold our home and bought a new home. It was fast, stressful, and filled with joy! We were able to get the price we wanted for our current place (and more). We are soon moving into what feels like our dream home.

There are so many things about this new house that appeal to us. First and foremost is the address. Yup. I’m a numbers guy. I like patterns. We had to get married on 10/07/2001 because I liked how the members were. The address for this place is 16261 61A Ave. In Chinese lucky numbers, the meanings are as follows:

ONE: UNITY

SIX: SMOOTH

TWO: HARMONY

I think this house will have that all for us: UNITY/SMOOTH/HARMONY.

This new home is nearly 5000 square feet over three levels. The listing was described like this: “Welcome to the POOL PARTY in this GORGEOUS FOXRIDGE home located in prestigious WEST CLOVERDALE! This extraordinary home has it all,quality construction,breathtaking views, 4982sqft w/ 5 bds,6 bths & daylight WALKOUT BASEMENT for INLAWS w/ finishings that mirror the main!Luxury living awaits,w/ immaculate master w/ fireplace,extravagant ensuite & 2 closets.Your open concept main floor overlooks your PRIVATE RESORT like pool & deck to enjoy coffee,cocktails,family & friends all while looking at your mountain & valley views(w/ Jimmy Buffet playing in the background). The list doesn’t end,S/S appliances,quartz counters,hardwood flooring, custom window coverings,coffered & vaulted ceilings & OVERSIZED driveway. All this in a family-friendly cul-de-sac close to schools, parks & walking trails!”

Yup, there is a built in pool in the backyard. This was the only thing that was giving us second thoughts about buying the place. It’s an extra expense that we never had on our “wish list” for a house. But the views, the space and the massive basement suite (that can generate a good income) more than makes up for it.

The interior of the house is exemplary in its style. The owners were meticulous with the upkeep and for a ten year old house- it shows as if it was brand new. The yard space and the views are what really drew our attention to this house. Even though we are moving from a treed backyard on almost an acre, the green belt and farmland behind this new property makes it feel spacious.

By summer our family will be in our new home. This will be a big change for us all- but a very welcomed one. I’m really happy and proud of how hard we worked at being homeowners for twenty years to get to this point. The long game has paid off, so they say.

Spring Break Vacation 2021

Posted on by Josef Havelka

It’s that time again. My first vacation of the year is starting. It feels great to know I don’t have to go into work for 11 days.

It was definitely a stressful day at work as I tried to keep focused. My mind was clearly elsewhere as buying and selling of our future homes is forefront in my life.

The next few days will be some decompressing time. I’ll get some time to myself and then next week my wife and the kids will be on vacation as well. That’s when we will be busy packing more stuff for the move.

So “Spring Break” won’t be much of a break. Just time away from work in order to do more work.

Le sigh

Covid Vaccine

Posted on by Josef Havelka

Starting next Monday, the general population of BC will be able to book their vaccinations for Covid-19. They are starting with people over age 90 the first week. Then every week after will go down by five year increments.

I hope to have my sleeve rolled up as soon as I am able to. That is because I am missing a portion of my left lung and have had respiratory issues my entire life. Covid has been stressful for me this past year. However, if I have to wait until July or later, I will patiently do that.

If all goes well, I really hope the restrictions will be lifted this summer. It would be nice to have a larger gathering once more with some dear friends. Where we can talk about all the frustration the pandemic has caused!

Here is the BC Roll Out: Covid Vaccine

Do you plan on taking a needle for your health? Why or why not? Let me know in the comments.

Funyuns

Posted on by Josef Havelka

Today’s blog is about nothing. Flavored, crunchy air rings of nothingness. A strange chemical concoction that I decided to ingest as a late night snack yesterday.

This snack was salty and filled with all the fakeness you could imagine. A two dollar bag of flavored air rings. A glorious attempt at making them look and taste like onion rings, without actually containing onions.

And I ate the entire bag in one sitting. In my bed. Watching tv. Hating myself with every bite. Disgusted by the fact that I licked my fingers clean afterwards. Worst of all? I didn’t want to share them!

Funyuns. Damn you!