A very nice surprise

Have you ever thought that you knew someone, but didn't realize how special they really are until they do something? That's what happened to us.

I don't remember if I've written in my blog about Big Machine. It's a band that we were introduced to (we as in Rick and I) through Rick's old boss, Doug. Doug's the drummer; Ed's the lead singer/guitar; Duane is the bass/backup singer; and, either Kerry or Sean will be the lead guitar/backup vocals. Kerry wasn't there when we met them the first time. We met them, got to know them and their music, and now they're friends. Not to mention that after the first night, I did their website *Grin* http://www.bigmachine.ca is where you can go to see it.

Anyway, getting closer to my point.... Ed's bought me a few drinks, for doing updates on the page (I didn't charge them much, as they do the band for "shits and giggles"), and paid for a dinner meeting etc... but mostly he's just a really nice guy. We've tried to go to as many gigs of theirs that we can. The last one that we went to was in March in Burlington. Sean was there. Before that, was in January, and we saw Kerry. When Rick got laid off in April, we didn't have the money to be able to go before this past weekend. We budgeted it out of what we had left and went to the Piper in Ajax to see them play.

We got there somewhere between 8:30 and 9pm. The pub wasn't too busy, but as we walked in, Ed was just starting to bring in his gear. He was the first one there. I've never seen him so happy! A gorgeous grin just split his face when he saw us. He put his stuff down, give Rick a HUGE handshake and I got a great big hug. He was soo happy to see us. Kerry and Doug showed up after a little bit, and Duane was up north so some guy named Tim did the bass. He was OK, actually no, he was pretty good. But he's not Duane. So we hung out when we could, Rick and I ordered dinner, watched a few sets and decided about 12:30am that it was time to go home. So before they started the next set, we said good-bye to Doug, got hugs and handshakes, and I went over to Ed and got his attention.

Me: Hey, Ed... we're going to head out.
Ed: Oh really? (really disappointed) I'm sorry, Vick. Tim doesn't know all our songs, we're trying to figure out what we can play etc... we haven't been able to spend much time with you guys [We were the only people there as "groupies"]
Me: That's OK, we completely understand (put my arm around him and he did to me) I love you, Ed, you're awesome... but I'm tired, and I want to go home.
Ed: laugh, alright
Me: We just have to take care of the bill and we're on our way.
Ed: no, just leave the bill with me, I'll take care of it.
Me: No you won't. (laugh) Thank you, but we can handle it.
Ed: Look, Rick's out of work, I understand and have been there. You guys made the effort to come out tonight and we really appreciate it. I'm taking care of the bill.
Me: Are you sure?
Ed: Yes, definitely.
Me: Then you're telling Rick! (laugh)

So we walked over to Rick, he repeated the conversation, Ed stole the bill from Rick's hand and called over the waitress. He then told her that he's taking care of our bill and to settle up with him at the end of the night. I got another big hug from Ed (he's a hottie, and quite a bit shorter than me, but he's a sweetheart and can really hug!!) a good wishes etc.... and we left. Rick and I, to say it bluntly, were shell-shocked. Both of us couldn't believe that he did that. That gave us extra money for gas and lunch on Sunday (we had family plans to be written about later) and showed us that we had a guardian angel. I sent him a free gift on Facebook when I got home (I tried sending him one that we could pay for, but it only accepts Credit Cards. If they did PayPal, I'd be good!) and I hope he got it. Regardless.... someone, whether God or other people, are watching out for us.

Thank you Ed. Our guardian Angel, Ed Brabanec.

Isn't it interesting...

Isn't it weird how things work? Regardless of what may come out of it, networking actually works. Here's an example: Yesterday I was online, just messing around in facebook and going through people's profiles, seeing what I can see. I get a message on MSN from Jay. Jay is some guy I started talking to about a year and a half ago, and haven't talked to in months. So long ago, that I've since cleaned out my MSN list and had deleted him. Lucky for me, he remembered ME and just happened to say hi. So we're talking, catching up on our lives and it comes out that Rick's unemployed and been so since April. He asks me what he was doing, what he's looking for, the norm.... and said that he worked for a company that's looking for managers of Rick's caliber. I told Rick, who was on his own computer behind me on the bed, the company name. Rick had applied multiple times and hadn't received any response. Jay was very surprised; but went ahead, called an Operations Manager, who said to send in his resume. So Rick sent it to me, I sent it to Jay, he'll send it to his work email and hand it to his Ops Mgr. No guarantees, which is fine, and I agreed to that .... but at least it's getting Rick in the door, you know?

So THAT's what's interesting these days. Old contacts who become current; talking that becomes opportunities. Even if nothing comes of this, someone stuck out their neck to help out. It's nice what some people are willing to do.

Welcome to the New World!

It's always a great day when babies are born. Quite a few people that I know have given birth in the last couple of months, and yes, they are all beautiful babies. Myself, I'm a little biased. We have been awaiting with baited breath the birth of baby billnmichele. Yes... Bill and Michele, the friends that we went out to visit in BC two years ago (my GOD, has it been that long already!!) are starting a family. We were one of the first people told about the pending birth in January. We were so psyched!! When allowed to spread the news, we told EVERYONE . Parents friends; anyone remotely related to us who gave a damn - or not *Grin*

Today, I'd like to update my long-idled blog by FINALLY welcoming to the world Erik James Steele.

Vital stats:
Birth date: 07/08/04, 7:38pm.
Birth weight: 7lb 7oz
Length: 21.25"
Ten fingers, ten toes, giant feet - it's a mushroom thing I guess.

We now have a niece and nephew each by choice - one that we choose to be Auntie & Uncle to. Rob & Tracy's daughter Tyannah is now 3; Erik James is just over a week at this point. We are proud and honoured to consider him family; as Michele and Bill have been for years.

I called them the other day to make sure that all was well. Michele is out of the hospital and seems to be healing nicely. Bill and Erik are doing well, Erik and Mom and Dad bonding. They sent us another picture too :) Each new picture is on my desktop :)

Isn't he a cutie? Of course, as mentioned before, I'm biased. Put it this way - a woman that Rick used to work with just gave birth to a little girl. His cousin gave birth to a little girl. A girl I used to BABYSIT (now do I feel old!) just gave birth to a boy... and all the babies are cute. But none can match little Erik James. He's just gorgeous :) As soon as I saw this most recent picture... I said "He looks like Bill". Rick agrees, in that he's got Bill's mouth and chin, but Michele's eyes and nose. As the eyes are closed, I honestly cannot comment; but with two beautiful parents, you cannot NOT make a beautiful baby.

Ok... I'll shut up now... for the time being ;) But welcome to the world, Erik. It's a new world for you; and for us, it gives us a chance to see the world we live in through your eyes. We love you, and will be there for you as you grow up.

Lots of love... Auntie Vicky (& Uncle Rick in absentia)

PS... now that I'm on a later shift, I'm hoping to remember to blog a little more often. Yeah, I know I suck at it... but what can you do? :)