It's about bloody time...

Actually, it's been ages. For the first time in my entire blogging career I actually procrastinated. That led to more procrastination, which brings me to this point - Trying to squeeze 2 weeks worth of stories into one writing session. It feels like homework now...

So in the past 2 weeks I have:

• Hung out with my little sister while she was here visiting. We took my Jeep out for a spin in the mud after I had it worked on again at the mechanic. She got to drive - 

• I've fully moved into my own Bachelor Pad. It. Is. Awesome. I've got it all set up how I like it, with my very own book case with all my own books out of their boxes. I've printed out an array of photos from my  various travels of the past 4 years, all mounted in some nice collage like frames. I'll take some pictures of the various rooms when I get a camera.
• I spent half of last week and the weekend with my mom, her boyfriend, my sister and her boyfriend in Sun Peaks while they worked a conference. I got to ski Friday and Saturday. I. Was. Awesome. If I'm never able to dive, I'll sell all my kit and buy some skis and go be a ski bum. It is so much fun, dodging trees, making fresh tracks in newly fallen Snow. 10cm worth. Its another lifestyle I could see myself gravitating towards. I also drank lots, and hung out with my Aunty Nette, who I have not seen in 6 years! Good week/weekend all around.

I think that's you all about caught up. Having my own place that lacks both Cable and Internet (still, leading to my procrastination) has allowed me to start catching up on some long overdue reading. Now, I've been a Dive Professional since late 2007 when I became an SSI Dive Control Specialist. In 2008, I became a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor. It's far too easy for someone of my age to feel near invincible in a sport where pushing limits is the norm, though frowned upon. Once becoming a "Pro," it was far too easy to believe I knew it all, and that I could handle any situation like many of my colleagues. Simple to forget that holding an Instructor Card, like a Driver's License, should only allow you to go out and gain experience.

All new dive professionals need to pick up this book, and read it through cover-to-cover - Diver Down: Real-World SCUBA Accidents and How to Avoid Them. I'm only half way through, but I have learned invaluable lessons on nearly every page. The author has a way of writing that makes even the most mundane bits of information (Cave Diver Certifications) an exciting read. The book is divided into short chapters, each dedicated to a single incident. As a pro, I was able to identify with each situation, some hitting too close to home and seeming all too familiar. Go get this book now, especially if you think you know all there is to know in the dive world.


Then, pick up this book - The Last Dive. I began this one a few weeks ago and finally finished it in Sun Peaks over the weekend. Though not nearly as well written as Diver Down, this book delves deep (bad pun) into the history and origins of the more extreme segments of our sport, cave diving and tech diving. Bernie Chowdhury has a habit of repeating himself every few chapters, as if the reader would have forgotten the science behind something, which I found annoying. He does offer an excellent story mixed with a mystery, leading to a terrible accident can't help but know is coming. It's his chapters dedicated to the accidents that truly bring the book alive, and any pro would be foolhardy not to read this book. Especially if you still feel invincible after reading Diver Down. Maybe not the best read for anyone interested in becoming a diver...


As is my usual, here is a song I love RIGHT NOW. The Artist, Phoenix. The song, 1901. It's from that super cool Cadillac Commercial. Enjoy -



See you soon, hope to write sooner, B