dreaming over the ocean

HUGE day in politics yesterday, both locally and globally... in no particular order, some of the things that happened: 1)BC budget was announced, with a carbon tax to be implemented in July. This means higher gas prices at the pump, and higher prices to heat your house. this is great to make drivers in city's think about how much they spend to drive, but what about rural communities, who *need* to drive 4x4 trucks to get around, and have no public transportation, but can't afford more expensive gas? 2) Kosovo declared independence. USA has acknowledged the seperation, but, we haven't heard from Canada yet. 3) Barack Obama won wisconsin. he is continuing to sweep forward in polls. 4) In Cuba, Fidel Castro handed his presidency to his younger bro. 5) In Pakistan, Musharraf was defeated in the general elections, showing a turn of confidence towards democracy, and not dictatorship.

This past fall, i had the advantage of seeing many friends, and family... here are a few of the photos.... To start off with, a bit of the beautiful country of Jasper National Park. This photo on the right is not black and white. Two of the funniest, and most amazing men in my life, Stephen Klebs, and Robert Stowe. From my segue trip. Introducing my nephew, Landon Thomas Payne. He was born Dec 2006. He lives in Calgary. What a handsome little man!!! One of my best friends in the world, Kevin Shon, currently on the direct other side of the continent, in Florida everglades, doing an outward bound school. Some of my co-students at UBC. During a christmas gathering... Lastly, a few more of Ben, Zach, and Christina, and the amazing December. Beautiful whistler from our Condo...