Unsupervised Design

Category: Life 🎉

  • My wonderful partner threw at me Taskmaster themed birthday party last night complete with guests having to compete in tasks and a custom trophy for the victor.

    An open task card, with red wax seal, that reads “Have the most fun at James’ birthday party. Your time starts now”
    A gold, long haired, funko head mounted on a black base with a red wax seal on the base in the style of the trophy from the popular British show Taskmaster
  • A green, blue, and white hammock hanging on a black hammock stand in the corner of our front porch

    I celebrated the official start of summer, the Maple Leafs losing to the Bruins in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup playoffs, by setting up my hammock this morning.

  • Gwen posing with left foot resting on a fallen tree while wearing a polka doted rain coat, rain boots, and blue ball cap.

    Sometimes you capture a moment that gives you a glimpse into future adventures

  • After more than a year I finally took some time to lop off some hair. Ended up sticking with a length that can still be pulled back when necessary.

    Selfie wearing a grey hoodie standing in front of a pin board with hair long enough that it falls past my shoulders

  • I think I got lucky with the time I picked for travelling this morning. The weather warning here kicks in later in the day and it appears like I should fly right over quite the system.

    Flight path from Halifax to Toronto with a weather overlay showing a large snow and rain storm from Labrador to Washington D.C. but not affecting Halifax or Toronto.

  • This summer saw us evacuating due to wild fires in the woods and also flooding coming from the forest behind the house. Today’s view was oddly peaceful in that context.

    the view of my backyard with the lawn, shed, and trees covered in a few centimetres of snow.
    the view of my side yard with the lawn and trees covered in a few centimetres of snow.

  • You know you’ve travelled too much for work this month when your phone says “it’s Monday morning, better head to the airport”

    Apple Maps Home Screen widget suggesting Stanfield International Airport as somewhere I might want to go

  • Apparently the trick to US customs is being a software developer going to San Francisco. He almost forgot to ask me to take my mask off

  • I can’t say that I spend much time thinking about The Truman Show on any given day, but on a long haul flight I can’t help but think “this is exactly the sort of monotony, noise, and physical experience that would be perfect to facilitate a scene swap.”

  • I don’t know who coined the phrase “but it’s a dry heat”. 42 degrees is too hot for my poor maritime blood 🥵

    I only stood outside for 10 minutes waiting for my ride and it feels like my contacts are going to fall out!

  • Through customs and on to the next phase. Took a moment to FaceTime Gwen before bed and Raquel told me the airport lighting was nice which led to a travel selfie

    Selfie of Griff with his hair pulled back, clear sunglasses on top of his head, wearing a navy “HFX Together We Wander” shirt.

  • Up up and away

    WestJet airplane wing with Halifax runway and air traffic control tower in the background

  • I am headed to Vegas this week for work and I took a peak at the forecast before packing a bag. I had really been enjoying the last week of 18°C-21°C weather at home. I guess I am going to stay indoors 😬

    Daily forecast for Las Vegas showing a range of 25-42 on Sunday, 24 - 41 on Monday, 24-40 on Tuesday, 26-39 on Wednesday, 26 to 38 on Thursday and Friday, 25-40 on Saturday, 26-40 on Sunday, and 27 to 42 on Monday.

  • Raquel and I took in the Thunderbirds game this afternoon after I won free tickets. Half way through the game Raquel said “I think I like sports now!”

    One cool touch was that they had a drum circle before the US and Canadian anthems.

    The Thunderbirds turf and Jumbotron in the Scotiabank Center pregame.
    A drum circle at Center field performing the Mi’kmaq Honour Song before the US and Canadian National anthems
    Post game moment with the team gathered at center to celebrate the win
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  • Untitled post 13277

    Apparently it has been 10 years since “this is fine” was published. This meme has deeply embedded itself in my professional life and even taken up a spot on my shelf.

    Plush dog wearing a bowler and holding a mug from the “this is fine” comic sitting on my shelf.

    The original artist posted a great reflection on the impact of this phenomenon on them.

    And it feels like it’s only getting harder. The best I can ask for is for people to simply forget, but the dog persists. So I do what I can and try to keep in good humor and be thankful that I can still do what I do for a living.

    Reflection on a decade from the author
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  • Untitled post 13262

    After 3 days of birthday parties, Christmas, and family visits the pups are pretty happy to have a quiet morning.

    Hugo curled up between my legs with Luna laying on top of him in my lap viewed from behind.
    Hugo curled up between my legs with Luna laying on top of him in my lap with a view of their faces.
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  • Untitled post 13255

    Took in the solstice sunset with the pups.

    Hugo and Luna standing on the edge of flat water lake as the sun sets behind the clouds.
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  • Untitled post 13231

    It was not as drastic as last time but I had my first haircut in almost 18 months this week. Couldn’t risk Gwen not recognizing me so has to keep it simple.

    Before shot with hair past my shoulders and covering the left side of my face.After shot where the longest hair in the back is neck length and the front is much shorter
  • Untitled post 13186

    As far as Gwen is concerned this may as well be the Infinity Gauntlet with all of the Infinity Gems installed. The moment I fully assemble it she will stop whatever she is doing and come pull it apart and distribute the rings to all corners of the room to keep the house safe.

    Fisher price Rock-a-Stack assembled properly sitting on the play mat
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  • Untitled post 13179

    Last night I had the pleasure of seeing my partner perform with the Aeolian Singers in their Endless Spaces concert.

    If you’re HRM and interested in a show this afternoon they have one more performance at 2:30.

    More Info

    Program from the Aeolian Singers choral group concert “Endless Spaces: reaching for light, love, and spirit
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