Running Out of Things to Write About?

  

I have written three blog posts this year. All-time low. Have I heard the people complaining about not having enough Bert writing in their lives? I have not! Have you found another writer to tickle your imagination? I certainly hope so. But for those longing for an update from the Bubble King, here we go.

 

Is life in Canada boring?

Coming in hot with the first topic, aren’t we? Boring? No. Less novel and exciting than life in Asia? Yes. I’m surprised it took me over two years to start feeling this way. I thought after a few months, I would have been ready to get back out there. I think the high of running my own business kept me going but as the novelty wears off a bit, the realities of my move is slowly sinking in.

I don’t regret coming home. I love how much time I get with my mom and people that I love. I need to do a better job of creating adventure in my everyday life. I think now that the weather has turned, the fewer hours of daylight and having to go back to supply teaching until prime bubble season, it just has me longing for Laos treehouse ziplining and scuba diving liveaboards.

Am I interested in seeing or hearing about anyone else’s travels? I certainly am not.

 

How is your bubble business?

I had been doing it full time since May. That is a huge win. I did about 30 shows in July and 31 in August. Next year is going to be a pivotal year for Bubble Birthdays. I either want to grow or scale it down. I don’t think I want to be doing bubble parties as a 50-year-old. The business idea is sound. As of right now, there is nobody else in the bubble space in Ottawa. The main issue will be hiring people that I trust that won’t destroy my business and putting systems in place to take myself out of the day-to-day of running of the business. I have read a lot of books for help but if you have any helpful tips on how to turn a business into a franchise, let me know.

 

What is teaching in Canada like?

I was right in being apprehensive about becoming a full-time teacher here. The challenges are real and I commend anyone who is able to put in 25 years of being a permanent teacher. They earned that pension. Well, most of them.

 

What are you reading?

This year has been decent for reading/listening. At the moment, I am reading this:

 

I just listened Novelist as a Vocation and now I want to read some more Murakami.

 

Here are some books on my list for the next few months:

 

What are you looking forward to?

I am visiting some friends in Washington in January 2024. It will be nice to be in nature with them, catch up and leave Ottawa for a bit.

The last two seasons I have not been snowboarding as much I had hoped. That changes this season. I have a night pass at Edelweiss and a day pass to Fortune. My bindings were broken so I was reluctant to get after it but now that I have fixed that problem, my plan is to get out as much as I can while keeping both of my writs not broken.

 

How happy do you think people are?

Not as happy as they should be or as happy as they let on.

 

What are you watching?

I just finished watching all of the available episodes of Yellowstone. Big fan.

 

I am trying to get into the Sopranos but time is an issue. Bob's Burgers might be on the list as well.

 

Is life cheap in Canada?

Ummm, last time I checked, no.

 

What is 2024 looking like?

Supply teaching, hopefully winning some NFL futures bets, snowboarding, Pacific Northwest trip, growing the bubble business, making healthy choices, reading and trying to find some adventure in and around the city.

 

What did you give up in 2023 and what will you give up in 2024?

2023 was a year of no swearing, no complaining and no Red Bull. How is it going so far?

No swearing: Pretty well. I have a swear jar app on my phone. I’m up to about $115. I need to donate it to a cause I disagree with. My swearing has plummeted and I am pleased.

No complaining: It’s a work in progress. I feel like it’s almost impossible. Getting better but still not where I want to be. Bringing this resolution into 2024 will be necessary.

No Red Bull: Zero Red Bulls have been consumed. My Monster intake is at about 204. Kidding! No energy drinks this year. I know what January 1^st is going to taste like.

 

My 2024 resolution is not been finalized but I am contemplating giving up any type of restaurant/coffee/drink place that is a chain. A chain free grocery or gas station lifestyle seems a bit much but I think eating healthier and more focused on small businesses would make my life better.

I hear my cousin is going to give up fried foods.

 

Any new questions you like to ask people?

If you could meet any of your ancestors, who would you meet and why?

Describe the most magical moment you have experienced in your life so far.

What is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for you?

 

Any final thoughts?

The longer I go without kids, the more appealing not having my own kids becomes. Could it happen one day? Sure! It would probably go great! But I am really seeing the upside of living somewhat kid free.

I love hot apple cider.

Lots of outdoor spas close to Ottawa. I don't hate it. 

Glow in the dark bocce was is a hoot.

I started curling. Big curler now. You know who loves curling? Older, white people.

 

I wish you a pleasant November.

 

“Good or bad, hard to say."