Gus Digital
my digital realm, my digital voice
Posts tagged Christmas
Relaxing Christmas 2009
Dec 28th
A few days before Christmas, there was something that just didn’t seem right. I just couldn’t put my finger on it and it was starting to bother me. I’m not sure if it was the fact that my plans to spend Christmas with my family, after 8 years, fell through, or the fact that this year we didn’t get the snow fall of the last 2 years. There was a dullness happening and I needed to quickly get a hold of this.
On Christmas Eve, Russ and I didn’t go anywhere, we just hung around the condo and listened to Christmas music. I think this helped my spirits as I actually began to feel happy. I got a chance to speak to all the members of my family in Toronto as they were all gathered at my parent’s place. I think just talking to them helped change my mood. I even surprised my aunt in Argentina by giving her a call on Christmas Eve. That really lifted their spirits hearing from me and it lifted mine.
On Christmas Day, we visited a friend in West Vancouver and had nice relaxing afternoon with him and quickly ran home to get ready for our next outing with other friends. This “hipster” Christmas (or what I like to call “orphan” Christmas) dinner was wonderful. Miranda and Ryley opened their home to friends and people they knew that had no plans for Christmas dinner. They provided the turkey and ham, and everyone else brought some other fixings. Overall 18 people over for dinner and not an empty stomach was left.
Boxing Day was another relaxing day of not doing much. I’m proud to say that I didn’t even venture out to the stores. I don’t feel I have anything that I truly need – yes there are TONS of wants. I’ve been trying to live on a budget and not venture out on Boxing Day helped. We did end up going to Vandusen Botanical Gardens for their Festival of Lights, but I’ll write about that in a different post.
Elf Yourself – 2009 Edition
Dec 6th
Just in time for the holidays, Elf Yourself is back and even better! This time you can be a singing elf and add even more people to your dance. The classic dance is still there, with your disco, hip-hop and country versions added.
I’ve been elfing myself for over 3 years now and I’m always enjoying what JibJab has to offer.
So from my family to yours. Merry Christmas!!!
Enjoy!
Send your own ElfYourself eCards
Merry Christmas 2008
Dec 26th
Yes I know I am a day late with this post, but would you rather I not even write one? No – I didn’t think so 
This Christmas was fairly quiet compared to many of the past, but it was fun none-the-less.
With the weather being the way it has been here in Vancouver this past month of December (almost 90cm of snow in the month), we didn’t venture out with the car, and pretty much kept it close to home this year.
Of course being that Christmas fell on a work week, I as usual woke up at 7am. Though I was tempted to open some of the gifts up, I thought I should wait until Russ got up and we were both ready to open our gifts. This year we told each other to go lightly with gifts since we are heading to Argentina in a couple of weeks. I still managed to get some cool stuff that I know are both practical and useful. I got a great camera bag that doubles as a napsack (sorry not a Crumpler), I got some fleece pajama pants to lounge around in, I got a great traveler’s wallet and a tea steeper.
Granted I did get myself my own gift, as I like to do every year. This year it was an Xbox 360. I’m not a huge gamer, but since I began to go to Tanya’s place and play Rock Band, I’ve started to see how much fun it can be.
Later on in the evening, we had Laura join us for dinner at Hon’s Restaurant for a great Chinese food dinner. Russ and I were both lazy we didn’t want to cook, and poor Laura, who was at her folks the day before came home after they lost power and couldn’t get their Christmas dinner ready. On a side note it was funny to have her family show up at the same restaurant when we were there.
Later that evening we watched the Doctor Who Christmas Special and just relaxed for the evening.
All in all it was a fun Christmas, though I do miss my family I was glad I was able to talk to them as they were having their Christmas day lunch at my Mom’s.
First Day Of Winter
Dec 23rd
Well the first official day of winter has come and gone and as you can see, here in Vancouver, we got our share of winter.
I don’t recall ever seeing this much snow in Vancouver in my 7 years that I have been living here. I only recall days like these from back east.
The problem I find in this city when it snows, is that the city doesn’t shovel the sidewalks of common streets, Translink doesn’t seem to shovel the snow off their bus stops (you’d think they would care about their riders), and the roads are not really cleared off very well, even with the 2 plows the city owns
All in all, I’m loving this snow. Junior as well is enjoying the snow and playing in it. He loves it when I toss a snow ball and quickly jumps up and down chasing it.
There is just something wonderful about a fresh snow fall, and if the weather report is correct, we should have another fresh snow dumping tonight!
My Christmas Wish List
Dec 7th
With Christmas less than 3 weeks away I’ve decided to compose my Christmas wish list for the year. Granted these are just wishes, but some are practical should you decide send me a gift. So here we go, in no particular order.
1. XBox 360
What can you say about this system? They have some very cool looking games and lately, thanks to Tanya and her parties, I’ve been getting addicted to Rock Band! It’s always nice to put in a game and just be entertained for a few hours.
2. YBF Skincare
I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing YBF Skincare’s Control a few months back and have to say this product and the line are truly amazing and actually do what they say they do. I am currently using their Correct product for the eyes and I should have a full review in the next few weeks.
3. Canon EOS 50D Digital Camera
If I could have a new digital camera at this moment I would have to choose the Canon EOS 50D. The 12.8 mega pixels, combined with the stronger frame, easier grip, this camera would make this amateur think seriously of taking some photography courses.
4. Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USF wide angle lens
I’ve been wanting a wide angle lens to complete my lens collection. I’ve got to play with this lens at a store before and was truly amazed at what I could do with it. This is a perfect lens for trips, landscapes, etc.
5. Dress shirt, with french cuffs
I’ve gotten use to wearing shirts that require french cuffs. I find these styles of shirts create more of a polished look and give you a richer overall look.
6. New suit
I have been in need of a new suit for sometime. As with all fashion, items go out of style. Granted mens fashion has a longer “shelf life” when compared to women’s styles. Now I’m a big boy and it’s very hard to find that stylish suit that fits well and doesn’t look aweful on me. I have been thinking of getting a custom measured suit, but that will be a little more expensive than what I am used to, thus the item being on my wish list 
7. Dress shoes
To complete the full look I require shoes. As much as I would love the wood sole shoes, I have a habit of wearing out my shoes quickly. I’m not one of these men (or women) that have tons of shoes for every occasion.
8. Macbook Pro
Ahh the new Macbook Pro, could there be any sexier machine out there? I have the first generation Macbook Pro (yes not the Powerbook) and I have nothing but great things to say about it. Granted as is with most technology, it gets out-dated quiet quickly and as everyone knows me, I like to have the most current gadgets out there.
9. Kitchen makeover
Our kitchen is getting out dated as well. It will be 6 years that we’ve moved into our condo, and we have been trying to figure out what we can do to make our place different from the others in the building. We would like to have new appliances and a new makeover would be great.
10. African Safari Vacation
Of all my “dream” vacations, I’ve always wanted to go on an African Safari since I was a young child. I know one day I will do this, but with your help out there, you might want to help that happen a little sooner.
As you can see there are some very practical gift items and others that I know are a stretch considering the economic environment, but hey it’s *my* wish list after all
What are you wishing for this Christmas?
Prepared To Be Elfed Again!
Nov 17th
Last year OfficMax created a huge viral campaign called “Elf Yourself” and I had fun cutting up a few images and placing them over Elf bodies.
Today OfficeMax is launching the new Elf Yourself 2008 with new songs (Disco, Charleston, Country, Classic) and better options (allowing you to embedded the video, greater control on the face mapping, and up to 5 photos available for uploading).
Charleston Gus & Junior – Elf
Send your own ElfYourself eCards
Elf Yourself is powered by JibJab which offers other fun and entertaining ways to create eCards.
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