#42 Create a Cook Book (In Progress)

Bone Ape Tit as they say in France

One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”  Virginia Woolf

I must start by saying it is nice to be writing again, so much of my list is in the "progress stage" and auto pilot mode, that I haven't had a chance to write much. A long with the many other tasks I have taken on lately with my list, I have also started to work away at my plans to have my own personal cook book. There are so many great recipes on the web now, that it seems pointless to spend money on buying cook books when one can simply Google what they fancy. For this reason I have decided to make a collection of recipes that suite my taste and will become "Brett Butchart signature dishes" (stealing all credit from the original owners).

In this article, I'd like to take the time to notice the quote "one cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well." I find this to be a very truthful and powerful quote how we dine plays a tremendous roll in our social lives. Food is use for all sorts of social gathering, its also used to energize us and keep us healthy or used to provoke comfort and security. In may ways it is a key corner stone to our connections with other people. The reason I am going to make a cook book of my "signature dishes" is because I think it will be a nice way of identifying my personality through the art of food.

My cook book will consist of the following:
3 party dishes
3 side dishes
2 soups
1 salad
3 breakfast dishes
5 lunch dishes
3 sea food dishes
3 fish dishes
2 pork dishes
3 beef dishes
4 chicken dishes
1 turkey dish
2 vegetarian dishes 
3 pasta dishes
1 cake
1 pie
1 cookie
1 brownie
1 fruit desert 
1 frozen desert
3 bbq dishes
1 dip
1 sauce
1 dressing
3 drinks

Once I have all the recipes my book will be done !!!

Yours truly  Chef Butchart

#39 Watch a Guy's 100 movie list (In progress)

Maximum Man Movie List

                                  "Everything I learned, I learned from the movies" 
                                                         `Audrey Hepburn

So today I will be talking about #39 on my list (Watch a guys movie list). I have already started on this and have been working on it for awhile now. In order to pick what list I would use I goggled "top guy movies list", there was a lot of different sites that offered lists of movies. I chose to go with Maximum's list for two reasons: 1) I had not seen many movies on the list 2) Maximum seems like they would know what classify as a guys movie.

I have also decided to rate the movies on the list, the following is my rating system:

5 star movie ( one of the best movies I've seen)
4.5 star movie ( very good movie, I would buy it!)
4 star movie  (great movie)
3.5 star movie (good movie)
3 star movie (Ok movie)
2 star movie (bad movie)
1 star movie (so bad I couldn't finish watching it)

I will attach a page to show my progress of the movies I watch on the list, as I finish the films I will cross them off and give them a rating so people know if they are worth watching.

Busting through another item Captain KOOLAID!

# 44 Have a Home Bar (In Progress)

Building a Bar One Glass of Whiskey at a Time

“Alcohol may be man's worst enemy, but the bible says love your enemy.” 
― Frank Sinatra

I'd like to start of this entry with drawing attention to the video above, this man is the inspiration for #44 (have a home bar). He's the kind of guy that will be allowed to drink at my bar! OK OK all jokes aside Marshal Raylen Givens is not the REAL reason why I want a home bar. Some of you might be wondering why I want a bar at all, considering I don't even drink that much, nor do I drink anything other then whiskey when I do drink. The TRUE reason for starting this hobby is because I see it as a great conversation starter and hosting opportunity and hosting is defiantly something I like to do!

When I reflect on the decision to add this hobby to my list, I believe why I was so drawn to the idea was it seems like a great way to please and entertain my good friends and family...but don't think that this means people can get hammered at my bar, this is more of a social treat. At the same time all the research says that you should build your bar in accordance with your taste personality, so it goes without saying that my bar will start off as a old fashion gentlemen bar.

The question comes up how will you determine that this goal is complete?  seeing as a good bar takes years and years and constantly changes. I will answer this by saying that I have decided that my bar will be considered complete when I have the appropriate bar gear, glasses, and 10 bottles.

I'm very happy to say that I have bought my first bottle (Kentucky Straight Bourbon by Jim Beam) I picked this because it is currently what I like to drink the most and as far as whiskey's go I find that Bourbon has the most desirable taste. I have also bought my first set of glasses for the bar, I went with a set of old fashion rock glasses and standard tall glasses. The short glasses will be used for serving drinks on the rocks or neat, the tall glasses can be used for popular drinks such as Paralizer's, Mojito's and Ceaser's.

I hope to make you all a drink one day, with much love Brett

PS Please note I plan to start some side bars on the right side of the page to let people know about the items that are currently in progress.

Cheers!

#36 Rent a Limo (Complete)

High Class Taxi Ride!

"Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down." 
Oprah Winfrey 


So completing #36 on my list (rent a limo) came as a complete surprise! We had just finished yuk yuk's for Jenelle's b-day and decided we were going to head back to Coquitlam for drinks, when BAM! Jen orders a limo. The reason for doing this was pretty simple, it was more fun than taking the sky train and cheaper than renting three cabs.

So like a bunch of clowns in a small car we piled into the limo. I believe the reason I enjoyed it so much was because of how spontaneous the whole thing was and of course I felt like a high roller. The limo was amazing but it was the spontaneity that really made it a treat. The limo was pretty much what I expected it to be: everyone had drinks and it was full of funky lights and music, definitely a good time. The best part was that I got to control the music so the party rocked the way I wanted it to.

Overall the ride was a ton of fun and it was also a great reminder of how important it is to have some spontaneity in life. I feel that although I love to plan out events with detail, spontaneity is definitely one of the keys to a good life. Sometimes when life is going well we can get bogged down with routine and become stagnant but changing it up once in awhile helps the soul to stay youthful.

So I propose a toast to always stay youthful through the bond of spontaneity and friendship

Always with love, Bretzgky

#12 Comedy Show (Complete)

Big Laughs In the City

"We don't laugh because we're happy - we're happy because we laugh. "
William James 


So another week has passed and I have completed two more items on my list. Last weekend was  Jenelle's 26th birthday, at which I completed #12 on my list: See a Comedy Show.

I believe Jenelle's birthday was a pretty big success. The people who attended were Elliot, Courtney, Adam, Meghan, Chelsea, Brad, Beth, Steven, Jen, Blayke, Nicole, Kayla, Billy, myself and of course the birthday girl! We started off the night by going to Original Joe's downtown where we all had some amazing drinks (such as bull dogs) accompanied by some delicious food! I was personally surprised by how good the butter chicken actually is at OJ's!

 After our meal we all headed to Yuk Yuk's (downtown Vancouver), which was a short walk. As a whole the comedians were a pretty solid lot but as the night went on the talent seemed to get weaker, which tends to be the opposite of most shows I've seen in the past. I was surprised by how clever some of the host's jokes were, such as the comment about eating whole boxes of cookies and switching to fig newtons...humm sounds like something I'd do.

The first act was pretty good, he was full of awkward silences and had a very odd physical appearance, which was the blunt of most of his jokes. He was also introduced as being one of the writers of Corner Gas (a show I like).

The second act started out hilarious as his skit was in reference to his youthful look and the disadvantages that came with that. His rookie skills were evident as he was unable to switch topics...but none the less a good showing.

The head liner was a female comedian  which is something you don't see every day! She was defiantly skillful and had enough material to fill up the act. It was evident that she had been working on her material for sometime and although she followed through with great punch lines, I had heard many similar jokes before.

 I've done comedy shows many times before and I have always enjoyed it as it's almost always a good bang for your buck. Even if comedians aren't funny, the unpredictability of a crowd always makes for a entertaining situation. What was great about this time though was that it was for Jenelle's b-day and also because it was held in a different location than usual. I will be doing this again but my only hope is that the next time I go it will be a larger venue, with a more professional act.

P.S this was only the first half of the night! Stay tuned for the second half where I got to complete another list item!

Salute, Captain Koolaid!

#15 Okanagan Sun Game (Complete)

Watching the Game with my Dad

People who work together will win, whether it be against complex football defenses, or the problems of modern society. 
Vince Lombardi 

So glad to say I have completed the first item in the entertainment section of my list; watch the local Okanagan sun play. I'd like to start by welcoming my dad to the list, and thanking him for joining me for this event. Not only was it the first time I've watched the Sun but also the first time I've been to a football game. The game was what I suspected to be a pretty big rivalry between the Okanagan Sun and Kamloops Broncos. I found the game to be entertaining mostly because of the odd behaviors that so many of the football players displayed in between plays. The game was pretty slow paced but had a few highlight moments, and it was a big bonus to watch the Sun stomp the Broncos.

So did I enjoy the game? Yes, there is something great about watching local small town sports teams play. Would I go again? Not likely, as fun as it was, its much more interesting to watch a local university sport team or hockey team like the Penticton V's or Kelowna Rockets. I believe the reason for this is due to the atmosphere. At a university game or local hockey game the fans charisma is much more amplified thus resulting in a more entertaining experience. Also I couldn't ask for a cooler guy to go with, so I'll be needing to see another local town sporting game with my dad when the chance presents itself!  

With a Smile and Thumbs Up, the one and only Combat Wombat!

#101 Hawaii (In Progress)

Ocean Waves, Sandy Shores and Sunsets

Grace is the beauty of form under the influence of freedom. 
Friedrich Schiller 

Alright, finally some relaxation plans! With all this blogging about physical exercise people were probably thinking that I was gluten for punishment. Therefore I feel its a good time to let people know that I am in the process of saving money for #101 THE BIG ISLAND (or small neighbors). I am hoping that after next summer I will have saved up enough money to take a trip to Hawaii, it seems like a nice chance to have a romantic getaway with Jenelle, and I feel by this time we are both well deserving of some rest and relaxation.

As most of you already know, I love to plan out my holidays with great details, power points and all! Although I have to admit, this is one holiday I know absolutely jack about, and so although this blog is short, I am hoping to get some feed back about what people think Jenelle and I should do or see? and also when is a good time to go? and what island is ideal for a first trip?

I also want to note, that I believe completing the trips on my list will be one of the toughest things to do within the time frame I have tentatively given myself. So if you know how to save a buck or two, its very much appreciated!

PS...Although this is a romantic trip, I promise I will invite people along on other trips on the list

Aloha, Brett

#79 Tough Mudder (In Progress)

Tough Mudder won't know what hit it!

Find a place inside where there's joy, and the joy will burn out the pain. 
Joseph Campbell 

So I have just pre-registered for the Tough Mudder on June 22nd 2013 at Whistler BC. If I can complete  the training that is recommended in the time suggested, I will be entering this event!

Once a week, I will be completing #5 (fitness testing) on my weight lost plan, by trying to accomplish the weekly goals set out by the Tough Mudder website. I will attempt to increase the amount of miles I can run each month while adding in the suggested Tough Mudder obstacle training.

Below are the dreaded obstacles:
                             

1) Death March

2) Kiss of Mud (part 1)

3) Arctic Enema

4) Log Bog Jog

5) Walk the Plank

6) Berlin Walk (Part 1)

7) Devil`s Beard

8) Bushwhacked

(No picture, just running through the bush)

9) Glacier 

10) Boa Constrictor

11)  Snow Ramp

12) Spider Web

13) Berlin Wall (Part 2)

14) Log Jammin 

15) Electric Eel

16) Kiss of Mudd (part 2)

17) Trench Warfare

18) Cliff Hanger

19) Hold your Wood

20) Everest 

21)Funky Monkey 

22) Electric Shock Therapy

So there you go, above is a list of all the obstacles that take place with in a 20 mile run, the even is not a race and is not timed, it is simply a case of personal achievement. I believe it will be pretty hard to do this on my own, so I am hoping people will join me and we can make a team....Please let me know if you are in and want to join me for my fitness testings!

If we get enough people we can go as a team, any suggestions for team names...

Working Hard, Bretsgky

#91 Reach goal weight of 175 (In progress)

 Making a Sexier Brett

Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will. -Mahatma Gandhi

Hello again, today I want to introduce everyone to my plan to accomplish my goal weight of 175 pounds. The reason I chose 175 is because according to the body mass index calculator it is the ideal healthy weight for a male of my age and height. There are 6 components to my work out plan, they are as followed: 

1) Hitting the gym
2) Working out by having fun through sports 
3) Boosting my process by starting off with a cleanse
4) Technology support
5) Fitness testing
6) Following the skinny rules

ps, (I did start this prior to the summer, and have gotten a bit off track, seems like a good time to get back into the swing of things)

Step 1: Hitting the gym
The work I am doing at the gym will consist mostly of cardio (spin) and stretching (yoga), I will also be taking place in TRX class to build strength and mussel.  I plan to increase my gym involvement as the months go on.

Step 2: Working out by having fun through sports
As always, getting my cardio through sports has been the main way i have kept the pounds off; I plan to continue this through the summer. On Mondays I will be taking part in both men soccer and v-ball and on Saturdays i will be playing co-ed soccer.

Step 3: Boosting my process by starting off with a cleanse
The cleanse I have chosen is First Cleanse, it last 15 days and is a very light cleanse, but will work wonders for my eating habits. It is very simple to complete, as the rules are very simple, such as: take 10 glasses of water a day, for meats only turkey fish and chicken, lots of vegetables and fruits, only whole grains, and no dairy. (SIMPLE!)

Step 4: Technology support
I will also be using this wonderful app I found called My Fitness. How it works is simple, you just type in what you had that day and it lets you know how many calories it was you ate. In order to loose 2 pounds a week it tells you the set amount of calories you can have each day, thus making sure i get the right amount of nourishment without over eating. The great thing about it, is that it takes into consideration the physical activity you do in a day, and adjust your calorie intake accordingly.

Step 5: Fitness Testing
I can't speak to much to fitness testing at this point, as it play a big factor in another one of my goals...keep your eyes out for it!

Step 6: Following the skinny rules
the skinny rules are:
Rule #1) Drink a large glass of water before every meal
Rule #2) Don't drink your calories
Rule #3) Don't be fooled by food labels
Rule #4) Eat a real breakfast
Rule #5) Have one cheat meal a week
Rule #6) snack on apples or berries
Rule #7) Have protein in every meal
Rule #8) Don't guess about portion sizes
Rule #9) Go to bed hungry
Rule #10) Set yourself up for success

Anyways that's the tentative plan at this point, I also plan to weigh myself weekly, I will let you know when I get to where I want to be.

Busting into a gym near you, KOOL AID MAN!

#58 Do 10 Hikes (1 of 10)

Hanging Out at the Angel Springs

"Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the summit is the answer to the mystery why we climb." 
-- Greg Child

Another Post but my first hike, yesterday I decided to tackle #58, complete 10 hikes. So I started off by heading to the local info center and gathered as much information as I could regarding hikes in our beautiful neighborhood. For my first hike I decided to check out Angel Springs.

I'm happy to announced that this is the first list item that Elliot has joined me on....Welcome Elliot! Overall Angel Springs was a decent hike, it about 8km on what is classified as moderate terrain (easy for members of the Juan Da Fuca club). Its a perfect hike for a sunny day, as it is shaded by tall trees for most of the trek, it is also extremely close to town which makes it ideal for a last minute plan. Sadly the destination of Angel springs it self is some what of a disappointment, in fact Elliot and I walked right by it with no notice. Although I imagine that at different times of the year when run off is strong, it would be more of a sight. 

Interesting side note thought, the minerals in the orange water springs could be use to forge weapons if you knew what you were doing. I plan to do 9 more hikes, if your interested in joining me for my next one, let me know. Also if you want to hear what some of the other hikes are that I am considering doing just ask, I got a butt-load of information from the Info center.

Yours, Truly with out hesitation COMBAT WOMBAT

#85 Buy a House (In Progress)

Having my own piece of American Pie (better yet Canadian Pie)

Home is where one starts from.
T.S Elliot

Hey Team, as some of you may know I've been working at saving for the BIG #85 for awhile now but, have done a horrendous job at trying to save for a home, I constantly dip into my savings for things that I shouldn't. I recently read a great book on the psychological aspect of saving money called debt-free forever by Gail Vaz-Oxlade ( the chick from till debt do us part), I have started to adopt some of her methods, and found it has made somewhat of a change, but I feel much work can still be done. I am also very hopeful that #92 on the list will play a big part in improving my saving habits. 

To be completely honest I have no idea regarding the details of what I am saving for, I'd be interested in hearing peoples thoughts on the housing market. In fact I am not even sure as to what kind of home I should save for; house, apartment, townhouse ect....so what are peoples thoughts?

Yours Truly and Absolutely Confused, Tropical Punch Kool Aid

#76 Spend a Day In Stanley Park (Complete)

A date with Stanley on a bike built for two

 Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
~ Albert Einstein 

Let me start by saying, what BC born person has not already been to Stanley Park, it is our God given right as BC citizens to spend as much time as we please in Stanley Park; so I think it goes without saying that my recent trip to Stanley was not my first. 

I love going to Stanley Park it has such a comforting feeling to it, it reminds me of the countless family trips I use to take as a child, whenever we visited Vancouver. I feel that Stanley Park has so much to offer as far as  free and homely entertainment. You can stop at watch the East Indian cricket teams play at the English club house, you can relax with the locals at rec beach, you can watch the kids laugh and play at the aquarium or water park, you can get ice cream at the top of the lions gate bridge, you can take silly pictures in front of the totem pole, you can take a trek to beaver lake, or do the classic bike or jog around the board walk. It truly is a magical place where all "walks of people" can join together to appreciate a common love. So although it is congested like most of Vancouver, I strongly feel it is one of BC finest Gems and we are incredibly fortunate to have it....I like to think of it as Canada's Central Park (knowing it is a poor comparison, but I am proud of it none the less).

So I guess the question is why put Stanley Park on the list? I think the better question is, why NOT put Stanley Park on the list? I have been many times, and each trip is memorable, each time you go you can have a totally unique experience, I contribute this to the endless possibilities of people watching, it is truly fascinating.

 So my most recent trip to Stanley Park was a result of having to move Jenelle back to school for her fourth and final year! We decided to end the summer with a jam packed weekend, Friday we went to a comedy show in New West for a friends birthday, we met up with a old friend of mine from Ottawa at Granville Island on Saturday, headed to the PNE on Sunday, and biked Stanley on Monday  For me, Stanley Park was my favorite day of the weekend....Jenelle would probably disagree and say seeing the Super Dogs at the PNE was the best, but anyways.

So Jenelle and I decided to rent a Tandem Bike for the day (surprisingly cheap!) I have to admit its as awkward as it looks when it comes to riding these beast, but its full of great laughs and you will get tons of stares! It took awhile to get use to and I don't think Jenelle every felt completely comfortable with my steering. We ended up biking the entire sea wall making stops at typical land marks along the way. Being a sunny Monday on the last long weekend of the summer there were tons of people to watch, making it a enjoyable afternoon. I really liked when we stopped at the Aquarium for a rest, and watch two kids zoom up and down a dirt path on there bikes (at that age, little did they know how out of control they really were). 

P.S it was also very nice joining the locals at Rec beach, catching some rays, while resting on a giant log and watching the ships come in.

So that's another post! and this is the Honey Badger, reminding you I actually do give a SHIT!