Underground Al

Olympics thus far….

Well, there has been some incredible moments so far during the 2010 Olympics. Vancouver looks stunning on the TV and I’ve heard that the city is alive and excited. When Alexandre Bilodeau won the 1rst ever Gold medalon home soil and then you learned about his older brother…that is a great heartfelt story and I’m stoked that he won.

Another wonderful moment is Jon Montgomery winning the Gold in Skelton. I LOVED the vid of him skulling a jug of beer that some random person handed to him as he walked in the Whistler Village….a pure golden moment.

It was great to see all the hard work that Flynn Seddon has put into the snow & skier cross course turn out exceptionally well. The course looked incredible on the TV…well done Flynn, can’t wait to hear some stories over a beer.

Now here’s the part that some people will disagree with me on. Why is Ice Dancing an Olympic sport? I appreciate that we won a gold and I kinda hope that years from now, I only remember how many Gold we won and not specifically in which sports…..like Ice Dancing. So if Ice Dancing is your thing, then enjoy this moment but for me personally, I’ve had a chuckle at the whole thing.

And what the hell is the double luge and why is this something that anybody would want to do. Why is this an Olympic sport?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfE5fhfi25E

Here’s hoping for a great outing for hometown Hero, Kelsey Serwa tomorrow in the skier-cross…..GOOD LUCK KELSEY!

Underground Al saying keep those Gold Medal dreams alive all you Ice Dancers out there!

PS: Consectutive day # 101 this morning….life is good!

Procrastination…

maybe I’ll write about this topic tomorrow.

Super Bowl Sunday

Well looking out the weather window I see that it’s a real BEAUTY of a day. If you can’t have fun on a day like today, then you have some massive problems my friend. It is now officially Super Bowl Sunday. Although I’m not a huge NFL fan, I do enjoy the Super Bowl. My only complaint is this….It sucks big time that we don’t get the US commercials and instead have to watch “Budget, Brake & Muffler” or “Mr. Lube” local content crap. I bet that if there was a Pay Per View option, loads of people would go for it. I bet the Canadian Gov’t could even turn it into a fundraiser and collect Millions for some worthy Charities.

I just want to watch the commercials, that’s all I’m really saying on this BEAUTIFUL STUNNING BREATHTAKING Sunday ….What a Day EH! I’m going to be super bowl busy at the BBQ/Beergarden today…that much I know for sure. Oh, I just got reminded that My Mom gave me a Football Crock-pot about 5 yrs ago and I’ve yet to use it…I should really use it one of these days as it’s a cool looking little thing. I could put meatballs in it, maybe some chili…maybe a chocolate fondue? How about send me your favorite “Football Crock-Pot” recipe as I know you must have one.

Wouldn’t you know it…I googled Crockpot Football and mine came up! The other one that looks like a stadium is pretty cool as well…maybe grab me that one Ma just so I can complete the collection.

So Go-whatever team you want to win-Go.

I’ll see you for a Smokie & the Beer later….heh, that would make a great movie!

-Alfonzo out!

Olympic Fever

To get up VERY early and see the torch relay or not to get up VERY early and see the torch relay is my dilema. On one hand, it’s be kick-ass to go see it. I have 3 friends that are in it and I’m pretty jealous that I didn’t take the 5 seconds to fill out the online application. I can run 300m, I know I can. You can buy your torch for $399 after you run as well, I totally would’ve bought my torch if I ran. I’m pretty sure my buddies will.

I got to see a torch last week though as well as get my pic with it…that was kinda cool. It was my facebook shot until I changed it for a lobster pic. MMMMmmmmmmm Lobster!

So with the Olympics approaching, I suggest this….GO if you’re able, watch whatever is on the TV and YELL LOUDLY & PROUDLY whenever whatever Country you root for is competing. I’ll be screaming for Canada of course and can’t wait to watch. I might even pretend to work more as the TV’s in the pizza shop are way nicer than mine at home…oh, and there’s draught beer there as well.

I was lucky, really really lucky as my buddy & I decided to fly to Italy for the 2006 winter Olympics. I had the pleasure of watching both quarter final Mens hockey as well as the Bronze & Gold medal games. We lucked into the Womens 5000m speed skate final where Clara Hughes won Gold & Cindy Klassen won Bronze….undescribable just how incredible it was to be part of seeing your Country’s flag being raised…and to see Two flags out of the three.

We also got tickets for the Closing Ceremony…WOW! What a show, I still get goose bumps & shivers whenever I hear Andre Bocelli sing “Because We Believe”…unreal, shivers up my spine as I’m watching it on youtube right now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZhjPVzHVC8

Hands down, the most beautiful thing I’ve ever been part of in my life and I’ve had some pretty cool experiences thus far. Avril Lavinge sang as well as Ricky Martin but good old Andre was the highlight for me. Cirque de Soleil did a ton of cool things at the Ceremony as well…I’ll have to find some pics and put them up.

I can’t wait to have a beer and yell at the TV…..bring it on! It’s going to be a tough Hockey tourney but I think our lads are up for it…. Russia-DEAD, USA-DEAD, Sweds-DEAD, FINS-DEAD, anybody else….DEAD! I think you get the picture.

So, if you can go…GO, go to any event…it won’t matter. It’s about meeting incredible people from all over the world….people that make you think, “Hey, that’s me if I was from Austria”. Wear your Countries colors and I guarantee that you’ll meet some awesome folks.

So in closing, Go Canada GO…and not that stupid Pepsi slogan with Eh! in it….embaressing

Mike & I with the Olmpic Rings in Torino.

Now that I’m older & more mature…

Well it’s official, I am now 39 years old…WOW. On the plus side though, I actually thought I was 39 last year for quite awhile so I feel as if I gained a year. I remember thinking, holy Cow (I actually said shit instead of Cow but this is a family friendly blog after all) I am almost 40 yrs old. Now that i’m on the cusp on being 40 I feel this way though….I am almost 40 yrs young! It’s funny because I still remember the hatred for being ID’d when I was 20 or 21 because I knew that much at that time and I can also remember meeting a stranger that was 35-45 and thinking…that dude is OLD. Every year I seem to get a little smarter and of course better looking!! Now I look up to dudes like my father who is absolutley killing it at the young tender age of 74 or is he 75…he might even be only a young spry 73 but I doubt it.

So where am I going with this whole age/birthday gig….nowhere, that’s the whole point! When it’s your birthday, you get to make the rules. …and if somebody doesn’t get it, they’re never going to get it. I ‘m going to make the most of to tonight/today/tomorrow as in I’m going to kill it!! My first stop in the morning is a beautiful latte at Beano’s Coffee Shop (gotta shout out the sponsors) at 8:30 and then my plan is to ski every lift. After that, I have to clean “my” house as I’ve invited some local celebs over for a “give me your money invitation poker game” also know as GMYMIPG from here on in.

So come on board, join me at Beano’s for a latte ( I expect you to buy it for me by the way) and come rip Big White for the day. I see myself having a couple of beers for lunch while sitting in the hot-tubas well….but hey! It’s my birthday after all.

So in honor of ME, it is all about me today for the record….here is a song that I still love but have officially moved on from….

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsj9fXH2Psw

PS: Paul Cotton-come video you & I doing some Spraffy’s…we’ll kill it!

New Years Resolution Time

Now clearly not as fun as Hammer Time but still worth a thought. I’ve never been a goal guy before and I’m really still not to be honest. I’ve enjoyed keeping my skiing streak alive thus far though. I think I’m at 47 days but not entirely sure to be honest. I think instead of goals & resolution, I need to more work on basic principles & fundamentals about life for 2010. I think I’m a pretty good person but there is always room for improvement. I get impatient sometimes and that’s something that I’m trying to work on. Oh and I also procrastinate…probably should have wrote that earlier but I guess that’s just me procrastinating again.

So here’s where I’m going with this…this year, 2010….WOW…2010, unbelievable to even type it…..so weird…..anyways, 2010 is going to be a great year! I still have some personal matters on the slate but I think I’ll be able to wipe those clean soon enough. For me, 2010 is going to be about just trying to be a good human being. There are a lot of Knobs out there it seems, I’m not really sure if ignorant people really get it to be honest. Some of the stuff I see is just beyond my thinking. Little stuff like littering or not holding a door for somebody or just not thinking in general seems to be a bit of an epidemic out there in the “Real World”.

So this is what I’m going to try to do…I’m going to try really hard to be a better person and I encourage you to do the same. I’m going to try harder to get people involved in conversations (always remember to ask questions and don’t be afraid to listen instead of talking sometimes…I know it’s hard…especially when my story is better and WAY more interesting than yours. I’m going to be kinder to my Elders. I’m going to hold open more doors. I’m going to smile more and here is what I’m really going to try to do…… I’m going to bring back the “Daffy”…yep, that’s correct my friend….Daffy’s back…in fact, I rocked 7 yesterday! A new PB….aka Personal Best. The world I want to live in has smiling people who hold doors for one another doing Daffy’s.

http://www.abc-of-skiing.com/skiing-tricks/daffy.asp

So from the desk of The King Of Daffy’s—- Keep it Real Hommies.

Sports Cliches that are Applicable

Sometimes life is like a big game or a big series or a big match. That is how I feel right now after being about 1/2 way thru “Operation Really Really Busy”. It’s a tough balance between working hard, having fun and still getting your turns in. I feel that I’ve done a fabulous job thus far….so good in fact that I’m going to give myself a “B+” as a grade.

I’ve certaintly excelled at the partying and I do feel that I’ve worked hard. My skiing is where I’ve been lacking. I’m still on my full season pace although I’ve ventured from my tele/ski/snowboard rotation. I’ve been killing it on the skis lately and have been on them for the last 5 days….I feel that I’ve been killin’ it and at this point in the evening, my opinion is the only 1 that gets to count.

So back to the sports cliches….here’s how I feel so far about the Big White season.
“I’m just taking it 1 game at a time, it’s going to be a long series and I just hope to end it with a “W”.
“They’re a good team and I can’t take anything away from them, I can’t take them lightly and I prepare for them just as I do any other team”.
“There’s no sense looking at the end while we still have all these good teams yet to play, It’s going to be a long hard battle and I just hope to do my best”.
“I’m going to give it 110% every shift I’m out there”.

So, as you can guess, I actually didn’t google anything. I just took those cliches from some files in my head. Some of them may be real, some are fake but by me just typing them…I’m making them real fake.

Now for real–it’s been a remarkable season so far. Plenty of smiling faces and incredible skiing to go around for everybody. If you haven’t enjoyed yourself over the last week then please take this complimentary “never talk to me again” coupon and validate it RIGHT NOW!

So as we say in the industry…so far, so good. Here’s to many more incredible days. If enough people ask, I might even tell you about the Greatest prank ever, I’ve even givin’ you a pre-look at a photo of Mark Hetherington below.

Peace Out–I hope that Santa was good to you and your family.
Happy Birthday Mom, I love you!

Memories & Special Moments.

Well It’s that time o’ year when we really have an opportunity to create some special memories. My OLDER sister, whom I love with all my heart, is always that person taking countless photo’s at an event. My good buddy Gary is also THAT dude. If my house was on fire and I only had to save 1 thing, it would be my photos. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying I have a cat or a dog and I’d leave them in the house,….I’m just saying that my pictures are important….hold that thought for a second.

Okay, I’m back..just had to grab a cup o’ coffee. Now what I meant is that pictures are timeless and wonderful. They have the ability to capture a millisecond in your life that you’ll never get to experience again. I guess if you have a time-machine then I’m wrong but until then, I’m right.

Now how did this topic get into my melon this morning? Well, I awoke to some friends voices and that reminded me that we had a killer time last night and then that reminded me that Gary also took pictures which we then looked at. ha-ha-ha some of those pictures are classic!

The greatest gift I’ve ever recieved is one of those incredible ones that you can’t find at any store. My lovely Mother (I threw in lovely just in case she reads this….her birthday is on the 28th and just in case I forge….HAPPY B-DAY MOM!) gave me a collection entitled, “My Life”. It was a history of me and there was a ton of shit that I’d forgotten about. Old love letters from grade 7 when I knew the most about relationships, school report cards….this may surprise you but apparently I’m a bit of an underachiever and I’m not good with attendance…. I know…shocking.

Here’s what I’m getting at. Grab your camera & click away. Capture that moment that you’ll never get to have again. Put the timer on and put the camera on the floor with everybody looking down (Kudo’s to Shane Styles for that one). Take good shots, bad shots and yes, even great shots…just take them and then watch them. Get your picture with Santa every year regardless of what you believe in, just because you can. Big White starts their free Santa pictures for mountain guests today in the VCM. I hope to see you in the line up.

Underground Al saying–Peace Out Hommies & Hommiettes!

Visitors to The Shark Tank

Hurricane Horwitz Approaches Big WHite

Summer hike to the Cliff

Well it’s 4ish in the AM and I can’t sleep. That usually means a couple of different scenarios. A) I’m pretty loaded and just got home. B) I was really loaded, passed out at 9pm and just got up or C) Have stuff on my mind & I’m really excited about something!

The answer Ladies & Gentlemen is…..insert drum roll….”C”. As I was ripping it up with a couple of friends yesterday (won’t mention their names as I handidly beat all 3 down the hill in the Hot Chocolate Invitational), my thoughts began to spread about a certain Hurricane Horwitz arrival and our famous Cliff.

I hadn’t dropped into the cliff yet this year(the upper portion anyways). I had a moment of clarity where I thought, this is just like an old friend that you hadn’t seen in awhile. It only took a turn or 2 before we were totally caught up to date. Man, I love that run. It was a little sketchy for about 5 turns but then it turned into pure giddyniss, the type of smile that just simply cannot be wiped from your face.

I’d spotted Russ & Jade Chritchslow on the right and then Rob Olson on my left…and then to his left, we saw the little break in the rope-line that seperated choppy from soft mashed potatoes. Rob & I got about 10 incredible turns that made me love Cliffy and dream of that day that’s coming where I’ll be first down it with 25 cms choking me every turn.

Now back to the can’t sleep saga. The Horwitz’ aka Hurricane Horwitz is just one of those families that you just have to meet. Full of life & love is how I’d describe their family. Also full of the ability to have a very good time via the “House Specials”. Ask Michael J, Hetherington  or John Mooney if you need a 2nd opinion.

Now here’s where it gets fun. I live at their house here at Big White, It’s an incredible place that I’m VERY lucky to be able to stay at. When the Hurricanes get here (in just over 12 hrs now), I am but a trailer park in the game of life. Meaning that when the “House Specials” arrive, I get spun faster & further than a double wide in Florida.

So if between now & January 10ish you happen to see me early in the morning looking a little frail….please do not approach too fast or yell too loud cause Uncle Al probably got hit by a House Special Hurricane the night before.

Underground Al saying, “If you’re not living on the edge, You’re taking up too much space”.

PS: Picture is of the last time I saw Cliffy. Found 2 skis, I was looking for the 1 in my Left hand. If you own the ski in my Right hand, let me know.

Oh What a Beautiful Tuesday.

Woke up way too early. Even too early to get out of bed so I opted to finish off the Thriller of a novel that I’ve been reading…this master piece is entitled, “Love don’t live here no more- Doggy Tales:Vol 1.” Now I guess it’s my fault for even having expectations when it comes to a novel written by Snoop Dogg and another dude but no book should have to end with “I loaded my gun, cocked it, and held the trigger. The knob turned. The door opened.”

Ohhhhh come on! The really funny thing is that I actually thought I was reading about Snoop growing up and I just found out (right now) that it’s just a novel. A bad one by the way. I don’t even care now what happens when they open the door. I hope they shoot him. All this time I thought that Snoop’s real name was Ulysses, not that I know his real name. Yep, just googled it and it’s Cordazar….wow, another Cordazar in my life.

So after that frustrating waste of time that I’ll never get back and I’m actually punishing you for having to read about it and you in turn will never get that time back, I’m having a great day! Incredible Sunrise this morning. You could feel the crispness of the oranges & red coming up over the Monashees. I never get tired of seeing that.

I chatted about Santa and Make a Wish during my last ramblin’. It turns out that Rialyn had some major issues where he’s been thru too many surgeries to note. He walks though and isn’t in a wheelchair. I got a Santa stand-in at the last moment, my Father came up to visit me and I told him that I have the perfect project for him. He’s such a great Santa, you should have seen the glints in the kids eyes! Incredible…..well worth going to see the magic happen.

The funny moment was when Bill the camera dude asked Santa to do another version of “What do you want for Christmas?’, My father aka Old Saint Nick replied, “Santa doesn’t like scripts…Santa likes to be spontaneous.” I LOVED it.

You would have melted when Rialyn and his little sister Alyssa gave Santa some fresh flower Lei’s that flew with them from Hawaii that morning. I don’t care how tough you think you are, even the Scrooge himself would’ve sniffled when gorgeous little Alyssa put the Lei around Santas neck and said, “I love you Santa!”

Now of course, I couldn’t let a Santa suit sit idle. I’m pretty sure that I’m getting coal for Christmas now but that’s okay,it was worth it….I have a wood burning fireplace here so I can use the coal. Video to follow one of these days and you out there in Underground land that have seen it have all enjoyed it….I have Bill working on it before it goes viral for me.

Underground Al- signing off & saying, “Be Cool, Stay in School”