So yeah, I went to England - Day One

December 27th my good buddy Shane Tarnow drove me to the airport and off I was to the UK. I was kinda nervous about the trip, didn't really know what to expect, but whatever.

The flight was nice...but the sound wasn't working properly at my seat so I couldn't watch the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie. I still have yet to watch it. One thing that I discovered! I'm comfortable with flying now, I wasn't so much before (hated takeoffs and landings). Now it was really no big deal at all, that surprised me.

One of my biggest concerns for this trip was jet lag. England is 8 hours ahead of us, so that means everyone is falling asleep at 11pm and to me it feels like 3 in the afternoon. My plan to beat this was to stay up most of the night before my flight, and then try to sleep on the plane, wake up just before we land at Heathrow, which would be noon (when I normally wake up anyways!). Sounds like a great plan, everything was working perfectly, but I could not sleep on the plane. What was I thinking?!?? So now I'm in London completely wiped cause I haven't slept much in two days.

I caught a train to King's Cross (that's the station where Harry Potter catches the Hogwarts Express!!!). Met up with Robyn there and sat down for a bite to eat. I was kind of out of it...Robyn filled me in some tips for getting by, we ate, don't really remember what else happened.

Then we got on the Tube and headed to Phil and Ingrid's place in South London. I was surprised to find the Tube was exactly like the skytrain but underground. I don't know what I was expecting really...maybe I was hoping it was like those pneumatic tubes they have in Costco to send their overflow cash to the back. That would have been an adventure to ride in!



I had met Phil and Ingrid before, but I didn't really get to know their kids (they were quite young the last time I saw them). But this time around I spent a lot of time playing with Silas and Beck. I don't remember how old they are (6 and 3 maybe?!?). Beck was sick so I mainly played with Silas. That kid is quite incredible! I have never met a child like him and I hope and pray that I have a child one day that is that unique and fun. The first thing he did was show me the crane that he had invented in his bedroom. That was fun, he had a bucket tied to a string hanging from the curtain rod. To get up to the curtain rod he climbed up the wall to get on top of this large wardrobe. I couldn't believe he just climbed up there?!?! And that's not the only thing he climbed...in the living room later on he pulled himself up onto the window and free-climbed his way across the other three windows. He had a lot of interesting facts about rockets and words he had learned. Plus he really enjoyed singing me to sleep so that he could sneak up to me and get his leg trapped in my hand, which could only be freed if he tickled my wrist. Yeah...hmm??!?

Then for supper we had Indian food, which was really really good. I don't normally like Indian food, so I was very happy when it tasted good. Then I went to bed and fell asleep pretty fast. I had been fighting the urge to sleep all evening so that I would pass out at the normal UK bedtime. I woke up once in the middle of the night but then fall back asleep and had a wonderful night's rest.

And thus concludes day one...

I have returned! - Day Fourteen

After 17 hours of travel I finally arrived home last Wednesday night. I thought the tube would take me an hour to get to Heathrow Airport, but it turned out to be more like an hour and a half. I thought I was cutting it close getting through security. Once I got to the Air Canada check-in area though, I couldn't believe how long the lines were. Thankfully I had checked in online the night before, so I just had to check my bags in at the self check area. I got into a line of about 6 people. I then stood in the same spot for an hour. Turns out all the computers for Air Canada had crashed so everything had to be done manually. It was chaos and pandemonium. Once I finally got up to the counter the guy was like, "There's no direction here, no one knows what to do." Hehe, good times.

So, I finally get my bags checked and proceed for the gate. The security line was pretty long, but it wasn't much of a hassle. I was planning on buying some candy and a magazine before getting on the plane when I notice the computer screen that says last call for my flight! I wasn't too worried, cause I knew our flight had to be delayed with all the computer problems. So I skip the candy and head for my gate. A little ways down I see another computer screen saying my flight is now closing!!! What??!? I couldn't totally believe it, but I didn't want to be stuck in the airport so I started to walk briskfully. Our gate was the last one, it took so long to get there. Upon arrival I notice a long queue, signalling to me that I didn't have to rush and I could have easily got some candy. There was a guy who ran all the way there and he was sweating so badly he took his shirt off.

Anyway, I get in line and as I get to the front the lady is like, "Do you have this paper?" which of course no one had given me. So me and a bunch of other people had to wait around while they got papers for us to fill out. Finally we get through that gate and now we're in the boarding area. I was so thirsty. It wasn't surprising to see an "Out of Order" sign on the only pop machine in our area. Another hour passed before they let us on the plane.

So now we're sitting on the plane and after about 30 mins the lady comes on the speaker and says, "We will be leaving shortly, sorry for all the delays." A couple seconds later the captain comes on, "If Peter Nielsen is on board, would he please make himself known to the flight attendants, paging Peter Nielsen." A couple minutes pass, "This is the final call for Peter Nielsen. If Peter Nielsen is on this plane connecting from another flight he needs to come speak to us right now. This is your last chance." A couple more minutes pass, "Attention folks, we need to take all the baggage off and sort through it before we can leave. We will be sitting here for about another 30 mins." Unbelievable. Turns out they put Peter's bags on our plane, but he wasn't even on it, so they had to go through the luggage to find his and take them off.

There were a few good things about the flight though. Everyone had a heck of a time getting their seats figured out cause they were just given random seats and so some seats were given out to more than one person. I am so glad I checked in online the night before because I actually got to pick the seat I wanted and it was by far the best seat in economy! 12A...Front row so I can stretch my legs out and have lots of room to get out if I needed to use the toilet...Window seat...Right by the toilet...Plus I had my own little tv set, which no one else got, they had to look at the big screen which isn't all that visible from certain seats. I got to see "The Illusionist" which I had wanted to see for awhile (I liked the Prestige better). And after the movie the captain said, "If you are on the left side of the plane you have a wonderful view of Comet McNaught." This is the best picture I could take before my battery died.


You can look at more pictures of it at http://spaceweather.com/comets/gallery_mcnaught.htm

All in all the flight wasn't bad...but I was getting antsy to get home. Once we landed I noticed it was snowing a bit outside. That was unexpected. After going through customs and getting my bags I was so excited to meet my mom at the entrance and get out of there! But unfortunately, she was nowhere to be seen. I waited for about 15 mins then tried to call her on the payphone. Turns out she couldn't make it to the airport because the snow was just dumping, so she got Pastor Dave to pick me up. I hung up and walked around looking for him. Not there either! So I called 411 and got Dave's phone number, called him up, only to discover...Shane was actually going to be the one to pick me up. So, I hung up and walked around some more looking for Shane. Nothing! So I called 411 again and got Shane's phone number. Called up his house, and Janelle let me know that he was outside waiting for me! Finally!!! I went outside and there he was just coming around the corner. He had been circling around quite a few times.

But, my journeys didn't end there, because of the snow and the rush hour, it took us 45 mins to get home from YVR, a trip that normally takes 10 mins. But I made it, and I had an awesome sleep that night!

That was a long story. I hope I bored you as much as I was bored living it. This week I'll be posting more of my adventures in England so stay tuned...

I am in England

Been here since Thursday and things have been absolutely splendid! So many adventures already, can't wait to fill you in when I have more time and photos. Right now I'm in some random house of super hyper children about to celebrate New Years. The highlight of my trip so far, you ask? I've searched for years and years around the world and I've finally found people that appreciate my magic tricks!!! I'm never leaving...at least not until they come to appreciate my british accent.

My Connections to Fame Increase

So the other day I'm watching Making The Video and it's on the new single by K-OS called Sunday Morning (click to the video library to watch it).

I kinda like the song so my interest was piqued. As I'm watching they go to the director to get his inside knowledge. I look at his name, "Drew Lightfoot"...huh, that's interesting, I went to high school with a Drew Lightfoot. And then it dawns on me, "Hey! That IS the guy!!!" I figured this guy would be going on to greater things in Hollywood, but I wasn't expecting him to be directing a music video. Turns out he's also worked on some other music videos and did some animation for The Corpse Bride.

I was in a couple plays with Drew. Here we are in The Show Must Go On. He's the one with the moustache. That was a fun play! He also did the lighting and/or sound (can't quite remember) when I was in The Miracle Worker.

So that's one more connection I have to fame. Here's the other:

I also went to high school with Evangeline Lilly from Lost! Wow, I'm so lame...I really need to get a life.

"You're so weird!" Jackie said.

Jackie has reminded me time and time again that I am weird. Sometimes I forget why, but then I come across pictures like this one and it all comes back to me.


For my 22nd birthday my Mom took me and Jackie to Victoria. While there, our cousin Jon joined us for two awesome experiences: The Royal BC Museum and of course, THE WAX MUSEUM!!!!"


They actually had live animals roaming around the building!


Everytime I show this picture to people they always comment, "Who are you giving money to? You can see the closed sign!"


Thanks for ruining my pose Jon...


Those two ladies were surprised when Jackie took the picture just as they turned around.


For the record, that was one of my favorite shirts of all time!


I couldn't quite tell what Columbus was writing.


We stood under the dwarf that best suited our personalities.


I didn't know Walt was so short.


This pic is actually real. I didn't know they still used guillotines in Victoria.


Remarkably, I met Diana and had this picture taken 3 years after she died.

What an incredible time we shared!!! I can't wait to see Robyn's smiling face as we hit the greatest wax museum of all time next week...

Taking Back Sunday-MakeDamnSure

In my old age I am mellowing out more, but I still like good yelling songs.

My Chemical Romance - I'm Not Okay

hmm, interesting content...

Matt Costa - Cold December (Music Video)

Thought I'd post a few songs I've been listening to...

Snow Patrol - It's beginning to get to me

this is from the concert i went to with tyson

Broken Social Scene - Anthems For A 17-Year Old Girl

I am slowly going crazy...

I didn't realize it had been so long since I posted last. I was going to post some pics and talk about some of my previous adventures in life, but I don't have a scanner. So, you'll have to wait until Monday, cause that's when I'm going to visit my Mother, who has a scanner.

In the meantime, I'll just let you all know I think I'm crazy. And here a number of proofs.


Did you know I once hovered in air for approximately 3 seconds?


I also have the ability to control animals with my mind.


I once wrote secret love notes to a girl and signed them "The Dark Avenger" and I actually thought I was being romantic.


Did you know I am addicted to popping my own zits? (click on this picture!)


I am convinced I can beat anyone up in a fight.


If it was socially acceptable I would have pictures of myself all over my house and office like Reggie Mantle.


I still have boxes in the middle of my living room I haven't unpacked (and it's been 7 months since I moved in).

I didn't even mention how absolutely retarded I am when it comes to girls.

On a Side Note...

As I was going through pictures to put on my previous post I came across these two.



Now the funny thing about these pictures is this: They were taken at a Japanese Restaurant in Surrey. You will notice that I am not in these pictures. Not only was I also in that same Japanese Restaurant sitting with those exact same people, but I am also the exact same guy who called that exact same Japanese Restaurant and reserved those exact same seats you see pictured!!! I was also at the Zoo with these folks earlier in the day, but remarkably there is not one picture out there evidencing that fact! And everytime I bring it up no one can even remember I was there. I have come to the conclusion that I do not exist...

I'm going to England!

There are 3 destinations I have wanted to visit for some time: England, New York, and Italy. And I get to fulfill one of those dreams by travelling to the United Kingdom for 2 weeks right after Christmas.


I hope it still looks like this...

I am super excited about this trip...but it won't really hit me until I am on that plane. My good friend Robyn is living there right now and I am excited to have her as my guide. My tendency when travelling is to plan lots in advance, whereas Robyn likes to be more random and spontaneous. Ironically though, this trip I am the laid back one and Robyn has been crazy planning our itinerary and places to go. Click here to read Robyn's take on this...


For many years I have been a huge fan of English culture. I am a fan of Sherlock Holmes and the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. From TV I love Red Dwarf, the Office, Scrapheap Challenge, Mr. Bean and Who's Line is it Anyways? And how could you ever top the humour of Monty Python, especially Monty Python and the Holy Grail!!! Some of my favorite actors are from the UK: Jude Law, Clive Owen, Ewan McGregor, Kate Beckinsale, Anthony Hopkins, etc, etc. Oh, and don't get me started on Harry Potter, Alfred Hitchcock, C.S. Lewis, Scrooge, Snow Patrol, J.R.R. Tolkien, and of course the Spice Girls!!!


I'm not really sure what I want to do there though. I really want to just experience the culture and see the countryside...but if I have any high expectations, these are the 3 things I really want to see!

#1 - The British Museum

The British Museum in London is one of the world's largest and most important museums of human history and culture. Its collections, which number more than seven million objects from all continents, illustrate and document the story of human culture from its beginning to the present. (Thanks Wikipedia!)

#2 - Castles

How could I miss out on being inside a real live castle?!? From Lego Castle to Sword in the Stone to Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure to Monty Python I have had this dream for some time. Did you ever play with the Fisher-Price Castle? That thing was sweet! It had a trap door, a drawbridge over a moat, and a hidden room behind a swinging staircase...AWESOME!!!


#3 - MADAME TUSSAUD'S WAX MUSEUM!!!

One of my favorite places is the wax museum in Victoria. I remember going there as a kid and my mom took me there for my 22nd birthday. What a great place to be! My cousins live in Victoria and everytime I see them I ask if they've been to the wax museum. They hate that. I don't care. I love it! My favorite thing, of course, is to get my picture taken with the wax figures. Now I get to go to the ultimate wax museum, the greatest wax museum ever created!!! Oh boy, Robyn is going to be so sick of me...

I Finally Gave In....

It's all Jordie's fault. He is the one who planted this little seed inside my heart. A few years ago I went over to his house over the Christmas break and we had a Dance Dance Revolution...and I left that night with one thought, "I must get this for myself one day!!!" And here we are, after all this time, I have finally purchased DDR for myself...

I wish I could dance. I look so ridiculous. I know this won't make me a superstar, but I'm hoping it will help a little with my coordination. What am I talking about??!? This game will only make me look even more retarded on the dance floor. I can't wait!

I welcome any and all competitors...

Hallowe'en is Fun

I'm so tired...whenever I have a Junior High night all I do is yell the whole time! My throat is sore and I'm slightly exhausted. But I must say I had a really fun time tonight. Even though Hallowe'en was yesterday, we had a party tonight anyway. Here are some pictures for y'all...


This is last year's party. Can you guess what I dressed up as? I'm a Walmart Sales Associate named Amanda. I totally stole Tinkerbell's vest 3 yrs ago and haven't returned it yet!!!


This is me and my snazzy decorations for this year. The camera makes it look creepier than it was. Notice the pumpkins...


I carved them myself...and here is my best rendition of the great Reverend D. Henry Peters. One of the youth kept saying it looked like an old guy.


This is some of my youth. Those 4 girls didn't dress up, that's how they normally look.


It wasn't until I put the pictures on my computer that I noticed how freaky Richard's eyes were! I have no idea how he did that!!?!?


This guy wins in my books for sweetest costume...He's a tube of my favorite toothpaste!!! And it's even got French on it!!!!!!!


I know this picture didn't turn out so good, but I had to point out my favorite part of the party...now that it's over I can take these orange lights home and put them up in my living room!

So now I'm looking forward to next year, when maybe I will actually try to make a decent costume...