Life is an adventure

Nerdy, workaholic, and service things

• Have a dish named in honour of Alexis at a restaurant or other food establishment

• Develop high density housing in Vancouver

• Hold the UBC University Mace

• Encourage 100 people to donate blood for their first time

• Experience policymaking in Singapore

• Serve on the Board of Directors for a provincial crown corporation or agency

• Serve on the Board of Directors for a Canadian federal crown corporation or agency

• Count to 100 in a new language

• Compete in a board/card game tournament

• Be involved in the awarding of 500 scholarships and bursaries for higher education

• Complete the 10-day Vipassana course as a server

• Sit the Vipassana for Executives course

• Create enough impact to earn the Order of British Columbia

Hobby things

• Listen to my favourite music at a professional recording studio

• Build furniture from scratch that is upholstered and wooden

• Complete the Hacker Summer Camp

• Fishing, prawning, crabbing

  • Experience B.C. fishing in every month of the year and across river, lake, and ocean settings

  • Experience fishing in every province and territory

  • Catch fresh spot prawns to feed friends & family

  • Ice fishing!

• Smoke a cigar at a lake, on a mountain, on an ocean, and at a canyon

• Roll a cigar

• Make a hand-dipped beeswax candle

Travel and experiences

• Ride a Ferris wheel

• Go glacier kayaking

• See the northern lights (aurora borealis) with Alexis

• Carve a pumpkin with Alexis

• Travel to every Canadian province and territory (minimum 3-night stay)

• Visit the Ghibli Museum

• Harvest corn

• I really like Capbaras

  • Visit the Capybaras in South America

  • Stay at a capybara resort in Japan

  • Visit the Lesser Capybaras in Panama, Venezuela, and/or Colombia

• Stay at an Aman property

• Stay in an underwater hotel

• Stay in an ice hotel

• Stay in a cave hotel

• Take a shower on a flight

• Carve an ice sculpture

• Visit Malaysia and eat Sambal Stingray

Not sure how to categorize :)

• Experience a moment in Vancouver where I simultaneously at least seven bird types: duck, crow, pigeon, gull, goose, cormorant, bald eagle, Great Blue Heron… bonus for Belted Kingfisher, Barrow's Goldeneye, Horned Grebe, and Anna’s Hummingbird (Vancouver’s official city bird)

• Fall asleep on a massage chair

• Fall asleep while reading

• Attend a renaissance fair

• Bake shortbread

• Make fruit leather

• Have a meal at an office setting prepared by a private corporate chef

Celebrity crushes

• Share a home-cooked meal and cocktail with Stanley Tucci

• Read a book with Kristin Kreuk

• Complete a workout with Georges St-Pierre

• Watch a live performance by Seori

• Have tea with Jackie Chan

• Hang out with Jisoo Kim

Men's Jackets for PNW Living

Okay folks, let's talk jackets!

As the temperatures swing here in the Pacific North West and we like to small talk about weather, it’s come to my attention that I’ve got lots of opinions on outerwear. Surprising to me, a number of men have been very interested to get my suggestions, which is in stark contrast to my wife’s sighs of exasperation when I talk about napoleon pockets!

While I neither seek to be nor consider myself to be stylish, I do really enjoy nerding out on clothing design, especially outerwear. It’s a lot of fun learning about innovations in apparel and discovering the range of interpretations in this category by brands around the world.

This post spotlights a handful of my personal picks from the journey of researching, trying, and analyzing 100s of different jackets hailing from the major fashion brands to obscure niche clothiers. Over the years, I have also stopped using umbrellas because I’ve found that modern jackets offer sufficient rain protection and it is nice to be handsfree. To that end, I have definitely developed biases to technical materials which I find most suitable for the PNW city dweller lifestyle. So, grab a cuppa and let's dive in!

The ‘Go Anywhere, Do Anything’ (GADA) Hooded Jacket:

First up is the ever important grab-and-go jacket. To me, this piece must combine functionality, versatility, and simplicity. This is your practical jacket that is easy to pair with whatever you’re wearing and fit almost all settings you’ll potentially venture into. I have two picks in this category are on opposite ends of price point and both can be styled to fit snug or sized up to fit over more layers.

For my budget pick, I recommend Uniqlo’s BLOCKTECH 3D Cut Parka. The jacket checks all the boxes, is offered in a dozen colours, has a coat-length option, and is available at Uniqlo shops around the world. MSRP is ~$100 CAD and I’ve regularly seen it discounted up to 50% off. I have not seen a better value pick on the market.

For my premium pick, I recommend the Arris Jacket by Veilance. For me, the Arris represents a jacket nerd’s wet dream and every time you look closely there is something to be delighted by (materials, paneling, design of notches/cuts, cinching…). One note is that the garment runs small and fits a slim frame, so it’s important to try sizing in store. MSRP is $750 and there is limited inventory on the market. No jacket has given me butterflies quite like this one.

The Mid-Layer / Transitional Weather Jacket:

In shoulder season, the versatile mid-layer reigns supreme. Throw this standalone jacket on over a t-shirt / dress shirt and know you’ll be set for the day. Add a sturdier waterproof outer shell, and you can tackle any forest, lake, and mountain. In this category, a jacket that is lightweight, breathable, and able to shift up/down temperature are the key factors for me.

As my pick in this category, I recommend the MerinoLoft Helix Jacket by Icebreaker. Ounce for ounce, I’ve found it to be the highest performing among all the options out there (even the famous Arc’teryx Atom). MSRP is ~$400, with a variety of options for hooded, unhooded, and a vest.

The Long Coat:

Sometimes you have to suit up for formal occasions or it is pouring rain sideways, and in these instances more coverage from the elements is highly desirable. Say hello to the trusty long coat! I’ve had so many coats over the years with a huge diversity of materials, cuts, and colours, which have all experienced the gamet of city life to international travel.

My pick for this category is the Partition AR Coat by Veilance. With its sleek and structured silhouette, technical capabilities, and a detachable hood, I’ve found it to be the perfect long coat that delights with each wear. Seriously, this jacket is absolutely bombproof when it comes to weather- I wore for hours through a rainstorm and my body was bone-dry underneath.

Two notes here: 1) the intention for this coat for layering and knowing Veilance pieces tend to run slim, try for sizing as you might need to go up by even a couple sizes, and 2) there is a similarly named jacket by Veilance called Partition LT Coat which is a completely different garment that is not waterproof.

MSRP is ~$900 and I’ve noticed a solid second-hand market because folks bought on sale or found the styling more formal than they prefer.

Conclusion:

So there you have it, folks – some of my picks for men's jackets that'll keep you looking sharp and feeling cozy across the seasons here in PNW. It’s a lot of fun for me to discover jackets and there really is something for everyone to love. So go ahead, step up your outerwear game and embrace the chaotic weather in style. After all, life's too short to settle for boring jackets, wouldn’t you say?

The Basenji Dog: A Quirky, Charming, and Peculiar Companion

The Basenji is a unique dog breed that has fascinated people for thousands of years. Originating in Central Africa, this breed is known for its athletic abilities, intelligence, and independent nature. While many people today know the Basenji as a beloved family pet, this breed has a rich cultural history that spans back to ancient times. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the origins and cultural significance of Basenji dogs, exploring their past and present roles in society.

If you're considering adopting a Basenji, there are several things you should know about the breed:

1. Energy levels: Basenjis are a high-energy breed that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy running, playing, and exploring, and they need plenty of opportunities to burn off their energy.

2. Intelligence: Basenjis are highly intelligent and independent dogs that can be stubborn at times. They require consistent training and socialization to learn good manners and behaviors.

3. Vocalizations: While Basenjis are often referred to as "barkless" dogs, they do make a variety of vocalizations, including yodels, whines, and growls. They are not completely silent, but their unique vocalizations can be less disruptive than traditional barks.

4. Grooming: Basenjis have a short, fine coat that requires minimal grooming. They are clean dogs that groom themselves like cats, but they still benefit from regular brushing and occasional baths.

5. Temperament: Basenjis are curious, playful, and affectionate dogs that bond closely with their families. They can be wary of strangers, but with proper socialization, they can learn to be friendly with new people and animals.

Overall, Basenjis make great pets for active families who are willing to provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. With proper training and socialization, they can be loyal and loving companions.

Intelligence: Unleashing the Potential of These Highly Skilled Dogs

Basenjis are often known for their quirky personalities and vocalizations, but they are also one of the most intelligent dog breeds out there. These dogs are quick learners with a keen sense of observation, making them highly skilled problem-solvers and adaptable companions.

Energy and Exercise: Keeping Your High-Energy Dog Happy and Healthy

Basenjis are a high-energy breed that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. If not given enough exercise, these dogs can become bored and destructive, leading to behavioral problems and unhappy owners. In this blog post, we'll discuss the unique exercise needs of Basenji dogs and offer tips and strategies for keeping them engaged and active. From hiking and running to obedience training and puzzle games, there are plenty of ways to keep your Basenji happy and healthy.

Making Informed Decisions: The Role of Advisory Services

When it comes to running a business or managing your personal finances, sometimes you need a little extra help. That's where advisory services come in. But what exactly are advisory services, and how can they benefit you? Let's break it down in simple terms.

Advisory services are professional services provided by experts in a particular field. They offer guidance and advice to help individuals or businesses achieve their goals and make informed decisions. These services can cover a wide range of areas, from financial management and investment advice to marketing and communication strategies.

Here are some common types of advisory services and how they can help you:

• Financial Advisory: Financial advisors provide guidance on investment management, wealth management, retirement planning, tax planning, and estate planning.

• Management Advisory: Management advisors provide guidance on business strategy, organizational design, operational improvement, and change management.

• Risk Advisory: Risk advisors provide guidance on risk management, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and crisis management.

• Technology Advisory: Technology advisors provide guidance on IT strategy, digital transformation, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics.

• Human Resources Advisory: Human resources advisors provide guidance on talent management, recruitment and retention, employee engagement, and compensation and benefits.

• Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Advisory: ESG advisors provide guidance on sustainability, social responsibility, and corporate governance.

• Legal Advisory: Legal advisors provide guidance on legal matters such as contracts, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance.

• Marketing and Communications Advisory: Marketing and communications advisors provide guidance on brand strategy, advertising, public relations, and digital marketing.

These are just a few examples of the many types of advisory services available. The specific type of advisory services needed will depend on your unique needs and objectives.

As the saying goes, "trust your gut." But when it comes to making important decisions, it's not always that simple. That's where the guidance of an advisor comes in. By working with an advisor, you can trust your instincts while gaining a valuable outside perspective.

Your advisor can help you ask the right questions, challenge your assumptions, and weigh the pros and cons of different options. Together, you can make informed decisions that are based on both your intuition and expert advice. So don't be afraid to trust your gut – just make sure to partner with an advisor to gain the added perspective you need to succeed.

Consulting vs Advisory: What's the Difference?

If you're new to the world of business, you might have heard the terms "consulting" and "advisory" thrown around interchangeably. While the two might sound similar, there are some key differences between the two.

Consulting typically involves working with clients to solve specific business problems or challenges. Consultants are often experts in a specific area, such as finance, marketing, or technology, and are hired to provide guidance and expertise on a particular issue. For example, if a company is struggling with its marketing strategy, they might hire a marketing consultant to help them develop a new plan and maybe even follow up that work to implement the plan.

On the other hand, advisory services are more broad and encompass a wider range of services. While consulting may be a part of advisory services, it can also include guidance and recommendations on broader business issues such as risk management, governance, and compliance. Advisory services are often ongoing or periodic and can involve providing guidance to clients on a wide range of issues related to their business. That said, the most productive client advisory relationships are often long-term, goal-oriented, tailored/adaptive, and most importantly, on the basis of trust and honest communication.

To put it simply, consulting is typically focused on solving specific business problems, while advisory is more focused on providing guidance and recommendations on broader business issues.

For example, a consulting firm might be hired to help a company improve its supply chain efficiency. The consulting firm would work with the company to identify areas of inefficiency and develop a plan to streamline the supply chain. Once the project is completed, the consulting firm's involvement would end. On the other hand, an advisory firm might be hired to provide guidance on risk management. The firm would work with the company on an ongoing basis to identify potential risks to the business and develop strategies to mitigate those risks.

Of course, these are just examples, and the specific services provided by consulting and advisory firms can vary widely depending on the needs of the client, the capabilities of the firm, and the existing village of trusted professionals of the client.

So, which is right for your business or organization? It depends on the specific issues you're facing. If you're dealing with a specific problem or challenge, consulting may be the way to go. If you're looking for ongoing guidance and support on a range of issues, advisory services may be more appropriate.

Ultimately, the key is to find a firm that can provide the expertise and support you need to achieve your business goals and with whom you find good chemistry.