Happy new year. May 2010 bring you safety, security, and happiness! I will continue posting occasional rants about driving as I've seen it.
There was a lot of fresh snow on the roads and so driving was a lot trickier than usual. Nonetheless, here are some more driving episodes for you!
In a two lane road, a driver ahead of me tries to pass on the right and doesn't see that there's a car in front in the right lane so immediately veers back left.
After driver sees me, a lumbering truck pulls in front, cuts in front, and then slows down. Without evasive action I would have been riding in his flatbed.
I saw 4 pedestrians walking in the middle of the road, ostensibly so they didn't have to inconvenience themselves by walking in fresh now. But with slippery conditions and drivers going too fast, is this smart?
Again, one common thread....everyone thinks they're the only one on the road because after all, it's little ol' Yukon.
Wake up people!! And watch for others, and play nice!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Driving in Whitehorse --- sigh...
We were driving today and almost got hit by an old guy in a truck who decided that the red light in front of him did not exist. This buddy did not enough slow down, but kept driving like nobody's business right through the intersection. Truly. Horrifying.
Kudos to our community for helping the police nab that driver that hit the pedestrian on 2nd and Black and kept on going. Again. Truly. Horrifying.
Wouldn't it be nice to have a traffic crimes column in the newspaper. Maybe public shaming would make people think twice while driving.
Kudos to our community for helping the police nab that driver that hit the pedestrian on 2nd and Black and kept on going. Again. Truly. Horrifying.
Wouldn't it be nice to have a traffic crimes column in the newspaper. Maybe public shaming would make people think twice while driving.
Friday, September 04, 2009
Parking in Whitehorse -- don't you see the lines?!?
How many times have you seen drivers park over two, even three spaces? And how about those crazy angles. I think I will be posting photos to this blog to illustrate.
Pedestrian nightmare -- Whitehorse
This kind of driver ignorance is typical (legend, even) in Whitehorse. I'll protect the submitter and driver and not post their names.
I was walking along Second Avenue (on the sidewalk). There was a crosswalk up ahead. Just before I reached the crosswalk, a big SUV that was turning right drove onto the crosswalk and stayed there. I thought about walking around the front of the vehicle to cross the street, but walked around the back instead. The whole time the driver had their head turned to the left, watching to see if they could turn right yet. Never once checked to the right to see if any pedestrians were crossing in front. This happens to me all the time. Sad to say, but I'm always surprised how few pedestrians get run over in this town.
I was walking along Second Avenue (on the sidewalk). There was a crosswalk up ahead. Just before I reached the crosswalk, a big SUV that was turning right drove onto the crosswalk and stayed there. I thought about walking around the front of the vehicle to cross the street, but walked around the back instead. The whole time the driver had their head turned to the left, watching to see if they could turn right yet. Never once checked to the right to see if any pedestrians were crossing in front. This happens to me all the time. Sad to say, but I'm always surprised how few pedestrians get run over in this town.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Driving in the Yukon
I've heard so many comments on driving recently and have seen so many bad driving habits I'm going to start posting them.
To start, here's a great Yukon News editorial from October 2008 that I support completely! Thanks Richard Mostyn!
So here are my humble observations:
1) You are NOT the only person driving!
So don't drive drunk. And don't freak out if someone happens to be following.
And quit stopping your vehicle in the middle of 4th avenue to chat with your buddy who was coming toward you and now has stopped his vehicle. Do us all a favour and pull off the road. or go have coffee somewhere.
Did I mention that signalling is important? You are NOT the only person driving! It's not cool to cut people off.
2) Driving a big truck does not let you off the hook -- you still need to actually steer your vehicle! If you can't control the vehicle, maybe look for something you can actually drive. This applies especially in parking lots.
3) Turning left does NOT mean you have the right-of-way!
How many times have I patiently waited while turning left only to have the driver across from me, who is proceeding straight, to look at me quizzically. or stranger yet, wave me on? This made-in-Yukon "rule-of-thumb" needs to come to an end.
4) If there are two lanes, then pick one and stay in it!
Driving down the road with the white dotted line under the centre of your vehicle is not cool.
5) Why do you need to swing your vehicle left when turning right and vice-versa?
Maybe it's a holdover from Prairie folks who moved to the Yukon who still think they're on a tractor, or it's lack of vehicle control. Who knows?
Horror stories to follow in upcoming posts. Stay tuned! And feel free to post horror stories of your own.
To start, here's a great Yukon News editorial from October 2008 that I support completely! Thanks Richard Mostyn!
So here are my humble observations:
1) You are NOT the only person driving!
So don't drive drunk. And don't freak out if someone happens to be following.
And quit stopping your vehicle in the middle of 4th avenue to chat with your buddy who was coming toward you and now has stopped his vehicle. Do us all a favour and pull off the road. or go have coffee somewhere.
Did I mention that signalling is important? You are NOT the only person driving! It's not cool to cut people off.
2) Driving a big truck does not let you off the hook -- you still need to actually steer your vehicle! If you can't control the vehicle, maybe look for something you can actually drive. This applies especially in parking lots.
3) Turning left does NOT mean you have the right-of-way!
How many times have I patiently waited while turning left only to have the driver across from me, who is proceeding straight, to look at me quizzically. or stranger yet, wave me on? This made-in-Yukon "rule-of-thumb" needs to come to an end.
4) If there are two lanes, then pick one and stay in it!
Driving down the road with the white dotted line under the centre of your vehicle is not cool.
5) Why do you need to swing your vehicle left when turning right and vice-versa?
Maybe it's a holdover from Prairie folks who moved to the Yukon who still think they're on a tractor, or it's lack of vehicle control. Who knows?
Horror stories to follow in upcoming posts. Stay tuned! And feel free to post horror stories of your own.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Cardiologist 1 year later
I was very grateful to see the cardiologist, who came up from Vancouver to do appointments. I also got to see my heart ultrasound up close, and it was the most amazing sight to see my blood flowing through my beating heart on the screen in front of me.
It was a great comfort to hear that I had a good surgical outcome .. and I couldn't agree more. I feel as though I have a new lease on life, and it's a true gift to live and share each day.
It was a great comfort to hear that I had a good surgical outcome .. and I couldn't agree more. I feel as though I have a new lease on life, and it's a true gift to live and share each day.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Happy Solstice 2009!
Just a quick note to wish everyone Happy Solstice! I've had a great time this year at the APTN live event and this weekend at the Humane Society fundraiser. We are so lucky in the Yukon to have great artists play live music for us -- so much talent and so much dancing.
Also continued thanks to everyone for keeping tabs on me...I'm feeling almost like myself these days...almost one year after the operation.
Also continued thanks to everyone for keeping tabs on me...I'm feeling almost like myself these days...almost one year after the operation.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
New Years 2009
It is a happy new year! Life is returning to the new normal as recovery continues strongly and I feel a lot better than last year. I'm so grateful to have my life back.
The next year in the Chinese calendar is the Ox year, which is said to be dependable, calm and modest. I can't wait to bring in a calm year after living through one that has been marked by tumultuous life-changing event, uncertainty, and reversals.
The next year in the Chinese calendar is the Ox year, which is said to be dependable, calm and modest. I can't wait to bring in a calm year after living through one that has been marked by tumultuous life-changing event, uncertainty, and reversals.
Monday, September 29, 2008
8 weeks and all is returning to normal
Thanks once again to everyone for their well wishes and support!
It seems that everyone is noticing that I'm looking better...and it's true! I have a much better colour now that my heart is working well again.
After the latest cardiologist visit, I found out that my heart is basically normal; the "zipper" scar is the only clue that something was wrong before.
Sharon is also doing better, getting around much easier on crutches -- but 4 more weeks yet. All the same, Gramma Susie has already made an appearance with more to come in the next few weeks.
For those of you not in Whitehorse...we had our first snow of the year last night!
It seems that everyone is noticing that I'm looking better...and it's true! I have a much better colour now that my heart is working well again.
After the latest cardiologist visit, I found out that my heart is basically normal; the "zipper" scar is the only clue that something was wrong before.
Sharon is also doing better, getting around much easier on crutches -- but 4 more weeks yet. All the same, Gramma Susie has already made an appearance with more to come in the next few weeks.
For those of you not in Whitehorse...we had our first snow of the year last night!
Thursday, September 04, 2008
5 weeks and counting
I want to start by thanking everyone for all their help and support!
Sharon and I would have had a tough time indeed without full time help from family and tons of TLC from friends. Rides, groceries, help in and outside the home, and home-cooked meals made recovery a lot easier to handle.
My biggest challenge now is the lifting restriction... no more than 5 lbs for 7 more weeks. I've just been cleared for driving, so I can run most errands, but buying milk, fruit, potatoes, and canned stuff is a challenge. In any case, I'm very grateful for the freedom driving allows us again.
Sharon is doing a lot better 2 weeks out of her foot surgery but will still be in an aircast boot for 2 more months. I'm really proud of her for getting around as well as she does -- it's been a tough struggle to gain mobility back.
The biggest thing I'm learning is that we take so many things for granted so when they're taken away, it's a huge shock. It's really helped me focus on enjoying each present moment as it comes, because who knows what the future will bring?
Also the word "patient" has a whole new meaning....I pray that I can continue being patient while being a patient a while longer, knowing that soon I'll really have my life back.
Sharon and I would have had a tough time indeed without full time help from family and tons of TLC from friends. Rides, groceries, help in and outside the home, and home-cooked meals made recovery a lot easier to handle.
My biggest challenge now is the lifting restriction... no more than 5 lbs for 7 more weeks. I've just been cleared for driving, so I can run most errands, but buying milk, fruit, potatoes, and canned stuff is a challenge. In any case, I'm very grateful for the freedom driving allows us again.
Sharon is doing a lot better 2 weeks out of her foot surgery but will still be in an aircast boot for 2 more months. I'm really proud of her for getting around as well as she does -- it's been a tough struggle to gain mobility back.
The biggest thing I'm learning is that we take so many things for granted so when they're taken away, it's a huge shock. It's really helped me focus on enjoying each present moment as it comes, because who knows what the future will bring?
Also the word "patient" has a whole new meaning....I pray that I can continue being patient while being a patient a while longer, knowing that soon I'll really have my life back.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Sharon's now recovering as well...
Sharon had a successful foot surgery and now please keep her in your thoughts as she recovers.... it will be about 10 weeks before she can walk without the aircast boot on her right leg, and so is on crutches in the meantime.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Two weeks out and counting
Tuesday brings me to 14 days out of the hospital and a transition into another period of recovery. The pain behind my chest has really starting to diminish and the incision is already starting to knit back together. And best of all, I'm starting to sleep through the night, so I'm finding more energy to get out and enjoy all the sunny weather we've been having the last few days.
Throughout this recovery period I've really been going through each day moment to moment, and I've discovered that sleep comes to me before I'm able to start reflecting. I'm really happy that I can feel myself healing, but I'm still finding it hard to answer questions like: "How has life changed now that you've been through surgery?" because I haven't had time to think this kind of "big question" through. Let's see what the days and weeks ahead bring and I will have had time to think about my life, now that I've got it back again.
Throughout this recovery period I've really been going through each day moment to moment, and I've discovered that sleep comes to me before I'm able to start reflecting. I'm really happy that I can feel myself healing, but I'm still finding it hard to answer questions like: "How has life changed now that you've been through surgery?" because I haven't had time to think this kind of "big question" through. Let's see what the days and weeks ahead bring and I will have had time to think about my life, now that I've got it back again.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Hey Derek, can I call or come by and visit?
Hi there everyone,
I've been hearing this question since I'm now back home, so I thought I post some thoughts on visiting.
If you happen to be sick, please call my cell 334-5751 and we'll chat for now. I can't risk catching anything right now.
Please call my cell and we'll schedule a time to meet. I find that I can only handle one visit a day for the time being, but this will change soon and I'll post when my energy level is getting better.
I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks always for all the support and well wishes. My recovery is going very well because I feel really well supported. Thanks again!
I've been hearing this question since I'm now back home, so I thought I post some thoughts on visiting.
If you happen to be sick, please call my cell 334-5751 and we'll chat for now. I can't risk catching anything right now.
Please call my cell and we'll schedule a time to meet. I find that I can only handle one visit a day for the time being, but this will change soon and I'll post when my energy level is getting better.
I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks always for all the support and well wishes. My recovery is going very well because I feel really well supported. Thanks again!
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Now in recovery from surgery, and it's harder than I thought!
So here's the timeline for surgery
July 29 -- Surgery
30 -- ICU
31 -- Cardiac Ward
August 2 -- Release from hospital
I can't believe that it all happened so quickly, and my head is still spinning as a consequence. But I'm happy that I'm in full recovery mode now, and am so grateful that everything went so smoothly.
I see people on the street and they can't believe that a week from surgery, I'm up and about! And I can't agree more with them... it feels truly miraculous.
I'm starting to get more energy to have people visit, so call me on my cell at 334-5751 and we'll make plans.
The hardest lesson for me has been that although I'm getting better, I've left surgery in a little less health than when I was waiting for surgery. So the patience part of the word "patient" has taken on a whole new dimension for me.
So I alternate activity with rest and try hard not to lift anything very heavy so that my wired up sterum doesn't complain too much.
And last and best, it's great to be back home!
July 29 -- Surgery
30 -- ICU
31 -- Cardiac Ward
August 2 -- Release from hospital
I can't believe that it all happened so quickly, and my head is still spinning as a consequence. But I'm happy that I'm in full recovery mode now, and am so grateful that everything went so smoothly.
I see people on the street and they can't believe that a week from surgery, I'm up and about! And I can't agree more with them... it feels truly miraculous.
I'm starting to get more energy to have people visit, so call me on my cell at 334-5751 and we'll make plans.
The hardest lesson for me has been that although I'm getting better, I've left surgery in a little less health than when I was waiting for surgery. So the patience part of the word "patient" has taken on a whole new dimension for me.
So I alternate activity with rest and try hard not to lift anything very heavy so that my wired up sterum doesn't complain too much.
And last and best, it's great to be back home!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Surgery is tomorrow!
This morning I checked in with the surgeon's office and got the date...tomorrow. So today we changed plans and I go in first thing the 29th, 5 months to the day I first saw the surgeon.
Thanks to everyone, and especially my wife and our families for the support, prayers and positive thoughts. The wait was made tolerable because of all the power of this support.
Thanks ever so much, and here's to a quick and uneventful recovery.
Thanks to everyone, and especially my wife and our families for the support, prayers and positive thoughts. The wait was made tolerable because of all the power of this support.
Thanks ever so much, and here's to a quick and uneventful recovery.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Disappointment!
My surgery got cancelled and I'm very disappointed. Further updates will come from the heart surgeon's office in Vancouver, as usual. This has been a really hard change of events after hearing the initial news Monday, so please keep me and everyone in our families close in your thoughts as we continue to wait.
Many people have been asking for my email. Please check out my profile page through the link at the top of this blog for this information.
Thanks to everyone who has called and emailed and stopped me in between appointments to lend support and strength -- know it's greatly appreciated.
Many people have been asking for my email. Please check out my profile page through the link at the top of this blog for this information.
Thanks to everyone who has called and emailed and stopped me in between appointments to lend support and strength -- know it's greatly appreciated.
Monday, June 30, 2008
I have a date for surgery!!! It's July 7th.
Hi everyone,
Just a quick note that I found out my surgery date is Monday, July 7th. I'm so grateful and so overwhelmed that surgery is going to happen after the long 5-6 month wait.
Thanks for all your support during this time and into the future....it has been a lot easier knowing so many people are behind me on this.
Best,
Derek
Just a quick note that I found out my surgery date is Monday, July 7th. I'm so grateful and so overwhelmed that surgery is going to happen after the long 5-6 month wait.
Thanks for all your support during this time and into the future....it has been a lot easier knowing so many people are behind me on this.
Best,
Derek
Friday, June 20, 2008
Summer's here and I'm still waiting
Well, 1st day of summer and I'm still waiting. I thought, back in February, that I would be in recovery now, with nice weather and sunny skies to cheer me. Well, indeed there are sunny skies (when it's not raining) but I feel pretty gloomy sometimes as we grind it out waiting.
But, I do have a really good surgeon. So I can wait, for now, as I remain stable, and remain grateful that the medication I'm taking is working well. But I continue to tire easily.
Nevertheless, please call and email and comment on this blog, or message me on Facebook, because it really helps my spirits and I feel connected. Thanks again for all your support!
But, I do have a really good surgeon. So I can wait, for now, as I remain stable, and remain grateful that the medication I'm taking is working well. But I continue to tire easily.
Nevertheless, please call and email and comment on this blog, or message me on Facebook, because it really helps my spirits and I feel connected. Thanks again for all your support!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
June and in Vancouver overnight
It has been cloudy, cool, and Whitehorse-like here at my parent's place in Langley. But it was great to see my aunt and uncle from Edmonton and my aunt from Malaysia, along with my grandma. Also it was the best to see my sister and my nieces...so cute!!
Aside from family, I went to the opthalmologist yesterday to check my retinas...once again. But there was really good news. My eyes are stable! The risk of detachment is very low and I don't need to see him again for some months to come.
Of course, still no date on my heart surgery. The waiting is hard, but I am persevering mostly because I have so much support from family and friends. Thanks again!
Aside from family, I went to the opthalmologist yesterday to check my retinas...once again. But there was really good news. My eyes are stable! The risk of detachment is very low and I don't need to see him again for some months to come.
Of course, still no date on my heart surgery. The waiting is hard, but I am persevering mostly because I have so much support from family and friends. Thanks again!
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