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Post by lostthenfound on Apr 11, 2008 12:50:28 GMT -5
"Who Stole Uncle Mike" A different view, but same sentiments.
Memories of Mike Part 1 (Not a President’s Choice Product)
I too have fond memories of “Uncle Mike” yet unlike yours; mine are not filled with fancy words, quotations from inspirational people or best selling novels. The similarities between our memories both come from deep within the heart and from the time capsules locked in the safety deposit boxes in our brains; however the vaults within me have had many years prior to your birth to fill with and store memories which at times like these are often inspirational and heart warming. Although they may cause a tear or two, the tears are not just for sadness, but they are also tears of happiness knowing that the “Uncle Mike” we all knew prior to his current state will remain forever in our hearts.
……..oh man what a night. It doesn’t seem like we’ve been here this long but when you are hanging out with your friends time can sure fly. And what a group of friends they are. Testosterone fills the warm summer’s air as they eye the pretty Japanese dancers who take to the unfinished stage to practice their latest dance. It’s just another night of Caravan prep and as always it takes over our lives for the next few weeks.
Chochin here, not there, someone cries out, put the screens up first, more lights, and don’t use so much wire!
Sure, my friends and I always knew our place and what our jobs were. Hanging the Styrofoam signs and setting up chairs and putting up tables, hanging plastic and paper chochin along the high auditorium ceilings or the long hallway running between the East and West rooms, cleaning out showcases to display the collection of awards and even counting cutlery, paper plates and plastic cups . Carrying tables and chairs from the auditorium down to the back where the once peaceful and landscaped garden would be transformed into a loud and mystic beer tent, where Japanese themed beverages and Kirin beer were served to passport holding patrons quenching their thirst for the Japanese culture.
A place that I remember and know all too well. This is a place where relationships can begin and flourish like the old Japanese maple that once grew against the back wall of the JCCC on Wynford Drive or crash and burn like a rejected pot from the raku kiln.
……….yeaaaaaa, those were some great times, but I am getting way ahead of myself, now where were we? Yes it is getting late and we have been here all day, I think it’s time to split this Popsicle stand and get some food.
Hopping into the Nova almost sitting on the empty boxes of his recently acquired Jensen 6 x 9 speakers, Blauphunk deck and amp a Maxell tape loaded with the songs from Billy Joel’s “The Stranger” is popped into the deck and with the window rolled down and the wind blowing through our hairs as we drove off to the Fire Pit, the music and lyrics still play out in my mind today as if it happened only yesterday “only the good die young”!
To turn back the hands of time, moments like these may never have happened and it’s moments like this that create the good times and memories that keep the spirits alive within us during these hard times.
LostThenFound
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Ghost Writer Sansei
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Post by Ghost Writer Sansei on Apr 14, 2008 10:50:28 GMT -5
What a wonderful story LTF!
It was a wonderful and care free time. That era played a big part in my life too.
Be strong and let your children know that it is okay to shed a tear every now and then, it doesn't make you any less of a person, if anything it makes you more of a person who has emotions and feelings.
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Post by lostthenfound on Apr 16, 2008 13:36:54 GMT -5
Hi there Ghost Writer Sansei,
It seems like we share something in common. Do I know you?
If you like, please reply back with your name however I will understand if you wish to remain anonymous as I too am a bit shy.
LTF
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Post by Crazy Kirin Nights on Apr 21, 2008 23:27:19 GMT -5
Hey, I remember those days. Those were some awesome times and I can still picture Mike, Marty, Phill and Rick standing out in the old JCCC parking lot with their flashlights and orange maxell happi coats..................... Hey man, this lots full try Delcan or the Shell building.... June.......keep the faith!
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Post by Wendy on Apr 23, 2008 12:59:26 GMT -5
LTF - I don't know who you are, but the story you have written has brought back many fond memories for me too. I have not been around the new JCCC, but I remember Michael back from the days on Wynford Drive. I will always remember his boyish grin and happy go lucky attitude. June - As a person who has dealt with a family member with a similar disease, I understand what you are going through and at times when things seem to be at their worst, look back to the past and think of all the good times and hopefully that can bring a smile back upon your face even if only for a short time.
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Post by lostthenfound on Apr 29, 2008 11:05:27 GMT -5
Hi Wendy, I agree with you that sometimes it is good to look back at the past when times are not at their greatest and you need that quick "pick me up" even though it's just for a short while.
Many a friendships which still hold strong today were introduced during those wonderful times, not to forget the JC Community picnic pre Cledon days. Oh man what a blast from the past!
I am sure that June feels the same way and like I, nothing is more important at times like these then surrounding yourself with a great bunch of family and friends that no matter what happens will always be their to lend a hand and offer their support in various ways.
No matter how you look at it, your good friends and family will always remain the same. No matter what changes may occur personality wise or by geographical changes as long as the one who is looking does not create the barriers to alienate the others all should be like it was in the past or is as it could be in the future!
Thomas, Jaclyn and Erica,
Your father was loved by many people and his kindness, happy go lucky attitude and generousity played a part in many of our lives. if you read through these journal entries created by all the different people you will see that he has not been forgotten and that he will always be loved and remembered, not just as a friend or family member but as many of us remember him as "Uncle Mike".
................... sorry man, what ya say Mike?
.....what are we doin hangin round here, pop in the tape, roll down the windows, let's go to Wasaga......... and so it happens and as we drive away the familiar sounds of the heavy base beats bounce of the back window and the familiar sounds of summer begins......
What's the matter with the clothes I'm wearing? "Can't you tell that your tie's too wide?" Maybe I should buy some old tab collars? "Welcome back to the age of jive. Where have you been hidin' out lately, honey? You can't dress trashy till you spend a lot of money." Everybody's talkin' 'bout the new sound Funny, but it's still rock and roll to me
What's the matter with the car I'm driving? "Can't you tell that it's out of style?" Should I get a set of while wall tires? "Are you gonna cruise the miracle mile? Nowadays you can't be too sentimental Your best bet's a true baby blue Continental." Hot funk, cool punk, even if it's old junk It's still rock and roll to me
Oh, it doesn't matter what they say in the papers 'Cause it's always been the same old scene. There's a new band in town But you can't get the sound from a story in a magazine... Aimed at your average teen
How about a pair of pink sidewinders And a bright orange pair of pants? "You could really be a Beau Brummel baby If you just give it half a chance. Don't waste your money on a new set of speakers, You get more mileage from a cheap pair of sneakers." Next phase, new wave, dance craze, anyways It's still rock and roll to me
What's the matter with the crowd I'm seeing? "Don't you know that they're out of touch?" Should I try to be a straight `A' student? "If you are then you think too much. Don't you know about the new fashion honey? All you need are looks and a whole lotta money." It's the next phase, new wave, dance craze, anyways It's still rock and roll to me
Everybody's talkin' 'bout the new sound Funny, but it's still rock and roll to me
(Billy Joel's - It's Still Rock and Roll to me)
LTF
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Post by lostthenfound on May 1, 2008 11:53:58 GMT -5
I recently changed part of the subject title to "A Part Of Our Lives" for I beleive that this is a memory that many of us out here were a part of and remember as if it happened only yesterday.
LTF
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Post by Shar on May 7, 2008 7:55:44 GMT -5
"Who Stole Uncle Mike" A different view, but same sentiments. Memories of Mike Part 1 (Not a President’s Choice Product) I too have fond memories of “Uncle Mike” yet unlike yours; mine are not filled with fancy words, quotations from inspirational people or best selling novels. The similarities between our memories both come from deep within the heart and from the time capsules locked in the safety deposit boxes in our brains; however the vaults within me have had many years prior to your birth to fill with and store memories which at times like these are often inspirational and heart warming. Although they may cause a tear or two, the tears are not just for sadness, but they are also tears of happiness knowing that the “Uncle Mike” we all knew prior to his current state will remain forever in our hearts. ……..oh man what a night. It doesn’t seem like we’ve been here this long but when you are hanging out with your friends time can sure fly. And what a group of friends they are. Testosterone fills the warm summer’s air as they eye the pretty Japanese dancers who take to the unfinished stage to practice their latest dance. It’s just another night of Caravan prep and as always it takes over our lives for the next few weeks. Chochin here, not there, someone cries out, put the screens up first, more lights, and don’t use so much wire! Sure, my friends and I always knew our place and what our jobs were. Hanging the Styrofoam signs and setting up chairs and putting up tables, hanging plastic and paper chochin along the high auditorium ceilings or the long hallway running between the East and West rooms, cleaning out showcases to display the collection of awards and even counting cutlery, paper plates and plastic cups . Carrying tables and chairs from the auditorium down to the back where the once peaceful and landscaped garden would be transformed into a loud and mystic beer tent, where Japanese themed beverages and Kirin beer were served to passport holding patrons quenching their thirst for the Japanese culture. A place that I remember and know all too well. This is a place where relationships can begin and flourish like the old Japanese maple that once grew against the back wall of the JCCC on Wynford Drive or crash and burn like a rejected pot from the raku kiln. ……….yeaaaaaa, those were some great times, but I am getting way ahead of myself, now where were we? Yes it is getting late and we have been here all day, I think it’s time to split this Popsicle stand and get some food. Hopping into the Nova almost sitting on the empty boxes of his recently acquired Jensen 6 x 9 speakers, Blauphunk deck and amp a Maxell tape loaded with the songs from Billy Joel’s “The Stranger” is popped into the deck and with the window rolled down and the wind blowing through our hairs as we drove off to the Fire Pit, the music and lyrics still play out in my mind today as if it happened only yesterday “only the good die young”! To turn back the hands of time, moments like these may never have happened and it’s moments like this that create the good times and memories that keep the spirits alive within us during these hard times. LostThenFound What a beautiful story. Sorry I couldn't be closer to you, Michael and the kids.
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Post by lostthenfound on May 8, 2008 14:06:45 GMT -5
.................flying down Eglinton with the music blasting out from the 6x9 Jensen speakers powered by his new Blauphunk state of the art tape deck and fine tuned with the also great equalizer, we pull into the Fire Pit for some good food and great times!
What a menagerie of cars that squeal into the small parking lot, not to mention the group that empties from these vehicles of pride and freedom.
The smell of the famous home cooked burgers and fresh cut fries fill the air as we step up to the line to order. Coke, coke, chip, chip we yell out as the cooks behind the grill laugh at our feeble attempt to imitate the great John Belushi and the original SNL crew. Did I mention they were licensed? What a place great burgers complimented with an icy cold beer!
The place is crowded and looks as though a Japanese street gang has just taken over the local burger palace. Not to fear though, this time of year they were expecting us.
The boys looked cool dressed in their tight fitting jeans and cut off t-shirts, while the girls as always looked ever so pretty in their over sized Ts and just as tight fitting jeans.
As we all sit and devour our food, the only topic being discussed is the running of Caravan and how little time that is left to finish the preparations for the opening day.
Still many banners and signs to be put up, lights and extension cords to run, food to order, batteries, walkie talkies and flashlights to check..............the list is never ending............
To be continued!
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Post by lostthenfound on May 20, 2008 12:10:11 GMT -5
.............another summer night has come to an end as we all casually exit the the Fire Pit, guys stomachs full on home made burgers and fresh cut fries. The girls looking so pretty as the sun slowly makes its way past the horizon setting a warm glow throughout the sky gently setting a backdrop for an almost perfect night.
The guys tired yet pumped still feel the desire to cruise...... but tomorrow is another working day. Although still young and free and the drive for freedom still cursing through their veins, the realization and commitments to their jobs brought us back down to earth.... and in the morning it was back to the 9 to 5 cable pulling, jack installation, computer applications, lab technician, dress sales / warehouse and teaching jobs and so on ................
It's here, hours before opening day back at the JCCC and of course it is chaos as people try to prepare for the official opening just a few hours away.
It seems to be a family affair, as different generations of families all seem to come out during this time of year to lend a helping hand!
....... there is a little curly haired man running around with plastic jugs in both hands not really sure what kitchen he needs to be in and where the special mix is to be kept. Two older men both about the same height are screaming at the top of their lungs asking for ice and more beer to fill the plastic tubs. There is a young shy man with sculpted hair and manners that would make even Ann Landers blush, helping out in the volunteer room a complete opposite, not the manners but the shyness to his father, a man who would be a stranger to no one. let's not forget the pretty young ladies who have made the age to proudly dawn the Red Happi coat, and for those who did not quite make that jump, blue happi coats were made available........
.........ahhhh yes, how can we forget the pretty young ladies in the Red Happi coats, mostly dressed in shorts and t-shirts keeping the guys on their toes as they looked for their favorite girl and for some their future wives. This was always a favorite past time of mine, what can I say, I love Japanese ladies!
The smell of terriyaki fills the outside air as the men begin to slowly cook the marinated chicken on the outdoor BBQs and the smell of tempura fills the inside kitchen area not to mention the rest of the Centre.
Two familiar faces dawn their traditional hachimaki and down a shot of Sake as they prepare to greet the beautiful faces who will no doubt ask them for beer and other alcoholic beverages. Beer bottle openers are everywhere just waiting to be used and a one last check on the rice cooker is completed to ensure the proper serving temperature of it's treasured Sake.
The kid at the pop machine strategically places his cups to be efficient as he knows that the pop machine will be foamy and slow to start, he glances down beneath the machine confirming that there are at least two of every pop canister available.
Old ladies gossip as they fill their woks with shrimp and vegetables, old men converse as they lean over the large industrial sized sinks washing the never ending dishes and young girls run around dressed in their pretty kimonos waiting to put on a show for the hundreds of guests that will be making their way throughout the Tokyo Pavilion just hours away.
It is still a few hours before the official opening and there is still so much to do......there is already a line up of passport holders circling the exterior of the Cultural Centre........
To be continued.
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Post by lostthenfound on Jun 5, 2008 12:58:49 GMT -5
................................the anxious crowds that surround the Tokyo Pavilion become impatient, the heat is stifling, the line up is long and everyone wants to be let in. A pretty young lady who has won the right to represent the Center as the beloved Princess and an older man dawning the traditional attire for the Caravan proceedings slowly make their way to the front doors, hands filled with programs and faces with painted on smiles.........wait, I am getting a head of myself hear.
..................................looking across the library I see Michael with a smoke delicately balanced from the side of his mouth as he looks over all the walkie talkies to ensure that each has enough juice to last throughout the day. He picks up each individual flashlight and inspects them too, you can't have a flashlight that doesn't light up if you're stuck doing the evening shift. And last but not least he pulls out the coveted orange happi coats the true sign of a parking lot dude!
Yep! Everything is cool we should be alright for today. As he makes his way down the concrete stairs leading to the main foyer, arms full of supplies, he passes a young lady who gives him a sexy wink and a pack of smokes. The wink a sign of affection, the smokes a necessity of coolness that she knew he had forgotten to pick up after leaving the hot steam bath like factory where he worked for his father.
He by passes the long line up by exiting through the back to the beer garden and makes his way to his car that for the next few days will be like an office and mini home.
Slowly, one by one guys meet up with Michael as if it was some sort of ritual or even for that matter a shady deal going down, hahahaha. As they approach, Michael goes to his trunk and opens it up to reveal the goods. A young man with a boyish grin, a Japanese version of Wayne Newton takes his goods, a walkie talkie, flashlight and happi coat are now in the hands of a "parking lot" dude.
Another man comes flying over the Delcan entrance squealing the rubbers on his GT and with the sounds of Zeppelin filling the air around him, he pulls up beside Michael and takes his stash too, but not the happi coat, this was not cool.
Not long after this exchange two other young men make their way to this mobile office. Both skinny and could be easily mistaken for Michael if you were to look at them from a distance. One coming from a family with nothing but sisters (dancing to the tune of We are Family) and the other a Michael like wanna be who could be mistaken for his brother.
Still an hour away from opening the fun is just beginning and the night has yet to arrive to unleash it's craziness that we all became a part of and that took over our lives for that short period of time............
To be continued.
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Post by Zen Master on Jun 10, 2008 13:59:08 GMT -5
I love this story! Everytime I read the new segments it makes me feel all warm and nice inside! This should be part of the JCCC flashback "Nostalgia Night" it seems to fit the theme perfectly.
June, it seems that there are alot of people out there who have fond memories of your husband! This Lost Then Found seems to have a a very special connection with him.
Take care and be heart strong!
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Post by june on Jun 11, 2008 12:11:29 GMT -5
Hi Zen Master, Michael was definitely loved by many! We feel very lucky to have so many supporters who have come forward in various ways. It's great to reminisce about the old days and brings back many great memories from our younger days and when Michael was happy and healthy. I only wish that he were able to share in all of this - he is such a different person now, actually completely different from the one described. This disease manifests itself in many ways.......... June
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Post by lostthenfound on Jul 8, 2008 13:45:58 GMT -5
..........................the craziness is all around us, people in all different color happi coats weaving in and out of the crowded rooms and narrow hallways that will soon be packed with hungry visitors not only for food but hungry for the knowledge of our culture, our breed.
Already passport holding visitors are being turned away from the top of the JCCC driveway and same with our borrowed lots from Delcan. People screaming, yelling and even making hand gestures to us as if it was our fault that the lots were all full. "Hey buddy, try parking at the Shell building down the street" Michael yells out as he grins through his Serengeti sunglasses.
For this time all but one car decides to take the tip and quickly skirts by Michael without a care in the world. Holly F*** what a jerk. We knew who it was as he continued to park in areas that were pyloned off. It did not matter to this guy that he was blocking a fire route, he was a karate Sensei and those rules did not apply to him.....hahahahaha. You will always have those types no matter where you go.
The sun slowly begins to set and it is time to grab some food. Sure we could go to the volunteer room where a home cooked meal in party size capacities was waiting for us.......or we could have a veal on a kaiser from the best spot in tow " San Francesco ", topped with hot peppers and a side container of spicy hot olives! Yeaaaa man, that was the way to go. Don't get me wrong, the volunteer food was pretty good, after all when you have a former cook actually preparing the meals it has to be good right!
Word travels fast and before you know it an order for veal on a kaiser and pizza slices looks like a shopping list large enough to feed the Nish clan and then some LOL. A few quick words over the walkie talkies and before you know it Michaels long haired friend and nephew are on their way to make a San Francesco run.
.........a cassette tape of Zeppelin still hot from being on the dashboard a little to long is popped into the deck and before you know it the song remains the same.
Michael watches as the car's tires squeal out from the parking lot, shaking his head and laughing to himself thinking these are my friends what a bunch of goofs.....but in a good goofy kind of way!
Now it's just a waiting game, food has been ordered a freshly lit smoke hangs delicately from the side of my mouth and looking down towards the side of the JCCC I see a special young lady dressed in a floral top, cute shorts and flip flops making her way towards me with a tall plastic cup filled with icy cold coke-a-cola!
Mmmmmmm....how sweet is that and the coke will hit the spot too! Life is good..........................
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Post by Zen Master on Jul 28, 2008 12:05:05 GMT -5
Hey there LTF!
Where are the veal on the buns and pizza slices?
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