Now
What I'm Doing Now
Here's what I'm up to lately.
Check out what the family and I are doing and what music, books, and other activities have caught my attention.
Mar 2024 - Big news! I have a new role - happy to share that I've joined the Green Cat ...
“There is nothing permanent, except change” ~Heraclitus
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Big news! I have a new role - happy to share that I've joined the Green Cat Renewables team! I received the positive news in late January and started with them on Feb 20th. It's been a busy month already! Just got back from a week in Calgary meeting the team. I'll be working as a Senior Project Manager and principle environmental consultant based out of their new office in downtown Halifax as part of their expansion into Atlantic Canada. This new position aligns well with my ambitions and I'll be assisting them to set up locally and position GCR for the developing offshore wind sector here in Nova Scotia.
I'm grateful to my former colleagues at WSP for all the challenging experiences there, and I'm excited for this new opportunity which allows me to leverage my experience and knowledge in the renewables sector with GCR.
I'm very eager to connect with my network in the renewable energy sector in Atlantic Canada to explore potential collaborations and opportunities. Looking forward to contributing to meaningful projects and partnerships to foster a more sustainable Atlantic Canada. Exciting times ahead!
What I'm reading:
The Antidote by Oliver Burkeman - This book offers a refreshing perspective that challenges the prevailing notion that positive thinking is the key to happiness and success by encouraging readers to embrace uncertainty, accept their limitations, and cultivate a more balanced approach to life that includes both positive and negative experiences.
What I'm listening to:
This is a Sickness and Sickness Will End by Crusades - The Ottawa-based Crusades, known for their incendiary blend of punk rock and introspective lyricism, deliver a sonic powerhouse that really resonates with the chaotic landscape of our time.
Jan 2024 - It has been a rough few weeks. On Christmas Eve I came down with one of ...
“If you aren't in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?” ~T. S. Eliot
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It has been a rough few weeks. On Christmas Eve I came down with one of the worst flus I can remember. Then my wife also fell ill. We were pretty sick for at least 3 weeks. So much for my Christmas vacation! Thankfully our kids didn't catch it and we're mostly back to normal now.
Work has been challenging so far in 2024. We're struggling with resources in my group as people leave the company and the work falls to those who are remaining. I've been tasked with taking on a number of additional projects that are in various states of completion with very few resources. With everything else that has been going on in January, this added wrinkle really makes it feel like the pressure is mounting, but I'm picking away at things as best I can and dealing with the items that are flaming up in front of me.
My father-in-law passed away on my birthday. I had known him since I was nineteen years old. 35 years - more than twice as long as I knew my own father. He was a wonderful, caring, strong man and pillar of his community. Gerry McLellan was born in Springhill, served in the Royal Canadian Air Force, was a Federal Correctional Officer, owned a construction company, and in 1983 he became the Superintendent of the Cumberland Correctional Facility until his retirement in 2001. Gerry was actively involved in his community, contributing to various organizations such as the Oxford Lions Club, Oxford Town Council, and serving on school boards and library boards. His love for snowmobiling and dedication to trail development in Oxford led to several awards, including the Provincial "Volunteer of the Year" in 2015. On top of all that (and most important of all) he was a loving husband, father, and friend to a great many people. He will be sorely missed.
What I'm reading:
Things I learned From Falling - this memoir by Claire Nelson recounts her harrowing experience of getting lost in the desert while hiking alone. The book explores themes of survival, resilience, and self-discovery as Claire reflects on the physical and emotional challenges she faced during her ordeal. Through her journey, she gains insights into fear, vulnerability, and the strength of the human spirit.
What I'm listening to:
Dozer - Drifting in the Endless Void Dozer's first studio album in 15 years is one of my faves in metal for 2023. 'Drifting in The Endless Void' has a matured sound that expands beyond traditional stoner rock, but still jammed with fuzzed-up heaviness.
The Discussion - Movement Towards a New Beginning When Kylesa broke up Laura Pleasants started The Discussion. If you're a fan of Kylesa, The Cure, Echo and the Bunnymen, Slowdive etc this album is up your alley. Dreamy shoegaze, indie rock and post punk.
Nov 2023 - Work has been pretty steady with some projects closing or finalizing, and ...
“I didn’t mind getting old when I was young. It’s being old now that it’s getting to me.” ~John Scalzi
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Work has been pretty steady with some projects closing or finalizing, and we're bidding on some new work up north which is pretty exciting if we get it. Feels good to be working with a national collaborative team on this.
My wife is back in another play, this time for Central Zone Players called It's A Treasure Chest Christmas - should be a lot of fun. Both kids are doing very well in university and grade 8. This semester is almost over! Soon it will be Christmas break.
This is a common complaint, but as I get older, the time really does seem to go by faster. This year flew by so quickly and I don't really feel like I was able to fully enjoy it. Experts say our perception of time greatly changes as we age, which makes certain periods feel like they go by quickly. I think that as we age, our attention also plays a key role in how we process time. When we’re distracted, time speeds up. And I've been so distracted these past couple of years.
I need to spend more time outdoors. This is something I'm very fond of and I haven't been able to do as much as I'd like this year. A simple walk in the natural environment is often enough to help me consciously connect with what’s around me. Also photography - something about being in nature and the process of seeing my environment through the viewpoint of framing a scene to get the right shot that focuses my mind. I haven't been shooting much lately and need to fix that.
What I'm reading:
Still mostly sci-fi short stories as that's about all my attention span can accommodate lately.
What I'm listening to:
Gel - Only Constant Debut album of the year, in my opinion. Feisty and ferocious hardcore with tons of groove - and Sami Kaiser's vocals are just what I love. Gritty, abrasive, and articulate.
Cannons - Heartbeat Highway This brand new release is fantastic. I just love Cannons' fusion of deep-house, indie-electronic, and '80s synth-pop. Compared with 2022's Fever Dream, this album further develops their style while preserving that chill synth-pop essence defining their sound, infusing optimism into themes of longing.
Oct 2023 - Autumn is here again - the year really seems to be rushing by. I enjoy the ...
"September came in with golden days and silver nights" - J.R.R. Tolkien
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Autumn is here again - the year really seems to be rushing by. I enjoy the cooler temperatures, the crispness of the air - and the hikes this time of year are always full of colours. As usual I'm behind on yard work and getting things ready for the end of the season. But I still have time. Hurricane Lee came and went. Thankfully no damage and the storm wasn't as bad as Fiona last year. Hopefully that's it for this year. Always feels a bit like we're the pin end of a large bowling alley every fall with storms lining up to head our way.
My wife and I celebrated our 25th anniversary on September 11th. We marked the occasion with a great night out at Cut Steakhouse. That was one of the nicest meals I've had, which says a lot. I've eaten in nice places all over the world. I'm very lucky to have such a wonderful and supportive partner in life. We've been through a lot together.
Both kids are back in school now - our oldest is in her 3rd year in sciences at SMU and our youngest started grade 8. Both are settling in well and it's a quieter time around the house now with structure and schedule returning.
Work has slowed a bit. It's a cycle of boom and bust in consulting. I'm written in to some exciting and challenging projects but we haven't got the go ahead to start yet. So I'm focusing on maintaining quality efforts on my remaining ongoing work. It's been challenging. My group continues to struggle adapting to the integration and there has been a real loss of talented people from the team, which means more load on those remaining. I hope they get a handle on it soon.
What I'm reading:
Some of the Best from TOR.com 2012 - a collection of sci-fi short stories. My favorite being the wonderful Dormanna by Gene Wolfe - a beautifully written tale about a young girl and her not-so imaginary friend. Part of a series based on artwork by John Jude Palencar.
What I'm Listening To:
Yellow Eyes - Immersion Trench Reverie New York City-based black metal band Yellow Eyes steep their music with natural environmental character, and this is especially true in Immersion Trench Reverie. With recordings and samples of earthly elements punctuating the production, the result is a complex, layered, and heavy record that really connects the listener to a natural experience.
Ulvesang - The Hunt Nova Scotia’s instrumental acoustic dark‐folk duo offer a wistful and melancholic journey with their second album released in 2018. The Hunt has been a routine companion through my daily walks, providing a helpful peaceful calmness, especially when I'm stressed or anxious.
Aug 2023 - We're all having a good summer so far. It has been hectic, the weather has been ...
We're all having a good summer so far. It has been hectic, the weather has been extreme for this part of Canada, but with all that we've still managed to spend a lot of quality time with friends and family. My oldest moved home with us for past few months and will be back at university in just a couple of weeks. It has been great having her home. My brother Jamie and his family were up from Fort Lauderdale for a visit this summer and it was great to catch up.
We spent some time along the south shore of Nova Scotia this month for some friends' wedding. Big bonfires on the beach, drinks with friends - it was great fun! We got to meet Charlie A'Court in person. Incredibly nice guy and very talented with a seemingly endless repertoire of music at the ready. Hearing him lead songs around the bonfire late into the evening was a great experience. Another highlight was the dark walk back to our hotel each night under starry skies. Reminded me a bit like when I was a kid with that sense of wonder and exploration.
I also saw Steve Vai in concert at the Rebecca Cohn in August. That was a wild experience. He's incredibly talented and down to earth - he was genuinely amazed at the crowd in Halifax and very generous and appreciative. His band was a seamless ensemble that complemented his virtuosity, enhancing the musical experience with precision and synergy. Each musician had their moment to shine, contributing to a well-rounded performance that showcased both individual talent and collective harmony. For fans of virtuoso guitar and meaningful musical experiences, Steve Vai's intimate concert tour is a must-see.
What's next? I'm taking a week off - we're planning a camping trip to the beach in PEI. Time to recharge is very important to me. Work will burn you out if you don't take time for yourself.
What I'm reading:
The Cowshed by Ji Xianlin - This compelling memoir is a cautionary tale about the dangers of ideological extremism, the erosion of individual freedoms, and the consequences of unchecked power while encouraging a critical examination of the relationship between propaganda and truth.
What I'm listening to:
Disappearer - The Clearing With ties to Doomriders and There Were Wires, Disappearer's album 'The Clearing' provides a heavy, grinding, and introspective experience.
Titan - Burn Relentless energy and powerful vocals - Burn immerses you in a searing visceral landscape. The band meld colossal riffs and rhythms into a blistering display of metal mastery. This album is a Canadian hardcore masterpiece.
Jun 2023 - How is it June already? It has been an interesting few weeks. We recently ...
How is it June already? It has been an interesting few weeks. We recently submitted our Environmental Impact Statement for a large proposed wind farm here in Atlantic Canada and engaged the public in an open house which was very well received. I've really enjoyed leading this project and am looking forward to seeing its approval and progress to realization.
My wife has recently begun to get more involved in local theatre and is now a member of the Passage Players. So proud of her. She has always had an interest in theatre and she is really putting herself out there now and having lots of fun with it.
Both kids are doing very well. Our oldest recently spent two weeks traveling the south of France, Monaco, and Italy. I am super jealous and am getting the travel bug again. Our youngest is learning how to play the drums now and is really starting to develop her creative and musical talents. I love that she and I discuss music where she asks my opinion about the artists she likes and I explain what I think might be some of their influences. We definitely don't always agree but I love that she has her own taste and style. It's important.
I definitely feel like I need a vacation. Work has been so busy and stressful. On top of the regular workload and client stresses, we have been inundated with constant change and confusion as we slowly implement and adapt to our new structure under WSP. This seems to be taking ages. I've never quite experienced anything like it before. Like working for a new company every few months.
What I'm reading:
“The Book of Disquiet” by Fernando Pessoa
Still reading "Carrying The Fire" and trying to find the time to finish it!
I need to start waking an hour earlier in order to get some reading time in. I find lately that I only have the bandwidth available for other things and reading is becoming harder to accommodate. Of course this really is not the case and I just need to reorganize my time a bit.
What I'm listening to:
Le Tigre - LeTigre - a fierce and electrifying blend of punk, electronic, and feminist anthems. The band's raw energy and thought-provoking lyrics shine through, challenging social norms, and celebrating empowerment. With catchy hooks and a rebellious attitude, "Deceptacon" showcases Le Tigre's unique sound and unapologetic ethos.
D'ambrosia - Wild Blue - a fusion of folk, indie, and chillwave. The songs are full of soulful vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and an array of captivating instrumentals. With a strong sense of place, 'Wild Blue' invites listeners to experience the artist's roots creating an authentic and resonant musical journey.
Mar 2023 - It's been an active few months for me, with so much happening all at once ...
It's been an active few months for me, with a lot happening all at once. My oldest daughter is now in her second year at university, and my youngest is already in grade 7 - how quickly time flies by. I meant to update this section earlier and it's hard to believe that both school years are almost over. These days my family is all healthy and doing well and I'm focusing on maintaining balance between my career and personal happiness.
We recently had a death in our extended family, which hit me hard and made me realize the importance of staying connected with loved ones. I'd lost touch with certain family members over the years, but this passing brought many of us back together. It's a reminder that our time here is uncertain and we should appreciate those close to us.
Work has been hectic lately, but that's the norm in consulting. I'm fortunate to be working on a variety of exciting and innovative resource and renewable projects with an incredibly talented team at WSP. It's rewarding work, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it.
What I'm reading:
Carrying the Fire - Michael Collins
Yoshida Kenkō - Essays in Idleness
Love this great passage from Essays, written roughly 700 years ago - "It is a most wonderful comfort to sit alone beneath a lamp, book spread before you, and commune with someone from the past whom you have never met."
What I'm listening to lately:
Speaking of music, I'm thrilled that the live music scene is making a comeback here. I recently saw both Sloan and The Beaches in concert and I managed to grab tickets to see Megadeth in May ... maybe I'll see you there!
Thankfully the weather is slowly improving now and I'm looking forward to spring soon.
Sept 2022 - It's been a busy few months for me. Personally, I was very involved in ...
It's been a busy few months for me. Personally, I was very involved in managing my mother's home and property with my brother and arranging the sale. Professionally, I've been working hard with our team to progress the environmental assessment of large energy and mining projects both internationally and locally here in Atlantic Canada. With all that I managed to squeeze in some vacation this summer where my family and I travelled around the beautiful Maritimes and enjoyed the beaches and forests of our region. We also travelled to Montreal for a short visit. This was the first time I was on a plane in two and a half years due to COVID. It was great to travel again, even for a short trip. Montreal is such a beautiful city! Back to work now. Hopefully all of you had a great summer and were able to take some time to relax and recharge.
What I'm reading:
The Epigrams of Martial - Martial
Thoughts of a Philosophical Fighter Pilot - Jim Stockdale
The Sparrow - Mary Doria Russell
What I'm listening to lately:
Radiation Breeze by Richard Rose
Deal Thy Fate by Castle
Fever Dream by Cannons
May 2022 - Since February, my brothers and I have been working to coordinate the ...
Since February, my younger brothers and I have been working to coordinate the sorting, packing, and cleaning of my mother's house in the valley since she moved into residential care. Trying to get the house and property ready for an eventual sale. Decades of stuff. Lots of interesting anecdotes and insight into my father's and mother's lives as people, not just as our parents. Isolated scraps of paper, photos, calendar entries - once important documents that no longer mean much anymore other than to provide a further glimpse into their interesting everyday lives.
It's been a slow grinding process but I've been lucky to have my two brothers and family to support me through this. Downsize your stuff now. That's my advice. While you still can. I have a whole new outlook on material ownership and will be more frugal and careful with bringing items into my life.
Mar 2022 - Over one year now at Wood, working on interesting mining and wind ...
Over one year now at Wood, working on progressing mining and wind energy projects here in Atlantic Canada. It has been a busy time over the past year, both professionally and personally. I am still working from home and I have a smart and supportive team here on the east coast. It has been a wonderful experience working with such a capable group.
Personally, I've been dealing with some challenging family issues regarding my elderly mother and the process of having her transitioned into a residential care facility. My oldest daughter moved out on her own, and my youngest is very busy with all her various hobbies and music.
With all this going on, I am trying to take time to experience the stillness and not get too caught up in the worries of the day. With so much in all of our professional and personal lives and the heavy global issues today, it's so important to take try some time for ourselves.
Oct 2021 - Seven months now at Wood and I am thoroughly enjoying my time here ...
Seven months now at Wood and I am thoroughly enjoying my time here providing project management and technical expertise in permitting, regulatory & stakeholder consultation, and environmental assessment in support of large scale client projects. I have a great team and culture supporting me.
Since joining Wood I've been working on a national scale managing the post EA permitting for a large LNG project, managing the EA process for a wind energy project, and coordinating the regulatory response for a large mining project. These are all big changes from my last area of focus in offshore process chemistry. I haven't been this busy in a while.
Mar 2021 - I am pleased to share that I will be starting a new position on Monday ...
I am pleased to share that I will be starting a new position on Monday as Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner/Project Manager with Wood in their Environmental Sciences Group here in Nova Scotia.
I've had so much help over the past year from colleagues, clients, and friends. Thanks to all who sent support and encouragement. Special thanks to Derick Fritz and the OVAC team for bringing me in on some great projects which allowed me to stay busy, network, and keep my skills sharp while looking for full-time work.
I am really looking forward to this exciting new challenge!
Feb 2021 - In April last year (2020), my career hit a bit of a wobble ...
In April last year (2020), my career hit a bit of a wobble. I was downsized from my long time role due to the economics of the oil industry and the travel restrictions resulting from the pandemic. I found myself on the job market again for the first time in 15 years, all at the beginning of the largest global health crisis since the Spanish flu.
It was very challenging, but also an incredible opportunity to reexamine things. I spent a lot of time adjusting to being at home with family after travelling 50% of the year, updating my resume, training and learning new skills (including how to create this website), applying to positions, working on my photography, and learning how to snowshoe!
Since August 2020, I've been networking and reconnecting with people and organizations working on environmental and renewables projects. Consulting with OVAC (a company I helped start back in 2009) has really allowed me to carefully reinsert myself back into an industry that I had been away from since 2007. This measured approach has been very helpful in getting me reacquainted with new stakeholders, regulations, and industry practices.
I am now working on several projects, both regionally here in Nova Scotia, and across Canada, helping engineering clients with their environmental planning & permitting services to gain approval for important infrastructure projects in 2021.
More locally, I am actively involved with bidding on work in the marine sector and scoping out strategy for services into the developing marine renewables industry.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely my own and do not necessarily represent those of any entities which I have been, am now, or will be affiliated.
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