Darkly Colored Felines of Fury » paudley

One Third

Patrick Audley — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 21:56:18 +0000

One third of my life is behind me. Looking back on my life I'm forced to admit that it has not been the smooth, brightly lit street I expected as a child. Instead it was a meandering cobble lined path, filled with adventures and ravines I would never have foreseen, with highs and lows that dwarfed my early guesses. I am both humbled and amazed at some of the experiences on the journey; at some of the truly amazing and profound people that have joined me for parts of it. This is a good time for contemplation; a wistful look back and a climb to the nearest hill to see what might be ahead.

The Road Behind

The journey started with the solid foundation my family gave me - it was a childhood that was unlike any other I have seen. My mother taught me to program at the tender age of 6; my father gave me the eternal gift of curiosity shortly after; my grandparents inculcated a deep sense of values and duty. From these beginnings, I have spanned the globe and taken flight in ways that none of us could have imagined. I have been graced with three women in my life that have reshaped and grown my view of the world by turns; I treasure them all deeply still. Danielle the stalwart companion and mirror; Elizabeth the muse and inspiration; Kathy the maiden and teacher. From all of these people I've learnt so much, done so many things, changed so much.

I have scaled urban mountains aligning lasers, experienced hidden religions, built super computers, engineered new lifeforms, walked paths thousands of years old, plumbed the depths of the mind and come back mostly sane. I have loved and lost many times, felt pain and joy I could not have imagined.

The Woods Ahead

Turning forward, where does the road lead? I have returned to my home to find out. I have given up predicting the future and am endeavouring to walk blindly forward. I know that I have had my best growth and learning where I least expected it. To sit in lonely contemplation and await the future is hard. So, I am looking for the next change, the next turn in the road. If I had my sparkly druthers I would ask for a loving, stable relationship, a full time job that keeps my interest, and a change of pace in life from the hectic start-up laden gallop to a slower more contemplative cantor.

So, without much ado, this next month of Summer shall be devoted to seeking a full time venture to captivate my mind and talents as well as a the occasional moment of peaceful rest. If you are reading this and remember time we have spent together on the path, drop me a note and we'll have a beer/coffee/virtual drink. If you think you might want to join me for a few turns, I am always glad for the company.

“A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.”
Robert Heinlein

Comments

July 29, 2010, Vincent Byfield writes: Pretty amazing part one, my friend. I am looking forward to the next installments.
July 30, 2010, Bruce Audley writes: Life's greatest reward is the jouney itself.
July 30, 2010, Zephyr writes: Nice Heinlein quote. I've always liked that one.
July 30, 2010, Don Parker writes: Patrick We spent a short time colaborating when our path crossed, I recognised your strengths, now you need to continue to apply them to pursue your next stage of growth, leverage the past. Happy Birthday
August 14, 2010, Zephyr writes: Hey Patrick, I am curious about these hidden religions and engineered lifeforms. Wanna go for coffee sometime and tell me all about them?

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Job Search in the New Year

Patrick Audley — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 02:14:32 +0000

After taking a few months off and spending some time with my family and fiancee, it's now time to jump back into the fray. I'm primarily looking for jobs in the Vancouver and Calgary areas but I'm also considering making a serious go at telecommuting. Most of my recent experience has been in the identity 2.0 space but I'm very interested in exploring new industries and problems. So, if you have a good problem or need a deep thinker for your team, keep me in mind.

Leaving Cogneto

Patrick Audley — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 05:28:13 +0000

So, without much ado, I'm no longer with Cogneto and am joining my two friends Andy Dale and John Bradley to bring solid, usable, user-centric identity and authentication to the world under the mighty rubric of Wingaa. As is often the case, transitioning from one job to another was rockier than it first looked. It was full of bitter-sweet moments mixed liberally with some sad moments and a huge swelling of excitement and hope for the future. I've gained a pile of insight and a good set of lessons to take to my next venture. I try when I leave a job to figure out what the best lesson was and I think that, in retrospect, we didn't have enough transparency and that should have been a warning sign. We had a very smart group of people who were kept from seeing or helping with problems because they didn't know about them. That's my key lesson from this job - transparency is a hallmark of a good company.

30th Birthday Dinner

Patrick Audley — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 05:36:59 +0000

On the eve of July 28th I spent the night in a Banff at a very old family haunt -- The Grizzly House. I have so many excellent childhood memories that circle around Banff and the Grizz. My family managed to gather in the same place for the first time since my childhood, ostensibly to celebrate my 30th birthday (and my Mother's birthday as well!). In the year and a bit that we've known each other Kathy has already had a huge impact on my life and I look forward to many years of growth and happiness with a truly amazing woman. I've had love a first sight (overrated IMHO) -- this was a very different beast and I think that my head fought against my heart for a few months just to be sure but looking back it was such an obvious and good fit that I'm amazed we managed to wait so long! Kathy is one of the few people I've found who is a peer, friend and lover all wrapped up in one tantalizing package. *sigh* Can you tell I'm smitten? I can't honestly remember being this happy *sigh*.

The Grizzly House207 Banff Ave.
Banff, AB, T1L 1B4
CanadaAug 30, 2007Patrick Audley5.0business1A tradition of exquisite fondue.fondue, grizzlyhouse, restaurant

I vaguely remember growing up in slices of Banff every year for New Years - every one of the memories included a visit to the Grizzly House. I don't think it's changed much over the years as the rest of Banff has catered more deeply to the tourist trade (though I'm not sure that Aligator was on the menu or that any of the items had little leaves or hearts next to them when I was a kid). I almost always have the cheese and bread fondue to start followed by a mixed hot-oil fondue of various wild meats with buffalo and caribou being two of my favourites. The quality of the meat is always excellent and there is a huge selection to choose from. The best part of the visit through is always the chocolate fondue with fresh fruit - how can you not love that?

Comments

August 3, 2007, Brenda May writes: When Patrick and Kathy said they wanted to have a family birthday party, I was thrilled; it was also my 57th birthday. When I asked Patrick where he wanted to celebrate his 30th birthday, he chose Banff and the Grizzley House without hesitation. It was a momentous occasion as Patrick has not celebrated his birthday with both parents for a very long time. We stayed at the elegant Rimrock Hotel; Rick (my husband) and I very much enjoyed our time with Patrick and Kathy. Kathy is a lovely young woman and I am so pleased that she and Patrick are together. They make a great couple - both are intelligent, attractive and humorous.

Kathy in Vancouver Part 1

Patrick Audley — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 19:18:33 +0000

Kathy, the intrepid geologist comes to Vancouver to visit for a weekend. Family dinners, hanging out and much walking ensued. All rejoiced.

Comments

October 8, 2006, Brenda May writes: I really enjoyed meeting Kathy. She is a sweet and charming girl - very likeable and "down to earth." Her laugh is infectious!

Axion Internet

Patrick Audley — Fri, 07 Oct 2005 19:47:17 +0000

Axion was my first real job and I love it. I was a chance to grow into a management position and run some slick hardware at a scale that was unavailable to me before. I really enjoyed working with Tom Lavin and the rest of the crew and honestly couldn't have asked for a better introduction to startups. Here I learned so many of my formative career lessons (including my not-so-fun introduction to VC takeovers *lol*). This was a very fun time in my life and I'll always cherish these days for their youthful excitement and the deep feeling that I can accomplish anything that I carry with me today.

Revolutionary Cuba

Patrick Audley — Mon, 25 Oct 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Cuba was a mind blowing roller coaster of intense beach time, lots of rum, incredible cigars, lots of rum, clubbing (with rum), sleeping in the sun, partying, rum... When we weren't in the sun or drinking or partying we partook of an amazing culture - a country full of the riveting history, a very "real" populace (in the way that neither the hectic Mexican resort spots nor the laid-back Carribean islands manage), and a beauty that rivals Vancouver. Overall this was a great trip with my family and my nin Danielle (she and I always have a good time).

Political Rant

I think this trip has deepened my belief that Americans (for the Europeans reading this, that means people from the USA) are deeply out of touch with the world around them. I've seen so much on American TV and American literature that speaks of the strife and horror of living in Cuba - about how the people who "flee" are so happy to be in a land of Freedom(tm)*. Laced into American culture is an intense xenophobia and desire to impose their own ideals/restrictions on the rest of the world and I think that their portrayal of Cuba serves to highlight this.

* Void where prohibited, restrictions may apply.

What I found in Cuba was a brand of socialism somewhere between Canada and the former USSR without the brittle edge of the Maoist influences that I saw in Vietnam. Start with the basics:

Everyone has access to free food should they need it through easily accessible local stores that give food on quota.
Access to healthcare more universal than in Canada though it's more focused on real treatment (as opposed the Canadian system which I honestly think invents new illnesses just to treat them).
Housing is available for everyone. Period.
Education is universal, including University, and most of the people we interacted with had University degrees.

Layer on top of this a thin capitalist market that allows people (whose wages are capped so that no one gets really rich) to spend a reasonable amount of disposable income on things they desire. What you get is a society with a very narrowly distributed average lifestyle that I found very nice. The only billboards that we saw there were party slogans or cartoons (the Cubans don't have advertising!). It's odd to see propaganda so overtly shown but after a while it grows on you.

Climate

Perfect. No really. 25°C - 36°C most days, 18°C in the evenings. Usually a nice breeze to keep the heat down. Perfect beach weather.

Clubs

Danielle's continued attempts to reform me into a clubber are apparently paying off because I had a blast going dancing with her at no less than six clubs. I have no idea how to Salsa dance but we managed to find some non-Salsa music almost everywhere we went. Cute people abounded though the language barrier was annoying (and strangely more significant than in Mexico - almost as if the Mexicans are resigned to learning some English but the Cubans don't really care too). I'm slowly lowering the number of drinks that it takes me to get on the dance floor. *grin*

Resort: Coralia Club Playa de Oro

We went all-inclusive and stayed at Coralia Club Playa de Oro in Varadero. The hotel was beautiful though not ultra-modern. It had a really wonderful huge open air lobby that served as a bar, meeting area, Salsa dance floor and general hangout place. The views from the room were great and the beach sublime. Our maids were one of the high points of staying there - we left little packages of random makeup items and a few dollars a day as tips and we were often greeted with towel sculptures when we returned! The on-site massage was great as well... The food - usually a sore point in all-inclusives - was great with a large selection for vegetarians, fresh, all-organic, Cuban food with a nice selection for fresh fruit at every meal. The best food was undoubtedly the buffet; they're were other smaller a la carte restaurants that served different but really better fair. The beach bar and pool bar were good for snacks but it is worth mentioning that if you wanted food in outside of the restaurant hours you had to leave the hotel as there was no room service or 24hr kitchen.

Tours

Our tour rep Osmanny kicked ass! He was the Signature Vacations rep at the hotel and managed to fix any problems we had and booked some amazing times for us - he was one of the biggest factors in this being a wonderful trip. He organized tours to swim with the dolphins and to visit Havana overnight, he even wrangled with a taxi driver for us to make a custom tour to Bellamar caves because we wanted something a little different (and it turned out cheaper than the packaged tour!).

Swimming with the Dolphins

This was a huge treat for me. The dolphins in question were in a very large natural salt-water pool (much larger than most of the aquariums I've seen) and appeared to play with each other a lot and generally have a good time. The dolphin that we were swimming with was 42 years old but unbelievably strong. He managed to throw at least two people completely out of the water with his nose and could pull me effortlessly around on his fin. Beautiful creatures and so cute!

Cigars and Rum

I've never thought of myself as a smoker and the few cigarettes that I've tried over the years have left me very unsatisfied. Cuban cigars however have completely seduced me... On the last night in Cuba, Danielle and I shared a huge Cohiba Double Corona (Limited Edition 2003), drank some fine Cuban rum and played chess on a huge board under a beautiful moon. Does it get any better than that?

Now that I'm back I've acquired a humidor and communed with the local cigar shop...

Final Thoughts

Cuba was fun - a lot of fun. I think I'll go back again and stay in Havana. I think the biggest part of this trip was Danielle. I can't believe sometimes what a good friend I have in her. Thanks Danielle!

More Information

You can peak at my Mother's version of the trip.
Look up Varadero in The Earth Explorer

Day 1

Long flight. Short attention span. Thank god Patrick brought his palm pilot with Robin William's mp3's.
Arrive and am overwhelmed by the countryside, well, as much as I could see from the airport highway. Ocean follows us continually into Varadero on our right.
The people here are gorgeous, the men are cheeky. I feel like I've found my brethren.
Rekindle my fondness for Desi Arnez.
Many rum drinks and a night swim in the pool then off to bed.
I miss my mom and my boy muy mucho.

Day 2

I am taken aback by how expensive everything is and how serious the US embargo is taken. Still confused about how they accept US currency....
Swam in the ocean, frolicked in the waves. It was amazing fun. I feel good.
Only brought my bikini's I feel gorgeous. I think it's the sun. Must have special UV rays that shine down here.
There are a lot of families here. A lot of kids and quite a few teenagers. I think Patrick and I are the only 20-something year old contingent.
I moon over every being under 4 feet. Brandon would have so much fun here. I miss him terribly.
I want to get him a t-shirt that says "future communist" but I don't think anybody else would find that as amusing as I do.
Talking to Patrick about looking for adventure. My brother in arms. Much has changed in the last 5 years since we've been south of the equator. The very meaning of "adventure" itself is now different for us. Doesn't stop me from looking for it.
Am still shocked by the prices. Who said Cuba was cheap??? Nothing here is, except the rum. Mmmmmmm, rum!!
Gone Adventuring:
- Pirates Cave Club - a real cave made into a club. Did a show that has to be seen to be believed. Seriously, must go back and take pictures.
- Club Rumba - all tourists but at least it wasn't salsa music. Dancing to Madonna made my night. Blister on foot but alcohol numbs the pain.

Day 3

Hungover. I've become quite the Hard Drinking, Fun Loving, Cigar Smoking Dancing Queen here already.
Visited a gorgeous 30,000 foot cavern, will upload pictures once back home.
Drove through Matanzas, a beautiful "country town" for want of a better way to put it.
There are millions of vultures constantly circling the skies all along the country side, nature's garbage men. This is a very beautiful place.
Megusta Cuba
I keep thinking of my mom as so much here reminds me of here, I think she should visit.
Friction wore off a good chunk of skin from my big toe, was once a blister is now a open, gaping wound. But the shoes are hot and I must dance. Need more rum to soothe pain.

Cuba has 3 distinct populations: The "original inhabitants", The Spanish who subjugated settled the land, and The Africans who were originally brought over as indentured slaves to work the sugar plantations (so were the Chinese but they aren't as prolific). British pirates "invaded" for 11 months and in that space of time managed to "water down" the generations you see today. As far as can tell they can all dance.

Day 4

Went to market in downtown Varadero today. It was smoking hot and definitely flavoured by the tourist population, meaning quite shiny and bland. Bought a few things but spent most of the time watching the people go by.
There are little dogs everywhere. These little puffy pekinese/dashund hybrid dogs that seem to be wild but the people treat kindly. Cats too.
I cried visiting Saint Elvira church. It's beautiful in it's honesty.
I'm catching up on the language a bit. Not knowing french is a huge hindrance. Hell, not knowing Spanish is worse. But I'm getting by on pigeon talk. In a way it's good because I'm seeking out the answers to my questions on my own instead of relying on directions etc. It's been quite the adventure. My pantomiming skills are excellent *L*
Getting some homework done little by little. I'll have to crash hard when I get back home.
I haven't eaten anything but the local food which is quite delicious. There agricultural industry is good quality from the meat to the vegetables.
Tomorrow we go to Habana overnight.

Day 5 & 6

Stopped off over the bridge in Matanzas (which means "massacre") for the best Pina Colada ever. Tastes like a down feather bed for your mouth and silk sheets on your tongue.
Ahh, Old Habana, comprised of building hundreds of years old and parks created to venerate dead heroes of one revolution or another.
Nothing has prepared me for this city. The streets crowded with people pushing their coins, books, cigars etc. Crowded with constant construction, restoration, and music. Music everywhere. There is a romanticism with this city that I take with me, it is hard to avoid. I have seen so much here.
My heart belongs to the Cuban countryside but Old Habana has taken my hand.
New Habana is not so new. Last construction was in 1970 and instead of having a long ago feel it just looks run down.
Went to see the famous Tropicana show. bravo!
Hotel Nacional De Cuba....wow!
Everything in Habana is under constant restoration.

I will tell you about Revolution Square and the history I picked up but I'm late for my massage so it will have to be another post.

Random Thoughts

Wandering through the Museum of Revolution was an experience. I had to follow the story through pictures as not much is translated into English. Pretty bad ass history though, I mean, I can't think of any place I know of that displays actual ICBM's as part of their collection. Must mean I need to get out more.
Ernesto Guevara was a hottie. Seriously gorgeous. I wonder if that helped the cause....
One of the most striking cultural differences I've noticed is the way cuban children are treated. You can't quite put your finger on what it is but you get the impression that the children are accepted and included in all aspects of day to day life. I haven't seen any strollers, all places are child friendly and not in the way we call it with roped off areas full of tinker toys. Kids are playing everywhere and are being held by just as many men as women.

Day 7

Swam with dolphins this morning. Aquatic life just does not do it for me. Creeped me out really but at least I did it and got a picture *L*
Slept on the beach. Ate more good food.
I'm going to miss this place like crazy. Tomorrow I fly home. If my mama and bambino were here with me I wouldn't go home at all.
My search for a tattoo parlour has turned up fruitless. They don't exist as a public amenity. If you want work done you go someplace private.
This whole vacation I've only slept a maximum of 5 hours a night. I'm used to it (thank you VCC) but poor Patrick is not.
The strain of spending everyday together is starting to show between Patrick and I. Except for the few hours a night I spend with Naivel (Naikel for us youngsters) we've been with each other 24hours.
Vague thoughts that it's Halloween but Cuba doesn't truck with that, instead the tv shows election coverage and once I caught part of Ron Jeremy's movie, the NC17 rated one
oh, and the gaping toe wound from hell is finally healing.

It's a testament to the amount of respect and caring for each other and our friendship that we haven't erupted and have worked through the tifs. We refer to each other as brother and sister, the closest reference we could find to explain our bond.

Comments

March 16, 2007, Joe Migliaccio writes: Liked your site, especially the pictures of the caves. Mine did not turn out good. Thanks.
May 2, 2007, Ali Fisher writes: Hi, loved your pics, just come back from there myself. Lovely place, fell in love, Havana took my heart too.
January 10, 2008, Darby writes: Thanks for the great website. I am going to Cuba in three days with my husband and children and can't wait! I was also interested in your comments about the US attitude towards Cuba. Fred should ask himself why Cubans need to ration basic needs and why they are short on medical supplies... could US trade embargos have anything to do with it?

Erica SuperStar Waitress

Patrick Audley — Fri, 31 Aug 2001 12:04:55 +0000

Erica worked at the [lifelinelink: LENNOX, Lennox] during my last year at [lifelinelink: GT, GT]. She was the reason that the Lennox became our hangout.

1985 Klondike Days Poster

Patrick Audley — Sun, 30 Jun 1985 00:00:00 +0000

This was taken towards the tail end of my modeling days. It was actually a competition between myself and another boy, two girls and two dogs -- I won. Unfortunately the girl in the post with me was not the nicer of the two girls and complained constantly during the shoot. Aside from the pre-shoot shenanigans, this was a really fun photo shoot!

Patrick Audley

Patrick Audley — Fri, 29 Jul 1977 12:00:29 +0000

Born to Brenda and Bruce Audley. It’s odd, talking about myself is never a problem but when writing about myself I tend to be at a loss for words.

Comments

July 3, 2008, Cazzy writes: Hey there, Paudley... The pictures...by the sea.... are just awezome! Peace { o}====> Cazzy The Alien Bluez Dude

Darkly Colored Felines of Fury » paudley

One Third

The Road Behind

The Woods Ahead

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Job Search in the New Year

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Leaving Cogneto

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30th Birthday Dinner

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Kathy in Vancouver Part 1

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Axion Internet

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Revolutionary Cuba

Political Rant

Climate

Clubs

Resort: Coralia Club Playa de Oro

Tours

Swimming with the Dolphins

Cigars and Rum

Final Thoughts

More Information

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5 & 6

Random Thoughts

Day 7

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Erica SuperStar Waitress

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1985 Klondike Days Poster

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Patrick Audley

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