Changing Lives » Family

Purchasing My First Property!

Ian Selvarajah — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 01:22:00 +0000

This afternoon I finally signed all the house papers with the notary! I’m now officially a homeowner and a landlord…

The property is a duplex in the NDG (Notre Dame de Grace) area of Montreal. It has 2 structures that have 3 bedrooms each and a basement. My plan (once I save up more $) is to convert the basement into a stand alone living space and I’ll stay there for a couple of years. The negotiations were tough and lasted over a month, but in the end I was able to get the price lowered by about $30,000.

I wanted to get this all done before June 1st, so I could say I bought my first property when I was 25, but looks like I was slightly late! In any case, I’m very happy and (before you ask) I’ll have to speak to the current tenants before I can get some pics to share.

Anyhow, after the down payment and the thousands of dollars in taxes and closing costs, I’m going to be broke for the next few months, but I believe this is a very good investment!!

How to Get a Free Dinner…AND Lunch

Ian Selvarajah — Fri, 23 May 2008 02:44:00 +0000

I’m constantly amazed at how quickly time flies!! I can’t believe it’s almost the end of May already! Anyhow, here’s another story from my latest trip to Toronto…

We went out for dinner to East Side Mario’s for my cousin’s birthday. Very long story short (no exaggeration whatsoever): the service was the worst I’d ever seen in my life. Everything that could possibly go wrong, went wrong and the “manager” who looked like she was 20, was unapologetic throughout.

Before the bill arrived, my cousin’s fiancée, also named Ian, told us we weren’t paying for any of this. Most of us were surprised and although we knew the service was terrible, we didn’t think he was being serious. He was. Before the waiter arrived with the bill, he said: “Bring your manager with the bill.” After another 15 minutes, the waiter and manager showed up…

“I’ve taken the items you didn’t order or receive off the bill [gee, thanks?] and I’ve given you 15% off the order.”, the young manager said.
- That’s not good enough.
- Well, what do you want? [she had a slight smirk]
- I want you to say: “I apologize for the terrible service, the meal is on the house and we hope you’ll consider coming back someday.”
- I’m sorry, I can’t do that. [Fair enough, I'm sure she couldn't]
- Well, get me the person who can.
- That’s my boss and he’s not here now.
- Get him on the phone then.

It was only at this point that she realized Ian wasn’t messing around and she started apologizing profusely and using words like “empathize”. She was kinda’ cute, but I figured this was a bad time to ask if she was on Facebook; she looked like she was about to cry. In the end, Ian gave her his business card and said: “Tell your boss to call me tomorrow and I’ll sort it out with him.”. Ian didn’t think the boss would call back, but he did…

The real manager apologized and said that he realized that running a restaurant is like running a baby sitting service and that he has to keep closer tabs on his employees. He even invited him to a complimentary lunch to discuss how to improve business operations!!!

I was quite impressed with how Ian handled the situation, but I’m not sure if I’d have the guts to pull off what he did. However, if I experience service THAT terrible again, I’ll probably give it a shot!

Cover of "More than Words" by Extreme

Ian Selvarajah — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 02:47:00 +0000

It has come to my attention that it’s been a very long time since I’ve posted any music I’ve recorded. Now that I’m back in Montreal, I’ve slowly been getting reacquainted with my music “studio”.

Although it’s an old song, 1991 I believe, I first heard it just a couple of years ago when I lived in Sweden. I was playing John Mayer’s “Your Body is a Wonderland” one evening and my friend Lina said it reminded her of “More Than Words” by Extreme. I’d never heard it, so she played and sang it [very well] with some of the girls in our building. Of course, I asked her to teach it to me.

Lina always played it better than I did, but here’s me on the guitar with my little sisters singing. Vanessa, if your sister needs someone to do a duet with, let me know!! I hope you all like it!

More than Words
(Right click and select “Save As…” to download a copy)

Thanksgiving Weekend – Count Your Blessings

Ian Selvarajah — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 20:21:00 +0000

It’s Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada and most of my friends have the day off tomorrow. I’m currently working on a project in the US, so sadly I won’t have a thanksgiving weekend until sometime in November. I got to the airport a little earlier than expected this afternoon, so I’ve got time for a quick entry!

This morning we sang “Count Your Blessings” in church since it was Thanksgiving Sunday. I hadn’t heard that song in a while and interestingly enough, it brought back a childhood memory. I’m guessing I was about 3 years old (definitely before Liza was born), whenever the power would go out and since my dad was usually at work, my mom would light a candle and we would sit together in the dark and sing songs until the power came back on.

I guess I recall her singing this hymn in particular, because no matter how tough things got, I’ve always remembered my parents being happy people (especially my father!). I don’t remember the details of us not having a lot of money when I was younger, but my parents tell me things were rough at times. It’s scary/impressive to also consider that at that time my mom would have been younger than I am now!! In case you’re curious, here are the lyrics to the song:

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

Refrain

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

Refrain

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Refrain

Wow, looks like this song dates back to 1897! Thinking back, I only recall the first verse, so perhaps my mother didn’t know the whole song!

My parents have always taught me to be happy and thankful for everything regardless of circumstances. Anyway, all this to say that I’m very thankful for everyone in my family and that if I do literally “count my blessings” I’ve got tons and tons to be thankful for…

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Pictures of My Godson Thomas at 4 Months

Ian Selvarajah — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 05:54:00 +0000

I introduced Thomas back in this entry and I’ve just received some new pictures of him. I hope my kids are this cute!! This is part of why I need an attractive wife…see? I’m not only thinking about myself! I’m thinking of my children!!

Anyway, here are some pics of T at 4 months:

I’ve been told he really loves to laugh, so as long as he’s a happy kid, that’s what counts!!

Thomas also had his first swimming lesson a few days ago. Here he is in the pool with his dad!

Showing Affection to Your Family

Ian Selvarajah — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 04:32:00 +0000

Alright, so I have to ask, because I’m trying to figure out if this is a cultural thing, or if my family is weird (and I/we should “fix” it somehow).

I never hug my family members unless it’s a special occasion (birthdays, anniversaries, etc) or they’re going on a trip. I’m not even sure if I’ve ever actually SAID: “I love you.” to anyone in my family. I must have at some point. Many North Americans find this extremely bizarre. However, you’d probably be hard pressed to find a more tightly-knit family than mine. We’re extremely close. Keeping in mind that actions speak louder than words, we all know we love each other so…does it really need to be said? I guess it’s nice when it is…

The part that’s a little strange is that I realized that I’ve probably hugged friends / acquaintances / randoms more often than I’ve hugged my own family members. Now THAT’S weird when I think about it.

All this brings us to the following questions:
How often do you tell your parents and/or siblings you love them?
How often do you hug them?
What nationality are you?

I’d like to know.

Thomas Ragavan Misha Eddleston

Ian Selvarajah — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 22:20:00 +0000

On October 14th, 2006 my little cousin was born.

I only got pictures this weekend, so please join me in welcoming Thomas Ragavan Misha Eddleston to the world! Yes, the name is a mouthful. I’m just going to call him Tom or whatever nickname I manage to come up with in the next little while. Here’s the other exciting news: Heshani and Michael decided to make me the Godfather.

Like most kids his age, he spends most of his time sleeping, so it’s a treat to see him awake.

Heshani says he reminds her of me when I was his age. I’m sure he’ll be hot stuff when he’s older!

Ah yes…the mischievous look. I wonder if he’ll also be a trouble-maker like me! Only time will tell…

Want to see more pictures? Check out my Picture Gallery!

Garden Reception @ The Eddlestons'

Ian Selvarajah — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 16:06:00 +0000

The garden party this weekend (June 24th) was our chance to meet Michael’s family and this was the reason for us coming to Edinburgh. It was nice to meet M’s family, they’re all fantastic people! The only downside was that the crowd was slightly older… Besides my sisters (and some of the caterers) I don’t believe there was anyone within a 10 year radius of my age! Here are the pics:

We started off with a nice cocktail in the front. The third picture is Heshani, Gerry (who lives across the street from M and Hesh in Edinburgh) and my mom.

More pictures from the cocktail: Joanna, Hesh, Liza and mom. My aunt Niri came in from London for the party. She missed the previous picture so here she is with the girls.

The first picture is M’s niece Catherine and her mom Fiona. The next 2 pictures are M’s other niece Grace who was the most adorable thing there!!

Hesh and I, another random cocktail pic and then the last one is a pic of the garden in the back where we would be having lunch.

This is the patio before it got filled with people! In the last picture, the third lady from the left in purple is M’s mom.

Gerry and Frances (his wife) were eating inside with some of the others. Last pic is Hesh and M [traditionally] cutting the cake! I guess people’s tongues stick out when they’re highly concentrated!

Here’s a pic of M and his brother-in-law Bryan (Fiona’s husband). Finally, pics of the speeches and a toast to M and Hesh! In the last picture, the gentleman on the left in the blue shirt is M’s dad. It’s too bad I didn’t get a proper pic of M’s parents! Ah well…next time, I guess!

Want to see more pictures? Check out my Picture Gallery! >

SkypeOut Offers Free Calls to North America!?

Ian Selvarajah — Wed, 17 May 2006 23:07:00 +0000

I refused to jump onto the Skype wagon even when I heard about it over a year ago. However, while finishing up some research for my VoIP Project I came across this article:

Skype Introduces Free Calls to Traditional Landlines and Mobile Phones in the US and Canada

Needless to say, I’m downloading Skype as I’m writing this…OK, it’s done. Let’s see if I can call my grandmother at home for free!

Update: I spoke too soon. I have to actually be BASED in Canada (or the US) and can call a Canadian (or US) landline or mobile. It’s basically free national long distance. I guess that’s still pretty good. I’ll play with it when I get home in 12 days!

Update 2: OK, so I couldn’t resist. After all this talk of VoIP, Gateways and cheap calling, I had to finally try it for myself. I bought 10 euros ($14 CDN) worth of credit and called my grandmother, my mom and V. Very cool!!

Baby Aunty's Funeral

Ian Selvarajah — Sat, 01 Oct 2005 01:45:00 +0000

*Transcribed*

We reached London just in time. By the time we got through traffic and arrived at the house, we had to leave to the funeral within 10 minutes. Jacob and I quickly put out suits on and set out.

When we got to the parlor we saw Baby Aunty’s body in a casket surrounded by flowers. I have never seen my grandfather cry like he did; actually, I’ve never seen anyone cry like that. They were extremely close. I’m never really sure what to do when people cry because I’m typically not a very emotional person (i.e. I tend to keep my emotions to myself). From there we headed to the church and finally to the cemetery.

This is the first funeral I’ve attended where I’ve had more than 3 conversations with the individual who passed away. I remembered how she would talk and laugh with my grandfather about the good old days in Sri Lanka. I remembered her smile. I remembered a few years back how she asked Liza (my lil’ sis) if she could read her diary. Once Liza agreed, she gave it back after a few minutes and said: “This is boring.” I remembered how she would always ask me what I was doing at university and then she would ask me the same questions a few minutes later. I remembered our last conversation (on my way to Sri Lanka) and how I fell asleep on her couch. A few minutes after we spoke she leaned over and whispered to my grandfather: “Who is this boy that Jacob has brought with him?”

The church and burial service were beautifully done. I don’t really know what else to say, but once again, I offer my deepest sympathies to the whole family

We all walked behind the hearse until we reached the church. Some of my cousins were the pallbearers.

After the service we headed over to the cemetary. I had never been to a burial before.

Little Leah (her granddaughter) threw some dirt in. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust…