The Loss of a Great Man

“Look to the right of you, now look to the left of you. One of those students won’t be there next semester.”

(Professor Peter Koppel during my first business class at the University of Ottawa in September 1997)

Some teachers are forgettable, some are memorable, but few are transformational. Peter Koppel was transformational. His role in my life as a business student, and as a man, was profound. Not only did he let me into the business program at the University of Ottawa one month before classes started, despite the fact I hadn’t applied, he gave me a scholarship. On the first day of classes, the above quote shocked me into the reality that I was starting a four year competition for the very spot I took for granted. Of course, it wasn’t a competition against the students to the right and left of me (my friends Kashef and Troy both graduated), it was me against myself. Let me tell you, I can be a surprisingly tough foe when it comes to avoiding laziness, apathy, and battling other demons.

Professor Koppel demanded perfection, and I felt obligated to live up to that standard. Out of all grades I earned during my years at the U of O, the ‘A’ I received in his class was the only one that mattered. It showed me that when I focus, apply myself, and aim for perfection, I can achieve my goal. Professor Koppel continued to offer me opportunities long after our one class together ended. Granted, I wasn’t one of his chosen ones, who he asked to be a Teaching Assistant, but I marked cases and exams for him for two years. During the course of my undergraduate studies, he also provided me pushes in the right direction, when things weren’t going smoothly.

Having procrastinated on an opportunity to take part in a video tribute to Professor Koppel, and not even having found the time to write him an email to thank him for everything he did for me, I find myself feeling incredibly guilty. He was a wonderful teacher, and an even better man. The education I received at the U of O has opened so many doors for me, and I’m proud to wear the gee-gee tattoo on my calf with “BComm” above it. Without Professor Koppel, it scares me to think how different and less-fulfilling my life would be.

Rest in Peace Peter. Thank you for giving me a chance.

http://www.telfer.uottawa.ca/en/latest-news/2331-in-memoriam-professor-peter-koppel

2012 - Not a bad year...

Since I've all but ignored this blog since starting it last January, I think it's time to call it quits. It was a rather outstanding year for me, as I got engaged, moved into a new house with my fiance, changed provinces, and went to my first nationals for ultimate frisbee. I also accomplished a lot of little goals, like cutting out cookies for lunch, spending less than $100 on clothes (excluding ultimate gear), and earned the title of "productivity king" at work. Oh, and I recently won a super-important mustache growing competition!

The plan is start a financial blog for 2013 (and beyond???). Stay tuned loyal followers, I'll try not to disappoint.

- James

Standing and Being Counted

When my employer changed buildings back in October, one of the perks of moving was getting an adjustable desk. At first, I passed on the opportunity to stand while working, choosing to sit comfortably instead in my new snazzy chair. After reading an article about how sitting all day at work is awful for your back in the Globe and Mail, I decided to test out the standing option by doing an hour a day in January. Not only did my posture improve, my back started to feel a lot better immediately. After standing for at least an hour a day from January to March, I decided to up it to two hours a day in Q2 (April - June). So far, I've managed to keep pace with the two hours a day, and even do more on some days. Although I'm not as confident to start three hours a day in July, it will give me something to shoot for.

No longer the cookie monster

Ever since my mom packed my lunch in grade 1, I've had three cookies at noon five days a week. It took my girlfriend (well...actually, that would be finace now...popped the question last weekend) to make fun of me for my three cookie habit, before I questioned why I needed my treats when I was in the office. Seeing as how I've eliminated chips (except for nachos) and cheese strings from my diet already this year, I thought I'd try to change my three cookie for lunch habit. For about a month now, I've been going cold turkey, and have the transition relatively easy. I've snacked on granola bars or almonds instead of my beloved biscuits.

Since it's been a while since my last post, I've read a bunch of books...but nothing that really stood out. My most memorable was probably La Fille de Papier (par Musso) because it was my second full length French novel ever. It takes me longer to read French books, but I'm starting to enjoy them more, and find them less challenging.

My only other piece of news since my last post is that after going through a round of competitive tryouts, I've decided to play BigFish (Ottawa's mixed co-ed 'B' team) this summer. Since this is my last year of touring, and because I started out with BigFish, I figure this will let me close the loop. It's odd going from the worst player on the team in my first year, to one of the more experienced veterans. I only hope I can help some of the younger players as much as the veterans helped me when I was relatively new to the competitive scene. Looking back, I've realized how lucky I was to have experienced players take me under their wings, share their knowledge, and make me a better player (and person). Not sure where I'd be without frisbee...and it scares me to think about it.

I'm down to three more weeks of living in Ontario, before I cross the bridge and head to the dark side ;-) Having visited my future home this week, I'm really looking forward to soaking in the hot tub after hard practices, having a huge office, and getting the downstairs set up just so.

It turns out that 5 months in, 2012 has really turned out to be a great year. Here's hoping the best is yet to come.

Passing on cheese strings

With one of my goal's this year to eat healthier, I recently cheese strings out of my diet. Cheese tends to block up my system, and snacking on it just doesn't seem healthy. Plus, I think cheese strings must be overprocessed...since they're so damn delicious :P

As usual, I've read a bunch of books since my last entry. These include Anne of Green Gables (exceeded my very low expectations), The Worried Boomer (probably would have been more suitable if I was 25+ years older), Bossy Pants (Tina Fey is hilarious), and Nine Dragons (Michael Connelly is quickly becoming one of my favourite novelists).

Lastly, I completed my last batch of taxes before moving to la belle provence. With refunds in 19 of 20 years, I think it's safe to say that CRA is officially my bitch ;-)

Spinning & A Great Book

After doing a private spin class at work last week with my group, a couple of my co-workers encouraged me to join an actual class today in the gym. Although it was only a 40 minute class, I can honestly say that I've never sweat that much in my life. It was an incredible workout, and I'm definitely planning on going to more spin classes in the future.

I stumbled up on The Reversal, by Michael Connelly at the local branch of my library, and read it within 3 days. It was one of my favourite reads of the year. I've already reserved another novel in the same series.

Lastly, I think I managed to pick up another volunteer ulty job for next winter. More on that in the future.

Books & Stock Analysis

With my condo conditionally sold, I'm under a little less stress to keep my place in a perfect state of cleanliness. Once the conditions are waived, and the sale is final, I think a celebration of some type is in order. Stay tuned for details.

I'm proud to say that after owning It (Stephen King novel) for 15+ years, I finally finished the 1,100 page marathon! :P Not going to lie, I tried to find the movie about half way through, since it does drag in parts. As I've been doing lately, once I completed the book, I gave it to the Ottawa library. Then, I finished Cheating Death, Stealing Life, the biography of Eddie Guerrero, in a couple days. It was a light read, that was well (ghost-) written, but with a tad too much emphasis on his Christian beliefs (at least for my liking).

One of my colleagues at work invited me to join the "Most Excellent Stock Pickers Club". During the first meeting I'll attend tomorrow, I'll present my analysis of Rogers Communications. It's the first time I've actually written a research report on a stock...and I must say, it's taught me a lot about my own process. I'm looking forward to learning from the other members of the club, and hearing what kind of investments they're looking at currently.