January 2025 is in the books 

As the first month of the new year wraps up, I’ve been thinking about everything that happened in January. It was a pretty awesome month filled with both professional growth and personal wins. This January, I decided to focus on networking, both at work and with friends, and it turned out great.

Professional Networking: Making New Connections

On the work side, I put a lot of effort into networking. I had some good chats, and built up my professional network. It’s been totally worth it. I made new connections that could lead to cool opportunities, and I also caught up with some old colleagues who had a lot to share.

Personal Networking: Reconnecting with an Old Friends

On a personal note, January was special because I reconnected with a couple  old friends. We used to be really close, but life happened, and we lost touch. This month, we finally caught up and rekindled our friendship. It felt like no time had passed at all, and we had a blast reminiscing about the good old days.

This reunion reminded me how important it is to keep up with personal relationships. It’s easy to get caught up in everyday life, but taking the time to reach out can be super rewarding. We laughed a lot and shared some great memories, proving that true friendships can last through anything. 

Personal Success: Family Time and Joy

January was also a big month for personal success and healing. I spent a lot of quality time with my family, which was amazing. After losing my wife, I used to feel guilty whenever I was happy or having fun. But this month, I learned it’s okay to enjoy life without feeling bad about it.

Being with my family brought me a lot of comfort and strength. Whether we were eating together, playing games, or just hanging out, those moments were priceless. I realized that my wife would want me to cherish these happy times and continue finding joy. This acceptance has been a huge step in my healing process.

Looking Ahead: Growth and New Opportunities

Looking ahead, I’m really optimistic about what’s to come. January has set the tone for a year of growth, both at work and personally. I’m committed to keeping up my networking efforts, nurturing my relationships, and exploring new possibilities.

In my career, I’m excited to take on new challenges and work on projects that I’m passionate about. I’m looking forward to collaborating with others and contributing to initiatives that can make a difference.

On the personal side, I’m focused on staying connected with friends and family and embracing life’s joys without holding back. I’ll continue to honor my wife’s memory by living a life full of love, laughter, and meaningful experiences. Jackie and I  spoke a lot about what the future holds after she was gone. She never wanted to be a roadblock in me being happy.  I am ready to take those next steps in my future. 

Conclusion

January was a transformative month for me. Through networking, reconnecting with old friends, and spending quality time with family, I’ve gained valuable insights and experiences that will guide me in the coming months. I’m grateful for these moments and excited for what lies ahead.

Here’s to a year of growth, meaningful connections, and personal fulfillment. Let’s all find the courage to reach out, reconnect, and enjoy the happiness life brings.

 

Life is Funny

I talk about making myself available, reconnecting with old friends, and making myself available if someone needs help. 

Ironically, I reached out to a friend/Co-worker from 10 years ago to say hi. It turns out they were going through a struggle. All I did was ask if they wanted to meet, grab a coffee, and talk. 

Well, they did, but due to scheduling, the only day was yesterday evening, or it would have been a month, but I talked about my friend's struggles and shared some of my own. Anyone who knows me knows I am not great at share well or ask for help enough. I have been told that is the Norwegian in me. It is why writing this is difficult for me. 

It was a small thing, and I hope it helped, it was definitely a positive experience on my end. I am hoping that I can my help my friend navigate moving forward.  

The Moral is that alot of people are going through struggles. Reach out offer an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on. Moving**Life is Funny**

I've been thinking about the importance of making myself available, reconnecting with old friends, and offering help when someone needs it. 

Recently, I reached out to a friend and former co-worker from ten years ago just to say hi. I was surprised to discover that they were going through a tough time. All I did was ask if they wanted to meet for coffee and talk.

We managed to arrange a meeting for yesterday evening, which was the only possible day due to scheduling conflicts; otherwise, we wouldn't have connected for another month. During our conversation, I learned about my friend's struggles and decided to share some of my own experiences. Anyone who knows me can attest that I'm not great at opening up or asking for help—I've been told that’s the Norwegian side of me. This is why writing this is challenging for me.

Though it was a small gesture, I hope it made a difference. It certainly felt like a positive experience for me. I aim to help my friend navigate their challenges moving forward.

The moral of the story is that many people are facing struggles. It's important to reach out, offer an ear to listen, or a shoulder to cry on.  The worst thing that can happen is you reconnect with a friend, and have a fun evening 

**Life Changes**

It has been a while. Life changes fast. I lost my wife to brain cancer in April 2024, and my mother in March 2021. I left my job and started a new career with Paradigm Fleet Services, but my wife's illness got in the way. I took eight months off to be with her, and we had some good days as well as some bad ones. Eventually, I left that job and took a new position back with Johnston Chrysler on January 2, 2025. 

During this time, I have had interactions with people that were strange, weird, and wonderful—all of the above. For my 30th birthday, my wife gave me a coupon for a tattoo. Twenty-eight years later, I finally cashed it in. She wanted to see the design before she passed. I also got a second tattoo symbolizing the important people I've lost—six ravens, representing both Norse and Native American mythologies.

In 2024, we celebrated the first of my nieces and nephews getting married. It was pretty awesome, but I felt a lot of emotions, missing Jackie. I am truly blessed with wonderful family and friends.

I believe that 2025 is going to be my year. I intend to rise from the ashes like a phoenix—this might be my next tattoo. I have been reading a book called *The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck* by Mark Manson, which is truly worth the read. The main message is to take responsibility for your situation, learn from your mistakes, and recognize that there is no such thing as perfect. We only have so many “f*cks” to give, so don’t waste them on the undeserving.

This year, I will navigate a new position as the Commercial Fleet Manager for Johnston Chrysler. This position didn't exist prior to my rejoining the team. I will also be entering the wonderful world of dating in the 21st century. I’ll be going on my first first date in over 30 years, which should prove interesting! Swiping left and right isn't really my style, but who knows? It’s a big step for me to put myself out there. If it doesn’t work out, I won’t waste one of my “f*cks” worrying about it.

Getting back in shape, both mentally and physically, is important to me. I'm taking some time for myself. The realization that I have too much stuff, I have starter to declutter my house, and my head. 

This summer next-in-line niece is getting married in the summer which will involve a trip to the West Coast with Family. 

This year, I strive to be a better person and more helpful to others. If someone is struggling, I want to be there for them—a friend to talk to, a shoulder to cry on, or just someone to tell a stupid joke to. I recently experienced a year where just knowing someone was there for me was incredibly important.

I look forward to reconnecting with many friends that I have let slip away. I plan to make regular entries to document this journey and share funny stories—there are always funny stories!

I am excited for 2025. While I will never forget what I have lost, I won’t let that be a roadblock as I move forward.

Pandemic Sales

Ok so we are not even into the spring of 2020, and the world has flipped 180 degrees. New buzz words:
"Social Distancing" used to be respecting personal space, but know breaking that is taboo.
"Self Isolation" stay home, binge watch TV and apparently back bread, Sour dough if you are a rock star
"wash your Hands" this shouldn't be new, but we act like we never did this before..why not?

These were the star the other terms came and went real fast.
"Elbow bump", this was in place of a hand shake but this was a week one, then it hit the Taboo
"Shelter-in-place", this was the predecessor to the Self Isolation, I kind of liked it better felt homey, lest depressing.

I work in the Auto sales industry, usually cut throat, every man for them selves, circling the showroom like Sharks with blood in the water. Then we all get the layoff, showrooms closed. Dealerships are deemed essential, but everything has bee allocated to online. Test drives are a punishable offence and the governing body is looking for those who break this rule.

I am lucky to have been a early call back, but the change is crazy, as everything is done remotely we have become a sales team, working to get each deal over the curb as a group, a small group but still.  We are sanitizing cars, manning the switchboard, sending out videos, Zoom conferencing with the customers, taking them on virtual test drives via the phone. whatever it takes. I have noticed that I no longer come home from work stressed, or feeling anxious. Customers are happy, and feel that we are doing the best to keep them safe.

Obviously things are very slow, as most people are laid off, working from home, and being very careful with thier money. (the saving up for Toilet paper has come to an end)  and there is not that adrenaline rush of trying to nail, 3 or 4 deals down in a shift.

The part I do miss is the face to face time which is not existence, and well it should be. I am a firm believer in doing what we can to flatten the curve, but I am also a realist and understand that our economy can't withstand this drain and lack of productivity as a nation for long. I don't know the answer, and am glad I am not responsible for having to come up with a solution.

Sadly the government is in a lose lose situation. People are going to suffer, either health wise and or financially.  As a nation we need to be patient, understanding and forgiving. Take a second before you react, don't jump to conclusions, don't be judgmental. Smile tell a joke, try to pay it forward when and if you can. Say thank you to the grocery clerk, bus driver, police officer, and Hospital staff. Slow down appreciate what you have, enjoy the sunshine and warm weather.

I hope most things get back to normal, but I hope our appreciation for others stays with us.

the new Normal

Well, I guess my great idea of creating a blog, embracing the Road, visiting the small towns on the back roads of Ontario, went to hell in a hand basket.  I am no Covidiot, I cut my travel out, self isolated, social distanced and accept the new normal. (That should be all the 2020 buzz words).

Like most of the world, I was laid off, even though my industry is considered essential,(people do need cars) the amount of business is just not there to support a Sales team. I am very lucky to have been called back after a month of layoff.

My first day off layoff I realized the road trips, were off the table. Can you imagine just pulling into a small town, you would be viewed, appropriately , like a zombie apocalypse just started to invade. So I planned my hike the Hamilton Conservation system of trails, do them all, I was Stoked.

Day two all trails, conservation were closed. Mostly due to the thousands who went to thew local waterfalls ignoring all rules of the day.  So I will take my hiking to the water fronts and maybe invade the gold course perimeters with the dogs.

Day three, golf courses and most parks are closed. WTF. So I joined the ranks of home bakers, making endless loafs of bread, baguettes, sour dough, rolls buns.

Day 4 cant find flour, or yeast for sale. Toilet paper sold out, really who needs 400 rolls of TP. (side note there was a guy in England, hoarded over 400 rolls, thought he would get rich, but crisis seems over, through stores rationing, now he wants to return 400 rolls, store said no) Binge watch, I guess.

Day 5 okay so I am done Ozark, done Tiger King. It is cloudy and rainy, dogs are hiding from me, my wife (who is still going to work each day) is hiding from me. I decide that soft pants to be my fashion, and shaving who shaves during a pandemic.

Day 6 its a weekend, and I am losing my mind, We decide to go on the search for the elusive TP, 5 stops found 8 rolls. We should be good.

Week 2, a couple nice days I decide to meet my sister in the parking lot of a local Cafe, support the small business. We kept distance but it was a taste of a social life.  Zoom entered my life, things are going to be all right. Slo-pitch league on hold Soccer League on hold, but a least I can Zoom together with my Poker friends and play our monthly game on a online Poker site. Lots of fun.

As the weeks go by there are Many funny news tidbits, especially from our Southern Neighbours. first Kellyanne  wonders why were so unprepared as it is not like this is Covid 1? And Trumps commentary of disinfecting our insides. Setting up SNL for a least the next couple of years worth of material.

I truly miss, Baseball, March Madness, hockey and Basketball playoffs. I have resorted to Major League fishing, and Corn hole Championships (they are repeats but I don't know the results)

I make fun of my situation but the reality for me is I realize how lucky I truly am. For the friends and family, the support system I have. For me this isolation period has shown me that we can get by with a lot less, but also makes me hurt for those who have to struggle with isolation, lack of necessities, and lack of support on a regular basis. So we should all consider giving some time, or money to help local charities and food banks.

I was going to write this post about how the Car Sales business has changed but that will be for a later time . Stay Save, pay it forward, and enjoy what you have.

Buying a vehicle in the social distancing era...

Buying a car in the new covid-19 society

We all still need to get around, and with the current climate in society we need to practice social distancing to the best of our ability, so what happens if we need the new ride to get around or we just want something different to lighten are moods. I am not a car fanatic but driving the right car for me (a Jeep Wrangler) makes me feel better, it becomes an extension of your personality. So maybe this is the right time to get into something that is perfect for you.

So how can you buy a car, and remain socially responsible? I work at Johnston Jeep Chrysler, on Hamilton Mountain. We are set up with a very up to date pricing on our web site, pre-owned vehicles follow a market pricing strategy which we monitor the prices to ensure they are priced well to attract attention (low)

-So you can choose a vehicle you like, can contact us. We can do a video walk around for you hitting the points that are pertinent to you. I am happy to help you shop over the phone just like I would help if you were on the lot.

-Face time video calling and we can walk the lot together.

-I will take a test drive with you as my video companion. Or we can bring the vehicle to you to test drive.

-Online credit apps, are on our web site, we have financing for conventional or people with some credit challenges.

-Trade in can be appraised with pretty good accuracy virtually, or we can come and look at you car no problem

-Paper work, and can be emailed, video conferencing, face-time with our business office, no problem.

-Car can be dropped off at your home.

We would love to see you, but we understand each individuals need for distancing.

We are taking extra care in cleaning and have reduced our hours, but we are always here to help

I would love to earn your business, but my first concern is that everyone stay safe give a little distance. Get outside and enjoy life

Pandemic ....

Well 2020 you have been a bitch so far.

Covid-19, which started off as the Corona Virus, is sucking the life out of the planet. I am a positive person but in these past week that has been hard.

I am still going to work, as we are open, very slow but we are open. I have been putting out some videos on purchasing a new vehicle, with limited contact. Virtual, test drive, appraisal of trades online, and other shopping tools.

The real steps towards being positive, where despite the cool weather the sun was out so I put the soft top on the Jeep ready for summer and top down driving. Of course overnight it snowed a little, but I am ready for Spring/Summer to come full force at any time.

I haven't been hitting the road for long drive, because everything is closed. I do head to the local conservation with the dogs, at least once a day. Social Distancing at it's best. (my dogs refuse to adhere to any distancing with other dogs, just saying). I am not concerned for myself, other than my precariously low toilet paper situation, but there  is fear of transmitting anything to someone who has a compromised immune system.

we try to cope with what is happening with Humour, there is no disrespect meant, just a coping mechanism. I do want to take a minute to say Thanks.

Thanks to front line hospital staff
Thanks to Grocery store workers
Thanks first responders
Thanks to public transit workers,
Thanks to every one who faces the public every day, but keep doing what they are doing to keep things moving as normally as possible
Thanks to employers who let workers work from home, stay at home.
Thanks to those who are self-isolating in an effort to control this
Thanks to the Government who are telling people to remain calm

We are a great Province, Country World if we all stick together we will get through this and we will be better, more understanding, more compassionate, and able to relate better when we see someone in need

I will return to writing about fu

n stuff soon.  Nils