A year in review

2010 was a great year for a certain cephalopod! February marked the begining of the Adventures of the Wandering Octopus. This blog was honestly just created so my friends could keep track of my adventures when I moved over seas, but I never could have imagined just how enthusiastic my friends and family would be about helping me create this blog.

Personally, this year held some highs. I graudated from University, (something that felt like it was never going to happen), and moved back to my home town. I have been accepted into a Master's Program at Auckland University of Technology, and will be leaving to live there in about a month and a half. I'm hoping this blog will become slightly more interesting, once that happens... I'm afraid Maple Ridge, Canada isn't the most happening place! (But I've tried to make it as interesting as possible for all of my readers!

The Wandering Octopus has also had some unique experiences. Whether it be relaxing at the spa, watching horses on a dude ranch, or meeting prehistoric creatures, the Octopus always has a good time.

As we move into 2011, I hope you will continue to enjoy the adventures that the octopus and I embark on. I thank everyone who has encouraged me to continue this blog, and who has found the Wandering Octopus on facebook! We really appreciate your enthusiasm, and hope that the coming year will bring you as much adventure and excitement as we hope to find!

All the best, and enjoy your new years festivities!

Most wonderful day of the year!

Well, I hope everyone had a wonderful day on Christmas! (I know the octopus and i did). but aside from all the usual Christmas formalities and traditions came this little gem when I checked my emails before going to bed.

(scroll to the bottom of the page)
AUT EOS Postgraduate Students

It's official! I'm on the webpage, therefor it must be! This honestly made my day. i ran around my house showing everyone the webpage, and blabbering on like an idiot!

(This being said, I completely forgot to upload any Christmas pics I got of the octopus... those will appear in the coming days!)

Happy Cephalopodmas to all...

Yes, I'm sure you've all heard of Christmas... but have you heard of Cephalopodmas? A wonderful day for all cephalopod lovers to celebrate! It falls on December 22 (today). So make sure today that you shake someones hand, or at least sing them a Cephalopodmas carol! (available at this website).

Getting in the Christmas Spirit!

Ah Christmas!

The most wonderful time of the year! Full of over-priced gift, crowded parkinglots and burnt cookies! (I can't bake... hence the burning).

Actually, I love Christmas. I'm one of those onnoying people who waits for Christmas all year long and then as soon as thanksgiving is over pulls out the decorations and music.

This year we travelled to a bunch of U-cut tree farms searching for the perfect tree...

... we ended up buying a precut one from the lot at the end of our street. (But it looked pretty good) I voted to use the car cephalopod as the tree topper. That got vito'd in favor of the traditional angel. Instead the octopus and I decorated the tree with some very fishy ornaments.


And what Chrsitmas is complete without a trip to see jolly old Saint Nic?


"and for Chrsitmas I want a pony, and a toy car, and Buzz Lighyear action figures, and a new bike, .... and did I mention a pony?"
"... Get off me kid..."
(Our Santa looks like he had one too many eggnogs!)

just an update!

Today I received my Student Visa in the mail! (One less thing to worry about) I was so excited, I went out and bought myself a one way ticket to New Zealand! This was the final thing I needed to fall into place before the octopus and I could head over seas! Now there's nothing holding me back!
New Zealand, HERE WE COME!

A little Q and A

So, I havn't updated the blog for a bit (mainly because I've been working hard, and havn't gone anywhere exciting!) However, I have had a bunch of questions repeatedly asked of me regarding my future. So I thought I would take this opportunity to update everyone on what's happening for myself and the wandering octopus!

Q: You're going to New Zealand???
A: Yes, actually, I'm surprised at how many people DON'T know I'm going to New Zealand.

Q: When are you leaving?
A: I will be leaving mid-february. My international student orientation begins on the 17th of February, so I should probably be in the country before that. I havn't got my plane tickets yet (soon I hope) so I don't know excatly when I'll be leaving!

Q: What city will you be going to?
A: Auckland!

Q: So it's official that you're going?
A: Yes! (and no) I have been accepted into AUT, I have paid my tuition, I even have a place to live when I arrive there. HOWEVER: my student visa is taking a while to be processed, and until I get that, (hopefully within a week or two), I can't enter the country for any long duration of time.

Q: What will you do once you're down there?
A: I honestly have no idea! I will be starting my Masters of Marine Sciences, which will involve me working in Dr. Steve O'Shea's lab. Dr. O'Shea is an expert on Giant Squid (and other awesomeness), so fingers crossed I'll run into one while helping him out! After a year I will begin my own thesis project!

Q: How long will you be gone?
A: A minimum of two years. It really depends on how quickly I can get my research done, or how much procrastinating I do. (I hear they have excellent diving in New Zealand).

AND... (drum roll please)... the MOST freqently asked question...

Q: Are you excited?
A: ...? No. (please note sarcasm) YES! OF COURSE I'M EXCITED!

I hope this answers some of your questions, if you have any more, comment below, and I'd be happy to answer them!

Happy Halloween

So, now that it is november, and I realize that I'm behind on a post... I hope that everyone has a wonderful Halloween! (I sure did, hence why I didn't update my post on the actual day!)

As promised, here is the costume worn by the Car Cephalopod, as he attended a costume party on All hallows Eve. All in all a good night, except for all the candy we ate.

The Wandering Octopus and the Great Pumpkin

So in case you didn't know, Halloween in coming up in a few weeks! A great time for costumes, candy, and of course Pumpkins!


In order to get the perfect pumpkin, one must visit the Laity Pumpkin Patch! When you arrive, try not to be overwhelmed by the vast feild of pumpkins ready to go home with you! They come in all shapes and size, so choose wisely (it helps to have a design in mind first).

But wait, there's more to the pumpkin patch than just Pumpkins! On our visit we also participated in some fun autumn activities, such as getting lost in a corn maze, being attacked by giant spiders, and watching finding nemo. If you want to get into the halloween spirit early, you could always dress like a pirate! While we were there, we saw alot of farm animals such as ducks, sheep, turkeys, and panda bears. And what octopus blog is complete without a game of:


I am happy that I now have a pumpkin to carve for halloween, and the octopus is happy that he was approached to replace a certain travelocity spokesperson. (we'll see how the negotiations go). Thank you Laity Pumpkin Patch!


Now if only the octopus had a costume for Halloween! Any suggestions?

The Octopus and the Aquarium

Please note: All material in the blog has a Seal of Approval!
Finally, after months of being back on the mainland, I finally had a chance to visit my favorite place in the city (and my second home), the Vancouver Aquarium!
We met my friend Catherine at an iconic symbol of the Vancouver Aquarium, an orca statue/fountain. So, to state the obvious... it's an aquarium, we saw fish, fish and more fish - - But then we saw an "extinct" fish, the coelacanth! (Please note the quotation marks, as this fish has been found off the coast of Indonesia.)
The Vancouver Aquarium is divided into sections based on aquatic habitat.
We started out by journeying to the Arctic exhibit, where we saw beluga's, and did some very important research... VERY IMPORTANT! We also passed by the dolphin tank, which houses three rescued Pacific White Sided Dolphins. (They move fast, and therefore take blurry pictures)
We then ventured into the "Treasures of the BC coast" exhibit, which houses eels, seastars, jellies, and of course (everyones favorite) the elusive Giant Pacific Octopus... who was not so elusive today!
We then made our way to see the dolphin show (have I mentioned they're fast) and if you don't beleive how fast they are... watch this!

(the little boy is so impressed with the dolphins... it was pretty adorable)

Afterwards we made our was to grab a quick bite, and then headed to the much warmer tropical exhibt, which houses large tropcial reef tanks with brightly colored fish, sharks, spiny urchins, and a very curious fresh water pufferfish. The Tropical gallery is also home to an indoor rainforest with parrots, frogs, camen, a sltoh or two, some turtles, and various other animals.
All and all, it was a fun day of frolicking with the oceans animals!

The Octopus Visits Dinotown!

One fine summer day, the octopus and I parked the car and decided to take a scenic boat trip down the river.

As we paddled, we found ourselves surrounded by dense jungle. Up ahead, we saw something moving along the river bank, as we drew nearer, we realized it was a ginormous lizard! It was unlike anything we had ever seen. As we rounded the river bend, we found ourselves nearing a port. We docked our canoe, and ventured into a stone-age metropolis known as "Dinotown". (Y'know, you'd think that the Parks and Services department of Canada would put up sinage warning people about a river through time!.... oh! um... never mind)
We decided to tour around by climbing on the Dinotown Express, a train which takes us around the city! After becoming more familiar with our surroundings, we met some of the locals (they're real party animals).
Just outside of town, the Wandering Octopus discovered a giganic dinosaur skull! We woundered what kind of an animal it could have come from... we didn't have to wait long to find out! An Alosaurus came crashing out of the trees and chased us further into the jungle. Finally we were rescued by a friendly Stegosaurus, who scared away the prehistoric predator. Now, we were lost. Luckily enough, a very tall Brontosaurus told us which direction Dinotown was in. As we journed back we ran into a Styracosaurus (it's like a triceratops), a duckbilled dinosaur, and a guy who was a bit of a bone head (that's a dino joke)! As we reached a large clearing we could see Dinotown in the distance. We started to walk across the clearing, and heard a noise behind us! Turning quickly, we saw a Raptor running after us in pursuit! We took off, and were lucky enough to make it back into town before it caught up to us!
Once back in town we passed some time playing mini-golf, (apparently a popular activity in the Jurrasic Period), and then wrote on a cave wall, so that history would know we had been there!
We started to look for a way home. We priced out airline tickets (but with the prices today, neither of us could afford it). We aimlessly wandered around until we ran into the Wandering Octopus' great great great GREEEEEAT Grandfather! (it's amazing what you can do when you travel back in time). He suggested it would be easiest to just hail a taxi, so we did!
We arrived home exhausted just after dinner, exhasuted from out Prehistoric adventure!

The Octopus on Facebook!

Hi all!
So I thank everyone who is friends with me on facebook and is finding the links to this blog that I post on my page... however... I beleive the time has come for the Car Cephalopod to get connected! That begin said, he now has his very own facebook page, which you can become a fan of! I'll make sure to send out blog updates from this page from now on!
To find this page, click on the link on the bottom right side of the screen (just above the "followers" heading).
I hope everyone that is reading and enjoying this blog will show their support, and hopefully get their friends interested in the escapades of this octopus!
Up next... figuring out Twitter (this could take a while)
Thanks for reading!
~The Wandering Octopus (and his chauffeur)

The Octopus and the Kiwi

Ok, so when I say "Kiwi"... I'm not referring to the fruit. I'm actually referring to the fact that this blog will not be in vain! I originally started this blog when I applied for the Masters Program at AUT in New Zealand, so that I could keep all my friends back home up to date with my life, while I was overseas.
Yesterday, I received my official letter of acceptance to AUT, meaning that in Feburary I will be getting on a plane and moving to a new country! I am so excited for this opportunity, and hope that as I embark on a new adventure in my life that you all will enjoy reading about it.
I promise to have a few more adventures in North America before february rolls around, but look forward to all that is in store for me and my sassy cephalopod!
NEW ZEALAND, HERE WE COME!!!

the Octopus goes to the wild west!

This weekend I went back up to central British Columbia for my sister's wedding. It was held on a horse ranch, so the octopus decided to don his ten gallon hat and get country!

We stayed at the AP guest ranch. The Wandering Octopus saw lots of horses, got some good riding lessons, chilled with the locals, operated heavy machinery, set up camp for the night, spent the night drinking instead, decided to wrassle a bear (not a good idea)... wrassled a bison instead, and then he rode off into the sunset in one of the old carrige things.

WOW! What an adventure! And we didn't even mention the Car Cephalopod being kidnapped and held for ransom!

Octopus in the news

So, since my life is currently boring, and I am not travelling anywhere exciting... the car cephalopod decided it was his duty to update all his readers on a wonderful celebrity cephalopod making headlines!

If you have NOT heard of Paul the Psychic Octopus, you need to hear about him!



Originally making his leap to stardome during the world cup, Paul predicted the correct outcome of all the soccer matches. He was born in England, but now resides in a Germany aquarium. He has been gifted with his own Spanish soccer jersey (the number 8 for his correct number of predictions... and the number of arms he has!)

Paul is now using his fame to bring attention other endagered species. He is the new spokes animal for "Earth, Sea, and Sky", which is working to set up a rescue station for endagered turtles on the Greek Isle of Zakynthos. (Paul even has an agent).

He will also be appearing on the Silver screen. "The Murder of Paul the Octopus" is set to be released in August... but unfortunately does not feature the psychic cephalopod. (A stunt octopus was used for any scenes including the character of "Paul".)

We hope to see more of Paul in the future!

It's my party, I'll bring a Ceph if I want to!

So, it was recently my birthday! (I'm 23). My family went out to a local pasta house called the "Old Speghetti Factory" for dinner. I had tortellini and it was delish! Of course, I felt obligated to share this wonderful day with my cephalopod companion (doning his brand new party hat!) A good time was had by all!

(yeah, this is me and my family. Arn't we a smiley bunch!))
We then went home for present opening, (which involved a mushy card from my parents), and cake eating.


My family got me an AWESOME octopus ice cream cake... however, if someone can please explain to me why he's holding a phone... please comment below!

The Octopus and the Graduate

I have finally graduated from University! (It's taken five years, so beleive me, to a perpetual student this feels like a big deal!) I now have a BSc in Biology from the University of Victoria (also known as bunnyland). My ceremony was very exciting. (I got a cold the day before, so I was a bit dozy the whole day) We were paraded into the auditorium, and everyone in the audience claps, and waves and takes pictures of you... you feel a bit like a celebrity. Then you sit for an hour until they call your name. You walk across the stage with a big grin on your face, the chancellor bops you on the head with a hat (it's true), and then you go back to your seat!
It's over! Just like that! You have a degree! (well, maybe there was a bit more pomp and ceremony than that)
I am so thankful for my family and friends for their support over the past five years.

What's next for me? Well, there's always a Master's Degree program down in New Zealand...BRING ON THE SQUID!

The Octopus goes camping!

I will start by saying that I am not a camper! However, I thought I would give it a chance.
We journeyed into the Mountains, and found our campsite. From there we put up our tarps and tents (this took several hours... in pouring rain). The octopus helped us chop wood so we could get a fire going, at which point we cooked hot dogs and marshmellows. I found out that during camping you spend alot of time sitting on your butt under a tarp, or playing cards (under a tarp), or eating dry cereal (this is also done under a tarp!)
I didn't even last 24 hours before calling it quits. I'm told by avid campers that it was just a bad weekend to go, and I shouldn't let it ruin my opinion of sleeping in the great outdoors. I actually don't think it did, because I always start laughing when I think back on my sad attempt at camping!

The Octopus travels to Kamloops!

The octopus and I travelled up to Kamloops to watch my friends convocation ceremony. (Congrats again, Katie). The morning, of course, started with Timbits, and then a three and a half hour drive from Maple Ridge to Kamloops. The drive is extremely scenic; moving from the coasts temperate rainforests, to glacier covered mountaintops (we saw snow by the side of the road... in June!), and finally to the deserts of the BC interior!
The ceremony was held outdoors at Thomson Rivers University, and consisted of approximately 120-150 grads. It was really exciting for me personally, because I will be crossing the stage at my own convocation in a little over a week! (Fingers crossed I don't trip!)
And of course, my faithful cephalopod will be joining me at the due!

The Octopus moves to Maple Ridge

After leaving Victoria behind, the Car Cephalopod turned his gaze to the community of Maple Ridge, British Columbia! It's my home town, and I have moved back in with my parents while I find an awesome job, and save up some money! Maple Ridge is known for... um... probably nothing, but we have alot of HORSES! Here is the Car Cephalopod with some of the locals!

In fact, here in Maple Ridge we LOVE horses so much, we put a giant metal horse on top of our town clock! (It used to be our biggest tourist attraction because it moved... but then it broke, and we never fixed it).

The Octopus leaves Victoria!

So, yesterday was my final exam of my undergraduate education at UVic! Which means, today, I'm packing up and moving home (with my parents) because I have no money! (oh the joys of being a student). So, the Car Cephalopod and I journey'd to downtown Victoria to take one final look at the scenery! (Apparently we made some friends, as tourists were looking at us strangely, and asking question about the Octopus)



I will miss all the amazing people I have met and worked with in Victoria! I wish everyone the best, and I am positive I will be seeing you soon! The Octopus will be BACK! (Duh duh duuuuuh!)

The Octopus was a SUPERSTAR!

SO! While trawling the internets and being bored out of my mind, I stumble across this video on youtube! Apparently the Car Cephalopod had an auspicious music career prior to living in my car!



I don't know who this guy is... or why there's a hippo in the video too... but this rocked my world!

The Octopus goes to see Oceans!

This past Earth day, Disney Nature released its newest environmentally aware film, Oceans! Who better than to go see a movie about the ocean, than a cephalopod?

We were the first ones in line for the theatre, actually, we were the ONLY ones in line for the movie! We watched the movie while happily munching on our popcorn! I have to say, the movie had some EXCELLENT cinematography! We saw dolphins, sharks, porcupine fish, the Giant ocean sunfish (a personal favorite), as well as many other amazing animals! The car cephalopod saw some relatives: the blanket octopus, mimic octopus, and the cuttlefish!

Disney has said that for every ticket sold in the first week, it will donate money to help save coral reefs! What more do you need? You get to save the reefs, and see an awesome movie! I really enjoyed the movie, and would suggest any ocean lover go to see it. It was engaging, inspiring, and (don't tell the kids) educational! I definitely wasn't bored, and this wasn't a movie you make out to in the back row!
The wandering octopus highly recommends going to see this movie, it is perfect for the whole family!

the Octopus goes to Sidney

No, not Australia... although that would be nice! Today, the Car cephalopod and I journey'd to the SHAW Ocean Discovery Centre, in Sidney, BC!

It's an organization set up about a year ago to educate the public about the animals in the surrounding waters of the Island, particularily the Barkley Sound area. Car Cephalopod was welcomed with open arms (no, seriously! We were the ONLY people there, and the staff were REALLY curious as to why I was carrying a stuffed octopus around!) It's a great experience for learning, and seeing cool creatures! We saw a huge whale skull, got up close and personal with Strawberry anenome's, had a fish eye's veiw of the neighbourhood, and had a starring contest with a Pacific Spiney Lumpsucker! (he won) The Wandering Octopus even found his next meal... and a DATE!

We finished the day up with wandering around Sidney: playing around, hanging with pirates, and panning for gold! Finally, with the sun setting, we headed home!

Visiting the big White!

Instead of going to downtown Vancouver to see the olympic fun, we decided to head to Whiterock, British Columbia for a fun day on the beach. "Why is it called Whiterock?" You may ask... well...

YES! There is a GIANT WHITE ROCK along the coastline, right next to the pier!
It was a beautiful day, perfect for the competitions going on in and around vancouver!
However, Car Cephalopod, my friend and myself just enjoyed goofing off on the beach, and enjoying the good weather!

The Wandering Octopus goes to the Spa

To commence spring break, a friend and I went on a little roadtrip up the west Coast of Vancouver Island to go visit the Kingfisher spa for the day! (and of course, Car Cephalopod and his friend turtle joined us!) There's no better way to rid yourself of the stress of schools than a massage and spending the day relaxing by the ocean in my opinion! We got up early, and grabbed breakfast at Tim Hortons! Car Cephalopod ordered for us... and then proceeded to eat our noutricious breakfast muffins! We even caught him eating all our TIMBITS! We enjoyed a scenic drive up the islands coast, which involved singing to the radio, eating candy, looking for elusive elk, and admiring the wildlife (we saw a bald eagle, and tonnes of sea lions! And no trip up to Comox would be complete without taking a picture with the Wolrd Famous Giant gnome!

Finally we reached the Kingfisher Spa, just outside of Comox.

We enjoyed getting massages, and walked the "hydropath"! (A unique combination of jet tubs, and water features, which is an hour of pure aqua relaxation!)
We then headed home, and stopped for some dinner! Apparently Car Cephalopods are also voracious vegetarians! And after looking at the menu, decided to get a decadent dessert to top off an AMAZING day!

Introducing Car Cephalopod

Meet car Cephalopod! He is an octopus who resides in my car! He enjoys traveling around witnessing the wonders of the world! Where ever he goes, he enjoys making new friends! It's fun being a traveling octopus!