“To shoot an arrow, you gotta pull it backwards.”
Oh, hi! Didn’t see you there. Not because of my nearsightedness, but because this is the internet and I, literally, could not see you. This page is off to a roaring start, isn’t it?
Welcome to The Captain’s Speech! My name is Paul. I will be the voice inside your head as you read the words I write! Let’s be friends.
This blog was born on June 23, 2013 as a sports blog, but that got boring after two months when I realized I had more I wanted to say, so now I write about anything and everything.
The title of my blog comes from my university days when I was the Captain of my intramural team. I’d give pre-game speeches that didn’t always lead to a win, but always generated a chuckle.
Here are some rapid fire facts about me:
- I love sports.
- Pizza is my favourite food.
- Dogs don’t like me.
- I say “serviette” instead of napkin.
- I’m an introvert who doesn’t enjoy small talk as much as I enjoy conversations about random things.
- I watch wrestling.
- I also watch The Bachelor/Bachelorette and do play-by-play posts of each episode.
- Some of my favourite songs are: Where The Streets Have No Name by U2; Sleeping Sickness by City & Colour; and Closer To The Edge by 30 Seconds To Mars.
- My favourite colour is blue, I think.
- I’m not sure if I have a favourite/lucky number, though I seem to favour 2, 19, 22, and 91. Writing that out made me realize I only care about numbers 1, 2, and 9. Ok.
- All of my puns are intended.
- I have a dry sense of humour, so I walk around and spray people with water whenever I make a joke.
- I’ve never seen Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, or any of the superhero movies.
- I prefer non-fiction books.
- I’ve never had tacos,
sushi, or Nutella. - My baseball glove is about 30 years old. I couldn’t imagine wearing a different one.
- At least 10 people have told me I look like Sidney Crosby.
- My sister says I look like Yogi Bear.
- I enjoy long road trips, but don’t like 2-hour drives.
My interests are all over the place, which means this blog is too. If you were to ask me what my blog is about, I wouldn’t know how to answer you. My blog is about me, but you don’t know me, so reading it is the only way to find out.
All (most) of my posts are written in the middle of the night. I try to make every post sound as if I’m talking, rather than you are reading.
A lot of my posts have jokes in them, so if you don’t like to laugh…uhh I don’t even know how to finish this sentence.
I write about life. I write about sports. I write about me. I write about writing. I write about scenarios in life that no one talks about enough.
Essentially, if a thought pops in my heads, I’ll turn it into a blog post. I like to think I’m constantly coming up with new ideas that will entertain others.
I have a few blogging series: 50 Thoughts, Paulo’s Kitchen w/Chef Paulo, The Captain’s Quiz, and First Time Watching, to name a few.
My goal is to make you laugh, think, or cry. Failing that, hopefully you click away from my blog feeling a little bit better than before you got here.
Now then…because I have nowhere else to put it, and because I want to remember the specific dates, here is a list of my blogging accolades which I was somehow deemed worthy of.
ACCOLADES
My blog has been featured three times on Freshly Pressed:
September 6, 2013: I Miss School, Already
March 28, 2014: Watching The Leafs Isn’t Fun Anymore
May 18, 2015: Growing Up Millennial
…and three times on Discover:
January 16, 2017: Digital Diet
July 17, 2017: Reflecting on Four Years of Blogging
November 8, 2017: Roy Halladay
On December 19, 2017, Discover did a Top 10 list of the most popular features of the year. My post “Reflecting on Four Years of Blogging” came in at #4.
Thank you for getting through this About page, which I’ve edited about 80 times. I appreciate it!
Please feel free to leave a comment below – whether to say hi, tell me you love pizza as much as I do, or anything in between.
Your Captain,
Paul
I like pizza too. 😉 That’s what I made for dinner.
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Mmm what toppings did you put on it?
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Pepperoni because it is a must. Cheese because what pizza would be complete without it, black olives and mushrooms because that’s what I like.
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Sounds good, minus the black olives, but that’s just me lol
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What are your chose of toppings?
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I like pepperoni and cheese. Or sometimes I’ll do pepperoni and green olives. Or pepperoni, green peppers, and sausage. Or mushrooms and green peppers. It depends how I’m feeling.
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I get that topping are like moods they charge everyday 😉
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Just read Digital Diet and loved your differences between Word Press and Facebook. I have found the same with Instagram and rarely go on Facebook anymore. Having just started my blog I have high hopes for Word Press stealing my evenings just like Instagram!
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Thank you! I think you’ll enjoy WordPress very much. Every blogger has something new and interesting to offer.
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Hey Paul, I’m so glad I stumbled upon your blog. I love reading when people write exactly how they would talk, it draws you in so much more. I’m looking forward to keeping up with what you’re up to
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Hey James, happy to hear it! Welcome aboard!
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I’m also eating pizza right now, so, you know, perfect timing.
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Excellent timing.
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Barb told me I was grounded if I didn’t;t pop over here to say hi. Glad I did. Poetry, pizza, AND sport stuff. This is crazy one stop shopping!
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Barb can be quite threatening, can’t she? Welcome aboard! Hope you enjoy what my shop has to offer!
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Hey you two!! There will be no more of this!
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Paul, I haven’t read your About page since you added the Digital Diet. I laughed reading you had edited it like 78 times. You’re channeling me with the editing, it seems. I love the page, btw.
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Haha I still don’t completely like this page but I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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So I read mine again which I had changed when I was “discovered.” I don’t really like mine either. But I’m not going to change it tonight. It isn’t just right. Oh well. Hey I have a good idea! Why don’t you write mine! It can be a guest post.
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Oh no…I couldn’t possibly. It would be a disaster.
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Haha
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I like your style Paul. I’m glad I found your blog. I too started a sports blog one year ago and am currently transitioning my website. Check it out if you like sports at dutchlionsports.com. Thanks!
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Thank you! I will. I followed you on Twitter too.
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Aye aye Captain. (Is that how you spell “I, I”?). Anyway, I think you tried to follow the wrong site. Follow “dutchlionsports” rather than “wiersema1”. I need to fix some things. 😉
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I see. “wiersema1.wordpress.com” is what appears under your name when you comment on blogs. If you want to change that, go to your Reader and click on your profile picture in the top right corner. From there, click on Account Settings on the left. And then type in web address under Web Address. That should make it easier for people to click to your blog!
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Hey Paul, thank you for the hints. It totally helped! I fixed it. Thanks man. I’m currently working on redesigning my site with a new theme. I’m having a hard time with the menus but I think I finally figured it out. Thanks so much for your help.
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You’re welcome! Glad it worked. Don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions.
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Since you no longer have facebook, I wanted to share one of the best goal calls i’ve heard in a while. Won’t top our all time favourite but this ones definitely in the top 5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u38anDC5v2I&feature=share
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What a pleasant surprise this is!
Hahaha what a great goal call, I’m kinda sad I’m not able to use it real life. It would’ve come in handy during those mini stick games!
As for Facebook, I just needed a break/was tired of logging in and reading about stuff from people I hadn’t talked to in years. I’ll be back someday maybe.
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I just yelled “YES! ME TOO!” In my head. And gave myself a little headache. Haha. I am notorious for starting sentences with “And”. And I question myself about that decision every single time, but have come to accept that I am who I am and I can’t fight that. Also- I love how you “write like you speak” because that is what makes my writing what it is- literally it’s like you’re sitting there having a latte (or black label) with me and I’m YAPPIN away in all random directions. HA! With the exception of my potty-mouth (working on that) (no I’m not..) and the fact that I can’t differentiate basketball from
soccer- Its safe to say we have a lot in common! So glad I bumped into this blog!
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Haha there is nothing wrong with starting sentences with “And”. And I’m also starting to start sentences with “Because” just because teachers never let me. Is now a good time to mention that I don’t drink lattes or coffee or tea or hot drinks of any kind? Or should I wait a while longer before dropping that bombshell?
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I don’t even know how i got here, but i don’t want to leave. I only eat pizza when i’m not feeling my best, which is just plain sad.
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Thanks for being here! I eat pizza in all occasions lol
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I’m a beginner-blogger. I like this – it’s helpful. Thanks.
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Happy to hear that!
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One day I want to be a real writer. But for now all I really do is write from the heart. So its refreshing to know that in Blogging World that’s ok ! Someone said : “good writers borrow, great writers steal” I have a pink polka dot notebook in which I collect little catch phrases. I love little word phrases. These are the ones I’ve “stolen” from some of your blog posts (hope you won’t mind ?)
– I’ll be the voice in your head as you read these words I write.
– Every word I write tells you a little bit more about me each time
– You have to be your own outreach programme (loved this!)
– I speak how I write. The voice in my head is the voice on the screen.
Thanks for a very informative and insightful blog. Happy blogging !
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Hi there! Thanks for the kind words and I’m glad you could take a few phrases for yourself! Best of luck to you!
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just ate pizza for lunch. it was delicious.
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The look of absolute joy as you gazed lovingly at that poor flower is breathtaking haha I am gonna enjoy this blog. Thanks for being funny
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Haha thanks for thinking I’m funny! Welcome.
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Thank you! And I look forward to more laughter..please don’t disappoint
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Hi Blend!
Got yourself a cheeky nomination cos I love your blog oh-so much!
https://onebigstressball.com/2018/01/26/ive-never-won-anything-in-my-life/
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Woah! I’d say this is unexpected, but we’re Blends and all so I’d have been disappointed if you didn’t nominate me haha
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This has to be the most interesting About I’ve read on WordPress 🙂
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Haha was it? Thank you!!
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Bravo on your accolades! I can tell this was a good ‘follow’. You make me want to write that blogger on Pinterest downing this not-so-little blogging nook. Well done, looking forward to more of your posts. I wonder how many people actually write their original posts a. During daylight hours, b. Outside of the bathroom. One can only wonder..Haha.
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Hi! Thank you! I read a couple of your posts and thought, “I like how this person writes and what they have to say, I’m going to follow them.” I hope we can both live up to these expectations lol
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Hey Paul,
I don’t know if you saw this but I tagged you on a “Great Quotes” post. You don’t have to do it if you don’t want but who knows, maybe! Thanks! Reid
https://dutchlionsports.com/2018/04/25/great-quotes-day-1-of-3/
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Thanks! I might not do it immediately, but I think I will do it eventually lol
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I live pizza and started making it from scratch recently. I haven’t seen any of the movies you mentioned and I read mostly non-fiction.
I like the thought that I am seeing a piece of you in everything you wrote. It should be that way. And it is palpable in every post. Thank you for being such a wonderful host. xx
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Thank you for being such a wonderful reader and friend! Now then, about that pizza. What toppings do you normally put on it?
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I am rather traditional. Ham and cheese maybe an egg, that’s what I like. And I like it spicy. My son likes pineapple on his. Sometimes I wonder if he is really my child. Pineapple on pizza. It’s vile.
And you? Preferred toppings?
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An egg? That’s surely not traditional here lol. Pineapple is vile, I agree.
I like pepperoni and green olives and sausage! Though I also like mushrooms and green peppers. It depends on the day.
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It’s like a fried egg on the pizza. I actually love it. I like olives too, but I prefer the black ones.
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Nice!!! Nice to meet you Paul! YOU HAVE NEVER HAD TACOS??! WHATTT! Forget it. I’m out. I’m done here. I CAN’T. Goodbye.
Just.
No!
Who are YOU!
LOL! You’re the coolest person I know.
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LOL I’d say we can taco bout it later, but I’d bring something else to eat. Nice to meet you!
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Hey Paul, I nominated you for the Mystery Blogger Award. Have fun and let me know if you end up writing your own post. Check it out here: https://dutchlionsports.com/2018/05/15/mystery-blogger-award/
You are probably tired of these but I really want to see your answers to my questions, so too bad. You have to do it. Haha LOL!
Thanks!
Reid
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Oh man another one haha maybe I’ll just answer the questions in your comments.
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That’s cool. Fine with me Paul. I want to know your answers!
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Hey Paul, I’ll be in Toronto somtime between July 6 and 12. I’ll let you know when we finalize our plans.
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Sweet. Keep me posted and I’ll see if I can make it!
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Dammit Paul, if this isn’t my favorite blog I’ve stumbled upon in all my time on this website (6 months). But seriously, if you don’t mind my language, your blog is a fucking delight to read.
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Well if this isn’t the best compliment I’ve received in a long time! Thank you! You’ve made my day.
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Your ‘About’ made me laugh. Really cool. I too am a sports fan. I grew up north of Seattle, Washington. By law we became Husky fans. I’ve seen Star Wars twice. Wasn’t impressed. I now have someone to talk to. 🙂
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Welcome aboard, Bryan! I find it very easy to bond with people who also dislike Star Wars, this should go well.
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Also, just a heads up – the link to your blog that show up in your notification is incorrect. It doesn’t lead to your site. I think you put “com” twice. To fix it, you can go to your profile, Account Settings, and then Web Address. Hope that helps!
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Yes. It does that every now and than. Haven’t a clue why. I’m on it. Again…..Thanks for the follow. I really appreciate it. Have a great week!!!
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I fixed the problem! Without my daughters help!!!!!!
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That’s a win-win! Have a great week!
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I like pizza too Paul … Pizza Goldfish too. And I am a fellow Canuck. My mom said “serviette” for years after we moved to the States. I’d nudge her knee and shake my head “no” … she’d still ask for extra serviettes if we had messy food, like ribs. 🙂 Thanks for following my blog and I’m looking forward to your laughs … Lord knows the world could use more laughs, especially over here in these United States!
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Welcome aboard! I never realized other people didn’t say “serviette” until I got to university and my friends were like, “What did you just say? Are you talking about a napkin?”
Thanks for following my blog, I hope I can continue making you laugh!
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I know – my mom had her words and even over here in the U.S., she refused to give them up. She never said “sofa” or “couch” … it was a Chesterfield. She said “toque” always! I read a few of your posts and I know I will get some laughs – we all need them, the world is crazy and spinning so fast that sometimes I just want to hop off this planet – but where do you go?
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I think I could read your posts all day! Beautifully written.
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Well this comment just made my day. Thank you Toni, and welcome! I read your post last night and saw you rave about pizza and just knew we’d get along haha
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You were so right!! I look forward to Bachelorette recaps, etc. Haha, where exactly are you from?
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Oh those Bachelor/ette recaps are wild, get ready! I’m from Toronto, so if some of the things I write are worded different, that’s just my Canadian coming out lol
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Hi Paul,
It was nice to read about you and get to know you, young man!
I too love Pizza, and although I vote in the favour of healthy eating, pizza is something I can and will eat, anytime of the day. Okay, may be not at night coz it won’t let me sleep well, and this old lady needs her beauty sleep!
Will be visiting this place oftener now coz humour is something I miss out on, and it’s something I found in your posts.
Cheerio!
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Always nice to come across another person who lives pizza! I agree, can’t eat it too late or it’ll just keep me up. Looking forward to more interactions in the future!
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😊👍
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