Over the last few weeks I have had some tremendous experiences. There are a great many things that I can see more clearly, a great many things which I now realize to be a blessing.
This largely began with my mission trip to Jamaica: to see the poor and suffering there; to be there with them and listen to them and in some way share with them in their suffering. I do not deceive myself: I was not able to do a great deal for them while I was among them.
However, I have come away with an increased sense of gratefulness, a more compassionate heart and a prayer and a mission to live my life in a way that helps others to understand the true unity of this human race. Or, at least, help others to realize that true peace is our ultimate goal and that it can only be had when unity among us is realized. A union not only encompassing those who are marginalized because of social status, but also because of disability, because of belief and because of race.
And just on the heels of this comes the election of Mr. Barack Obama to the presidency of the United States of America. To me, this was not as shocking as it was to many of my friends and family. Certainly, they say, history was made, not only because history is made with the election of any president of the USA, but because of the colour of his skin.
But truthfully, I did not feel this "historic event" to weigh on my mind in the same way it did among many of the people around me. The truth of the matter to me is that he is human. I suppose, to me, it is more surprising THAT IT WAS so surprising to these people. The surprise was that there was reason to doubt him being elected purely based on the fact that the USA "might not be ready" to elect a Black president. Do we not live in the 21st century? Have we in the Western World not forgotten such differences?!
A friend of mine just recently returned from a trip to Alabama and she said that the remnants of the slave trade and race segregation can still be seen there, its chill still felt. I find it so alien that, in this world-leading nation, there could be such cause to allow for these superficial differences to have such an effect on society. And to allow these superficial differences to effect palpable and alienating social circumstances...
It boggles my mind. But here we are, in a great position to make a great change.
Then again, weren't we always in such a position?
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Fading into View
The other day I woke up and I thought big things to myself.
I got out of bed shortly thereafter. This is quite an accomplishment because I've been hitting the ol' snooze a few too many times in the recent past.
It's amazing how far a positive attitude can take you. It's nice to wonder where it'll lead you... And to look back on the road you've traveled after it's gotten you there.
I asked a friend of mine if she ever tried keeping a journal or diary. I'm quite intrigued by them, you see. I've recently come to think of journals and blogs as our best form of time travel. Writing in particular is good for that. Preserving thoughts and ideas for people generations away to read and perhaps understand and - even more unlikely? - appreciate.
I guess that's why I keep stringin' words together on here. I like to look back every now and then. It's a good exercise. Sometimes it's good to read about how you were and gauge how much you've changed - it's a bit of a motivator, a pick-me-up, to notice the growth you've undergone, especially if you think you're going nowhere at present.
Progress. But not for the sake of progress.
Rather that it just happens anyway.
I got out of bed shortly thereafter. This is quite an accomplishment because I've been hitting the ol' snooze a few too many times in the recent past.
It's amazing how far a positive attitude can take you. It's nice to wonder where it'll lead you... And to look back on the road you've traveled after it's gotten you there.
I asked a friend of mine if she ever tried keeping a journal or diary. I'm quite intrigued by them, you see. I've recently come to think of journals and blogs as our best form of time travel. Writing in particular is good for that. Preserving thoughts and ideas for people generations away to read and perhaps understand and - even more unlikely? - appreciate.
I guess that's why I keep stringin' words together on here. I like to look back every now and then. It's a good exercise. Sometimes it's good to read about how you were and gauge how much you've changed - it's a bit of a motivator, a pick-me-up, to notice the growth you've undergone, especially if you think you're going nowhere at present.
Progress. But not for the sake of progress.
Rather that it just happens anyway.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Dry Fire (What's on the Radio?)
After finishing supper at a north-side pizza joint, Dave and I continued our conversation at his truck.
We were talking about how we woke up at Pemberton Music Festival one morning to the sound of a Tragically Hip song to which neither of us knew the name, but both of us recognized and at least I knew the words to. The name having escaped us - or having decided that we had never caught the name to begin with - we began a new topic.
"I hate it when they over play songs," Dave said. "Hey, what song do you think is playing on 102.9 right now?"
I guessed, "Aw... I dunno. Probably something by Arcade Fire."
I was definitely right.
Dave then showed me a game that he sometimes plays when he's in the car on his way to and from work during rush hour. "I scroll through my programmed stations and try to name the songs that come up. It's a challenge..."
Sure enough, as he demonstrated, we came upon a station that was playing the very Tragically Hip song which we were both talking about. And sure enough, the DJ did not announce the title.
The name will continue to vex us. I refuse to look it up on the internet.
I'm S&M like that sometimes.
We were talking about how we woke up at Pemberton Music Festival one morning to the sound of a Tragically Hip song to which neither of us knew the name, but both of us recognized and at least I knew the words to. The name having escaped us - or having decided that we had never caught the name to begin with - we began a new topic.
"I hate it when they over play songs," Dave said. "Hey, what song do you think is playing on 102.9 right now?"
I guessed, "Aw... I dunno. Probably something by Arcade Fire."
I was definitely right.
Dave then showed me a game that he sometimes plays when he's in the car on his way to and from work during rush hour. "I scroll through my programmed stations and try to name the songs that come up. It's a challenge..."
Sure enough, as he demonstrated, we came upon a station that was playing the very Tragically Hip song which we were both talking about. And sure enough, the DJ did not announce the title.
The name will continue to vex us. I refuse to look it up on the internet.
I'm S&M like that sometimes.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
The Wild Rose Prairies of Alberta
As I type this I am on my way home from Calgary. Indeed, I am connected to the internet. Indeed, I am on a bus.
Indeed - this is the 21st century!
Today was a good day in Calgary: nice weather, a little bit of exploration of a "strange" city, a little bit of new work experience... Good times all around.
In fact, my work experience brought me to the Glenbow Museum. I was poring over things called "Henderson's directories" and from year to year I saw the automotive shops and private businesses give way to things like Video Station and Mr. Lube...
Those books smelled like the 80s. I spent a few years in the 80s, so I should know.
While I was perusing one such edition of "Henderson's," a man - decked out in his cowboy best - in the library approached the librarian and asked, "Can I print this here?"
"Do you have a computer at home?"
"Yes -"
"Then you can print it there," the woman replied bluntly.
The man continued, "It's in Fort Worth, Texas."
Who knew that Texans dressed like Calgarians?
Yes, Calgary is a pretty nice place. Where else could you find something called "Engineered Air Theatre?"
****
p.s.: I totally should have said, "Indeed - this is a 21st century." Because that would have implied alternate universes and mirror-time structures. Because those are cool.
Indeed - this is the 21st century!
Today was a good day in Calgary: nice weather, a little bit of exploration of a "strange" city, a little bit of new work experience... Good times all around.
In fact, my work experience brought me to the Glenbow Museum. I was poring over things called "Henderson's directories" and from year to year I saw the automotive shops and private businesses give way to things like Video Station and Mr. Lube...
Those books smelled like the 80s. I spent a few years in the 80s, so I should know.
While I was perusing one such edition of "Henderson's," a man - decked out in his cowboy best - in the library approached the librarian and asked, "Can I print this here?"
"Do you have a computer at home?"
"Yes -"
"Then you can print it there," the woman replied bluntly.
The man continued, "It's in Fort Worth, Texas."
Who knew that Texans dressed like Calgarians?
Yes, Calgary is a pretty nice place. Where else could you find something called "Engineered Air Theatre?"
****
p.s.: I totally should have said, "Indeed - this is a 21st century." Because that would have implied alternate universes and mirror-time structures. Because those are cool.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Calgary
Tonight is the first night that I spent some time walking around downtown Calgary. I think that I've spent more time in Vancouver, now that I think about it...
But either way - Calgary has a much more apparent "big city" feel than Edmonton does. Of course, it is a larger city, no doubt about it, but walking around downtown the streets are still empty, not unlike Edmonton...
But then I noticed something. All the cars were driving in THE SAME DIRECTION. Calgary's got the one-way street thing happening, just like Vancouver does in its downtown district. I think that if Edmonton wants to "step it up", it had better think about converting 104th Ave and Jasper Ave to one way streets...
Yeah, that'll do'er. lol. Problems solved!
But either way - Calgary has a much more apparent "big city" feel than Edmonton does. Of course, it is a larger city, no doubt about it, but walking around downtown the streets are still empty, not unlike Edmonton...
But then I noticed something. All the cars were driving in THE SAME DIRECTION. Calgary's got the one-way street thing happening, just like Vancouver does in its downtown district. I think that if Edmonton wants to "step it up", it had better think about converting 104th Ave and Jasper Ave to one way streets...
Yeah, that'll do'er. lol. Problems solved!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Spirit Road
Well, life's a crazy trail sometimes, isn't it?
Lately I've found myself reading a lot of the classics: just finished Anne of Green Gables and curiously I'm in the middle of Heart of Darkness... I've got Machiavelli's The Prince on deck...
Reading Anne has really made me realize where I stand in life. "Watching" her grow up so fast as I flipped the pages of that book made me think of how the same has happened to me. I've grown a lot, finished school, started a career... and I feel time and time again that I'm faced with a choice of epic proportions and of gravest consequence.
I've felt challenged by myself lately.
I've felt terribly hypocritical.
I've been dragging my feet.
I've felt nauseous over it. Well, not quite, but I think that's the best I can describe it. Lost would be another word, I suppose. It's a very strange feeling, nonetheless, knowing that I've come such a long way... such a long ways away. It's strange to feel so much and yet act on so little, to let time kind of roll over me and not really try to make sense of it.
It's incredibly foolish to know what I know about myself and let things happen the way that they are.
As Neil says, "there's... a spirit road that [I] must find," I feel that there is a lot of truth in the statement. And I have a feeling that road is winding through my memories of myself from days gone by. There is a friendlier, smarter, more compassionate person in there somewhere...
I don't know what I did to steer him wrong.
Lately I've found myself reading a lot of the classics: just finished Anne of Green Gables and curiously I'm in the middle of Heart of Darkness... I've got Machiavelli's The Prince on deck...
Reading Anne has really made me realize where I stand in life. "Watching" her grow up so fast as I flipped the pages of that book made me think of how the same has happened to me. I've grown a lot, finished school, started a career... and I feel time and time again that I'm faced with a choice of epic proportions and of gravest consequence.
I've felt challenged by myself lately.
I've felt terribly hypocritical.
I've been dragging my feet.
I've felt nauseous over it. Well, not quite, but I think that's the best I can describe it. Lost would be another word, I suppose. It's a very strange feeling, nonetheless, knowing that I've come such a long way... such a long ways away. It's strange to feel so much and yet act on so little, to let time kind of roll over me and not really try to make sense of it.
It's incredibly foolish to know what I know about myself and let things happen the way that they are.
As Neil says, "there's... a spirit road that [I] must find," I feel that there is a lot of truth in the statement. And I have a feeling that road is winding through my memories of myself from days gone by. There is a friendlier, smarter, more compassionate person in there somewhere...
I don't know what I did to steer him wrong.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Muffins
I've done it.
I ate a muffin bottom-first. They said it couldn't (shouldn't?) be done. But there it is. Finished.
Maybe I'll commit the ultimate blasphemy and just throw the top away?
Haha, I know that you just grabbed your monitor and said, "NO! FOR THE LOVE OF PETE!"
=P
I ate a muffin bottom-first. They said it couldn't (shouldn't?) be done. But there it is. Finished.
Maybe I'll commit the ultimate blasphemy and just throw the top away?
Haha, I know that you just grabbed your monitor and said, "NO! FOR THE LOVE OF PETE!"
=P
Sunday, May 18, 2008
It's Alive!
I have recently become a flickr-fanatic.
The post prior to this was a test of its compatibility with blogger. It's working. It's awesome! =)
The post prior to this was a test of its compatibility with blogger. It's working. It's awesome! =)
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Swing Life Away
Last night I headed out to one of the more "culturally rich" parts of town and took in a swing dance. It was a fabulous time! There was a beginner lesson - which I desperately needed because it's been so long since I've been swing dancing - followed by a regular romptacular time!
I was so overwhelmed by the talent of a lot of the other people there, though. This leads me to one conclusion - I gotta keep practicing!
Swing is such an excellent style of dance - it's fun, it's energetic, it's flamboyant and hypnotic... And it's pretty awesome to be able to switch partners every now and then. Bah-da-ting!
But seriously, I love it. I have to tone up my calf muscles to catch up to a lot of the other dancers, though!
I was so overwhelmed by the talent of a lot of the other people there, though. This leads me to one conclusion - I gotta keep practicing!
Swing is such an excellent style of dance - it's fun, it's energetic, it's flamboyant and hypnotic... And it's pretty awesome to be able to switch partners every now and then. Bah-da-ting!
But seriously, I love it. I have to tone up my calf muscles to catch up to a lot of the other dancers, though!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
D-D-Do It or Die!
It must have been a month or two ago when I first heard of Die Mannequin. Right after I heard of them, I actually heard them - the DJ announced their single Do It or Die and I was hooked from the first stuttering, coarsely-sung lyrics
D-d-do it or die!
The guitars are heavy and they grind like chainsaws. The rhythm is catchy and the lyrics simply drive me insane.
Between the first time I heard it and now, I never did hear it on the radio again. I just woke up one morning and - for some reason - those first lyrics were on my lips. I brought the video up on YouTube just to hear the song and I was blown away again. The song has been playing through my head over and over again for the last few days
Must be something in mind
Do it
Do it or die!
As far as Triple-Es go, this one is right up there as it has wrapped a firm grip around my mind and has given 'er hell for a few days on end. And givin'er... that's a plan right there.
D-d-do it or die!
The guitars are heavy and they grind like chainsaws. The rhythm is catchy and the lyrics simply drive me insane.
Between the first time I heard it and now, I never did hear it on the radio again. I just woke up one morning and - for some reason - those first lyrics were on my lips. I brought the video up on YouTube just to hear the song and I was blown away again. The song has been playing through my head over and over again for the last few days
Must be something in mind
Do it
Do it or die!
As far as Triple-Es go, this one is right up there as it has wrapped a firm grip around my mind and has given 'er hell for a few days on end. And givin'er... that's a plan right there.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Oh, The Sweetest Thing!
Just this past Sunday I was sitting in church and my attention was drawn to a fellow parishioner sitting in the pew in front of me. I had met this woman earlier this year as we had both expressed interest in going on a mission to the Caribbean and have attended meetings in preparation for it.
But I digress... There she sat, listening intently to the Gospel. Her legs were crossed, ankle above knee, making a triangle of her lap in which an infant - presumably hers - was lying. The child was all bundled up in a blanket, its head nestled into the crook of the mother's knee. It was quite a cute sight to see - and intriguing as I had never actually seen a baby cradled in that manner.
Later on, after Communion, I returned to my pew and knelt. The mother was kneeling in her pew while her son - about 5 years - sat beside her, cradling the - now sleeping - baby while their mother prayed. I glanced down once and saw the older brother gently stroking the baby's brow, carefully rocking back and forth, periodically pulling the child closely in a tender hug...
It was such a heartwarming scene in such a beautiful atmosphere, bathed in the peace of the Eucharist. What greater an expression of humanity?!
But I digress... There she sat, listening intently to the Gospel. Her legs were crossed, ankle above knee, making a triangle of her lap in which an infant - presumably hers - was lying. The child was all bundled up in a blanket, its head nestled into the crook of the mother's knee. It was quite a cute sight to see - and intriguing as I had never actually seen a baby cradled in that manner.
Later on, after Communion, I returned to my pew and knelt. The mother was kneeling in her pew while her son - about 5 years - sat beside her, cradling the - now sleeping - baby while their mother prayed. I glanced down once and saw the older brother gently stroking the baby's brow, carefully rocking back and forth, periodically pulling the child closely in a tender hug...
It was such a heartwarming scene in such a beautiful atmosphere, bathed in the peace of the Eucharist. What greater an expression of humanity?!
Friday, April 18, 2008
Dating and Relationships
I came across this article a few days ago.
It's a bit rough to start out with, but over time, I feel the author develops some very interesting opinions and perspectives on the ideas of courtship, dating and the needs of males and females.
It's a bit rough to start out with, but over time, I feel the author develops some very interesting opinions and perspectives on the ideas of courtship, dating and the needs of males and females.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Melancholy
Normally I enjoy the irreverent comedy found in Cyanide and Happiness comics.
When I saw this particular edition, however, I was overcome with melancholy.
I'm probably reading too much into it, but the denial of motherhood, the denial of new life, and a representation of society's morbid apathy cum pleasantness toward it just rang all too loudly with me...
When I saw this particular edition, however, I was overcome with melancholy.
I'm probably reading too much into it, but the denial of motherhood, the denial of new life, and a representation of society's morbid apathy cum pleasantness toward it just rang all too loudly with me...
Monday, April 14, 2008
The Team
As it turns out, Matthew Good has great taste in hockey teams.
His reasons for liking the Montréal Canadiens are very similar to mine. I grew up a Habs fan because my Dad was a Habs fan. For a time, though, when I was in junior high and high school, I ended up cheering for them crazy Oilers, but before long I shed my foolish adolescent rebelliousness and came back to Les Glorieux.
There simply isn't a better team to cheer for. As far as I know, there is no team that has the same kind of far-reaching following, the sheer volume of intensely dedicated fans.
One of my favourite memories of the Habs was just recently when the Canadiens were playing in Florida (crap, I can't actually remember if it was the Panthers or the Lightning) and the number of Habs fans in the arena absolutely dominated the home team's fans. The disparity was so great that when the away-team Habs went on the powerplay, the customary "boo" couldn't be heard behind the triumphant roar of supporters eager to see that No.1 power play go to work.
So, here's to the Habs: while they may not make this year the year of their 25th Cup, they have at least - as always - inspired a nation of fans, proud to colour themselves bleu, blanc et rouge.
His reasons for liking the Montréal Canadiens are very similar to mine. I grew up a Habs fan because my Dad was a Habs fan. For a time, though, when I was in junior high and high school, I ended up cheering for them crazy Oilers, but before long I shed my foolish adolescent rebelliousness and came back to Les Glorieux.
There simply isn't a better team to cheer for. As far as I know, there is no team that has the same kind of far-reaching following, the sheer volume of intensely dedicated fans.
One of my favourite memories of the Habs was just recently when the Canadiens were playing in Florida (crap, I can't actually remember if it was the Panthers or the Lightning) and the number of Habs fans in the arena absolutely dominated the home team's fans. The disparity was so great that when the away-team Habs went on the powerplay, the customary "boo" couldn't be heard behind the triumphant roar of supporters eager to see that No.1 power play go to work.
So, here's to the Habs: while they may not make this year the year of their 25th Cup, they have at least - as always - inspired a nation of fans, proud to colour themselves bleu, blanc et rouge.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Dala, the darlings
TRIPLE-E ATTACK!
One of my newest favourites, Dala is an incredible duo. I saw them open for Matthew Good on his tour last fall and I've been hooked ever since.
Whenever I think of driving long distances across the prairies, this song creeps into my head. It's got such a solid beat, such a great melody. It just seems so cleansing...
Perhaps that's why I sometimes catch myself singing this one in the shower.
All the trees
Follow me
In single file
-- Dala - Anywhere Under the Moon
Sunday, April 6, 2008
What a freakin' DAY!
There was way too much going on yesterday. However, it all seemed to work out really well.
BeerFest Aftermath
Friday night was a gong-show involving the following excellent things:
I went to Work!
In the words of my friend Jane, "wow, you math nerds are hardcore." As far as working on Saturdays go, yesterday was pretty good. I finished everything that needed to be finished and didn't have to spend more than 3 hours there. I also got a chance to have a laid-back conversation with my boss about all kinds of things - you know, one of those talks where the wise teacher casually bestows his knowledge upon the pupil. It was sweet.
Co-ed Bridal Shower
I went to a bridal shower for my friends. It was quite the experience, actually. I hear that those things are usually boring as can be, but it was a lot of fun. Having a chance to meet up with those two lovebirds. lol. If I'm not mistaken, I overheard the bride-to-be say, "Well, I'm not so much excited for the wedding as I am for marriage."
That's the way it's gotta be! She's got such a good head on her shoulders.
Kegger
Yes, that's right. After the shower, I headed over to a kegger and BBQ. It was a year-end deal for the university wrestling team, but because of the brutal weather, the host decided to open the invitations up to any of his friends. I walked over there from my apartment - a solid 40 minutes - and was greeted by SFO, red-faced, and somewhat damp.
The dampness was because he had a shower. He had a shower because he had just previously been in the sauna. Indeed, this house had a sauna. The sauna would periodically produce sweaty-wrestling-dudes who would then go outside and wrestle in the snow. It was crazy to watch. I had a few beers.
Up to this point, everything had happened before 7:30.
Movies!
The night before, SFO and I had told each other that we should rent Kill Bill Volume 2, because neither of us had seen it, but both of us wanted to. So, what better time to do just that than at 8:15 pm after having done the best you could at a kegger?
We made the long walk back home, cracked a couple beers, and threw the movie on. SFO's consciousness barely made it past the opening credits. I hung on through the whole movie.
I cried at the part where B meets her daughter. There I was, all the events of the day preceding, at about 10:30 at night, crying to KILL BILL?! Holy crap.
During the movie, I realized that it would be done by 11 o'clock, and with SFO passed-out, I'd need to find some other companion for further festivities.
Vagina Monologues and Fedoras
Jane is a real go-to-girl for good times†. This weekend was no exception. I called her up and she said that she was going to go out dancing soon, but currently she was over at a friend's place having wine and something something... VAGINA MONOLOGUES?
"Matt, are you going to be ok with this? I mean, this place is full of girls. You will be the only guy here."
"Yeah, I can handle myself." Damn, that's hilarious.
I grabbed my fedora and made for the door. Upon arriving at the place, I recognized that Jane was absolutely correct. I was the only guy there, but it wasn't hard to fit in. The ladies were incredibly welcoming. One of them went so far as to give me a cute nickname, "Empire." This was largely due to the fact that she was very drunk, did not catch my name and "Empire" was the word displayed on my shirt.
Sincerely, though, it was a great time*.
Following this, we headed down to the bar for drinks and dancing. After walking one of the lovely ladies home, I myself, once again, made the long stroll along the river to my apartment.
Arriving home at just after 3 am, I had had a long, satisfying, convoluted day.
I usually hate to juggle activities like that, feeling that I'm often unable to really "give'er" as I switch from one to the next, but this time everything turned out really well.
I was full of vigour and resolve.
However, this morning, I find that I am now in need of the latter.
†A friend of mine pointed out that this line makes it seem like it was a booty-call. This is not the case. I was not desirous of booty. Just company and an atmosphere conducive to dancing.
* And they all agreed that my fedora is awesome. I would not have typed this if it was untrue, nor would I have typed this if SFO hadn't hated my fedora so much. That's right SFO, if you're reading this, I typed that just to spite you!
BeerFest Aftermath
Friday night was a gong-show involving the following excellent things:
- Live Music
- Beer(Fest)
- "Sniper Wolf"
- SFO
- The Purple Onion
- Partying with my sister, whom, I learned, I miss a lot more than I previously realized
I went to Work!
In the words of my friend Jane, "wow, you math nerds are hardcore." As far as working on Saturdays go, yesterday was pretty good. I finished everything that needed to be finished and didn't have to spend more than 3 hours there. I also got a chance to have a laid-back conversation with my boss about all kinds of things - you know, one of those talks where the wise teacher casually bestows his knowledge upon the pupil. It was sweet.
Co-ed Bridal Shower
I went to a bridal shower for my friends. It was quite the experience, actually. I hear that those things are usually boring as can be, but it was a lot of fun. Having a chance to meet up with those two lovebirds. lol. If I'm not mistaken, I overheard the bride-to-be say, "Well, I'm not so much excited for the wedding as I am for marriage."
That's the way it's gotta be! She's got such a good head on her shoulders.
Kegger
Yes, that's right. After the shower, I headed over to a kegger and BBQ. It was a year-end deal for the university wrestling team, but because of the brutal weather, the host decided to open the invitations up to any of his friends. I walked over there from my apartment - a solid 40 minutes - and was greeted by SFO, red-faced, and somewhat damp.
The dampness was because he had a shower. He had a shower because he had just previously been in the sauna. Indeed, this house had a sauna. The sauna would periodically produce sweaty-wrestling-dudes who would then go outside and wrestle in the snow. It was crazy to watch. I had a few beers.
Up to this point, everything had happened before 7:30.
Movies!
The night before, SFO and I had told each other that we should rent Kill Bill Volume 2, because neither of us had seen it, but both of us wanted to. So, what better time to do just that than at 8:15 pm after having done the best you could at a kegger?
We made the long walk back home, cracked a couple beers, and threw the movie on. SFO's consciousness barely made it past the opening credits. I hung on through the whole movie.
I cried at the part where B meets her daughter. There I was, all the events of the day preceding, at about 10:30 at night, crying to KILL BILL?! Holy crap.
During the movie, I realized that it would be done by 11 o'clock, and with SFO passed-out, I'd need to find some other companion for further festivities.
Vagina Monologues and Fedoras
Jane is a real go-to-girl for good times†. This weekend was no exception. I called her up and she said that she was going to go out dancing soon, but currently she was over at a friend's place having wine and something something... VAGINA MONOLOGUES?
"Matt, are you going to be ok with this? I mean, this place is full of girls. You will be the only guy here."
"Yeah, I can handle myself." Damn, that's hilarious.
I grabbed my fedora and made for the door. Upon arriving at the place, I recognized that Jane was absolutely correct. I was the only guy there, but it wasn't hard to fit in. The ladies were incredibly welcoming. One of them went so far as to give me a cute nickname, "Empire." This was largely due to the fact that she was very drunk, did not catch my name and "Empire" was the word displayed on my shirt.
Sincerely, though, it was a great time*.
Following this, we headed down to the bar for drinks and dancing. After walking one of the lovely ladies home, I myself, once again, made the long stroll along the river to my apartment.
Arriving home at just after 3 am, I had had a long, satisfying, convoluted day.
I usually hate to juggle activities like that, feeling that I'm often unable to really "give'er" as I switch from one to the next, but this time everything turned out really well.
I was full of vigour and resolve.
However, this morning, I find that I am now in need of the latter.
†A friend of mine pointed out that this line makes it seem like it was a booty-call. This is not the case. I was not desirous of booty. Just company and an atmosphere conducive to dancing.
* And they all agreed that my fedora is awesome. I would not have typed this if it was untrue, nor would I have typed this if SFO hadn't hated my fedora so much. That's right SFO, if you're reading this, I typed that just to spite you!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Fedoras
I bought a fedora.
I've lost 85 years and I remember a time when men were gentle and women were ladies.
Should probably still lock up your daughters, though.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Thinking After a Long Night at Church
Tonight was THE NIGHT.
I am speaking about none other than the Easter Vigil - the "marathon" liturgy at dusk. Attending the Vigil is among the most awe-inspiring and affirming experiences... And it happens every year!
Seeing the priests at Mass tonight was incredible - the looks on their faces show that this truly is the greatest celebration in the Church. So joyful, so relaxed... Masses at Christmastime, the priests never look this easygoing and cheery. In fact, all of the parishioners, in general, seemed much more at ease, very welcoming... almost excited! The beauty of the close-knit, hardy, and faithfully-involved section of our Parish community!
On this particular occasion I had a lot of intriguing thoughts regarding my particular vocation. Even among the kind and cheerful parishioners, I felt so alone. This was the fourth or fifth time that I'd ever been to the Vigil, the last three times of which I've gone without my family and tonight was, if I recall correctly, the first time when I did not sit with friends or a woman with whom I was romantically involved.
I felt very strongly that I needed a companion there to share the grand celebration of the Eucharist. I felt very strongly that, in the future, I will need a companion for this... And seeing all the happy couples and all the cute little kids in their baptismal dresses and suits did nothing to quell these feelings!
Well, that's enough sap for now!
Aw yeah it's all I know
This empty road
Keeps me lookin'
For a place in your heart
-- Empty Road by Matthew Good
Keeps me searchin' for that Heart of Gold
-- Heart of Gold by Neil Young
I am speaking about none other than the Easter Vigil - the "marathon" liturgy at dusk. Attending the Vigil is among the most awe-inspiring and affirming experiences... And it happens every year!
Seeing the priests at Mass tonight was incredible - the looks on their faces show that this truly is the greatest celebration in the Church. So joyful, so relaxed... Masses at Christmastime, the priests never look this easygoing and cheery. In fact, all of the parishioners, in general, seemed much more at ease, very welcoming... almost excited! The beauty of the close-knit, hardy, and faithfully-involved section of our Parish community!
On this particular occasion I had a lot of intriguing thoughts regarding my particular vocation. Even among the kind and cheerful parishioners, I felt so alone. This was the fourth or fifth time that I'd ever been to the Vigil, the last three times of which I've gone without my family and tonight was, if I recall correctly, the first time when I did not sit with friends or a woman with whom I was romantically involved.
I felt very strongly that I needed a companion there to share the grand celebration of the Eucharist. I felt very strongly that, in the future, I will need a companion for this... And seeing all the happy couples and all the cute little kids in their baptismal dresses and suits did nothing to quell these feelings!
Well, that's enough sap for now!
Aw yeah it's all I know
This empty road
Keeps me lookin'
For a place in your heart
-- Empty Road by Matthew Good
Keeps me searchin' for that Heart of Gold
-- Heart of Gold by Neil Young
Friday, March 21, 2008
Perseverance
Is that even how you spell that? Holy smokes...
Anyway, earlier this month, my roommate - darling SFO - decided to follow through with a recommendation made by one of our friends. SFO is now in the process of getting "jacked." Or ripped, or buff or whatever.
Most people, when discussing plans to get in shape, will mention that it's best when working out becomes part of your routine. However, going from a sedentary lifestyle to one that involves strenuous physical activity at specified intervals and in regimented form is difficult. It requires dedication, discipline and perseverance. All good things.
Reflecting on the events of today, Good Friday, I have realized how the Church has always been promoting these values and methods - not for working out, but rather for the incorporation of prayer into one's daily life.
Yet, in my opinion, it is so difficult to stick to - or formulate and begin - a routine for prayer. Part of what makes it so difficult is that I seldom know where to start. Do I just open the Bible and start reading? Do I simply talk to God? Can I approach a priest to ask for advice?! Is that something people do?
Very good questions - but what are the answers? Indeed, as everyone has a different learning style, so, likely, does everyone have a different praying style*. Finding that out has been a very difficult trial in itself, so far. But it appears that everywhere I turn I find that the recommendation of making prayer into a routine, a devotion, a life†, is standard.
Further to that, the results of a life of prayer are sometimes invisible. The results are not readily seen - not even as "readily" as those hoped for through physical exercise. This is a great source of frustration for me: I give up far too easily, far too often.
It takes dedication, discipline and perseverance. Lots. Fortunately, the strength to muster these in spades is found in the Lord God... I just need to keep reminding myself of that.
*I almost typed partying style. Indeed, people have different ones-of-those, too.
†Or perhaps it is turning a life into a prayer?
Anyway, earlier this month, my roommate - darling SFO - decided to follow through with a recommendation made by one of our friends. SFO is now in the process of getting "jacked." Or ripped, or buff or whatever.
Most people, when discussing plans to get in shape, will mention that it's best when working out becomes part of your routine. However, going from a sedentary lifestyle to one that involves strenuous physical activity at specified intervals and in regimented form is difficult. It requires dedication, discipline and perseverance. All good things.
Reflecting on the events of today, Good Friday, I have realized how the Church has always been promoting these values and methods - not for working out, but rather for the incorporation of prayer into one's daily life.
Yet, in my opinion, it is so difficult to stick to - or formulate and begin - a routine for prayer. Part of what makes it so difficult is that I seldom know where to start. Do I just open the Bible and start reading? Do I simply talk to God? Can I approach a priest to ask for advice?! Is that something people do?
Very good questions - but what are the answers? Indeed, as everyone has a different learning style, so, likely, does everyone have a different praying style*. Finding that out has been a very difficult trial in itself, so far. But it appears that everywhere I turn I find that the recommendation of making prayer into a routine, a devotion, a life†, is standard.
Further to that, the results of a life of prayer are sometimes invisible. The results are not readily seen - not even as "readily" as those hoped for through physical exercise. This is a great source of frustration for me: I give up far too easily, far too often.
It takes dedication, discipline and perseverance. Lots. Fortunately, the strength to muster these in spades is found in the Lord God... I just need to keep reminding myself of that.
*I almost typed partying style. Indeed, people have different ones-of-those, too.
†Or perhaps it is turning a life into a prayer?
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Irony... and just plain haggard stuff
This morning, I was a mess. Evidence of this is found in the fact that I woke up beside my buddy Clinto, who, upon waking up himself, declared, "Oh man... Matt, give me some not head-death."
I gave him some Advil. He was appreciative, but unsatisfied with the quickness of the relief. He demanded INSTANT GRATIFICATION!
Anyway, needless to say, last night consisted of a grand ol' time involving conversations with people I haven't spoken to in months or, in some cases, years. I also discovered the beauty of Iceberg gin. Those Newfoundlanders can really throw a good gin together.
But I digress. As I was saying, I was a mess. Right now, I feel much better (full of vigour and resolve?). I just arrived home from celebrating Mass, which was a very good thing - as it always is. And, today being Palm Sunday, I was audience to the traditional reading of The Passion.
The Passion is so incredibly moving... I am ashamed by this. I am ashamed because when I hear it told, I get chills and goosebumps and I sometimes even shed tears. But I so readily forget the meaning of it. I so readily harden my heart to it and allow myself to detach myself from the implications of the greatest series of events in history, and I fall into some very bad habits.
I've done a lot of things over the last few weeks that I would be a fool to repeat. It would be closing the door on the most complete and true love that I could ever know.
But I have done that before. And all the while I have been well within reach of the most perfect reason to refrain...
I gave him some Advil. He was appreciative, but unsatisfied with the quickness of the relief. He demanded INSTANT GRATIFICATION!
Anyway, needless to say, last night consisted of a grand ol' time involving conversations with people I haven't spoken to in months or, in some cases, years. I also discovered the beauty of Iceberg gin. Those Newfoundlanders can really throw a good gin together.
But I digress. As I was saying, I was a mess. Right now, I feel much better (full of vigour and resolve?). I just arrived home from celebrating Mass, which was a very good thing - as it always is. And, today being Palm Sunday, I was audience to the traditional reading of The Passion.
The Passion is so incredibly moving... I am ashamed by this. I am ashamed because when I hear it told, I get chills and goosebumps and I sometimes even shed tears. But I so readily forget the meaning of it. I so readily harden my heart to it and allow myself to detach myself from the implications of the greatest series of events in history, and I fall into some very bad habits.
I've done a lot of things over the last few weeks that I would be a fool to repeat. It would be closing the door on the most complete and true love that I could ever know.
But I have done that before. And all the while I have been well within reach of the most perfect reason to refrain...
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Po-ih-tree
I stand waiting
for a mug of green tea
to wrap my fingers around
But my fingers are wrapped
in black leather
for a mug of green tea
to wrap my fingers around
But my fingers are wrapped
in black leather
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Reunions
The last week has seemed very long. So much has happened.
There have been some separations, some new experiences (which gave rise to anxiety, relief and then uncertainty), but also new hope.
Among the hopeful things is the possible reunion of Palestorm.
I actually can't believe it. In but a few short months, I could be in a hall or bar somewhere listening to such amazing hits as Cut the Flame, Shattered Dreams, and Spy!
There have been some separations, some new experiences (which gave rise to anxiety, relief and then uncertainty), but also new hope.
Among the hopeful things is the possible reunion of Palestorm.
I actually can't believe it. In but a few short months, I could be in a hall or bar somewhere listening to such amazing hits as Cut the Flame, Shattered Dreams, and Spy!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
So... I'm not the first
As it turns out, I'm not the first to document Euphonically Ecstatic Events.
I suppose I never really thought to myself, "Oh man, this idea of 'Triple-E's' is so awesome. I bet no one has come up with it before." Indeed, I'm not so full of myself.
However, I am glad for the company. Especially such beautiful and talented company as Sarah Slean. The following is an excerpt from her website's "Vitamins" page, which lists literary works, songs and other such art that have a significant thought-provoking or emotional impact on her.
****
****
Such wonderful, stream-of-consciousness style prose. I love it. She is an incredible artist and a true treasure of the Canadian music industry.
I suppose I never really thought to myself, "Oh man, this idea of 'Triple-E's' is so awesome. I bet no one has come up with it before." Indeed, I'm not so full of myself.
However, I am glad for the company. Especially such beautiful and talented company as Sarah Slean. The following is an excerpt from her website's "Vitamins" page, which lists literary works, songs and other such art that have a significant thought-provoking or emotional impact on her.
****
Hot Fuss by The Killers
I lose my mind when this record comes on, all tracks (that never happens)...i can't NOT dance.....it can't be loud enough.....the most incredible rock climax I have ever heard in "Mr. Brightside"....story of a guy imagining his woman going home with her "other" date... "she's touching his chest now, he takes off her dress......it's killing me" OH! agony. pound pound pound the kick drum, his ex getting laid, his fist on the table near an endless glass of scotch....pound pound pound.....slean in a dance trance..... soo good. damn.
Such wonderful, stream-of-consciousness style prose. I love it. She is an incredible artist and a true treasure of the Canadian music industry.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Alone
This week has gone pretty much as I had expected. No phenomenal epiphanies or terrible tragedies... And nary a Triple-E to be heard. Well, I suppose there was one thing that was something like an epiphany. Maybe not an epiphany so much as a reminder?
My roommate has been going in to work an hour earlier than usual. So, when I get out of bed in the morning, I'm the only one in our little concrete box*. It feels really empty.
Winding my way about the place while getting ready for work and making breakfast, I find it strange to have no one around. Even though, thinking back to how the daily routine was when I lived with my family, the times that I did have someone around, I generally didn't talk all that much to them. I scarcely acknowledged their presence some days.
But either way, I still have had a taste of what it's like to be alone, even if just for a few minutes in the morning, in a quiet room high above the street. Only a taste, though.
Don't want to imagine what a mouthful of the stuff is like.
* It's actually a great little place. And if it is a little concrete box, it's at least a little concrete box with a view.
My roommate has been going in to work an hour earlier than usual. So, when I get out of bed in the morning, I'm the only one in our little concrete box*. It feels really empty.
Winding my way about the place while getting ready for work and making breakfast, I find it strange to have no one around. Even though, thinking back to how the daily routine was when I lived with my family, the times that I did have someone around, I generally didn't talk all that much to them. I scarcely acknowledged their presence some days.
But either way, I still have had a taste of what it's like to be alone, even if just for a few minutes in the morning, in a quiet room high above the street. Only a taste, though.
Don't want to imagine what a mouthful of the stuff is like.
* It's actually a great little place. And if it is a little concrete box, it's at least a little concrete box with a view.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Here I am!
So, there's been a lot that's happened over the last three weeks.
The first weekend of February I partied in Calgary, then I enjoyed the alpine snow by skiing for two amazing days in Banff. The following week I headed off to Ottawa to visit Jessica (a fabulous trip indeed!) and upon returning I decided to take the plunge and move in with my buddy Sean. The best part is that yesterday was my first day here and - coincidentally - yesterday was also the day we got our first noise complaint since I moved in. Glorious! Glorious indeed!
Now here I sit, eating Rockets candy, periodically looking past the computer screen to gaze at downtown Edmonton, all lit up over the river...
The first weekend of February I partied in Calgary, then I enjoyed the alpine snow by skiing for two amazing days in Banff. The following week I headed off to Ottawa to visit Jessica (a fabulous trip indeed!) and upon returning I decided to take the plunge and move in with my buddy Sean. The best part is that yesterday was my first day here and - coincidentally - yesterday was also the day we got our first noise complaint since I moved in. Glorious! Glorious indeed!
Now here I sit, eating Rockets candy, periodically looking past the computer screen to gaze at downtown Edmonton, all lit up over the river...
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
V-D Day
Ah, the fun of redundant initialisms.
Happy Valentine's Day everyone! This day isn't everyone's cup of tea, however, I'd like to share with you just what I mom thinks of it!
This morning, she opened the newspaper and saw that there were two flyers contained within it. She exclaimed, "That's it? Who wants to read about pizza on Valentine's Day?"
I'll let you make of that what you will!
Happy Valentine's Day everyone! This day isn't everyone's cup of tea, however, I'd like to share with you just what I mom thinks of it!
This morning, she opened the newspaper and saw that there were two flyers contained within it. She exclaimed, "That's it? Who wants to read about pizza on Valentine's Day?"
I'll let you make of that what you will!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Okay Man, What's the Deal?
According to a recent e-mail, which I sent to my friend Sean°, "I AM FULL OF VIGOUR AND RESOLVE!"
And in being full of such powerful things, I've decided to make a few decisions. Life-changing decisions. Or at least, the results of said decisions will be life-changing should I see the plan through.
You see, my trip to Ottawa* to visit Jessica^ gave me a grand new perspective on a lot of things. It gave me reason to place more value on certain things in my life, to emphasize the pursuit of these things more fervently. Indeed, this emphasis was previously misplaced.
So, here is the agenda:
French is awesome.
I need to stop saying I should learn it and just commence l'apprendre. This will require a great deal of patience, co-ordination, support and practice. I have not yet formulated a plan for it yet. But I will (see next item).
Organize.
Back when I was in university, planning was not a difficult thing. I had stuff to do. I had time in which to do it. 1+1 = 2. It seems that the two months I took off after school and prior to starting work did some serious damage to my time management skills. Streamline!
Reading.
Reading is something that I have always enjoyed and appreciated. The benefits are immense. However, in allowing myself to become rather reckless in planning my life (see previous item), I have found myself with little time to read.
Additionally, I will now be adding a hefty volume to the stack: The Holy Bible. I don't know it nearly as well as I should. I've barely cracked the spine in the one I've had since I was 12 years old.
It's time to change that.
Please and thank-you.
What the hell is that about? Did I forget how to use these words? The number of waitresses, airline attendants, and bartenders whom I left unthanked over the course of my trip was appalling.
And yes, this is a big deal! It's a slippery slope, my friends. If "please and thank-you" now, then I think that reluctance to commit grand theft auto will go later.
So it goes.
Updates on my progress in these departments shall be posted here on this blog in the future.
°you'd think I have no other friends. But no, I do, I swear I do!
*I have yet to chronicle this tale. It is a doozy. The post in which this story is contained will likely also contain the events of the 5 or 6 days prior. Or else, the post might just never be made. It depends on what I have time for.
^See! I told you so!
And in being full of such powerful things, I've decided to make a few decisions. Life-changing decisions. Or at least, the results of said decisions will be life-changing should I see the plan through.
You see, my trip to Ottawa* to visit Jessica^ gave me a grand new perspective on a lot of things. It gave me reason to place more value on certain things in my life, to emphasize the pursuit of these things more fervently. Indeed, this emphasis was previously misplaced.
So, here is the agenda:
French is awesome.
I need to stop saying I should learn it and just commence l'apprendre. This will require a great deal of patience, co-ordination, support and practice. I have not yet formulated a plan for it yet. But I will (see next item).
Organize.
Back when I was in university, planning was not a difficult thing. I had stuff to do. I had time in which to do it. 1+1 = 2. It seems that the two months I took off after school and prior to starting work did some serious damage to my time management skills. Streamline!
Reading.
Reading is something that I have always enjoyed and appreciated. The benefits are immense. However, in allowing myself to become rather reckless in planning my life (see previous item), I have found myself with little time to read.
Additionally, I will now be adding a hefty volume to the stack: The Holy Bible. I don't know it nearly as well as I should. I've barely cracked the spine in the one I've had since I was 12 years old.
It's time to change that.
Please and thank-you.
What the hell is that about? Did I forget how to use these words? The number of waitresses, airline attendants, and bartenders whom I left unthanked over the course of my trip was appalling.
And yes, this is a big deal! It's a slippery slope, my friends. If "please and thank-you" now, then I think that reluctance to commit grand theft auto will go later.
So it goes.
Updates on my progress in these departments shall be posted here on this blog in the future.
°you'd think I have no other friends. But no, I do, I swear I do!
*I have yet to chronicle this tale. It is a doozy. The post in which this story is contained will likely also contain the events of the 5 or 6 days prior. Or else, the post might just never be made. It depends on what I have time for.
^See! I told you so!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Post Length Advisory
Because I've been saving up all these blog-worthy ideas for quite some time, I expect that the next few entries will also be very voluminous, bloggy loads.
After all, I love Volume, and I love blogs...
After all, I love Volume, and I love blogs...
A Concert, a Long Wait and a Flight
Alright my friends! It has been long since I last made a post up in this maw and it has been even longer since I recounted any emotionally intense aural sensations!
This last week was incredibly insane as I will describe in a blog post at another time, but for now, I will say this:
Collective Soul kept me up late and caused me to be quite dazed throughout the following morning, during which I flew to Ottawa.
I will work in reverse chronological order!
A Flight!
Neil Young - Down By the River
Ah yes, Neil Young. While perusing the selection of digital music in the in-flight entertainment library aboard my flight, I came across practically nothing of any interest. Except, of course, for Neil Young's Greatest Hits. Neil is the hammer. That's all there is to it.
However, I don't know what it was that got me so into the song on this particular listen. But there I was, crammed in my seat despite the fact I had stowed most of my "prairie-winter-worthy" clothes in the overhead compartment, and I was letting every single note of that guitar solo sink into my skin.
On a Plane!
Matthew Good - Champions of Nothing
After a month and a half of not having seen her, I was only hours away from seeing Jessica again. I was past security in the airport, waiting to board my flight... The weight of all those weeks still holding me down. I think that the lyrics in this song will always haunt me when I hear them. At least, they will if I am paying attention.
When Hollywood runs out of Indians
Only the Indians will know
A kick in the head
Pass it around
Beggin' for a bed
Pass it around
As haunting as the lyrics are, though, I find that there is something triumphant about this song. I can't quite put my finger on it. There's just a sound to it that seems relentless, determined. The title is very fitting in that way.
The song ended. The boarding call was made. I did not drag my feet.
A Concert!
Collective Soul - Shine
I have wanted to see Collective Soul ever since I first heard the rockin' riffs of Gel on the radio. Their self-titled album was the first CD that I ever bought. I've since lost that CD, but in the time I had it, I listened to it enough to have remembered practically all of the lyrics to it. Along the way, I also heard a lot of their other stuff, though I sort of lost track of them after they released Seven Year Itch.
Having lost track of them, I had no idea that they were coming to town until a mere five days before their show. I hastily called up SFO and we procured tickets. It was an incredible show. They destroyed the place with their incredible energy, their smooth stage performance that only years in the business can bring. December, Gel, World I Know, Heavy, Why Pt. II... they were all there. But Shine didn't join them until the bitter-hammer end of the encore.
All I must say is this: Shine did exactly that. The Edmonton Event Centre shook as those Post-Grunge rockers pounded the place. It defies words. It really does.
This last week was incredibly insane as I will describe in a blog post at another time, but for now, I will say this:
Collective Soul kept me up late and caused me to be quite dazed throughout the following morning, during which I flew to Ottawa.
I will work in reverse chronological order!
A Flight!
Neil Young - Down By the River
Ah yes, Neil Young. While perusing the selection of digital music in the in-flight entertainment library aboard my flight, I came across practically nothing of any interest. Except, of course, for Neil Young's Greatest Hits. Neil is the hammer. That's all there is to it.
However, I don't know what it was that got me so into the song on this particular listen. But there I was, crammed in my seat despite the fact I had stowed most of my "prairie-winter-worthy" clothes in the overhead compartment, and I was letting every single note of that guitar solo sink into my skin.
On a Plane!
Matthew Good - Champions of Nothing
After a month and a half of not having seen her, I was only hours away from seeing Jessica again. I was past security in the airport, waiting to board my flight... The weight of all those weeks still holding me down. I think that the lyrics in this song will always haunt me when I hear them. At least, they will if I am paying attention.
When Hollywood runs out of Indians
Only the Indians will know
A kick in the head
Pass it around
Beggin' for a bed
Pass it around
As haunting as the lyrics are, though, I find that there is something triumphant about this song. I can't quite put my finger on it. There's just a sound to it that seems relentless, determined. The title is very fitting in that way.
The song ended. The boarding call was made. I did not drag my feet.
A Concert!
Collective Soul - Shine
I have wanted to see Collective Soul ever since I first heard the rockin' riffs of Gel on the radio. Their self-titled album was the first CD that I ever bought. I've since lost that CD, but in the time I had it, I listened to it enough to have remembered practically all of the lyrics to it. Along the way, I also heard a lot of their other stuff, though I sort of lost track of them after they released Seven Year Itch.
Having lost track of them, I had no idea that they were coming to town until a mere five days before their show. I hastily called up SFO and we procured tickets. It was an incredible show. They destroyed the place with their incredible energy, their smooth stage performance that only years in the business can bring. December, Gel, World I Know, Heavy, Why Pt. II... they were all there. But Shine didn't join them until the bitter-hammer end of the encore.
All I must say is this: Shine did exactly that. The Edmonton Event Centre shook as those Post-Grunge rockers pounded the place. It defies words. It really does.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Juno
Under my sister's recommendation, I made my way out to the cinema last night to watch Juno. Also, over the last week, the movie was the subject of a great deal of hype given that there were a number of Canadian actors starring in it. Its Academy Award Nomination for best picture also gave it a little bit of visibility.
IRREGARDLESS.
I was amazed. The film was incredible. I was totally shocked, completely miserable, anxious, and overjoyed right there along with dear Juno MacGuff and Vanessa Loring: I was drawn in by the characters from the get-go and was soon inundated by overwhelming pangs of compassion.
That means I cried. It was absolutely beautiful.
IRREGARDLESS.
I was amazed. The film was incredible. I was totally shocked, completely miserable, anxious, and overjoyed right there along with dear Juno MacGuff and Vanessa Loring: I was drawn in by the characters from the get-go and was soon inundated by overwhelming pangs of compassion.
That means I cried. It was absolutely beautiful.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
A Controversial Ass! Of Fame!
Given the time I've thought about it I've come to the conclusion that I disagree with this.
There is no good reason for it. Any reason that there is for it is the product of a society that has people think themselves far more powerful than they actually should be. A society that makes us all slaves of good times, nice things and our own "better judgment".
However, I feel that the shame is not so often in the woman. I'm sure that most women who decide to have an abortion feel that they have no other choice - that they are trapped. I'm sure that many of the women felt that they had no choice in being put into the situation in which they were asked to decide.
A woman does not deserve to be put in such a position. The shame, therefore, lies with society. A truly loving society would not allow or do something that would foreseeably require a woman to decide whether or not to destroy a life in such a way.
But ideals are hard to manufacture into reality. And still, women deserve better from us all.
"There's one more kid
That'll never go to school
Never get to fall in love
Never get to be cool."
--Rockin' in the Free World by Neil Young
There is no good reason for it. Any reason that there is for it is the product of a society that has people think themselves far more powerful than they actually should be. A society that makes us all slaves of good times, nice things and our own "better judgment".
However, I feel that the shame is not so often in the woman. I'm sure that most women who decide to have an abortion feel that they have no other choice - that they are trapped. I'm sure that many of the women felt that they had no choice in being put into the situation in which they were asked to decide.
A woman does not deserve to be put in such a position. The shame, therefore, lies with society. A truly loving society would not allow or do something that would foreseeably require a woman to decide whether or not to destroy a life in such a way.
But ideals are hard to manufacture into reality. And still, women deserve better from us all.
"There's one more kid
That'll never go to school
Never get to fall in love
Never get to be cool."
--Rockin' in the Free World by Neil Young
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Sex and Politics
SEX
This is probably the most sexually-charged commercial that I've seen in a long time. I'd call this a Triple-E, but it doesn't have a lot to do with the music: that glance is gold.
POLITICS
It's about time someone did this. I figure it's just a matter of time before they find out the whole thing was just a sham.
This is probably the most sexually-charged commercial that I've seen in a long time. I'd call this a Triple-E, but it doesn't have a lot to do with the music: that glance is gold.
POLITICS
It's about time someone did this. I figure it's just a matter of time before they find out the whole thing was just a sham.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Fly SFO - Gateway to good times!
If there is one thing in this world that can never be considered over-rated, it is a weekend in Jasper National Park.
This past Friday, Sean and I hopped in the ol' Cårefjallen and burned it down the 16 to the glorious treasure trove of alpine majesty.
We checked into our hostel and shortly thereafter found ourselves playing drinking games with a Dutchman and a German. Skiing the next day was a bit of a challenge, but Sean and I rose to it. Blasting down the powdery slopes, which were not yet skied-off even though the last big snow was almost a week before, we each ripped up new territory. Sean had never been there before, and I took him down some runs that I'd not done yet, either.
The day was capped off with a bit of a nap and then a rampage through Jasper, culminating at a nightclub where I ran into one of my cousins and her cousin. Our German friend had come along with us and went on to basically annihilate himself with birthday drinks which were purchased for him. Even though he had to be up at 7 am to catch a tour bus, he still slugged it out like a champion.
The next morning I awoke in my cousin's hotel room. Despite what you may think, Sean and I skipped out on skiing the next day not because of hangovers - as we had none - but because my knee was showing signs of weakness and wobble from dancing and skiing the day before. We decided not to risk it and so we took it easy by doing something that would have been considered quite romantic if either Sean or I were born a lady: we went skating at Jasper Park Lodge.
Then, at about 1 0'clock in the afternoon, Sean and I bid adieu to fair Jasper and made the trek back to Edmonton. It was an incredible weekend - much of which I cannot do justice on this blog for it requires animated gestures and an emotive voice.
But there you have it.
By the way, no goat licks were harmed during this weekend.
Goat Lick!
This past Friday, Sean and I hopped in the ol' Cårefjallen and burned it down the 16 to the glorious treasure trove of alpine majesty.
We checked into our hostel and shortly thereafter found ourselves playing drinking games with a Dutchman and a German. Skiing the next day was a bit of a challenge, but Sean and I rose to it. Blasting down the powdery slopes, which were not yet skied-off even though the last big snow was almost a week before, we each ripped up new territory. Sean had never been there before, and I took him down some runs that I'd not done yet, either.
The day was capped off with a bit of a nap and then a rampage through Jasper, culminating at a nightclub where I ran into one of my cousins and her cousin. Our German friend had come along with us and went on to basically annihilate himself with birthday drinks which were purchased for him. Even though he had to be up at 7 am to catch a tour bus, he still slugged it out like a champion.
The next morning I awoke in my cousin's hotel room. Despite what you may think, Sean and I skipped out on skiing the next day not because of hangovers - as we had none - but because my knee was showing signs of weakness and wobble from dancing and skiing the day before. We decided not to risk it and so we took it easy by doing something that would have been considered quite romantic if either Sean or I were born a lady: we went skating at Jasper Park Lodge.
Then, at about 1 0'clock in the afternoon, Sean and I bid adieu to fair Jasper and made the trek back to Edmonton. It was an incredible weekend - much of which I cannot do justice on this blog for it requires animated gestures and an emotive voice.
But there you have it.
By the way, no goat licks were harmed during this weekend.
Goat Lick!
Back from the Dead
--This was written months ago in the summer of 2007. I was totally blown away by this place.--
So, here I am in Galore Creek. It’s a very remote place. I traveled here by way of a flight from Edmonton to Vancouver, after which I transferred to a flight which left Vancouver for Smithers and then Bob Quinn Lake. Upon arriving at Bob Quinn, I jumped a shuttle to an encampment from which I rode a helicopter that stopped in two other camps before finally touching down in the one that I would be staying at: Galore Creek Camp.
It’s quite amazing really, the amount of money that is being poured into this operation. How much it must cost to buy food for all of the people in the camp, give them all TVs, give them each their separate rooms. And the helicopters are pricey too. One of them up here (the largest in the world, I’m told) burns 3,000 L of fuel per hour. Insane.
The weather is quite predictable. It’s been cloudy since I arrived here. I personally do not know how they got the satellite photo of this area as shown on Google Earth, but they must have been waiting forever to let the skies clear up.
However, the rain here is sort of strange. I don’t know if it was just how the rain was today, or if it is this way all the time. Regardless, the rain today was very persistent and quite a lot of water was coming down, but it was in very, fine drops. Not quite like mist, but fine enough that you couldn’t really hear them or feel them as they struck your clothing. At one point, I couldn’t tell if it was raining or not anymore so I took out my hand from my glove to feel for it. It was indeed still raining.
Now, at this point I began to let my mind wander a bit. Don’t tell it to the Safety guys around here, but for this moment, I was not thinking about safety at all. As I stood there, hand held in front of my face, I noticed the sheer absurdity of the situation. Yes, this was my hand. Yes, it was raining. But the fact that both my hand and this rain were happening at Galore Creek all of a sudden struck me as very odd. Extremely odd. I wanted answers.
Sure enough, I found one. On that very hand I was wearing my Iron Ring. I had not noticed it all day, but now there it was, talking to me. I lifted my eyes from the ring and looked at the landscape. Glaciers, hundred-year-old snowpack, mountains, thick forests, a drilling rig.
They always said that Engineering would take you somewhere. They always said that it would take you far. And if you wanted it to, it could take you farther than you had ever imagined.
I suppose that they were always right.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Total - a Responsible Company
Earlier this week I read an article about Total - a Paris-based oil company - and how they are more socially-responsible compared to the "homegrown" Alberta oilsands developers. Being based in Europe, they are supposedly more experienced with and more accustomed to dealing with environmental and social issues in an ethical manner, as well as giving back to the community.
Then, just today I found a piece of news about the same company, but showing a very different face of it. In 1999, a tanker chartered by Total sank and released 20,000 L of fuel into the Bay of Biscay. Total was just today found to be a guilty party in this event.
Now, not being well-versed in international and/or French dangerous goods, transportation or environmental legislation, it may very well be that Total has a case for an appeal.
However, this is a chance for them to show just what kind of a company they really are. Their reaction to the court's decision to convict them could reveal if they are the friendly, arts-and-culture, socially-responsible entity depicted in the first article. Or else, if the decision is received grudgingly, appeals drawn out for the sake of "saving face*", or cleanup efforts for which Total is responsible are carried out at an unnecessarily slow pace...
Well, then they'd just be like everyone else, right?
*- This would be an interesting topic for a graduate student in sociology or industrial ecology: What is the net effect on the "value of a company" due to blame for, and the results of legal proceedings stemming from, environmental disasters? IE: Is there a point to drawing out appeals when the fine you'd have to pay is a drop in the bucket anyway and the damage to your reputation is likely already done by an impatient and unforgiving media?
Then, just today I found a piece of news about the same company, but showing a very different face of it. In 1999, a tanker chartered by Total sank and released 20,000 L of fuel into the Bay of Biscay. Total was just today found to be a guilty party in this event.
Now, not being well-versed in international and/or French dangerous goods, transportation or environmental legislation, it may very well be that Total has a case for an appeal.
However, this is a chance for them to show just what kind of a company they really are. Their reaction to the court's decision to convict them could reveal if they are the friendly, arts-and-culture, socially-responsible entity depicted in the first article. Or else, if the decision is received grudgingly, appeals drawn out for the sake of "saving face*", or cleanup efforts for which Total is responsible are carried out at an unnecessarily slow pace...
Well, then they'd just be like everyone else, right?
*- This would be an interesting topic for a graduate student in sociology or industrial ecology: What is the net effect on the "value of a company" due to blame for, and the results of legal proceedings stemming from, environmental disasters? IE: Is there a point to drawing out appeals when the fine you'd have to pay is a drop in the bucket anyway and the damage to your reputation is likely already done by an impatient and unforgiving media?
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Little Revelations
Today I decided to try to take things slowly and open my mind to appreciate and/or notice some little things that I might not have truly appreciated or noticed in the past.
Bonus points for things that have been staring me in the face for a sufficiently long period of time that I really should have noticed and/or appreciated them.
Stuff I learned to appreciate!
*pedophilia, drug dealing, stalking... etc.
Bonus points for things that have been staring me in the face for a sufficiently long period of time that I really should have noticed and/or appreciated them.
Stuff I learned to appreciate!
- Fleece-lined jeans. These are dandy for field work, even if they aren't the most stylish in denim leg-coverings.
- Edmonton as a concert-going city. Apparently, even up against super-venues in much-more-massive cities, Rexall Place still cracks the top 15 for concert attendance.
- On my route home from work I discovered that there is a strip club only a couple blocks from the office. No, I don't think that the club just recently opened.
- If you drive a full-size van (an Econoline, for example) and you insist on driving after dark without your headlights on, you immediately become suspected of being involved in some sort of shady pastime*. No, I was not the driver of said van. Nor was that van on its way to the aforementioned strip club.
*pedophilia, drug dealing, stalking... etc.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Nineteen Eighty-four
I recently finished reading what is quite possibly the greatest book that I've read up to this point in my life. Orson Welles' Nineteen Eighty-Four was spectacular. The thing I found most remarkable is how so many other things that I've recently taken in have somehow synergized with the message in that story. It's given me pause to think a little bit longer about an awful lot of stuff that I read and watch and hear...
After having finished reading Nineteen Eighty-four, one of the things which seems to have had an amplified impact on me is the song "God Bless the Canadian Housewife" by SheDaisy.
Just before the end of Part II of the story, the protagonist, Winston, is looking out his window at a woman who is described as being "a metre across", her skin roughened by years of household work and child-rearing. She pins clothes up to dry as she hums a pleasant tune over and over again... She does not have a conventional "prettiness" about her.
And yet Winston remarks that she is beautiful. Indeed, his reason for finding her beautiful is likely because he feels that she has a bit of freedom that he cannot have. She is below the suspicions of the Party, yet somehow above being oppressed. But in her freedom, she chooses to - I can imagine - live a life of love, caring for her children. Indeed, in love there is a very intense sort of freedom.
Now, I had just finished the book, and the images in this scene were still freshly rolling about in my noggin when "God Bless the Canadian Housewife" came positively pouring out of the speakers in our car.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is the latest Triple-E. The vocals in "God Bless the Canadian Housewife" are nothing short of heavenly, and the lyrics, while tongue-in-cheek, strike me sharply. How beautiful it truly is to be a housewife. The elegance in organization, the grace in balance, the wonder in compassion... It is amazing.
God Bless the Canadian Housewife
How she does it all I'll never know
And yet, beneath this admiration for women who would be considered housewives, I cannot help but feel that there is something more to my admiration of the song. Something more deeply moving that I cannot quite comprehend or verbalize.
Regardless, the song is fantastic!
After having finished reading Nineteen Eighty-four, one of the things which seems to have had an amplified impact on me is the song "God Bless the Canadian Housewife" by SheDaisy.
Just before the end of Part II of the story, the protagonist, Winston, is looking out his window at a woman who is described as being "a metre across", her skin roughened by years of household work and child-rearing. She pins clothes up to dry as she hums a pleasant tune over and over again... She does not have a conventional "prettiness" about her.
And yet Winston remarks that she is beautiful. Indeed, his reason for finding her beautiful is likely because he feels that she has a bit of freedom that he cannot have. She is below the suspicions of the Party, yet somehow above being oppressed. But in her freedom, she chooses to - I can imagine - live a life of love, caring for her children. Indeed, in love there is a very intense sort of freedom.
Now, I had just finished the book, and the images in this scene were still freshly rolling about in my noggin when "God Bless the Canadian Housewife" came positively pouring out of the speakers in our car.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is the latest Triple-E. The vocals in "God Bless the Canadian Housewife" are nothing short of heavenly, and the lyrics, while tongue-in-cheek, strike me sharply. How beautiful it truly is to be a housewife. The elegance in organization, the grace in balance, the wonder in compassion... It is amazing.
God Bless the Canadian Housewife
How she does it all I'll never know
And yet, beneath this admiration for women who would be considered housewives, I cannot help but feel that there is something more to my admiration of the song. Something more deeply moving that I cannot quite comprehend or verbalize.
Regardless, the song is fantastic!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Chicken Soup for the Sidewalk
Arriving home from a night of dancing and tomfoolery, I parked my car along the side of my house.
As I walked to the front door, I saw sheets of paper strewn about the street and our driveway. At first, I thought it must have been a collection of pamphlets that a canvasser dropped as they made their rounds in the neighbourhood. Upon closer inspection, I found that the papers were all numbered - these were pages from a book.
Chicken Soup for the Soul, in fact.
I wonder what would have caused a person to destroy such a book... Or, if jumping to the conclusion that the book must have been destroyed is too romantic, how these misplaced pages fell from the book and ended up all over the neighbourhood.
A mystery this shall be!
As I walked to the front door, I saw sheets of paper strewn about the street and our driveway. At first, I thought it must have been a collection of pamphlets that a canvasser dropped as they made their rounds in the neighbourhood. Upon closer inspection, I found that the papers were all numbered - these were pages from a book.
Chicken Soup for the Soul, in fact.
I wonder what would have caused a person to destroy such a book... Or, if jumping to the conclusion that the book must have been destroyed is too romantic, how these misplaced pages fell from the book and ended up all over the neighbourhood.
A mystery this shall be!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Stimulus - Response
As it turns out, my last post was far too angst-ridden to be taken seriously.
I will do my best to turn this around. I think the best way to accomplish such a goal will be to post a link to something hilarious.
Enjoyment!
I will do my best to turn this around. I think the best way to accomplish such a goal will be to post a link to something hilarious.
Enjoyment!
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