heyafriends

Travel blog.

2008-09-07T15:29:00.001-07:00

http://markdownsouth.blogspot.com/

For those who read this blog, I am starting a new one! Mostly you- you know who you are! :-)

Taking advantage of Summer

2008-08-04T06:09:00.000-07:00

I think I have taken advantage of the summer in more diversae ways this year than before. ANother list of some of the things I have done

- Camping twice
-Toronto twice
-winnipeg once
-Nashville
-2 weddings
-Bluesfest
-Chamber music fest
-Jazzfest
-Busker fest
-Chamber music fest
-Bike Rides
-Lansdowne Market
-Many patios

Camping Adirondacks

2008-07-31T06:14:00.000-07:00

HIghlights

-Busch beer
-Flooding tents
-Chasms
-Having propane to cook with
-very cool but short hike, with 1100 feet elevation change.
-missign the turn off to duty free
- Not being able to swim
-Katy *swimming * anyway
- chilling by the dock

Nashville

2008-07-30T15:08:00.000-07:00

Highlights

Nashville- Babershop Harmony Society International Championships.
- First being in Chicago for 2 days with the parental units. Great town, great pizza, lots of walking. Museum of Science and industry was cool.
-went to the the wrong hotel in Chicago first, oops, found the other one.
-Seeing crazy car culture first hand in Merrilleville, Illinois. (20 minute walk....really, took us 4 minutes)
-Indianapolis, state legislature. Speedway (HUGE), just strolling a beautiful downtown.
- Honkey tonk bars everywhere in Nashville
- Craziest fireworks ever on July 4th
- Grand ol Opry
- The actual compettion was amazing. To perform in front of 9000 people was an extraordinary feeling! We sung well, but placed low. no worries.
-watching the rest of the competition was great, some amazing acts.
- Just haning out with the rents was a lot of fun.
- Getting kicked out of a bar because my mom didnt have ID.
-

First Camping '08

2008-06-15T11:20:00.000-07:00

The First camping excursion of the year is over. It was awesome. Went down to Murphy's point which is an hour and a half southwest of Ottawa and is quite beautiful.
HIghlights include.

- Awesome rendition of Bohemium Rhapsody by queen in the carride up
-Swimming twice saturday.
-The silent hug line......do not ask.
-Wildlife spottings: Deer, hawk, snakes,
-AMAZING food.
-Great company
-Hammock
-Friday night hilarity playing poker.

Books

2008-06-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

I have been firing through books recently: Here are some short reviews reviews on some of these books

Sex, drugs, and cocoa puffs- Chuck Klosterman: Hilarious pop culture book exploring various subjects as cover bands, pornography, and everyhting in between. The critique I have is I am not old enough to understand many of the references he makes or some of the bands or TV shows that he refers to.

The Third Secret- Steve Berry: Dan Brown style novel with religious secrets and religious theory. This particular one talks about apparitions of Mary and the effect they could have on the church and the next conclave. Very good, page turner, not as much action as another of his books (the Alexandria link) but it explores the characters and relationships in more detail. Not high literature by any means, but very good and entertaining and does give some information and stuff to think about and chew on.

Various books by Clive Cussler: Action books all the way. Plots are not super well developed but workable, main character almost dies several times but survives, usually based on legends and theories (much like an Indiana Jones movie is). Basically, it moves quick, there is almost nothing to think about or chew on ( except you might want to research the legend they talk about on wikipedia afterwards) and there are impossible action scenes every few pages. You really have to be in the mood to read this type of book and like mindless action, but if you like these things, then totally awesome. I have read 3 or 4 by him now and am taking the break, because although they have different themes, they all end up having very similar plots and scenes.

The Paradox of Choice: why less is More- Barry Schwartz . Neat book arguing how the abundance of choice in our lives is actually detrimental to our happiness. It includes strategies on how to avoid choices, and make choices easier and such. For me, it was an interesting book, but not overly helpful, as many of the problems he outlines did not apply to me. I certainly see people everyday that could use his strategies and that was interesting to me as well. Either way though, it is a very interesting book that argues compellingly that these wonderful choices we have to make our lives better sometimes have the opposite effect.

The Night Watch- by Sergei Lukyanenko : This is the first vampire-ish book I have ever read and devoured it very quickly. I say Vampire-ish because it is mostly about the Others and vampires are only one part of the others. It is about one character who is on the night watch- which is an orginization charged with making sure the dark others (Vampires included) do not break any laws of the twilight. It is translated from Russian, which at some points is obvious with the choices of words and turns of phrases used. Sometimes because of this and because of plot developmenet issues, it is a little slow going, but the author more than makes up for it with neat storylines, and an awesome main character who you grow to empathize with throughtout the different stories.

wow: long post. This is not all I have been reading either. I have aread a couple of mystery novels, read the tipping point and a book called Pro Logo, in response to Naomi Klein's No Logo. Myabe I will talk about them soon

Flying Fun

2008-05-24T06:08:00.000-07:00

So my luck on flights continues and I still love flying, but dislike Air Canada.

here it is in a nutshell.

1- Plane in Ottawa has engine problems, grounded
2- Get on next flight to Montreal, told that I will make my connection without any problems.
3-Arrive in MOntreal with 20 minutes before my flight to winnipeg.
4- Rush over to my gate which is a fair jaunt, arrive with 15 minutes to spare.
5- Greeted by very confused AC staff.
6- Told that they did not expect me in Montreal until the next flight and so had the winnipeg flight leave early
That is right folks, an Air Canada flight left EARLY! and I was supposed to be on it..........bad service once again although at least this time, I got a hotel room, meal paid for, and executive class the next morning.

How to make flying easier.

2008-04-28T08:35:00.000-07:00

Flying is considered a hassle, boring, etc etc etc. I personally love flying, even given my bad luck. Here is how I make flying easier.

1- Check in On-line 24 hours before the flight. Easy to do and saves some time at the airport, especially if you have no checked baggage.
2- put everything in my carry on (wallet, change) so that I do not have to fish around in my pockets to get it out at security
3- walk around the terminal waiting for your plane instead of sitting. It seems less boring and also tires you out for the long sit down you are about to have.
4- Go to the washroom right before boarding (even if you don't have to). I usually wait for the pre-boarding announcement, and then go.
5- Learn to pack light.
6-small travel pillows make sleeping easier.
7- Pack a small snack or lunch, airline food is expensive and not very good.

Oil Prices

2008-04-27T16:57:00.000-07:00

I may be the only one in the world to think this but.....rising oil prices short term are good long term. Why you may ask. Well here it goes.

1- Investment in alternative fuel sources such as hydrogen fuel cells (and as Ford is attempting, modified combustion engines that are much cheaper but 95-99% emissions free)
2-Actual change in consumer behavior (reaching the point where gas and oil may become elastic)
3-Helping the environment may actually save companies money and money is one of the only things that talks.
4- Alberta can think about sustainable development
5- Canada, if we do it right, is decently positioned to become a leader in environment as well as alternative fuel sources. Some analysts say that Canada could avoid a US style recession just by pumping money into environmental R&D. Doubtful that it will happen anytime soon, but it is still a potential.

budget predictions.

2008-02-26T18:05:00.001-08:00

The big one was correct, no election coming up for awhile. That makes me happy. I do not want an election called until at least may 20th.

Budget 2008

2008-02-26T05:24:00.001-08:00

Predictions:

Very modest with a couple nuggets of spending (probably environment) to keep the electorate happy.
Re-announcing the tax cuts (boring)
Re-announicng how mucht he debt will be paid by this year(boring)
Liberals will denounce the budget but say there is not enough in it to merit an election.

Let's wait and see.

On the envrionment- List

2008-02-20T05:56:00.000-08:00

Tax gas through the nose. Put extra money into public transportation.
Offer huge incentives to car companies to develop hydrogen technology.
Pour money into the development of carbon capturing materials.
Ban plastic bags in stores.
Push ahead the date to convert all lightbulbs to fluorescant.
DO not participate in carbon credit trading......it wastes money that could be spent on actually reducing it.
Encourage the develop^ment of bicycle paths in all cities.
Look into the London method of charging people to drive downtown.

rules to try and live by everyday

2008-02-17T06:44:00.001-08:00

1. Do something for someone else
2. Do Something for yourself
3. Do something I don't want to do that needs doing.
4. Do a physical Exercise
5. Do a mental exercise
6. DO a reflection of the things going good in your life- count your blessings

I try but sometimes forget.

Well it has been a year.

2008-02-16T16:26:00.000-08:00

And I choose now to repost, I feel I have a lot to say and know I will not keep a handwritten journal, so here it is.

I will start with some fluff.

February 14th, 2008, a very cool day in my life. I had the opportunity to sing with my quartet, Motivation and deliver singing valentines to unsuspecting recipients. It was truly a blast with many highlights including:
- Singing to a prof in class in front of her students.
-Getting entire offices to come out and see their colleagues getting embarrassed.
- Singing to a group of 30 or so seniors at the metropolitan Bible church.
- Singing at the Bistro 115 restaurant and getting all the tables involved and excited about it.
- Surprising a few friends of the choir in hospitals with songs and large novelty cards.
-Opening up the 6 o'clock news.

These are just a few of the many highlights of the day.

Moments of Importance.

2007-02-11T10:53:00.000-08:00

Have you ever looked back on moments of your life that were seemingly unimportant only to realize they shape your life in a monumental way. Early November 2004 holds one of those moments for me.

I was early for class. I had about 20 minutes and so I took the time to walk into the Career services centre just to see what kind of summer jobs were opening up. I stumbled upon a job posting for Parliamentary guide and thought "what the heck". I had no guiding experience, I had no experience with children, I sort of spoke french. It seemed like a long shot but worth the experience of applying. Two and a Half years later, that short stop has moved me to Ottawa with a supervisory position at parliament, and I will probably stay here for awhile. So showing up 20 minutes early to class has Moved me to Ottawa. Crazy.

Resolution

2007-01-03T10:41:00.000-08:00

No New Years resolution per se this year although I have made a Life list recently and have an informal goal of knocking off 5 of those things this year. Which ones? who knows but hopefully i can make it happen. here is a sample of some of the things on the list. This is a small sample of what I have come up with already. woot woot.

Skydiving License
See a CFL game in Every CFL city
Learn CPR
Scuba Lessons
winnipeg
get my CFP
Scuba the Great Barrier Reef
Edmonton
Learn a 3rd language
Learn to Snowboard
Ottawa
Take a soup cooking course

Year in Review

2006-12-30T10:32:00.000-08:00

So I thought I would just post a quick list of what has happened this year...after reflection..it has been one heck of a busy year.

Last term of school
Spring break trip to Ottawa
Recording Multiplayer Madness
graduation
month long road trip to California
Vegas in June witht he Fam
Tour guiding in Ottawa in july august living at the hockey house
Moving back to winnipeg in September for a month
Getting a job in Ottawa in Ocotbr and moving back
Living with friends for October, Sublet for november and apartment in december.
Back to winnipeg for a few days at christmas

Fun Year!!!

Also had time to take a trip to montreal, Go to delta marsh twice(once to band some owls), release Multiplayer madness with Ten Too Many among mnay many fun things!!

Hopefully this year will be as exciting!

Odds and Odds

2006-11-17T12:46:00.000-08:00

No actually things are going uber well over here. Moving in the next few weeks into a new apartment so that will be fun times for sure especially as my roomate will be none other than Marina! exciting.

I went to Montreal last weekend. A very very cool city indeed! THe metro is great, I went to see some football and then in the same day some IMprov, drank some beers and watched movies with friends. A successful weekend indeed

I saw 2001: A space Odyssey and I must say that movie is not awesome. SO boring. I suppose the effects were great for its time, but yikes! At least I can now better understand many many cultural references from that movie.

We are getting record amounts of rain here- but at least it was 16 degrees yesterday!

Transit San Fran story

2006-11-02T15:52:00.000-08:00

I know its been ages since I went to Sanfran but I have told this story a few times and have been asked to repeat it so i will write it on here.

So Alex and I were on a bus heading back to our hostel one afternoon and we were near the back of the bus on the sideways faceing seat. Across from us were 2 drunk-high-crazy men who smelt like alcohol and were chattering away. One guy decides to start talking to us and telling us how jail was no fun and we should stay out of it. While he is doing this , his friend start to punch himself in the head violently. The other guy (the one talking to us) proceeds to grab the face-puchers neck and calm him down....at first it looked very humane and thoughtful of him...until he then slammed the guys head into one of the metal bars that busses often have..really really hard. We are talking concussion hard. The other guy didnt seem to mind too much and just didnt say anything else for the rest of the trip.....but its not over yet

On the forward facing seat closest to us was a lady who had a very nice purse. Shortly after the head banging event, she started asking people on the bus how much she should charge for the purse she had just stolen.....

That is when we got off the bus

Random Tourist Encounter

2006-10-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

So today at parliament we had a fire alarm which meant we all had to assemble outside and that hundreds of people who do not have security clearance needed to go back through security to enter the building, clogging the entrance for a long time.

I was outside directing traffic and telling people the situation when an elderly couple cam eup and asked to enter and asked if they could see the library. Well on top of the fact that there was now a huge line-up which was preventing them from entering the building, there was also an event in the library that would have prevented them from going in so I politely said no and gave them the options that were open to them. The wife yelled about how they were told today they could go in and the man proceeded to grab my tie, pull it out of my suit and tell me that now my tie was crooked.

Par for the course at parliament
I love it

Here goes Nothing!

2006-10-06T10:26:00.000-07:00

So I got a job, A 3 month term at parliament in Ottawa! Could be extended eventually but 3 months to start. I am moving next wednesday, living with a friend for a few weeks until I can find a place, hopefully in november.

I am super nervous about it, starting new and all but I am pumped. I actually love teh feeling of being nervous. It's exhilerating for me.

There is lots to do before I go iuncluding seeing all of my friends and saying goodbye. I will miss you all soooo much but we will keep in toch. I suck at emailin gbut hopefully can get better! (goal:get better at emailing)

Also as soon as I get a place, there is open invititation to come visit, montreal is close, Ottawa is cool,. come say hi!

Cheers

Thing Happen

2006-10-03T12:29:00.000-07:00

I love days when things just happen!!!
Today Is one of those days..more on that later!

Waiting

2006-09-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

I used to think I was a patient person and I am for the most part. But I am waiting on soooo many things right now in and maybe its because I am also bored that it is making it worse! ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh

I am waiting for Paychecks
I am waiting for prospective employers to get back to me
I am waiting for autotrader to get back to me
I waited for 4 days to get my car back when it should have been 2
wait wait wait wait wait- there are other things i just don't want to list haha

What are you waiting for?

Life List

2006-09-24T17:31:00.000-07:00

I have pu toff making my life list for awhile. I forgot abou tit, was lazy, all sorts of bad reasons. So i am trying to make an effort to put 5 things on my life list for the next 10 days. which will bring me to 50- a great start! So hopefulyl I will actually get it done this time. I decided this today after reflecting on some of teh cool things I have done in my life and thought of cool things I want to do!!!!

More Movies to add

2006-09-20T17:20:00.000-07:00

Oh I also saw Click And Gridiron Gang!

I love football movies so gridiron gang was great. Not a great movie, but great for me! I have yet to find a football movie I did not enjoy.

Click was cheesy. A good one to see at teh cheapo theatres.

Movies Galore

2006-09-16T10:40:00.000-07:00

So over the past week I have seen 3 movies. Crank, Protector and Invincible.

The best of the three for me was the Protector. Hilariously crazy with great lines and amazing fight scenes (some almost Kill Bill esque). The best Line was "You killed my Father, And stole My elephants". Heh if that is not enough to go see it, i don't know what is.

Invincible was a good cheesy football movie. If you like football movies, this is a good one. Good football action and a good feel good story,. If you do not like sports movies, don't go see this one it is not any different than any others.

Crank is just a nutty action film. If you want to see people die and things explode and hands being cut off, see it, if not, Don't.

Hockey House

2006-09-09T12:46:00.000-07:00

So, I haven't written here in awhile......
As My first post in awhile, let me explain the house I have lived in the past 2 months.
This house was the French Hockey House, pretty self explanitory, French people that play hockey.

Now this turned out to be an interesting experience to say the least.
Firstly, it was a sty. to the extreme!!!! I mean, Flies everywhere, you wore your shoes all the time because you were not sure whether the floor has EVER been cleaned. They had a mop, the mop was dirtier than the floor. There was always a funky smell for various reasons (rotten potatoes being one of them).

Also a few of the roomates enjoyed the drink, maybe too much. Thursday nights were the night out for them to this dingy dance bar in the Market. The Cabin. Well without fail, thursday about 2 30 , drunk people (sometimes my roomates, sometimes not) would stumble home and cause some sort of scene.

One story of note is one morning at 4 am, a girl walks into my room scantily clad and asks for Mathieu..after much debate she realizes I am not Mathieu (by the way-no Mathieu lives in the house) and leaves. Craziness

Sometimes I would find random people sleeping on the couch. They might have been friends of roomates, or maybe not. Apparently there was a period of time where there was a homeless person that slept there regularly (the door is NEVER locked-i'm not sure there are keys for it)

It was also a revolving door of girls- especially for one of the roomates. A funny story was when 2 of his GF's showed up at the same time. UGLY!

More to come later perhaps-

well i am Back

2006-06-12T12:08:00.000-07:00

i am back from Trips galore!!
I will post pictures tonight hopefully and now I really need a job... eeeeeeeeeeee.

Cali Bound

2006-05-01T15:30:00.000-07:00

Off to Cali tomorrow-- WOOOOOOT

SO i shall talk to you all soon
Have the best 3 weeks of your life

Lots to say

2006-04-29T12:59:00.000-07:00

school. It's done. As long as I pass all of my courses which shouldnt be a problem. WHat do I think about this. Unfortunately when exams were wrapping up I had my mind on other things and didnt celebrate it and haven't as of yet celebrated it very much. It's an ending and a beginning, and I'm scared of what is to come. 5 very tough years have gone into schooling, including my first career change from Actuarial To finance and marketing. I have learned a lot, more than any class can teach about myself and about the world. I have made friends I will never forget and lost touch with friends on the way but I will not forget any of the people who have shaped who I am today.
I have made mistakes and I have learned from some of them, hopefully most of them and others I will surely make again.
I have been able to try new things and exit my comfort zone by taking jobs I may not have seen myself doing 5 years ago such as painting or tour guiding, or even loan sharking.
I have to think that I have com eout of these 5 years a better, stronger person with more to contribute....but infenitely more to learn.
May I live My life to its fullest with the influence of all those who have made me who I am.

Clicky Shoes

2006-04-08T10:47:00.002-07:00

Laurent Always knew how to make an entrance, and his shoes with the wooden soles were noi exception, You always knew when laurent was walking down the hall towards the lounge.
The funniest thing would be when other people were wearing his shoes, It was very confusing.

Pac man

2006-04-06T21:25:00.000-07:00

Language

2006-04-06T20:52:00.000-07:00

Laurent had a way with words, and a way with making up words. He was a very elegant speaker who always knew what to say, when to say it, and how to deliver it to make it the most effective. He would also make up words or speak in english but use very french words that in english didn't really make sense. But because he was so convincing and sure of himself when he spoke, you would second guess yourself saying "it must be a word, Laurent used it". Such examples would be Solar cream (sunscreen) - and cartillage (pronounced Car-te-lawje).

Basketball Games

2006-04-06T17:39:00.000-07:00

Laurent Loved basketball, that showed in him always playing ball with carter and ben and during the NBA playoffs early last summer, no game was missed.
These are some of my first memories of Laurent, whether it be at the clock tower cheering on Nash or At my apartment drinking wine and cooking up steaks during the game.
I remember many discussions we had during those evenings, mostly having nothing to do with basketball, but all being part of the experience. These evenings were where I started to admire Laurent's intelligence, as well as his desire to always get in the last laugh...which he usually succeeded in doing.

More Pictures

2006-04-04T17:30:00.000-07:00

Laurent, You will be missed dearly

2006-04-04T16:35:00.000-07:00

Life is unfair, And often things happen that are inexplicable and horribly sad, and often take a big swipe at your faith.

Laurent , A very good friend from this summer, has tragically passed away suddenly this past week.
Here are some Photos that will keep his memory alive in my heart, and Over the next few days, i iwll post some stories about him so you too, may know the joy he brought to everyone around him.

Comic relief for stressful time of year

2006-03-28T21:28:00.000-08:00

This is an email recieved after giving someone who did nothing on a group project a low mark.
HAH- this was last year but I still get a kick out of it.

>Hey Group
>
>I'd just like to thank all of you for giving me a failing mark on our
>project. I guess next time I have a group project I should just quit my
>job so I can get together with my group. That should be my priority right.
> Paying bills isn't important at all. Just to let you know I gave
>everybody 100% because I thought we all contributed to the project.
>
>Anyways, I hope all you faggots choke on a big fat cock.
>I'll see all of you in hell. Merry mother fuckin xmas bitches!

>P.S. I hope you all enjoy your extra 2%

2 types of people

2006-03-22T06:54:00.000-08:00

This is just an observation I have made over the last little while.

There seems to be 2 types of people when it comes to shitty situations. I will call them External People and Internal People.

External people are those who blame everyone else for things that go wrong. Society, friends, parents, bosses etc etc. These people don't seem to take responsibility over there own life and leave in the hands of other people.

Internal people, when something goes wrong, will look at themselves and ask "what could I have done differently to change things". I think these people are those who learn from mistakes and are not as likely to repeat a mistake.

Although there are 2 types of people, I think we all engage in both behaviors once in awhile. I guess what determines who we are is how often we are external/internal and in what situations we do each in.

MP

Neken CD Release

2006-03-07T15:53:00.000-08:00

Last night was the Neken CD release party and Ten Too Many was opening. This was a great show for several reasons. Firstly, Neken was really cool. IT was great to be able to watch such a great band and be able to open for them was just fantastic. Secondly, it was great to play a show again. Although the crowd was fairly subdued, it was still great to just perform on a stage. It felt grrrreat. I also got to see some people I have not seen in awhile, which was great, all in all it was fantastic evening.

Today however i paid the proce by being tired and sluggish all day. Oh well, definitely worth it ten times over.

well I have had a few short little posts lately but trust me when i have a lot to say ona lot of subjects these days, once I organzie some thoughts, i will post some rants and what-not. should be fun!!!

Ciao

Targeted advertising gone wrong

2006-03-02T21:08:00.000-08:00

So Yahoo has gone to targeted advertising in some cases just like google. So i am on the sponge hockey website to find out when our next game is and well, the genius targeted advertising comes up with contraceptive sponges. Well Done.

On another sponge hockey note, We won the first game of our best of 3 series to become division 19 B side champions. hah, best title ever. Next game is saturday. Should be a fun one.
It was a fun game tonight but not a great game. We were down early but were able to come back, and once we did, we started frustrating them, and then they imploded. They got angry at themselves, lost their temper and the score ended up 7-3. Slow start, but came on strong.

I have a fever-and the only prescription is more cowbell

2006-02-26T08:09:00.000-08:00

Recording.woot woot woot.

Well after some setbacks and not getting in recording before teh break, I got in friday and saturday and have thus far finished 8/10 tracks, only 2 more to get done, hopefully I can finish that up tonight. I think this album is going to be a lot of fun. VERY different from teh first one, whioch will be interesting as well to contrast the 2 of them. Good times. I hope to see you all at the CD release, although most of you who read this are probably in the band or out of the province, meh.

Euthanasia- A slight turn from recording. I have the moral dilemna going on in my mind right now of what I think of euthanasia and I need to sort out all of the arguments before wednesday so i can write a good test.

Here's my main dilemna in my mind right now

Euthanasia does give each person control over their lives, potentially enriching the life they had without having to endure pain and suffering on the end.
But, euthanasia could be seen as compromising the sanctity of life, and also euthanasia can be seen as a very selfish act. that selfishness may not necessarily be a bad thing except that lots of humanities problems have come from selfishness, such as poverty and war....... So.....let the war of morals rage on in my brain.

"Reading Week"

2006-02-21T14:22:00.000-08:00

Well Reading week was a fun one. Good to get away for awhile. I won't bore you all with details but there were definitely some funny things. Thanks go out to all those who put me up for the week, especially, Vero, PO et Caro!

1- Beggar asking for heroine--not "can you spare some change" but "can you give me heroin"

2- Random car pulling up and asking if we have cocaine

3- We found a licence on the floor in the bar so we made it our mission to find this person in a huge bar- walk up the stairs to the second level, see a girl that has the same colour hair as the girl in the picture so I point at here and say "Ashley Mitchell"- needless to say it was her and she was extremely creeped out.

4- Somehow managing to get free tickets to the Ottawa 67's hockey game. Yay for random ticket lady. saved me $14

5- Beer and then liquor, never been sicker----TRUE!!!!!!

6- Taking a parliament tour and getting put on the spot when I wasnt paying attention "Mark, I think you must have something to add". Shit

7-Got to partake in one of my dreams- Skating on the rideau canal!!!!

8- McGill campus rocks- SO pretty and right in downtown montreal

In other news- TTM starting recording album 2- unfortunately I left before I was able to lay down any tracks- SO that will hopefully happen soon! I am very excited!

they have gone crazy!!

2006-02-07T21:42:00.000-08:00

haha well Gilette has announced a new razor with 5 blades, and one on the back for tirmming and 2 aloe strips.!!!! WHY DOES ANYONE NEED THAT!!! WHY
well , I thought this article from the onion was hilarious b/c it was in 2004 mocking the razor companies...well now they actually have a 5 blade razor, good foresight from the onion on that one.

Fuck Everything, We're Doing Five Blades

By James M. Kilts
CEO and President,
The Gillette Company
February 18, 2004 | Issue 40•07
James M. Kilts

Would someone tell me how this happened? We were the fucking vanguard of shaving in this country. The Gillette Mach3 was the razor to own. Then the other guy came out with a three-blade razor. Were we scared? Hell, no. Because we hit back with a little thing called the Mach3Turbo. That's three blades and an aloe strip. For moisture. But you know what happened next? Shut up, I'm telling you what happened—the bastards went to four blades. Now we're standing around with our cocks in our hands, selling three blades and a strip. Moisture or no, suddenly we're the chumps. Well, fuck it. We're going to five blades.

Sure, we could go to four blades next, like the competition. That seems like the logical thing to do. After all, three worked out pretty well, and four is the next number after three. So let's play it safe. Let's make a thicker aloe strip and call it the Mach3SuperTurbo. Why innovate when we can follow? Oh, I know why: Because we're a business, that's why!

You think it's crazy? It is crazy. But I don't give a shit. From now on, we're the ones who have the edge in the multi-blade game. Are they the best a man can get? Fuck, no. Gillette is the best a man can get.

What part of this don't you understand? If two blades is good, and three blades is better, obviously five blades would make us the best fucking razor that ever existed. Comprende? We didn't claw our way to the top of the razor game by clinging to the two-blade industry standard. We got here by taking chances. Well, five blades is the biggest chance of all.

Here's the report from Engineering. Someone put it in the bathroom: I want to wipe my ass with it. They don't tell me what to invent—I tell them. And I'm telling them to stick two more blades in there. I don't care how. Make the blades so thin they're invisible. Put some on the handle. I don't care if they have to cram the fifth blade in perpendicular to the other four, just do it!

You're taking the "safety" part of "safety razor" too literally, grandma. Cut the strings and soar. Let's hit it. Let's roll. This is our chance to make razor history. Let's dream big. All you have to do is say that five blades can happen, and it will happen. If you aren't on board, then fuck you. And if you're on the board, then fuck you and your father. Hey, if I'm the only one who'll take risks, I'm sure as hell happy to hog all the glory when the five-blade razor becomes the shaving tool for the U.S. of "this is how we shave now" A.

People said we couldn't go to three. It'll cost a fortune to manufacture, they said. Well, we did it. Now some egghead in a lab is screaming "Five's crazy?" Well, perhaps he'd be more comfortable in the labs at Norelco, working on fucking electrics. Rotary blades, my white ass!

Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe we should just ride in Bic's wake and make pens. Ha! Not on your fucking life! The day I shadow a penny-ante outfit like Bic is the day I leave the razor game for good, and that won't happen until the day I die!

The market? Listen, we make the market. All we have to do is put her out there with a little jingle. It's as easy as, "Hey, shaving with anything less than five blades is like scraping your beard off with a dull hatchet." Or "You'll be so smooth, I could snort lines off of your chin." Try "Your neck is going to be so friggin' soft, someone's gonna walk up and tie a goddamn Cub Scout kerchief under it."

I know what you're thinking now: What'll people say? Mew mew mew. Oh, no, what will people say?! Grow the fuck up. When you're on top, people talk. That's the price you pay for being on top. Which Gillette is, always has been, and forever shall be, Amen, five blades, sweet Jesus in heaven.

Stop. I just had a stroke of genius. Are you ready? Open your mouth, baby birds, cause Mama's about to drop you one sweet, fat nightcrawler. Here she comes: Put another aloe strip on that fucker, too. That's right. Five blades, two strips, and make the second one lather. You heard me—the second strip lathers. It's a whole new way to think about shaving. Don't question it. Don't say a word. Just key the music, and call the chorus girls, because we're on the edge—the razor's edge—and I feel like dancing.

Africa

2006-02-01T07:06:00.000-08:00

Eric manraj- some of you know him, is in africa and has had some interesting experiences to share.

ericmanraj.blogspot.com

A hockey post

2006-01-28T11:11:00.000-08:00

well, as an oilers fan, I am getting a little bit worried about my team. They are still in a playoff spot, but wihtout a legitimate starting goaltender, they may not be able to keep that spot, and will not be able to win a playoff round should they keep a playoff spot.
They did however boost their D this week with 2 trades (it's all at tsn.ca/nhl) and I imagine that a goalie deal is being looked at feverishly as well.
That being said, it is hard to say whther any starting goaltenders will be on the market at this time of year.
Interesting to watch over the next few weeks what happens with that. I'll keep posting here as well so you guys can ignore it. woot!

List of cool things I want to do

2006-01-22T10:45:00.000-08:00

Well don't forget to vote tomorrow.
But this is just a list of some cool things I want to do in my lifetime. This list is more geared toward adevnture stuff. I want to make a life list and will be a portion. any ideas?

Kiteboard
Scubadiving license
Skydiving License
Winter Camping
Go to NHL home games of all canadian teams. Learn to ride a motorcycle(never own one-just know how to ride)
Learn to snowboard
Surf
waterski
Run a half marathon ( i am not a fan of jogging so this could be tough)

response to a comment.(numbers correspond to the comments numbers)

2006-01-15T13:03:00.000-08:00

1) true no elections are ever 1 vote difference. But often enough there are differences of less than a hundred votes or sometimes even closer so every vote counts.
Also some parties depend on every vote for funding. Sometimes there is a threshhold for funding but in other cases, the party gets funding per vote. This funding is essential for these parties going forward. And more parties means more different opinions and Ideas. The major parties often take ideas from the smaller parties that they think will work. the more ideas around, the better chance a good one will be chosen.

2) It is true that some specific promises aren't kept. But most of them usually (contrary to popular belief) are and even if a party does not keep a specific promise, generally they keep the focus of the promise, the moral behind the promise.

3) there are several parties around, not just liberals and conservatives. Yes the liberals and conservatives have childish ads right now...use your vote to punish them by not voting for them.

4) Well I know it is the extreme and sort of melodramatic argument, but, people died in wars to give you the right to vote, couldn't you at least put in the effort for them? And if not, you can still spoil your ballot, that is exercising your democratic duty and also showing that you are not happy with the way things are currently going. 10 000 spoiled ballots would send a HUGE message to the government that something is wrong more than 10 000 people not voting.

5) Drastically change, usually not, but there are changes. As an example, 7% GST is a big change, Same sex marriageis a big change. Those are 2 changes that would have not been made had the other parties won those elections. So if you do not think there will be major changes in all issues, then vote based on one issue only, the issue that affects you the most.

6) Lost cause voting for the others...see my response on funding above. Also, when races are closer, the winning candidate has a tendency to care more and be more active simply b/c they do not want to give reason for more people to not vote for them next time.

I really Liked your comment whoever it was. Kepp em coming. These are important debates to have.

and...

2006-01-12T09:27:00.000-08:00

Even spoiling your ballot is exercising your democratic right.

Elections are coming up- VOTE

2006-01-09T20:49:00.000-08:00

I am not going to tell you who to vote for. I just think it is essential to vote. Here is why. (sort of going to go over some of the arguments people give to not voting).

argument 1-there is no time.- The polls open early, close fairly late, there is more than enough time to head on kunch, after work/school or if you really really can't, then you can pre vote, there is always time if you make the time.

argument 2- the 2 main parties are essentially the same- well often this is true but in this election they all have a wide array of ideas and visions which are interesting. And even if they are the same, there are fringe parties that have drastic ideas such as teh communist party and the christian heritgae party and tehse parties often get funding based on how many votes they get.

argument 3- I don't know the candidates- You have 2 weeks to get some idea of what each is all about- more than enough time to make a good decision- this is why I am posting this now.

Basically what it comes down to is this. No our system is not perfect and needs some changes, but the only way to change it is to let yourself be heard, not only by voting, but by letting all your elected officials know that change is good!!!

Movies

2006-01-07T10:42:00.000-08:00

Here are some classic movies that have been reccomended to me to see that i am going to try and see this year.
PLEASE leave comments with more movies i should see.

Auberge Espanol
Dancer in teh Dark
Amelie
Very long engagement
Maelstrom
Jesus of MOntreal
Run Lola Run
Grand seduction (fr)
Crash

well 2006 has started with a bang

2006-01-07T10:39:00.000-08:00

Car is out of commisiosn for a while. Stupid snow in the middle of the road- dirty snow I could not see until the last minute. oh well, life goes on right? right. A little setback but I can handle it.

Anyways- I've beat myself up enough over that and other money losing events, but it's time to move on.

Welcome 2006

2006-01-02T11:59:00.000-08:00

Well I have decided to not specifically make any resolutions. Why should we only decide to change for the better on January 1st. If we are truly going to change something, a gimmick like new years resolutions is not going to do it.

There are some things I'd like to change but we shall see what happens with those.

New years eve was ok. Went to 2 parties. Both were pretty quiet but they were fun nonetheless. I decided to not drink, which ended up helping several people who needed rides home.

Geoff left yesterday, a good visit was had but now life gets back to normal which in a way is a good thing. We wouldn't appreciate these visits and holidays if they weren't occasional.

Time to start thinking about what my life holds after I graduate though, I am extremely excited about what is to come and will tkae everythign as it comes.

So far these are the plans I am exploring for this year.

1- spring break trip out east to ontario/quebec
2- may road trip to San Francisco
3- June trip to Vegas
4- work my arse off until I have enough money to go to europe(after christmas next year maybe,maybe sooner)

Christmas here again

2005-12-24T16:29:00.000-08:00

Here it is. Once gain christmas has come amid working too much for my liking and studying too much for exams only one week ago..
It is great to have the brother home and aunt jenny as well to celbrate with. Always a fun time! It has become so much NOT about the gifts and I love it that way. The gifts are great,don't get me wrong, but it's all about spending time with the family and just enjoying the time. That is the way it should be.

So merry Christmas! All the best!

Rules

2005-12-21T08:23:00.000-08:00

Rules told by Bill Gates to a high school.

Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!

Rule 2: The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect
you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school.
Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.
You won 't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.

Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents
had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.

Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about
your mistakes, learn from them.

Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now
They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and
listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you
save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try
delousing the closet in your own room.

Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS
NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give
you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the
slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and
very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on
your own time.

Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to
leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.

I hate it

2005-12-16T10:38:00.000-08:00

When I know I could have put more effort into a class. And now I am waiting and hoping for a decent mark.

crap

Spongie

2005-12-07T06:05:00.000-08:00

Sponge hockey starts today! I am very much excited. It will be good to get some physical activity in my life again. It will be also to play in the lowest division, which makes it fun and although some teams still take it too seriously, the majority of the teams are just there to have a good time, that's i that's all.
My goals for the season are
1) get a littl ebit in shape by the end of the season
2) learn how to take break aways- I had a lot last year but have no idea how to score with them, hard to deke in spongie shoes.
3) try and get a point a game- goal or assist.

Things I am looking forward to/want to do over the holidays

2005-12-04T09:15:00.000-08:00

1.seeing family.
2. seeing friends
3. eating
4. sleeping
5.sleeping
6.sleeping
7. reading life of Pi
8. skating
9. partying
10. Boxing day.
11. chilaxing
12.christmas socials
13. ugly suit shopping

Change

2005-12-03T07:26:00.000-08:00

From the files of "Life is soon going to change drastically for everyone" Eric is going to Ghana for a year for an internship. Insane

Congrats Eric!

A football Post

2005-11-28T06:18:00.000-08:00

Well they Did it. The edmonton Eskimos won the Grey Cup for the second time in three years in exciting fashion. That game had everything. Defensive struggle in the first half, a shootout in the second half, and even overtime that was marked by spectacular plays. All in all an outstanding game.
I love the CFL
Go eskies

Let it snow

2005-11-15T08:55:00.000-08:00

Winter is here, probably to stay. Lots of snow, wet snow, sort of like shovelling oatmeal. took me an hour and a half to get to school when i t usually takes 20-25 minutes. The bus driver said that he was the bus supposed to be there at 7:13--he got there at 7:50. And he said there were no busses in front of him, because they all got stuck. SO he was the first 75---at 8 oclock. there were soooo many peopel waiting that could not get on. Especailly near ST vital mall. At least a hundred people waiting--at least. I love winnipeg.

The week in review

2005-11-13T08:38:00.000-08:00

Politically: Parties are readying themselves for an election. But when that election will be is the question at this point. If the NDP agree, there could be a confidence vote on the 15th of November(tuesday) and the liberals would lose. But that would force an election sometime around christmas, which isn't ideal for voter turnout, and the general public would not be pleased. The other option is to let the liberals live until the final gomery report comes out and have a feb-march election. Probably better for voters, but the liberals may have time to rebound int he polls, something which the opposition(especially conservatives) do not want at all, They want to strike while people are still angry about the sponsorship scandal.

Sports: Today is semifinal sunday. woot. The conference semifinals happen today and hopefullyi will be able to catch most of both games. Go eskies> after blowing a big opportunity last week, they have to bounce back this week or else it is done. Ray has to step up. 3 picks last week was brutal and no TD's in 5 weeks is even worse.
But edmonton does seem to bounce back fairly well in games like this so i'll say edmonton will win

In the other game I am cheering for the Riders but think that the Als will probably pull it out.

I think now i am going to be busy busy until the end of the semester--eeek. By far my toughest semester to date, but that being said, I am enjoying it, one of the only times i've done that either.

Cheers

random thoughts

2005-11-06T06:43:00.000-08:00

Is it wrong if i sorta kinda like country?

Edmonton better win today

If you volunteer to do a survey that you are told is 10 minutes long..be prepared to spend 20 minutes on it.

don't lend keys to people whom you aren't positive will get them back to you.

This hockey bet with Phil could get expensive for either one of us.

People(including myself) need to be more social

Sleeping at 8pm is awesome

Volunteering for competitions is fun..until it takes 9 billion hours of your time

SLOWWWW DOWNNNN LIFE

2005-10-30T12:38:00.000-08:00

Holy bajenus- i feel like the world is going 9000km an hour. Oh well. SHould slow down this week, cathc up a bit.
School: well I wrote a good paper, a bad exam, did 90 billion assignments and presentations in the past 2 weeks. I need to catch up this week and should be able to. Monday I hand in a competition that has been taking up way more time then i could have ever imagined. I did poorly in my financial markets exam. I need to start studying for the final for that already so i can beat everyone on the final. Need to beat EVERYONE to get the mark I really want. shite. Have an exam and a presentaion tuesday, i need to get a handle on those things so I can do well. but after tuesday....it slow downs for a couple of weeks. I can start getting ahead and preparing for finals ...already eugh.
ALong with school there has been a few concerts like a resound concert last week and skalloween tonight. I havent had time to put together a costume really, im worried ten too many is going to destroy me and claim my first born if i dont get something decent together between the time i get hom efrom work and have to go to daves. AAAAAAAGHHHHHH
I haven't even really partied for halloween this year at all. I was at school last night until 11 working on this competition thing with Alex. Work has been alright although being soo busy in the week has made me not want to do lots of homework during work like i usually do.
Feel like i'm neglecting freinds of mine. SORRY PEOPLE. Don't mean to. I've pretty much lived at school for 3 weeks now. eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek.

I can't wait til december 17th- maybe i will get to breath.....just maybe.

...

2005-10-22T09:53:00.000-07:00

Life can seem very complicated sometimes. Making decisions, nurturing , keeping, making friendships and relationships. Family issues, school issues, money issues. Many people have more serious problems like addictions or disease. But throughout it all, most of us can always realize that there are people that care about us, and things that are going well enough in our lives to merit keeping on.
There are some people however, that get bogged down by it all, and can't see past the problems they are having. These people truly believe, that ending it is better than enduring it.
This underlines the importance of showing you care.To people you know well, and even people you have never even met that you may corss in your everyday dealings. Small things. Hugs, Smiling, a hello, lets the world knows that at least someone cares.... and maybe, just maybe, that can make all the difference.

Football

2005-10-11T08:47:00.000-07:00

CFL B=News
Another Sports Post for you sports lovers, approximately not very many of you I'm sure

So the CFL team I support is the edmonton Eskimos. They were not very consistent all of this year mostly in regards to the offensive line and Running game.
The running game sucked, they had none. The tried acquiring Michael Jenkins, that didn't do anythign at all. They were forced to pass allll the time, which makes every defence focus on the pass, increasing sacks and turnovers.
Well Edmonton may have solved their problems. Troy davis, acquired last week, after only 3 practices, rushes for over 100 yards and the offensive line seemed to have more power and control as well. Edmonton will make the playoffs this year, and now, I believe they have much more of a chance to make some noise in that playoff run.

Also, What the hell happened to the lions. That secondary got shredded! $ catches, 4 touchdowns....nicely done milt.

Go eskies

Cheers
MP

HOCKEY

2005-10-09T13:10:00.000-07:00

well i was going to write a post about minimum wage going up to 10.25 but i deleted it by accident so i don't wanna anymore.

Instead. I'll just say I am really glad hockey is back. It's nice to have a wide variety of highlights and excitement.

So after only a few games, here's what I htink of the New NHL.

1. It seems to be faster, more happening all the time
2. there are more goals on average, but even in games with not many goals, there are more scoring chances, which makes it exciting to watch
3.Can't say if there will be parity yet, we will probably know about mid season, how the salary cap has helped the small market teams. But the way the Oilers look so far, it's going to be swell!
4. Shoot-outs. Well, it is supposed to be a team game, and shoot outs are very individual and it doesn't have any bearing on how good a team is if they win or lose....so in that sense i'm not a huge fan of the concept...but they are freaking exciting. so i'll call it even.
5. Penalties. There are a lot right now...although already less than the preseason...still a distraction though.
6. It will probably die off, but most of the stands are full and rowdy, which makes games more exciting, even to watch on TV.

That's all for now
Go OIlers

Chance occurences

2005-10-06T14:45:00.000-07:00

I was thinking- yes it did hurt-- that, we often have chance occurences, we see people we know in random places, opportunities arise just based on circumstance- where we are, who we are with etc etc. These sort of things are not uncommon. It comes down to bein gat the right place at the right time. But if you think of how often these chance aoccurences happen, just imagine how often we just miss a chance occurence..........yowza

Damn torticolous

2005-10-03T10:35:00.000-07:00

Well this weekend was not nearly as productive as it would have been without torticolous(sp?). Basically what it comes down to is writhing in pain and not being able to move for a weekend. well at least friday and saturday. Sunday i was a little better, so i went to work. INow i'm more just doped up than anything.
On a related note...muscle relaxants are hilarious! man after i take those- about 45 minutes later my body is just one large pile of mush, everything is a little too relaxed. makes it odd to do anything simple...like walk. Oh well.life goes on.

One bonus i guess was that i finally got to see supersize me, which i had been wanting to see fo r along time. I did find it interesting although i didn't really learn anything new.
McDonald's= ridiculously crappy for your health--DUHHHHHH
But worth seeing.

well i should get some work done now. Cheers

The certainty of uncertainty

2005-09-29T22:09:00.000-07:00

in about 7 months. I graduate. exciting.....freaking scary though. For several reasons. I have pretty much realized that come 8-10 months from now- I won't be in winnipeg, and when i come back, it wont be more than a couple months to set my next adventure- whatever that may be forward.I've always known that I'd probably end up elsewhere but now it's hitting me that that time is near. now wher ei will be in that 8- 10 month range is a mystery.
I could be travelling europe, I could be in fredericton saving money to travel, i could find ajob for the summer so i can travel later, i could join the swap program, i could start job searching for a permanent positiion right away. I have no idea. Even when it coems to jobs int he future, I don't know what i want. bAll i really know is that I want a job that people and working in teams is integral. I love people, although they can be idiots some time, I thrive on people.other than that, theres a lot i wouldnt mind trying to see if I like.

The comforting thing about the uncertainty is I am not alone. Lots of people are graduating soon, deciding what to do, where to go, what now after 17 years of education?

It's a situation that has taken over my thoughts because of the unlimited opportunities and challenges that await.

let the fun begin....

Sports gets exciting now

2005-09-18T14:09:00.000-07:00

well I know pretty much noone who reads this are sports fans but thast ok. I'll talk about it anyways.

lately-meaning most of the summer, there was very little in way of sports except for baseball and a little bit of football on the weekends. Now we have CFL, NFL, NHL starting, WNBA, and the sporatic highlights of tennis and only the best of baseball. excited am I.

The fall so far.

2005-09-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

Wel school is going to be a lot of work. Going to have to really really stay on top of things this term if i don't want to get screwed and if i want good grades. But as long as i keep up on the work, i will be fine. It'll be alright.

Work. Well it looks like i am going back to payroll loans for a little while. At least until something else comes up. They pay ok and it is a good student job so i can't complain about it too much. A little bit yes but not too much.

car. well damn gas prices are high. I am goign to try and drive less and bus more. especially when it comes to work. and for the fall until it gets cold, blades and bike will be used as well, once again to save on cost of gas. stupid gas.

thats all for now

just a random thought

2005-08-25T17:52:00.000-07:00

I was thinking today of where we will all be in 2 years or not even that long from now. People will be graduating, moving, working.
Personally i have no clue where ill be and that is kinda scary. Even in 8 months i have no clue where ill be.
eeeeek

MP

breathing

2005-08-22T07:37:00.000-07:00

egat wayyy too long since the last post.

and this one will be too short as well.
Im still alive and breathing. Been keeping way too busy and spending way too much money but its been worth it. been to toronto, camping in new york, quebec, Mont tremblant. Lots of fun stuff.

But I do miss the peg and it will be cool to come back in 2 weeks!!
miss ya all!

a post

2005-07-13T10:58:00.000-07:00

whoooaaaaaa. Its been too long since i've been here at the library.
well the last month or so has been pretty nutty.

Canada day was wild. Lots of people, good fireworks, good parties. Definitely a plus having a security pass to bypass the crowds and use the bathrooms in parliament. I used that a few times for sure.

I went to a treetop obstacle course here last ,onday. That was awesome . You basically are in an obstacle course 30 feet up in huge trees. Rope bridges, Tarzan ropes, tough obstacles. ANd gargantuum zip lines as well. good times for sure!!!

Music: Ive been seing some fun shows recently with bluesfest here in ottawa
here are a few ive gone to so far

Arrogant worms
Black Eyed Peas
K-OS
ZZ Top
Broken SOcial Scener
Xavier Rudd
Havana Ensemble

seeing all these live shows though has made me miss TTM and playing trumpet lots and lots.

MP

a few more little anectdotes

2005-06-17T12:29:00.000-07:00

well today was my rotation on elevator duty. its kinda fun but i am glad we only get it once in awhile! here are a few elevator anectdotes.

1. Drunk russians this morning at 11 AM......the elevator smelled like vodka for 15 minutes after they left. haha

2. Really smelly old man, not alcohol, just old man- he went up with a full elevator but on the way down, only 3 other epople would come with him.

3. Turning the lights off on bratty grade 8's= awesome!! especcially right after telling them the elevator doesn't break down too much.

I think when i write anectdotes, ill leave them in 3's to make them more bearable. so thats it for Now

Ciao
MP

P.S- im working on a long post about my feelings on the senate. it will be long and boring, but its stuff thats been on my mind abou tit, so ima going to do it anyways.

kids say the darndest things- and tourists do as well

2005-06-16T11:37:00.000-07:00

these are some of the actual things said or asked to tour guides this summer.

1. tourist " what denomination of church is this"

also close to this is " so, what is this building"

2. american tourist " i don't understand why they took away my pepper spray at security"

3. guide: "why do you think Quuen victoria chose ottawa as the capital city of Ottawa" kids ( happens quite a bit) : " because the parliament building is here.

i'll leave it a t those 3 becasue these are 3 i have heard myself in the last couple of days.

MP

Thing and stuff

2005-06-09T12:02:00.000-07:00

So i made curry last week. BIGGG Success. sooo tasty and awesome! sweetness. This weekend i think i am going to attempt a lasagna!. Exciting.

CFL season is starting. Woot- also exciting.

Grade 8's are hilarious. Tuesday I had a girl very concerned becasue she thought her underwire of her bra may go off in the metal detector.

last tuesday- my pedal fell off of my bike while i was riding--a tad inebriated as well. riding home, tipsy, with one pedal= hilarious

walking home with 4 drunk guys carrying a couch about 4 km's= equally as hilarious.

I've been playing lots of ultiamte including a beach tourney. sunburns galore. WHy did noone warn me about the humidity here. wowzers. I won't rub it in to you winnipeg folk too much. but 27 and sunny with humidex of over 30 has been the norm recently.

damn Yankees

2005-05-22T15:26:00.000-07:00

So Victoria day long weekend. Insane on the hill!!!!!! tons of visitors. We run out of tickets at 10:30 for the whole day. 99% of people understand and finds something else to do- there is tons to do in ottawa. The other few people are jerks, complain, insist, and bitch. I find these people entertaining- 2 quick stories

- lots of people saying "but i dorve all the way from toronto" HAHAHA well go talk to the people who were super pleasant i just turned away who are from brazil. sheish

- AMerican guy who told me that because he couldnt get into parliament- he lost his love for our country------must have been a fragile love.

I have seen the light--suburbs suck.

2005-05-16T08:04:00.000-07:00

So, living in a central location for 2 weeks now has proven kevin right. Suburbs suck. Being central, i can get almost anywheres in a 15 minute walk or less. Work, grocery, mall, banks. library, bus stops. etc etc etc. It is so nice not having to depend on car to get around. If i wan to go anywhere, i can just start walking, it is saaaweeeeet. I also mut say it is nice to have the nightlife so close as well. The market, as well as havin lots o fresh veggies, offers tons of pubs and clubs. There are probably 15-20 bars within a 3 block radius. Not just dance bars, but lots of pubs as well, which i prefer. The nightlife here offers a little bit of everything for anyone and so far i really like it. Like a dance bar with an arcade in it--so much fun.
It sure is going to be tough to depend on fossil fuels again once i get back into the city of winnipeg.

AHHHHH- a post

2005-05-11T14:21:00.000-07:00

SO people, it has been a lonnnnnggg time since the last post and i am doin well. Ottawa is so far amazing!!!!!!!! I won't write to long, but a few things to note.

1. I need to learn to cook. good/cheap recipes would be much appreciated(kevin-you had some good ones) so far the diet consists of cereal for breakfast, sandwhiches for lunch and well----spaghetti for dinner- i need more variety.

2. The apartment. The apartment is cool. 2 super cool roomates- partied with one of them this weekend which was awesome times. They are both super laid back and relaxed and not anal about much. The apartment itself is a nice size, and is great except for the super duper stinky storage room. I mean---VILE smell!!! This is what happens when we allow hockey bags to sit unwashed for 3 months.

3. Holy exciting times on parliament batman. It is so amazing to check out the activity of politicians and media alike these days. It is a zoo. Protesters everywhere, and all this added to the nomal insanity of parliament with visitors and such. It is great to be among the buzz.

Well i am going to leave off at this for now. More to Come soon.
Basically so far the summer ( a week and a bit in) is amazing, more than i could have imagined!!!

Mark

switcheroo

2005-04-21T19:11:00.000-07:00

So i'm going to switch things up a bit on the blog. It will now become an outlet to crazy Mark Adventures such as trying to feed myself and getting around a new city. Anyone who knows me knows that i suck at getting around winnipeg, so Ottawa could be fun. any dsort of anectdotes on funny things will be posted here starting soon enough.
I'm going to trya nd post every week.

exam

2005-04-21T06:48:00.000-07:00

The worst feeling in the world is studying sooo hard, putting tons of effort into studying and then it beign ridiculously crazy hard. I had one of those yesterday. Oh well, everyone sucked at it so hopefully ill ride the curve.

And so it begins...

2005-04-17T22:55:00.000-07:00

Well another chapter in my life is set to begin with 4 months away. I am coming back so really, its not that new of a chapter, just a change in venue for awhile. I am starting to get really excited about it but realize i have sooo much to do and really not nearly enough time to do it in. On that same note, the goodbyes have started, some official goodbyes because i definitely wont see the person again for awhile and other goodbyes were different.
One such "different" goodbye came this evening. Someone i really care about said goodbye and implied it may not just be temporary. I sincerely hope this is not the case but i can sort of understand if it is. Sometimes trying just isn't enough. But if you are reading this...I wish you the best and i really hope we can be friends when i get back. Sometimes i wish i was better at just spilling the beans on everything i think and feel, but i suck at it.

CD released

2005-04-13T06:46:00.000-07:00

Ten Too Many has a CD!!! boo yea

Highlights:
Packed Venue on a tuesday night during exam period!!
100 ish CD's sold.
lots of people yelling
very good opener bands!
Lowlights- bastards breaking into(eliot's) and trying to break into (my) car.

Timeline

2005-04-08T07:20:00.000-07:00

Inspired by a friend who put a countodown on her lj, i started thinking about my timline for the next little bit and it scared me a little bit.

in one week, I write my first exam
in 2 weeks I write my last exam and leave for vancouver
in 3 weeks, I come back from vancouver then get myself organized for Ottawa
in 23 days, I will be in Ottawa

between then, 3 papers, 4 exams, packing, cleaning, seeing all my friends lots, working things out, learn to cook,

F&^%ing S*&T

2005-04-05T12:52:00.000-07:00

I hate my group. I am doing a group project for my brand mangament class and it blows goats. First off, the prof didn't give us enough information to work off until the l;ast few weeks of class. That brought it down to the wire anyways. Then My group showed their true colours.
We decided that we would have all our first part done saturday so we could combine them and focus aon the second half sunday and monday. I still (tuesday, 3pm) not received those preliminary parts and we have to present at 10am tomorrow morning. We stil have the biggest portions of the projectto do although i have done probably about half of it. No doubt tonight will be a late night- and a frustrating one. Im sooo stressed possibly the most stressed ive been since i dropped actuarial math. God damnit people, get your shit together.

2005-03-24T09:58:00.000-08:00

So i took an online personality quiz and tehse are the traits that came up for me. Some are pretty accurate, some not so much, and some stuff is definitely missing.

messy, tough, disorganized, fearless, not rule conscious, likes the unknown, rarely worries, rash, attracted to the counter culture, rarely irritated, positive, resilient, abstract, not a perfectionist, risk taker, strange, weird, self reliant, leisurely, dangerous, anti-authority, trusting, optimistic, positive, thrill seeker, likes bizarre things, sarcastic

Hah

2005-03-24T09:32:00.000-08:00

So apparently, people have been able to find my blog. This is ok as i usually dont post anything too controversial or anything that could be construed as too offensive. I just find it funny how people were able to naviagte to my blog. My friend from school checked out the TTM website,from there linked to brents blog from the Bios, then from Brent's blog was able to link to mine, heh, awesome.

2005-03-21T08:59:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I wonder why i make the choices i do. DO i belive that they are the right choices or ami scared of making the other choice? Am i just too much of an optimist sometimes? I really do not know. I realized last night that i haven't spent a otn of time reflecting on my life recently and maybe that has something to do with my doubts. I think i need some good mind clearing thinking/reflection time but dont seem to have time for it. Maybe when work is done ill have more time to think. Maybe notthough.

I think the TTM album is finally coming along. The liscencing papers for EMI should be in my mailbox this week and the money is sent to CMRRA. Hopefully be able to get the final licencing before i go to ottawa, but from the sounds of it, that could be aproblem. I'll have to delegate that. Note to self, if I am ever in a band releasing a cover song, don't take that initiative, more complicated tehn it should be.

Eliot's recital was alot of fun Friday. Good to se what he has been working and stressing over recently. I won't deny that i Did not enjpy the Fertility ritual Video, but hey, i'm not enough of an artsy fartsy i guess. My favorite pieces were the Piano qurtet and the marimba piece followed by the electroaccoustic pieces. ALl in all, a good event.

SAw teh Cannes film festival saturday- was entertaining and ikinda want to go again. That caused some problem, me going without a certain someone, and i relaly do feel bad, but i think things are ok.

I've got kind of a head cold thing happening and i don't like it damnit.

Ciao

The weekend

2005-03-15T05:28:00.000-08:00

Here hopefully is a slightly more coherant post.

This weekend was one of the biggest emotional rollercoasters I have ever been on. From feeling very good thursday to darn right crappy sunday to decently good now. It's a weekend i won't soon forget but would kinda like to on many regards. AT this point i don't really knwo what to say on the matter but yea, i will be more than ok. Thanks everyone who supported and was concerned. I think everyhting is going to be A OK.

what just happened? was it a weekend?

2005-03-13T23:23:00.000-08:00

Wow- That was one of the more intense weekends i have ever had.
Lets start Friday.
Wake up at 8 to work on brand management case
work on it for awhile- go to school for communications meeting
go to work for a crazy day
while at work- realize teh album cant be pressed because of something thast is my job
Try and find out why
realize i misunderstood some stuff and will deal with it monday
get out of work 10 minutes early- go home and eat because im starved
Pick up laura- go to The art show- see art- very good stuff- quite enjoyable.
Go to a going away party where i know almost noone- say oodbye to Lauren
Go to boston pizza wiht laura for food- drop her off-
go home- bed. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
SAturday
Wake up go to work, realize i probably shouldnt have left 10 minutes early because there is acrapload of stuff to do.
Leave work at 2- go home to pick up nice clothes- go film
Film teh worst commercial ever made for 4 hours- 4 hours of stressing
Come home- eat- call laura
Prmosie to go to Sheilas for ribs
Fall asleep, wake up briefly to call sheila and say im not coming--sleep at 9:30

Sunday
Wake up- check email- get an intense email- freak out
go to church
come home- speak briefly on msn about said email--freak out some more

Run through every possible scenario in my mind 7000times
Bore sheila with my worrying
get homework done at work- takes my mind off stuff for awhile
freak out some more
go to practice- decent practice-god i have to get all teh TTM shite done monday- ok cool
come home- long talk- very important ( it turns out laura and i were kinda on the same page without knowing it- cool)
go to ultimate
come home- do homework- write blog.

GAHHHHH

Hotel Rwanda

2005-03-05T23:03:00.000-08:00

Wow, I feel lucky and thankful every day to live in a country such as canada, but after watching hotel rwanda, i feel more so lucky that i am not killed or hated merely for my background.
That movie is very intense, and very good, i recommend it to anyone. It is shocking and makes teh wheels turn, but i think that is a good thing.

I hate writing titles

2005-03-04T06:12:00.000-08:00

So Helped kevin move some stuff yesterday. I quite like his apartment and was much bigger than he had me believing before-hand (80 inches pssht). The only sketchy part was the toilet tank cover outside his entrance but that can be cleaned up. We were able to get quite a bit fo stuff in his grandparents van including the futon. The old guy at the futon place is so funny, but he makes beautiful futons.

Signed a lease this week. 375 a month for the 4 months i'm in ottawa including furniture on the university of ottawa campus. So that is pretty sweet i think.

School intensifies a bit next week with 2 exams- one of which i have no idea what to expect at all. Ill have to study my arse off this weekend.

I've got a second date saturday. Wish me luck!!!

That's all for now- more later

So here we go.

2005-02-23T12:48:00.000-08:00

So I got offered the position in Ottawa!!! Sawweeeeeetttttt

SO here are the things to deal with now.

Apartment- tricky part is I won't get to see it- probably go with res but Ben has contacts there that may be able to help me on that front.
Apartment stuff
Mom - Bday- Mothers day and anniversary in the same month- that i miss-- eeek and teh fact that my mom will then be kid free for a whole 4 months- shes going to be stressed.
- I would then have to look fo r anew job when i get back to winnipeg for the fall. something that will be enough to pay for car payments etc.

-Convincing people to come visit me

I'm a little stressed about missing friends and family and missing out on opportunities here but i think this experience wil be a great one. I mean-OTTAWA!

I definitely won't be rich- in fact i'll probably be quite poor-what with having to live and what-not but I think i'll make enough to get by.I hope..... although if i need to go to bank of parents for my last year of school i guess that's not the end of the world.....right?

Don't get me wrong- I am absolutely extatic, but this is a big change for the summer. I still have to accept but i'm pretty sure i am going to.

SO YOU ALL MUST VIsiT ME IN OTTAWA. No questions asked!!

Blog Blog Blog

2005-02-22T18:52:00.000-08:00

Man my emotions running wild.
Panorama rocked! i may give some highlights later.
But emotions rollercoaster over here

Do i have the job or not?
Am i goign to go to ottawa or not?
Is it worth not making much money?
Should I ask a certain someone out?
WHy am i so stressed about work?

questions questions quesitons- I'll try and sort through them when i have time- argh

egat

2005-02-12T00:50:00.000-08:00

It's 2:52 am- leaving at 4- just got home- soo tired- but know if i try to sleep ill sleep in- this i know fro sure. Everyone have a great week! Be young and Have fun!!!!

Hilarity

2005-02-10T10:08:00.000-08:00

So Possibly one of the funniest in class experiences i've had. We had an assignment due in critical thinking today, and we have one every week at least so the procedures are pretty clear. You either give it in at the beginning or the end of calss- definitely not during, and if you cannot be there for class- you email the prof asking to hand it in at a differetn time. These rules have been stated almost every class. So today in the middle of calss- a girl walks in- down to the fron of the calssroom to drop off the paper. That is the background- I iwll try and play by play the rest of the incident

Prof: " I will not accept that paper right now during class"
Girl" It's my friends paper, I'm not even in this class"
Prof " Well just put it down somewhere then but you can't give it to me"
(girl puts paper down-walks out angrily)
Prof(picking up paper " It's been pretty clear my rules for handing in assignments, sometimes i iwsh it were legal to strangle people- in theory- i could just tear this paper up"

THEN-- HE TORE THE PAPER UP, he ripped it into 4 pieces and threw it in the garbage...GOLD!

Bizaro World

2005-02-07T13:52:00.000-08:00

So teh interview today- bizarre and i can't guage how i did at all. First was the written test which i believe i got most correct except 1 i didn't know. So I felt pretty good about that. The next aspect was teh speech...with a twist. We had to draw from a hat the group we were presenting to. Could have been school aged children, could have been seniors. I got 3 families. I didn't change my speech too much knwoing that becaus ei didn't feel the need. I changed some vocabulary to mak e it more accessible but overall i felt pretty good abou that as well. I felt really bad for one girl who choked on the speech. Nect we were given a word and we had to make up a definition for it (creativity i guess) and then make up a story abou tit in 2 minutes(in french). I felt pretty good again about his exept i forgot how to say one word in french- so i changed the word last second- maybe stuttered a bit from that. The last thing was a group activity in which we had to choose 5 best people to colonize a new planet. Odd assignment but fun. And that was it--no questions, no anyting except for those 4 activities. ANd it is based 100% on a point system of teh top 37 point gainers get the job- that is that. They were interviewing roughly 100 people across canada- eek. Well i've done everything i can....its out of my hands now. I'll expect the worst and hope the best.

2005-01-27T11:34:00.000-08:00

So my new years resolution was the 6 point plan.
I'm doing not bad. Need to make a more conscious effort to do teh thing i don't want to do and the physical exercise.

also one thing i want to change is my diet. It sucks- usually no lunch- often bad supper and lots of crappy snacks. I often feel sluggisj during the day and i think it may be a combination of Bad diet and little exercise.
I'm going to have to make a conscious effort to eat better, less chips and chocolate and more carrots and celery.

OK People----GET A CHECK UP!!!

2005-01-25T16:25:00.000-08:00

Well, I had a few posts saved as drafts, but are irrelevant now. All that needs to be said is that my trip to the doc's yesterday was the best non-event of my life! Woot! But the doctor did kinda get angry for not going to see him ever( at least not the last 7 years). Why haven't i gone. Really i'm not sure, it's kind of a family thing where my parents despise going so i never felt the need to going. I know i should be going to the doc and dentist regularly and hopefully this week gave me a kickstart. I made an appointment for both of them. Full physical is a little bit scary but meh, it's got to get done i guess. I think i may have to get some dental work- like a filling- i feel something that may be a cavity---stupid sugar, rotting my teeth.
So this is my attempt to the 2- maybe 3 people that read this to get a doctor's appointment.