The power was just out here for about 30 minutes. No clue why, but it was. Somewhat funny that it happened just minutes after I posted a new thought over at It's not you; It's me about something related to that subject.
That's about all. I had a headache this morning when I woke up... Not fun.
All better now, I think.
Downhere's second album: So Much for Substitutes isn't as bad as I first thought it was. Not at the same level as their first self titled one and their third Wide Eyed and Mystified, but still pretty ok for my second or third time listening through it.
I also got Caedmon's Call In the Company of Angels II: the world will sing... haven't listened to it yet, but that will come in time. Hopefully over the next week or so.
Out.
T.
PS. New laptop.
30.12.06
27.12.06
the return of chad
I've been reading Zits for a few years now and have always heard about Jeremy's brother, Chad, but have never seen him. Until today.
23.12.06
500 posts!
In honour of my 500th post, I'm here to share about my site statistics a bit.
Up until recently, the site that referred to this one the most was Dan at joojethecat.blogspot.com, but due to a change in his life situation that merited a change in blog template, he has yet to update the links on the side, which acted as a gateway to this site.
So, in lieu of this news, a new site has become the victorious gateway to my site.
The winner is...
Matt at saxwithmatt.blogspot.com
Congratulations on your new status as the number one gateway to my life outside of bookmarks, shortcuts, or e-mail links.
Up until recently, the site that referred to this one the most was Dan at joojethecat.blogspot.com, but due to a change in his life situation that merited a change in blog template, he has yet to update the links on the side, which acted as a gateway to this site.
So, in lieu of this news, a new site has become the victorious gateway to my site.
The winner is...
Matt at saxwithmatt.blogspot.com
Congratulations on your new status as the number one gateway to my life outside of bookmarks, shortcuts, or e-mail links.
20.12.06
6.12.06
dot com
I've been thinking a lot recently about web hosting and what it would take to get a website of my own up and running, even though I have no clue what I would use it for other than a blog, photo hosting site, and online storage.
So, the question of the day is, do I go for my own domain, possibly theworldaskswhy.com or just stick it out with Blogger for free?
So, the question of the day is, do I go for my own domain, possibly theworldaskswhy.com or just stick it out with Blogger for free?
4.12.06
an unpaid advertisement
I'm usually not one to support one brand or another. It's not like I go around saying Coke is better than Pepsi or Toshiba is better than Acer or Nike is better than Adidas hands down. I find that endorsing one product over another is vain and most times very ill-informed. I write this as my Columbia jacket sits beside me, my Ikea desk is holding my computer up, my Old Navy khakis are keeping my legs warm, and my Dollarama picture frames are holding up some of my favourite shots from over the years. See - I'm not biased in any way shape or form.
But there comes a time in everyone's life where they need to sit down and definitively say that they choose one thing over another. And today, I have come to the conclusion that there is one source of reading material that tops all competition in the Hiway Centre / Idlewood area of Kitchener. This publication has more meat to it's content than anything that those people on Thaler Avenue could write. That's right, I'm talking about The Voice. Voiceofebc.com [previously voiceofebc.blogspot.com] has provided a wide source of entertainment, news, gossip, announcements, photo journalism, and all around old fashioned family entertainment for 16 months now, and will continue into the future as strong and as prominent as ever.
Some say I may have a bias because I spent some time in my early years working on the Voice. Some say that I may be too attached to this publication because it has had my name in it once or twice. But I say nay to those who oppose this thought. The Voice is the one, the only place to go and read about all information happening on Fergus Avenue.
Go and prove me right. Read the Voice. Tell your friends. When you've done so, you'll realize that you'll never experience life the same again. We each have a voice. Express yourself.
But there comes a time in everyone's life where they need to sit down and definitively say that they choose one thing over another. And today, I have come to the conclusion that there is one source of reading material that tops all competition in the Hiway Centre / Idlewood area of Kitchener. This publication has more meat to it's content than anything that those people on Thaler Avenue could write. That's right, I'm talking about The Voice. Voiceofebc.com [previously voiceofebc.blogspot.com] has provided a wide source of entertainment, news, gossip, announcements, photo journalism, and all around old fashioned family entertainment for 16 months now, and will continue into the future as strong and as prominent as ever.
Some say I may have a bias because I spent some time in my early years working on the Voice. Some say that I may be too attached to this publication because it has had my name in it once or twice. But I say nay to those who oppose this thought. The Voice is the one, the only place to go and read about all information happening on Fergus Avenue.
Go and prove me right. Read the Voice. Tell your friends. When you've done so, you'll realize that you'll never experience life the same again. We each have a voice. Express yourself.
28.11.06
a thought
I'm reading through the Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning and read the following last night...
"A friend of mine once told me years ago that the one thing that made her uneasy about heaven is that she won't get to choose her table companions at the Messianic banquet." (Manning, 44)
It hit me like a brick wall.
I don't get to choose those who I encounter through life. I think this changes my outlook. Working in Student Life as a hopeful career, I need to step back and re-evaluate my motives for spending time with the people that I do. Why do I sit with them at lunch rather than the people I haven't talked to before? Why do I try to keep myself moving between the office and chapel when there's none of my friends around?
I think it's time to re-think relationships, and re-learn how to look at people... not with judgment and scorn, but with grace.
"A friend of mine once told me years ago that the one thing that made her uneasy about heaven is that she won't get to choose her table companions at the Messianic banquet." (Manning, 44)
It hit me like a brick wall.
I don't get to choose those who I encounter through life. I think this changes my outlook. Working in Student Life as a hopeful career, I need to step back and re-evaluate my motives for spending time with the people that I do. Why do I sit with them at lunch rather than the people I haven't talked to before? Why do I try to keep myself moving between the office and chapel when there's none of my friends around?
I think it's time to re-think relationships, and re-learn how to look at people... not with judgment and scorn, but with grace.
23.11.06
penguins
So, two penguins are having a bath. One looks at the other and says "Hey bud, will you pass me the soap?"
The other replies "What do I look like - a typewriter?"
That is all.
The other replies "What do I look like - a typewriter?"
That is all.
20.11.06
an announcement
Seems as if Dan thought I would flop.
It looked like I would continue that way around the turn...
BUT...
There was the River... Never felt so refreshing.
That is all.
It looked like I would continue that way around the turn...
BUT...
There was the River... Never felt so refreshing.
That is all.
16.11.06
sir roland's upset
I was having a discussion with a good friend tonight who has to create an incident report involving being at a pharmacy for one of their projects for school. So I created the incident for her... although she said it needed to be plausible... You be the judge.
"You were at a "to do" with the formalities and such of tuxedos and ballroom gowns etc when the hostess of the party came out of the bathroom, turned to say hello to a friend when she bumped into the butler, who stumbled spilling champaign onto the count who lashed out with his cane and hit the duchess in the head. The duchess fell over, grasping onto the tablecloth as she tumbled.
Unfortunately, this table had been set up with a chocolate fountain, which tipped over the edge of the table causing Sir Roland to fall into the mantlepiece, bringing it down and the priceless ming vase which just happened to be on top of it. All because the hostess had to go into the washroom to take some medication she got while at the pharmacy. "
"You were at a "to do" with the formalities and such of tuxedos and ballroom gowns etc when the hostess of the party came out of the bathroom, turned to say hello to a friend when she bumped into the butler, who stumbled spilling champaign onto the count who lashed out with his cane and hit the duchess in the head. The duchess fell over, grasping onto the tablecloth as she tumbled.
Unfortunately, this table had been set up with a chocolate fountain, which tipped over the edge of the table causing Sir Roland to fall into the mantlepiece, bringing it down and the priceless ming vase which just happened to be on top of it. All because the hostess had to go into the washroom to take some medication she got while at the pharmacy. "
11.11.06
winter...peg
I just got back from a trip to Winnipeg. It was my first time actually IN Winnipeg. I've been around it and I've been over it, but never actually in it. I found it to be a nice city, although somewhat spread out and very flat.
That being said, I was there because I'm on the executive of a national organization (Canadian Association of Christians in Student Development - CACSD for short) and we had our meeting out there because it was closer for 3 of the members to make it there.
I flew out of Toronto. It was my first time on a plane since June 2003 when I went up with some kids from my youth group for a sightseeing flight of the Narnia area. And my first time in a big plane since 1 month earlier when Gord and I returned from So-Cal.
Since then, security issues have changed just a bit. You are no longer allowed to take drinks through security due to events in Britain this summer. Knowing this, I went prepared and had my Nalgene with me in an empty state. I put it in my backpack and sent it through the scanner. On the other side, the nice gentleman asked me if he could open my bag, to which I replied of course. He found the Nalgene in it's empty state and allowed me to proceed.
I was at the airport and through Security early because that's how I like it to be. But I'm very awkward while waiting when I have a lot of stuff. The laptop I had doesn't hold any battery charge, my mp3 player isn't really entertaining when I'm not moving anywhere, and I don't like reading when I'm waiting to go somewhere, this being on the plane. So I sort of just sat and watched the baggage handlers load up the plane next to our gate, which made me glad I didn't check any bags this time. It didn't look very pretty for some of the bags, to which they chucked, some fell off the conveyor belt, etc... My co-executive member from Ontario showed up shortly thereafter and we chatted through the time the flight loaded up and left.
The flight out wasn't very eventful. It was cloudy most of the way, so I couldn't see much out my window seat other than an advertisement for Westjet... Which was fine. We talked most of the way there. I felt somewhat bad for the person trying to sleep in front of me, but whatever... it was business that needed to be discussed.
In Winnipeg, we waited for my colleague's bag to show up on the carousel and got picked up by someone from Booth College, where we were staying and having our meeting. It was a good time had by all. This is where I got my first glimpse of the 'Peg.
Later that evening, I went back to the airport with our host to pick up the person who flew in from Saskatoon via Toronto (due to weather issues) on Air Canada, which conveniently misplaced her baggage and had to send it on a later flight.
My room had a great view. I looked out and saw this:
That was the Manitoba Parliament Building with Golden Boy on top.
Thursday was meetings... all day. We went out to Moxies Classic Grill for dinner, where I had a pizza of some sort. It was tasty nonetheless.
Friday morning had some meetings and then on Friday afternoon, I went back to the airport alone for my flight home.
Enter Tim vs. Security part II:
My nalgene was empty and this time clipped to the outside of my backpack. But, the security screener politely told me that there was a juice bottle in my bag. Surprised, I asked "Is there a juice bottle in my bag?", "Yes," he replied in a very serious tone, "I need you to open your bag and pull out a juice bottle." So I searched and lo and behold, there was an EMPTY bottle in the bottom of my bag. The guy said "Thankyou, you may continue." The girl standing next to him said "You're supposed to declare these." To which I replied "I'm sorry, I forgot that it was in there." She responded "That's ok, just make sure next time." This threw off my good vibe about the day and I was on edge until I got to sleep in Acton last night.
Ah well... some pics from the flight home:
The TV screen showed me this when Lost began on Wednesday
Hey look, we're over Sault Ste. Marie
Beautiful sunset... the advert. continues though.
Hey, we're not the only plane in the sky. Open skies my foot.
That being said, I was there because I'm on the executive of a national organization (Canadian Association of Christians in Student Development - CACSD for short) and we had our meeting out there because it was closer for 3 of the members to make it there.
I flew out of Toronto. It was my first time on a plane since June 2003 when I went up with some kids from my youth group for a sightseeing flight of the Narnia area. And my first time in a big plane since 1 month earlier when Gord and I returned from So-Cal.
Since then, security issues have changed just a bit. You are no longer allowed to take drinks through security due to events in Britain this summer. Knowing this, I went prepared and had my Nalgene with me in an empty state. I put it in my backpack and sent it through the scanner. On the other side, the nice gentleman asked me if he could open my bag, to which I replied of course. He found the Nalgene in it's empty state and allowed me to proceed.
I was at the airport and through Security early because that's how I like it to be. But I'm very awkward while waiting when I have a lot of stuff. The laptop I had doesn't hold any battery charge, my mp3 player isn't really entertaining when I'm not moving anywhere, and I don't like reading when I'm waiting to go somewhere, this being on the plane. So I sort of just sat and watched the baggage handlers load up the plane next to our gate, which made me glad I didn't check any bags this time. It didn't look very pretty for some of the bags, to which they chucked, some fell off the conveyor belt, etc... My co-executive member from Ontario showed up shortly thereafter and we chatted through the time the flight loaded up and left.
The flight out wasn't very eventful. It was cloudy most of the way, so I couldn't see much out my window seat other than an advertisement for Westjet... Which was fine. We talked most of the way there. I felt somewhat bad for the person trying to sleep in front of me, but whatever... it was business that needed to be discussed.
In Winnipeg, we waited for my colleague's bag to show up on the carousel and got picked up by someone from Booth College, where we were staying and having our meeting. It was a good time had by all. This is where I got my first glimpse of the 'Peg.
Later that evening, I went back to the airport with our host to pick up the person who flew in from Saskatoon via Toronto (due to weather issues) on Air Canada, which conveniently misplaced her baggage and had to send it on a later flight.
My room had a great view. I looked out and saw this:
That was the Manitoba Parliament Building with Golden Boy on top.
Thursday was meetings... all day. We went out to Moxies Classic Grill for dinner, where I had a pizza of some sort. It was tasty nonetheless.
Friday morning had some meetings and then on Friday afternoon, I went back to the airport alone for my flight home.
Enter Tim vs. Security part II:
My nalgene was empty and this time clipped to the outside of my backpack. But, the security screener politely told me that there was a juice bottle in my bag. Surprised, I asked "Is there a juice bottle in my bag?", "Yes," he replied in a very serious tone, "I need you to open your bag and pull out a juice bottle." So I searched and lo and behold, there was an EMPTY bottle in the bottom of my bag. The guy said "Thankyou, you may continue." The girl standing next to him said "You're supposed to declare these." To which I replied "I'm sorry, I forgot that it was in there." She responded "That's ok, just make sure next time." This threw off my good vibe about the day and I was on edge until I got to sleep in Acton last night.
Ah well... some pics from the flight home:
The TV screen showed me this when Lost began on Wednesday
Hey look, we're over Sault Ste. Marie
Beautiful sunset... the advert. continues though.
Hey, we're not the only plane in the sky. Open skies my foot.
5.11.06
have a heart!
... erm. hurry hard! Or something like that. Curling was awesome. I was very sore afterwards, but that was ok. My teams (yes, I had 2 over the course of the evening) were smoked horribly by the two teams with the skips that play in a league regularly, but in both games we came back and scored our only point(s) in the final end, with the second game being me drawing to the button around a whole whackload of guards two shots in a row with the hammer and me being the skip.
Some other notible shots to the button were made by Dave King, Chris Rutledge, and Brittany Rice, who were amazing at their first attempt curling. The second team was Amy, John Eric and Ben who were also awesome to play with. Good teams all around.
Lots of fun.
Have to do it again. Definitely. Any Interest?
T.
Some other notible shots to the button were made by Dave King, Chris Rutledge, and Brittany Rice, who were amazing at their first attempt curling. The second team was Amy, John Eric and Ben who were also awesome to play with. Good teams all around.
Lots of fun.
Have to do it again. Definitely. Any Interest?
T.
4.11.06
curling
There's still 3 spots available for curling. Just arrive at EBC at 6:15 and we'll go from there.
If you want to come spectate, we'll be beginning play around 7:30ish until 11. It's in Ayr at the Ayr Curling Club - 210 Northumberland Street (entrance off of Broom Street)
T.
If you want to come spectate, we'll be beginning play around 7:30ish until 11. It's in Ayr at the Ayr Curling Club - 210 Northumberland Street (entrance off of Broom Street)
T.
2.11.06
curlarific
Just letting you know there's still 5 spaces available for curling this Saturday. If you're interested, my contact information's here.
We're going to Ayr Curling Club, meeting there shortly before 7:00 PM and we'll be done by 11:00 PM.
T.
We're going to Ayr Curling Club, meeting there shortly before 7:00 PM and we'll be done by 11:00 PM.
T.
29.10.06
dramatically speaking
I've been thinking recently. It's never good when I do because, usually, something drastically changes in my life. This time, nothing's changing, but it's been thought-provoking. I've been considering drama as a part of life, and if it's either built-in to what we do or if we make it that way to keep ourselves interested in what's happening.
I'll flesh this out more later, but some variables along those lines:
- our upbringing - the family / friends we spent time with while growing up
- interests - what hobbies or pasttimes did we pursue in life - ie. dramatic arts, music, computers, watch television 24/7, etc.
- maturity - what stage of life are we in? Have we crossed into the maturity level of where we're supposed to be by now? ie. Can you handle college without making big things out of nothing?
There's more... but for now, any thoughts?
I'll flesh this out more later, but some variables along those lines:
- our upbringing - the family / friends we spent time with while growing up
- interests - what hobbies or pasttimes did we pursue in life - ie. dramatic arts, music, computers, watch television 24/7, etc.
- maturity - what stage of life are we in? Have we crossed into the maturity level of where we're supposed to be by now? ie. Can you handle college without making big things out of nothing?
There's more... but for now, any thoughts?
26.10.06
ring
... begin rant
Last night, I was going to be a good little boy and go to sleep before 10! That happened... Unfortunately, the phone rang around 10, just after I'd fallen asleep. I was awake. Then, although somewhat bitter, I decided to leave well enough alone and go back to sleep. I had just fallen asleep again when the phone rang again, this time around 10:20. Even moreso bitter this time than the previous, I decided to go to leave it alone yet again and try for a third time falling asleep. Success! Until 10:40 when the phone rang again. This time I was ticked, my room was cold, my blankets and sheets had snaked around me, and there was no way I was getting back to sleep for a while.
... why me?
I ended up sleeping in by about an hour and a half this morning, arriving at work an hour late... at least I had some extra time built up to move over to today.
My phone is now being unplugged after 10:00 pm every night... or so I say. Never call after 10 pm. It's just rude. You never know who you're going to wake up on the other end. If you do wake someone up, it'd better be an emergency.
... end rant.
Last night, I was going to be a good little boy and go to sleep before 10! That happened... Unfortunately, the phone rang around 10, just after I'd fallen asleep. I was awake. Then, although somewhat bitter, I decided to leave well enough alone and go back to sleep. I had just fallen asleep again when the phone rang again, this time around 10:20. Even moreso bitter this time than the previous, I decided to go to leave it alone yet again and try for a third time falling asleep. Success! Until 10:40 when the phone rang again. This time I was ticked, my room was cold, my blankets and sheets had snaked around me, and there was no way I was getting back to sleep for a while.
... why me?
I ended up sleeping in by about an hour and a half this morning, arriving at work an hour late... at least I had some extra time built up to move over to today.
My phone is now being unplugged after 10:00 pm every night... or so I say. Never call after 10 pm. It's just rude. You never know who you're going to wake up on the other end. If you do wake someone up, it'd better be an emergency.
... end rant.
24.10.06
the trip...
As promised, the map. Not as acurate as I'd like, but still pretty darn good for 1400 km round trip approx. Ps. Corrie's alive and well and was picked up by the right people on Saturday night.
22.10.06
road trip
Last Sunday at this time, I figured I was going to be home this weekend, enjoying sleep and just relaxing all cool, shooting some b-ball outside of the school... or something to that extent.
What actually happened was, I went home on Friday evening with Mike, Mary, and Corrie, and while Mike and Mary drove over to Port Urine, Corrie and I watched the Manchurian Candidate with Gord and Vanessa and then went to my place to sleep.
Saturday morning: up bright and early (6:15) to get over to Port Urine for 8:00 to drive to Fort Wayne, IN. 5 hours, 2 stops later, we arrive at Fort Wayne Vineyard Church for Ryan and Amber's wedding. It was a good wedding. Always fun to see people you know from afar and it was cool seeing them on their own turf rather than waiting for them to come up here.
We left the wedding around 6, drove to downtown Fort Wayne to drop off Corrie at a random Starbucks and tried to figure out what was happening with her until her ride showed up... Got that worked out (hoping that her ride actually came) and we were off towards home. Stopped for food somewhere near the MI / IN border (Possibly Coldwater), and then I started driving and drove the next 3.5 hours non-stop to my home. Long trip, fast speeds on the Interstates, Michigan is flat like a pancake... at least the roads have more curves than the 402.
Got to my house at 1 am, got up at 6:30, on the road at 7:30 and back to KW home at 10.
14 hours driving, of which I did 9ish. Long days, good times with friends, road trips are awesome. Map of trip coming when I get around to it.
T.
What actually happened was, I went home on Friday evening with Mike, Mary, and Corrie, and while Mike and Mary drove over to Port Urine, Corrie and I watched the Manchurian Candidate with Gord and Vanessa and then went to my place to sleep.
Saturday morning: up bright and early (6:15) to get over to Port Urine for 8:00 to drive to Fort Wayne, IN. 5 hours, 2 stops later, we arrive at Fort Wayne Vineyard Church for Ryan and Amber's wedding. It was a good wedding. Always fun to see people you know from afar and it was cool seeing them on their own turf rather than waiting for them to come up here.
We left the wedding around 6, drove to downtown Fort Wayne to drop off Corrie at a random Starbucks and tried to figure out what was happening with her until her ride showed up... Got that worked out (hoping that her ride actually came) and we were off towards home. Stopped for food somewhere near the MI / IN border (Possibly Coldwater), and then I started driving and drove the next 3.5 hours non-stop to my home. Long trip, fast speeds on the Interstates, Michigan is flat like a pancake... at least the roads have more curves than the 402.
Got to my house at 1 am, got up at 6:30, on the road at 7:30 and back to KW home at 10.
14 hours driving, of which I did 9ish. Long days, good times with friends, road trips are awesome. Map of trip coming when I get around to it.
T.
19.10.06
some call me tim
Others call me hey you. I respond to either some days.
I've been working a lot lately, well not more than usual because I'm at full time hours, but there's a lot of substance in those hours... I'm beyond my really big projects for October now and heading into my big projects for November, which include the curling fundraiser, creating and distributing and compiling a survey, and preparing to go to Winnipeg in a few weeks for 2 days.
On the IT front, I'm down to small jobs for now. I had large projects to keep me going for the past 1.5 months, but things are settling down now and I'm getting into more finicky jobs.
On the website front, it's been worked into my contract, so it's not on top of full time anymore, it's included in full time. This week was the first time I've really had dedicated hours to get things done for a while, so I got things done, and I'm quite happy with the results. To see what I've done, you can go to www.ebcollege.on.ca and first note the Colour the Future banner on the right. Then click on it. Then click on the Education Centre Link. Those are my 3 projects that I finished this week. There's more to come in the future, but for now, that's where my time took me.
I still enjoy everything I'm doing. I think each one is balancing the others out nicely. I don't think I could ask for a better job than this at my current stage of knowledge / skill.
But for now, it's bedtime.
out.
T.
I've been working a lot lately, well not more than usual because I'm at full time hours, but there's a lot of substance in those hours... I'm beyond my really big projects for October now and heading into my big projects for November, which include the curling fundraiser, creating and distributing and compiling a survey, and preparing to go to Winnipeg in a few weeks for 2 days.
On the IT front, I'm down to small jobs for now. I had large projects to keep me going for the past 1.5 months, but things are settling down now and I'm getting into more finicky jobs.
On the website front, it's been worked into my contract, so it's not on top of full time anymore, it's included in full time. This week was the first time I've really had dedicated hours to get things done for a while, so I got things done, and I'm quite happy with the results. To see what I've done, you can go to www.ebcollege.on.ca and first note the Colour the Future banner on the right. Then click on it. Then click on the Education Centre Link. Those are my 3 projects that I finished this week. There's more to come in the future, but for now, that's where my time took me.
I still enjoy everything I'm doing. I think each one is balancing the others out nicely. I don't think I could ask for a better job than this at my current stage of knowledge / skill.
But for now, it's bedtime.
out.
T.
tim vs. technology: part 4835
And so the saga continues... In the past, we've had:
- 2 mp3 players breaking within 3 months of each other
- cell phone getting "invalid battery" after 2 months
- 4 power supplies in my computer in 3 years
- frying a cd burner
- coming close to doing the same with the replacement
- my work computer sounding like it's going to explode
and more....
Enter the Zen. I went on ebay the other day (bad idea) to look at mp3 players. My old one only holds 30 songs and I was hoping to upgrade for cheap. Lo and behold, there's a Creative Zen there for reasonably cheap. I was going to hold off on buying it, but Gord encouraged the impulse buy, and in the end, I won the auction.
So the Zen arrives, and I get it figured out. All is well... until I try and figure out the removable storage portion of the evening. Bad idea. The computer can't recognize the device (it recognized the mp3 player part of it, just not the storage part), the player freezes, tells me not to unplug it, but wont turn off, can't find the proper driver for the computer, so I unplug it, but the device is still frozen, the power button does nothing, so I take the battery out and it turns off.
Upon turning it back on, the player began to load the media library, which is normal for a post-battery removal period, and then it freezes, half the screen goes blank, and the hadphones (not headphones - they weren't in the item description) start squealing... Uhoh.
This continues for about 10 minutes as I try and solve the problem through sheer Tim power... which is pretty much power off, power on, battery out, battery in, reset button, repeat.
No go.
Shoot. I broke an mp3 player I won on Ebay within 48 hours of receiving it. Good work, Tim.
So I sent a quick e-mail off to the seller to see if was covered under warranty.
2 minutes later, the player boots up fine and starts playing regular music.
Today's lesson after all of that is: Don't let me near your electronics. I'll break them, or cause great strife while getting it to work.
- 2 mp3 players breaking within 3 months of each other
- cell phone getting "invalid battery" after 2 months
- 4 power supplies in my computer in 3 years
- frying a cd burner
- coming close to doing the same with the replacement
- my work computer sounding like it's going to explode
and more....
Enter the Zen. I went on ebay the other day (bad idea) to look at mp3 players. My old one only holds 30 songs and I was hoping to upgrade for cheap. Lo and behold, there's a Creative Zen there for reasonably cheap. I was going to hold off on buying it, but Gord encouraged the impulse buy, and in the end, I won the auction.
So the Zen arrives, and I get it figured out. All is well... until I try and figure out the removable storage portion of the evening. Bad idea. The computer can't recognize the device (it recognized the mp3 player part of it, just not the storage part), the player freezes, tells me not to unplug it, but wont turn off, can't find the proper driver for the computer, so I unplug it, but the device is still frozen, the power button does nothing, so I take the battery out and it turns off.
Upon turning it back on, the player began to load the media library, which is normal for a post-battery removal period, and then it freezes, half the screen goes blank, and the hadphones (not headphones - they weren't in the item description) start squealing... Uhoh.
This continues for about 10 minutes as I try and solve the problem through sheer Tim power... which is pretty much power off, power on, battery out, battery in, reset button, repeat.
No go.
Shoot. I broke an mp3 player I won on Ebay within 48 hours of receiving it. Good work, Tim.
So I sent a quick e-mail off to the seller to see if was covered under warranty.
2 minutes later, the player boots up fine and starts playing regular music.
Today's lesson after all of that is: Don't let me near your electronics. I'll break them, or cause great strife while getting it to work.
16.10.06
introducing
Corunna home... in colour. Google Earth has about 3 km in from the St. Clair River all the way down in good resolution. Take a look at all those swimming pools in Corunna.
http://maps.google.ca/?ie=UTF8&z=14&ll=42.882631,-82.436256&spn=0.032138,0.05785&t=k&om=1
15.10.06
I was having a bit of fun with my camera tonight... I really need to get out to some natural location that offers amazing opportunities for cool photos. I think I'll probably sit down some day with the manual and read through it thoroughly to make sure I know what the heck I'm doing when I get around to it.Ah well, for now, enjoy the keyboard.
9.10.06
Far From Perfect: The Embodiment of Grace
A few weeks back I spoke in chapel. Here's the transcript. (It's long...)
My first year at Emmanuel, I had a roommate. It lasted for a grand total of one semester. His name was (and still is) Dave. Dave, at the time, was what could be termed an interesting person. In my eyes at the time, he lacked social skills, was not quick to understand body language or tone of voice, and had trouble articulating himself. We were two years apart in age, with him being straight out of high school and me out of another college. His actions were not what I expected my roommate’s would be and I can honestly say that I saw no similarities between us, other than we both had computers and were both male.
I can tell you that the semester was a rocky semester. I began to not like Dave and fear returning to our room because of the differences between us. There were times that I was so bitter and resentful that I was glad there were other people around, just to make sure I didn’t do anything stupid. Things were going downhill…
Until one night at dorm meeting, we were praying as a floor and one person mentioned while praying for me that my last name was Grace and thanked God for giving me that attribute. It struck me that my last name is Grace and I started thinking about how I embody that in my life. At the time, it was very little with Dave.
That is where God started to change my heart. I looked at Dave as another human being, created in God’s image, flawed by sin, yet still loved by God. I realized that by looking at the negatives you are not going to get to know a person very well, let alone learn to love them as a brother. Slowly, but surely, my attitudes changed.
Today, Dave and I are good friends. We’ve gone through enough together to have a solid relationship. I have a deep respect for Dave and although he might not be able to articulate well in speech (which has improved), his writing is astounding. He’s writing a fantasy novel right now, and I hope that I get a chance to read it when it’s complete.
Let’s think a bit about today’s society. What does it expect of us?
- We need to be done now in order to keep our job.
- The movie starts in 5 minutes or else we’ll be annoy the audience for disturbing their evening.
- You need to dress in a certain way to be accepted.
- The paper needs to be in by 4:30 or else you fail.
- You need to look like the people in the magazines or on TV or in the movies because that’s what perfection is.
- People may even cause you to think “does this dress make me look sexy?”
Some expectations are there to help us be ready to go into a society that rarely shows grace. I think it would be a great day if the ideal returned where patience was a true virtue that everyone had and there was room for our imperfections.
It is my belief, that as Christians, we are to show grace. Christ did. Look at all the things he did that no one else would do. He talked to Samaritans. Cleansed the unclean. Loved the unlovable. Served the unservable. Think about it. We deserve death, but here we are because of Christ’s death. It’s a really strange feeling, though, to get something we know that we do not deserve.
Jesus told a story of a boy who told his father that he wanted his inheritance now, which was the equivalent of saying “I want you to drop dead.” After running away, squandering his money, and falling face first in a pile of pig manure, the son came to realize the error of his way and longed to return home. He expected that he’d be shunned by his father, and was ok with that. If only he could have a warm place to sleep and some food on the table. When he returned, his father embraced him and threw a feast. Was this what he expected? How do you think the Prodigal felt? In What’s So Amazing About Grace?, Philip Yancey tells this story in a modern context. Let’s examine.
Both the girl and the prodigal received something they weren’t expecting. What is it like to receive something we do not deserve? Some people will take and leave the giver standing in the dust. Others will fake a thank you and then walk away to forget what just happened.
There are some, though, who understand what is happening and graciously accept the gift. They will not forget that moment or the kindness of the giver. I think the Prodigal would love his father all the more, although he may never understand why his father accepted him. The same with the girl in the story.
It is my understanding that we live in a broken world and that we are broken people. We all miss the mark in many ways. There once was a man who was the captain of a slave ship. This ship was on a voyage when a fierce storm came upon them. The captain tried everything and then at last, out of hope, he cried “Lord, have mercy upon us.” The ship was spared and the man converted. His name was John Newton, the author of Amazing Grace, which is said to have been based on this storm experience. I think Newton struggled when writing this song. It is full of truths that are almost incomprehensible. We deserve nothing more than death, but for some reason, God in his compassion has extended full grace to us, as we are. No ifs, ands, or buts. Here we are, far from perfect, and God is willing to love us, and even use us as instruments of his love to share with the world.
I want you to stand with me. Look around at those beside you. To your right and left. What do you see? Look beyond the person that woke you up at 3 AM with their LOUD music. Look beyond the person who took the last brownie. Look beyond the person that cut you off on the highway last week. See what God sees. Does it change anything? What does God see when he looks at us? Broken people, who are loved. Broken people who can make a difference. We are broken, but God alone can fix us.
I have a challenge for you; for myself. It is a challenge that may change the way you view and treat people. I cannot guarantee it will be easy. I cannot guarantee it will happen overnight. But I can guarantee that if you do this, God will transform your life. Things will be different. It’s a challenge to embody and to embrace grace.
I want you to listen to what I’m about to read. It’s a difficult matter, to give ourselves over to grace. Think of this as something to strive for. No one’s going to judge you if you fail. God won’t think any less of you. Just remember, there is always that amazing grace.
A Cry for Grace
Here I stand, far from perfect, knowing that God loves me despite my flaws.
Here I stand, willing to embrace grace - not only in accepting it from God, but showing it to others.
Here I stand, in the grace of God. I desire to live a life full of grace.
Lord, help me.
---
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found. Was blind, but now I see.
My first year at Emmanuel, I had a roommate. It lasted for a grand total of one semester. His name was (and still is) Dave. Dave, at the time, was what could be termed an interesting person. In my eyes at the time, he lacked social skills, was not quick to understand body language or tone of voice, and had trouble articulating himself. We were two years apart in age, with him being straight out of high school and me out of another college. His actions were not what I expected my roommate’s would be and I can honestly say that I saw no similarities between us, other than we both had computers and were both male.
I can tell you that the semester was a rocky semester. I began to not like Dave and fear returning to our room because of the differences between us. There were times that I was so bitter and resentful that I was glad there were other people around, just to make sure I didn’t do anything stupid. Things were going downhill…
Until one night at dorm meeting, we were praying as a floor and one person mentioned while praying for me that my last name was Grace and thanked God for giving me that attribute. It struck me that my last name is Grace and I started thinking about how I embody that in my life. At the time, it was very little with Dave.
That is where God started to change my heart. I looked at Dave as another human being, created in God’s image, flawed by sin, yet still loved by God. I realized that by looking at the negatives you are not going to get to know a person very well, let alone learn to love them as a brother. Slowly, but surely, my attitudes changed.
Today, Dave and I are good friends. We’ve gone through enough together to have a solid relationship. I have a deep respect for Dave and although he might not be able to articulate well in speech (which has improved), his writing is astounding. He’s writing a fantasy novel right now, and I hope that I get a chance to read it when it’s complete.
Let’s think a bit about today’s society. What does it expect of us?
- We need to be done now in order to keep our job.
- The movie starts in 5 minutes or else we’ll be annoy the audience for disturbing their evening.
- You need to dress in a certain way to be accepted.
- The paper needs to be in by 4:30 or else you fail.
- You need to look like the people in the magazines or on TV or in the movies because that’s what perfection is.
- People may even cause you to think “does this dress make me look sexy?”
Some expectations are there to help us be ready to go into a society that rarely shows grace. I think it would be a great day if the ideal returned where patience was a true virtue that everyone had and there was room for our imperfections.
It is my belief, that as Christians, we are to show grace. Christ did. Look at all the things he did that no one else would do. He talked to Samaritans. Cleansed the unclean. Loved the unlovable. Served the unservable. Think about it. We deserve death, but here we are because of Christ’s death. It’s a really strange feeling, though, to get something we know that we do not deserve.
Jesus told a story of a boy who told his father that he wanted his inheritance now, which was the equivalent of saying “I want you to drop dead.” After running away, squandering his money, and falling face first in a pile of pig manure, the son came to realize the error of his way and longed to return home. He expected that he’d be shunned by his father, and was ok with that. If only he could have a warm place to sleep and some food on the table. When he returned, his father embraced him and threw a feast. Was this what he expected? How do you think the Prodigal felt? In What’s So Amazing About Grace?, Philip Yancey tells this story in a modern context. Let’s examine.
"A young girl grows up on a cherry orchard just above Traverse City, Michigan. Her parents, a bit old- fashioned, tend to overreact to her nose ring, the music she listens to, and the length of her skirts. They ground her a few times, and she seethes inside. "I hate you!" she screams at her father when he knocks on the door of her room after an argument, and that night she acts on a plan she has mentally rehearsed scores of times. She runs away.
She has visited Detroit only once before, on a bus trip with her church youth group to watch the Tigers play. Because newspapers in Traverse City report in lurid detail the gangs, the drugs, and the violence in downtown Detroit, she concludes that is probably the last place her parents will look for her. California, maybe, or Florida, but not Detroit.
Her second day there she meets a man who drives the biggest car she's ever seen. He offers her a ride, buys her lunch, arranges a place for her to stay. He gives her some pills that make her feel better than she's ever felt before. She was right all along, she decides: her parents were keeping her from all the fun.
The good life continues for a month, two months, a year. The man with the big car--she calls him "Boss"-- teaches her a few things that men like. She lives in a penthouse, and orders room service whenever she wants. Occasionally she thinks about the folks back home, but their lives now seem so boring and provincial that she can hardly believe she grew up there.
She has a brief scare when she sees her picture printed on the back of a milk carton with the headline "Have you seen this child?" But by now she has blond hair, and with all the makeup and body-piercing jewelry she wears, nobody would mistake her for a child. Besides, most of her friends are runaways, and nobody squeals in Detroit.
After a year the first sallow signs of illness appear, and it amazes her how fast the boss turns mean. "These days, we can't mess around," he growls, and before she knows it she's out on the street without a penny to her name. When winter blows in she finds herself sleeping on metal grates outside the big department stores. "Sleeping" is the wrong word--a teenage girl at night in down town Detroit can never relax her guard. Dark bands circle her eyes. Her cough worsens.
One night as she lies awake listening for footsteps, all of a sudden everything about her life looks different. She no longer feels like a woman of the world. She feels like a little girl, lost in a cold and frightening city. She begins to whimper. Her pockets are empty and she's hungry. She needs a fix. She pulls her legs tight underneath her and shivers under the newspapers she's piled atop her coat. Something jolts a synapse of memory and a single image fills her mind: of May in Traverse City, when a million cherry trees bloom at once, with her golden retriever dashing through the rows and rows of blossomy trees in chase of a tennis ball.
God, why did I leave, she says to herself, and pain stabs at her heart. My dog back home eats better than I do now. She's sobbing, and she knows in a flash that more than anything else in the world she wants to go home.
Three straight phone calls, three straight connections with the answering machine. She hangs up without leaving a message the first two times, but the third time she says, "Dad, Mom, it's me. I was wondering about maybe coming home. I'm catching a bus up your way, and it'll get there about midnight tomorrow. If you're not there, well, I guess I'll just stay on the bus until it hits Canada."
It takes about seven hours for a bus to make all the stops between Detroit and Traverse City, and during that time she realizes the flaws in her plan. What if her parents are out of town and miss the message? Shouldn't she have waited another day or so until she could talk to them? And even if they are home, they probably wrote her off as dead long ago. She should have given them some time to overcome the shock.
Her thoughts bounce back and forth between those worries and the speech she is preparing for her father. "Dad, I'm sorry. I know I was wrong. It's not your fault; it's all mine. Dad, can you forgive me?" She says the words over and over, her throat tightening even as she rehearses them. She hasn't apologized to anyone in years.
The bus has been driving with the lights on since Bay City. Tiny snowflakes hit the pavement rubbed worn by thousands of tires, and the asphalt steams. She's forgotten how dark it gets at night out here. A deer darts across the road and the bus swerves. Every so often, a billboard. A sign posting the mileage to Traverse City. Oh, God.
When the bus finally rolls into the station, its air brakes hissing in protest, the driver announces in a crackly voice over the microphone, "Fifteen minutes, folks. That's all we have here." Fifteen minutes to decide her life. She checks herself in a compact mirror, smoothes her hair, and licks the lipstick off her teeth. She looks at the tobacco stains on her fingertips, and wonders if her parents will notice. If they're there.
She walks into the terminal not knowing what to expect. Not one of the thousand scenes that have played out in her mind prepare her for what she sees. There, in the concrete-walls-and-plastic-chairs bus terminal in Traverse City, Michigan, stands a group of forty brothers and sisters and great-aunts and uncles and cousins and a grandmother and great-grandmother to boot. They're all wearing goofy party hats and blowing noise-makers, and taped across the entire wall of the terminal is a computer-generated banner that reads "Welcome home!"
Out of the crowd of well-wishers breaks her dad. She stares out through the tears quivering in her eyes like hot mercury and begins the memorized speech, "Dad, I'm sorry. I know..."
He interrupts her. "Hush, child. We've got no time for that. No time for apologies. You'll be late for the party. A banquet's waiting for you at home." (Yancey, Philip, "What's So Amazing About Grace", 49-51)
Both the girl and the prodigal received something they weren’t expecting. What is it like to receive something we do not deserve? Some people will take and leave the giver standing in the dust. Others will fake a thank you and then walk away to forget what just happened.
There are some, though, who understand what is happening and graciously accept the gift. They will not forget that moment or the kindness of the giver. I think the Prodigal would love his father all the more, although he may never understand why his father accepted him. The same with the girl in the story.
It is my understanding that we live in a broken world and that we are broken people. We all miss the mark in many ways. There once was a man who was the captain of a slave ship. This ship was on a voyage when a fierce storm came upon them. The captain tried everything and then at last, out of hope, he cried “Lord, have mercy upon us.” The ship was spared and the man converted. His name was John Newton, the author of Amazing Grace, which is said to have been based on this storm experience. I think Newton struggled when writing this song. It is full of truths that are almost incomprehensible. We deserve nothing more than death, but for some reason, God in his compassion has extended full grace to us, as we are. No ifs, ands, or buts. Here we are, far from perfect, and God is willing to love us, and even use us as instruments of his love to share with the world.
I want you to stand with me. Look around at those beside you. To your right and left. What do you see? Look beyond the person that woke you up at 3 AM with their LOUD music. Look beyond the person who took the last brownie. Look beyond the person that cut you off on the highway last week. See what God sees. Does it change anything? What does God see when he looks at us? Broken people, who are loved. Broken people who can make a difference. We are broken, but God alone can fix us.
I have a challenge for you; for myself. It is a challenge that may change the way you view and treat people. I cannot guarantee it will be easy. I cannot guarantee it will happen overnight. But I can guarantee that if you do this, God will transform your life. Things will be different. It’s a challenge to embody and to embrace grace.
I want you to listen to what I’m about to read. It’s a difficult matter, to give ourselves over to grace. Think of this as something to strive for. No one’s going to judge you if you fail. God won’t think any less of you. Just remember, there is always that amazing grace.
A Cry for Grace
Here I stand, far from perfect, knowing that God loves me despite my flaws.
Here I stand, willing to embrace grace - not only in accepting it from God, but showing it to others.
Here I stand, in the grace of God. I desire to live a life full of grace.
Lord, help me.
---
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found. Was blind, but now I see.
4.10.06
the bears had it in 2 hours
So Sawyer and Kate are trapped in the Zoo of Death. Jack's underwater with Juliana. And Henry's name is Ben.
I'm confused.
I'm confused.
1.10.06
another day...
Watch the following in order.
http://blueballfixed.ytmnd.com/
http://blueballs2.ytmnd.com/
http://blueballtragedy.ytmnd.com/
Poor Lance Cacklefanny.
http://blueballfixed.ytmnd.com/
http://blueballs2.ytmnd.com/
http://blueballtragedy.ytmnd.com/
Poor Lance Cacklefanny.
30.9.06
29.9.06
changes
You may notice a few small changes, such as the subtext to the blog title and the footer. I'm going to be working on design changes soon to help reflect where I am today rather than where I was when I first created this page.
Out.
T.
Out.
T.
again with the muscles
So, last week at Wonderland, I was on the Wild Beast with my arms free, enjoying the up and down of the old wooden coasters when all of a sudden on a corner, the force brought my elbow right into my ribs.
Ouch.
So the pain slowly got worse throughout the week until I decided to stop by a walk in clinic tonight after work. It's not fractured or anything bad, just strained muscles, which there's nothing I can do about. And so, I end up just having to live with the pain for a few weeks (2-4). Ah well, I'll be ok in the end.
Otherwise, I spoke in chapel yesterday, I think it went really well. I've heard various people from many different viewpoints comment on how they appreciated it. I'll probably post a transcript next week sometime, keeping in mind unless you have What's So Amazing About Grace, you'll be missing out on the part that brought tears to many eyes in the room.
Oh... yes... curling bonspiel. If you're interested, sign up soon. Spots are filling up quickly. November 4th in Ayr. $30. Check out www.ebcollege.on.ca/students/athletics_fundraiser.php for info.
That's about it. Not dead yet.
Out.
T.
Ouch.
So the pain slowly got worse throughout the week until I decided to stop by a walk in clinic tonight after work. It's not fractured or anything bad, just strained muscles, which there's nothing I can do about. And so, I end up just having to live with the pain for a few weeks (2-4). Ah well, I'll be ok in the end.
Otherwise, I spoke in chapel yesterday, I think it went really well. I've heard various people from many different viewpoints comment on how they appreciated it. I'll probably post a transcript next week sometime, keeping in mind unless you have What's So Amazing About Grace, you'll be missing out on the part that brought tears to many eyes in the room.
Oh... yes... curling bonspiel. If you're interested, sign up soon. Spots are filling up quickly. November 4th in Ayr. $30. Check out www.ebcollege.on.ca/students/athletics_fundraiser.php for info.
That's about it. Not dead yet.
Out.
T.
27.9.06
s...
ick.
Yep.
That's about it.
And, in honour of this computer, here's a haiku.
The Computer
I've waited so long.
Staring at the white screen, yes.
Slow computer, go.
--Haiku.
Yep.
That's about it.
And, in honour of this computer, here's a haiku.
The Computer
I've waited so long.
Staring at the white screen, yes.
Slow computer, go.
--Haiku.
18.9.06
coming soon...
I'm speaking in chapel on Thursday, September 28th. The title of what I'm saying is "Far from Perfect"... you'll have to be there to find out what it's about. 11:30 in the chapel at EBC. Be there.
But anyways, I slept really odd last night and my back has a huge knot in it now... magic bag's coming to work with me tomorrow if it's still an issue.
Anywayskies, I'm out now... I'm slowly realizing that I really enjoyed the community of residence, and am learning how to stay involved even though I'm not living there anymore. We'll see how things go.
T.
But anyways, I slept really odd last night and my back has a huge knot in it now... magic bag's coming to work with me tomorrow if it's still an issue.
Anywayskies, I'm out now... I'm slowly realizing that I really enjoyed the community of residence, and am learning how to stay involved even though I'm not living there anymore. We'll see how things go.
T.
14.9.06
the word is...
Goombah:
1. Friend, accomplice, or crony. 2. Godfather or mentor. 3. Gangster or Mafioso.
(On the Wordsmith Word of the Day RSS feed for today)
PS. I'm not dead, although some of you may call me a goombah for saying that without many other details. In any sense of the term, you are probably right.
T.
1. Friend, accomplice, or crony. 2. Godfather or mentor. 3. Gangster or Mafioso.
(On the Wordsmith Word of the Day RSS feed for today)
PS. I'm not dead, although some of you may call me a goombah for saying that without many other details. In any sense of the term, you are probably right.
T.
4.9.06
still the same
I took the Meyers Briggs typology test again on Humanmetrics.com today and my results have evened out from last year and the year before. First I was an ISFJ, then an ESTJ, then an ISTJ over the past few years. Now, I'm an ISTJ still with a few moderations. I was about 11/25/25/70ish last year, and this year I've moved a bit to 22/50/50/56... moving towards more introversion and less judgement with a moderate amount of sensing and thinking in there too.
If that didn't make any sense, that's ok. I don't think I've been making much sense lately in anything I do or say.
I tried to order a digi-cam on Futureshop.ca last night because of their labour day sale where I could save about 35-40 over in-store prices, but due to my billing address being in Corunna, it wouldn't go through. Ah well. I called, cancelled the order, and will go in tomorrow after work to pick it up. That way I can see the camera bag before I purchase it.
All will be well, methinks.
Out for now. I think I'm joing the TPTP game this aft in an hour. Need to stop by the bank first.
T.
If that didn't make any sense, that's ok. I don't think I've been making much sense lately in anything I do or say.
I tried to order a digi-cam on Futureshop.ca last night because of their labour day sale where I could save about 35-40 over in-store prices, but due to my billing address being in Corunna, it wouldn't go through. Ah well. I called, cancelled the order, and will go in tomorrow after work to pick it up. That way I can see the camera bag before I purchase it.
All will be well, methinks.
Out for now. I think I'm joing the TPTP game this aft in an hour. Need to stop by the bank first.
T.
29.8.06
finally
Ok, I guess it's about time to give out what I'm doing and where I am working now...
1. It's not a call centre.
2. It's within 4 hours of Toronto.
3. I have an office.
4. 2 jobs = full time hours.
5. Job Location = Kitchener, ON
6. Job Location = Emmanuel Bible College
7. Job Description 1 (3/4 time) = Student Life: Athletics and Student Programs Coordinator (in other words - lots of administration work - you can see some of it on the school's website under Students - Athletics)
8. Job Description 2 (1/4 time) = IT Assistant (trying not to mess up the network too bad... came close to making life miserable for many people... caught myself, took responsibility and fixed the problem quickly though all is well now.)
That's quite the update for now. 4 hints at once.
Figured it out yet, Mike?
Happy now, Amy?
Sheesh... you're all relentless.
Out...
T.
1. It's not a call centre.
2. It's within 4 hours of Toronto.
3. I have an office.
4. 2 jobs = full time hours.
5. Job Location = Kitchener, ON
6. Job Location = Emmanuel Bible College
7. Job Description 1 (3/4 time) = Student Life: Athletics and Student Programs Coordinator (in other words - lots of administration work - you can see some of it on the school's website under Students - Athletics)
8. Job Description 2 (1/4 time) = IT Assistant (trying not to mess up the network too bad... came close to making life miserable for many people... caught myself, took responsibility and fixed the problem quickly though all is well now.)
That's quite the update for now. 4 hints at once.
Figured it out yet, Mike?
Happy now, Amy?
Sheesh... you're all relentless.
Out...
T.
24.8.06
one more shift
Tomorrow's my last shift at the call factory. I'm hoping to go out with a bang, but we'll see how that goes. I was wondering how many calls I've taken this summer, so I went through and counted up the stats I wrote down in my calendar and it was astounding... Since I began keeping stats on the... 19th of June, I've taken 48,406 calls. My estimate for the 2 weeks before that is about 6500 calls, which puts me at around 55,000 calls taken this summer... at least.
Some records I've broken (personal) this summer:
-When I left Corunna in December, my lowest average was about 26 seconds per call. In Kitchener, it was 20.
-The most amount of calls I took was on December 31st in Corunna at 956 in an 8 hour shift (7 hours online). The most in Kitchener was the 14th of August at 1145 in 8 hours (I took 1333 on Saturday the 19th in 9 hours, 15 minutes - 8hrs 15 online)
I think I'll miss the place and the somewhat relaxing job, although customer service at it's finest is very draining. But I'm looking forward to stepping out into the new job on Monday, which is:
A) Not a Call Centre
B) Within 4 hours of Toronto (you figure out the mode of transportation)
C) I get an office with a computer and a phone extension and e-mail address. There are other offices in this building. You could almost call it an office building, if you really wanted to.
and...
D) Not full time by itself. My contract is 3/4 time, meaning about 28 hours/wk. However, this organizaton/company has another area which I can be useful in, so I work in another department for the other 1/4 time to give me the equivalent full time job that is Monday-Friday days.
Got it yet, Mike?
T.
Some records I've broken (personal) this summer:
-When I left Corunna in December, my lowest average was about 26 seconds per call. In Kitchener, it was 20.
-The most amount of calls I took was on December 31st in Corunna at 956 in an 8 hour shift (7 hours online). The most in Kitchener was the 14th of August at 1145 in 8 hours (I took 1333 on Saturday the 19th in 9 hours, 15 minutes - 8hrs 15 online)
I think I'll miss the place and the somewhat relaxing job, although customer service at it's finest is very draining. But I'm looking forward to stepping out into the new job on Monday, which is:
A) Not a Call Centre
B) Within 4 hours of Toronto (you figure out the mode of transportation)
C) I get an office with a computer and a phone extension and e-mail address. There are other offices in this building. You could almost call it an office building, if you really wanted to.
and...
D) Not full time by itself. My contract is 3/4 time, meaning about 28 hours/wk. However, this organizaton/company has another area which I can be useful in, so I work in another department for the other 1/4 time to give me the equivalent full time job that is Monday-Friday days.
Got it yet, Mike?
T.
21.8.06
7 days, 3 shifts, 1 flesh wound: pure bliss
Here's the update that no one asked for but whoever is for whatever reason interested in my life is going to get.
Point 1. The flesh wound from early Sunday morning. It's had a day or two of puss and grossing people out. Although I wore pants tonight to cover it up while I was at work so people didn't gross out, which was probably a good thing because I was coaching the new trainees. During that time it was covered up, it went from seeping large amounts of puss (you didn't need to know that) to being covered mostly by scab, which is what I want. So I'm hoping to be scabbed up completely within 24 hours, which will add to a certain amount of pain when I move stuff to the new place tomorrow night. Anyways, I still laugh about the incident which caused this grossness. Always fun to have a good fall.
Point 2. I'm almost done at the call centre. Only three more shifts left. Thrilling, really. Today I was ready to be online for the entire shift when they asked me if I wanted to help coach the new trainees while they were on their first day online. Some were doing well, others have a ways to go. But I think it'll be good when they get a bit more confidence in them. So I was only online for about 290 calls, which was over about 2 hours spread throughout the night (during their lunch and after they were done). I get to do the same again on Wednesday, which should be fun times had by all. Then only 2 shifts after that for me to finish up my call centre career (hopefully), go out strong, which is always a good test of character. Can you finish a job just as strongly as you started? We'll find out.
Point 3. In one week from today, I start the new job that is:
A) Not a Call Centre
B) Within 4 hours of Toronto (you figure out the mode of transportation)
and...
C) I get an office with a computer and a phone extension and e-mail address. There are other offices in this building. You could almost call it an office building, if you really wanted to.
Figured it out yet, Mike?
For now, I'm off to have some eats and grow a scab. Maybe read or watch another episode of Lost too. We'll see what happens.
T.
Point 1. The flesh wound from early Sunday morning. It's had a day or two of puss and grossing people out. Although I wore pants tonight to cover it up while I was at work so people didn't gross out, which was probably a good thing because I was coaching the new trainees. During that time it was covered up, it went from seeping large amounts of puss (you didn't need to know that) to being covered mostly by scab, which is what I want. So I'm hoping to be scabbed up completely within 24 hours, which will add to a certain amount of pain when I move stuff to the new place tomorrow night. Anyways, I still laugh about the incident which caused this grossness. Always fun to have a good fall.
Point 2. I'm almost done at the call centre. Only three more shifts left. Thrilling, really. Today I was ready to be online for the entire shift when they asked me if I wanted to help coach the new trainees while they were on their first day online. Some were doing well, others have a ways to go. But I think it'll be good when they get a bit more confidence in them. So I was only online for about 290 calls, which was over about 2 hours spread throughout the night (during their lunch and after they were done). I get to do the same again on Wednesday, which should be fun times had by all. Then only 2 shifts after that for me to finish up my call centre career (hopefully), go out strong, which is always a good test of character. Can you finish a job just as strongly as you started? We'll find out.
Point 3. In one week from today, I start the new job that is:
A) Not a Call Centre
B) Within 4 hours of Toronto (you figure out the mode of transportation)
and...
C) I get an office with a computer and a phone extension and e-mail address. There are other offices in this building. You could almost call it an office building, if you really wanted to.
Figured it out yet, Mike?
For now, I'm off to have some eats and grow a scab. Maybe read or watch another episode of Lost too. We'll see what happens.
T.
20.8.06
tim 1 - parking garage 0
I had a run in with the parking garage on my way home from work tonight. I was coming down the ramp (spiral) and gained a bit of speed before going into a big u-turn [Market Square's parking garage is a bit wierd) and then it happened... skid... not this deadly skid or a tiny one, but a big enough one to take me down with the bike and slide on pavement for a few feet. Cheryl was right behind me and saw the whole thing. She said it looked very graceful. In the end, I was triumphant, walking away with a bloody knee, scraped elbow (that was under the jacket, which was not torn - Columbia jackets. Everyone needs one) and some skin moved on my toes.
Now the biggest feat of this skid was that my chain came off the sprokets in BOTH the front and the back. I'm proud of that one.
This was after midnight, so no longer on my birthday, so it didn't spoil the party.
Anyways, I need to clear off a bed so I can sleep. Another day of work tomorrow... 8 hours this time, but still enough to keep me very busy.
Hint number two about the job coming up in the near future: It's within 4 hours of Toronto. You can figure out which mode of transportation that is.
Now the biggest feat of this skid was that my chain came off the sprokets in BOTH the front and the back. I'm proud of that one.
This was after midnight, so no longer on my birthday, so it didn't spoil the party.
Anyways, I need to clear off a bed so I can sleep. Another day of work tomorrow... 8 hours this time, but still enough to keep me very busy.
Hint number two about the job coming up in the near future: It's within 4 hours of Toronto. You can figure out which mode of transportation that is.
18.8.06
counting down
Well, as of tonight, I have 6 more shifts with the call centre before I'm done, hopefully forever, but I'm not burning one of the few bridges that I know would most likely hire me on a moment's notice if need be. I got some encouragement tonight from an unexpected source. I told them that I'm done next week and they choked up and said that there's not many like me around there. That was a very encouraging remark for me to keep my integrity no matter the circumstances, which has been done pretty well so far this summer. (ps. Corunna's closing October 4th)
Things are going well around here. I got the key to the new place and have started putting things there, although I don't have a bed there yet - coming soon.
The new job starts on August 28th. For those who don't know, I'm going to give you a hint: it's not a call centre.
Out for now... working 9.25 hours tomorrow after the morning of doing laundry... yarg.
T.
Things are going well around here. I got the key to the new place and have started putting things there, although I don't have a bed there yet - coming soon.
The new job starts on August 28th. For those who don't know, I'm going to give you a hint: it's not a call centre.
Out for now... working 9.25 hours tomorrow after the morning of doing laundry... yarg.
T.
31.7.06
still alive
It's the end of July. Tomorrow brings August... along with tomorrow comes the beginning of my contract at the new job, although I don't start until the 28th. Nordia continues to be where I spend a lot of my time. I'm keeping pretty busy around here. I have a place to live come a few weeks from now, and a few jobs to keep me busy, so I'm good for the fall... though I know it'll keep me on my toes too.
I went away this weekend and then played in my first TPTP game yesterday, making it up to 2nd place in the end out of 9 people. Works for me.
Looking forward to the end of the month where I begin to get weekends off. It shall be good.
Out for now and still breathing, though it's really hot in my room. I walked out of work tonight and my glasses fogged up... isn't that only supposed to happen in the winter when you go inside? Ah well... I survived.
Out.
T.
I went away this weekend and then played in my first TPTP game yesterday, making it up to 2nd place in the end out of 9 people. Works for me.
Looking forward to the end of the month where I begin to get weekends off. It shall be good.
Out for now and still breathing, though it's really hot in my room. I walked out of work tonight and my glasses fogged up... isn't that only supposed to happen in the winter when you go inside? Ah well... I survived.
Out.
T.
10.7.06
mom...
This picture is dedicated to you and you alone. (click for a larger version)
Thanks for being so patient with me as I leared how to be clean.
Thanks for being so patient with me as I leared how to be clean.
8.7.06
and lo...
though he doth not posteth often, he still ist amongst those who are living.
There begins my most recent post. I'm still working two jobs at the same time and am still very busy as I walk through this section of the path of life. I never could imagine what it would be like working in two places at once. I've heard of so many different people that have tried the balancing act of going to two or three different workplaces every day and still somehow manage to have a life on top of it all. It was confusing when I thought about it then... but now, it makes a bit more sense. You just need to prioritize... or something like that... and cherish the times when you don't have to be anywhere.
But anyways, I'm actually starting a third VERY part time job for a few hours a week at most for the college helping out with the website. Details are still in the planning stages, but I've started making notes on things that need to be done.
The call centre continues to be the call centre. I came to the conclusion I could either hate life while working there, or just realize that not everyone who calls in are stupid. Many of them are just ignorant and need help, which I provide. Some of them don't know what they want when they call, and they are the most unnerving because they take lots of time to do what would normally take a very short time. I still don't hate the call centre. I can't say that I love doing it, but it is a job and it does pay enough for me to survive and save up for expenses that will more than likely come about in the future.
The IT job continues to be IT. I have a habit of breaking computers on a pretty consistent basis. But they're ok the next time I work on them because I fix them... or make it look better anyways. There are three types of people when it comes to computers (the broad generalisation): 1. Those who know what they're doing when it comes to computers. 2. Those who don't know what they're doing and admit it. 3. Those who don't know what they're going and think they know what they're talking about... these are the most annoying.
As for what happens beyond August, things are looking very secure with a position at a place of work. Some people know what it is, some people think they know what it is, and others don't have a sweet clue. I'm not going to be mentioning it to more than I have to, so for now, we'll just keep it vague to those who don't know what's going on. I'm sorry for those who are wondering, but it's a personal choice for me to keep it hush.
I've been biking lots (4 km each way to work) and I went up to Waterloo by bike the other night with a friend to visit some people. I think I'll do it again sometime. After downtown, there's some nice side streets that bypass King and Weber which makes the ride much safer in the long term. I like safety when it comes to biking... although, I don't think you could call me safety man, I just get annoyed when I'm almost run over by cars who don't know how to yeild to bikes.
And for now, I'm off to relax for a while. It could turn out to be a very busy day tomorrow. We'll see what happens.
Out.
T.
There begins my most recent post. I'm still working two jobs at the same time and am still very busy as I walk through this section of the path of life. I never could imagine what it would be like working in two places at once. I've heard of so many different people that have tried the balancing act of going to two or three different workplaces every day and still somehow manage to have a life on top of it all. It was confusing when I thought about it then... but now, it makes a bit more sense. You just need to prioritize... or something like that... and cherish the times when you don't have to be anywhere.
But anyways, I'm actually starting a third VERY part time job for a few hours a week at most for the college helping out with the website. Details are still in the planning stages, but I've started making notes on things that need to be done.
The call centre continues to be the call centre. I came to the conclusion I could either hate life while working there, or just realize that not everyone who calls in are stupid. Many of them are just ignorant and need help, which I provide. Some of them don't know what they want when they call, and they are the most unnerving because they take lots of time to do what would normally take a very short time. I still don't hate the call centre. I can't say that I love doing it, but it is a job and it does pay enough for me to survive and save up for expenses that will more than likely come about in the future.
The IT job continues to be IT. I have a habit of breaking computers on a pretty consistent basis. But they're ok the next time I work on them because I fix them... or make it look better anyways. There are three types of people when it comes to computers (the broad generalisation): 1. Those who know what they're doing when it comes to computers. 2. Those who don't know what they're doing and admit it. 3. Those who don't know what they're going and think they know what they're talking about... these are the most annoying.
As for what happens beyond August, things are looking very secure with a position at a place of work. Some people know what it is, some people think they know what it is, and others don't have a sweet clue. I'm not going to be mentioning it to more than I have to, so for now, we'll just keep it vague to those who don't know what's going on. I'm sorry for those who are wondering, but it's a personal choice for me to keep it hush.
I've been biking lots (4 km each way to work) and I went up to Waterloo by bike the other night with a friend to visit some people. I think I'll do it again sometime. After downtown, there's some nice side streets that bypass King and Weber which makes the ride much safer in the long term. I like safety when it comes to biking... although, I don't think you could call me safety man, I just get annoyed when I'm almost run over by cars who don't know how to yeild to bikes.
And for now, I'm off to relax for a while. It could turn out to be a very busy day tomorrow. We'll see what happens.
Out.
T.
24.6.06
the effects of the summer
So I've been working two jobs for three weeks now, and I'm tired, but I think it's ok. I slept in yesterday morning after working til midnight the night before. It was nice to be able to relax in the morning, do some dishes, clean my room, and just relax for a while before getting to work at the college around 10:30. I'm finding that there's been some good, bad, and ugly days at Nordia, but such is life in customer service type things.
It's a busy summer so far, but I think it'll be worth it in the long run. I'm looking to work one solid job in the fall with regular hours, or closer to regular hours anyways, but we'll see what happens.
I need to start looking for a place to live in the fall too.
As for now, I'm doing laundry and just made some french toast for brunch. Yummy. We're out to the Pinery for the afternoon... it'll be relaxing.
Out.
T.
PS.. I'm not dead.
It's a busy summer so far, but I think it'll be worth it in the long run. I'm looking to work one solid job in the fall with regular hours, or closer to regular hours anyways, but we'll see what happens.
I need to start looking for a place to live in the fall too.
As for now, I'm doing laundry and just made some french toast for brunch. Yummy. We're out to the Pinery for the afternoon... it'll be relaxing.
Out.
T.
PS.. I'm not dead.
20.6.06
not dead
I'm not dead.
That is all.
Lots of computer stuff, lots of calls at the phone centre. Life continues as it always has. Some good days, some bad days, some horrible days... but in the end, it's all ok.
Out.
T.
That is all.
Lots of computer stuff, lots of calls at the phone centre. Life continues as it always has. Some good days, some bad days, some horrible days... but in the end, it's all ok.
Out.
T.
6.6.06
wha...?
Ok, so here's the scoop. I'm not dead (and I won't be soon). I'm just not in Corunna anymore. Within the past week, I've accepted two jobs in Kitchener and have moved my life up here for the time being. One of them is at Nordia, which started yesterday, and the other is at Emmanuel helping out with IT stuff, where I'm also living for the summer in a residence room.
I got a cell phone too. I feel disgusted with myself about that one, but I guess it was needed so people could get in touch with me, rather than me just dropping off the face of the earth, which isn't so unrealistic right now... ah well. I'm not giving out my number to everyone because it's pay as you go, and I don't really feel like spending $.xx per minute unless I have to.
So, that's about it.
Out for now.
T.
I got a cell phone too. I feel disgusted with myself about that one, but I guess it was needed so people could get in touch with me, rather than me just dropping off the face of the earth, which isn't so unrealistic right now... ah well. I'm not giving out my number to everyone because it's pay as you go, and I don't really feel like spending $.xx per minute unless I have to.
So, that's about it.
Out for now.
T.
27.5.06
what's new?
Firstly, the Lost finale was ... wow... no words, really. So many answers, so many questions. I've seen it twice now and it leaves me with more questions every time I think about it. I've also been following the Lost podcasts on ABC.com to hear what the producers have to say about the show. Who cares what the actors have to say, it doesn't really matter. And thehansofoundation.org has some interesting things to see if you search around quite a bit and follow along with the Lost Experience. Props to the producers for actually putting effort into the show and all the mythology that surrounds it. Most shows just leave it at what airs in the 44 minutes each week... not this one. Dharma, Hanso, Speaker, Persephone, DJ Dan... way too much to keep you occupied for a few hours every week.
Secondly, I've been at a conference at Heritage College and Seminary in Cambridge over the past few days. It was the Canadian Association for Christians in Student Development (CACSD) annual conference. There were about 45 people there from across the country, which was fun to experience for all. Throughout that time, I heard that the opinion of Heaven being a separate place that we go to when we die is a heretical idea, had a lot of great discussion with professionals from across Canada, got elected onto the Executive of the CACSD for the year [I get to go to Winnipeg this fall!] and so on and so on... Good times had by all.
Thirdly, I helped my brother and sister-in-law get a few things done at their new house. Wallpaper in a bag, athough unique, is never good to put on your wall. Avoid it at all costs. Please. For your own sanity.
Fourthly, it costs $4.00/person to get into Rockwood Conservation area. Be prepared to pay before you arrive, or else you may just sit in the driveway for a few minutes before turning around and heading back to where you came from.
That is all.
T.
Secondly, I've been at a conference at Heritage College and Seminary in Cambridge over the past few days. It was the Canadian Association for Christians in Student Development (CACSD) annual conference. There were about 45 people there from across the country, which was fun to experience for all. Throughout that time, I heard that the opinion of Heaven being a separate place that we go to when we die is a heretical idea, had a lot of great discussion with professionals from across Canada, got elected onto the Executive of the CACSD for the year [I get to go to Winnipeg this fall!] and so on and so on... Good times had by all.
Thirdly, I helped my brother and sister-in-law get a few things done at their new house. Wallpaper in a bag, athough unique, is never good to put on your wall. Avoid it at all costs. Please. For your own sanity.
Fourthly, it costs $4.00/person to get into Rockwood Conservation area. Be prepared to pay before you arrive, or else you may just sit in the driveway for a few minutes before turning around and heading back to where you came from.
That is all.
T.
23.5.06
book 'em, danno
So I bought a book at the Christian Book Store the other day [what, not online?... I figured I'd probably forget the title, so I just splurged only to find out later that it costs $4.00 less on Amazon... ah well.] But anyways, the book is called "Pop Goes Religion: Faith in Popular Culture" by Terry Mattingly, which is comprised of many different articles written about pop culture and the integration of faith with it. I've found it quite interesting, and somewhat humourous so far. There's a number of really interesting quotes in it by various celebs - actors, singers, producers, etc.
From what I've read so far, I'd recommend it to anyone to have in their library, if not just for the cover [different than the one I have]:
17.50 in book stores, 13.50 on Amazon. Well worth it.
From what I've read so far, I'd recommend it to anyone to have in their library, if not just for the cover [different than the one I have]:
17.50 in book stores, 13.50 on Amazon. Well worth it.
22.5.06
pics from da bruce
Here's a few pictures from our trip yesterday... Unfortunately, we didn't have the camera out between KM 3 and km 20, but taking pictures wasn't really on our mind through that time. Next time.
The Toronto Skyline visible early on in the trip
Gord after crossing one of the first stiles. I think this is where we bordered along the golf course of Halton Country Inn or something like that for a few metres
This wall was about km 3ish... We dropped down a bit, went beside the wall and then walked up through a crevice to get to the road we had to cross
When you drop down into the Hole In the Wall in Limehouse, you can look to the right and here is what you'll see
When you drop down into the Hole in the Wall in Limehouse, you can look to the left and you'll see the hole in the wall. If you look at the tree on the other side of the hole, you'll see the trail blazes denoting that there is a left turn in the trail coming up
This is Val and I [no my arm is not around her] on the other side of the Hole in the Wall. My hat is backwards because at about KM 18, the wind blew it off and about 20 metres from where I was standing. It was funny at the time, but I decided I liked the hat enough to save it from gusts of wind that could appear in the future
The Toronto Skyline visible early on in the trip
Gord after crossing one of the first stiles. I think this is where we bordered along the golf course of Halton Country Inn or something like that for a few metres
This wall was about km 3ish... We dropped down a bit, went beside the wall and then walked up through a crevice to get to the road we had to cross
When you drop down into the Hole In the Wall in Limehouse, you can look to the right and here is what you'll see
When you drop down into the Hole in the Wall in Limehouse, you can look to the left and you'll see the hole in the wall. If you look at the tree on the other side of the hole, you'll see the trail blazes denoting that there is a left turn in the trail coming up
This is Val and I [no my arm is not around her] on the other side of the Hole in the Wall. My hat is backwards because at about KM 18, the wind blew it off and about 20 metres from where I was standing. It was funny at the time, but I decided I liked the hat enough to save it from gusts of wind that could appear in the future
21.5.06
bruced up
Yesterday, a few of us decided it would be a smart idea to hike the Bruce Trail, something we've been wanting to do for a while. So we loaded up the car and drove to Milton [thanks goes to my sister for allowing us to drop the car off at our exit point by providing transportation back to the beginning.]
In the end, it was a 22+ km walk with 11 breaks or so intersperced throughout the 7.25 hours it took us to go from one end to the other. There seemed to be quite a number of people on the first 13 km section, with a large group of teenagers being passed by us right at the beginning and two ladies with whom we played leap frog about 4-5 times as we passed them and then stopped for a break and they overtook us. In the end, they were tagged and never caught up to us [they stopped for lunch]. There was a group of asian teenagers orienteering their way in reverse order. We met about 4 groups and the adults who were with them. And there was a guy and his dog and another dude that we met in the never-ending section that is supposedly less than 2 km long, but it sure felt a whole lot longer than that. On the second half of the trail, we only met a young family and their dog and two cyclists [who shouldn't have been on the trail in the first place].
Points of note as denoted on the below map:
A: Our entrance point.
B: A bridge over the quarry that's been dug straight through the escarpment. The fence on either side is 6 feet high, which was a great relief for me as I don't agree with open heights too well.
C: Lunch part 1
D: The beginning of the never-ending section. This part was up and down, around many corners with small rocks covering the trail. Not very fun.
E: Lunch part 2
F: There was a log covering the trail, so we sat on it for our break where the cyclists passed us going down the hill [we met them further on as they mad their way back up the hill]
G: The field that was 100% mud. Never fun.
H: Washroom break. The side trail to the parking lot is supposedly 100 metres, but I counted closer to 200... Ah well.
I: The "Hole in the Wall". Pretty cool area. There's a lot of crevaces around here, so you drop down one on some ladders and then go through a tunnel to continue on the trail.
J: The beloved car that meant we did not have to walk any furthur.
That's about it. We had dinner at Shoeless Joe's in Georgetown and then drove home, arriving back around 10:40 where I was dropped off in Corunna. Long, fun day.
See map.
In the end, it was a 22+ km walk with 11 breaks or so intersperced throughout the 7.25 hours it took us to go from one end to the other. There seemed to be quite a number of people on the first 13 km section, with a large group of teenagers being passed by us right at the beginning and two ladies with whom we played leap frog about 4-5 times as we passed them and then stopped for a break and they overtook us. In the end, they were tagged and never caught up to us [they stopped for lunch]. There was a group of asian teenagers orienteering their way in reverse order. We met about 4 groups and the adults who were with them. And there was a guy and his dog and another dude that we met in the never-ending section that is supposedly less than 2 km long, but it sure felt a whole lot longer than that. On the second half of the trail, we only met a young family and their dog and two cyclists [who shouldn't have been on the trail in the first place].
Points of note as denoted on the below map:
A: Our entrance point.
B: A bridge over the quarry that's been dug straight through the escarpment. The fence on either side is 6 feet high, which was a great relief for me as I don't agree with open heights too well.
C: Lunch part 1
D: The beginning of the never-ending section. This part was up and down, around many corners with small rocks covering the trail. Not very fun.
E: Lunch part 2
F: There was a log covering the trail, so we sat on it for our break where the cyclists passed us going down the hill [we met them further on as they mad their way back up the hill]
G: The field that was 100% mud. Never fun.
H: Washroom break. The side trail to the parking lot is supposedly 100 metres, but I counted closer to 200... Ah well.
I: The "Hole in the Wall". Pretty cool area. There's a lot of crevaces around here, so you drop down one on some ladders and then go through a tunnel to continue on the trail.
J: The beloved car that meant we did not have to walk any furthur.
That's about it. We had dinner at Shoeless Joe's in Georgetown and then drove home, arriving back around 10:40 where I was dropped off in Corunna. Long, fun day.
See map.
18.5.06
boat... boat!
I can say that Lost last night was one that answered some questions and left quite a few more... such as: How are they going to stop Michael from turning them over? Who's on the sail boat and how did it find the island? Where did Locke go when he dropped his crutches?
But most importantly, what's in the hatch?
But most importantly, what's in the hatch?
15.5.06
the tie that binds...
I'm currently unemployed. I do not like being unemployed. I liken it to being in a state of procrastination continually. You can only do so much before you feel the need to be productive again.
This state does not need to continue this way. As of last week, I received a standing job offer to work at Nordia in Kitchener. What does this mean? I could be working between 12 and 37.5 hours doing a job I know how to do, and doesn't frustrate me to no end like any type of labour job or sales. I don't love it, but it's something to get by a few months anyways.
There are a few positives to this position:
Positive A: Gets me out of boredom and moves me to a new city with more chances to find employment in some sort of field which I'm interested in.
Positive B: It's time to learn what being grown up is. I need to learn how to support myself and budget and save or else it'll be a challenge when I get to that point later on in life. I don't want to be lacking in life survival skills, which I know I wouldn't get a good mark on it these days.
Positive C: How can you grow if you don't try anything new? Seriously... doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is madness. It wont happen. This will give me a chance to experience life on my own.
As with everything, there a few negatives as well.
Downside A: It wouldn't be guaranteed full time hours, although it would most likely be pretty close.
Downside B: I'd have to find a place to live in Kitchener and get a phone line [I don't want to deal with Bell or get a cell phone]
Downside C: I wouldn't be saving as much money as I'd like to because of the wonders of modern science which means that everything costs a lot of money. Cheap accommodations are a nice factor at home.
I have many things to think about. There are a few possibilities re: a place to live, but nothing's for sure yet. I know there's not much to work with yet, but I'm looking towards the future and what could come of it. I don't want to be stagnant anymore. I'm rotting in front of the TV as it is.
I'm sure there are many reasons for me to stay or to go. I just need to find out which one seems more right.
I need a retreat sometime... just some time to be alone with God and pray. This rain's not helping much for me going somewhere beautiful... perhaps I'll go for a drive tomorrow.
Out.
T.
This state does not need to continue this way. As of last week, I received a standing job offer to work at Nordia in Kitchener. What does this mean? I could be working between 12 and 37.5 hours doing a job I know how to do, and doesn't frustrate me to no end like any type of labour job or sales. I don't love it, but it's something to get by a few months anyways.
There are a few positives to this position:
Positive A: Gets me out of boredom and moves me to a new city with more chances to find employment in some sort of field which I'm interested in.
Positive B: It's time to learn what being grown up is. I need to learn how to support myself and budget and save or else it'll be a challenge when I get to that point later on in life. I don't want to be lacking in life survival skills, which I know I wouldn't get a good mark on it these days.
Positive C: How can you grow if you don't try anything new? Seriously... doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is madness. It wont happen. This will give me a chance to experience life on my own.
As with everything, there a few negatives as well.
Downside A: It wouldn't be guaranteed full time hours, although it would most likely be pretty close.
Downside B: I'd have to find a place to live in Kitchener and get a phone line [I don't want to deal with Bell or get a cell phone]
Downside C: I wouldn't be saving as much money as I'd like to because of the wonders of modern science which means that everything costs a lot of money. Cheap accommodations are a nice factor at home.
I have many things to think about. There are a few possibilities re: a place to live, but nothing's for sure yet. I know there's not much to work with yet, but I'm looking towards the future and what could come of it. I don't want to be stagnant anymore. I'm rotting in front of the TV as it is.
I'm sure there are many reasons for me to stay or to go. I just need to find out which one seems more right.
I need a retreat sometime... just some time to be alone with God and pray. This rain's not helping much for me going somewhere beautiful... perhaps I'll go for a drive tomorrow.
Out.
T.
14.5.06
10.5.06
job update
Still no job.
Nordia may not be hiring summer students in Corunna. Not a good sign. So as a backup, I applied to work in the Kitchener centre. Just something to do in case all else fails around here.
No word from Edmonton. I woke up one morning and realized that I don't think it was the job for me anyways.
Some other prospects perhaps, but we'll see how things go.
For now, I'm out.
T.
Nordia may not be hiring summer students in Corunna. Not a good sign. So as a backup, I applied to work in the Kitchener centre. Just something to do in case all else fails around here.
No word from Edmonton. I woke up one morning and realized that I don't think it was the job for me anyways.
Some other prospects perhaps, but we'll see how things go.
For now, I'm out.
T.
9.5.06
something different
I decided to start a new blog for my writing, whenever I get around to it. I really enjoyed writing stuff for the Voice this year that was meant to challenge people to think in a different way. So, I put up my favourites from the year and will continue to add to it in the future, perhaps.
Presenting "It's not you... it's me"
Updated eventually.
Presenting "It's not you... it's me"
Updated eventually.
6.5.06
still alive and kicking... or at least trying to
I've taken a new approach to blogging since this week's series of Zits cartoons came about.
Here's the Zitsblog series.
In Lieu of this, I've taken a new approach to my updates.
---
I'm not dead!
That is all.
T.
Here's the Zits
In Lieu of this, I've taken a new approach to my updates.
---
I'm not dead!
That is all.
T.
29.4.06
good idea, bad idea
Good idea: Taking a Saturday Hike
Bad idea: Forgetting to wear sunscreen [arms, neck, nose, forehead are burnt - my watch tan's nicely started already]
---
Good idea: hiking the Howard Watson Nature Trail
Bad idea: attempting to do all 20 km of it in one day without stretching well before and after [still stiff from that one]
---
[Theoretical]
Good idea: Hiking the Bruce Trail
Bad Idea: doing it without the proper equipment [I don't have disposable income at the moment to help me with the purchase of backpack, hammock, good sleeping bad, or head lamp]
Bad idea: Forgetting to wear sunscreen [arms, neck, nose, forehead are burnt - my watch tan's nicely started already]
---
Good idea: hiking the Howard Watson Nature Trail
Bad idea: attempting to do all 20 km of it in one day without stretching well before and after [still stiff from that one]
---
[Theoretical]
Good idea: Hiking the Bruce Trail
Bad Idea: doing it without the proper equipment [I don't have disposable income at the moment to help me with the purchase of backpack, hammock, good sleeping bad, or head lamp]
28.4.06
...and stay out
Yahoo Euchre hates me. I got horrible cards continuously until one of my partners started swearing at me for my losing streak of 13 games... so I stopped. With that user and created a new one. I'm at +3 right now. Much better than -13.
Rollerblades and wind do not mix. Unless you are travelling in the same direction that the wind is blowing, then it's a free ride. When you are going against the wind, life sucks. Big time. Moreso if you have to go against the wind both directions. North on the way out and East on the way back.
Unemployment sucks. I'd like a job, but no goal yet. I'm not working at a random restaurant or one of the sales call centres in Narnia. I'd like to have some sort of purpose for my employment besides monetary remuneration and keeping me un-bored.
I ordered the Walk the Line Soundtrack, Messy Spirituality by Mike Yaconelli, and The Church on the Other Side by Brian Mclaren on Sunday from Amazon. They shipped on Wednesday and were delivered on Thursday morning. I like Amazon, for that reason, and the ridiculously cheaper prices than other places. About 2-3 bucks less than Chapters all around. Go figure. I'll get to reading the books soon. For now, I'm in the middle of Dangerous Wonder by Mike Yaconelli which I picked up for discount at Mitchells a few weeks back. Something to keep me away from the computer and tele for a while anyways.
Out now.
T.
Rollerblades and wind do not mix. Unless you are travelling in the same direction that the wind is blowing, then it's a free ride. When you are going against the wind, life sucks. Big time. Moreso if you have to go against the wind both directions. North on the way out and East on the way back.
Unemployment sucks. I'd like a job, but no goal yet. I'm not working at a random restaurant or one of the sales call centres in Narnia. I'd like to have some sort of purpose for my employment besides monetary remuneration and keeping me un-bored.
I ordered the Walk the Line Soundtrack, Messy Spirituality by Mike Yaconelli, and The Church on the Other Side by Brian Mclaren on Sunday from Amazon. They shipped on Wednesday and were delivered on Thursday morning. I like Amazon, for that reason, and the ridiculously cheaper prices than other places. About 2-3 bucks less than Chapters all around. Go figure. I'll get to reading the books soon. For now, I'm in the middle of Dangerous Wonder by Mike Yaconelli which I picked up for discount at Mitchells a few weeks back. Something to keep me away from the computer and tele for a while anyways.
Out now.
T.
24.4.06
tim, bre
I have letters after my name now. That's somewhat exciting. If only I had a job to make a business card to showcase them.
About the job, I called out west today and asked about the process. They received my resume, and they will contact those selected for an interview after the closing date of April 28th. I hate phones, but I decided that I would never know if it was time to give up hope unless I made the effort. So I did... 4 times to get through, but it was worth it in the end, hopefully.
That's it for now.
Out.
T.
About the job, I called out west today and asked about the process. They received my resume, and they will contact those selected for an interview after the closing date of April 28th. I hate phones, but I decided that I would never know if it was time to give up hope unless I made the effort. So I did... 4 times to get through, but it was worth it in the end, hopefully.
That's it for now.
Out.
T.
21.4.06
more stories...
Firstly, read this comic:
Now, answer this question: Where has face to face conversation gone to? What about personal letters or even e-mail? It's allblogs to keep those in the "know" updated now. Ah well.
Anyways, I'm just going to ruin my entire point and write out what I've done over recent days.
Monday: Dentist [5 cavities... yuck] Hiking 12-13 km. Read story below.
Tuesday: Absolutely nothing.
Wednesday: Dentist [3 fillings... yuck], Left for Pinery to go camping with Mark. We had a good site, went for a 5 km walk to the beach and back and then ate our chicken stir fry, hot dogs, and then tried to sleep. I didn't sleep all too well... Stupid camping people with foamies.
Thursday: Woke up, cleaned up camp, showered, drove to Kitchener, picked up Simon, Alicia, and Cheryl, drove to Niagara Falls and found free 2 hour parking within a 2 km walk of the falls, so we did it. Ended up walking about 6 km by the time we saw the falls, ate some lunch and headed back to the car. Drove up to Brock's Monument where I went off and walked the first few kilometres of the Bruce Trail [20 minutes in each direction, whatever that turns out to be, probably about 5 km round trip] and then sat for a while before we loaded back into the jeep and headed home for pizza and sleep. Slept great last night.
Friday: Woke up early, cleaned up, showered, packed the rest of my room, got on the road and was home by 1 after stops in Ailsa Craig and Bright's Grove. Then I napped and ate and now I'm here.
Tomorrow's grad at 3:00 at Bingeman's in Marshall Hall. [Highway 8 - higway 7 towards Waterloo - Victoria Street [turn right]- Lackner Blvd [turn left]- Bingemans[turn right and the hall is on the left] ]
The grand total for hiking this week is... 28-29 km over 3 days. Not too bad.
Now, answer this question: Where has face to face conversation gone to? What about personal letters or even e-mail? It's all
Anyways, I'm just going to ruin my entire point and write out what I've done over recent days.
Monday: Dentist [5 cavities... yuck] Hiking 12-13 km. Read story below.
Tuesday: Absolutely nothing.
Wednesday: Dentist [3 fillings... yuck], Left for Pinery to go camping with Mark. We had a good site, went for a 5 km walk to the beach and back and then ate our chicken stir fry, hot dogs, and then tried to sleep. I didn't sleep all too well... Stupid camping people with foamies.
Thursday: Woke up, cleaned up camp, showered, drove to Kitchener, picked up Simon, Alicia, and Cheryl, drove to Niagara Falls and found free 2 hour parking within a 2 km walk of the falls, so we did it. Ended up walking about 6 km by the time we saw the falls, ate some lunch and headed back to the car. Drove up to Brock's Monument where I went off and walked the first few kilometres of the Bruce Trail [20 minutes in each direction, whatever that turns out to be, probably about 5 km round trip] and then sat for a while before we loaded back into the jeep and headed home for pizza and sleep. Slept great last night.
Friday: Woke up early, cleaned up, showered, packed the rest of my room, got on the road and was home by 1 after stops in Ailsa Craig and Bright's Grove. Then I napped and ate and now I'm here.
Tomorrow's grad at 3:00 at Bingeman's in Marshall Hall. [Highway 8 - higway 7 towards Waterloo - Victoria Street [turn right]- Lackner Blvd [turn left]- Bingemans[turn right and the hall is on the left] ]
The grand total for hiking this week is... 28-29 km over 3 days. Not too bad.
18.4.06
two things
1. Bell and all subsidiaries seem to hate me. Exhibit A: They introduced a 1 month cancellation policy on all sympatico services in October and neglected to inform customers who were on month to month plans. This means that I'm paying an extra month because of their neglegence... never again. Exhibit B: The same day I found out that, I called to cancel my phone service by Monday. I called my phone this morning just to check and it was still connected. So I called Bell and they had no record of my cancellation. Yarg. I now have an order number to confirm that I talked to them. Hopefully they wont be stupid anymore.
2. Gord and I went hiking in Goderich yesterday. It seems a long way to travel to hike, but that's where you gotta go to get the good trails. In the end, we hiked upwards of 12-13 km over a 3 hour period. All hikes were on the Maitland Trail or sidetrails of it. Through that 12-13 km, we crossed a rail bridge over the Maitland River, got yelled and sworn at by some kids as we crossed through the trail right-of-way on their property, walked downhill quite a ways on a road, crossed over the Maitland River again on Highway 21, and then walked along some railroad tracks for quite a ways. The time for the first hike was about 2.5 hours equalling close to 10 km. Then, after our first hike, we drove to the Black Hole side trail, and walked about 1.25 km before coming to the conclusion that the trail didn't end at the Black Hole and that we were going to get lost if we kept following the blue blazes. It took us about 25 minutes along that trail.
Blue = Driving
Red = Walking
Yellow = Road or main trail
<- Black Hole Side Trail
Below: Maitland Trail section
Supper was at the Burger Bar, which gets a 3/5 due to not great food. Sigh.
This is in preparation of our tackling the Bruce Trail this summer... We're hoping to do the Peninsula Section from Tobermory to Wiarton by September sometime, weather permitting.
Hiking's a good way to get exercise. I recommend it highly.
Out.
T.
2. Gord and I went hiking in Goderich yesterday. It seems a long way to travel to hike, but that's where you gotta go to get the good trails. In the end, we hiked upwards of 12-13 km over a 3 hour period. All hikes were on the Maitland Trail or sidetrails of it. Through that 12-13 km, we crossed a rail bridge over the Maitland River, got yelled and sworn at by some kids as we crossed through the trail right-of-way on their property, walked downhill quite a ways on a road, crossed over the Maitland River again on Highway 21, and then walked along some railroad tracks for quite a ways. The time for the first hike was about 2.5 hours equalling close to 10 km. Then, after our first hike, we drove to the Black Hole side trail, and walked about 1.25 km before coming to the conclusion that the trail didn't end at the Black Hole and that we were going to get lost if we kept following the blue blazes. It took us about 25 minutes along that trail.
Blue = Driving
Red = Walking
Yellow = Road or main trail
<- Black Hole Side Trail
Below: Maitland Trail section
Supper was at the Burger Bar, which gets a 3/5 due to not great food. Sigh.
This is in preparation of our tackling the Bruce Trail this summer... We're hoping to do the Peninsula Section from Tobermory to Wiarton by September sometime, weather permitting.
Hiking's a good way to get exercise. I recommend it highly.
Out.
T.
16.4.06
euchre and such things
I've been playing a lot of Yahoo! Games Euchre recently. A few weeks ago, I had a rating of about 1475, which is pretty descent considering the amount of games I've played over the past few years [160ish]... then I had a streak of about 7-8 games where I lost and my rating dropped to the low 1300's due to really junky cards and horrid partners... When you have a low rating, people tend to get snobby and boot you from their games because you don't "measure up" to their standards, whatever that may be... But I've been coming back.. Since Friday, I've had 7 games in a row won and I'm back into the 1400's, which boosts my credibility as a player in this 'elite' league...
I'd rather play in person, but I'm alone a lot of the time. Ah well.
---
I moved home on Thursday. Loaded up the Sunfire completely and made the two hour trip back home. My room's a mess still, but most things are still packed away in boxes or crates. I can't reach my closet and most of my clean clothes are on the ground behind a wall of crates. Oops. Ah well. I'm home until something better comes along. Hopefully that'll be sooner rather than later... some contracts still aren't up yet.
---
Still no word on the King's job. We'll see what happens over the next few days. I'm praying and waiting patiently. Hopefully I'll build up the courage to call them later this week to check on the status of the position.
---
Other than that, the week looks like an unpacking week and hopefully either camping or road trip with Mark over the latter portion - weather dependent.
Graduation on Saturday at 3:00 at Bingeman's - Marshall Hall.
Out for now.
T.
I'd rather play in person, but I'm alone a lot of the time. Ah well.
---
I moved home on Thursday. Loaded up the Sunfire completely and made the two hour trip back home. My room's a mess still, but most things are still packed away in boxes or crates. I can't reach my closet and most of my clean clothes are on the ground behind a wall of crates. Oops. Ah well. I'm home until something better comes along. Hopefully that'll be sooner rather than later... some contracts still aren't up yet.
---
Still no word on the King's job. We'll see what happens over the next few days. I'm praying and waiting patiently. Hopefully I'll build up the courage to call them later this week to check on the status of the position.
---
Other than that, the week looks like an unpacking week and hopefully either camping or road trip with Mark over the latter portion - weather dependent.
Graduation on Saturday at 3:00 at Bingeman's - Marshall Hall.
Out for now.
T.
11.4.06
applications
This evening, I sent off an application and resume to the King's University College in Edmonton, AB for the position of Student Life Assistant. I'm actually somewhat impressed by the quality of both my resume and cover letter, seeing as this is the first time in approximately 4 years that I've spent much time on either of them. We'll see where this goes. According to the ad, I had until April 28th to apply, so hopefully the position hasn't been filled yet and they'll possibly consider me for this job. It seems to fit me exactly, which is wierd, seeing as I haven't seen many jobs advertised that do that.
I'll keep updates running on what happens from here.
Out to study.
T.
I'll keep updates running on what happens from here.
Out to study.
T.
10.4.06
update time? of course!
I'm at home and have been since Friday night after the production team left Sarnia. Production that night went pretty good, despite the lapels being the stupidest things I've ever dealt with, yes, I would say even worse than the school's system... I'm against working with non-familiar material when travelling two hours away from where you rented them. Yes, I am.
I spent Saturday archiving the Voice for the yearbook, which I believe is beginning the burning process either today or tomorrow. I'm excited about that much. It'll be nice to have it done this week... completely.
Sunday was mostly a rest day. I haven't had one of those for months. It was nice. I wrote a cover letter for a job I'm applying for when I get back to school tomorrow. Surprisingly enough, I'm not ashamed of this cover letter or my resume this time, unlike every other time I've sent one out. Wierd.
I should be either studying or working on my philosophy of ministry right now, but I'm not. What else is new? I will be soon. It's only a few hours of studying and a few hours of typing and then I'm done after writing the exam and handing in the paper. w00t!
Anyways, I'm out now.
T.
I spent Saturday archiving the Voice for the yearbook, which I believe is beginning the burning process either today or tomorrow. I'm excited about that much. It'll be nice to have it done this week... completely.
Sunday was mostly a rest day. I haven't had one of those for months. It was nice. I wrote a cover letter for a job I'm applying for when I get back to school tomorrow. Surprisingly enough, I'm not ashamed of this cover letter or my resume this time, unlike every other time I've sent one out. Wierd.
I should be either studying or working on my philosophy of ministry right now, but I'm not. What else is new? I will be soon. It's only a few hours of studying and a few hours of typing and then I'm done after writing the exam and handing in the paper. w00t!
Anyways, I'm out now.
T.
5.4.06
getting there...
I'm 2 papers and an exam away from graduation. I need to get the one paper done tomorrow. I've spent about 8-9 hours on it already, and I'm expecting about another 4-6 before I'm done. Lots of work... This week, I've had chinese food three times, two at a restaurant and one at the school, presented my paper for Philosophy of Ministry, published the Voice - go read it, I wrote a lot this time - had my final SLT meeting at EBC ever... it was hard to go through, but my mind wasn't completely there at the time... I need to get this paper done and get lots of sleep sometime soon..., went to the Christmas banquet, and despite being told that Grads cannot help, helped with both set-up and take down... and now I'm here.
I e-mailed Nordia last week, still waiting on a response.
Out to dream-land... it's nice and fluffy there.
T.
I e-mailed Nordia last week, still waiting on a response.
Out to dream-land... it's nice and fluffy there.
T.
1.4.06
updatation
Over the four days, I've brought myself from 37 pages to 20 pages left to type this semester. I wrote the Brethren paper and my personal ministry issue paper. I just need to make an outline for the presentation now... shouldn't be too hard.
The only two papers I have left are:
- Covenant Exegesis paper (Jer 31:31-37) (7th)
- Philosophy of Ministry - My Phil-O-Min. (10th)
And my exam on the 12th.
Plus one more issue of the Voice, coming out on Wednesday.
Not much, just a whole whackload of stuff happening between all of that. I'll get it done.
Out.
T.
The only two papers I have left are:
- Covenant Exegesis paper (Jer 31:31-37) (7th)
- Philosophy of Ministry - My Phil-O-Min. (10th)
And my exam on the 12th.
Plus one more issue of the Voice, coming out on Wednesday.
Not much, just a whole whackload of stuff happening between all of that. I'll get it done.
Out.
T.
30.3.06
the switching emergency worker
So I was up late procrastinating tonight, which is rare because normally I go to bed by midnight, and I start to hear some voices in the hallway, which isn't anything new because there's always voices in the hallway after 11... never before for some reason. Then I hear what sounds like radios. So I get up and look out the door and there's firefighters in the hallway with a stretcher. I look across the hall at my neighbour and he shrugs as to what's happening. Then I close the door and open it about 2 minutes later and there's police officers in the hallway. Then I close the door and look out again and paramedics come out of the room over the way.
All this drama and I had no clue it was going on. Wierd.
I should really stop playing games... they're not good for my brain... or something like that.
Out.
T.
All this drama and I had no clue it was going on. Wierd.
I should really stop playing games... they're not good for my brain... or something like that.
Out.
T.
27.3.06
25.3.06
sleepy
I've actually had a somewhat productive day today, unlike last Saturday which was a write-off. I read 2.5 chapters from the Other Six Days and reflected on 1.5 of them. I'm at the point of not really caring about it because it's only 10% of my final mark - nothing big to worry about. Probably just put another 30 minutes into it and then I'll be done that.
Tomorrow is my Brethren day. I'm going to start working on the final paper for my Christian Worship Through The Centuries class where I need to trace the roots of the worship tradition which I currently find myself in. Hopefully it'll be fun.
And now, I'm out.
T.
Tomorrow is my Brethren day. I'm going to start working on the final paper for my Christian Worship Through The Centuries class where I need to trace the roots of the worship tradition which I currently find myself in. Hopefully it'll be fun.
And now, I'm out.
T.
24.3.06
23.3.06
le sigh
So here I am, updating the chapel computer... yet again. I should really be doing homework, but I don't feel like it at the moment. I'm under the false impression that I don't have to do work for a week because nothing's due until the 3rd, but I really need to get it done now or else I'm doomed.
It's been a long week, but as of today, things are looking up. I went to Toronto this morning as company while we dropped off someone at the airport. It was a fun experience. I hope she caught her flight... it left at 8:45; we dropped her off at 8:25 (rush hour traffic isn't fun)
Tonight, I'm going to do some reading and research that needs to be done now because I'll be doing other things next week. Tomorrow afternoon/evening is production and then I have the weekend to do whatever I want to do. I'm looking forward to that. I'll probably do work if I can get enough motivation up. We'll see what happens.
I'm out now.
T.
It's been a long week, but as of today, things are looking up. I went to Toronto this morning as company while we dropped off someone at the airport. It was a fun experience. I hope she caught her flight... it left at 8:45; we dropped her off at 8:25 (rush hour traffic isn't fun)
Tonight, I'm going to do some reading and research that needs to be done now because I'll be doing other things next week. Tomorrow afternoon/evening is production and then I have the weekend to do whatever I want to do. I'm looking forward to that. I'll probably do work if I can get enough motivation up. We'll see what happens.
I'm out now.
T.
20.3.06
just a reminder
For those who think that EBC's been dry this year... our dorm meeting tonight was proof that God hasn't given up on us yet... There's still hope for these old, dry bones.
16.3.06
le sigh
Distance ed is done. The exam that I had nightmares over last night ended up being 30 multiple choice, 10 true/false, and a 10 mark essay question. I was done in 30 minutes. I think they really need to make it a bit longer, but that's just me... and perhaps tell the format in the course material somewhere.
---
This guy inspires me. Unfortunately, I'm not debt-ridden or willing to sell out to corporations to be their billboards... ok, not multi-million dollar coporations anyways. EBC's different.
---
Pray for India still. The leader of the orphanage got arrested today illegally, as per the current trend.
Out.
T.
---
This guy inspires me. Unfortunately, I'm not debt-ridden or willing to sell out to corporations to be their billboards... ok, not multi-million dollar coporations anyways. EBC's different.
---
Pray for India still. The leader of the orphanage got arrested today illegally, as per the current trend.
Out.
T.
15.3.06
woohoo
As a celebration for being below the 45 pages left mark, I'm going to do a dance of joy. Or not... I have an exam tomorrow and an 8 page paper due on Monday that might get in my way. But it's still exciting. After Monday, I have 2 weeks off and then it's the week of Pummeling Hatred and Extreme Death due to the 7 things due in 7 days... equivalent of 37 pages worth of typing plus a book reflection, which is upwards of 6 pages already, plus another book being done, plus a presentation.
Overjoyed am I.
I need a vacation.
Overjoyed am I.
I need a vacation.
14.3.06
life... or something like it
I've found myself reflecting on life a lot recently, partially because it's March and this is when I always find something to take my mind off of the mountain of homework that I'm continually avoiding, and partially because it's my turn to tell my story tomorrow at the SLT meeting we have. It's good to hear about other people and where they've come from through all the highs and lows of their lives. It helps form a picture of the person that you may have never known before. I wish as a human race we were more interested in sitting down and talking with people about their lives and how we can support them as we each walk our paths rather than sitting down in front of a 17" monitor trying to avoid people because there's so many other important things to do, such as read about other people's opinions on the Interweb or play solitaire for hours on end [I've gone 5 days without playing at the moment... Simcity 2000 has become my new addiction... arg].
But I think that it will be hard for me to share tomorrow, not because I don't have much of a story... there's lots of things that people don't know about me that they should know, but I think it'll be hard to keep it from becoming a sob story. Not that I've had a difficult life or anything, my family's amazing, my friends are more supportive than I will ever know, and I've never not been fed or clothed or sheltered throughout my life. I just have a tendancy of overemphasizing the small things in order to get people feeling sorry for me. It's happened before, it'll happen again. I also have a tendancy of name/place dropping in order to get people to think I'm cool or something. Usually, within 5 minutes of meeting someone, they'll have heard about Spain and/or Caribbean and know a lot of stupid, superficial things about me. But that's always just turned people off and they don't want to know anymore... I remember a week at camp where my entire cabin hated me within 5 hours because I talked... a lot about stupid things that don't matter in the long run.
I just fear that I'll share what's not really important and skip out on the things that make me who I am and how others can support me as I try to finish up this year. It's been a long week, with issues jumping up left, right, and centre, and the stress of the time of year and tiredness with school and uncertainty about the future have all just piled on to make me presume the worst, although it'll turn out ok in the end.
Sigh.
I really don't have all the answers.
I just have the questions.
But I think that it will be hard for me to share tomorrow, not because I don't have much of a story... there's lots of things that people don't know about me that they should know, but I think it'll be hard to keep it from becoming a sob story. Not that I've had a difficult life or anything, my family's amazing, my friends are more supportive than I will ever know, and I've never not been fed or clothed or sheltered throughout my life. I just have a tendancy of overemphasizing the small things in order to get people feeling sorry for me. It's happened before, it'll happen again. I also have a tendancy of name/place dropping in order to get people to think I'm cool or something. Usually, within 5 minutes of meeting someone, they'll have heard about Spain and/or Caribbean and know a lot of stupid, superficial things about me. But that's always just turned people off and they don't want to know anymore... I remember a week at camp where my entire cabin hated me within 5 hours because I talked... a lot about stupid things that don't matter in the long run.
I just fear that I'll share what's not really important and skip out on the things that make me who I am and how others can support me as I try to finish up this year. It's been a long week, with issues jumping up left, right, and centre, and the stress of the time of year and tiredness with school and uncertainty about the future have all just piled on to make me presume the worst, although it'll turn out ok in the end.
Sigh.
I really don't have all the answers.
I just have the questions.
9.3.06
...?
If you or anyone you know put this in my box at school, please talk to me. It would be nice to know why...
"There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him:
Haughty eyes,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that
devises wicked schemes,
Feet that are quick to rush into evil,
A false witness who pours out lies and
A man who stirs up dissension among brothers.
-- Proverbs 6:16-19"
No name, no reason, just the verse.
"There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him:
Haughty eyes,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that
devises wicked schemes,
Feet that are quick to rush into evil,
A false witness who pours out lies and
A man who stirs up dissension among brothers.
-- Proverbs 6:16-19"
No name, no reason, just the verse.
8.3.06
graduation pics
Here's the retakes. I think there's a few better ones in here. I know the ones with the open mouth smile suck... hopefully something will stand out better than previously.
Clicky!
Clicky!
3.3.06
getting there...
Here's the list of what I have left to do. I just sent in unit 3 of my distance ed, which means that I only need to complete the exam in order to be done the course! It's exciting. The exam request was faxed in the other day, meaning that I should have it within a week or so. I'm hoping to have it done by March 17th at the latest so I can express post it to Saskatchewan. My transcript request form is filled out waiting to be faxed in for when I finish the course.
- Distance Ed Exam [Mar 10]
- Covenant Renewal Ceremonies [6 pages - Mar 17]
- Sacramental Theology Repot [8 pages - Mar 20]
- Worship Tradition Paper [12 pages - Apr 3]
- Ministry Issue Paper and Presenation [6 pages; 10 minutes - Apr 4]
- Discovering Your Ministry Identity Workbook [Apr 4]
- The Other Six Days Reflection [Apr 4]
- Covenant Exegesis Paper [10 pages, Apr 7]
- Philosophy of Ministry Paper [10 pages, Apr 10]
- Covenant Exam [Apr 12]
Hopefully I can get through it. Wish me luck! This weekend is going to be mostly off as I'm heading away from school for a few days, but as soon as Monday hits, I'm on it.
Out.
T.
22.2.06
update = yes
It's been a while. What's happened over the last week?
- presentation on Student Development
- annotated bibliography
- unit 2 of distance ed submitted (4 months after unit 1)
- home for reading week
- saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
- won a webcam on eBay
- watched many Olympic Events on the television
- babysat Garrett a few times. He fell asleep on me this morning. Cute stuff.
That's about it. I'm back to KW on Friday evening. I will hopefully have my distance ed unit 3 done by then and submitted. I wanted to have it done by 2 days ago, but it's not too bad. I need to have it in by March 1st in order to have my exam done by March 10th in order to get my transcript to EBC by April 7th. I'm in a deadline here. Need to get it done... now.
Otherwise, I've stayed home mostly. I had a date with the Corunna Library the other day. That was exciting. Today I may try to get into Narnia for a bit. I haven't gone there since Sunday evening.
But for now, I'm out.
T.
- presentation on Student Development
- annotated bibliography
- unit 2 of distance ed submitted (4 months after unit 1)
- home for reading week
- saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
- won a webcam on eBay
- watched many Olympic Events on the television
- babysat Garrett a few times. He fell asleep on me this morning. Cute stuff.
That's about it. I'm back to KW on Friday evening. I will hopefully have my distance ed unit 3 done by then and submitted. I wanted to have it done by 2 days ago, but it's not too bad. I need to have it in by March 1st in order to have my exam done by March 10th in order to get my transcript to EBC by April 7th. I'm in a deadline here. Need to get it done... now.
Otherwise, I've stayed home mostly. I had a date with the Corunna Library the other day. That was exciting. Today I may try to get into Narnia for a bit. I haven't gone there since Sunday evening.
But for now, I'm out.
T.
14.2.06
production
I've been productive today, and it's only 10 am. Something's gone askew here... I'm not complaining, I need a productive day in order to get things done. So here's what I've done already:
- Woke up
- Showered
- Got dressed
- Had breakfast
- Made notes on a presentation
- journaled and answered questions for Philosophy of ministry
- researched a bit for my distance ed [was encouraged highly against Internet sources this morning, so I found sources in EBC's library which I didn't know were there... What a little bit of searching can do for you. This evening, I shall return with a vengeance as I research composers galore in order to finish the paper as soon as I possibly can. Yay.
- and now I'm on a little break before I continue on my quest to make today the most productive day yet this semester.
Happy Tuesday / Happy Weezer Day / Happy Farm Animal Day / Happy Singles Awareness Day / Whatever you wish it to be called... avoid the Hallmark holiday.
- Woke up
- Showered
- Got dressed
- Had breakfast
- Made notes on a presentation
- journaled and answered questions for Philosophy of ministry
- researched a bit for my distance ed [was encouraged highly against Internet sources this morning, so I found sources in EBC's library which I didn't know were there... What a little bit of searching can do for you. This evening, I shall return with a vengeance as I research composers galore in order to finish the paper as soon as I possibly can. Yay.
- and now I'm on a little break before I continue on my quest to make today the most productive day yet this semester.
Happy Tuesday / Happy Weezer Day / Happy Farm Animal Day / Happy Singles Awareness Day / Whatever you wish it to be called... avoid the Hallmark holiday.
11.2.06
13 months later...
Remember this?
Well, it's returned. 3 days running now. I need to get some canned air, I think... maybe that will solve something. Or I could just blow every last cent I have and get a laptop on Reading week... that's too easy [and not very smart]. I think, no matter which computer I have or where I am, technology will ALWAYS hate me and want to drive me to an early death of stress / poverty.
Speaking of poverty, the dinner theatre is tonight and there's a matinee tomorrow. If you're in the Kitchener area and want to see a drama that may challenge you, doors open at 6:30 tonight [7:00 beginning] (29/person) and tomorrow at 2:00 [2:30 start time] (10/person)
Sigh... homework today. Need to ge the presentation for Tuesday done by 4:45 so I can get ready for production.
Out.
T.
Well, it's returned. 3 days running now. I need to get some canned air, I think... maybe that will solve something. Or I could just blow every last cent I have and get a laptop on Reading week... that's too easy [and not very smart]. I think, no matter which computer I have or where I am, technology will ALWAYS hate me and want to drive me to an early death of stress / poverty.
Speaking of poverty, the dinner theatre is tonight and there's a matinee tomorrow. If you're in the Kitchener area and want to see a drama that may challenge you, doors open at 6:30 tonight [7:00 beginning] (29/person) and tomorrow at 2:00 [2:30 start time] (10/person)
Sigh... homework today. Need to ge the presentation for Tuesday done by 4:45 so I can get ready for production.
Out.
T.
7.2.06
jobbed = dropzord da bomb
I got an e-mail from Muskoka Woods saying that I didn't get the job that I applied for there. Quick response. So I've gone through denial, rejection, depression, sadness, madness, and now I'm finally at acceptance... I go through those stages rather quickly sometimes. There's something else out there for me... perhaps I'll just be saying "Directory Assistance, for what city please?" all summer and into the fall. Who knows?
Any jobs? Anyone? [not CH please, no offense.]
Any jobs? Anyone? [not CH please, no offense.]
5.2.06
coming soon
The Biggest edition of the Voice to date!!!!
Wednesday, February 8th: The Voice in Relation to Others
Wednesday, February 8th: The Voice in Relation to Others
4.2.06
a quote from environment canada
"In the longer term..In spite of what some groundhogs may say..It appears this storm will alter the north american weather pattern sufficiently to introduce real winter weather back across the province for the foreseeable future."
sleep, no i never get enough
I've decided that my body hates me. Here's why:
I went to bed at midnight. I was still awake at one. I may have been asleep by two, but there was noise in the hallway, so I yelled at them and tried to take one down on my way to the washroom. I was still awake at three and wasn't feeling so good, so I took a tylenol. This normally helps me get to sleep [I only take them if I'm feeling queezy or have a headache, not as a sleep pill]. Didn't work. Still awake at 4, although I was starting to get tired. I lay there for the entire hour with my eyes shut, thinking about how tired I was. I think I got up and stomped on the floor out of frustration around this time because I had a long day yesterday and should have had good reason to sleep. I was still awake at 5, although I was going downhill fast. I was gone by 5:15 only to wake again at 7:45 because I had to go to the washroom again. After returning, I couldn't get back to sleep...
So, my interview at Muskoka Woods is this afternoon, and my body decided it wanted to hate me and let me have maybe 4 hours of sleep total. I'll be getting some caffeine today.
Le sigh.
I went to bed at midnight. I was still awake at one. I may have been asleep by two, but there was noise in the hallway, so I yelled at them and tried to take one down on my way to the washroom. I was still awake at three and wasn't feeling so good, so I took a tylenol. This normally helps me get to sleep [I only take them if I'm feeling queezy or have a headache, not as a sleep pill]. Didn't work. Still awake at 4, although I was starting to get tired. I lay there for the entire hour with my eyes shut, thinking about how tired I was. I think I got up and stomped on the floor out of frustration around this time because I had a long day yesterday and should have had good reason to sleep. I was still awake at 5, although I was going downhill fast. I was gone by 5:15 only to wake again at 7:45 because I had to go to the washroom again. After returning, I couldn't get back to sleep...
So, my interview at Muskoka Woods is this afternoon, and my body decided it wanted to hate me and let me have maybe 4 hours of sleep total. I'll be getting some caffeine today.
Le sigh.
2.2.06
update
- Distance Ed Unit 2 [25 pages - Jan 31] (done 15)
- Book Review: Christ of the Covenants [Feb 10 - 4 pages]
- Student Development Presenation [Feb 14 - 20-25 minutes; 3 page handout]
- Covenant Annotated Bibliography [Feb 17 - 1 page]
- Distance Ed Unit 3 [6 pages - Feb 20]
- Sound Of Light Reflection [8 pages - Feb 27]
- Distance Ed Exam [Mar 1]
- Covenant Renewal Ceremonies [6 pages - Mar 17]
- Sacramental Theology Repot [8 pages - Mar 20]
- Ministry Issue Paper and Presenation [6 pages; 10 minutes - Mar 28]
- Worship Tradition Paper [12 pages - Apr 3]
- Discovering Your Ministry Identity Workbook [Apr 4]
- The Other Six Days Reflection [Apr 4]
- Covenant Exegesis Paper [10 pages, Apr 7]
- Covenant Exam [Apr 12]
- Philosophy of Ministry Paper [10 pages, Apr 13]
Plus: Student Council
Plus: Voice
sudoku
it's started... i'm seeing the numbers in my head. 4 8 15 16 23 42... even though the puzzles can only go up to 9.
Yarg.
Yarg.
31.1.06
my name is...
So I was called Josh on multiple occasions this afternoon by the Academic Dean of the college. It was quite funny. I got a good laugh out of it, although I may be beginning to have an identity crisis. Is my name Tim or is it Josh? I don't know!
That aside, 16 pages were handed in yesterday. I'm working on Distance Ed for the rest of the week while starting to read for the book review that's due next Friday for Covenant. The Voice is getting published tonight. I have an interview for Muskoka Woods on Saturday in Toronto. I'm starting to think about it.
And, for some reason, I have a tendancy to screw up the display adapters on the chapel computer 20 minutes before chapel begins for that day. It's always fixed by the end of the day, but it's still quite funny. For some reason the driver messed up the video card rather than making it better. Funny things, display adapters.
And for now, I'm out. Fare thee well.
T.
That aside, 16 pages were handed in yesterday. I'm working on Distance Ed for the rest of the week while starting to read for the book review that's due next Friday for Covenant. The Voice is getting published tonight. I have an interview for Muskoka Woods on Saturday in Toronto. I'm starting to think about it.
And, for some reason, I have a tendancy to screw up the display adapters on the chapel computer 20 minutes before chapel begins for that day. It's always fixed by the end of the day, but it's still quite funny. For some reason the driver messed up the video card rather than making it better. Funny things, display adapters.
And for now, I'm out. Fare thee well.
T.
29.1.06
room 106
Many people who read this went to SCI&TS and probably most of you took Calculus with Mr. Fillion. However, it has come to my attention that the Ontario government is trying to scrap parts of this advanced math in order to create students who understand the basics solidly rather than all concepts loosely.
Now, although I never had the privilage of taking OAC Caculus, I know many people who tried and tried and tried and some even passed. There are many stories that come from this course, including Katie who was the first person to ever not have to take the exam due to having mono. And some who passed it on their first try too. And the straight A students who received their first 50 ever in that class.
But this is a sad day when those memories could be getting stricken from the record as the Ontario Government tries to figure out what a proper education is [neither Mr. Harris or Mr. Mcguinty got it right... perhaps we should have voted NDP or maybe even CHP].... So I leave you with this...
This is to those who enjoyed Room 106, the stories of bees and flys getting hit out of mid-air by a ruler, snowing people's houses, the hitchhiker trilogy, and the magical smiley face on the chalk board that didn't erase. Mr Fillion, you taught us well... or something to that extent.
Now, although I never had the privilage of taking OAC Caculus, I know many people who tried and tried and tried and some even passed. There are many stories that come from this course, including Katie who was the first person to ever not have to take the exam due to having mono. And some who passed it on their first try too. And the straight A students who received their first 50 ever in that class.
But this is a sad day when those memories could be getting stricken from the record as the Ontario Government tries to figure out what a proper education is [neither Mr. Harris or Mr. Mcguinty got it right... perhaps we should have voted NDP or maybe even CHP].... So I leave you with this...
This is to those who enjoyed Room 106, the stories of bees and flys getting hit out of mid-air by a ruler, snowing people's houses, the hitchhiker trilogy, and the magical smiley face on the chalk board that didn't erase. Mr Fillion, you taught us well... or something to that extent.
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