I'm at my parents house for the week. Should be nice to not have to get up early everyday until the 31st. I'm excited.
Nothing major set for the next week. Most likely a whole lot of nothing. I'm quite ok with that.
Out.
T.
22.12.07
19.12.07
i'm that cool
So today marked a new high. I was referenced as a blogger of some substance by one of my friends.
It really makes me glad to think that someone considers myblog a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the whole blogosphere.
Sigh...
You win some days, you lose some days... today, I win. And I'm ok with that.
Out.
It really makes me glad to think that someone considers my
Sigh...
You win some days, you lose some days... today, I win. And I'm ok with that.
Out.
12.12.07
done!
I'm done Psychology... and I passed! Woo!
Now to tackle the ever-elusive DE... and then I'll be done my pre-requisites for applying to grad school. Whee!
Out.
T.
Now to tackle the ever-elusive DE... and then I'll be done my pre-requisites for applying to grad school. Whee!
Out.
T.
2.12.07
hike
Here's the account of the Walter's Falls Loop. In the Bruce Trail Guide 24th Edition, it is on Map 29 in the Sydenham Section of the trail.
According to the Bruce Trail website, this is one of the 40 recommended hikes for their 40th year of operation.
The hike itself in the summer would be a fairly easy hike, only about 5.3 km in length, however with the addition of 6 - 8 inches of snow as an average, it put itself into a more moderate level (basis coming from unseen rocks, potholes, fences, and slippery conditions throughout.)
The hike suggestion was to do it in reverse (which in hindsight was good because the trail conditions weren't that great near the end - only in snow. Trail markings were good.) so we did.
Here's the map:
We started at the S (for start). The parking lot was at the Inn at the Falls in Walter's Falls. Fairly sizeable lot with an easy walk to the brim of Walter's Falls (very pretty) (reference 1). From there, the trail markers are easy to find and follow. So we did. The first part of the trail (reference 2) was a stroll along the side of the valley with occasional views of Walter's Creek. It was a fairly easy walk with a few places that I had to test before I put my weight on just in case I fell. Didn't happen here.
After about 1.5 km, the trail came up to the road, crossed it, rose up the opposite bank, and went along a fence for a while. Then it came out to a T-Intersection of two other roads where you crossed and entered the Walter's Creek management area. Here is where we left the main trail and followed the Walter's Creek Side Trail (blue blazed) (Reference 3). For the most part, it was an easy walk through the woods, despite the depth of the snow (approx 8 - 12 inches in these parts because of the open area). I hit a groundhog hole and fell. Stupid groundhogs. Why would anyone pick one up?
After the 1 kmish trail, we crossed a bridge over the creek and turned left onto the main trail. Following the trail back toward Walter's Falls, it was a really nice walk, such as the area on the north-east side of Speyside (reference 4). Reference 5 is a field where we lost the trail markers. They were fairly well marked until about half-way through the field where there was one on a post and then nothing. We walked up the field and there was nothing there. We looked down the valley and there was nothing there. I fell into a larger hole here (most likely off a fence I didn't know was there). So, after some deliberation, we turned around and came back to the road, where we walked around the corner to meet where the trail came out of the section we couldn't find. Upon first glance, the area looked fairly thick. Oh well... in the summer I'll try again.
The last section was a great section of trail with more ups and downs, but harder because there wasn't a track and the snow was still in the 8 - 12 inch deep range. There was sort of a rut where someone had gone through before, but it was covered in snow. (Reference 6). This happened for a while along the banks of the creek, and then we rose out of the valley (Reference 7) via a few switch backs and stairs that were covered under more snow.
At the top of the hill, we rounded a big wooden thing and a few pieces of heavy equipment, crossed a field, crossed the bridge at the top of the creek and ended up in the Inn for lunch with VERY TASTY hot chocolate - a close rival to Carnation in taste quality. The food was good portions, but overpriced. Oh well... that's what you get at a fancy inn.
Total hike time = approx 2 hours (probably closer to 1.5 without snow or detour)
Recommended: Yes. In the Winter: No. Unless you have snow shoes or good winter boots (and water... always take water... why I forgot this time, who knows...)
For pictures, see this album.
According to the Bruce Trail website, this is one of the 40 recommended hikes for their 40th year of operation.
The hike itself in the summer would be a fairly easy hike, only about 5.3 km in length, however with the addition of 6 - 8 inches of snow as an average, it put itself into a more moderate level (basis coming from unseen rocks, potholes, fences, and slippery conditions throughout.)
The hike suggestion was to do it in reverse (which in hindsight was good because the trail conditions weren't that great near the end - only in snow. Trail markings were good.) so we did.
Here's the map:
We started at the S (for start). The parking lot was at the Inn at the Falls in Walter's Falls. Fairly sizeable lot with an easy walk to the brim of Walter's Falls (very pretty) (reference 1). From there, the trail markers are easy to find and follow. So we did. The first part of the trail (reference 2) was a stroll along the side of the valley with occasional views of Walter's Creek. It was a fairly easy walk with a few places that I had to test before I put my weight on just in case I fell. Didn't happen here.
After about 1.5 km, the trail came up to the road, crossed it, rose up the opposite bank, and went along a fence for a while. Then it came out to a T-Intersection of two other roads where you crossed and entered the Walter's Creek management area. Here is where we left the main trail and followed the Walter's Creek Side Trail (blue blazed) (Reference 3). For the most part, it was an easy walk through the woods, despite the depth of the snow (approx 8 - 12 inches in these parts because of the open area). I hit a groundhog hole and fell. Stupid groundhogs. Why would anyone pick one up?
After the 1 kmish trail, we crossed a bridge over the creek and turned left onto the main trail. Following the trail back toward Walter's Falls, it was a really nice walk, such as the area on the north-east side of Speyside (reference 4). Reference 5 is a field where we lost the trail markers. They were fairly well marked until about half-way through the field where there was one on a post and then nothing. We walked up the field and there was nothing there. We looked down the valley and there was nothing there. I fell into a larger hole here (most likely off a fence I didn't know was there). So, after some deliberation, we turned around and came back to the road, where we walked around the corner to meet where the trail came out of the section we couldn't find. Upon first glance, the area looked fairly thick. Oh well... in the summer I'll try again.
The last section was a great section of trail with more ups and downs, but harder because there wasn't a track and the snow was still in the 8 - 12 inch deep range. There was sort of a rut where someone had gone through before, but it was covered in snow. (Reference 6). This happened for a while along the banks of the creek, and then we rose out of the valley (Reference 7) via a few switch backs and stairs that were covered under more snow.
At the top of the hill, we rounded a big wooden thing and a few pieces of heavy equipment, crossed a field, crossed the bridge at the top of the creek and ended up in the Inn for lunch with VERY TASTY hot chocolate - a close rival to Carnation in taste quality. The food was good portions, but overpriced. Oh well... that's what you get at a fancy inn.
Total hike time = approx 2 hours (probably closer to 1.5 without snow or detour)
Recommended: Yes. In the Winter: No. Unless you have snow shoes or good winter boots (and water... always take water... why I forgot this time, who knows...)
For pictures, see this album.
the weekend
A few highlights from my trip away:
1. The snow-squall like conditions on the road between Fergus and Orangeville. 4-6 inches of snow, ruts where the people in front of me drove, and blinding whiteouts at times. Woo
2. Awesome Bed and Breakfast. Very nice quarters, comfortable bed, excellent view out of bay window of stream / waterfalls, nice property. Quiet. Lots of sleep.
3. Walter's Falls - it's nice. The stories go that if you don't get lost finding it, you'll get lost finding your way out. I did not get lost (I had a local who was of lots of help - thanks Amy!).
4. Hiking the Bruce Trail. Supposedly there's a complete loop around Walter's Falls, but for some reason, we couldn't find the blazes after hiking 3.5 - 4 km out of the 5.5 km loop. So we had to backtrack through the 6 - 8" deep snow and continue on from the road. I'll upload a map eventually.
5. Safe travels home. The roads were clear on Saturday for the most part. Some slush, but not nearly as bad as Friday's trip up.
It was well-needed.
I decided it was safer for me to not attempt the drive to Breslau this morning, so after a quick e-mail to the pastor, I hopped back in bed. It's been an ok day.
Woo.
Link to pictures from the trip:
Out.
T.
1. The snow-squall like conditions on the road between Fergus and Orangeville. 4-6 inches of snow, ruts where the people in front of me drove, and blinding whiteouts at times. Woo
2. Awesome Bed and Breakfast. Very nice quarters, comfortable bed, excellent view out of bay window of stream / waterfalls, nice property. Quiet. Lots of sleep.
3. Walter's Falls - it's nice. The stories go that if you don't get lost finding it, you'll get lost finding your way out. I did not get lost (I had a local who was of lots of help - thanks Amy!).
4. Hiking the Bruce Trail. Supposedly there's a complete loop around Walter's Falls, but for some reason, we couldn't find the blazes after hiking 3.5 - 4 km out of the 5.5 km loop. So we had to backtrack through the 6 - 8" deep snow and continue on from the road. I'll upload a map eventually.
5. Safe travels home. The roads were clear on Saturday for the most part. Some slush, but not nearly as bad as Friday's trip up.
It was well-needed.
I decided it was safer for me to not attempt the drive to Breslau this morning, so after a quick e-mail to the pastor, I hopped back in bed. It's been an ok day.
Woo.
Link to pictures from the trip:
 |
| November 30, 2007 |
Out.
T.
29.11.07
getting away
I'm doing something unorthodox this weekend. I'm taking Tim Time. Many people probably think I'm crazy to do something like this, but I think I'm well in need of some time to get away by myself and rest. So tomorrow, I'm heading off to a Bed and Breakfast north-east of here [not saying where it is because I don't need company], and then heading north to go hiking on Saturday [here's hoping I don't get shot by hunters a bit eager to start shooting things - open season starts on Monday]. So it's only about 12 hours by myself and another 5-6 with a friend on the trail (decked out in bright colours).
That's about all I got... hopefully it's restful.
Out.
T.
That's about all I got... hopefully it's restful.
Out.
T.
thankful
It has been said that you never know who really truly appreciates you until it's too late. People do stupid things because they feel unloved. Depression can happen after being ignored for far too long. One person's negative thoughts about you can drastically alter any semblance of stability you had in life because others did not speak up.
Today I learned about a number of people's appreciation toward me. Because they said something, I can continue.
So, even though none of them read thisblog [that I know of], I guess the least I can really say is this: Thanks.
It's hard to remember to show appreciation for those who make a difference in your life. I guess now I can relate to what happens when you do.
Today I learned about a number of people's appreciation toward me. Because they said something, I can continue.
So, even though none of them read this
It's hard to remember to show appreciation for those who make a difference in your life. I guess now I can relate to what happens when you do.
27.11.07
10.11.07
instruct
Thanks to Brock for introducing the broader Interweb and geeks alike to the webcomic Basic Instructions
I have a few favourites, including:
How to write a haiku
And...
How to Pick a Code Phrase
Manah Manah...
I have a few favourites, including:
How to write a haiku
And...
How to Pick a Code Phrase
Manah Manah...
1.11.07
flash forward
This week has been a different week than planned. What I had planned on doing was thrown out the window by noon on Monday when the news that the librarian from EBC had suddenly passed away. I've never seen a community in so much shock and disbelief over a single event like this, but at the same time, I've never seen a community gather around each other to help each other get through this time.
Many tears, tissues, prayers, and memories were shared by those who knew him as more than just the man in the Library. We knew him as a friend, colleague, brother, and so much more. He was a gentle man, always willing to help those in need, patient with simple requests, and quick with wit.
The funeral was this afternoon, and the college closed down as the faculty and staff and many students took the time to pay their respects toward this man of God who, while just serving the Lord, touched so many lives and showed us a form of grace that was unique to him.
He will be greatly missed, but his memory will live on as we continue at Emmanuel. He is now with his Lord in eternity, and I look forward to the day when we'll meet again.
Many tears, tissues, prayers, and memories were shared by those who knew him as more than just the man in the Library. We knew him as a friend, colleague, brother, and so much more. He was a gentle man, always willing to help those in need, patient with simple requests, and quick with wit.
The funeral was this afternoon, and the college closed down as the faculty and staff and many students took the time to pay their respects toward this man of God who, while just serving the Lord, touched so many lives and showed us a form of grace that was unique to him.
He will be greatly missed, but his memory will live on as we continue at Emmanuel. He is now with his Lord in eternity, and I look forward to the day when we'll meet again.
28.10.07
home
Despite rumours that the US hates my health, I am home and alive and well.
The road trip / abandonment in Fort Wayne with my friends was a great experience, in which I would do again in a heartbeat, that is, if my health wouldn't suffer and if it didn't cost so much. You know, the usual.
Friday we got there, and I watched Just Friends while waiting for Ryan to return. He made it back and we went to his parents place where I held a chicken for the first time in my life. It was quite tame and didn't peck my eyes out like I had expected one would if you were to pick it up. Went for dinner at some Mexican restaurant which was tasty, took part in a wild goose chase for some random dude at IPFW (Indiana University / Perdue University Fort Wayne), saw the Darjeeling Limited (not a bad movie), and went home to sleep.
Saturday included a trip to Indianapolis where we saw either a dead or severely lacking in consciousness guy on the street with some cops poking at him with their nightsticks, a protest that told me that Bart lies, some weddings, and various other fun things. I realized that my health was in danger at the Old Country Buffet, which was very much like Ponderosa Steakhouse, and I went a bit overboard... Cheesecake and Soft Serve ice cream is NOT a bad choice for dessert... just maybe at the same time they are. Oh well. Also saved about $75 on Scrubs seasons 1 - 5 by purchasing across the border. That night included dinner at a Mongolian Grill type restaurant, a game of Scrabble, and watching Mr. Brooks.
Sunday was church at the Fort Wayne Vineyard, and then travelling home for the next gazillion hours. The bridge was about a 45 minute lineup because people don't know how to share the lanes properly.
Again? Yes. Not this week though.
If anyone's up for coming curling next Saturday night, let me know and you're pretty much guaranteed a spot.
T.
The road trip / abandonment in Fort Wayne with my friends was a great experience, in which I would do again in a heartbeat, that is, if my health wouldn't suffer and if it didn't cost so much. You know, the usual.
Friday we got there, and I watched Just Friends while waiting for Ryan to return. He made it back and we went to his parents place where I held a chicken for the first time in my life. It was quite tame and didn't peck my eyes out like I had expected one would if you were to pick it up. Went for dinner at some Mexican restaurant which was tasty, took part in a wild goose chase for some random dude at IPFW (Indiana University / Perdue University Fort Wayne), saw the Darjeeling Limited (not a bad movie), and went home to sleep.
Saturday included a trip to Indianapolis where we saw either a dead or severely lacking in consciousness guy on the street with some cops poking at him with their nightsticks, a protest that told me that Bart lies, some weddings, and various other fun things. I realized that my health was in danger at the Old Country Buffet, which was very much like Ponderosa Steakhouse, and I went a bit overboard... Cheesecake and Soft Serve ice cream is NOT a bad choice for dessert... just maybe at the same time they are. Oh well. Also saved about $75 on Scrubs seasons 1 - 5 by purchasing across the border. That night included dinner at a Mongolian Grill type restaurant, a game of Scrabble, and watching Mr. Brooks.
Sunday was church at the Fort Wayne Vineyard, and then travelling home for the next gazillion hours. The bridge was about a 45 minute lineup because people don't know how to share the lanes properly.
Again? Yes. Not this week though.
If anyone's up for coming curling next Saturday night, let me know and you're pretty much guaranteed a spot.
T.
26.10.07
you're in where?
I'm currently in Fort Wayne, IN.
It's been quite the adventure so far (well, not really exciting in terms of high speed chases or life threatening illnesses, but the fact that I'm not currently in Kitchener-Waterloo has a lot to do with it.)
There's an insane kitten attacking my feet right now, and every time I kick him/her away, he/she comes back for more. Oh well. Subway also has pizza and Cherry Coke down here. I'm ok with that. Looking forward to bringing some Dew home with me and possibly Cherry Coke to share around.
That's about all I got for now.
Pictures will come next week sometime.
It's been quite the adventure so far (well, not really exciting in terms of high speed chases or life threatening illnesses, but the fact that I'm not currently in Kitchener-Waterloo has a lot to do with it.)
There's an insane kitten attacking my feet right now, and every time I kick him/her away, he/she comes back for more. Oh well. Subway also has pizza and Cherry Coke down here. I'm ok with that. Looking forward to bringing some Dew home with me and possibly Cherry Coke to share around.
That's about all I got for now.
Pictures will come next week sometime.
21.10.07
colour me happy
That was the name of a book / tape I had when I was younger... I'm not quite sure what the implications of the title are for today's society, but while you ponder it, try playing Crayon Physics. When you finish the original levels, download the additional levels and try them on for size. Then these ones.
Don't thank me for finding this. (By thank, I mean throw stuff at me because it's slightly addicting until you beat it). I have some friends who told me about it. They have no life and therefore find these things which in turn give me something to do because I have no life either. Sigh.
Happy drawing.
Don't thank me for finding this. (By thank, I mean throw stuff at me because it's slightly addicting until you beat it). I have some friends who told me about it. They have no life and therefore find these things which in turn give me something to do because I have no life either. Sigh.
Happy drawing.
20.10.07
egad, there goes my hamster
Darn tootin.
And with that, life continues as it has. Up, down, sideways, reverse, forward, etc, etc, etc.
I went to the Elora Gorge last weekend with Gord for the first time ever. It's really nice and pretty-like rather than Sherkston Shores which wasn't as pretty-like and more loud / ritzy.
Camping trip anyone (next season... it's closed til April or May now)?
If anyone's up for curling on November 3rd from 7 - 11 PM, let me know this week. There's approx. 19 spaces remaining at $35 / piece.
Out.
T.
And with that, life continues as it has. Up, down, sideways, reverse, forward, etc, etc, etc.
I went to the Elora Gorge last weekend with Gord for the first time ever. It's really nice and pretty-like rather than Sherkston Shores which wasn't as pretty-like and more loud / ritzy.
Camping trip anyone (next season... it's closed til April or May now)?
If anyone's up for curling on November 3rd from 7 - 11 PM, let me know this week. There's approx. 19 spaces remaining at $35 / piece.
Out.
T.
11.10.07
shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
The events that transpired three years ago are recurring again:
From "ugh", from theworldaskswhy.blogspot.com September 27, 2004
Except this time it's people below me, and the time's 11ish rather than midnight. There's lots of hooting and cheering, many deep voices, and the occasional drunken ramblings. I've been woken up at least three times in the past two weeks (once at 3:00 AM).
And because of my experience of three years ago with the lack of response to my pleadings to be quiet, I'm not going to ask this time. Faulty logic, most likely, but it works for me now. Saves me some breath.
So, I'm trying the sleeping with a fan going... waste of electricity, but it's some type of noise that may help muffle what's happening below.
I've come up with the conclusion that "you can party all you want, just do it between the hours of 7 am and 11 pm". Reasonable request, I think... but for students who don't understand respect, it's a whole other world that they'll probably never understand.
From "ugh", from theworldaskswhy.blogspot.com September 27, 2004
Unfortunately, I'm kinda tired due to midnight and the fact that it's against me sleeping. Last Monday night was people screaming and running down the hall upstairs at midnight. Last Tuesday night was people laughing and talking really loudly outside the campus centre at midnight. Last night was people screaming down the hall from me at 11:40ish, and then loud conversations going on above me at guess what time.. midnight. It's always right when I'm almost asleep, so it takes me longer to fall asleep.
Except this time it's people below me, and the time's 11ish rather than midnight. There's lots of hooting and cheering, many deep voices, and the occasional drunken ramblings. I've been woken up at least three times in the past two weeks (once at 3:00 AM).
And because of my experience of three years ago with the lack of response to my pleadings to be quiet, I'm not going to ask this time. Faulty logic, most likely, but it works for me now. Saves me some breath.
So, I'm trying the sleeping with a fan going... waste of electricity, but it's some type of noise that may help muffle what's happening below.
I've come up with the conclusion that "you can party all you want, just do it between the hours of 7 am and 11 pm". Reasonable request, I think... but for students who don't understand respect, it's a whole other world that they'll probably never understand.
30.9.07
opening soon
Friday and Saturday went better. Still had some hiccups, but this week should bring some good times.
Otherwise, I'm doing ok. I realized I have to read 200 pages of my Psych textbook to catch up with this week's lecture, but other than that, I'm doing ok. *eyes glazing over...* Oh! And I'm on chapter 16 / 20 for Cultural Anthropology, which is good, because it means I'm within a few chapters of being able to complete my first assignment.
Whee!
Out.
Otherwise, I'm doing ok. I realized I have to read 200 pages of my Psych textbook to catch up with this week's lecture, but other than that, I'm doing ok. *eyes glazing over...* Oh! And I'm on chapter 16 / 20 for Cultural Anthropology, which is good, because it means I'm within a few chapters of being able to complete my first assignment.
Whee!
Out.
27.9.07
23.9.07
it just keeps swinging... like it's a swing
There's been a few days since these fingers have updated.
Work has been continuing on. I now have a nameplate on my door. It even says my name! There is another nameplate on the door, but it's ok... I guess. I'll survive the sharing of the office for now, I think. We'll see how well it goes starting later this week when it's happening more often.
Class - I'm taking Psychology in class this fall. It's fun. The only problem is that it's Tuesday nights after I've had a full day of work... oh well. I'll make it through. I already have the article I'm using for my paper chosen. Should be fun. More to come when I sit down and start working on it. I think I may need to spend some time at a coffee shop with my books in the near future so I can get this homework going.
Distance Ed has been somewhat put on hold for a while. I'm still reading the text at a steady pace, but it's going to be a while before I can finally finish it. I have until Christmas to get it done. That's what I'm telling myself, so it's done nice and early.
Home life is going. Everyone's in now and it will stay this way until April when our lease is up. Beyond that, I have no clue where I'll be... hopefully still somewhere in KW... maybe closer to the school. That'd probably be ideal.
Ideas for meals for me to cook? I've done Lasagna and Tuna Casserole so far. I'm thinking maybe Chicken wraps? Or Chicken Caesar Salad? Thoughts? (Post recipes if you have any other ideas)
I went to Sherkston Shores Resort this weekend with a group from the school on a retreat. It was a nice break, though I think the fact that most people there weren't really camping somewhat stressed me out. It wasn't a campground. There were sites to camp on, but the majority were permanent trailers all decked out with their decorations, and Golf Carts... or Cadillacs if you will that were worth a lot more than they should be. I did get to go swimming in a real lake for the first time this year. It's been since last June when I was swimming in Lake Huron. So it's not the best lake to swim in, but Lake Erie was ok yesterday. Not as gross as I'd expect.
And I bought a Thermarest last week to try in attempts to bring my usual level of sleep while camping up from nil to more than nil. It worked. Except it didn't block out the sounds of the concert that began AFTER the fireworks at 10:30 PM and didn't end until 12:15 AM... Not saying that the songs of the 60's, 70's, and 80's are bad things, but when you begin at 10:30, it's a reason for people who are out to enjoy a peaceful weekend in the Pseudo-Wilderness to be very upset with the management of the resort to a point where they will most likely never return unless there's a really good reason to be there.
Otherwise, Life is good.
Out.
T.
Work has been continuing on. I now have a nameplate on my door. It even says my name! There is another nameplate on the door, but it's ok... I guess. I'll survive the sharing of the office for now, I think. We'll see how well it goes starting later this week when it's happening more often.
Class - I'm taking Psychology in class this fall. It's fun. The only problem is that it's Tuesday nights after I've had a full day of work... oh well. I'll make it through. I already have the article I'm using for my paper chosen. Should be fun. More to come when I sit down and start working on it. I think I may need to spend some time at a coffee shop with my books in the near future so I can get this homework going.
Distance Ed has been somewhat put on hold for a while. I'm still reading the text at a steady pace, but it's going to be a while before I can finally finish it. I have until Christmas to get it done. That's what I'm telling myself, so it's done nice and early.
Home life is going. Everyone's in now and it will stay this way until April when our lease is up. Beyond that, I have no clue where I'll be... hopefully still somewhere in KW... maybe closer to the school. That'd probably be ideal.
Ideas for meals for me to cook? I've done Lasagna and Tuna Casserole so far. I'm thinking maybe Chicken wraps? Or Chicken Caesar Salad? Thoughts? (Post recipes if you have any other ideas)
I went to Sherkston Shores Resort this weekend with a group from the school on a retreat. It was a nice break, though I think the fact that most people there weren't really camping somewhat stressed me out. It wasn't a campground. There were sites to camp on, but the majority were permanent trailers all decked out with their decorations, and Golf Carts... or Cadillacs if you will that were worth a lot more than they should be. I did get to go swimming in a real lake for the first time this year. It's been since last June when I was swimming in Lake Huron. So it's not the best lake to swim in, but Lake Erie was ok yesterday. Not as gross as I'd expect.
And I bought a Thermarest last week to try in attempts to bring my usual level of sleep while camping up from nil to more than nil. It worked. Except it didn't block out the sounds of the concert that began AFTER the fireworks at 10:30 PM and didn't end until 12:15 AM... Not saying that the songs of the 60's, 70's, and 80's are bad things, but when you begin at 10:30, it's a reason for people who are out to enjoy a peaceful weekend in the Pseudo-Wilderness to be very upset with the management of the resort to a point where they will most likely never return unless there's a really good reason to be there.
Otherwise, Life is good.
Out.
T.
14.9.07
don't lose your legs
In the spirit of spite (Gord said I never update earlier tonight), here's an update.
While we were in Halifax, I saw one of the most funniest commercials on TV that I've seen in a while. Go to this link and click on the Teletransporter Video. You'll need Quicktime to view it.
The shipping one's pretty good too.
Otherwise, life is still good.
T.
While we were in Halifax, I saw one of the most funniest commercials on TV that I've seen in a while. Go to this link and click on the Teletransporter Video. You'll need Quicktime to view it.
The shipping one's pretty good too.
Otherwise, life is still good.
T.
2.9.07
the opposite of ceasing to be full of life
Still alive. Work's been busy. I moved offices on Tuesday, and the past few weeks have been hectic with getting everything ready to go for Thursday when students arrive. My sense of normality isn't on track yet and it will probably be a few more weeks before it starts to find the niche. Until then, life will be interesting.
I went up to Acton last weekend. It was fun to see the kids and sibling / sibling-in-law again.
Other than that, people are moving into the area again. The neighbourhood which was quite quiet all summer is now beginning to show signs of life once more. We'll see if it's good or bad. A girl in the basement apartment in our building plays the flute. We've been listening to her play for a while now... she's good, but it's still something new to get used to after having the building to ourselves all summer.
Life continues otherwise. My Bunny cake was good. Thanks to all who were involved and wished the day to go well. It did. I didn't have a huge bike accident like I did last year and I didn't have to work. A plus on both ends.
I biked to Lincoln Road Chapel this morning (because I drove stick last night for the third time and think it was my worst experience thus far and didn't feel up to biking the extra 10 km out to Breslau). It was actually a really good sermon. One of the best I've heard all summer. It was an exegetical look at Psalm 63 and the subject of Thirsting after God. I even took notes, that's how good it was.
Now I'm out to hang with some friends tonight for dinner and other stuff.
Until next time,
See you through the mirror (Romper Room Style)
Out.
I went up to Acton last weekend. It was fun to see the kids and sibling / sibling-in-law again.
Other than that, people are moving into the area again. The neighbourhood which was quite quiet all summer is now beginning to show signs of life once more. We'll see if it's good or bad. A girl in the basement apartment in our building plays the flute. We've been listening to her play for a while now... she's good, but it's still something new to get used to after having the building to ourselves all summer.
Life continues otherwise. My Bunny cake was good. Thanks to all who were involved and wished the day to go well. It did. I didn't have a huge bike accident like I did last year and I didn't have to work. A plus on both ends.
I biked to Lincoln Road Chapel this morning (because I drove stick last night for the third time and think it was my worst experience thus far and didn't feel up to biking the extra 10 km out to Breslau). It was actually a really good sermon. One of the best I've heard all summer. It was an exegetical look at Psalm 63 and the subject of Thirsting after God. I even took notes, that's how good it was.
Now I'm out to hang with some friends tonight for dinner and other stuff.
Until next time,
See you through the mirror (Romper Room Style)
Out.
19.8.07
another day
It's just another day today. Just like any other day. Just like yesterday. Just like tomorrow.
With one exception:
It's my birthday.
And to celebrate, my friends were committed to a theme. A few weeks ago, I purchased a game called Killer Bunnies that I learned a few months back from some of my EBC friends. It's an insane game that is really fun when you get into it, but takes a while to get there. Rather than explain the game, I'll let you check out the website.
Anyways, they made me a bunny cake, bunny card, and put "Carrot" balloons in the tub, along with hanging streamers in the hall and filling up the car I was taking to church this morning with balloons numbered 1 - 25 so I had to move them to the back seat before I could sit down.
Some pictures:
With one exception:
It's my birthday.
And to celebrate, my friends were committed to a theme. A few weeks ago, I purchased a game called Killer Bunnies that I learned a few months back from some of my EBC friends. It's an insane game that is really fun when you get into it, but takes a while to get there. Rather than explain the game, I'll let you check out the website.
Anyways, they made me a bunny cake, bunny card, and put "Carrot" balloons in the tub, along with hanging streamers in the hall and filling up the car I was taking to church this morning with balloons numbered 1 - 25 so I had to move them to the back seat before I could sit down.
Some pictures:
16.8.07
procrastination... makes it happen
So I'm avoiding doing my DE course because I can.
The Shotgun rules aren't necessarily followed these days, so I figure it's a good idea to re-post them for refamiliarization by all.
The Shotgun rules aren't necessarily followed these days, so I figure it's a good idea to re-post them for refamiliarization by all.
The Shotgun Rules
The rules listed below apply to the calling of Shotgun (the passenger seat) in an automobile. These rules are definitive and binding.
Section I
The Basic Rules
- In order to call Shotgun, the caller must pronounce the word “Shotgun” in a clear voice. This call must be heard and acknowledged by the driver. The other occupants of the vehicle need no hear the call as long as the driver verifies the call.
- Shotgun may only be called if all occupants of the vehicle are outside and on the way to said vehicle.
- Early calls are strictly prohibited. Shotgun may only be called while walking toward the vehicle and only applies to the drive immediately forthcoming. Shotgun can never be called while inside a vehicle or still technically on the way to the first location. For example, one cannot get out of a vehicle and call Shotgun for the return journey.
- The driver has final say in all ties and disputes. The driver had the right to suspend or remove all shotgun privileges from one or more persons.
Section II
Special Cases
These special exceptions to the rules above should be considered in the order presented; the case listed first will take precedence over any of the cases beneath it, when applicable.
- In the instance that the normal driver of a vehicle is drunk or otherwise unable to perform their duties as driver, then he/she is automatically given Shotgun.
- In the instance that the person who actually owns the vehicle is not driving, then he/she is automatically given Shotgun, unless they decline.
- In the instance that the driver’s spouse, lover, partner, or hired prostitute for the evening is going to accompany the group, he/she is automatically given Shotgun, unless they decline.
- In the instance that one of the passengers may become so ill during the course of the journey that the other occupants feel he/she will toss their cookies, then the ill person should be given Shotgun to make appropriate use of the window.
- In the instance that only one person knows how to get to a given location and this person is not the driver, then as the designated navigator for the group, they automatically get Shotgun, unless they decline.
- In the instance that one of the occupants is too wide or tall to fit comfortably in the back seat, then the driver may show mercy and award Shotgun to the genetic misfit. Alternatively, the driver and other passengers may continually taunt the poor fellow as they may a three-hour trip with him crammed in the back.
Section III
The Survival of the Fittest Rule
- If the driver so wishes, he/she may institute the Survival of the Fittest Rule on the process of calling Shotgun. In this case all rules, excepting I-4, are suspended and the passenger seat is occupied by whoever can take it by force.
- The driver must announce the institution of the Survival of the Fittest Rule with reasonable warning to all passengers. This clause reduced the amount of blood lost by passengers and the damage done to the vehicle.
Please follow the above rules to the best of your ability.
13.8.07
playlist
I enjoy using Winamp. I find Windows Media Player presupposes too many things, like where I want my music, and how I want it stored, and that I want to see visualizations by default. You know the annoying things that you don't really need.
So I use Winamp instead. Recently, I learned of a feature in Winamp that can help you make 20 song mixes that all somehow relate to each other in genre or theme called Predixis MusicMagic Mix. I enjoyed the use of it.
However, in the latest version of Winamp, it's not in there. Winamp 5.35 doesn't have it anymore. Supposedly it changed to MusicIP Mix, but I'm not seeing it in my installed version of it and there's no information about it online other than it changed names in version 5.34.
Sigh... I guess I'll have to continue to be .03 versions out of date or more because of this sad, sad news.
So I use Winamp instead. Recently, I learned of a feature in Winamp that can help you make 20 song mixes that all somehow relate to each other in genre or theme called Predixis MusicMagic Mix. I enjoyed the use of it.
However, in the latest version of Winamp, it's not in there. Winamp 5.35 doesn't have it anymore. Supposedly it changed to MusicIP Mix, but I'm not seeing it in my installed version of it and there's no information about it online other than it changed names in version 5.34.
Sigh... I guess I'll have to continue to be .03 versions out of date or more because of this sad, sad news.
6.8.07
bruce it up!
Gord, Dan, Vanessa, and I went on an adventure today to Limehouse and Cheltenham, two places that we've previously visited on the Bruce Trail, but at the time didn't have much energy or ambition to explore (Limehouse Conservation Area was at the end of a 22 km hike, and Gord locked his keys in the car at the Cheltenham Badlands.)
So we tried again.
It was very fun. We spent over an hour meandering around the cracks and crevices at Limehouse and close to an hour at Cheltenham, taking pictures and going places we probably shouldn't have... but everyone was doing it.
For pictures, you can go here:
After Cheltenham, we took a drive down into Belfountain to find the cool corner (the one with the awesome road sign (see this post for picture) but the road was under construction so we couldn't get through.
Dinner was in Orangeville at a place with a plane in the roof, and then we came home.
So it was a good afternoon to get out and about with friends. I tried driving stick for the second time ever today. The first was at Christmas. I drove from my place to the far side of Guelph. Only stalled about 6 times... oops! We had some fun though and they say I was doing good for a novice... I just need more confidence. Give it time. I'll be driving like I was born with a stick car soon enough. Just need the practise.
Outski.
So we tried again.
It was very fun. We spent over an hour meandering around the cracks and crevices at Limehouse and close to an hour at Cheltenham, taking pictures and going places we probably shouldn't have... but everyone was doing it.
For pictures, you can go here:
 |
| Best of the Bruce Trail - Civic Holiday, 2007 |
After Cheltenham, we took a drive down into Belfountain to find the cool corner (the one with the awesome road sign (see this post for picture) but the road was under construction so we couldn't get through.
Dinner was in Orangeville at a place with a plane in the roof, and then we came home.
So it was a good afternoon to get out and about with friends. I tried driving stick for the second time ever today. The first was at Christmas. I drove from my place to the far side of Guelph. Only stalled about 6 times... oops! We had some fun though and they say I was doing good for a novice... I just need more confidence. Give it time. I'll be driving like I was born with a stick car soon enough. Just need the practise.
Outski.
30.7.07
famous part deux
Since some people are having trouble, go to tourismsarnialambton.com and click on watch the video. It's been off and on today, but it's there and should open.
It's worked fine more me everytime I've gone to try the video.
T.
It's worked fine more me everytime I've gone to try the video.
T.
29.7.07
speed-o-meter
So I purchased a bike computer to put on my handlebars and record various stats while I bike to / from work (when it happens). I think I've been doing pretty ok with it... Up until today, my max speed was 39.1 km/hr with an average of about 22 km/hr (lots of up and downs between here and Kitchener).
But then, I decided that I needed to bike to church in order to do sound for the service today. So I did. I left at about 7:15, rode up Tamarack to Milford to Weber to Forwell to Lexington to Bridge to Ebycrest to church. The trip in itself was about 13.1 km - approx 35 minutes moving (40 minutes including stops). I was travelling down Bridge Street, knowing full well there was a huge hill going down to the Bridge, and decided to try and give it... so I did. Until I realized that my bike started shaking and I felt as though I would be dead a lot sooner than hoped if I didn't hit the brakes. Upon looking at the computer, it says I was up to 45.6 km/hr on that hill. I probably could have done more if I hadn't felt as though death was imminent.
On the way home, I got up to 42 km/hr approx in a different section of Bridge Street.
Although it was good exercise (didn't leave the house yesterday at all), I don't know if I'll want to use that method of transportation more than I have to to Breslau. I don't really enjoy using it to get to EBC (10.9 km - approx 33 minutes travelling; 45 with stops - there's a lot of red lights to hit in this city.)
I need to fix up my bike:
Tighten the wheels
Clean the Chain / re-grease it
Get it so my front sprocket can use ALL gears, not just the first two
Get new brakes that actually work
General maintenance
Should be fun.
Woo.
But then, I decided that I needed to bike to church in order to do sound for the service today. So I did. I left at about 7:15, rode up Tamarack to Milford to Weber to Forwell to Lexington to Bridge to Ebycrest to church. The trip in itself was about 13.1 km - approx 35 minutes moving (40 minutes including stops). I was travelling down Bridge Street, knowing full well there was a huge hill going down to the Bridge, and decided to try and give it... so I did. Until I realized that my bike started shaking and I felt as though I would be dead a lot sooner than hoped if I didn't hit the brakes. Upon looking at the computer, it says I was up to 45.6 km/hr on that hill. I probably could have done more if I hadn't felt as though death was imminent.
On the way home, I got up to 42 km/hr approx in a different section of Bridge Street.
Although it was good exercise (didn't leave the house yesterday at all), I don't know if I'll want to use that method of transportation more than I have to to Breslau. I don't really enjoy using it to get to EBC (10.9 km - approx 33 minutes travelling; 45 with stops - there's a lot of red lights to hit in this city.)
I need to fix up my bike:
Tighten the wheels
Clean the Chain / re-grease it
Get it so my front sprocket can use ALL gears, not just the first two
Get new brakes that actually work
General maintenance
Should be fun.
Woo.
27.7.07
famous
Last Summer, I think it was, Gord, Amy and I were down by the bridge getting some fries when a lady comes up and asks us if we want to be in a video for Tourism Sarnia Lambton. We say sure, and talk about the fries under the bridge and why it's a sub-culture in the Sarnia area... our interview didn't make it in, but us going up to the Fry Truck did!
Near the beginning, they show 3 people walking up to Albert's Rolling Lunch. I'm in the blue shirt, Gord's in the black shirt and Amy's in the white shirt jumping off the curb.
Clicky!
So, we're famous now.
Near the beginning, they show 3 people walking up to Albert's Rolling Lunch. I'm in the blue shirt, Gord's in the black shirt and Amy's in the white shirt jumping off the curb.
Clicky!
So, we're famous now.
22.7.07
the standard
I've been lacking recently. Not really in anything specific, but more or less in everything to an extent.
Let me explain. It's like the smart kid who decides he/she needs to change their image in order to be cool, so they stop doing homework and begin to get poor grades as a result of their rebellion. I'm not rebelling, let's get this clear. I feel that I've just stopped doing things to the level that I know I'm capable of. I've become a slacker... a back-slider as some people I know would put it. I've noticed this for a while, but couldn't really narrow it down to what I thought it might be. Then I realized that I didn't really have a vision statement for myself - something that guides my decisions towards an end. If you remember back to here, I decided that I needed to adopt the slogan Finish Strong for my last year of school. To a great extent, I believe I did embody that statement and went out to the best of my ability.
After that, I went to 3 months at a call centre where I didn't need to think. A miserable environment for anyone that thrives on thinking, but that's what I did. And I did fairly well at it too. But in that time, I forgot my vision; lost track of my goal; and came out the other side in a new job that I love, but without a clear direction.
I was reading in Philippians this morning after the spot where Paul talks about pressing on and taking hold of the race set out for us, he writes an interesting statement (in bold): "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. (Phil 3:14-16 NIV)
I've been somewhat stagnant in my life for a few months now, and I've been feeling the consequences for a while now. I know that I can do better than this, I just haven't been trying to do that.
So, here's to trying to get back on track.
I read this verse this morning and immediately, a phrase popped into my mind:
Live up to it... and look beyond
But still know grace.
I'm going to delve a bit further into this idea. I think I want to adopt it as my mission statement while I look toward what comes next on my journey and how things play out.
There's always grace.
Let me explain. It's like the smart kid who decides he/she needs to change their image in order to be cool, so they stop doing homework and begin to get poor grades as a result of their rebellion. I'm not rebelling, let's get this clear. I feel that I've just stopped doing things to the level that I know I'm capable of. I've become a slacker... a back-slider as some people I know would put it. I've noticed this for a while, but couldn't really narrow it down to what I thought it might be. Then I realized that I didn't really have a vision statement for myself - something that guides my decisions towards an end. If you remember back to here, I decided that I needed to adopt the slogan Finish Strong for my last year of school. To a great extent, I believe I did embody that statement and went out to the best of my ability.
After that, I went to 3 months at a call centre where I didn't need to think. A miserable environment for anyone that thrives on thinking, but that's what I did. And I did fairly well at it too. But in that time, I forgot my vision; lost track of my goal; and came out the other side in a new job that I love, but without a clear direction.
I was reading in Philippians this morning after the spot where Paul talks about pressing on and taking hold of the race set out for us, he writes an interesting statement (in bold): "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. (Phil 3:14-16 NIV)
I've been somewhat stagnant in my life for a few months now, and I've been feeling the consequences for a while now. I know that I can do better than this, I just haven't been trying to do that.
So, here's to trying to get back on track.
I read this verse this morning and immediately, a phrase popped into my mind:
Live up to it... and look beyond
But still know grace.
I'm going to delve a bit further into this idea. I think I want to adopt it as my mission statement while I look toward what comes next on my journey and how things play out.
There's always grace.
21.7.07
18.7.07
ring
It's been a few weeks. I'm not dead. I probably wont be soon. Nothing else is really new. Work continues. I've been painting a lot in Upper Wideman, which we're converting back to residence this summer. I saw my office in the new education centre the other day. It's nice and it has a window!
Otherwise, I started a Distance Education Course last week. Keep on me to do it. I want to get it done before September... that may just be wishful thinking, but for now, I've already gone through one chapter in the course notes. I'm just waiting on the book to ship from Amazon. Hopefully it'll be here in the next few days.
Apart from that, Corunna was visited on the weekend and fun was had by all. I'm working my way through the book version of LOTR. I'm just over halfway through the Two Towers. It's good to read something that I don't need to think about while reading.
Life continues.
T.
Otherwise, I started a Distance Education Course last week. Keep on me to do it. I want to get it done before September... that may just be wishful thinking, but for now, I've already gone through one chapter in the course notes. I'm just waiting on the book to ship from Amazon. Hopefully it'll be here in the next few days.
Apart from that, Corunna was visited on the weekend and fun was had by all. I'm working my way through the book version of LOTR. I'm just over halfway through the Two Towers. It's good to read something that I don't need to think about while reading.
Life continues.
T.
1.7.07
prayer
I just finished reading Prayer by Philip Yancey. It's been a long time reading it (about 4 months), so my thoughts aren't as concentrated as they could be, but I still recommend it as a read for anyone. It brings a different perspective on prayer - taking it away from the menial task that we must do toward striving for continual conversation with God.
In it, there's a few prayers that seem a bit unorthodox, but here they are for you to read / pray if you'd like:
A Franciscan Benediction
May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships
So that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
So that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.
May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war,
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and
To turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world,
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done
To bring justice and kindness to all our children an dthe poor.
Amen.
(Yancey, Prayer - pg. 105)
O Gracious and Holy Father
Benedict of Nursia
O Gracious and holy Father,
give us wisdom to perceive Thee,
intelligence to understand Thee,
diligence to seek Thee,
patience to wait for Thee,
eyes to behold Thee,
a heart to mediate upon Thee,
and a life to proclaim Thee;
through the power of the Spirit
of Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Yancey, Prayer, 327)
In it, there's a few prayers that seem a bit unorthodox, but here they are for you to read / pray if you'd like:
A Franciscan Benediction
May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships
So that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
So that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.
May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war,
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and
To turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world,
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done
To bring justice and kindness to all our children an dthe poor.
Amen.
(Yancey, Prayer - pg. 105)
O Gracious and Holy Father
Benedict of Nursia
O Gracious and holy Father,
give us wisdom to perceive Thee,
intelligence to understand Thee,
diligence to seek Thee,
patience to wait for Thee,
eyes to behold Thee,
a heart to mediate upon Thee,
and a life to proclaim Thee;
through the power of the Spirit
of Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Yancey, Prayer, 327)
trucking
Remember the game Cross Country Canada, where you got to be a truck driver, travelling across the country picking up various commodities, learning how to speed, be wary of hitchhikers, starve yourself to an accident, and more? Well, I found it recently and have been playing it... for some reason it only takes me 10 minutes to get 12 commodities and travel 11 days worth in the game now...
Oh well. It's still a classic and will always be a memorable game that I grew up with.
Oh well. It's still a classic and will always be a memorable game that I grew up with.
25.6.07
les pictures
Here's the pictures from the trip.
Enjoy... only272 266 (I deleted some of the really junky ones) of them.
Enjoy... only
 |
| Nova Scotia - June 2007 |
22.6.07
not dead
We're back in Halifax. For now. Leaving tomorrow at 12:30 on the train, getting back to KW at 7 something Sunday evening.
Whee!
Pictures and stories to come.
Whee!
Pictures and stories to come.
18.6.07
we're not in kansas anymore
Yesterday we took it easy. Slept in, watched some TV, surfed the 1nternet, and then went for a walk down the harbour to the Ferry terminal and went to Dartmouth for $2.00 each direction. After spending about an hour across the harbour and realizing that there wasn't much in the area we were looking, we came back, had a beaver tail (yummy), then some pizza, and then came back to the hostel for a few hours.
We ended up going for a walk around 9:30 last night up to Shoppers and saw a nice guy who wished us happy Father's day and said good morning to us. There's a lot of really nice people out here... not really rude like in other cities.
Today we're off to Cape Breton for a few days. I'm assuming we'll be without Internet access for the majority of it, or at least I hope we are. Cell phone signals probably won't be too strong either. I think it's just going to be a lot of time of doing nothing, which is what vacation's all about, isn't it?
We're back to Halifax on Friday and then back on the train for 12:35 on Saturday afternoon until 7 something Sunday evening. Whoo!
Anyone want to go from Toronto to Vancouver next summer on the train? I'm thinking it could be fun.
Out.
T.
We ended up going for a walk around 9:30 last night up to Shoppers and saw a nice guy who wished us happy Father's day and said good morning to us. There's a lot of really nice people out here... not really rude like in other cities.
Today we're off to Cape Breton for a few days. I'm assuming we'll be without Internet access for the majority of it, or at least I hope we are. Cell phone signals probably won't be too strong either. I think it's just going to be a lot of time of doing nothing, which is what vacation's all about, isn't it?
We're back to Halifax on Friday and then back on the train for 12:35 on Saturday afternoon until 7 something Sunday evening. Whoo!
Anyone want to go from Toronto to Vancouver next summer on the train? I'm thinking it could be fun.
Out.
T.
16.6.07
not dead
Hi.
We're not dead yet.
Since the last update, we've seen the Citadel, Public Gardens, watched Pirates 3, visited the Maritime Museum, Pier 21, and walked along the waterfront. It doesn't seem like much, but that's ok. It's vacation. We leave Monday morning for Cape Breton via rental car.
Here's some pictures:
The sunrise in South-eastern Quebec.
Isn't he cute?
A view from Citadel Hill on Friday.
Gord's lucky the cannon wasn't armed.
Down in the ditch.
At the Public Gardens
I don't know the person on the bench, but it looked too good to pass up a picture.
A fountain in the gardens.
A sailing ship in Halifax Harbour
Pier 21 where most of the immigrants to Canada came through between the 20's and the early 70's.
Another day... til later.
We're not dead yet.
Since the last update, we've seen the Citadel, Public Gardens, watched Pirates 3, visited the Maritime Museum, Pier 21, and walked along the waterfront. It doesn't seem like much, but that's ok. It's vacation. We leave Monday morning for Cape Breton via rental car.
Here's some pictures:
The sunrise in South-eastern Quebec.
Isn't he cute?
A view from Citadel Hill on Friday.
Gord's lucky the cannon wasn't armed.
Down in the ditch.
At the Public Gardens
I don't know the person on the bench, but it looked too good to pass up a picture.
A fountain in the gardens.
A sailing ship in Halifax Harbour
Pier 21 where most of the immigrants to Canada came through between the 20's and the early 70's.
Another day... til later.
14.6.07
au l'est
Or something like that. Correct me if I'm wrong, all those who speak French. I know you're out there.
We've arrived in Halifax after something like 29 hours on a train within a 34 hour period. 6:41 was when we got on the first train, arrived at 8:30 and transferred in Toronto (3 hour wait), checked our bags without thinking through to Montreal (11:30) (we later realized that we should have grabbed the food out first), got to Montreal (5:15), grabbed our bags and quickly got in line for the next train and grabbed some food from the food court at the Montreal Train Station (not too bad, greasy pizza though), Thought we could carry our big bags on the train with us, but we were forced to check them last minute (toiletries remained behind this time, but we got the food), hopped on the train (6:30), and was on it until 4:30 (3:30 Eastern) this afternoon. It was a lot of sitting, but a lot of amazing scenery to be seen along the way.
And we met some nice ladies sitting across from us on the Montreal - Moncton leg. They were two cousins who travelled to Ottawa to visit some family. The one was enjoying herself quite readily, but the other was having some difficulty enjoying the train ride and all that trying to sleep in a Via comfort class cabin offered (or the lack thereof). I hope she can find it in her heart to put some faith in the train for the future. Canada's system isn't set up all that great in comparison to Europe's. Go there, and experience what train travel should be like. We had lots of fun talking with them, especially after a guy got on in Mirimachi, who we suspected to be freshly released from the maximum security prison there (who would have thunk it). Oh well.
We're just getting settled in the hostel now and soon we'll be out to find some place to grab a bite to eat. (Train food and snack food = not satisfying).
Now we're out.
Ciao.
We've arrived in Halifax after something like 29 hours on a train within a 34 hour period. 6:41 was when we got on the first train, arrived at 8:30 and transferred in Toronto (3 hour wait), checked our bags without thinking through to Montreal (11:30) (we later realized that we should have grabbed the food out first), got to Montreal (5:15), grabbed our bags and quickly got in line for the next train and grabbed some food from the food court at the Montreal Train Station (not too bad, greasy pizza though), Thought we could carry our big bags on the train with us, but we were forced to check them last minute (toiletries remained behind this time, but we got the food), hopped on the train (6:30), and was on it until 4:30 (3:30 Eastern) this afternoon. It was a lot of sitting, but a lot of amazing scenery to be seen along the way.
And we met some nice ladies sitting across from us on the Montreal - Moncton leg. They were two cousins who travelled to Ottawa to visit some family. The one was enjoying herself quite readily, but the other was having some difficulty enjoying the train ride and all that trying to sleep in a Via comfort class cabin offered (or the lack thereof). I hope she can find it in her heart to put some faith in the train for the future. Canada's system isn't set up all that great in comparison to Europe's. Go there, and experience what train travel should be like. We had lots of fun talking with them, especially after a guy got on in Mirimachi, who we suspected to be freshly released from the maximum security prison there (who would have thunk it). Oh well.
We're just getting settled in the hostel now and soon we'll be out to find some place to grab a bite to eat. (Train food and snack food = not satisfying).
Now we're out.
Ciao.
13.6.07
vacation
So I'm on vacation. This is something I really haven't experienced since probably Grade 12 - the last time I didn't work during a summer. I'm excited...
Except for the fact that it's 1:00 AM, and I have to be up in 4 hours to catch a train. A train to where, you might ask? Well, first train takes us (Gord, Vanessa, and I) to Toronto from KW. Second train goes to Montreal. Third train goes to Halifax. Total time in transit: 36 hours.
We're spending 4 days in Halifax at a Hostelling International Hostel close to the Citadel and only a few blocks from MEC (www.mec.ca). Then after a few days of hanging around Halifax, we're off to Ingonish to stay in a cottage for 4 nights. We plan on hanging around Cape Breton with the rental car. Then back to Halifax, for a one-night stay at a hotel and then back on the train for another 36 hour trip home. Whole trip: 12 days, 11 nights.
Should be fun.
And I'm supposed to bring a lobster trap complete with lobster back for someone. That should be a doozy getting onto the train. We'll see what happens.
And now I'm out. Hopefully to sleep, but it figures that i can't sleep when I have to be up at an early hour.
Except for the fact that it's 1:00 AM, and I have to be up in 4 hours to catch a train. A train to where, you might ask? Well, first train takes us (Gord, Vanessa, and I) to Toronto from KW. Second train goes to Montreal. Third train goes to Halifax. Total time in transit: 36 hours.
We're spending 4 days in Halifax at a Hostelling International Hostel close to the Citadel and only a few blocks from MEC (www.mec.ca). Then after a few days of hanging around Halifax, we're off to Ingonish to stay in a cottage for 4 nights. We plan on hanging around Cape Breton with the rental car. Then back to Halifax, for a one-night stay at a hotel and then back on the train for another 36 hour trip home. Whole trip: 12 days, 11 nights.
Should be fun.
And I'm supposed to bring a lobster trap complete with lobster back for someone. That should be a doozy getting onto the train. We'll see what happens.
And now I'm out. Hopefully to sleep, but it figures that i can't sleep when I have to be up at an early hour.
9.6.07
pictures
I just uploaded a bunch of pictures to my picasa account on Google... I'm a chump, I know. Oh well.
Click Here to See them
Click Here to See them
7.6.07
4.6.07
smoke detector continued
On Saturday morning, I tried turning the smoke detectors back on. But they started beeping. I was still very much ticked at them (though aren't they supposed to be your friend?) so I shut the breaker off once again. A few hours later, we realized that the hot water was no more in our apartment. So, upon further investigation, we found out that the genius of the electric smoke detectors is that they're tied into another circuit that's of great value so you don't shut them off.
So, off to Canadian Tire we went to get an extension cord to run from the hallway to the furnace room. We ended up staying out for hours on end and came back with one of my housemate's friends in the early evening to test out the system.
We flip the breaker, they start beeping. Off. Unplug one detector. Beep. Unplug the next one. All the way through and they still keep beeping. Stupid Detectors, I think... but then we have a brainwave. Flip the breaker, beep for 5 seconds, no more beep.
So, we're hoping it doesn't happen again, but now we know a bit more about the system and how to fix the problem if it starts again.
Stupid smoke detectors.
So, off to Canadian Tire we went to get an extension cord to run from the hallway to the furnace room. We ended up staying out for hours on end and came back with one of my housemate's friends in the early evening to test out the system.
We flip the breaker, they start beeping. Off. Unplug one detector. Beep. Unplug the next one. All the way through and they still keep beeping. Stupid Detectors, I think... but then we have a brainwave. Flip the breaker, beep for 5 seconds, no more beep.
So, we're hoping it doesn't happen again, but now we know a bit more about the system and how to fix the problem if it starts again.
Stupid smoke detectors.
1.6.07
stupid smoke detectors
Firstly, we live on the top floor of a 3 storey apartment building. This building is about 7 years old, and reasonably well-built. The only downside for living here in the summer is that there is no air conditioner.
So, because of our lack of AC and poverty-stricken status (or that's our theory why we don't have a dehumidifier), it is very humid in the heat that has been here for the past few weeks.
Last night, it was a normal night. I went to bed with my fan blowing at me, and settled in for the night.
BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP... etc. Eyes wide open, straight out of bed, look at the clock: 3:04 AM and the smoke detector in my room is going off, as well as the one in the other 4 bedrooms and the one outside the furnace room. Because they are all electrically connected, none of them specify a fault, and all of them pierce the ears. I open the door and turn on the light and there stand my 3 house-mates wondering the same thing I was. What the heck is going on? So, in my dazed state, I grab my sheet and start waving it at the nearest detector. But then, out of the wonderfulness of electric detectors, the detectors in the public areas of the building started going off too, which include inside each door to each apartment, and the laundry room.
I go to the fusebox and flip the breaker on ours, to turn them off (no battery backup = no sign of which one is at fault, which is a stupid way to make smoke detectors. The support for them say "Note: The device will not operate during a power failure" - smart... really), and then hold the reset button on the public one, only to have it turn off for 5 seconds and then start going again.
By this time, the person who was staying over in the apartment below us was up and wondering what was happening. We didn't know, seeing as there was no smoke, no fire in our apartment at the time. The public area one finally turned off around 3:14, and we searched the rest of the building to make sure there was actually no fire and our alarms were just stupid.
3:25, I send an e-mail off to the landlord to let them know what's happened to us, and then I try to get to bed, for which I can't get to sleep because I'm shaken and still was hearing the ringing in my ears.
I think sleep finally came around 4:00, and then I still heard the ringing this morning when I awoke.
I went to turn the breaker back on this morning so we wouldn't be breaking any laws, and wouldn't you know it, but they started going again. I said heck with that and flipped the breaker one more time.
Stupid smoke detectors.
So, because of our lack of AC and poverty-stricken status (or that's our theory why we don't have a dehumidifier), it is very humid in the heat that has been here for the past few weeks.
Last night, it was a normal night. I went to bed with my fan blowing at me, and settled in for the night.
BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP... etc. Eyes wide open, straight out of bed, look at the clock: 3:04 AM and the smoke detector in my room is going off, as well as the one in the other 4 bedrooms and the one outside the furnace room. Because they are all electrically connected, none of them specify a fault, and all of them pierce the ears. I open the door and turn on the light and there stand my 3 house-mates wondering the same thing I was. What the heck is going on? So, in my dazed state, I grab my sheet and start waving it at the nearest detector. But then, out of the wonderfulness of electric detectors, the detectors in the public areas of the building started going off too, which include inside each door to each apartment, and the laundry room.
I go to the fusebox and flip the breaker on ours, to turn them off (no battery backup = no sign of which one is at fault, which is a stupid way to make smoke detectors. The support for them say "Note: The device will not operate during a power failure" - smart... really), and then hold the reset button on the public one, only to have it turn off for 5 seconds and then start going again.
By this time, the person who was staying over in the apartment below us was up and wondering what was happening. We didn't know, seeing as there was no smoke, no fire in our apartment at the time. The public area one finally turned off around 3:14, and we searched the rest of the building to make sure there was actually no fire and our alarms were just stupid.
3:25, I send an e-mail off to the landlord to let them know what's happened to us, and then I try to get to bed, for which I can't get to sleep because I'm shaken and still was hearing the ringing in my ears.
I think sleep finally came around 4:00, and then I still heard the ringing this morning when I awoke.
I went to turn the breaker back on this morning so we wouldn't be breaking any laws, and wouldn't you know it, but they started going again. I said heck with that and flipped the breaker one more time.
Stupid smoke detectors.
26.5.07
the puzzle's done the puzzle's done the puzzle's done...
Well, last night we finished the puzzle that has been under construction for the past 4 weeks... finally. It was 2000 pieces.
Here's the picture of the final product:
In other news, the building at the college is coming along. In it's most recent form, I feel like I need to get the SCITS Jazz Band together and put on a concert because it reminds me of a band shell. The structure was finished, the roof put on, and the concrete floor was poured over the past few weeks.
I think Blogger should include the option of uploading images to your cursor, rather than the top of the post. Perhaps I should suggest that.
Oh well. It's my first weekend with nothing to do for a few weeks, so I'm going to enjoy it by doing nothing (productive anyways).
Out.
T.
Here's the picture of the final product:
In other news, the building at the college is coming along. In it's most recent form, I feel like I need to get the SCITS Jazz Band together and put on a concert because it reminds me of a band shell. The structure was finished, the roof put on, and the concrete floor was poured over the past few weeks.
I think Blogger should include the option of uploading images to your cursor, rather than the top of the post. Perhaps I should suggest that.
Oh well. It's my first weekend with nothing to do for a few weeks, so I'm going to enjoy it by doing nothing (productive anyways).
Out.
T.
21.5.07
lion's head cont'd
Here's the map of the route we took according to Gord's GPS and Google Earth.
Here's the actual Bruce Trail Reference Guide (Map 36, edition 22) map of what we did.
We parked to the south at the Ilse Hanel Access trail, and then hiked out to the main trail and around. We camped at Mackay's Harbour (an awesome boulder beach for views, but not so great for walking on), and then came back up the escarpment (under an impressive rock overhang and up a slippery staircase and very narrow path along the edge of the cliff), and around to the Lion's Head lookout, inland to the Lion's Head pothole (very nice hiding spot to get changed in) and then came back across the Ilse Hanel Side Trail to the car, totalling about 18 km round trip - 7 km on Saturday, 11 km on Sunday approx... mind you, it was very much up and down around the edge of the cliffs. Once we got inland, it was straight and flat for the most part (in comparison).
Here's the actual Bruce Trail Reference Guide (Map 36, edition 22) map of what we did.
We parked to the south at the Ilse Hanel Access trail, and then hiked out to the main trail and around. We camped at Mackay's Harbour (an awesome boulder beach for views, but not so great for walking on), and then came back up the escarpment (under an impressive rock overhang and up a slippery staircase and very narrow path along the edge of the cliff), and around to the Lion's Head lookout, inland to the Lion's Head pothole (very nice hiding spot to get changed in) and then came back across the Ilse Hanel Side Trail to the car, totalling about 18 km round trip - 7 km on Saturday, 11 km on Sunday approx... mind you, it was very much up and down around the edge of the cliffs. Once we got inland, it was straight and flat for the most part (in comparison).
20.5.07
still alive
Since the last update, I've returned from Calgary. What was I doing in Calgary, you might ask? I was attending the CACSD (Canadian Association for Christians In Student Development) annual national conference, which was held at Rocky Mountain College this year. It was good times. We went to the zoo on Tuesday afternoon. I enjoyed that part. My flights were uneventful, which is how I like them.
Then after skipping work on Friday, Gord came up and then we went to Lion's Head to hike the Bruce Trail. We donned our packs (40+ lbs a piece) and then went for a walk. It took about 5 hours of walking to reach the campsite at Mackay's Harbour. It was a nice day on Saturday where the water was calm and the sun was shining, but then came this morning about 2:00 AM when I woke up to the sound of crashing waves and after spending a few minutes finding my headlamp, I went to the washroom and then proceeded to look around and see two porcupines in close proximity to our campsite. I woke up this morning with little feeling in my toes, fingers, and not wanting to move away from my blankets.
The hike out was good. It was about 10 km out, but it took 5 hours, in comparison to the 5 hours for 7 km in.
Oh well.
I'm sore and tired now. Bed will come soon.
Then after skipping work on Friday, Gord came up and then we went to Lion's Head to hike the Bruce Trail. We donned our packs (40+ lbs a piece) and then went for a walk. It took about 5 hours of walking to reach the campsite at Mackay's Harbour. It was a nice day on Saturday where the water was calm and the sun was shining, but then came this morning about 2:00 AM when I woke up to the sound of crashing waves and after spending a few minutes finding my headlamp, I went to the washroom and then proceeded to look around and see two porcupines in close proximity to our campsite. I woke up this morning with little feeling in my toes, fingers, and not wanting to move away from my blankets.
The hike out was good. It was about 10 km out, but it took 5 hours, in comparison to the 5 hours for 7 km in.
Oh well.
I'm sore and tired now. Bed will come soon.
14.5.07
10.5.07
published
Here's an article I wrote for CACSD's professional journal, Partner, which was published this week. I guess I'm now a published author. Go figure.
---
Greater Than All Our Sins
There we were, sitting in a circle, gathered as a community around the sacraments and the cross. The music was playing in the background, communion was being reflected on in the foreground, and the lyrics of some songs were drifting through my head. “I’m forgiven because you were forsaken.” “Amazing love, how can it be?” “Thank you for the cross, my friend.” “Bought with the precious blood of Christ.”
I looked outside and the snow was falling (more along the lines of gusting in one of the squalls that had become common this winter), with a colour as white as, well, snow. All I could do was be thankful that our Saviour would die for us. I looked around and saw the faces of the students who had gathered together for chapel and was thankful that Christ had died for their sins.
We work in a profession that can easily be tainted by scandal. It can be marred by acts of mistrust, gossip, slander, lying, stealing, cheating, and more. As people who work with these children of God on a daily basis, we can either show an abundance of judgment, or we can come alongside and share the grace of God with those who may have forgotten. The grace that is greater than all our sins. The grace that loves beyond all measure. The grace that was shown when Christ was sacrificed for us. The grace that was exemplified when Christ rose from the grave.
Grace, God’s amazing grace. Have you experienced His grace today? Have you enacted His grace today? As the time rushes ahead, as deadlines come closer, as students get more stressed, I believe we should aim to live our lives with grace, and perhaps have times where students can rest in the presence of our Living God and experience His grace first hand. I’ve come to a point in my life where I try to embody grace in all I do. It’s sometimes easy to do, yet many times I struggle.
I don’t quite see eye to eye with someone, so I want to close myself off. I believe that you should get what you deserve; so many times I place justice before mercy. But that’s not the way it is with Christ. He mediates on our behalf, sitting at the right hand of the Father, still showing the scars where the nails pierced his hands and the spear his side. What love is this, which knows no bounds? What grace has been shown to us – we who are the least deserving of it? It’s times like this when I’m taken back to Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, and through this passage, I’m humbled.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast” (Eph 2:8,9 NIV).
---
Greater Than All Our Sins
There we were, sitting in a circle, gathered as a community around the sacraments and the cross. The music was playing in the background, communion was being reflected on in the foreground, and the lyrics of some songs were drifting through my head. “I’m forgiven because you were forsaken.” “Amazing love, how can it be?” “Thank you for the cross, my friend.” “Bought with the precious blood of Christ.”
I looked outside and the snow was falling (more along the lines of gusting in one of the squalls that had become common this winter), with a colour as white as, well, snow. All I could do was be thankful that our Saviour would die for us. I looked around and saw the faces of the students who had gathered together for chapel and was thankful that Christ had died for their sins.
We work in a profession that can easily be tainted by scandal. It can be marred by acts of mistrust, gossip, slander, lying, stealing, cheating, and more. As people who work with these children of God on a daily basis, we can either show an abundance of judgment, or we can come alongside and share the grace of God with those who may have forgotten. The grace that is greater than all our sins. The grace that loves beyond all measure. The grace that was shown when Christ was sacrificed for us. The grace that was exemplified when Christ rose from the grave.
Grace, God’s amazing grace. Have you experienced His grace today? Have you enacted His grace today? As the time rushes ahead, as deadlines come closer, as students get more stressed, I believe we should aim to live our lives with grace, and perhaps have times where students can rest in the presence of our Living God and experience His grace first hand. I’ve come to a point in my life where I try to embody grace in all I do. It’s sometimes easy to do, yet many times I struggle.
I don’t quite see eye to eye with someone, so I want to close myself off. I believe that you should get what you deserve; so many times I place justice before mercy. But that’s not the way it is with Christ. He mediates on our behalf, sitting at the right hand of the Father, still showing the scars where the nails pierced his hands and the spear his side. What love is this, which knows no bounds? What grace has been shown to us – we who are the least deserving of it? It’s times like this when I’m taken back to Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, and through this passage, I’m humbled.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast” (Eph 2:8,9 NIV).
7.5.07
33 minutes
That's the length of time it took me to go from work to home by bike. It's about 20 minutes faster than the bus would take. Whee! It only took me 11 minutes to get to Nordia, if that's any consolation. Not that I wanted to go to Nordia, but still. It's about the time that it took me last summer.
But anyways, I don't think I'll be making the trip much this summer via bike, but we'll see what we can do.
On another note, I have some weird sort of insomnia recently. I've been waking up earlier and earlier every day for the past week... Going from 7:05 to 6:55 to 6:45 to 6:25 to 6:15 to 5:45 to this morning at 5:05. I don't know why... oh well. Hopefully I'll be able to sleep tonight. It'll be nice.
Out.
T.
But anyways, I don't think I'll be making the trip much this summer via bike, but we'll see what we can do.
On another note, I have some weird sort of insomnia recently. I've been waking up earlier and earlier every day for the past week... Going from 7:05 to 6:55 to 6:45 to 6:25 to 6:15 to 5:45 to this morning at 5:05. I don't know why... oh well. Hopefully I'll be able to sleep tonight. It'll be nice.
Out.
T.
6.5.07
moved
that's right. I'm now living in Waterloo, about a 45 minute bus ride from work. Whoo!
It'll be ok. I'll have a bike here tomorrow and then I'll be hitting the roads hardcore. Like the hardcore biker I am... you know, with helmet, and head lamp, and flashing tail light. It'll be wonderful.
It's a nice place... a bit smaller than all of us are used to, but that'll be ok. It means when we move next year, we'll be really happy with what space we get.
And now I'm out.
T.
It'll be ok. I'll have a bike here tomorrow and then I'll be hitting the roads hardcore. Like the hardcore biker I am... you know, with helmet, and head lamp, and flashing tail light. It'll be wonderful.
It's a nice place... a bit smaller than all of us are used to, but that'll be ok. It means when we move next year, we'll be really happy with what space we get.
And now I'm out.
T.
30.4.07
blahhhgh
This is a post. Life is swell. I have a niece. I'm moving on Saturday. My new contract begins tomorrow.
That is all.
T.
That is all.
T.
22.4.07
it's a... girl?
This isn't anything really new, but here's a wonderful story about growing up in the Chemical Valley. First Nations' Birth Anomaly
21.4.07
expanding for better service
Congrats go out to Julie and Brock (and Garrett by association) on their new daughter, Kara Wager. I'm not sure when I'll have a chance to see her (due to the lack of vehicle), but the pictures prove that she's a keeper.
For pictures, see here.
For pictures, see here.
18.4.07
mupdate
I'm still breathing. Much better after a conversation I had today. Things are working themselves out. And the people rejoiced. Yay.
For that, now here's a building update.
I go away for 2 days and they come ridiculously close to finishing the walls. Which were finished by mid-afternoon today. There's some gaps in the wall, but that's where windows and doors are going. So it's OK. The steel's coming within the next few weeks to make a structure. It's finally starting to hit most of the students that there's something happening on campus that'll be worthwhile.
So, as promised, here's a few pictures:
The windows in the middle are the community room. The one to the left is the Staff / Faculty Lounge, there's two larger ones to the right that are part of the student life centre.
Along the back hallway where the faculty offices will be.
From the library.
For that, now here's a building update.
I go away for 2 days and they come ridiculously close to finishing the walls. Which were finished by mid-afternoon today. There's some gaps in the wall, but that's where windows and doors are going. So it's OK. The steel's coming within the next few weeks to make a structure. It's finally starting to hit most of the students that there's something happening on campus that'll be worthwhile.
So, as promised, here's a few pictures:
The windows in the middle are the community room. The one to the left is the Staff / Faculty Lounge, there's two larger ones to the right that are part of the student life centre.
Along the back hallway where the faculty offices will be.
From the library.
14.4.07
still breathing
Yep. It's true, I haven't died yet. And I don't plan on doing so for any time over the next few weeks.
And now for a building update:
They started putting the walls up this week. They have all but one small section of the north wall finished by the looks of things. I counted about half the width of the wall and about 4 rows left to go up in that half. There's large wooden braces in place to hold it up (it's about 12 feet high... one strong gust could knock it down). It's neat. You can see all the windows along the side in their complete form. It looks like they can have the rest done in only a few more days of solid work. It took 2 days to get to this point, so I would estimate by April 28th there should be all block walls in place. But I don't know what I'm talking about... pretty much ever. Pictures will come next week when I get some more. Probably on Wednesday or Thursday. I'm not in Kitchener from tomorrow afternoon until Tuesday night.
Hopefully I can get some sleep one or both of those nights.
Should be nice.
Out.
T.
And now for a building update:
They started putting the walls up this week. They have all but one small section of the north wall finished by the looks of things. I counted about half the width of the wall and about 4 rows left to go up in that half. There's large wooden braces in place to hold it up (it's about 12 feet high... one strong gust could knock it down). It's neat. You can see all the windows along the side in their complete form. It looks like they can have the rest done in only a few more days of solid work. It took 2 days to get to this point, so I would estimate by April 28th there should be all block walls in place. But I don't know what I'm talking about... pretty much ever. Pictures will come next week when I get some more. Probably on Wednesday or Thursday. I'm not in Kitchener from tomorrow afternoon until Tuesday night.
Hopefully I can get some sleep one or both of those nights.
Should be nice.
Out.
T.
11.4.07
awkward
So I saw someone at the mall last night who I could have swore that she was sisters with one of my friends from a long time ago. So I asked the friend from a long time ago, and the response I got back was that she didn't have a sister by that name who works at that place.
Awkward.
In other news, I went to the passport office today and was in and out in 10 minutes. I was expecting to pass the hours away waiting for them, but it was really quick.
The walls started going up on the building today. They have over half the blocks up on the north wall facing Weber. It's pretty cool to see how the building's going to work. I clued into this when I saw where the emergency door's going to be and the windows taking shape. There's some pics on the Ed Centre update on the EBC website. Click the first banner on the bottom that says Construction Updates to see some. The last picture was taken around 11:30, and there's not much up as of then. When I walked by at 5:30, there was much more, but I didn't take any pictures.
Tomorrow.
And I'm still trying to breathe.
T.
Awkward.
In other news, I went to the passport office today and was in and out in 10 minutes. I was expecting to pass the hours away waiting for them, but it was really quick.
The walls started going up on the building today. They have over half the blocks up on the north wall facing Weber. It's pretty cool to see how the building's going to work. I clued into this when I saw where the emergency door's going to be and the windows taking shape. There's some pics on the Ed Centre update on the EBC website. Click the first banner on the bottom that says Construction Updates to see some. The last picture was taken around 11:30, and there's not much up as of then. When I walked by at 5:30, there was much more, but I didn't take any pictures.
Tomorrow.
And I'm still trying to breathe.
T.
9.4.07
and breathe
It's almost the end of the semester. In the next month, I have:
A new contract to sign
A move-in date of May 5th
Various things around the school
Packing (I despise packing, especially to move)
Dentist and Optometrist appointments next week in Narnia
And various other things...
So, here's a construction update!
They've gotten the foundation walls completely poured as well as the foundation columns for the structure. The servicing has shown up and is being laid - water, sewer, etc. They've torn up over half of the main parking lot and one of the main entrances as of today, with a big pit beyond the driveway now.
No pictures today, but maybe in a few.
T.
A new contract to sign
A move-in date of May 5th
Various things around the school
Packing (I despise packing, especially to move)
Dentist and Optometrist appointments next week in Narnia
And various other things...
So, here's a construction update!
They've gotten the foundation walls completely poured as well as the foundation columns for the structure. The servicing has shown up and is being laid - water, sewer, etc. They've torn up over half of the main parking lot and one of the main entrances as of today, with a big pit beyond the driveway now.
No pictures today, but maybe in a few.
T.
1.4.07
the sign
** This is the second part in my observe thoughts. It may be a bit disjoint, but I was typing this as I was travelling through Toronto this morning on the way to Barrie.
---
"Have a nice day." How can you have a nice day when you’re heading into traffic in Toronto during rush hour? Why do they put these notes on the front of buses that are coming the opposite direction? It’s like they know that you’re about to hit the last nerve in the traffic jam that you’ve found yourself in on the way to get to the meeting that you just can’t miss. As you’re spreading profanities under your breath toward the drivers who didn’t pass Driver’s Ed out of pure knowledge of what they were doing, this bus whizzes by spreading news of having a nice day… The kicking sensation that you feel your foot going through finally gets you to clue in that you’re gritting your teeth and screaming at the top of your lungs “I hope you have a horrible day!”
I don’t know if this is the way we should be taking this note. I’m pretty sure the people at Go Transit don’t wake up every morning scheming on how to make the commute a horrible one for those who are going toward an imminent elongated ride to work. I think we need to take things a different way. The fact that someone is wishing us a good day, either directly or indirectly should hit us the same way a random hug from a friend does. Someone out there cares about our well-being. They want us to get where we’re going safe. Next time you see a bus driver; embrace them as you would a friend you haven’t seen for years. Say thanks for your continual concern about the safety of the other drivers on the road.
There’s a lot of signs that we see on a daily basis. Stop. Go. Yield. Don’t walk. No Loitering. 407 West All lanes Closed 400 to 410. Ask about our special sauce. Do we pay attention to all of them? No. We’ve become so inundated as a society with logos, words, advertisements, pop up ads, and so much more that we’ve just stopped seeing what’s around us. Do we see the stop light that we just ran? Do we see the person whose car has broken down on the side of the highway? Do we read important announcements that concern our safety? It’s true. We’ve stopped seeing the important things. Where has the concern we show others gone? I look around and I see a meld of people, however I don’t see them as individuals. I only see them as things I need to pass in order to reach my destination.
What if we took the time to actually look? See the people as who they are – children loved by God, each with their own cares, challenges, and concerns. I sometimes wonder if our world would be different if we did. We’re all broken individuals who are still people. We each have our own feelings and needs. We each have friends who bring their own influences to our lives. What if we gave up on ignorance and started telling them to have a nice day, and genuinely meaning it?
The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.
Take a minute. Observe. What do you see?
---
"Have a nice day." How can you have a nice day when you’re heading into traffic in Toronto during rush hour? Why do they put these notes on the front of buses that are coming the opposite direction? It’s like they know that you’re about to hit the last nerve in the traffic jam that you’ve found yourself in on the way to get to the meeting that you just can’t miss. As you’re spreading profanities under your breath toward the drivers who didn’t pass Driver’s Ed out of pure knowledge of what they were doing, this bus whizzes by spreading news of having a nice day… The kicking sensation that you feel your foot going through finally gets you to clue in that you’re gritting your teeth and screaming at the top of your lungs “I hope you have a horrible day!”
I don’t know if this is the way we should be taking this note. I’m pretty sure the people at Go Transit don’t wake up every morning scheming on how to make the commute a horrible one for those who are going toward an imminent elongated ride to work. I think we need to take things a different way. The fact that someone is wishing us a good day, either directly or indirectly should hit us the same way a random hug from a friend does. Someone out there cares about our well-being. They want us to get where we’re going safe. Next time you see a bus driver; embrace them as you would a friend you haven’t seen for years. Say thanks for your continual concern about the safety of the other drivers on the road.
There’s a lot of signs that we see on a daily basis. Stop. Go. Yield. Don’t walk. No Loitering. 407 West All lanes Closed 400 to 410. Ask about our special sauce. Do we pay attention to all of them? No. We’ve become so inundated as a society with logos, words, advertisements, pop up ads, and so much more that we’ve just stopped seeing what’s around us. Do we see the stop light that we just ran? Do we see the person whose car has broken down on the side of the highway? Do we read important announcements that concern our safety? It’s true. We’ve stopped seeing the important things. Where has the concern we show others gone? I look around and I see a meld of people, however I don’t see them as individuals. I only see them as things I need to pass in order to reach my destination.
What if we took the time to actually look? See the people as who they are – children loved by God, each with their own cares, challenges, and concerns. I sometimes wonder if our world would be different if we did. We’re all broken individuals who are still people. We each have our own feelings and needs. We each have friends who bring their own influences to our lives. What if we gave up on ignorance and started telling them to have a nice day, and genuinely meaning it?
The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.
Take a minute. Observe. What do you see?
27.3.07
vocalization
There's a new Voice out. Even though I've moved on from student to staff and from Editor to Staff Adviser, I still contribute when I can. I contributed in the most recent issue. You can read it here.
building update
Just because I'm a geek, I took more pictures today.
Here's where we're at:
The excavator started last Thursday and worked fast. Then nothing really happened until yesterday, but the footings started getting poured today. I could actually see the shape of the offices / entrances coming together. Somewhat cool.
Some of the A/V techs have a running thing on the computer screen, which in turn makes it's way onto the projector while people are coming in for chapel. What began as it's cold at EBC changed to Snow at EBC to More Snow at EBC, has since gone through Fewer Trees at EBC and most recently Gaping Hole at EBC with graphical depictions of each. There's some creative folk back there.
And I'm out now.
T.
Here's where we're at:
The excavator started last Thursday and worked fast. Then nothing really happened until yesterday, but the footings started getting poured today. I could actually see the shape of the offices / entrances coming together. Somewhat cool.
Some of the A/V techs have a running thing on the computer screen, which in turn makes it's way onto the projector while people are coming in for chapel. What began as it's cold at EBC changed to Snow at EBC to More Snow at EBC, has since gone through Fewer Trees at EBC and most recently Gaping Hole at EBC with graphical depictions of each. There's some creative folk back there.
And I'm out now.
T.
25.3.07
something new
You learn something new every day.
Today, I learned that Dan is my friend and relative. Because, as we all should know, if Facebook says it, it must be true.
Other news:
I have no life.
I've watched 7/10 episodes of Band Of Brothers in the past 3 days.
I went to the theatre and saw Reign Over Me last night. It was pretty good.
I've eaten out a lot this week. Time to start making my own food for a few weeks again.
Today, I learned that Dan is my friend and relative. Because, as we all should know, if Facebook says it, it must be true.
Other news:
I have no life.
I've watched 7/10 episodes of Band Of Brothers in the past 3 days.
I went to the theatre and saw Reign Over Me last night. It was pretty good.
I've eaten out a lot this week. Time to start making my own food for a few weeks again.
19.3.07
lift up your eyes
Recently I've been thinking a lot about perceptiveness. There's a lot of people in this world that aren't very perceptive, myself being one of them. I've come a long way in the past few years to this regard, but I'm still not the greatest. I was horrible at understanding allegory in English through high school. I read the Old Man and the Sea and thought it was about a man struggling to catch his meal. Little did I know that it was about man's desire to reach for the stars in everything he does - bigger and better. I probably still have that wrong.
But anyways, back to my original thought, I've had one word cross through my mind on many occasions since this period of thinking began: Observe.
I think a big part of my conclusions so far as to what I'm supposed to do with this is to start seeing outside of myself. I'm not the only person on this planet. I'd get awfully lonely if I were. And there's also a lot of beauty in creation. I've been reminded by a consistent thought: The Earth is the Lords and everything in it... so lift up your eyes...
But anyways, back to my original thought, I've had one word cross through my mind on many occasions since this period of thinking began: Observe.
I think a big part of my conclusions so far as to what I'm supposed to do with this is to start seeing outside of myself. I'm not the only person on this planet. I'd get awfully lonely if I were. And there's also a lot of beauty in creation. I've been reminded by a consistent thought: The Earth is the Lords and everything in it... so lift up your eyes...
16.3.07
the sky is falling
As many people probably already know, EBC is getting a new building this year. I've decided to chronicle the process, partially because it's part of my job (website updates) and partially because I'm pretty interested in this type of thing.
There were some good stories to come of this week when the trees came down (we spent a bit of time watching the arbourists work. They can get a tree down safely and quickly.) One of the trees came down while I was standing outside and when it hit the ground, I felt the vibration to the extent that it caused my shirt to shake. Another tree supposedly came down and the top exploded because it was so rotten. There's a video of the big one coming down that the arbourist was looking at in my Wednesday afternoon shot on the EBC website.
So, here's some pictures of this week
Tuesday Morning:
Wednesday Afternoon:
Friday Morning:
What's left:
There were some good stories to come of this week when the trees came down (we spent a bit of time watching the arbourists work. They can get a tree down safely and quickly.) One of the trees came down while I was standing outside and when it hit the ground, I felt the vibration to the extent that it caused my shirt to shake. Another tree supposedly came down and the top exploded because it was so rotten. There's a video of the big one coming down that the arbourist was looking at in my Wednesday afternoon shot on the EBC website.
So, here's some pictures of this week
Tuesday Morning:
Wednesday Afternoon:
Friday Morning:
What's left:
another geek in the family
A big congrats goes out to Dan on scoring his first ever official job in IT. Too bad it puts him in as the second person in the family to get into IT, behind myself, but ahead of me in the originally wanting to get into IT field.
So, we just need to wait for Brock to join us (first in ambitions, still lagging behind in it happening).
So, we just need to wait for Brock to join us (first in ambitions, still lagging behind in it happening).
10.3.07
sweep!
Tonight is curling. I'm getting excited for it. I like Curling.
Last time I had a nightmare that all the logistics didn't work out and I was pretty much screwed when it came to running the event. This time, I feel more confident in that regard, but I had a nightmare that the shirts came in wrong - the colour was orange hypercolour (where you put your hand on it and it turned black) and the logo was different because the one I sent them "didn't work on the shirts". But, in actuality, the shirts look really nice despite the fact that I've started a pseudo culture trend around campus with about 15 people wearing them yesterday.
You know you're a curling geek when...
Ok. I'm out. Today: Shower, start reading Prayer by Philip Yancey, Kyler comes up later this afternoon, then it's CURLING!! Where we'll ROCK... THE... HOUSE!!!
I'm done now.
PS - Watch this. I'm a geek.. I know.
Last time I had a nightmare that all the logistics didn't work out and I was pretty much screwed when it came to running the event. This time, I feel more confident in that regard, but I had a nightmare that the shirts came in wrong - the colour was orange hypercolour (where you put your hand on it and it turned black) and the logo was different because the one I sent them "didn't work on the shirts". But, in actuality, the shirts look really nice despite the fact that I've started a pseudo culture trend around campus with about 15 people wearing them yesterday.
You know you're a curling geek when...
Ok. I'm out. Today: Shower, start reading Prayer by Philip Yancey, Kyler comes up later this afternoon, then it's CURLING!! Where we'll ROCK... THE... HOUSE!!!
I'm done now.
PS - Watch this. I'm a geek.. I know.
7.3.07
sigh
It works again.
I went with no expectations, and it was all good in the end.
And for those who were wondering, I have 3 choices for a new bank:
1. TD - it's a national bank with PEOPLE to talk to, however there's a few downsides to that.
2. PC Financial - it's cheap - no service charges, however there's no people to talk to.
3. Grand River Credit union - it's local with a number of branches in the area. There's a few plans that have really low service charges, or none at all, but it means that I may have to switch banks again in a few years if/when I move elsewhere.
So, lots of choices, I just don't like the idea of having to decide on one.
T.
I went with no expectations, and it was all good in the end.
And for those who were wondering, I have 3 choices for a new bank:
1. TD - it's a national bank with PEOPLE to talk to, however there's a few downsides to that.
2. PC Financial - it's cheap - no service charges, however there's no people to talk to.
3. Grand River Credit union - it's local with a number of branches in the area. There's a few plans that have really low service charges, or none at all, but it means that I may have to switch banks again in a few years if/when I move elsewhere.
So, lots of choices, I just don't like the idea of having to decide on one.
T.
6.3.07
... you said what?
So, continuation of the story from yesterday.
I called my bank today and asked them about the debit incident. They said "We know. All credit unions across Ontario are having problems with their debit cards. We don't know when it will be fixed."
So, here I am, 2 hours away from my bank, with not much cash on me, and a debit card that wont work until who knows when.
Sigh.
At least I got groceries on the weekend.
I called my bank today and asked them about the debit incident. They said "We know. All credit unions across Ontario are having problems with their debit cards. We don't know when it will be fixed."
So, here I am, 2 hours away from my bank, with not much cash on me, and a debit card that wont work until who knows when.
Sigh.
At least I got groceries on the weekend.
5.3.07
wha...?
After work today, I made a trip to Big Shopper's Drug V Mart for some shampoo and a phone card to top up ye olde cell phone. So I found what I needed, walked up to the counter to pay, swiped my debit card and ... DENIED. I'm thinking "Ok, I must have put the pin in wrong. I'll try again." Again... DENIED. Wha...? I have money in my account. I had the pin right. What the heck? So, I was relegated to paying with credit card.
The cashier said that I was the second person she'd seen with my type of debit card get denied that day. She also said that she, herself was locked out of her account for the weekend, and that some of the banks were having issues after the ice knocked out power to various places last week.
So, I shall call the bank in Corunna tomorrow and see what's happening.
I'm getting closer to finding a bank in KW, for convenience if nothing else.
The cashier said that I was the second person she'd seen with my type of debit card get denied that day. She also said that she, herself was locked out of her account for the weekend, and that some of the banks were having issues after the ice knocked out power to various places last week.
So, I shall call the bank in Corunna tomorrow and see what's happening.
I'm getting closer to finding a bank in KW, for convenience if nothing else.
2.3.07
any taxi
So I was on my way home from Chapters / Starbucks / Shoe Company / Future Shop tonight and waiting for my transfer to show up at Fairview Mall when two young ladies came nearby and started talking rather loudly and using some colourful language that really impresses people.
So, I was in a state of being very impressed by said language when they began talking about needing a taxi. They did not know of any taxi numbers between the two of them, so they looked over at me and the one asked in a very strong, clear voice "Do you know any taxi numbers?" I said no, but then I said "You can call 411 and get one," knowing that this is one very efficient way of getting a taxi number. Just give them a letter of the alphabet and choose the second one from that letter or something to that extent. It gets a bit harder in larger centres where there are many taxis competing for business.
But anyways, off they went to yonder pay phones to call 411 and get a taxi number. This is where I started laughing a lot. The one on the phone was the one who enjoyed using the colourful language and began arguing with Emily, Bell'sstupid wonderful automated system. It brought back memories of sitting on the receiving end of that call and hearing everything the person said to Emily through the recording.
In the end, they got a taxi and life continued for them doing whatever they do best.
PS. I've gone ahead and deleted Journals from my feed reeder who have either (a) not posted in a really long time or (b)stopped publishing RSS feeds for their respective journals.
So, I was in a state of being very impressed by said language when they began talking about needing a taxi. They did not know of any taxi numbers between the two of them, so they looked over at me and the one asked in a very strong, clear voice "Do you know any taxi numbers?" I said no, but then I said "You can call 411 and get one," knowing that this is one very efficient way of getting a taxi number. Just give them a letter of the alphabet and choose the second one from that letter or something to that extent. It gets a bit harder in larger centres where there are many taxis competing for business.
But anyways, off they went to yonder pay phones to call 411 and get a taxi number. This is where I started laughing a lot. The one on the phone was the one who enjoyed using the colourful language and began arguing with Emily, Bell's
In the end, they got a taxi and life continued for them doing whatever they do best.
PS. I've gone ahead and deleted Journals from my feed reeder who have either (a) not posted in a really long time or (b)stopped publishing RSS feeds for their respective journals.
the ice
closed the school all day today. I was awake for an hour to find out as such, and then I went back to bed for 3 more hours. It was nice.
1.3.07
26.2.07
and ... it works
That's right, I got the video card today and it makes things work like a dream.
Too bad I've spent more fixing / upgrading my computer than I originally bought it for now...
I'll never get a win.
T.
Too bad I've spent more fixing / upgrading my computer than I originally bought it for now...
I'll never get a win.
T.
22.2.07
continuing
Well, the technology curse continues. I purchased a game on the weekend thinking that it would work on my computer, but of course, it crashes my video card on my desktop and is really choppy on the laptop.
So, new video card is on the way... we'll see how this goes over.
Sigh.
I think I give up on technology.
T.
So, new video card is on the way... we'll see how this goes over.
Sigh.
I think I give up on technology.
T.
18.2.07
42
Although 42 is the answer to life, the universe, and everything, it is where my pseudo pop fast ends. I was forced into having gingerale tonight due to the restaurant's policy of only fountain drinks in combos. Le sigh.
I only drank 1/3 of the glass though and I felt really disgusted after doing so, if that makes it any better.
But who says I need to stop now? I'll just start again and see how long I can go. Pop's an expensive habit anyways. Milk or water's where it's at.
I only drank 1/3 of the glass though and I felt really disgusted after doing so, if that makes it any better.
But who says I need to stop now? I'll just start again and see how long I can go. Pop's an expensive habit anyways. Milk or water's where it's at.
14.2.07
feb 14
It's February 14. A few things come to mind when I think of Feb. 14th:
1. Valentine's Day - buy your girlfriend / fiancé / wife / hired prostitute for the evening some flowers that are grossly overpriced, whereas if you would wait until the 15th, the price drops drastically.
2. Singles Awareness Day - because all those who are currently in a relationship are either getting small gifts, giving small gifts, or going out on hot dates, it becomes very obvious that those of us without that "special someone" in our lives are lacking. Depression / deep thought about the existentialism of man ensues.
3. Farm Animal Day - someone, someday thought that we don't appreciate those animals that keep us fed enough, so thus Farm Animal day was born. This also helps those who would normally be upset on this day due to reasons stated above regain the ability to find joy because we're celebrating with the animals that are going to slaughter to feed us that evening.
4. Weezer Day - That's right, today marks 15 years since the band Weezer first formed. Celebrate with flying W's and dressing like Buddy Holly.
5. The cost for Wildcats With Brooms II goes up to $40. That's right. Those who didn't register by yesterday are paying $5.00 more for the curling bonspiel in March. Sadness ensues... but it will be followed by joy when they register and come out to curl!
That is all.
1. Valentine's Day - buy your girlfriend / fiancé / wife / hired prostitute for the evening some flowers that are grossly overpriced, whereas if you would wait until the 15th, the price drops drastically.
2. Singles Awareness Day - because all those who are currently in a relationship are either getting small gifts, giving small gifts, or going out on hot dates, it becomes very obvious that those of us without that "special someone" in our lives are lacking. Depression / deep thought about the existentialism of man ensues.
3. Farm Animal Day - someone, someday thought that we don't appreciate those animals that keep us fed enough, so thus Farm Animal day was born. This also helps those who would normally be upset on this day due to reasons stated above regain the ability to find joy because we're celebrating with the animals that are going to slaughter to feed us that evening.
4. Weezer Day - That's right, today marks 15 years since the band Weezer first formed. Celebrate with flying W's and dressing like Buddy Holly.
5. The cost for Wildcats With Brooms II goes up to $40. That's right. Those who didn't register by yesterday are paying $5.00 more for the curling bonspiel in March. Sadness ensues... but it will be followed by joy when they register and come out to curl!
That is all.
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