Sunday, May 28, 2006
what am i doing with my life?
This was a common question that went through my head during my many years in university. Now this question has new meaning and seems more relevant than ever. Right now I am 3 hours north-west of Thunder Bay in the middle of the forest planting trees for 10-12 hours a day. A typical day begins at around 6am breakfast, leave at 6:30 on a bus to go deeper into the forest (approx. 1 hour bus ride) get off the bus and walk another half hour carrying all of ones gear (shovel, planting bags, 8 liters of water, backpack, etc.), and this is before I have even planted one tree. Each tree I plant I make about 9.5 cents depending one the type of land that it is. That means that how much money I make is all up to how hard I work. It is a real motivation tester. So then I plant trees all day. It is exhausting and My body is a complete mess. I am in constant pain, can barely open my one hand, and have lost about 10 pounds in 3 weeks. So after avoiding being eaten by a bear, the bugs the size of birds, numerous snakes, and pissed off mother moose, the walk back to the bus begins. Not the best way to end the day, but at that point you cant feel your legs anymore. Then I eat dinner and go to bed early because you have to do it all over again. Apparently, criminals used to tree plant but the judical system pulled the plug on the program and deemed it in-humane treatment of criminals. I believe it now. I will be posting pictures soon so be on the lookout. Someone save me!!!!Saturday, May 06, 2006
In Honour of my roomates (part 4)
Trevor, its been a while man....do you want to go out for coffee....catch up...bring a rent cheque. Trev and I would have this conversation every month when rent was due....only I was on the other end. Trevor was the veteran of the apartment and took care of us as though we were his children. His loud laughs and yell will be something that will be missed greatly when I am trying to fall asleep in a quiet room. Trev was my coffee buddy. Many amazing conversations were had over a fresh brewed pot that are priceless and I learned a lot from. Nothing will beat my trip to Montreal to visit him this past year. Getting tatted together, meeting the fam, and belly dancing. Good memories. Trev is a schmoozer to the max. Don't let him tell you different. He could talk up anyone, anywhere. Just ask the Liberal party leader who wanted to party with out apartment. Dude all I have to say to you is "Bonks guy".
Trev thanks for the memories and I will miss you in the greatest city in the world. Go Leafs Go. Hopefully you wont be wearing cut off jean shorts while you cut your grass this summer.
Trevor if I were to leave you a song it would be Stabilo "Everybody Wants" cause you bought me the CD and it is amazing. Everytime I hear any of their songs my thoughts will be of the 109.
Peace out T-Pott.
Friday, May 05, 2006
In honour of my roomates (part 3)
Darryl is a man who needs no introduction. I will give him one nonetheless. Whether it be a concert, wedding, or just casual nite in the apartment, Darryl could dress perfectly. He could wear a tie like no other. Darryl is the type of guy that makes a genre or style his own. He does not conform to the style, but rather the opposite occurs. I have seen him make western cowboy clothing look emo, a suit look emo, and even tap shoes.....you guessed it, emo. Darryl could also sing like the dickens. This was proven over and over again at approxomately 3:00am plugged into his electric guitar. Darryl is also emergent and postmodern. He is always bragging about this. Just kidding. However, he would prefer not to say something was 'wrong', but rather use the term 'bad' (sounds shady to me). I learned he was a slow eater and was very particular about setting up his meal. We really bonded at the numerous concerts that we went to and he taught me all I need to know about music. Darryl is an amazing little Italian who is madly in love with his girlfriend (makes me a little sick), thinks he's tougher than he is, and will always be my bond partner.
If I were to pick a song to leave to Darryl it would be quite difficult to choose just one. With much thought I came up with Brand New's "The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows", mainly because it makes me think of the Brand New show with Adcock. Have you seen the new Darryl Chair? I am so tired right now.
Love you man
Thursday, May 04, 2006
In honour of my roomates (part 2)
Part two of this little series is in honour of Jonathan Allen Eastman . I think if Jon were to read this, what would make him most happy is if I just said, "He is the exact same as Nathan Colquhoun" and just left it at that. Just kidding man, we all know you don't want to be Nathan. Jon is definately a guy with a gift and ability for making friends. I was thinking the other day that Jon moved to Toronto without knowing anyone. If you were to look at our apartment this past year you would notice that Jon seemed to have plans every night (usually with a lady). Seriously though, he seemed to have that ability to just make friends with whoever he came in contact with. Its a unique gift only some people have...and he's got it. Another thing he's got is NO LUCK. That was actually one of his nicknames. I think the full nickname was Jon NO LUCK FULL HOUSE Eastmen...much of that name stemming from the fact that during our many poker games Jon would complain of no luck followed by getting one of his numerous full houses (to which we would sing the Full House themesong...everywhere you go...theres heart, a hand to hold on to. Jon is a talented artist who designed many an MSN pic for me and always seemed to design a gift or picture to give to Tiff. Jon it was a pleasure chatting with you at nite and not being able to sleep due to snoring that would kill a horse. You were a good friend and I hope you make millions.
If I were to leave you with a song it would have to either be Josh Groban "You Raise Me Up" or Taking Back Sunday "Cute without the E". Although only one has screming....you managed to make both, and I will miss that greatly.
in honour of my roomates (part 1)
Part one of this post is dedicated to Nathan Colquhoun. Now I know right away, the first thought that will come into Nathan's mind will be that he was first of all the roomates to be written about. Well congratulations! Here are a few memories of Nathan that will be tatooed on my brain from our two years living together. Supreme Bond play. Although he used the fastest and smallest guy in the game, there is no escaping that Nathan was the best (sorry partner you're good too). I also remember a time when we were driving to school to pick up Tiffany and we heard some of the craziest stuff on the radio that couldnt even be repeated over the internet. Nathan also helped me out with all of the computer problems that I faced trying to use my Mac in a PC biased world. Remember trying to set up the printer through the network. Above all the guy could eat. I don't know where it all went but he though down the food...and fast. It was an honour sitting across from you at the poker table and the fact that you would wake up in the morning to see me off to school and then go back to bed until like four is something that will not be forgotten. All the best with the church plant. Even though I know a church that doesnt have a proper Church building cannot work, I wish you good luck (can i say that?). It was some good times man. Thats for the site.
If I had to leave you with a song it would be,
Straylight Run's Extesentialism and Prom Night......because i will always hear your voice belting it out every time that i hear it.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Save the Princess
This is an incredible tribute to a game that took up a good portion of my time as a child.Click here to see a live show of the first level of Mario Brothers
The Graduation Song
I hate Vitamine C's Graduation Song. Nevertheless, it has been my theme song lately. There have acutally been two songs that have summed up my life lately...but I will get to the second one in a minute. I want to focus on Vitamine. Well not really, I want to focus on me. I have finally graduated from University. It took a while and I so glad to be done, but there is a tear in my eye when I think that it is over. There are many benefits to being a student that I will no longer have. Kinda scarey. I know this topic has been overdone in the past so I don't want to dwell on it. It will just be nice to finally anwser the question I get asked most often which is "So when are you going to be done?" with "I am."The second song that has been going through my head is even cheesier than the last. I bet you thought that it wasn't possible but when you hear this one you will realize that it is. So my roomates and I have moved out of apartment 109. All thats left are the memories. Its quite sad and i will miss those boys. The song that i have been playing over and over in my head is Green Days "I Hope You Have the TIme of Your Life" (I dont think thats what its called). It seems appropriate for us all moving on. Its like the end of a sitcom that needs a cheesey song. What better one than this. So I will end this blog with a quote from that song.
"Its something unpredictible
but in the end its right.
I hope you had the time of your life."
I love you guys.
I do.
