eLdon: ahhhh, unagi.

2009

2009-01-18T15:15:00.003-07:00

Seriously??!?!

Whoever is controlling time needs to slow things down.
How on earth is it 2009 already?

I'm still trying to get used to all the changes from 2008, and here comes 2009.
I just know that I will continue to grow, continue to challenge the norm and continue to experience.

As always, and for the 6th and last time (I said "last", last time too)I ushered in the New Years at an AIESEC conference. Luckily, not in an elevator this time (though I absolutely loved it in hindsight). Thanks to everyone who made this conference experience an amazing one. To the conference team, you know who you are, you know how I feel. I love you guys! (Special mention to Aditi, everybody's new Indian best friend, thank you so much!!)

More to come - pending time.
I think I just might consider this email update thing that some people are trying out. More focused, more personal. We'll see.

I think the storm is over and I can get into the meat of my job at least.
24 hours in a day is NEVER enough is it?

Randy Pausch 1960-2008

2008-10-26T15:21:00.005-06:00

So I have recently been encapsulated by the teachings of Professor Randy Pausch - you probably know him as he was the centre of a viral youtube video known as the “Last Lecture” and his teachings on “How to Achieve your Childhood Dreams.” His story of leaving a legacy for his wife and three young children as he tackles terminal pancreatic cancer has left a lasting impression on me. After reading his book I just wanted to put some of his ideas here on my blog for others to read - if anything just a reminder to myself on how to live life. These ideas are so simple - but too many times we are making life more complicated than necessary.

Ways to overcome the “brick-walls” that we encounter...
It's a long, regurgitated list ... but it was all so good ....

pg 87: “Not everything needs to be fixed” (like dented cars)
pg 108-109:
“Time must be explicitly managed, like money”
“You can always change your plan, but only if you have one”
“Ask yourself: Are you spending time on the right things?”
“Develop a good filing system”
“Delegate”
“Take a Time Out”
pg 133: “Give yourself permission to dream”
pg 138: “Don’t complain, just work harder”
pg 139: “Treat the disease not the symptom”
pg 148: “Experience is what you get when you didn't’ get what you wanted”
pg 156: “A lot of people want a shortcut. I find the best shortcut is the long way, which is basically two words: work hard”
pg 162: “Proper apologies have three parts: 1. What I did wrong 2. I feel badly that I hurt you 3. How do I make this better?”
pg 168: “There is more than one way to measure profits and losses. On every level, institutions can and should have a heart”
pg 171 “If you can find your footing between two cultures, sometimes you can have the best of both worlds”
pg 174: “If you want something bad enough, never give up (and take a boost when offered)"
pg 176: “When we’re connected to others, we become better people”
pg 177: “Sometimes, all we have to do is ask”
pg 200: Caregiving advice from flight attendants: “Put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others”
pg 206: “If you lead your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself. The dream will come to you”

Ironically, Dr. Pausch passed away from his cancer the day after Emily showed us the video of him, which just made me appreciate his strength throughout the battle even more.

The Book: Pausch, R. (2008). The Last Lecture. Hyperion: New York.
The lecture: http://www.cmu.edu/randyslecture/

Pictures of Ramadan

2008-10-15T13:49:00.002-06:00

So beautiful.

... in honour of my friend Layial to worked so hard, but had to do so so much harder as she fasted during the month of September!

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/09/observing_ramadan.html

Learning French

2008-10-12T22:29:00.004-06:00

.... or rather the lack of me learning French that is really starting to annoy me. After coming back from an awesome Quebec Regional conference at the end of September I found that representing myself as a leader of this national organization felt humiliating at times given my inability to speak the French language.

All of my teammates had at least a decent understanding - then there is me - stereotypical isolated student from Alberta. It is at home in Calgary where you hardly notice it for you feel quite far from the East and French - you just know that Canada is a bilingual nation and you accept it just as that. In my time as a student I just took other paths that (at that time) happily avoided French. In junior high I took Drama and Art instead of French, then when it got to high school French didn't seem like such a good idea given that I never really took it before.

I think the school system has changed now to make French compulsory - more than the four elementary years that I received. But now I am thinking that bilingual school is a must if I had to do it all over again.

Hmmm, I'm pretty sure I've had this revelation before ... yep... just checked the archives, I definitely felt this way after being in Paris :P (Link to previous post)

Ashbridge's Bay Park

2008-08-23T21:19:00.004-06:00

This blog looks familar ... a lot like Danny's ... oh well ...
Here, Layial, Danny and I venture to a random spot along Lake Ontario. A hidden gem that we fell upon. Well worth the trip, which started as a Wendy's search on a "we should really get out of this house Saturday."

Where are we??! - apparently we were looking at the wrong side of the stand.

On the lifeguard stand...

Layial's Facebook Profile pic for me...

I REALLY like this photo...

Rising of the moon ...

MY attempt of making a Facebook profile ...

McMansion

2008-08-23T19:49:00.010-06:00

So if you are wondering where I live - here is a photo tour of the MC house!

Welcome to Ross Street (we are in the Chinatown district, hence the Chinese characters):

View from the outside:

Hallway (horrible green living room to the right) :

Kitchen: (really not that bad actually, it could need more counterspace, and a better stove, and a second sink basin, and so fourth :P)

Apparently I can't load more photos than this ... more to come another day

Milk: does a body good

2008-04-07T17:59:00.002-06:00

Randomness Alert:

So, just came off the c-train and I was following this student who looked like anyone else, except that in one hand he held his lunch bag and a 4 Litre milk jug. It was like 3/4 full too!

Maybe it's weird just to me, but wow, I never thought that you would drink that much milk in a day. Water maybe, but you don't see people carrying around giant tubs of water to drink.... well, good on this guy to be so healthy, I can hardly drink more than one glass a day.

Let me catch you up...

2008-03-22T01:37:00.001-06:00

So when you last saw you last saw me post life threw me a curveball. I guess this would constitute as the follow-up / continuation of that posting / updated blog posting that certain people are asking for ...

The Curveball: so you might have guessed it by now, but the curveball came in the form of coming back from an amazing conference and applying for the national team for AIESEC Canada. I wouldn't say it was the conference itself per se but the interactions with new and old friends. (that is what conference is for right?). But wow, I really had the opportunity to meet some amazing people alongside experiencing a beautiful city - it made me want more. If you asked me before, the MC was not even a passing thought. My time was done and it was time to cut the cord. If I didn't pursue the MC 2 years ago (when I first really considered it) than why NOW? Or course as time went on and I got to chill with some of the coolest people (my faci team! - shout outs to Erika, Marina, Sam, Vince, Alex, Kristan & Serge) and the MC ... and it really struck a cord - I could be working and enjoying myself for an entire year with these people! (Let alone Erika virtually convincing me everytime I saw her post-conference in Montreal)

The more I thought about it, the more did it sink in that my options were wearing thin, and the only real and sure thing that was on the horizon was starting work at PwC in September. My big decision was whether to start CASB (CA School) in the summer or wait. I was thinking of starting 1 module and going on vacay for the second half of summer. STOP, wait, OMG ... that would mean that I would be starting my career and real life in like a month....we are talking 30 to 40 years of working as an accountant was about to begin ... and THAT kinda scares me. (As much as I know that it will be inevitable) ... really, I like accounting, I really do!

So yes, slowly my yes vs. no decision bar was shifting ... Then of course Vania (my voice of reason) said that I had to at least try - which I totally agree with and know I would regret had I not. Even if it meant running against her :( Add that to the fact that I could potentially work with Layial again, I mean hello ... LAYIAL! ... and add finally to more positive support by people like Jag, Mess, and Harsh not only made it clear to apply, but excited to do so too.

So, a new plan was born. Delay PwC no matter what. This is big.

New options: apply and get on the MC vs. not get on and go on an internship (much to the delight of Meg). ... and at this point, it's either/or ... NOT both. Here we go again, I am going to get a burage of outrage that I am once again not considering on going on an internship again. If I get another person saying that I am missing out on the whole point of AIESEC so help me. It's about leadership development and taking our own paths, and I seriously think that life is giving me a path and I will get to that next bump down the road...

My only quam about this whole thing is that now I will be delay in my pursuit of the CA (I can see people rolling their eyes as they read this already). But it matters, it really does! Everyone who I went to school with is probably going to be writing their final CA exam (UFE) by the time I start ... that is a weird thought, I am going to be soop behind and those who I went to school with is going to be my boss and superiors. ack! ... OK, I'm over it. I know this experience is going to life changing and uber fulfilling, but I had to get that off of my chest.

allllright. so long story short, if you are reading this you basically know what happens (let's face it, if anyone beyond AIESEC is reading this make your self known cause that will seriously surprise me). I GOT THE MC! sweeeet. I am on a team with some of the coolest people I know. sweeeeettter. I get to live and work in Toronto. swweeeeeeettter-er. The list seriously goes on and on.

I'm pumped. I'm excited. I'm scared .... I am everything inbetween. But I can't wait for it to happen.... and I can't wait to see what is in store for me next.

THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me in this next phase of my life, you know who you are. I am forever grateful.

Oh Mad TV ...

2008-03-20T00:50:00.000-06:00

Hilarious!:

Countdown

2008-03-19T01:18:00.003-06:00

... to major change! (see Homer on the right :P)

So I couldn't really decide what date to go with:
- my last exam as a university undergrad (Apr 25)
- when I actually leave for TO (May 5th-ish?)
- when the MC actually starts (June 1)

Thus, May 7th and NLDC will have to do (it really is a big one)!

..it's not like I get to go to Toronto, Montreal, Spain, Tunisia or anywhere else cooler than Calgary before then .. cough ... cough...

PS: this countdown timer idea kicks-ass!
- why aren't I studying, why?!?

Curveball

2008-01-18T23:40:00.001-07:00

It is interesting when you think life is all planned out and life throws you a curveball.

What is next for me in my life plan has never been so up in the air. Up until this last conference it seemed like my three year plan was all but set into action. I was convinced that starting the safe job was the ONLY way to go. And though I still have not ruled that out I get this nervous excitement for other possibilities.

But it leads me to my current dilemma, a tug-of-war of sorts with regards to what the future has in store.

...and less than two weeks to do it all.

Time flies when ...

2007-12-01T20:53:00.000-07:00

It's already December! ... wowsa!

So bad at blogging, my apologies to the 3 or so people who check this blog out (when you are oh so bored ... :P)

Happy Holidays (or the prep for it!) ... it's cooooold (like -20) here in Calgary which makes things just that much more uncomfortable to do, like waking up to go to class ... sigh.

Virgo's like me tend to be perfectionists ...

2007-11-13T19:34:00.001-07:00

.... maybe that isn't such a good idea :P

Quote of the Day:

"Perfectionism is simply putting a limit on your future. When you have an idea of perfect in your mind, you open the door to constantly comparing what you have now to what you want. That type of self criticism is significantly deterring."

- John Eliot, Ph.D.

AIESEC old.

2007-10-14T20:50:00.000-06:00

[Vans and I in a "Howie" Photo Op:]

On the heels of an awesome Western Regional I am coming to the sad realization that I am getting really old, more specifically AIESEC old. University life has been virtually only been one with AIESEC, and anyone in my family would second this thought, with my parents at numerous points asking if I had time to do school work or hanging out with old friends (and at times, no, juggling has not been easy and it has come at some sacrifices) since U started I probably had a good two weeks without it.

[Calgary Delegation ... largest, as usual:]

But do I regret it? Of course not! The people I have met, the things I've seen, the opportunities provided, these have all been reasons for why I have stayed and why I have committed so much of myself to the organization. But do I have regrets? ... I won't call them regrets, but I think there may have been opportunities that existed that I could have taken, but chose the "safe" route instead. Namely running for the MC during the 0607 year (which would have came at the sacrifice of not doing Careers Day and growing with one of the best EB teams ever) or even running for LCP (I'm not sure I could handle it, but who knows?)...Typical me, too afraid to step out of my comfort zone ... or is it just making strategic decisions? I honestly don't think that in terms of where I am in life now could have been achieved if I did take on those responsibilities (at the sacrifice of personal growth?...oh crap)

[Men of Calgary, not the best pic, but I love the fuzzy lighting effect:]

So here I am. Last year of school, last year of AIESEC.... and I'm in that contemplative mode of: what's next?. I tease to Vania that I am an alumnus, I know that I am not seeing as I am apart of the MD team (go Jag, you rock!) and go to the office everyday. Puneet said it well in that I am in my "nicotine patch" year, essentially easing myself off of it slowly. And I think that I am helping to create a well rounded "quality" experience, and still having fun at the same time (not having the AIESEC stress is a very nice change). Sooo, how to finish? I as thinking of Facilitating again at NC (maybe like LC Sim this time, but that thing is a gong show! I just might have a heart attack in the process as nothing seems to work as planned when it comes to sim). Or maybe going on a CEED. Or international conference (will someone please tell me of a good one that does not happen during exam times, seriously!). The question on many people's mind is evident ... why not exchange? Well, seeing as I have a work contract committed to September 2008 is a roadblock (and I'm happy with it!) and AIESEC is not all about exchange, I can still develop myself without the exchange part, I have gotten SO much out of this experience that I feel that it really isn't essential, plus I'm not a big go out on my own type person (am I just making excuses?...probably). thoughts? comments? suggestions? ... email me! ... I'm pretty sure it's mainly just Layial who reads this though ... lol..

[HUGE props go out to the OC. I love this group (it's not NC05, but really who can top us?...lol) committed, fun, managed to create an awesome conference regardless of some uphill battles. (thank for letting me crash! I hope I helped enough to make it worthwhile). Naz ... u rock!:]

Languages ...

2007-09-04T18:45:00.000-06:00

Learning a new language is difficult, at least for me it is (I'm not really putting that much effort into trying) ... but just when I sort of got a hang of one language (Dutch) - and by hang of I mean uber-basic stuff like hello, thank-you, numbers, etc. I leave the country (to go to Germany). OK, so I'm in Germany, trying to transition to another language (German) and I finally kinda get a hang of that, then suddenly I'm back on the Netherlands and Carlson is trying to quiz me on basic French. Up until this point, I have been lucky enough to be in countries that are basically bilingual with English. France I hear is not so friendly ...

Update: so I'm back from France, and my saving grace was having Carlson (90% bilingual) who had the benefit of French immersion school during elementary. I don't think I would have survived without him knowing the language. I'm so mad at our schooling system that some people benefit from immersion, while others don't. It not really a choice that I made, we are placed in school based on geography and at such an age, it's not like we really know what is best for us. ... I just I'm just bitter as I couldn't understand the conversations happening amongst the french speaking dinner table, or the embarrassment of having people have to speak english solely for my benefit.

I have gotten a hang of blogging using the Dutch blogger tho....

... Ok, I've gotten really lazy on my super blogging ... but to pass you time instead, please visit Facebook where I have been starting to post a portion of my pics!

A birthday to remember / forget

2007-08-28T09:38:00.000-06:00

So yesterday was my 22nd birthday and I couldn't have been happier than to spend it in beautiful Amsterdam. After some more sleeping fun (I am such a huge fan of sleeping in you can't imagine - aka getting over Jet Leg) Aisling (Carlson's roommate, Sandy's friend from Edmonton) and I went to check out the Anne Frank House. A really nice museum that explores the story of the Frank family and those who helped them hide inside the back of the building. Really memorable and nice to finally actually see the rooms that was depicted in the diary (not that I read it, but you just hear so much).
Anne Frank Huis (I don't know how to rotate pics apparently)

Afterwards we went to the Albert Cuyp Market in search of a king sized stroopwafel (caramel sandwiched between two thin wafels), unfortunately it was to no avail. So we just settled for buying cheap postcards and razors instead. After walking the market (about ummm, ~4 city blocks) we biked home as it looked like the storm clouds were brewing.

Well, today was also my birthday, and according to Carlson I needed to do it in true Amsterdam fashion ... drugs ... prostitutes ... and alcohol. LoL. Yeah right, this is ME, so the most I would participate in is alcohol. Carlson, being as awesome as he is started they day off super awesome with a BAG load of gifts ... me so spoiled, but happy ... including a bunch of Kuyichi clothing (Fair trade clothing from Holland). Fast forward to dinner time to where we had dinner with CY and Gabi again and some other people (Sandy # 2 and her sister) AND Martin! Yes, Martin as in the Talisman intern from summer 2006. So cool to see him ... given the table of Canadians, chinese food and chinese people who spoke cantonese, it was like being back in Canada again!

The food (Taste of Culture) was really good, surprisingly good actually, starting off with my favorite Peking Duck wraps ... mmm! ... and ending off with a Tiramisu cake complete with a mega intense sparkler/firework crazy candle thing (note that the lights have dimmed in the restaurant and "Happy Birthday" playing on the sound system). OMG, quite an experience.

Martin & Hugo (Martin's friend, met him in Calgary b4), not willing to concede that everyone wanted to go home because they had to work tomorrow wanted to get me more drunk than I was (with the beers from the restaurant). I was insistent on not going overboard ... but oh well. We went to another pub and had another round of drinks. I definitely experienced some bitter beer face action. ... after a little time, I was not feeling so good (beer + eldon = issues). I was half passing out ... in other words, time to go home. We leave the pub and Martin decides to do some Dutch spin the birthday around in the air thing .... oh crap ... let's keep in mind that I wasn't exactly feeling so hot in the first place. This was pretty much my stomachs breaking point. So ... yea .... there was some definite vomit action going on. eeeeewwwwww, so gross. Unfortunately there are pictures and video (and some laundry to do) to prove it.

Lesson: Eldon's beer tolerance is waaay low ... wine and highballs are much preferred, thanks.

My love/hate relationship with the Bicycle

2007-08-26T10:18:00.000-06:00

Amsterdam is all about the bicycles. Everyone rides one, they get right of way to pedestrians, they are respected by all. Carlson has so graciously rented me a bike for me to use over the weekend, truly, if you want to get around A'dam for cheap, the bike is the way to do it. It allows you to see the city without the strain of walking.

However, the bike and I do not see eye to eye. Overall, I'm a huge fan of the car and Calgary roads and the like, red means stop, green means go, and the C-Train has a designated street. Here, there is a bike lane, obscure signage and pedestrians, cars, bikes, buses and everything in between seem to share the road together (even worse in the tourist areas)

So far, my greatest goal so far is to NOT GET KILLED! (or seriously injured). Trams are the scariest, as they zip along all modern and quiet with only a periodic ring as warning. However, over the period of about 24-26 hours I have almost been hit by (or I have hit):

(a) a Volkswagon Golf
(b) a Motorbike/Scooter thing
(c) People walking
(d) numerous fixed objects such as poles and sidewalks

...and after lunch (Dim Sum!!!...lol) I got hit by a cyclist. It may or may not have been my fault seeing as I stopped in the middle of the bike lane, but what evs ... the girl who screamed as it happened didn't exactly help the situation. ... So the lesson is ... 1) the person who you are following (Carlson) needs to slow down so the beginner city biker can not concentrate on getting lost and navigating the people 2) Bikes are scary, but efficient

...and I haven't even mentioned the point at 3am when my bike's inner tube broke, so we had to walk 45 minutes home, or when the shoelace got caught in the pedal... or how much my butt really, really hurts right now.

Needless to say, I think I shall be taking the Tram more often and/or walking. The bike is fun, but for the sake of returning home in one piece I will follow CYs advice (Carlson's friend)

Day 1/2 Update: AlbertHeijn grovery store to buy food - Carlson cooks (mmm!); 1 hour siesta (much needed); Drinks at Barca for a Gabrielle's going away party; House warming party at Eric's (ABN Amro Alum) ... best Rum & Cokes I've ever had ...; flat tire; walk home; sleep; sleep; Dim Sum; Shopping; near death; coffee on a canal-side cafe; me blogging right now (This goes out to you Layial/Mess!)

Whirlwind Day + 8 hours

2007-08-25T11:38:00.000-06:00

Wowsa, it has been craaazy this past uh, "day". ...

Friday, 6:45am ... Josh picks me up to go to the PwC Audit golf tournament at Lakeside in Chestermere. Needless to say, company golf tournaments are ALWAYS a good day out. Sure, I could have been better (this was the first time that I've been on a golf course this entire season .. all considering I wasn't all that bad!). I had the opportunity to golf with some awesome audit peeps (Chris, Brian, & Jeff) - all of whom were much better than I. Well, after some beer and highballs during the day, needless to say I got a little "tipsy" and ended up passing out on the bus ride back to the office (5pm). This was pretty much the last time I will see most of the Summers which is super sad, but I'm sue I'll see most of them later.. or in Edmonton... After going to Malcom's for an hour for Coach Rob's good-bye party (Best Coach ever!), took the taxi home to pack for Europe. (6pm)

6:30pm. Caren stops by with BeeBee Kyan ... still cute as ever ... Happy pre-Birthday monkey!! ... Jacob, in his over excitement is a little over friendly and kisses Kyan to the point of crying ... awww ...

Friday, 12midnight, I catch my Air Transat flight to Europe. I think I was the only Asian person on the plane .. on well ..and Although I set myself up for discomfort, and Aaron totally warned me ... it really makes you appreciate Westjet and even Air Canada, if only for the fact that you get LEGROOM! (I am sooo jealous right now that Mess got to fly first class!). Surprisingly , I was fed, twice ... not good, but fed! I think I was still feeling the leftover effects of alcohol from golf day. What really was horrible was sitting next to this 10 year old girl (apart of a family with 3 young kids). First off, she did not understand the concept of a "personal comfort zone" in which you do not cross over onto the person next to yours seat. Mainly, her elbow and feet were always invading my space bubble - annoying. As she was equipped with a giant stick of sugar (lollipop sticks), chips, doritos (which the smell made me want to vomit), and cookies I don't think that so much sugar and crap made the situation better. So, the flight continues ... the guy in front of me reclines his chair .. and my legs are totally lacking space ... sigh ... suck it up. I get sleep in bursts for couple hours at a time. The fact that they feed you at 1 and 4 AM really mess with your mind. The best part of the flight was that it was early on arrival. The worst part was that damn 10 year old girl ultimately felt the effects of junk food and motion sickness and vomitted on the decent down (eeewwwww). ...can't wait until the trip home - not.

Saturday, 4:30pm (Amsterdam Time), so yes I arrive 45 minutes early (the best part of the flight). Carlson is there at the arrivals area to welcome me to Europe (yeah!) ... and so it begins...

http://ucalgary.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2050953&l=9a02c&id=120601860

12 Kinds of Ads

2007-08-14T08:58:00.000-06:00

Taken from Iris' Blog ... It's pretty neat, especially for those who are interested in marketing or media.

http://www.slate.com/id/2170872/?GT1=10238

It's Over

2007-08-07T10:19:00.000-06:00

I confess, this long weekend may or may not have consisted of me starting (Saturday) and finishing (Monday) the 7th and final Harry Potter book. I am definitely not as hardcore as some people (as described by Kent) but I do appreciate the story and what the series has done in terms of the creation of hype, reading among children and marketing genius.

The book was good, not great, but did it's job of rounding out the series and leaves readers with a satisfying end (in my opinion). People died, yes, but the emotional connection is not as great anymore. I actually do feel that it was time to end ... as the years have passed my interest was slowly decreasing. Considering that I started reading these books nearly a DECADE ago (I was 12) is amazing. I would definitely classify Harry Potter as my favorite (if not only) series of books to which I was actually committed to.

So, I'm a little sleepy right now from a couple late nights, but I just wanted to acknowledge the end of era ...

Ready for Takeoff !!

2007-07-18T11:37:00.000-06:00

$1012 spent, confirmation number received, vacation booked.

Air Transat (yes, I do realize that charter flights suck, but I am all about saving $600) and I leave Calgary on August 25th for TWO weeks! Oh my god... I am so pumped! my Birthday in Europe yaaaaaaaaaa! This is so gonna be my first real vacation since Mexico a couple years back, and the first time I cross the Atlantic Ocean (I crossed the Pacific to Asia about 7 years ago)...about freakin' time! Man, I really needed this, especially with everyone going to Turkey and etc. (see my depressing blog post below) I will have my own little adventure!

K, so this wasn't done without any drama...First off, my vacation days from work were in limbo as they wanted to put me on a project. I really didn't see the point as all I wanted was 4 days at the end of the month and at the end of my term, would it have really made such a big deal in the end?!?!? Seeing as I am just a summer student, no. I actually still don't know if I have jeopardized anything, but my coach said to book my ticket so I did :P Today, I was on the Flight Centre website and I think the stupid Microsoft pop-up blocker screwed things up and refreshed the page, thus I apparently booked my flight twice ...whoops, called their IT people and got one of two tickets cancelled ... hopefully I don't see two credit card charges or else I will have a heart-attack

to ponder ...

2007-07-10T15:43:00.000-06:00

"Be ordinary and regular in life, but agressive and creative at work"
- Kory (from work) who heard it from a wise (pot head) old man in Kelowna

Urban Campers

2007-07-05T09:59:00.000-06:00

Canada Day Long weekend brought about another camping trip! Unbelievably this would be my second camp trip within a year (apparently I am big on camping).

We went out to the Three Sister's campground by Canmore, all in all a great time for all. Highlights:
- Rain on the first night, cramming a dozen people into Aaron's tent, Taheer's Mint Chocolate Tequila(mmm!)
- My new, warm (thank god) MEC sleeping bag which I bought 2 days prior, minor-ly drunk (yes, red and smelling of vodka...lol), with Serge
- Food. Aaron and Taheer spoiled us with De-li-cious steaks, sausages and burgers...(mmm!). It was a good meat overload!
- Hike to Johnston Canyon. This place is beautiful, but definately a little too commercial and over-populated for my liking
- the flush, clean, non-stink toilet at the Husky Station (thank god)
- Banff. Looks like a giant construction zone right now (there wasn't a main street), which is a bit awkward for tourist peak season but it'll probably look good by next year. We went for sushi (mmm!) - now this is camping! ... lol
- Talks ... good talks especially with Vans and Sun ....stupid complicated life :P

Yay for long weekends! ... happy 140th Canada, how I love thee!

Team:

Serge and I on the bridge to the natural toilet (lol, aaron is totally about to go!):

Johnston Canyon waterfall ... beautiful!:

the way starbucks sees it # 205

2007-06-29T14:28:00.000-06:00

... another dose of inspiration courtesy of my afternoon coffee break:

"Many people search blindly for the "meaning of life." What they don't seem to unerstand is that life does not have meaning through mere existence ir acqusition or fun. The meaning of life is inherent in the connections we make to others throgh honour and obligation"
- Dr. Laura Sclessinger

... and here's an extra from my google homepage:

"You can't do anything about the length of your life, but you can do something about its width and depth."
-Evan Esar

Now, to stop my darn procratination, i have a paper to write !!!

Life Lesson

2007-06-25T14:14:00.000-06:00

"Kids, you tried your best and you failed miserably. The lesson is, never try."
- Homer Simpson

OK, though I don't fully endorse that quote. It does somewhat represent how I feel right now. So I did this project, put a ton of work into it in hopes of winning an awesome prize, but unfortunately was not one of the top three spots in the end, and not one of the winners of the prize.

The hardest part was my peers saying stuff like: "wow, Eldon that is so awesome" ... "you are gonna win for sure." So I totally made the mistake of putting myself up on a higher pedestal and getting myself psyched up to win, only to have it come crashing down in one painful swoop. K, so all the time I was telling myself "Hope for the best, expect the worst" ... unfortunately the latter half of that comment was in jeopardy given the excitement from the first half.

Was I happy I tried? absolutely. I mean if all the other submissions sucked, than maybe I would have won... but that wasn't the case, the others were gooood. Obviously even better than mine. It's more of a hindsight thing in which I wish I hadn't used so much time on it, but it was fun, and it was a learning experience. blah, blah, blah.

I'm pissed, I won't lie. But I am super happy with those who won. I just wish I was one of them.