There's Something Fishy Going On!

2007-01-04T01:59:00.000-05:00

Ok I don't know when I'll be updating this thing again, but for now I'll just start off by saying that 2007 is going to be a crazy year. Crazy busy, crazy new, crazy good. 2006 was largely uneventful in that it was 12 straight months of school, so anything worth noting was in the Waterloo/school/career-building context.

2007 is going to be craaaazy (cue Gnarles Barkley...Gnarls? Barles Glarkey?) because it spells my last school term ever; gotta hang in there and finish strong. I'm also looking into buying/selling vintage dresses more seriously since I'll have more time this term.

That's followed by 4 months of nothingness which I plan on filling up with travelling. May will be spent in Europe, followed by a quick stop at home for convocation at Laurier. The rest of the summer will be spent in Asia courtesy of Cathay Pacific's Asia Pass - all you can fly, baybeh!

Full-time work starts in September, and then The Sister is getting MARRIED in October (!!!). After that my hours should be relatively filled with CKE training. Exciting? I think so.

Let me know if you're interested in travelling to Europe or Asia this summer, my plans are pretty flexible at this point! All in all, I think this will be a huge year. A BOLD year, italicized, underlined, AND in caps. 2007! Ok I lied, I don't know how to underline something using blogger.

2006-11-22T04:02:00.000-05:00

It's 4am and I don't feel like sleeping yet, and almost all my procrastinating options have been exhausted - email, news, finding new msn GIFs, reorganize binders. Blogging seems to be the next logical activity.

27 days left in the Loo.

How does it feel? I can't wait. I enjoy the people, the school, the peace and quiet of my room...but it's time to move on. I'll miss everything, but at the same time I feel very pulled towards the future - York next term (last term, thankfully), a part-time job, Europe/Asia in May, convocation in June, then more Europe/Asia. After 4 months of travelling my face off, full-time work beckons in September at KPMG and it'll be good. More learning, more fun, more stress, haha.

To think in the short-run, however, I am looking forward to exams being done. But even before that, I get to go to 2 holiday parties - one with KPMG and one with PWC, both with Tracy as my hot date. Too bad The BF is busy, but it's going to be good times nevertheless!

In other news, last weekend Easy Rock (97.3FM) officially started playing Christmas music. Hooray! Christmas is coming! It's getting so warm and fuzzy things are turning into mold : )

2006-10-25T02:00:00.000-04:00

Oooooooooomg exam midterm midterm midterm exam. Advanced accounting is on Thurs and I'm very very behind but I can't FOCUS! Actually that's a lie because I took this stuff called "ginkgo biloba" which is a herb that "improves memory & cognitive function, enhances circulation." So yes I've been very attentive, TO SURFING THE NET. My cycle has become CNN - TheStar - CuteOverload - Nature - Craigslist - RFD - Gmail - RogersMail - WLUmail - Fark - NYTimes. Wash rinse and repeat! No sleep for the wicked.

A funny thing happened today. I finally mailed off my acceptance to KPMG's offer to take me on as a peon for the next few years, and when I got home from the post office, I found a pretty gift basket from PWC. Hurray! At first I was swept with guilt, but that lessened over the night inversely related to the amount of chocolate I ate. Here's what I got:

$5 Timmy's GC, 2 movie tickets + concession snacks, oreo cookies, toothpaste, lever2000 bar soap, pwc brand lipbalm, mni boxes of cereal, 2 nike golf balls + tees, skittles, mars bar, lindt chocolate, Kraft dinner, a mini stationery set (tape/stapler/highliter), a fancy shmancy travel mug, and to top that all off, a hand written card from the campus recruitment manager saying congratulations for receiving their offer.

Gifts and the such seem to be norm for hiring students into full-time at accounting firms. Over the last month or so PWC has sent me a suitcase (the wheelie ones that seemingly important people wheel around at the airport with important things inside), put me up in the Royal York, provided a limo as transportation for a night of drinks and sushi at the Boiler House, not to mention expensing everything involved with getting myself to and from these events.

On the other hand, there was KPMG. They didn't give away anything TOO overly lavish. As part of my offer I received Dr. Seuss' "Oh the Places You'll Go!", a copy of Macleans (which showed both KPMG -and- PWC as top 100 employers in Canada), a $10 GC for Starbucks so I can have a little time off during exams (accompanied by a card signed be some managers wishing good luck), and a party at the Steam Whistle hotel plus an overnight stay at the Renaissance Hotel. Oh and then there was that $90 lunch after my interview.

At the end of it though I don't think it was the gifts or how much they spent on recruiting us that swayed my decision. My thoughts now aren't too far from my initial impressions of these 2 firms after I first interviewed with them. It was a tough choice, and I can't complain about being in this position because you really can't lose. All I have to do now is to do decently well on this blasted exam so I can play.

By the way thanks for the surprises and acts of general kindness on (and before...and after) my birthday. Tax exam the day after dampened the festivities a little, but I couldn't have asked for more. YOU'RE THE MAN!

2006-09-25T03:26:00.000-04:00

Week 3.

Thus begins the third week of my last term at Laurier. Things have been going pretty well in the sense that one presentation has already been taken care of and I’ve gotten quite a few administrative thing sorted out. As for studying, let’s just say my $172 tax package is still shrink-wrapped. No matter, this week will be a major catch-up week. Can you feel the drive?!

So this past week had been filled with one company information session (read: freebies) after another. Most of the accounting firms mentioned how there are a lot of growth opportunities right now in Calgary, Alberta. During the application process, I had some time to think about whether or not I should apply. Where it was an option, I did, although not as a first choice. Why? Because I think competition will be a little less fierce there (ie. smaller labour pool) and it’s close enough to Toronto so I can travel back and forth to visit if I want. I tried to see myself in that city, having my own place, establishing new relationships, and it all led to one question...where is home?

I think about how my parents moved from China to HK when they were young, surely they adapted quickly to the city. Did they imagine that decades later they’d uproot themselves again and move to Canada with kids in tow? Then there is the fact that if I tell someone “I’m going home” on a Thursday night, it would be ambiguous as to whether that meant my Waterloo home or Soggy home. Obviously a home is not just a building itself (aka. a house).

After some more thinking, my conclusion is this. Home is:
-where there is nothing stopping you from being yourself
-where you can re-energize after a day of work/study/etc
-where the people/pets/houseplants you care about are
-where you can run on auto-pilot, just for a little bit
-where you can do embarrassing things but it’s ok

And to tie that back in with Calgary...if I really do have to make a decision, would I be able to and is it worth it to establish all that (even if it’s just for 2 years) outside of what I already know as home?

Ahhh questions questions questions. I said I’d try to sleep before 4 today so that’s it for now. Any bed w/ clean sheets will always be a home to me.

2006-09-16T01:14:00.000-04:00

***Warning***

This post may potentially be NSFL...not safe for lunch.

Okay, maybe just my lunch because I hate spiders and centipedes with a passion. But consider yourself warned.

JC caught a spider earlier today in his bug vacuum. Then tonight he found a centipede and added that to his collection. Well the former turned out to be a free meal for the latter, but we haven't decided who to feed the centipede to yet...

EWWW NARSTY!!!
The dark blob near the bottom in the next picture is actually the spider being carried in the centipede's mouth.

I'm slowly losing my appetite for shrimps and crabs : (

2006-08-23T01:52:00.000-04:00

Oh me oh my what happened here.

A little fidgeting with blogger resulted in a fresh coat of green on everything and lost comments. No matter. Instead of using words to update what's been going on, I'll let pictures do the job.

Here's Hannah and I in Detroit, enjoying a root beer during a break (with Nevin and Ivan) from some intense outlet shopping:

Here's one of JC kissing a llama at the zoo, don't ask me why:

And here's one of the siblings at whitewater rafting in Ottawa:

So between all those and bbqs and meeting up with friends and softball and slowly unpacking and reading outside, I'd say this summer (ie. August) has thus far been a good balance between going out and doing my own thing. Next term is starting to cast a shadowy academic cloud over me, but until it actually gets here, I'm going to milk the last 2.5 weeks of summer for all its worth. I hope your summer is going just as well, whether you're working or just hanging around like the smog in TO. Speaking of which, the weather lately has been Perfect (so good it deserves a capital P), enjoy it while it lasts!

2006-07-11T01:25:00.000-04:00

This is one of the most interesting obituaries I have ever read, check it out:


Frederic Arthur (Fred) Clark, who had tired of reading obituaries noting other's courageous battles with this or that disease, wanted it known that he lost his battle as a result of an automobile accident on June 18, 2006. True to Fred's personal style, his final hours were spent joking with medical personnel while he whimpered, cussed, begged for narcotics and bargained with God to look over his wife and kids. He loved his family. His heart beat faster when his wife of 37 years Alice Rennie Clark entered the room and saddened a little when she left. His legacy was the good works performed by his sons, Frederic Arthur Clark III and Andrew Douglas Clark MD, PhD., along with Andy's wife, Sara Morgan Clark. Fred's back straightened and chest puffed out when he heard the Star Spangled Banner and his eyes teared when he heard Amazing Grace. He wouldn't abide self important tight censored. Always an interested observer of politics, particularly what the process does to its participants, he was amused by politician's outrage when we lie to them and amazed at what the voters would tolerate. His final wishes were "throw the bums out and don't elect lawyers" (though it seems to make little difference). During his life he excelled at mediocrity. He loved to hear and tell jokes, especially short ones due to his limited attention span. He had a life long love affair with bacon, butter, cigars and bourbon. You always knew what Fred was thinking much to the dismay of his friend and family. His sons said of Fred, "he was often wrong, but never in doubt". When his family was asked what they remembered about Fred, they fondly recalled how Fred never peed in the shower - on purpose. He died at MCV Hospital and sadly was deprived of his final wish which was to be run over by a beer truck on the way to the liquor store to buy booze for a double date to include his wife, Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter to crash an ACLU cocktail party. In lieu of flowers, Fred asks that you make a sizable purchase at your local ABC store or Virginia winery (please, nothing French - the censored) and get rip roaring drunk at home with someone you love or hope to make love to. Word of caution though, don't go out in public to drink because of the alcohol related laws our elected officials have passed due to their inexplicable terror at the sight of a MADD lobbyist and overwhelming compulsion to meddle in our lives. No funeral or service is planned. However, a party will be held to celebrate Fred's life. It will be held in Midlothian, Va. Email fredsmemory@yahoo.com for more information. Fred's ashes will be fired from his favorite cannon at a private party on the Great Wicomico River where he had a home for 25 years. Additionally, all of Fred's friend (sic) will be asked to gather in a phone booth, to be designated in the future, to have a drink and wonder, "Fred who?"

(source: http://www.legacy.com/TimesDispatch/DeathNotices.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=18382676)

On another note, here are some Montreal pics from the Canada Day long weekend!
http://www.imagestation.com/members/Powderpoof

2006-06-12T22:50:00.000-04:00

Terrorism? In Mississauga?

I haven't blogged in awhile...school and life just get in the way of playing and other fun things. But a little news event was enough to propel my neighbourhood up to CNN status, so I'm feeling a little compelled to share since now it's personal.

I've been following the news lately regarding the arrest of "terrorists" (quotation marks because the courts haven't found them to be guilty yet) in and around Toronto. It was only a few days after the news broke when I learned from CNN that one of the accused actually lives on my street...scary.

Anyway, you can argue 2 things about property value directions in the future. 1) It decreases because oh no radical extremists live here. Or 2) It increases because our neighbourhood is safe from terrorism since they won't bomb their own frontyard. Granted this is excluding all those other fancy economic factors like interest rates and demographics, haha.

And assuming that they are indeed guilty, I don't know who is responsible for the situation. The "teacher" who influenced the youths to carry out this plan? The youths who didn't think that bombing buildings and killing people would look slightly damaging on their criminal record? Muslims for not being more aware that this was all happening in their community? The western culture for supplying the terrorists with a gripe? I guess that's for the judge to decide. But so far, I think the best lesson we've gotten out of this as a society is a wake-up call that Toronto is growing up and we're not just a nice city in a nice country anymore. We're still mostly nice, but now we have to learn to deal with big city problems too.

The Globe and Mail had some more info on the guy who lives on Robin Drive...it's professional journalism at its best, digging up information whichever way they can:

AHMAD GHANY

The upbringing of Ahmad Mustafa Ghany does not appear to be a life that would inspire hatred and violence: A street lined with luxury cars, home schooling through a U.S. correspondence school and a condominium apartment purchased for him by his parents.

Mr. Ghany, the son of Trinidadian urologist and one of three children, spent his early years in Saudi Arabia, where his father, Dr. Farouk Ghany, was hired at the King Saud University as a medical professor and consultant. Those years, the late 1980s, were painful for the Ghany family. When their eldest son died at a young age, Dr. Ghany escaped his misery by selling his Brampton home and temporarily leaving the country, according to court records, an appeal of Canada's Citizenship Act by Dr. Ghany's wife, obtained by The Globe and Mail.

While abroad, the Ghanys maintained ties to Canada by buying a Mississauga home and renting it out. Ahmad's parents ensured that he could seamlessly slip back into Canada's education system by enrolling him the acclaimed Calvert School, a U.S. based correspondence program, court records show.

It was the first Gulf War that prompted the family to leave the Middle East, court records show. Dr. Ghany and his wife Umaima Ghany assumed a prominent role in Mississauga's Islamic community. They both volunteered with the Taric Islamic Centre, and Dr. Ghany sat on committee that was designed to attract young people to the faith.

Court records also show that Ahmad's parents purchased a condominium apartment at the intersection of Bay Street and Wellesley Avenue in anticipation of their children studying at the University of Toronto -- Dr. Ghany's alma mater.

Rocco Galati, Mr. Ghany's lawyer, told the press on Saturday that Mr. Ghany ended up graduating from McMaster University's health sciences department.

The street that the RCMP lists as their current address is filled with luxury cars and mature trees. On a rainy Saturday afternoon, a Globe and Mail reporter counted three Mercedes, three Jaguars, a BMW, a Range Rover, an Audi and a Lexus.

When The Globe spoke to Dr. Ghany, he said he couldn't comment on anything to do with the case or his son. “We have strict instructions from our lawyer not to talk to the media,” he said.

Greg McArthur

2006-04-19T14:10:00.000-04:00

Noooooo, McDeals are coming to an end!

I thought that was a not-so-smart move for McD's, since so many people eat there just for the special of the day. They plan on replacing the deals with a special $1.39 menu (ex. a smaller jr. mcchicken for $1.39) much like what Wendy's is doing with its Super Value Menu. To my knowledge this has been tested in London for at least a year now and is being rolled out nationally this coming Monday. Swayed by some sentimental $4.27 memories, I still partially think that it's not the best strategy for the restaurant; but then I read this article from the NY Times. (no l337 html skillz here): http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/19/business/19mcdonalds.html

And I quote:
"Since McDonald's started advertising the Dollar Menu nationally, the double cheeseburger has become the chain's most ordered item. Even priced at $1, double cheeseburgers bring in more revenue than salads or the chicken sandwiches, which cost $3.19 to $4.29"
and
"The enormous success of the Dollar Menu, where all items cost $1, has helped stimulate 36 consecutive months of sales growth at stores open at least a year. In three years, revenue has increased by 33 percent and its shares have rocketed 170 percent, a remarkable turnaround for a company that only four years ago seemed to be going nowhere."

Granted that's in the U.S. where more people actively seek out the gorging of unnecessary sodium and fat. But I suppose the $1.39 menu could work here, especially in Toronto where people are generally busier and have less time for a proper meal. So kudos to McD's for finding something that works for them in the States and London, especially since they weren't doing so well before. We can save some money on a meal now, but it's unfortunate to think that 20 years from now we'll just end up paying with our health. And if not with our personal health then with taxes to support those who are paying with their health. Oh the sweet (salty?) taste of capitalism with a side of socialism for kicks. With all that said, I'm kind of craving for a McGai or a Filet-O...one last McDeal run for closure, anyone?

2006-04-13T01:18:00.000-04:00

And now for a little wee bit of procrastination:

1)Who tagged you?
Nevin "O_<" Tan

2)In what situation did you meet this person?
CCF in first year

3)How long have you known this person for?
3.5 yrs and bordering on too long! Just joking.

4)What is so special about this person?
He's a smart and a thoughtful guy with interests and hobbies that are all over the place. Seems kind of quiet when you first meet him, but has enough opinions on things to fill a very thick (and blank) book.

5)In your heart, what do you think about this person?
Seems like a repeat of #4, so I'll add on...nice, good, and awesome, haha.

6)At this moment, is there anyone you want to meet? Who?
I want to meet a motivational speaker, because I have no motivation at this moment to study.

7)Favourite memory?
Hands down, getting mauled by a giant dummy, hahaha. We were at a bookstore at lunch one time just walking around when this giant triangular head of the "(fill in subject here) for Dummies" fame pops up out of NOWHERE and just stands in front of us. We were a little taken aback to say the least, and I think he gave us a free magnet or something. I was too baffled by the situation and it was all a blur after that, haha. Oh and that time we pied him. Good times!

8)Tag 8 more people
Red rover, red rover, I call the LCCF grads over...Han, Jlau, Sharon, Ev, Chen, Amy, Linds, Dan, and Edgar.

Good luck on exams, y'all!

2006-03-31T00:23:00.000-05:00

Ahhh...I love a day of play : ) My last assignment/presentation/thing was done this past Tuesday, and BOY does it feel good! The last 2 days I've been taking it easy just relishing in the prefinal exam period, hanging out, watching movies, baking at 2 in the morning, McDee-ing, Haagen Dazs-ing, playing pool, etc. Tomorrow we're doing basketball at 8:30 in the morning, brunch, and then softball (!!!) against UWCCF, haha...it's going to be hard to get back into that study mode.

Today there was a bbq put on by the Laurier Alumni association for the grads, and although I'm not leaving until next April, I still managed to get in (I hope the school doesn't think I'm graduating, eeks). It was weird to see everyone mingling, it almost made me feel like a frosh again. And then the thought of all these people leaving made me realize it's going to be very different come next September. Lately there have been so many "This is the last time we'll..." or "This is the beginning of the end of..." or "I'm going to miss..." There are too many emotions tied with seeing a solid group of friends getting ready to leave university and move on to the next big thing, trying to type it out will just look like this --> asd;lfha;sldhfoiashasdfah;iowhfdf. But that's life, right? Just gotta take these changes in stride.

Anyways, today I learned that having idle time makes one sentimental.

2006-03-14T01:33:00.001-05:00

Ahhh...an update.

Lately life has gotten more simple and complicated all at the same time, sorry if I've been out of touch. To utilize this break between midterms and assignments/papers/presentations I have now, here’s some randomness...about...stuff:

1) Accounting, what a bittersweet relationship we have. I remember going in for an interview at IKEA during the summer of first year and the manager asked what I wanted to do after university. I told her I was interested in accounting...but then after taking some 2^nd yr courses I decided against it. Three finance co-op work terms later I’m back at square one and am no longer shopping for academic direction. (Shopping and square one in the same sentence? It’s not a coincidence my friends.) So for the next few years I’ll be working towards adding 3 letters after my name. PBC. Professional bean-counter.

2) Parents are back!

3) I spent a whole day in court 2 weeks ago (as a witness to an accident involving a drunk driver) and got to chat with a myriad of people:

another witness (the guy who rolled down his window while driving by to yell at the driver who almost got him killed on the 401) who used to work in middle management but hated his job, so his wife sent in a job application to the TTC as a joke and now he works as a bus driver making $60k a year with no fear of ever losing his job because they’re unionized.
the cops who arrested the driver and their beef with the judicial system (did you know that judges start their day at 10am, take 20 minute morning breaks at 11:30, lunch at 1pm for an hour and a half, and go home at 4pm?)
the toxicologist hired by the crown to prove the guy was drunk (tests showed the guy had about 10 drinks in 4 hours before driving)
the defense lawyer who grilled me like his name was George Foreman.

4) CCSA Softball...I think it’s happening this summer but not with ET’s Illuminate, which was a bit sad to fathom at first but everything should be fine now. I just want to hit some and catch some!

5) Warm weather makes me happy. But windy weather makes the house unhappy. The window just fell out and now Gretal (our house in Loo) has a giant hole in the wall at the end of the hallway.

6) Postcard from Thailand/Singapore also makes me happy. Thanks Kim : )

7) Housing for the next 12 months...is anyone looking for a May to May lease? Two minute walk to Laurier, $400 + util, LMK.

8) Not using eBay for Lent is turning out to be pretty challenging...However I’ve been able to sneak in more catnaps.

9) Jamie Cullum concert’s coming up next Tuesday, woooooot!

10) New glasses. My sister said they’re still fobby, but more sophistimacated.

Okay that’s enough about me for now. Here’s to not letting school/work/life get the best of us *clink* Keep trekking cool cats : )

Late Greetings!

2006-01-09T18:25:00.000-05:00

I know it's a bit past Christmas but I just remembered to put this up. Background - my parents have been in HK since October and weren't home (in Sauga) to spend the holidays with us. And so they sent a package and this card in lieu of their presence:

Dear Karen, Kary, Kevin:

We are so busy & happy, don't aware that the X'mas is approaching, so send your gifts by speed mail. Hope you would like it!

From Mom & Dad

(Don't throw away the wrapping bags.)

Haha, they're so funny. And as a bonus they're coming home early...this Wednesday! Yayayayaya I'm so excited : )

Oh Em Gee, Dee Em Bee.

2005-12-05T11:38:00.000-05:00

The extra pairs of socks didn't help because the Dave Matthews Band concert last night still blew them off, repeatedly. I only started listening to them more this September but my oh my, hearing and seeing them live is quite the...SOMETHING. Their ability to combine pure talent into a smorgasbord of jamming musical goodness is just...WOW. I don't even know what words to use to describe what and how they play! What's-his-face and I were sitting in row 2 of the stands so our view was largely unobstructed, save for the guy in front who stood up occasionally, along with a steady, hazy drift of "smoke" that came our way O_o

After the party in our ears Em, Dan (happy bday!), BC, his bro, and I met up at Marche for a party in our tummies. It's always fun times catching up with them, cheap rosti/sandwiches, broken glass and all. After that we returned home to Soggy, and with a bedtime of 3am I am so very zzz'in this morning. But boy was it worth it! DMB, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship : )

The saga continues...

2005-11-20T21:59:00.000-05:00

Here's an update on a post from March 4th, 2005.

Some of you may remember me talking about a drunk driver that I helped after he got into an accident on the Mavis/401 off-ramp. He was driving like a maniac beforehand, and after he spun into the ditch I called 911 for him. I left 2 minutes before emergency vehicles got there, and since then has been curious as to whatever happened to the driver.

So I got a phonecall tonight from a constable who traced my number from the 911 call. She was doing investigations on the accident and asked for my witness' account. I'm actually glad I blogged about it because it helped to refresh my memory! Anyway, I told her what I remembered, and asked what was happening with the case.

As it turns out, the driver is currently facing several charges from what happened that night. She couldn't tell me exact details because there's a chance I might be summoned to court as a witness, and extraneous facts like what he is being charged with will bias my testimony. Either way, I'm glad the authorities are doing their job, that even though I left early knowing he was drunk (and asking myself if that was the right thing to do), they're capable of keeping tabs on the more dangerous drivers out there.

So until the next update, drive safely...and watchout for those who don't.

2005-11-14T22:41:00.000-05:00

So it seems that I've been tagged. And seeing as how I haven't -really- updated in awhile, I shall now entertain the 3 people who check this blog on a regular basis. If you know these already then you probably know me well enough : )

5 random facts about myself; I...

...can read Chinese, at least well enough to (slowly) get through a newspaper article.

...am a news junkie. Regular perusals: Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, CNN, Seattle PI, BBC, Nature, National Geographic, & Google News. A normal work day = 1 cycle; a slow work day = wash, rinse, and repeat.

...am generally uncomfortable with toes. Mainly b/c my own are kind of gimpy. Let's move on.

...really do think of the kids in Ethiopia when food is being wasted.

...enjoy British humour, accent, and actors (Colin Firth, teehee.)

Now I tag Han, Cfu, Nev, Kev, and Trace.

It's past 11 and sleep beckons, stay out of trouble cool cats!

2005-10-25T00:35:00.000-04:00

Updated!

2005-06-22T23:28:00.000-04:00

I'm no Tina Fey but here's a weekend update! It's rather sad because nothing note-worthy happens between Mondays and Fridays. Life is just a blur of class, group meetings, and a feeling of impending doom that is hell week where school is going to blow up in my face. Which also explains why I'm taking an extended study break right now...Ahhhhh it's like eating the tip of cha siu when you -know- it's carcinogenic but still eat it nevertheless.

We're approaching the end of June already, what the?

Some honourable mentions:
-St Jacob in the hot hot sun
-playing at the LEGO store (some things never change, ahhh)
-BBQ at Hansel
-Hagen Daaz (2 girls, 2 tubs, 2 days)*
-softball, softball, softball!
-Father's Day dinner avec the family
-the usual antics of my dear housemates...most of which will (and should) never see the light of day
-yet another car accident
-*jogging...yes, it's finally happening. I feel so alive!

Looking forward to:
-more softball
-Ottawa for Canada Day
-ICE week
-Summerlicious (Urban, Truffles, Canoe, yum!)
-family vacation
-white water rafting
-being employed next term

Alright cool cats, remember to use plenty of sunscreen to prevent burnage.

Over and out!

2005-06-07T00:30:00.000-04:00

Woot what a weekend!

It started off with an exam on Sat morning, but progressed into a day of softball and sun. I haven't had that much tannage since last August! After quite literally dropping by the softball kick off bash at another church in the evening, we went to Unionville to watch fireworks which warranted some "life flashing before my eyes" moments as ash and burning pieces fell on us. Way to go -guys- for running away, haha, good times.

Visited Illuminate's home church (ETCBC) on Sunday morning w/ Tracy, followed by more softball in the sun. If I could drink sunscreen, I would, mmm. During one of the games there was a minor collision w/ another player but s'all good! Lesson of the day? Always call for the ball!

And seeing as how there's an exam tomorrow perhaps a bright thing to do now would be to study and not procrastinate...But hey, the team's called Illuminate for a reason : )

2005-05-29T16:48:00.000-04:00

It's another post about driving!

I was on the 401 heading back to Loo this afternoon and the weather was pretty poor...on and off rain, and when it was raining, it was POURING (totally negating my carwash on Friday). So I'm going a wee bit faster than I needed to in the passing lane when out of nowhere this zippy little beemer started tailgating me. And following the unwritten rules of the road the car in front of me and I both got out of his (I took a look at the driver as he passed me) way, and he even went partly on the shoulder to go around us.

Fast forward to 2 mins later...the wipers were going at full speed but visibility was still pretty poor. I was back in the passing lane and from a distance I saw the aforementioned series 6 coupe braking and slowing to the left. Hrmm, how odd, I thought. And by the time I finished that thought, I saw why he did that...right in front of me was a huge chunk of tire debris that previously blew off and had obviously been hit by the car. And by the time I instinctively braked and swerved to avoid the tire and the beemer (after scanning my blindspot), he was already in my rearview mirror. Oh and it did -not- look pretty. The car's front bumper had pieces of tire on (in?) it, and its hood was crumpled.

So I learned my lesson at his expense.

Don't speed when you can barely see through the windshield.

Captain Obvious strikes again!

2005-05-16T23:32:00.000-04:00

So it's my first summer ever in Waterloo...things should be pretty interesting in the next 3 and a half months. Moving back was a little of the same old, except I'm trying to keep things to a minimum (ie. less things to move back come August), and this term I'm in Hannah's old room at Hansel. The smell hasn't gotten too terrible yet, although I'm pretty sure there's a dead skunk around here somewhere.

Between school, softball, home, and co-op, my time should be pretty well split up being a hermit...definitely trying not to be stressed about studying and the truckload of group work. Classes are mostly interesting, especially my Canadian Criminal Law course over at UW with an awesome lawyer/prosecutor prof. A year and a bit until graduation??? Oh me oh my! Do YOU know what you're doing after school???

Other than that, things are pretty easy come easy go. My bro got baptised yesterday (congrats Kev!), CC's this coming weekend (going in w/ no real expectations...just an open heart and an open mind), and a litter of kittens found a home in our backyard. Last but not least, no more serious car accidents to report. So until next time, safety first kiddos, and enjoy the impending warm weather!

2005-04-20T23:58:00.000-04:00

I heard this quote over the weekend and it has stuck with me the last couple of days.

Here’s one of the definitions of who a “spin doctor” is:

“A public relations person who tries to forestall negative publicity by publicizing a favorable interpretation of the words or actions of a company, political party, or famous person.”

So for example, cramming for an exam at the last minute could be spin-doctored to “learning in a challenging and condensed environment.”

“God doesn’t need us to be His spin doctors.” ~T.S. Eliot

I think sometimes we need to see things the way they are and confront our own emotions without assuming what others are thinking or how they react. Being genuine with our faith and experiences will go so much further in this secular world, where others are brighter than we think at seeing through the sugar-coated-ness, than portraying an illusion that believers ourselves can buy into – God will make life sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows. That’s just not true, He’s too big for that.

Ultimately He has everything under control, but crappy things like frustration, hurt, different types of pain, etc still happen…so what are we to do but learn and grow from them? How many times have I found myself brute forcing it on my own, and if good things happen then yes attribute that to God’s work…but if crappy things happen, then just bury it in my mind and pretend like it didn’t happen and/or wasn’t a big deal? Too many.

There’s a lot that can be said about this, but the main question is…what’s the point of living (and I don’t mean this in a morbid or suicidal way) if we’re not real to our own experiences? If everything happens for a reason then why aren’t we embracing the lessons, good AND bad?? Life’s too short to be pulling the wool over our own eyes. I need to learn...and practice!

2005-04-13T23:11:00.000-04:00

As pointed out by a fellow co-op student today, we have 12 (!) working days left to the term before it's back to Loo we go. Wow...as mundane as cubicle and office work can be at times, I think I'm going to miss it (!!). And after experiencing my 2nd term in downtown TO, there are a few observations and personal gripes that I've picked up on:

When it's cold and snowy outside smokers will huddle and quickly do their thing before going back inside. When it's warm and sunny, however, they will liberally divide the space outside all entrances among themselves so that when you walk by, you're doing more huffing and puffing than they are.
Taxis and large vehicles will invariably have screetchy brakes that annoy the bijeebers* out of me.
A lot of people don't know how to walk, and often times rules of the road apply to sidewalks as well. For example: check your blind spot before swerving erratically, try not to be in other people's blind spots, don't tailgate, and it is -not- a game of chicken where you're confronting the person walking towards you head-on to see who would move out of the way first. However, these rules don't apply to those who are disabled, pregnant, walking with a child, pushing a cart of any kind (baby stroller, UPS delivery, etc). It's all about artful dodging*!
Hotdogs/street meat/call-it-what-you-will are gooooooooood. Every time I walk by that guy and his stand in front of First Cdn Place I have to look away.
There isn't really a lot to do at lunch outside of eating. An attempt at seeing something new everyday has resulted in a lot of frivolous spending at Eaton's Centre, electronic stores, book stores, etc etc. But at least we're not in some 3rd world garment factory where lunch breaks aren't provided, right?
There are 5 types of commuters on the GO train:

The Talker: Either to someone beside them or on the cell phone.

The Silent Doer: They like to bury their noses in the newspaper, a book, the crosswords, etc.

The Ear Buds: Nothing on the train pertains to them because everything is blocked out by whatever it is that they're listening to with their (most of the time white) headphones.

The Hurrier: Always in a rush to be first on the train, first off the train. Often observed to be checking his/her watch every 30 seconds. Taking the train is not a competitive sport!!

The Napper: There are those who close their eyes to nap but in reality are actually eavesdropping on The Talker and pretending to be annoyed but are in reality amused by what is being said.

So with all that said...12 days left and counting. But really, I'm very grateful for the educational and learning experience I've had these past 4 months working at Sun Life : )

*something that needs personal improvement

2005-04-07T17:49:00.000-04:00

hrmmm...decisions, decisions.

funny how in the battle between left and right, God's on both sides!

2005-03-28T00:06:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I think about what I would've studied after high school if not business at Laurier. Climatology was one of those things...the weather fascinates me, and to have the power to foresee severe weather or days of sunshine would just be awesome, and I'd be the next younger Asian version of Susan Hay on the telly. But for now I'll make do with diagrams in the newspaper.

Barring the odd day of flurries and chilliness, I'd say that spring is definitely on its way. No more icy snowstorms and ridiculous wind chill; there are skinny robins out and about waiting to fatten up to their wormy glories. Buds are appearing on tree branches* and I actually saw a rabbit frolicking the other day (albeit across 6 lanes of live traffic).

Not to say winter is bad, no don't get me wrong. I love the cleanliness that is a snow covered landscape and the rest that nature takes before bursting into a flurry of activities. Winter also fosters that warm fuzzy feeling of hot chocolate or soup beside the fireplace, not to mention fun times like tobogganing and snowboarding.

But there is change in the air as the earth is wonderfully designed to rotate just a little closer to the sun. It’s a change of season and in so many ways too.

*my brother told me a joke today:
-what’s brown and sticky?
-what?
.
.
.
-a stick