Hey guys,
I've had a lot of early and late shifts, so I might not update until Canada Day, which I am totally looking forward to this year, by the way!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
TOW: In A Pinch
This week I have been thinking a lot about 'life phases.' I keep thinking about how people who are not even 20, and they have managed to become rich, famous, or have some sort of really interesting accolade. And then I keep thinking about how they got there, and I wonder where person x, y, and z will be in 20, 25 years. I wonder this because the way that life works...no one stays on top of the ferris wheel forever. This month, in honour of the recession, I am thinking about financial well-being.
It's interesting that each of us can probably point to a time in their lives when they were really, really poor and couldn't afford the things their friends and family could. Making ends meet by pinching pennies, and tightening belts, the future was seen as the key to happiness because somewhere, in the future, was financial stability. I do think it's a pretty universal problem, and something that most people experience once or twice in their lives (and if you haven't yet, you're either very lucky, or it's right around the corner, I imagine. Good luck with that.).
Why is it such a universal problem that we either lose a job, or the markets come crashing down on our heads, or we somehow end up with a bankrupt business? Sometimes we make all the right decisions, and still come out with mothballs in our pockets, and a sour taste in our mouths.
I think the reason that we have these periods in our lives is so that we can appreciate the happiness we do have. These times are good examples of moments to reconsider not only what is important in our lives, but also to start new projects, to branch out into new areas we never thought we would be in. The beauty of being in a period of financial failure is yes, we get to appreciate the periods of our lives that're financially successful...but it's also something more complex and worthwhile. It's a time to grow in a new direction, to experience new things, good and bad. And we get to build up other things in our lives, and to let them be the centre of our lives, to learn to live without monetary stability, but with the stability of friends, family, and care for ourselves.
It's interesting that each of us can probably point to a time in their lives when they were really, really poor and couldn't afford the things their friends and family could. Making ends meet by pinching pennies, and tightening belts, the future was seen as the key to happiness because somewhere, in the future, was financial stability. I do think it's a pretty universal problem, and something that most people experience once or twice in their lives (and if you haven't yet, you're either very lucky, or it's right around the corner, I imagine. Good luck with that.).
Why is it such a universal problem that we either lose a job, or the markets come crashing down on our heads, or we somehow end up with a bankrupt business? Sometimes we make all the right decisions, and still come out with mothballs in our pockets, and a sour taste in our mouths.
I think the reason that we have these periods in our lives is so that we can appreciate the happiness we do have. These times are good examples of moments to reconsider not only what is important in our lives, but also to start new projects, to branch out into new areas we never thought we would be in. The beauty of being in a period of financial failure is yes, we get to appreciate the periods of our lives that're financially successful...but it's also something more complex and worthwhile. It's a time to grow in a new direction, to experience new things, good and bad. And we get to build up other things in our lives, and to let them be the centre of our lives, to learn to live without monetary stability, but with the stability of friends, family, and care for ourselves.
VOW: Sculpting with Solid Mercury
I thought my engineering friends might find this interesting...I personally can't believe how much work this takes.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Wiki-mania: A guide of how to talk to a guy on the phone (A compilation of several wikis)
On the phone:
1. Before calling, think of what you can talk about. What does he like? Did you do anything with him today that you can talk about? Anything he should know or anything? You can even write down a list of topics to go through, but don't read off of them like a script, make it casual and impromptu.
2. Once you have an idea, take a few deep breaths. What do you have to lose? Seriously, think about it. Now call! Just do it!
3. When someone answers and it isn't the person, ask for the person who you want to talk to. And make sure you say something like "Hi, this is ______. May I please speak to _______?" or something like that. NEVER say your his girfriend if you've never called his house and he doesn't even know your name. Guys hate that.
4. When this person says "Hi" or "hello" do not start off with something like "Whatcha doin'?" Do start with "How are you?"Guys usually know the answer to that question. They usually answer the question of what they are doing with 'talking on the phone.' It's annoying!
5. Avoid asking questions like what color do you like, what is your favorite food.. that type of question is really common. Try to be a little innovative and interesting. Get in a conversation. Try asking him something about school ("Why do you think our school mascot is a squirrel?"), or sports ("Do you like fishing? Yah, same with my dad."), or anything interesting.
6. Find an excuse to call that person you like. Homework questions are a good one ("Hey, did you ever finish that essay in English? Oh, you never read the book? Yah, me neither.")
7.) Once you get into a conversation, there is nothing to worry about unless you somehow insult him, but that's unlikely, and easily fixed if you somehow manage to. ("What, you like lasangna? That's stupid. I mean...that's stupid that I don't like lasangna as much as you. Weird!")
8.) If you get his cell phone machine dealie, then leave a cool and goofy message. Guys LOVE that....especially when you laugh a lot in between things (actually more of a giggle!!!). But don't giggle too much...guys hate that! They think you'll have asthma or sometihng!!!
Tips
If you can't remember what to say to him then write it down on a piece of paper beforehand.
Don't call him more than 2-3 times a day.
1. Before calling, think of what you can talk about. What does he like? Did you do anything with him today that you can talk about? Anything he should know or anything? You can even write down a list of topics to go through, but don't read off of them like a script, make it casual and impromptu.
2. Once you have an idea, take a few deep breaths. What do you have to lose? Seriously, think about it. Now call! Just do it!
3. When someone answers and it isn't the person, ask for the person who you want to talk to. And make sure you say something like "Hi, this is ______. May I please speak to _______?" or something like that. NEVER say your his girfriend if you've never called his house and he doesn't even know your name. Guys hate that.
4. When this person says "Hi" or "hello" do not start off with something like "Whatcha doin'?" Do start with "How are you?"Guys usually know the answer to that question. They usually answer the question of what they are doing with 'talking on the phone.' It's annoying!
5. Avoid asking questions like what color do you like, what is your favorite food.. that type of question is really common. Try to be a little innovative and interesting. Get in a conversation. Try asking him something about school ("Why do you think our school mascot is a squirrel?"), or sports ("Do you like fishing? Yah, same with my dad."), or anything interesting.
6. Find an excuse to call that person you like. Homework questions are a good one ("Hey, did you ever finish that essay in English? Oh, you never read the book? Yah, me neither.")
7.) Once you get into a conversation, there is nothing to worry about unless you somehow insult him, but that's unlikely, and easily fixed if you somehow manage to. ("What, you like lasangna? That's stupid. I mean...that's stupid that I don't like lasangna as much as you. Weird!")
8.) If you get his cell phone machine dealie, then leave a cool and goofy message. Guys LOVE that....especially when you laugh a lot in between things (actually more of a giggle!!!). But don't giggle too much...guys hate that! They think you'll have asthma or sometihng!!!
Tips
If you can't remember what to say to him then write it down on a piece of paper beforehand.
Don't call him more than 2-3 times a day.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
TOW: Life in the Fast Lane
Has anyone else recently felt like things are moving really fast in their lives? I kind of feel like a lot of people recently, in my life, have made a lot of big decisions that effect them positively, things that move them 'a step up in life.' What is interesting, however, is how fast things seem to be changing. Feel like there's not enough time to smell the roses? Do you even remember what roses look like? Then you are probably living life in the fast lane, so to speak.
We often get told that moving fast is a bad thing...that we should take time to appreciate our surroundings, and to enjoy each moment of each day. Never rush, always appreciate everything that is in your life, etc. Like the moment when you wake up and realize you're running late. Wake-up, stretch, smile, and enjoy your day.
Right.
I find this platitude flies in the face of our common sense. I always want something to be right now instead of later, and I'm willing to put aside appreciating things for a little while until I get what I want. I suppose this is a kind of utilitarianism, where we would say, "I am putting aside some smaller pleasures, for some higher pleasures." (By the way, utilitarianism is usually a bad idea, so don't make it your ethical system of choice if you can help it, k?) But in general, we often feel justified living at this faster pace because we feel that we fit and cram so much more into our lives.
Sometimes relationships, events, and just life moves faster than can be appreciated. Usually, we will have a period, later in our lives, where we can appreciate those changes. But the joys of living out our lives is not always in appreciating what we have, but striving for something further.
And that's a pretty fast way of saying live your life to the fullest.
We often get told that moving fast is a bad thing...that we should take time to appreciate our surroundings, and to enjoy each moment of each day. Never rush, always appreciate everything that is in your life, etc. Like the moment when you wake up and realize you're running late. Wake-up, stretch, smile, and enjoy your day.
Right.
I find this platitude flies in the face of our common sense. I always want something to be right now instead of later, and I'm willing to put aside appreciating things for a little while until I get what I want. I suppose this is a kind of utilitarianism, where we would say, "I am putting aside some smaller pleasures, for some higher pleasures." (By the way, utilitarianism is usually a bad idea, so don't make it your ethical system of choice if you can help it, k?) But in general, we often feel justified living at this faster pace because we feel that we fit and cram so much more into our lives.
Sometimes relationships, events, and just life moves faster than can be appreciated. Usually, we will have a period, later in our lives, where we can appreciate those changes. But the joys of living out our lives is not always in appreciating what we have, but striving for something further.
And that's a pretty fast way of saying live your life to the fullest.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Sarah's WEDDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Let me tell you, this was one fantastic shin-dig. If I get married, I only hope it can be as un-awkward as Sarah and Mike's wedding. (And hopefully, I can serve just as nice food. Yum.) Picture time!
This is Sarah and her friends looking around and thinking, 'Wow, there's a lot of people here considering neither Sarah or Mike get out too much. Who knew being a homebody could bring forth such a great crowd of peeps?"
This is Jess and Sarah's sister, Julia. Julia was hilarious as usual, and Jess was wearing hot red shoes. And Julia, for some reason, looks like she's had too-too many drinks. =)
Us relaxing on top of 10 Younge Street, one of the building right by the lake. Well, everyone is relaxing except Sarah, you know how many smiley pictures she had to take? =) Surrounded by Chris and Briana.
Of course, I got a picture with her, as well. Dig my new haircut? Aren't we great together? Can you tell Sarah isn't even looking at the camera? =D
I love this picture of Briana and Chris. It shows the quirky side of Briana and the taller side of Chris. Nice candid, dudes.
This is Sarah, Mr. DeDecker (who commanded me to refer to him as 'Ed'), and Julia. Aren't they great together? Mr. DeDecker is a scream, by the way. Really fantastic guy, you can tell why Sarah and Julia are so great because of him and Mrs. Dedecker.
"What's that Brennan, you're going to put all the wedding pics on your BLOG? No way!" Yes way, Sarah. Yes. Way.
Mr. Dedecker during one of several VERY short speeches. He made a couple of really good jokes. Mrs. Dedecker is standing right next to him.
Sarah gives a speech on the behalf of her and Mike. You can tell she's trying not to tear up. It was really sweet.
Sarah and Mike finish their speech, and stand their while everyone claps. It was also a short, but very beautiful speech.
They then cut the cake. As you can see, someone decided to rearrange the position of the bride, who was supposed to be cutting the cake. I still think it's cute in a morbid kind of way.
Mrs. Dedecker plays the piano. It was followed by Briana on guitar, but I don't have pictures of that because I was part of the, er, dancing section of the song. It's a long story. I definitely did the twist several times during the eve, however.
After all the festivities, I waved goodbye to Sarah, as I went home to sleep before working early, and she went to enjoy the party before taking a flight to the UK for a week.
Congrats, Sarah and Mike. You're both really great.
This is Sarah and her friends looking around and thinking, 'Wow, there's a lot of people here considering neither Sarah or Mike get out too much. Who knew being a homebody could bring forth such a great crowd of peeps?"
This is Jess and Sarah's sister, Julia. Julia was hilarious as usual, and Jess was wearing hot red shoes. And Julia, for some reason, looks like she's had too-too many drinks. =)
Us relaxing on top of 10 Younge Street, one of the building right by the lake. Well, everyone is relaxing except Sarah, you know how many smiley pictures she had to take? =) Surrounded by Chris and Briana.
Of course, I got a picture with her, as well. Dig my new haircut? Aren't we great together? Can you tell Sarah isn't even looking at the camera? =D
I love this picture of Briana and Chris. It shows the quirky side of Briana and the taller side of Chris. Nice candid, dudes.
This is Sarah, Mr. DeDecker (who commanded me to refer to him as 'Ed'), and Julia. Aren't they great together? Mr. DeDecker is a scream, by the way. Really fantastic guy, you can tell why Sarah and Julia are so great because of him and Mrs. Dedecker.
"What's that Brennan, you're going to put all the wedding pics on your BLOG? No way!" Yes way, Sarah. Yes. Way.
Mr. Dedecker during one of several VERY short speeches. He made a couple of really good jokes. Mrs. Dedecker is standing right next to him.
Sarah gives a speech on the behalf of her and Mike. You can tell she's trying not to tear up. It was really sweet.
Sarah and Mike finish their speech, and stand their while everyone claps. It was also a short, but very beautiful speech.
They then cut the cake. As you can see, someone decided to rearrange the position of the bride, who was supposed to be cutting the cake. I still think it's cute in a morbid kind of way.
Mrs. Dedecker plays the piano. It was followed by Briana on guitar, but I don't have pictures of that because I was part of the, er, dancing section of the song. It's a long story. I definitely did the twist several times during the eve, however.
After all the festivities, I waved goodbye to Sarah, as I went home to sleep before working early, and she went to enjoy the party before taking a flight to the UK for a week.
Congrats, Sarah and Mike. You're both really great.
My Egg-ellent Quiche! =D
I would be lying if I said I didn't take four to five photos of this.
I love cooking. =)
This was a crustless quiche with eggs, cherry tomatoes green onions and a really sharp cheese.
Highly Recommended, but maybe next time I'll add ham. =)
Sunday, June 07, 2009
VOW: High Blood Pressure
I'm positive I must have shared this sometime, but it's funny enough I wanted to post it again. LOL. Also, you'd be surprised at how much unfunny video I've watched recently. =/
TOW: Murphy's Law
Have you ever thought to yourself, "Why is it that every time I try to do something properly I screw up not just a little bit, but frankly, I screw up fantastically???" Like today when I zipped up my backpack in a lazy way, and it opened without me noticing, and a really nice pair of sports socks fell out of it. You, my friend, are being subjected to Murphy's Law. And yes, it sucks. Big time.
Murphy's Law states, "If anything can go wrong it will." This was named after Capt. Edward Murphy (or some unnamed physicist, if you believe Wikipedia.) who actually said that "If there are two ways of doing something, and one of them results in a catastrophe, then someone will do it." Murphy was later misquoted, and eventually his original statement turned into "If anything can go wrong, it will." Well, this statement holds true for Murphy's Law, apparently. Nothing like making a really interesting statement, and then being misquoted as something completely different.
The beauty of Murphy's Law, is that it expresses, very well, the general feeling of frustration all of us have when we make mistakes. Because usually the first mistake we make is always the biggest. Or most embarassing. Now, when this happens on a larger scale, like with engineering, this is a huge issue, but when it happens in our own lives, it's just as depressing.
In philosophy terms, Murphy's Law is not the same as fortune/fate. It's not 'Sometimes you're up, sometimes you're down." Murphy's Law is commenting on the fact that human error causes human problems. Big Problems. Like, remember that time you thought it would be a good idea to get your cat to play with the pitbull next door? Or how standing next to the speakers at an ACDC concert was going to be be a good idea even after your ears started bleeding because you were having a good time? What about the purple mumu you're wearing?
The reason most people like Murphy's Law is that it says to us, "Hey, don't be stupid. Pay attention! Your actions have meaning!" It's a sign of affirming free will...in a really embarassing way.
Like how I forgot to zip up my back-pack. Dang it!
Murphy's Law states, "If anything can go wrong it will." This was named after Capt. Edward Murphy (or some unnamed physicist, if you believe Wikipedia.) who actually said that "If there are two ways of doing something, and one of them results in a catastrophe, then someone will do it." Murphy was later misquoted, and eventually his original statement turned into "If anything can go wrong, it will." Well, this statement holds true for Murphy's Law, apparently. Nothing like making a really interesting statement, and then being misquoted as something completely different.
The beauty of Murphy's Law, is that it expresses, very well, the general feeling of frustration all of us have when we make mistakes. Because usually the first mistake we make is always the biggest. Or most embarassing. Now, when this happens on a larger scale, like with engineering, this is a huge issue, but when it happens in our own lives, it's just as depressing.
In philosophy terms, Murphy's Law is not the same as fortune/fate. It's not 'Sometimes you're up, sometimes you're down." Murphy's Law is commenting on the fact that human error causes human problems. Big Problems. Like, remember that time you thought it would be a good idea to get your cat to play with the pitbull next door? Or how standing next to the speakers at an ACDC concert was going to be be a good idea even after your ears started bleeding because you were having a good time? What about the purple mumu you're wearing?
The reason most people like Murphy's Law is that it says to us, "Hey, don't be stupid. Pay attention! Your actions have meaning!" It's a sign of affirming free will...in a really embarassing way.
Like how I forgot to zip up my back-pack. Dang it!
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Seriously
Today I have:
i) Worked for seven hours
ii) went to the library and did research
iii) went to the gym
iv) had a nap
v) Did the dishes
vi) made a meal from scratch
vii) Walked the dog
vii) replied to my e-mails
viii) Helped my brother write an essay in one evening
ix) Talked on the phone with friends
I'm so productive today and I have no idea how I did it.
i) Worked for seven hours
ii) went to the library and did research
iii) went to the gym
iv) had a nap
v) Did the dishes
vi) made a meal from scratch
vii) Walked the dog
vii) replied to my e-mails
viii) Helped my brother write an essay in one evening
ix) Talked on the phone with friends
I'm so productive today and I have no idea how I did it.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
VOW: The Evil Look
You might have seen this already, but I love it, so in the theme of all things baby, feel free to watch and laugh.
TOW: I'm an uncle!
I've never been an uncle before. Congrats to my little brother, Adam, with his new boy, Evan. It's a lot to think about.
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