Where Will Life Take You?

IT'S BACCCCKKK!

2009-09-02T13:33:00.003-07:00

Reports of my blog's death have been greatly exaggerated. A lot has changed in close to ten months. Both in the world and in my everyday life. Stay tuned.

2008-11-03T21:50:00.002-07:00

For the people who still don't understand why socialism (Obama) is wrong here's an easier explanation for those people who still do not understand

A young woman was about to finish her first year of college. Like so many others her age, she considered herself to be a very liberal Democrat, and was very much in favor of the distribution of wealth.

She was deeply ashamed that her father was a rather staunch Republican, a feeling she openly expressed. Based on the lectures that she had participated in, and the occasional chat with a professor, she felt that her father had for years harbored an evil, selfish desire to keep what he thought should be his.

One day she was challenging her father on his opposition to higher taxes on the rich and the addition of more government welfare programs. The self-professed objectivity proclaimed by her professors had to be the truth and she indicated so to her father.

He responded by asking how she was doing in school.

Taken aback, she answered rather haughtily that she had a 4.0 GPA, and let him know that it was tough to maintain, insisting that she was taking a very difficult course load and was constantly studying, which left her no time to go out and party like other people she knew. She didn't even have time for a boyfriend, and didn't really have many college friends because she spent all her time studying.

Her father listened and then asked, "How is you friend Audrey doing?"

he replied, "Audrey is barely getting by. All she takes are easy classes, she never studies, and she barely has a 2.0 GPA. She is so popular on campus, college for her is a blast. She's always invited to all the parties, and lots of times she doesn't even show up for classes because she's too hung over."

Her wise father asked his daughter, "Why don't you go to the Dean's office and ask him to deduct a 1.0 off your GPA and give it to your friend who only has a 2.0. That way you will both have a 3.0 GPA and certainly that would be a fair and equal distribution of GPA."

The daughter, visibly shocked by her father's suggestion, angrily fired back, "That wouldn't be fair! I have worked really hard for my grades! I've invested a lot of time, and a lot of hard work! Audrey has done next to nothing toward her degree. She played while I worked my tail off!"

The father slowly smiled, winked and said gently, "Welcome to the Republican Party."

2008-10-31T23:07:00.002-07:00

Driving and listening to Radiohead, there are now things which I thought mundane and useless to be simply compelling, something that I'll always carry in my memory.

2008-10-25T09:24:00.003-07:00

So I went to the BackAlley night club with a couple pals yesterday. Easily the dirtiest bar/club I've been too. But dirty was good in this case! Check out http://youreinluck.blogspot.com

2008-10-08T12:40:00.003-07:00

Frost is apparent the next few days. Negative temperatures actually make me feel ill when I think about them. I am a sun child. I adore the sun. If I was worshiping some sort of false idol, it would definitely be the sun. Amor la sol.

Everywhere I go, I see graffiti. In a way I respect racists more, because at least they stand for something. (Racists > Vandals though; to some extent) These 'tag artists' bring unwelcome, unbecoming gang signs and illegible word to public and private property alike. With no reason whatsoever (or right) to do so.

The economy is tanking and it's going to get worse before it gets better.
Oil was at its peak sometime in July at close to $150 a barrel for W. Texas Crude. Currently as of twenty after four on the east coast this Wednesday Oct 8, it's at $88.95. Three months ago Encana was at $86 or so. Today it's at $46.36.

That means I have lost roughly four thousand dollars if I would've sold my stock at the peak. (3694 to be approximate) Take even a year ago. Roughly $75-77 dollars a share. That's still close to $1000 dollars lost. I won't even bore you with Petro Canada and all of its struggles. Not having gas for something like two weeks certainly didn't help the value.

2008-09-02T11:21:00.004-07:00

Oh my gosh the day is finally here! Our parents have finally mustered up the courage to leave my sister and I home alone while they are out of town. The house will probably burn down by Friday I'm thinking. Yeah, probably friday at the very latest.

2008-08-25T10:56:00.002-07:00

I wish I was a drug addict or alcoholic so someone could pity me. I think pity is really underrated. Who doesn't like some commiseration from time to time? It feels pretty good. Pretty, pretty, good.

RARE DCFC

2008-08-25T10:16:00.002-07:00

GO TO HTTP://HARDTOFINDAFRIEND.BLOGSPOT.COM

Second post from the top is a bunch of rare Death Cab for Cutie songs. Simply right click and save the songs and voila! They're in your iTunes for use on you iPod. Easily my favorite band. My favorite is the acoustic version of A Movie Script Ending. I think it surpasses the original.

Here's a question for you

2008-08-06T23:43:00.002-07:00

I just opened iTunes and started listening to Pardon The Interruption and searched for the guest hosts name J.A. Adande. Wikipedia states in the second paragraph that Adande is member of the National Association of Black Journalists. I can guarantee that there is no National Association of Caucasian Journalists, and if there was, there would be a public outcry. This double standard is sickening. I believe we've all moved on from seeing any member of another race as a second class citizen. Sure, maybe a few sick people think they're superior, but the utmost majority of people agree that we're all equal. With this association existing, it just sets us back fifty plus years.

SUMMER PLAYLIST

2008-08-06T13:02:00.003-07:00

Wish I knew more about the fine details of blogging, such as adding MP3's to download or maybe even a ZIP file in which anyone who views this could download these songs, but alas I don't.

1) Start of Summer
School is out, the anticipation has been driving you crazy! The excitement factor is huge, you are ready to let loose, soak up your freedom (and the sunshine) and forget your cares and worries. For those few months, it doesn't matter what you do. Here are some tracks which I feel truly define that beginning of summer mood. Then the middle of summer, then the unfortunate and inevitable end of it all. (MORE TO COME) WORK IN PROGRESS!
A) Song for Sunshine - Belle & Sebastian (Don't read to hard into the lyrics, just listen to the chorus of "Sunshine, we all see the same sky."
B) 1979 - The Smashing Pumpkins (Something about this song just screams car ride with your best friends, windows down, and the stereo cranked. To me it tells of youth and all the glorious moments surrounding it.
C) The Way We Get By - Spoon (Reckless abandon, drugs, alcohol, summer flings.)
D) Strange Apparition - Beck (If anyone drives a Mercedes-Benz drop the top and play this)
E) 99 Problems - Jay-Z/The Beatles (DJ Dangermouse mixed 99 problems and Helter Skelter to make a superb track. Sean Carter speaks of problems, but he let's them roll of his shoulder. Or maybe he wipes the dirt off his shoulder? No, not funny? Well, I thought it was. Mix George Harrison's guitar riffs and you have in my opinion a great song. Isn't that what summer is, forgetting about your problems? Of course it is!)
F) Summertime - Josh Rouse (In my opinion, his best song. The guitar strings pluck at your heart and remind you of the simple days which are just about to begin.)
G) Blankest Year - Nada Surf ("Oh fuck it, I'm gonna have a party!")

On & On

2008-07-29T18:29:00.004-07:00

Wow, can you believe May, June and July are done? Three months already vanished, simply memories, pages written down in a book. I don't know if I have much to show for it, but they were for the most part enjoyable. A friend of mine was kind enough to invite us out to his cabin this past weekend. It was a lot of fun, but one incident showed me the true colors of having 'too much fun.' After a night of excessive drinking seemed to be winding its way down, my two friends began verbally insulting each other. Of course both felt they were in the right and the other was in the wrong. Alcohol can be fun, but when you begin to see the opposite side of its effects, you begin to think. I saw two close friends come close to physical blows, and it's always disturbing to see that. Thankfully I believe for the most part the incident was put in the past and all is back to normal again. I believe the moral of the story here is everything in moderation. But overall, great trip. On the water all day and in the evening we were blessed with bountiful meal after meal. So thanks for having us Brendan. It's always great to get away from the hustle and bustle of it all, and just relax, even if it's just for a few days.

Here's to the last month or so of summer. I hope to see those who I haven't seen this summer even if it be for a simple ten minute conversation. If I don't hear or see from you have a safe and fun August, and all the best for you in the fall in university, work, or whatever it may be.

Remembering Grandy

2008-07-16T22:19:00.004-07:00

The past week has been a tumultuous and emotional one for us all. My grandmother, Marjorie Filipski, or Grandy as we would call her, left us all too soon. My grandmother was a unique person, one who was always genuinely lighthearted and affectionate. No effort was needed for her to be vivacious, she just naturally was. Even on the days when she wasn’t feeling the best, she would greet you with a gigantic smile and open arms just waiting to hug you. Her cordial inviting manner would turn her house into a home, even if you didn’t reside there. Her positive outlook on everything was an example for all of us. Nothing could bring her down. She lived for making others feel satisfied and exuberant. She sought joy in giving others joy. She was the backbone of our family. Through crisis and conflict, she was always a mediator. Most importantly she was my grandmother, someone whom I loved and cared for deeply. We were all spoiled by her munificence. I believe we can accurately define her as a selfless woman. She made my youth enjoyable. The weekend sleepovers, the get-togethers at Christmastime, the discussions on whatever different topic arose that day, everything she did for us helped us grow and appreciate life even more. We can take solace in the fact that she is suffering no more, but it does not make her absence any easier. Let us remember a woman who made all of our lives better. Thank you Grandy.

2008-07-14T13:13:00.002-07:00

I miss you. You left us too soon. I've cried every day since I've heard the news. I can't believe you're gone. I know you're in a better place though. One day I'll see you again. I love and miss you.

Heraclitus

2008-07-14T07:57:00.002-07:00

Nothing endures but change. There is nothing permanent except change.

All you girls out there.

2008-07-11T12:17:00.001-07:00

Don't take pictures of yourself and your friends while you're in the washroom. Despite what you think, it's actually really disgusting.

2008-07-07T22:05:00.004-07:00

How good is it when you time your drive perfectly so as soon as you are in the garage the song finishes and you shut you engine off? It's amazing, that's what it is.

Terminus Ad Quem (for the week)

1)Turn off cellphone at 21:00 each night.
2)Don't complain.
3)Be frugal. (Spend wisely)
4)Go for a walk in the evening.
5)Sing more often in the car.
6)Stop speeding. Save gas. Jeeps weren't made to be driven recklessly (on the roads at least).

Back again.

2008-07-07T07:20:00.004-07:00

It's been quite a while since I've put an entry in. Here's a few thoughts and observations.

1)I am not patriotic at all. Well, at least in regards to my nation of birth. I feel no ties, closeness, or patriotism towards Canada at all. In fact, I'd much rather be an American citizen, and I am attempting to apply for dual citizenship as my father is American. I feel that americans in general are much more connected and proud. I think it relays back to the days when each nation was granted their independence. America fought in their war of independence against the British and became united as to stand together and defeat the British. Canada simply had a few conferences and agreed to join together. Maybe this is asinine to think this way, but it is my personal opinion.

2)My no working out, smoking, drinking and doing drugs may have caught up to me. MAY have. Not for sure but I am thinking it could have. Thank god I have a high metabolism, and I suppose I may have taken it for all it's worth. I feel a bit less petite. I think I am putting on weight. I am freaking out! I don't suppose I'll quit smoking, but a run every now and then is necessary I think. The problem I believe, revolves around my recent excessive consumption of alcohol. Empty calories! I'm not a big drinker, but these past two weeks the routine has switched from cigarettes, and drugs to alcohol, cigarettes and drugs. I can go through a bottle of pinot noir or chardonnay within half an hour.

3)How can anyone survive in the desert in the summer? Our family, (well actually our mother) thought it would be good for the environment if we could just hold off using the air conditioner until July. Well needless to say we yelled so much she gave up her earthly proposal and caved. Before turning on the holy A/C I could not fall asleep and this was just a few nights that went down to somewhere between 60 and 70 degrees (that's 16 to 21 degrees celsius for all you Canadians!). My room especially is probably the worst for sleeping comfortably. In the winter it is freezing cold, and in the summer it is too hot. I'll take global warming and A/C any day.

4)Went to the world famous calgary stampede the first two days. Friday, my friend and I were absolutely disgusted with everything around us. The walk towards the entrance graced us with two children absolutely covered with dirt. I believe one of them didn't even have shoes. They looked up at us with these waifish eyes, like she was an orphan or something. On the way towards the entrance we hopped numerous puddles as to not get our shoes disgusting and wet. Well other people had a different idea. Some just splashed away making no effort whatsoever to avert disaster. Then comes the entrance. The typical choci, wankster faggots all loitering around. The hair, the sideways hats, the awkward chest bumps they would give to each other. Well what they actually don't know is that no one thinks they're cool. Everyone thinks they're complete losers. Lost causes. But, I digress.

5)If you watched the Wimbledon Final between Federer and Nadal, then you saw an amazing match. Federer (#1 in the world) was down two sets to Nadal (#2 in the world) and took the next two and tied it up. It went back and forth, and with a rain delay it just glued me to the television set even more. Definitely one of the best matches I've seen in quite a while. I was cheering for Roger. I loathe people who grunt in tennis. I think it should be banned. It's not necessary and it's distracting. Maybe that's why I was cheering for Roger, and I dislike Nadal.

Thank you for reading. I'll be sure to update more readily. Enjoy the week!

2008-06-25T22:45:00.002-07:00

I need a new environment. A new setting to forget the past and look towards the future. I have seen this small city blow up into an absolute mess. I sat in traffic going home today for 45 minutes. The urban sprawl, the less than spectacular weather, the people and events I think about everyday, the things I want to forget, they all relate to me needing to leave. I feel as if this town is like a fog. They say Calgary is the new metropolis, the hustle and bustle of the west, where the cream of the crop come to make their living. The cream of Canada, it's true. Rich and thick is what it is. I used to see luxury automobiles and estates, and think to myself, one day, hopefully I can acquire this. I've seen first hand what working everyday, all day will do to you. By the end of the day you'll be so stressed, you'll simply collapse and want to sleep. Then you'll do it again tomorrow. Then, by the time you retire, you'll have lost so many years off your life, you won't have enough time to spend all your money. Where I want to go though, is up in the air. I intend to take all my finances out of the bank, work plenty for these remaining few months and leave, go far, far away. I am up throughout the night dreaming of when I was still in junior high, thinking of all the people who unfortunately are no longer in my life. It saddens me how quick we grow up, and how just as quick we lose touch of those people and those things that truly matter to us. Think back, back to a time when you didn't smoke, or didn't do drugs, didn't need alcohol to enjoy your friday nights. Think about it hard enough, and you'll begin to feel just as sick as I am feeling now. They say each generation surpasses their parents in success and wealth. Well, I know I won't, and frankly I don't want to. 'Memory is an awful curse. With age it just gets much worse.'

2008-06-17T14:39:00.001-07:00

The next time you see some guy with shorts that go below his knees, laugh at him. That was SO three plus years ago.

Puff of Smoke

2008-06-16T11:35:00.004-07:00

So, the day finally came. After all the jokes about doing it, and telling them I don't actually do (and actually doing it all the time), my father caught me smoking marijuana yesterday. Yes, I know it was on Father's Day, don't make me feel any more guilty than I already do. I was intending to smoke it later that evening to just relax and all that, but a friend stopped by and dropped off Tha Carter III (great cd by the way, pick it up!) and I asked if he would want to smoke the joint with me. I felt better that I was smoking with someone instead of by myself which is really silly. We smoked between my house and apparently my father was outside and smelt it. I came in and knew something was up. My dad was watching television on the main floor with my mother and I said something along the lines of "Wow that alien Sam Cassell is on fire!" He turned around and looked at me and didn't say anything. I poured myself a glass of iced tea and went downstairs to watch the rest of the game. My eyes are already heavy. He comes downstairs and closes the door and says "So how was the joint you smoked with your friend?" Augh! My high was ruined. I said I'm sorry I needed to get to sleep early tonight. It was the only excuse I could come up with. He wasn't too happy and actually raised his voice a few times. He threatened to kick me out of the house if I smoked on his property again. I told him I wasn't an addict. I'm not.

Freud

2008-06-13T07:43:00.004-07:00

It's enjoyable to wake up in the morning and be able to recollect your dreams from the evening previous. In my dream last night, practically every person I have hung out with, ever was on a plane. I was headed to San Francisco, and someone else on that plane, (and only one person) was heading there with me. I don't even remember if it was a man or woman, but I'm a bit disappointed that I don't know that. Everyone one else was headed south, to the desert, to Palm Springs. I didn't understand it. Every single person on that plane except me and my mysterious companion were going somewhere else. I don't know if I can analyze this dream and compare it to my situation in life or if it was just a dream. But when I got there, I realized it was still a dream. When we arrived in San Francisco, there was snow on the ground, (and I believe it has only snowed there four times at most since the 1800's) and it only looked slightly different from home. I remember my parents calling though, and the reception was so bad, so I assumed I had to be far away. This morning, I put a notepad and pen right next to my bed.

Did It Turn Out The Way You Thought It Would?

2008-05-31T11:57:00.003-07:00

Where will life take you? I chose this as the name for my collection of thoughts and observations because of the endless possibilities one has in his or her life. Everyone has a different answer to the question. You may already know where it will take you, and you may follow that route. You may have a detour planned, or it may spring upon you suddenly. The unfortunate reality as dismal and depressing as it may sound, is that everyone will end up doing their own thing; everyone has their own agenda. I've seen the changes everyday. Five years ago and now are like day and night. Hopefully each other's paths come to a junction somewhere down the road. But more than likely, we'll just end up talking about the people we have met in the last five years, and if we will remember them in ten more. Youth is an amazing time. Take advantage of it. Go for the gusto. Life is too short not to plan ahead though. Call that person you want to talk to. Tell them you care.

I've Lost Distinction Between My Dreams and Reality

2008-05-24T10:08:00.002-07:00

Lately, I've been having awful dreams, centered around every lie and wrongdoing I have done within the past two months or so. I wake up without knowing whether I was recollecting about yesterdays activities or if I was just dreaming about something no one knows about except me. Relationships and activities in the past that were amazing and gave me a sense of well-being have as of late turned into feelings and thoughts I hide from others, and they begin to come out in my dreams. I sometimes ask family members (very subtly) about these things. "Are you mad at me?" Things like that, just to see if I am not going crazy. We do live together though, and interaction with others is crucial, and necessary.

The Clouds Above Opened Up, and Let It Out

2008-05-22T22:36:00.004-07:00

So it's almost June, and I feel as if it's still late April. Maybe it's the rain. It's not too pleasant outside, but there's something about rain you can appreciate. Growth always comes shortly after the heavens open up, and everything takes on a different perspective when a downpour comes. A typical drive home after a late night can change for the better when it rains. You're concentrating on the road, and your thoughts come to you clearer. You're not messing around with the tunes or talking to someone on the phone. It's just you, concentration and the elements. I suppose it all depends on your mood at the current time though. If something not to your favor happened, you seem to dwell on it. You can't try and distract yourself. Your favorite song you've memorized line for line suddenly feels like a chore to try and even hum to. If you need to find purpose, or answer a question you've had dwelling in your mind for too long, go for a drive. Or even, a walk. Take a stroll down a pathway and observe the fauna. Or go downtown and look at a brownstone with the rain hanging on, then falling off. Go, go now and do it. You'll thank me.

So it's May

2008-05-11T20:39:00.002-07:00

School is done, and who knows what will happen next. Grab a job for a few months and then head back to school? Routine routine. Who really wants to do that? I feel that the majority of us go to school not because we have an open eager mind which can only be satisfied from the knowledge attained at a post-secondary level, but because we have to. Whether it be pressure from parents or just from yourself knowing that you have to attend this institution to grab a good job and live the good life. But really, what is 'the good life'? Is it being secure financially? (But Ye told me to go on a living spree, he said the best things in life are free!) Or is it just being able to wake up without stress and the constant thought in the back of your mind that Monday will be here soon. I'm attempting a balance, but it's just so difficult. I was looking around for places to live with a friend yesterday, and selection wasn't too great for the price they were asking. The idea of getting a job scares me. I worked during summer with friends, but I didn't consider that a toil at all. I tried earlier this year, and lasted for maybe four weeks. But things cost money, so the search has to continue. Right now, I feel like I'm stuck in a routine that's really getting boring. Ever since the last exam, it's just been drugs and lounging. I feel restless yet I don't want to do anything else. I need a change....

CRAMMING

2008-04-27T20:48:00.003-07:00

Don't recommend it, don't do it. So much work to do, and the automatic instinct for sleep will kick in soon enough. I've taken that out of the way though with amphetamines. Apparently I'll be up for thirty six hours. with these pills I just took This will either be an amazing final push to help me improve a pitiful GPA, or an event so tragic that I'll regret doing this forever. Wish me luck.

Thoughts....

2008-04-23T07:59:00.005-07:00

So I haven't had much time to get around to doing this I see. What a transition it's been since the last few entries. The seventy degree whether has turned into highs around the low twenties. It's almost May. It's awful. But it's good for studying which is what all of us are doing, (or trying to). A few thoughts and events for this past week.

A couple days ago, an exam was cancelled at the university because a student "feared for his safety" after his house was shot at. I'm sorry, but to cancel an exam for hundreds of students is simply asinine. Many of these students were probably up all night studying, and now, for what? Other exams could've been studied for during this time. It's been postponed until May first. May first?! What if you booked a flight that left May 1st? I would be up in arms, screaming at the school to pay for my ticket, hotel etc. Or cancel the exam. I think the only logical solution here would be to cancel the exam or give the option to students who would want to write it. Otherwise, it simply isn't fair. Another thing, why the hell would you be out at a nightclub when you have an exam in under 48 hours? It doesn't make sense.

I'm also watching the news everyday, and seeing the radical and detrimental changes occurring throughout the world. Oil is almost $120 a barrel. Food prices are going up. Companies are filing for bankruptcy. It's a scary thought. This world wasn't meant to be able to sustain on $100 a barrel oil. Not to mention with summer a month or so away, the price at the pumps will probably increase by a quarter dollar or so. It's really beginning to make us all think.

Finally, Hillary won Pennsylvania last night. It was a close race, but she seemed to pull away in the end. If I had to choose between Obama and Clinton, I'm looking at Hillary. She seems to stand for things, and not live and die by the political slogan of 'Change'. I'm getting too fed up with Barack constantly telling everyone to get ready for change. Change is evident, the only constant is change. Specifics would be great, and he simply is not doing that. Being a persuasive orator is one thing, but being a politician with straight talk and actual plans is another. Either way, I think we're in for a definite change when either a republican or democratic candidate get elected come November, and not in a good way.

A mid-afternoon lunch ruined.

2008-04-15T21:53:00.003-07:00

So after realizing I only have an 1/8 of a tank of gas left, and also realizing that I just filled up on FRIDAY, I decide to eat lunch at the local Quiznos on 9th and 17th. After already getting a ticket yesterday in the same general vicinity, I am skeptical to park again. Low and behold though, I have my parking ticket from yesterday with me. I propped that on the window and went in with a pal to grab some sandwiches. After relaxing and working our way on to the second half of our meal, some homeless man decides to wander in and take a seat next to my friend. He starts asking us how to spell words like 'perceive' and saying or mumbling all this incoherent, irrelevant stuff. He says P is right between my legs. I felt genuinely worried at one point, as many homeless people are not all there in the head. Bastard ruined my lunch. I left half of my fountain pop on the table too, not realizing it until later. Owners shouldn't leave there doors open for one, and secondly, they should monitor their area of dining. I hope the temperature drops tonight. I hope it goes well below zero.

Beautiful Weather

2008-04-13T21:04:00.000-07:00

It was 73 degrees today. Amazing for this time of year. It's one of those days where you just want relax and soak up the rays. Drive around with the top down, blast some tunes, have a smoke, and just let your cares fade away.