The Moving Man

Wayne and his wife Elaine on the top of Bear's Hump

This past week my great uncle Wayne Anderson passed away in Hawaii. An avid hiking, and climbing enthusiast, (really he was a professional) Wayne fell climbing Chinaman's Hat. This past fall for my documentary screening class I had the opportunity to outline a script for a documentary. I choose to do my piece as a profile of my uncle Wayne, and his many, many adventures. I had a wonderful opportunity to interview him, his wife Elaine, and family. It was last time I got to really talk with him, and I will cherish it always. This is a re-worked version of the pitch I wrote for that project entitled The Moving Man.

For some the greatest challenge in life is to live it to the fullest. It's a challenge to define ourselves against the expectations of society, responsibility, and expectation. It's hard to learn who we are when we are constantly battling against who we need to be. But we find hope in the lives of those who know who they are. Those who live their lives outside the normal boundary lines. Those irregular folk, who choose to live their lives with a zest, and zeal that's full speed, head on, pedal to the metal admirable. People like my uncle Wayne Anderson.

Wayne Anderson is a former prison guard, hiking enthusiast, and father of four. He grew up on a small farm in New Dayton, Alberta just outside of Lethbridge, Alberta. It was there, along with his six siblings that Wayne’s adventurous streak began to grow. At home on the farm Wayne grew up in a traditional sense, surrounded by nature, and his family. He spent his time between chores, and school finding ways to avoid chores and school, and escape from the farm. Eventually he found his way on the back of a motorcycle. From their his travels only increased as he rode his bike across Alberta, and into the States extensively. He rarely packed much, preferring to sleep outdoors, camp where necessary or barter for a place to sleep. His life was one of constant movement and chaos, and he wouldn't have had it any other way.

Despite his constantly moving nature Wayne eventually did settle down in the traditional sense. He married his wife Elaine, and they had four children. But his children were raised in an alternative style. Wayne, a major outdoorsman and hiking enthusiast had his children on the trails, in the rivers, and climbing mountains before most kids learn to ride a bike. He took his children on overnight hiking camps, rappelling, caving, and often bushwacking their way through the forest. His enthusiasm and love of the outdoors has been passed onto his children and all them still remain active hiking enthusiasts. His children were his pride and joy. You see, Wayne's secret talent wasn't his knowledge of ropes, knots, or hiking trails. His talent was more subtle and unique. He had the ability to make anyone feel special. When you were talking to Uncle Wayne you knew he was listening, and that for that minute (usually more) you were all his. It was evident to anyone who knew Wayne, and it's the thing I'll miss most.

I will miss my Uncle Wayne. I don't know any member of our family that wouldn't. He was a grand character. He was a man of story. He could tell and live them like no other. I will miss his stories, and my chances to make stories with him. He was a beloved man, and his family will always remember him. Selfishly I wish that he was still here, especially for his beautiful grandchildren. He was in their lives for too short a time but his stories and his way of life will always be passed on.

I entitled my piece The Moving Man because that is how I always knew him. It's hard to conjure up a memory of him sitting still. I know he's moving on now, and most likely still finding ways to get in some trouble. I'm sure his hope for us to move on too. He was never one to stand around, and he wouldn't want us to either. So for my Uncle Wayne I promise to get outside, hike a little more, and get myself some more stories. I'm going to need to practice if I'm going to be as good as him.

Life Is Something That Happens When You Can't Get Any Sleep!

And I'm back...

As every blog post I write I will start off with an explanation of how busy life has been, but in fantastic, awesome sort of life way. Work life has been crazy busy which is actually really nice. It makes the shifts seem shorter and it makes me even more happy when I'm not working!

Well the Highlight Reel...

Plenty has happened since my last blog update so I'll try and break it down chronologically for some sort of timeline.

1st: I hiked Bertha Lake in the pouring rain. It was good, even though it really is just an extended Bear's Hump but I made it. The only thing that sucked is that there is a lot of cool stuff to see like a massive waterfall off the side of the mountain but it's all blocked by trees so in all my pictures everything looks way less epic than it actually was. Plus I looked like a drowned rat and that's never attractive.

2nd: We hiked Crypt Lake. This hike was actually amazing and the weather was fantastic. I loved Crypt and I'm glad I made it. The first three km are really easy and then the switchbacks and the shale start but it wasn't too bad. The worst part was the tunnel and the cliff face. Crypt has this huge shale cliff face you have to walk along that leads to a tunnel that you have to climb up a ladder to go through. From there you walk along another higher, and scarier cliff face while holding onto a cable. For the readers who are aware of my fear of heights you can just imagine how I dealt with that. But I made it through. There was plenty of snow still at the top which was difficult to traverse and led to me sliding down the mountain on the way back. Luckily this experience helped me to prove the age old movie/tv cliche of the last ditch attempt to grab a protruding stick/pole while falling. Yes, that's right I saved my own life sliding down a cliff by grabbing a protruding stick. I have the distinct memory of thinking while I was hanging by the stick "I can't believe this actually works in real life." Luckily it all worked out and I only feel another two dozen times tripping over my own feet on the way back.

3rd: That same day we hiked Crypt I also pulled my first all nighter. It's weird but at twenty I've never pulled a complete all nighter. I always tank out around 3 or 4 am. Anyway this time we just piled into the jeep, headed into Lethbridge, grabbed some energy drinks and basically lit up the town. Just kidding. I can't exactly divulge the activities but nothing too illegal happened and nothing too sinful happened. It was fun though I must admit, and watching the sun rise driving back at 6 the next morning was definitely awesome. I have to admit though the next day I definately was feeling what I have dubbed the "sober hangover." Lots of water, and lots of sleep and eventually the energy drinks and rowdiness of the night wore off.

4th: I was invited to dinner with some family friends in Cardston. JT, Megan and I went and we had a blast. It was awesome catching up and we played some wicked Wii. I still suck but I've determined that is my lot in life when it comes to video games.

5th: There have been a couple more late night activities such as bridge jumping, lake jumping, and the basic activities of hoodlums. It's been awesome and fantastic and I'm enjoying every minute of it.
6th: We hit up the Calgary Stampede. It was an expensive and amazing adventure even though I had to ride amusement park rides which I hate. It was a great time and an almost experience. So awesome that it actually deserves it's own blog post so stay tuned for that I promise it will be coming soon!!

7th: We drove out to Thunder in the Valley. For those who don't know it's a massive fireworks display down by Crows Nest Past, just past Frank Slide. The drive was amazing and the fireworks were mind blowing. I'm not even kidding I sat there in awe like a kid on Christmas morning. It was awesome and trust me I've seen some good firework shows and this beat them hands down. I'm not sure if it was the mountains, the prevalent weed smell, or the the general hick nature of everyone there but it was a great time and an awesome show!

8th: My fam-jam came down to visit me. They left on Thursday and it was super nice to see them. It was also super nice to be feed by them.

Ok, the highlight reel is caught up. Now for the fun stuff.

Toy Story 3!!!
I love Toy Story. I always have. I had a Buzz Lightyear doll, and I still have a Woody doll. I think it's amazing and genius and I always wished that my toys were alive when I was little (and maybe even still). I saw it and this movie blew my mind. First off it was entirely quote able ("The Claw!! The Claw!!!" "It's triple thick, poly etherne!") Secondly the storyline and character development was super awesome. I was too close for comfort to tears at one point. Thirdly Buzz Lightyear did the tango that sold the movie for me right there.

Ok, the bacholerette thing. It's my duty to inform you that it has passed. I watched two episodes, saw the Jake/Vienna/who the crap are these people break-up interview and I was done. I'm considering that an act of divine intervention.

Predators
So we drove into Lethbridge for the sole purpose of seeing Predators and it was an hour and half of my life that I'll never get back. I thought it would be bad, but bad like the first one with the Govenator was bad. In an enjoyable let's kill dreadlocked aliens sort of way, with super cheesy effects. This one was so bad it was not even enjoyable which considering Deep Blue Sea is one of my all time favourite movies is really saying something.

Anywho,

Work is calling my name. But I'll update soon with the complete Calgary Stampede story and an update on whatever crazy schengians we get up to in the mean time!

Returning To The Scene Of The Crime

Well Folks I'm back.

Life has been a little crazy lately but in a very good (usually) way. Internet is almost always continually down and the staff router hates my mac so posting has been difficult. And I've been busy just having way too much fun. So be jealous, and don't hate me because I'm popular.

The Highlight Reel

Well since I last posted plenty has happened. The first super fun thing was the return to the cabin. As most of my readers know I spent at least half my time last summer at my friend's cabin just outside Waterton. It's a great place for fooling around and getting really muddy. This time we took a bunch of people up there, and had a bonfire. It was a great time and we got super filthy off-roading in the Jeep, and driving the quads. It made my realize how much I desire to be a true country hick and I'm sure I'm on my way to getting there. Next time I post I'm going to try and upload a video of me driving the quad (with my friend on the back) through a huge water bog. It was possibly the proudest moment of my life and I definitely shouted like it was the proudest moment of my life. In the video you can hear me screaming "yes" when I make it through!!

So after the little trip to the cabin we endured more days of rain. We've been doing lots of hiking and yes I have done Bear's Hump a couple more times. I'm up to 7 but I still hate it each time. The best thing is that I've returned to my favourite hike Bertha Falls. We've done that at least a half dozen times by now including in the pouring rain because we were so bored. This week we even went all the way to Bertha Lake. It was fun, even though it was raining. It's a nice hike but it gets really steep after you pass the falls. I think it's an elevation gain of 300 metres or something like that in 4 km. About halfway we stopped and told ourselves that we had totally climbed 300 metres. To our disappointment we discovered that we had gone maybe a 100 metres higher. And some stupid lady told us the lake was just around the corner when it was another 2 km, and 200 metres higher away. She got our hopes up for nothing. It was still super nice though to get out.

Roadtrip!!

The other super fun thing that happened in the past couple of weeks was a little road trip to Lethbridge/Calgary. My friends went home to visit family in Ontario so we got to go pick them up from the airport. We left the night before and spent the night at my aunts and then drove to Calgary in the morning. It was really fun, and a totally surreal experience to take a road trip and listen to music I like the whole way. Loved it!

Other than folks I've just been staying up way too late playing cards or being stupid with everyone. I've actually attuned my body to not sleep before 11 and I should be more tired but I'm not. Things are going well even though work and some other stuff have been quite stressful.

Oh and I also had my first visitor this summer. He's a reader of my blog so I have to say that I had a good time even if he felt like throwing up on Bertha Falls the entire time. It was quite funny to be the motivatior (not a word or spelled completely wrong. Somebody let me know!) on a hike for once! Kidding I love hiking just not Bear's Hump.

The Pop Culture References
Well it's sad to say it but my friends here have hooked me on of all things the Bachelorette. Why? I don't know but I console myself by watching 20 hot guys compete. Other than that I really have to admit I'm ashamed of myself but will I stop watching with everyone? Most likely no. My writers friends have license to mock me now.

Umm, on that note I saw Eclipse. Twice. And yes I enjoyed it. So beat it.

The Music
I'm going old school lately and it's fantastic. As I said my roadtrip was full of music I actually enjoy like the Mama's and the Papa's!! Billy Joel!! Cat Stevens!! And a little emo goodness! It was epic and will most likely never happen again.

Till next time...

And The Witty Died

I'm Not Late, Just Delayed

You know if anyone else was writing this blog questionable titles like that would seem a lot more titillating. Alas, it is only me and I'm just trying for some excitement. Well readers I'm not apologizing but I am explaining the internet in the staff accommodations has been down for the past week and half hence the late blog update. But today is the Sabbath and also the day of reflection, musing, and according to my agreement with my mother updating.

In the Last Week...

Going stir-crazy is the new fun thing to do here. If anyone who reads this lives in the Southern Albertan hemisphere, or you are my mother who just loves to read the weather report for Waterton we have been under a cloud of rain for the past week and half. Seriously we are going out of our minds here and it has not been pretty. I literally spent three hours at Pearls playing cards. My doppelganger (privacy watch mother readers) and I have begun a competition. That will eventually leave me as victor but for now has left me a little tiny bit wanting. But only for now. It's a beautiful game called Rummy 500 and just like solitaire it has consumed my life.

Speaking of the solitaire I have officially beaten the game more than a dozen times, and suddenly my work life has no meaning. So I read, and bang my head against the wall figuratively and literally.

Freaking Bear's Hump

Well readers those of you familiar with Waterton are most likely familiar with the world's worst hike, the most killer, the most likely to be the inspiration for Dante's inferno, Bear's Hump. It's the worst 0.5 km hike of anyone's life, most especially mine. But they have started a staff challenge to hike it thirty times this summer and so far I've been twice. And hated it each time.

But despite the crappiness of my physical prowess I've still managed to have some good times. The first time up it was extremely windy and the second time up it was even more windy. That's pretty much the appeal of Bear's Hump, the view and the challenge of staying on the top in the wind.

Is it Just Me or Is My Witty-ness Lacking?

Well folks I'm just not really feeling the writing today. The blog is going to updated further on in the week I promise, even if the internet is down because I've really grown to love the Pearl's internet cafe. So stay tuned and on top of something more exciting than Waterton in the rain.

P.S. Did ya catch the doppelganger hint? It's not a joke I've seriously made a friend who likes the same stuff as me. It's weird we talk about the same things.

The Dorked Life

My Work Life Consists of Copious Amounts of Solitaire

I'll admit it, dear readers. I've never been much of a solitaire player but for some reason this year, this mindless, frustrating, and mind numbing game has seemingly taken over my professional life. Now, before my readers (namely my mother) get up in my face for wasting time I promise you I'm not. I'm passing time. That's right, my skills as a front desk attendant have increased so exponentially that I have found myself this summer an hour into a shift with little else to do but twiddle my thumbs...hence the Solitaire.

I've never really liked video games or computer games. I can play them for a bit, but honestly I'm not a guy. I don't have a nothing box (ten dollars if someone can find that reference) to reside in while I waste hours and hours beating a game but I've realized that solitaire is not a game. Without intending to my solitaire obsession has suddenly become my goal of the summer. My co-worker got a high score of 655 decimating my high score of 458 so my new goal of the summer has been to beat that score. Here's hoping that the phones stay silent and my skills continue to leave me plenty of time to practice!!!

The Injury Clause

As my most devoted readers know last summer I had many adventures, and they each left their mark, especially my moped adventure. So this summer when I determined that I was heading back here I decided to hold myself to a no-injury clause. This meant that I would try and take extra precautions to ensure that I didn't mangle, dismember, or further disfigure myself. It's been three weeks and I've already broken it...slightly.

Do not panic readers it was not super serious. What happened was two of friends were moving into my hallway so we all banded together to move their stuff. I took it upon myself to hook their television up (because we still don't have one so I needed somewhere to watch bones) and preceded to bang my head against the sloping roof not once, but five times. I'm not going to lie the rest of the night is a little foggy. I do remember laughing way too much and far too loudly. I'm guessing it was about the nearest example I'll ever experience of drunk Maddy. Needless to say the next two nights I slept extremely well, but an Advil a day and I was just fine!

The Dorked Out Life

Well folks I know you read this to live vicariously through my (supposed) adventures while I live in Waterton, and thank you for that but as a proud dork I have a bit to say about my little obsessions. First, Smallville.

If you're reading this you know how much this show means to me. I have devoted nine years of my life to it and by the end I will have spent a glorious ten years worshipping at the altar of Smallville (no sac religion intended) so it would be foolish of me not to put out in the web-sphere my two cents about the season finale.

It was amazing and I'm not just saying that because I'm a die hard fan. Objectively it was extremely well done. The cliffhangers, character development, and even the shoots were extremely well done. For all my Smallville love I really haven't truly loved a season finale since the 4th season finale (when he built the Fortress of Solitude). This finale however was awesome. I loved the original creators and writers of the show Al Gough and Miles Millar but since they left in the seventh season the show has just got this brand new energy. The characters are more engaging, the plots thicker, and they are using way more comic book references, and characters. Plus they finally got rid of Lana and put Lois upfront and centre. Finally Superman has a character who actually questions and tests him!

Ok, I'll stop. I know I'll lose half my readers if I continue praising Smallville. Just know that in one year from know I'll be devoting an entire blog entry to Smallville so that I can achieve some sort of closure when it ends. And I'll probably break out all my seasons again. I love being a dork.

Bones on the other hand...

Bones is supposed to be the replacement Smallville. It's the show that is supposed to make the transition easier when Smallville does end next year. And I do love Bones, and as you know I met the creator Hart Hanson earlier this year. After I met him I had complete faith that he would finally deliver on his promise to get Booth and Brennan together. Complete faith. Even after the 100th episode when she told him that they couldn't be together I still believed. But after this craptastic season finale I've decided I may hate Hart Hanson.

Why you may ask? Because they didn't get together. Instead they each took of for opposite sides of the globe and the show is intending to pick up a year from now "with big changes" ie. keeping playing them apart or possibly bring the characters back with significant others. This is complete crap. The reason I was so forgiving of Hart Hanson was because as a writer I believed the character's story arcs. Brennan wasn't ready to be with Booth in the 100th episode and so her reaction was completely organic. But if she can admit that she loves Hodgins (as a friend) and recognizes that love because he gave her a codebook for poisonous spiders while she is in Indonesia then she can dang well recognize that she loves Booth!! I yelled at the television.

Hart Hanson I take back my giddy, girly, embarrassing reaction when I shook your hand.

Well that was a rant...

Well readers (I'm really pushing the addressing the readers bit today, perhaps it will make my readers feel more loved or perhaps even increase my readership [which by the way is an awesome word]), it's time for me to go make myself some dinner. I know I didn't focus too much on my Waterton exploits but not too much has happened and my slave driver has requested weekly blog postings in exchange for a hair cut when she visits in July so there will be plenty of time to update you. Plus I have to mentally prepare myself for the finale of Lost. Yes, I am also one of those dorks but only recently.

As always...

Check out the new She and Him album. It's like the mish mash of a 60's love child, and norah jones. Fantastic, and soothing. A weird little combination that is getting constant play on my ipod!

As Per The Instructions of My Mother

Well, well it was mother's day

My mother requested that I update this blog for her mother's day present and since it costs only a little of my time I deemed that a suitable compromise and a pretty furgal gift at that!!

Let It Snow, Let it Snow

So those who live in my home city of Edmonton had to deal with a one day freak spring blizzard. I have zero sympathy for you because your blizzard was simply the remants of the three, yes three spring blizzards we have had so far. I'm not kidding, in total I think we've probably gotten about five feet of snow but it melted and then snowed and melted again. Today is a melt day but I'm sure by mid afternoon things will change. Welcome to Waterton!!!

The storms were so bad that the surrounding areas such as Cardston and Mountain View were out of power for two days. Luckily here we were only out of power for about 4 hours but it was enough time for me to realize that I am helpless without a stove. Seriously I freeze my bread and I had to dethaw a piece of bread in the one little crack of sunlight that was streaming through the window. It only took about half an hour of my life that I'll never get back.

Cabin Fever

Needless to say with the constant snow and the lack of anything being open in Waterton we were all getting extremely bored. Even the satelitte was out!! So one night when it was again snowing quite hard we all bundled up and rounded up as many people as we could. We had a small snowfight and then built three massive snowmen just in front of the hotel entrance. It was the most fun I've had in the snow in years. It wasn't cold so I was just in a hoodie and jeans but by the end of the night after rolling around in the snow for hours we were all frozen. So we headed to the pool and hot tub (after hours because we be Staff and we get sweet privileges!!) and stayed there till about 12. It was probably the funniest night I've had here so far.

I've Got The Crew

This year has turned out to be so much fun here in Waterton, and that because we have a really good staff crew this year. There is a big group of us that aren't hardcore party people so we get together for stuff like herbal tea!! It's been really cool because we all just gather in someone's apartment or just stop by whenever we're bored. Last night I had the whole crew essentailly in my apartment until 11:45, just chatting away. It's been really cool and I've really happy that I choose to come back this year.

The Pimp Suite

Yep that's right this year I've totally scored on the staff accomdation front! My apartment is directly across the hall from my old apartment but it's so much nicer. It's really big and has beautiful, big windows that directly face Vimy. My room has a nice big window that faces the mountain and no blind so the sun wakes me up every morning. It's great and we have a massive huge shower which is good because there will be four girls living in this apartment. For now there is three of us and it's working out great!

My Partner In Crime Has Arrived

Due to internet privacy and whatnot I can't officially name my best buddy online who has now shown up but the majority of the people reading this now who he/she is so fill in the blanks. Anyway he/she showed up this week and so now the summer has officially started even if the weather is not co-operating. Expect the great and grand tales of last summer soon, hopefully, weather willing.

Anywho,

Well folks I guess I should return to getting some work done. But before I go everyone should be listening to my new favourite Mumford and Sons and watching Smallville because this week is the finale and it's going to be amazing!! Even for the naysayers who read this and think Smallville sucks, watch it will rock your world and if not Superman will trump you down! Or at least I will in his stead.

Till next time...

The Return

Return To My Mountain Home

Yes that's right folks I have returned to Waterton once again. It was a bit of a struggle to decide and after a hundred pros/cons list (you know I love them) I finally made my decision and I'm here once again. So far, it has been amazing just being back in the mountains. Of course, Waterton is still Waterton. My first day here I was welcomed with three feet of snow and a three hour power outage, but a chinook came through the next day and the storm and snow has now passed. I was all game for an epic snowball fight but my friends were not up for it, but I still managed to get a few shots in.

Right now I'm in an apartment across the hall from my old apartment. It's bigger and it has a super nice shower but there will probably be four of us, or even five stuffed in here. For now it's just two and so there's lots of space. I'm super lucky on the roommate front this year. Most of my roommates are members so I wouldn't be worrying about any major partying. My current roommate is from Ontario, loves show tunes, and youtube blogging. She's been a lot of fun so far and Megan is especially excited to meet her and sing some show tunes.

So that's about it for Waterton now. I'm back to front desk and I'll even be back at the Aspen Village so nothing has really changed there. The first couple days here I've just been adjusting. Nothing too major because of all the trails are still closed so I've just been hitting the gym, working, or cleaning the apartment. Last year this apartment was party central so bleach has definitely been used on almost every surface, and one major nasty, huge, hairball was pulled out of the shower drain, and I almost vomited.

The Rest of The Semester...

Well I survived the end of school. It was dicey there for a couple of weeks especially when my dell computer finally gave up the ghost in the last two weeks of school. Luckily I rescued almost everything (except the assignment I had spent six hours on) off it. Eventually this lend to my newest pride and joy, my Macbook Pro. Yes that's right people this blog is coming to you off the slim, the shiny, the sexy, and all mine MacBook Pro. And not the old one, the brand, spanking, new, fast processor one!

This semester was probably my favourite so far. I loved my classes and I did really well. I got two A-, two A's, and one B-. It was really enjoyable and I'm really looking forward to next year after my summer break.

Oh yeah, the cliffhanger

So I forgot about the last epic event of the semester my Muse concert. It was completely amazing and so deafening! I had a super bad cold a couple of days before and my throat was just starting to heal up and needless to say it did not fare well in the days after the concert. Even if you didn't enjoy their music you would have loved this show. The effects, the sounds, and the passion of the band was so incredible. I was just in awe the entire night of the whole spectacle. I think it will be a long time before I see another concert as incredible as that.

Well...

Well folks it's time for me to head back to preparing my dinner because I have to do it all myself. At the moment I'm living off of asparagus which is good but I'm looking forward to heading into town to get a little more variety going.

As always...

I've been jamming to the new Norah Jones cd, and it's quite good for my older readers. But for the young at heart I have recently rediscovered my love for the Violent Femmes. It's all I've been listening to and I swear even though I've heard it a million times I could put Blister In the Sun on a rotation and listen to it over and over and never get bored. It's that good.

Until next time...

P.S. As I am now back in Waterton and trying to avoid the daily houndings of my mother for my well-being this blog will most likely be updated more currently, so stay tuned, tell your friends, and comment!!!

Appeasing the Masses

Well gang I'm back to appeasing those who have still continued to read this blog, namely my mother. I promise no matter how long it takes me to blog again I will not open another blog with an apology, after I'm done writing this one of course.

Lived a Greatest Day

As I mentioned in my last post this semester features three amazing events and two of the them have already happened. The first was the future of story conference at my school. This was an amazing day. It was a two day conference (though I only went to one day because of work) that featured a bunch of prominent authors, screenwriters, comic book authors, producers, editors, etc. from the Albertan and Canadian community talking about the future of the story. Of course for me the main attraction was Hart Hanson, the creator and executive producer of Bones! Yes, that's right I met him! It was absolutely amazing. My friend and I were volunteers for the event and we got to go back stage at the school and help out there. It was a great experience. We got to play seek and find in our school and found so many sweet new hallways, rooms, and workshops. I love my school it's a crazy little funky maze and it's always fueling creativity. Anyway back to Hart Hanson. We thought that we weren't going to get to meet him but because we had been helping back stage we ended up getting to talk to him there. This was the first time that I really met someone I truly admire and I have to admit I did not hold it together as well as I thought it would. I can completely hold my cool like an icicle around a boy I like, but man around anybody remotely famous apparently I lose it. I told him in a much more girly voice that we were huge fans, after I shoved my hand in his face to shake his hand. It was a little embarrassing but it didn't even matter because I got to meet him!!

His talk was amazing and the rest of the night was great because we worked coat check. Coat check turned out to be the place to be, and everyone talked to us, offered advice, or listened to the ideas that we had. It was amazing and the whole night was just an incredible high.

The Best Week

Well I also had the chance this semester to expand my horizons. Yes, on Feb. 16 I boarded a plane and made my way all by myself to California. I spent a marvelous week there with my Aunt Jenny and my Uncle Ken. They showed me all the sights of Fresno, and Clovis and then we packed up the car and made our way to San Francisco for the week. San Francisco was amazing. The buildings, the bridges, the overpasses it was all so incredible. It actual looks like it does in the movies, it is literally up and down. It was freaky and so weird especially driving up a hill that steep it just doesn't seem right.

In San Francisco we went to Fisherman's Warf which is one of the big tourist attractions. It's mostly a collection of tourist shops, spots, attractions, and whatnot located along the pier. It was amazing and really cool to see everything. There was a crazy sour dough bread factory that made bread in the shape of animals like crocodiles, a crazy jungle restaurant with a fish tank arch, crazy hippies trying to score money for dope, and of course creepy magicians. My next post I'll try and upload pictures for you to see what I'm talking about because most it I can't describe.

Of course we drove across both the Golden gate and the Bay bridge. Halfway across the Bay bridge (it's a twenty minute drive across) my aunt mentioned that it collapsed a couple of years ago. Yeah that really calmed me down. I almost passed out in sheer terror. It's really weird there because for a region that is plagued by earthquakes they have all these crazy high overpasses and bridges that seriously look like they will just collapse like toothpicks if an earthquake hit. I don't get it but it was cool to see them.

The rest of the week was spent chilling out with my Aunt and Uncle. I had a ton of fun with them and I did a lot of shopping. I'm officially poor for the next two weeks. Holy man.

School....

Well, school is beginning to get intense again. Honestly this next month I have three or four assignments due every week so don't expect an update for awhile. My project lead class is going really well. I really lucked out my first project I had an amazing group and we got 93% and then 95% on the assignments. Now I'm a leader of a new group so wish me luck! Hopefully it will all work out.

My other crazy classes are screenwriting and writing for the ear. Screenwriting is not that bad, it's just a lot of writing. This semester we have to write a 24 page screenplay. We've already finished all the outlines for it, and this week I'll be starting on the first draft of my screenplay. Next post I'll try and provide a quick synopsis for you, so far it's kind of a boy meets girl/ corporate espionage kind of thing.

Writing for the ear is my speech writing class which seems to be going well. Most of my classmates tell me that I'm really good, but I'm just talking it up to all of my experience talking in church and my crazy maniac personality. Today actually we had to do a debate in class. I was against the best girl in the class and my topic was opposing the withdrawal of the Canadian forces in Afghanistan. It was a brutal topic but I think I did really well on it. It was just tough because I'm pretty for the soldiers getting out of there. Anyway...another time for that.

Life is getting a little stressful lately but I'm just going to keep on trying. I'll try and update this blog and let you in on the decisions that will come in the coming weeks. Spoiler alert: I'll eventually decide whether or not I'm heading back to Waterton this summer.

You Know I Can't Resist:

First off everyone reading this is obliged to let a congratulatory cheer Smallville was renewed for a tenth season!! It has been amazing this year and I'm not just saying that because I'm a mega fan. They've really found the groove of the season this year and they've been writing some amazing television. I love this show, and I love that it seems to get better every year and I don't have to ever let go it because it keeps getting renewed. It's been my favourite since I was 11 and I absolutely love that!!

Also Jamie Cullum, you might remember him as the groovy, jazzy, funky, beast of my laundry folding listening in Waterton last year has come out with an amazing new album. Check it out, it will blow your mind, as it is blowing mine now!! I absolutely love it! The vocals, arrangements, horns, piano everything is louder and faster. The best tracks for me so far are: Wheels (an amazing epic little ditty about the wheels of life), Mixtape (epic horn and string arrangements), and Don't Stop the Music (Done tens times better than Rhianna ever imagined) Check it out I promise you will love it!!

I'll see you on the other side of a dozen essays, two drafts of a screenplay, project leadership, and speeches!!

I Want To Go Down in Celluloid History

Well, Well, Well

To make this official it has been more than a month since my last blog update. I'm pretty sure that the few readers I had, I have now lost. So I must reclaim them. Life is getting crazy again and I'm starting to believe that it may just always stay that way. Which, if it stayed as happy and awesome as it is, would be just fine.

The updates (short version):

Christmas/New Years was spent with family and friends. There isn't much more to that, because that is the absolute best gift I always seem lucky enough to get. It was enjoyable, there was plenty of food, and far too much laughing. This year was the first year that I felt confident enough to make my own separate New Year's plans from my family. I spent my evening in the company of good friends, in satin, drinking fake bubbly. If New's Year's Eve defines how you spend the rest of your year then I'm feeling pretty confident that this year will be a great one.

School: Well, I got a B in my grammar class! And I don't have to take another grammar class for the rest of my degree! Life is absolutely grand, and I did far better this semester than I thought I would. This new semester is shaping up to be very exciting. I'm taking project lead (which focuses on group work and taking a project from start to finish), writing for the ear (essentially a speech writing/delivering class), professional prose (just the 2nd half of the course I started in sept.), Applied Rhetoric (the 2nd level of a course I took last year about the ancient method of arguing. It's weird, it's intersecting, it gives me mad skills), and screenwriting two (essentially the same as screenwriting one except I have to write a 25 page script this time), and that's it!

Life: Well, probably the biggest change is that I turned twenty and now must reconcile myself to the fact that I no longer can use the excuse of technically still being a teenager. It's a really weird age, and I'm not going to lie I did have a one day freak out about it but it's been two weeks and I think I'm cool with it. My birthday was really awesome and fun, again surrounded by family and friends. I think the weirdest thing about this birthday is remembering what I used to think turning twenty would feel like. I thought I was going to be a scientist (no lie) and have my own car, live someplace warm, and spend all my time with my friends from elementary school. Well, you guys know the truth. I'm not there, but I don't think I could have imagined how great my life is now. There still is some grey days but the sun is always shining if I want it to!

Anyway that's the update. I'll try and keep it up.

On the other note, my personal ramblings need to take a back seat because I believe my pop culture leanings have not been discussed in some time. There are three things everyone needs to know (in my opinion): one, Smallville keeps getting better and better and I'm seriously considering starting a pray group to ensure a tenth season (is that sacrilegious, oh well the Lord knows how much I need it), two: I discovered Phoenix over the holidays and everyone should check them out as well as buy the new Vampire Weekend album!!, and last but not least: I have come to the realization that my psychological well being is severely bettered when I consistently play brick breaker on my phone, and I will always love blackberry for that!

This week I'm having a Smith's reunion so you should check out: There is a Light that Never Goes Out, and Cemetery Gates!

The Coup

Liar, Liar, Pants On Fire

Well, I lied. I was not able to keep up with the blogging. Honestly I did have the time on Sundays like I said but my brain was so fired from all the writing I had to do for school that the last thing I wanted to do was write about myself. But it's almost the new year and I'm starting early on my resolutions.

Since the last time...

Well, a lot has happened since my last post, and before that I didn't mention. So, I'll just give you a quick highlights reel of my first semester this year.

The Top 10 of this semester:

10. Getting Home from Waterton and paying my full tuition!

9. Getting my credit card (not that I'm wildly spending its just a milestone of adulthood)

8. Dances, and Dances (I've been dancing like crazy this semester with the busyness of ysa but its been a ton of fun.)

7. Discovering Glee/Glee Finale (we discovered it this year as I mentioned in earlier posts and every week we became more and more obsessed, resulting in our glee finale party at my house, which was was really just us but still awesome!)

6. Scoring a 71% on my grammar midterm (still waiting for the final mark), an A- in short fiction forms, B- in editing (which is higher than I thought), and that's all I have so far.

5. Jason Mraz concert (it was amazing and like a tween I was so nervous to see my idol but it was the best concert I've been to yet!)

4. Return of rockband (well it was only one night but we all played some rock band and though I'm sure it wouldn't be as often, it was super fun! Even though I sucked!)

3. Stagette/Bridal Shower: My good friend got married at the end of november, so we had some parties to send her off right. It was a real fun time and so exciting for her!

2. Preference: My friend and I went together and were brave enough to ask some boys out on date! I asked a good friend from school and we had a lot of fun.

1. Wedding: it was one of the coolest things to see two of my really good friends get married. It was wonderful to see them so happy and it was so much fun!

Some of the downer/stupidly dumb moments:

- shutting my finger in the car door. I don't even know how it happened but the next thing I know my hand is caught and I was screaming. My finger grew to the size of a Bratwurst sausage and was weirdly twisted but has since healed. It was definitely one of the more embarrassing of my many injuries so far.

- it was -40 for a week and half. We have gotten so luck this semester with the weather until the end of november/beginning of dec. It got so cold and the worst part was I kept thinking of my friend JT at school in Hawaii. He made it so much harder to accept the cold this year. In other news, I have set a goal to move to a warmer climate.

Coming Soon:

Well this next semester is really shaping up to be really awesome. I have some exciting classes this next semester, which I am really looking forward to. I also have some exciting events coming up this semester. First off I will be turning twenty which is a big milestone birthday and weirdly old for me. Don't shoot me, older readers it just seems very adult. And I definitely do not feel like an adult. In February I will be volunteering for a writing conference. One of my teachers is organizing it and a bunch of Canadian authors, and industry leaders are speaking and manning panels including one of my personal heroes Hart Hanson, creator and producer of Bones! That is pretty much the reason I joined!

Also in February I will be flying to California to visit my Aunt Jenny and Uncle Ken in Fresno. Hopeful we will be able to work everything out and go visit San Fransico! I'm so excited, because even if its cold there it will still be warmer than Edmonton! I cannot wait for reading week!

Then in March my friends from school and I will be heading to the Muse concert! It will be epic to say the least, and I'm more excited than I thought I could be.

Final Note:

I can't guarantee that I will keep up with this because the evidence against me is overwhelming but I'll try and give it a shot. It's fun to share what's going on in my life with everyone who reads this and get psyched up for what's coming next. Till next time then!

The Return

Trying To Be More Than A Flash In A Pan

Well, readers I'm going to try and give this blog thing more of a concentrated effort. Life is really busy but people (namely my mother) seem to miss what I have to say, and truth be told, I miss writing it sometimes. So I will be trying a little harder from now on, my plan is to try and update it on Sundays when I can't work on school stuff.

So as I said life has been pretty busy but in a good way. For some reason I thought that putting almost all of my classes on thursday, and friday was a good thing last year but it is not. It's nice in the days leading up to it, but I find myself dreading those days now. It makes the weekends so much busier but I have all these assignments and I'm usually not home Friday and Saturday night. This past week was crazy like that and pretty much the next month will be insane with the projects I have to do, my fingers are going to be sore from typing!

School, School

As I said school is getting really busy but I'm really enjoying it this year. I have five class this year, short fiction forms, applied editing, advanced composition, professional prose, and screenwriting one. Short fiction forms is probably my favorite class, despite being taught by one of my least favorite teachers. We get to study short stories and then work on writing our own. It's a lot of reading and writing but I think I'm starting to come with some really good stories and I've been really enjoying most of the short stories we get to read. The stories in my last post were from that class, but some of the stuff I'm working on now is a little more different so I'm not sure yet if I'm confident enough to post them here. It's one thing to have a relative stranger read your stuff as opposed to people who know you.

Advanced Composition is my toughest class probably yet. It's an insane grammar class, we are literally mapping out sentences. I'm really trying hard to stay on top in class, and read the chapters so that I have at least heard of the concepts we discuss. Then I found out I was reading the chapters in the wrong order, so after the midterm on thursday I'm totally ahead on my reading! Wish me luck on that test, I'm looking for a pass!

Applied Editing is by far the most work. My teacher is very ocd, and because the class has no final she seems to think we have to be completely over run with homework. In addition to the chapter readings, she gives us weekly assignments that routinely take two hours to do, and there is an essay or project due every three weeks. It's tough, I could probably spend most of my time just working on the homework from that class. I do like some of it though, because in this class we look at more of the theory of editing as opposed to the technical aspects that we looked at last year. Plus the textbook is really awesome if you like writing and want to improve your writing, its called Spunk and Bite by Arthur Plotnik, and it's definitely got spunk!

The biggest disappointment so far has been my screenwriting class. I really was looking forward to it and it has turned out to be really boring. It's really basic screenwriting stuff (easier than the stuff I did in high school film class), and we don't apply to it many movies. Each class begins with a 30-45 min presentation from a group on the assigned reading and then the teacher just lectures on what they talk about. The presentations are defintely the highlight, the lectures are the worst. at MacEwan the teachers let you go 10-5 mins early so that if you need to catch a bus you can make it. This teacher is new to the school and has decided that the because the website says we are in class until five he will keep us till then. It sucks, especially when he just repeats himself for 2 hours.

I've Got A Social Life

Besides school I'm trying to iron out some sort of social life, since I've gotten back there has been dance, after dance, after dance. Don't get me wrong, i don't necessarily mind dances but they are not exactly my cup of tea. You can't really get to know people at them, and even if you meet new people its dark and loud so you're never a hundred percent sure if thats the person you met if you see them at church. It's been fun though because I've got a really good group of friends so we all go together and have a great time.

This weekend was Halloween and we spent it at the dance on Friday, and then on Saturday we went to a family friend's party. I resurrected the gangsta costume, so I was dragging my drawers, and wearing some bling! I love that costume, but this is the last year that I will be ballin! I'm too old for that now I guess, plus I don't think its going to earn me anymore dates, unless they are pity dates.

Well, I think this is a good enough start. I'll try and remember intersecting things that happen in my life to share now that I'm home in E-town. It's weird I've been home two months now, but it still feels like I just got home. The good thing is, Waterton is already under snow so I'm not really missing anything!!

I've Full of Glee!

Well, its finally happened. Show tunes have wrangled their way into my heart, well not really. My friends and I have started watching this new show Glee about a high school Glee club and the music is awesome. I love it, I listen to it all the time, especially when I'm running. My favorite songs are Somebody To Love, and It's My Life/Confessions Mash Up, closely followed by my newest guilty pleasure, the glee version of the Thong Song! Ah, I always knew that song would come back in style!

P.S. My browser is American so it has changed all the spelling to american, so I'm not anti-Canadian, just forced by technology. It's taking over.

Now What?

Home

Well I am happily at home now, after my summer away. I've been informed that I need to continue to update this blog to pacify the people who read it, namely my mother. So, here it is. I have been very busy since I got back. I forgot how busy life is, with school and ysa activities. School is going great so far, I paid off my entire tuition for the year so yeah! And as of yesterday I am officially back at superstore, so drop by and visit because it is still exactly the same. Anyway I don't have much time for detailed description of my life right now, as I'm too busy writing other things. So I thought instead of boring you with my non-fiction, I could maybe entice you with some of my fiction. This is two short stories I had to write for class, and I'm looking for feedback so don't be shy. Spoiler warning, one of them is fairly black humour (as in death and stuff) so if that bugs you just skip over it.

The first piece is inspired by a current events issue that I'm sure will be made clear as soon as you start reading it.

Kanye West – The Housefly

Once upon a time there was a housefly named Kanye. Kanye believed he was a different kind of housefly, born with extra long wings that allowed him to fly higher than all the other flies. Like the other house flies on his block, Kanye flew with ease in his backyard, happily fed and shelter while, other flies struggled in outhouses and farmhouse for a meagre piece of dung, Kanye didn’t have to hunt for his dung he was happily fed everyday by a terrier name Charger. No other flies ate Charger’s dung, due largely to the pesticide dutifully sprayed by Charger’s owner which Kanye just happened to be immune to. So Kanye grew fat, and convinced of his own glory. Everyday he’d fly down to the steaming, fresh, pile of crap dutifully left for him by Charger convinced that no other fly flew as well as him

Now the other housefly’s recognized Kanye’s talent. Some when they first saw his would buzz that there had really been no other fly like him that zoomed and buzzed quite so effortless, so loudly, so poetically. Some said he was one of a kind and every night when the houseflies had their buzz wars, over the Miller’s barbeque they watched Kanye beat housefly after housefly down with his wicked buzz’s and wuzz’s. But not all flies liked him, especially the horseflies. The horseflies were the real deal. Bred in the country, in mile high piles of dung they were forced from the moment of their birth to build the hardest exoskeletons to dodge the horse’s violent tails that waved back and forth in an attempt to eradicate them. The violence that had surrounded them from birth hardened them, and they were notoriously fickle. Alliances were made and broken everyday over the biggest pile of dung. The hardest horseflies didn’t even blink their many eyes when their comrades were crushed beneath the weight of a horse tail. Instead they buzzed louder and more convinced of their superiority they flew right into other flies territory for the best dung. This started the great horse fly wars which lead to the loss of many flies. The horse flies answered to no one and respected no one, especially houseflies.

Kanye knew he was the best, because everyone had told him so. And if everyone tells you then it must be true right? He never questioned himself or his flying ability; he was convinced just like a child who believes Santa is on his way. The horseflies watched Kanye with a righteous anger. Who was this wussy housefly from the suburbs? Why did he fly so well? Their rage grew as they watched him circle and twist buzzing along through the air using the moves they had developed out of survival for his own pleasure. He was disrespecting them! But that was not Kanye’s worst crime, his worst crime in the horseflies mind was his attitude. This fly, thought that he was fly he didn’t need to hunt for dung. His so called fans brought him it! He got the best dung, buffalo dung (the Cristal of the fly world) handed to him on the backs of flies that had risked life and limb just to get it, in the vain hope that he would teach them his signature moves. Their fury could not be contained; the horseflies had to do something.

They sent a suck up suburban fly to fetch Kanye, with a message of congratulations. Of course, like all house flies Kanye secretly carved the approval of the horse flies so he returned with the messenger to greet them in person. The head horse fly, 50 cent (so named for his survival against some little boys and a roll of quarters) buzzed his greeting to Kanye. Kanye, eager to impress, buzzed back with as much vigour and enthusiasm as he could muster, and the two flies began a buzz war. Gyrating back and forth, shaking their wings, they buzzed each other. One would buzz a tune, and the other would try and out do him. The fight grew fierce, until 50 cent buzzed so loudly, and wuzzed so fast, that Kanye had to concede. Humbled (but still secretly proud of himself) Kanye bowed to the horse flies. Out of appreciation for his talent the horse flies led Kanye to their special place, on the back porch of the farmer’s house. There just hanging underneath the awning was a light more beautiful, more heavenly than Kanye had ever seen. He watched it in wonder, as he buzzed around each time getting closer and closer to the light. The horse flies explained that the light was their hood, their special place that they had earned when they had survived attacks from the horses, fly swatters, and children. They buzzed Kanye in, encouraging him closer and closer. Kanye could not resist; all 80 of his eyes were wide in delight. It was so beautiful, so bright, and wondrous, and the closer he got he could see a little bar for him to rest on and bask in the beauty of the light, and his own power. He was the best, the absolute best.

The other houseflies circled with him, and then they saw his eyes widen in delight, and his wings buzz happily, and faster they backed away to the top of awning. There they sat and watched as Kanye circled closer and closer, until they were finally convinced that the light had him in its spell and then they turned away, until the heard Kanye’s final buzz as he hit the light and fell to the porch beneath. They didn’t even look down to check; because they were absolutely convinced he was gone. 50, tired after a long day took one look around at his gang, shook his head, and said “that was easier than T-Pac,” before he curled up and went to sleep.

Like all great flies Kanye’s popularity only increased after his death. Little suburban houseflies copied his moves and mourned his death like the death of their brother. Of course, no one blamed the horse flies because well, no one could prove it. The horseflies’ recognized the inevitability of Kanye’s post humongous fame, cashed in and began giving classes on Kanye’s moves. 50, though arrogant, was really pragmatic enough to realize that you couldn’t beat the life out of Kanye, but you could keep order and proper respect through a steady environment of intimidation and fear. The horse flies ruled the roost, convinced of their cred, and strength. The house flies watched from their porches, hoping in vain that someday they would be as tough and as buzz worthy as the horse flies. And in the space of twenty four hours, that generation died and another sprang up; ready to buzz and wuzz like no other before, because a little suburban housefly Kanye had buzzed and wuzzed just like the horseflies.

And this last piece is my favourite, it might become more, but I think its off to a good start. Let me know!

Reason #101 To Get An Education

Name of current employer. That one little unholy line will be the death of my future career. I can’t fill it out, I just can’t. No employer in his right mind would hire me; they’d probably hire a seasoned drug lord over me. My job is just too weird, too uncomfortable for the general public. I’m doomed; I’m absolutely doomed to spend the rest of my life as a chauffeur for the dead.

Now of course that’s not my official title, officially I am an employee of the Minister of Justice, who specializes in the transportation of delicate materials, which have already been dispatched. How did I even come here? Well, despite popular belief the ME’s office, (medical examiners for the layman) actually advertises openings in their fleet. I was simply looking for trucking work when I spotted an ad for driving in the city, good wage, handling delicate materials, and a number to call. Government advertisements shouldn't be that sketchy. And now, here I am in the middle of a September heat wave, picking up yet another decomposed body. Yeah, that’s exactly what future employers are looking for.

I don’t hate my job, I don’t like it, and occasionally I don’t mind it. It’s actually really easy, the ME’s office is really looking for a license and a pair of hands that can put on some surgery gloves and bag all the pieces. Occasionally my job can even be pretty sweet. I don’t have standard office hours, just a van and a cell phone, and when I get a call I drive out to pick up the body. The office even paid for a sweet suit for me, so that I looked less like an under qualified college drop-out and more like a sober, professional employee of the state. The worst part of my job is the questions. Every time I show up at the scene there is always some rookie cop or should have been retired ten years ago cop, watching the scene, like it’s their job to make sure that nothing goes wrong. They’re always bored out of their mind, and somehow think chatting up the “chauffeur” as they like to call us will pass the time. One rookie cop, Jim seems to be at every call I’ve gotten in the past two weeks. Every time he saunters up to me, thumbs hooked in his belt like he’s Clint Eastwood, shaking his head and chewing on a wad of gum. “I’ve never seen one this bad, yep, this is a doozy.” Every single body is a “doozy” to Jim, even the old guy who died in his sleep and looked like he was going to wake up at any second. He compared that body to the body that was found in the tub after being in there for two weeks. Somehow to me, a body that had basically disintegrated, and a still intact, hardly looks like he is dead guy, don’t really compare, but that’s just me.

The worst part of my job is the gradual loss of any empathy that you feel. I can walk into a suicide scene with blood and guts all over the wall and feel nothing. Somehow that doesn’t seem quite right in my mind, but I guess it goes with the territory. I’m not nearly as bad as some of the guys. Roger, has been with the ME’s office for twenty years, and he loves the job. If there was ever a guy who believed it was his destiny to pick up dead bodies, it’s Roger. He has routinely gets tickets of over a $100, because he cannot be late to the scene. I think it’s his secret dream to someday find a body all on his own. He’s got these buggy eyes, and Dwight Shrute glasses that scan the scene like a warrior surveying the battlefield. He loves the messy cases, (which is just fine with me) and he’ll stay forever just to make sure he’s got every last piece. He’s completely death obsessed, and the few times I tried to chat with him, all he would talk about was the newest burial method he was most interested in. So, obviously, I don’t spend any time with the guys I work with off hours.

It’s not like job is going to be the highlight of my career just a means to an end, until something better comes along. I mean, a mini-van is not exactly a hot-rod to the ladies. Especially if the take a look in the backseat. And the smell is just so unholy. Especially this week with the heat wave, and there is absolutely nothing you can do to cover it up. Believe me, I’ve tried. I once spent an hour in a grocery store checking every single air freshner for maximum strength, and nothing worked. The worst part was when I came out I saw this lady pushing her kid in a stroller glance in my back window and then literally run away when she saw the bag. After that I requested the van with the tinted windows. After all, I’m a single man; I can’t have people thinking I’m some serial killer or something, that wouldn’t do my dating life any good.

So here I am in another employment agency office, scanning every single ad that even mentions driving, because seriously, can there be a job lower on the totem pole than me? Maybe a pizza hut delivery guy, but that’s about it. But the problem is, I just can’t write down the name of my current employer, because than everywhere I go, I’ll be the guy who picked up dead guys. I’m branded for life! Maybe that’s how Roger got stuck at the ME’s office. I’ve got to find another job. I should’ve gone to school.

So let me know what you think people because this kind of stuff is all I'm really working on besides essays and stuff!