Cinderella's Blog... I find my solace here

Cinderella's Blog is a strange look into the mind of a girl geek!

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Location: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Monday, February 23, 2004

PLEASE DIRECT YOUR ATTENTION TO: http://cinderella.weblogs.us/

My new blog is up!

Pleas goto Cinderella's Blog - http://cinderella.weblogs.us/ to continue reading my blog.

Please update your favorites, change your links, to reflect my new blog!

That url again is: http://cinderella.weblogs.us/

I WILL NO LONGER BE POSTING HERE! PLEASE GOTO http://cinderella.weblogs.us/.

This is the end, of my blog-spot/blogger blog.


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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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"What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from."
-T. S. Eliot, "Four Quartets"

Sunday, February 15, 2004

MOVABLE TYPE!

This is my last post, on blogger. Blogger, you served me well. Thanks for the memories.... Stay tuned fo my movable type address at my new blog location... Once setup is complete, I will post the URL, for forward you to my new MT blog.

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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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"Some memories are realities, and are better than anything that can ever happen to one again."
-Willa Cather, My Antonia

Saturday, February 14, 2004

No updates for a while

There is a good reason... In a day or two, you will see.

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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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"Our patience will achieve more than our force."
-Edmund Burke, Reflections on the Revolution in France, 1790

Sunday, February 08, 2004

Monterey Bay Aquarium: Aquarium Exhibits - Sharks: Myth and Mystery

Monterey Bay Aquarium: Aquarium Exhibits - Sharks: Myth and Mystery

Time, it just slips away from us.

This week went by in a blur. One moment, I was enjoying my weekend, planning on getting a domain (still trying to think of a really good name that is not taken) then next moment, I'm at work, trying to figure out a good hosting option, then all of a sudden, its my weekend again. I have no idea where this week went, I think I must have lost it. I have spent a lot of time trying to find a host for a domain, and to PICK a domain name. I need a name with Cinderella, or Cindy, or Blog, or Sharks, or something that screams "me" but I'm not having much luck. I thought everafter might be good, but its taken. I'm sure Ill figure something out eventually. Until then I will search for hosting, once I find that I am sure the rest will come around.

I'm still saving up for my Digital Rebel as well as picking up a copy of Star Wars Galaxies, in a vain attempt to keep me busy.
in the mean time I am spending a lot of time thinking about writing. Not actually writing of course, I just cant seem to get it out from my head to the paper (keyboard), but I have few good story ideas forming.

I just wish I could figure out who I am.

Time has a strange grip on me, and as I search for myself, time runs away.

I think Gene Roddenberry did say it best:
"Time is the fire in which we burn."

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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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"With time and patience the mulberry leaf becomes a silk gown."
-Chinese Proverb

Tuesday, February 03, 2004

Intellivision Gamepics

Intellivision Gamepics

I have been playing games for a lot of years... My first gaming system was the Intellivision system... It shipped with Blackjack and poker, and that was released in 1979... That is 25 years of gaming goodness.

Wow.

Looking for opinions... What should my domain name be?

What should I get as my domain name?

Cinderella is taken.


Use the comments to cast your opinions.

To Domain, or not to domain, that is the question

I am actually thinking about getting my own domain to host this thing... But I just cant decide. If I do, I know where I can host it for about $60 us a year... But do I want to make that leap? I will them most likely move to movable type from standard blogger, which is a huge leap forward (OMG installing CGI and Perl scripts, YIKES) but a good leap.

I just don't know...

Dare I?

What should I do?


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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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"He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; he who does not ask a question remains a fool forever."
-Chinese Proverb

Monday, February 02, 2004

WIL WHEATON DOT NET: shipbuilding

WIL WHEATON DOT NET: shipbuilding

This is a sample of why Wil inspires me...

Reading this post put me in that Starbucks with him... Brilliant.

WIL WHEATON dot NET

Well its no secret that I love Wil Wheaton's blog... Heck I took a page out of his book with my "Listen, play, read, watch" sections. I wish I could blog half as good as Wil... I find myself spending hours lost in Dancing Barefoot, or perusing Wil's blog, or photo blog, listening to his audio blog (it is hilarious... I especially love the Star Wars vs. Star Trek post) or posting in the soapbox. Recently I was reading the post straight, no chaser and I laughed because I know exactly how he feels. I look at some of my old web sites and laugh... Although they are not on par with "Where's my Burrito" I still know how it feels to look back at my old web works, and my new and smile.

So What is my point you ask?

Well I just don't think I give old Wil enough credit for his inspiration of this blog. His blog is why I wanted to start one... His forums are why I think I am as sane as I am through all this change in my life, and as I sit here redoing my blog layout a bit... I cant help but think that my inspiration for all of this is Wil, and how grateful I am for that inspiration because without it I would probably not have been able to grow as I have over the last 6 months.

Basically, I just wanted to say:

Thanks Wil!

I know he will never see my thanks here, or know how important his blog is to me... But If I can share it with others what his site has done for me, maybe they will go to WWDN and support him to...

You have touched me Wil, whether you know it or not, you are doing great things....

So thanks.

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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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"He who knows others is wise.
He who knows himself is enlightened."
-Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

Sunday, February 01, 2004

FFRF

It's amazing what one song can make you think... What memory's one movie can invoke... What emotions stir with a simple picture. Our senses are the key to our memories... And they are so powerful.

I was flipping channels on TV tonight, waiting for the superbowl to finish (so I could watch Survivor-AllStars), and I came across the movie Sister Act, and they were singing Hail Holy Queen - Deloris & The Sisters , well this rocketed me back to 1992... Back to high school... Back to the days of FFRF.

FFRF was a what us girls called our selves... Fearsome Foursome Rule Forever.

The four of us where the best of friends.

Me,
Diane,
Brandy,
Denise.

We did everything together. Dairy Queen runs (cant forget peanut buster Parfaits and banana splits), long rides downtown with fake cell phones, telling the car next to us the call was for them (we thought we were so clever), movie nights, music, skipping calls (wow we did that to much), and just in general being friends and doing what friends do.

Those were the days.

I found myself watching Sister Act on the TV singing the songs and thinking of those days... See that was OUR movie. We knew ALL the songs, we all had a part (alto, bass, soprano, and solo), and we all had the characters the embodies us... I was Deloris Van Cartier/Sister Mary Clarence (Whoopi Goldberg) the lounge singer in a bad relationship who hides out in a convent and leads the choir of nuns to fame and friendship. Brandy was Sister Mary Patrick (Kathy Najimy) sister Mary sunshine, full of energy and always happy and cheerful, ready to make you smile. Denise was Sister Mary Lazarus (Mary Wickes) hard on the outside, soft in the middle, true to her beliefs and her friends. And Diane was Mary Robert (Wendy Makkena) the spunky nun to be with a voice no one could touch. We all personified those traits, and we all sang their parts... And used to watch the movie like crazy. You could find us on any day driving downtown singing to the soundtrack laughing at how much these characters were like us.

We did everything together.

What happened?

Diane and I always kept in touch... Even though my ruff periods, she never abandoned me.

Brandy and I rediscovered ourselves when I ran into her at work... And I helped her get a job at west, so I see her all the time NOW, but for 10 years I never saw her once.

Denise...

I don't know where she is, or what became of her.

It is amazing how time can get away from you...

FFRF....

What happened to the Forever part of that?

I miss Denise.

I'm so lucky to still have Diane in my life...

I'm so lucky to have found Brandy again and brought her back into my life (Michelle too... Even though she isn't part of the original FFRF).

I wish I knew where Denise was.

I would love to have FFRF ride again....

I know it never will, but it will live forever in my memory's, and my heart.

We were crazy, buy we had fun!


FEARSOME FOURSOME RULE FOREVER!


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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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"The years teach much which the days never knew."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson, Essays

Wednesday, January 28, 2004

photo.net Home Page and Recent Digital Camera Reviews

photo.net Home Page and Recent Digital Camera Reviews

Like a smart kid on a fatty!

I had such a fun night (even though I was stuck at work until 10:40). I sat with "the girls" tonight, which is a rare event due to limited seating, and well, there are so few of us girls, and what a hoot! Between Jenn's zanny-ness and Bethany's "Daig Diag" (SimSpeak for bye) I couldn't stop laughing. It was just fun!

Shabolay, SHABOLAY!

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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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"A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same."
-Elbert Hubbard

Tuesday, January 27, 2004

Free - Microsoft Education - Security Posters

Microsoft Education - Security Posters

So good, must share!

World of Warcraft Beta Signups This Week!
At 6:00 pm PST on Wednesday, January 28th, the signup period for the World of Warcraft Beta Test will officially begin. We will provide a link to the beta-test application right here in the news section at that time. Testers are not going to be chosen on a first-come, first-served basis, so you will be able to submit an application and receive equal consideration anytime during the signup period, which will end on Wednesday, February 4th at 6:00 pm PST. Please note that multiple submissions from the same household will result in complete disqualification.

For this initial phase of the World of Warcraft beta test, we will only be able to accept applications from Canada, Korea, and the US. The test for Europe and other countries around the world will happen later this year. Please do not contact us for further information regarding the beta test; we will be posting a FAQ in the days ahead.



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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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"In creating, the only hard thing is to begin: a grass blade's no easier to make than an oak."
-James Russell Lowell

Monday, January 26, 2004

Tom's Hardware Guide Peripherals & Consumer Electronics: Canon's EOS 300D SLR Digital Camera Breaks $1000 Barrier

Tom's Hardware Guide - Canon's EOS 300D SLR Digital Camera Breaks $1000 Barrier - an interesting article.

I love Tom's Hardware Guide

The music is still inside me

Since the X and I broke up, one of the small luxuries I have enjoyed almost daily is music. Listening to whatever I want, almost constantly has helped my heart heal. Be it Evanescence, Corey Hart, or Amanda Marshall I have not stopped listening to music. It has helped drive me. I had forgotten how good music feels. And then yesterday... I went and visited Hank to help him hook up his PC to MIDI, and to test his settings to make sure he can score with it... What I stumbled upon was odd. I started playing the keyboard just to test the outs and ins, and the music just flowed from me. It just came out!

I need to play music again!

So once I have my camera business settled, my debts paid off, and my trip to Disneyland taken.... I have my sites set here.

Photography, writing, music.

Apparently my soul is crying out to be creative... To sing.


It will have its song.

Canon, you made my day!

Just when I thought I had it all figured out... My camera was picked, my budget was set... Then I find Canon's "Digital Rebel". I have wanted an SLR (single-lens-reflex) camera for years, but I didn't want a film one, nor was I willing to pay the crazy costs associated with digital SLR's. Although there has been a film Rebel for years, Canon just recently released the digital version of it... And I think I nearly fainted when I found out, because this meant an affordable digital SLR... I was finally going to break in the SLR work, and for a reasonable price! At $1,469.88 CAN the Canon EOS Digital Rebel zoom kit (the KIT part is most important because it comes with the $199.99 Canon 18-55mm Digital zoom lens - as opposed to just the Rebel body that runs $1,269.99) brings digital SLR to the masses! And its glowing reviews form places like Digital Camera Resource Page (best digicam review site IMHO that there is), Steve's Digicams, Image Resource, and DP Review there is no reason for me not to spent the extra $500 and get the camera I want! It's not what I really want (no, those run $5000+) but it is an excellent stepping stone! To quote The Digital Camera Resource page (my bible to digital photography): The Canon Digital Rebel is a breakthrough product, bringing the digital SLR to the masses. I must confess that my level interest in the Minolta A1 and Sony DSC-F828 dropped immediately after the announcement of the Rebel. Many will ask, "why spend $1199 on a fixed lens camera when I get a D-SLR and choose from scores of lenses and accessories for $899?" That will be a tough decision for many people over the holiday shopping season! So I am budgeting, and should have this in 5 - 6 months! And just look at these pictures: Canon EOS Digital Rebel Samples

Now comes the hard part...

Waiting.

But, the way I look at it, I've been waiting for years, what is a couple more months!

***Canon EOS Digital Rebel Brochure***


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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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"Patience, n. A minor form of dispair, disguised as a virtue."
-Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary, 1911

Monday, January 19, 2004

I have such tales to tell.

Over the last few weeks, I have had so many things to blog. Good, bad, ugly. But I have not been able to. I have even had stories in the fiction since I wanted to write, stories of pirates, vampires, slayers, romance, adventure, whimsy. But every time I sit down the tales fail me. I have even started writing poems/songs but I cannot put them to paper. My mind is just a whirl... And I think the problem is that I am trying to figure out where I belong.

That question has been nagging at me for some time now...

Where do I belong?

I have been seeking where I belong in many forms, from seeking familiarity (in the good and bad way) to seeking solitude, to seeking education.

I have sought familiarity in old friends (good) and sought it in hanging out while everyone (myself included) indulged in a little weed, because that's what the X did everyday (bad), I have locked myself in my apartment, no knowing why, and I have researched how to because a shark researcher (which seems futile at my age), to looking up courses in photography and writing (which I might actually do).

And then my friend Ted gave me a Christmas present. He made a wood carving, with 6 little works on it, that made me realize I was spinning in the wrong direction:




So the question because who am I, so I can be true to myself?

I don't know.

But I need to find out.

I'm tired of being hollow, lonely, and uninspired.

Where is my fire?

So for now I sit and listen to Evanescence, read, and think about where to find my passion, to find what is the fuel that lights my fire within me.

I don't want to be hollow anymore.

I'm hoping that maybe getting into my photography may do it... I think it should.

Maybe my writing will, if I can ever get any of it down.

I just don't want to be lost anymore.

I need to find who I am, so I can be true to myself.

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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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"This above all; to thine own self be true."
-William Shakespeare

Sunday, January 18, 2004

I do enjoy quizilla!

I love quizilla internet quizes... they are so much fun... Want some fun and silly quizes, check em out. Here is one I did today:

Selene
SELENE: You are selene!
Beautiful, vivacious,
fierce and seductive, Selene vowed she would
destroy Lycans after her family was murdered by
the werewolves. So ruthless is she that selene
is a member of the Death Dealers. This elite
Vampire warrior class's mission is to make the
Lycans extinct.
Ever wish you could be a
vampire?





Which UNDERWORLD character are you?
brought to you by Quizilla



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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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"You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it come true. You may have to work for it, however."
-Richard Bach

Thursday, January 15, 2004

"My Immortal" -Evanescence

"My Immortal"

I'm so tired of being here
Suppressed by all my childish fears
And if you have to leave
I wish that you would just leave
'Cause your presence still lingers here
And it won't leave me alone

These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase

[CHORUS:]
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have
All of me

You used to captivate me
By your resonating light
Now I'm bound by the life you left behind
Your face it haunts
My once pleasant dreams
Your voice it chased away
All the sanity in me

These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase

[Chorus]

I've tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone
But though you're still with me
I've been alone all along

[Chorus]

"Going Under" - Evanescence

"Going Under"

Now I will tell you what I've done for you
50 thousand tears I've cried
Screaming Deceiving and Bleeding for you
And you still won't hear me
Don't want your hand this time I'll save myself
Maybe I'll wake up for once
Not tormented daily defeated by you
Just when I thought I'd reached the bottom
I'm dying again

I'm going under
Drowning in you
I'm falling forever
I've got to break through
I'm going under

Blurring and Stirring the truth and the lies
So I don't know what's real and what's not
Always confusing the thoughts in my head
So I can't trust myself anymore
I'm dying again

I'm going under
Drowing in you
I'm falling forever
I've got to break through

So go on and scream
Scream at me I'm so far away
I won't be broken again
I've got to breathe I can't keep going under

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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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"They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel."
-Carl W. Buechner

Tuesday, January 13, 2004

Fantastic day!

What a long few weeks.

With my brother being home, there has not been a lot I have been able to do... Well not so much that I have not been able to do it, but more that I wanted to spend every possible moment I could with my brother, before he headed back to Rome.

But, he is gone now.

Now I have to get back into the routine of working, and back to my life of making time for me, making time for others and working. It's a hard hard juggling act, especially when your friends are doing the same thing too.

But yesterday Diane and I managed to make time to hang out. It has really been a long long time since we had the time to do such things... Simple, important things.

I met Diane at her new place, got to see it, and want a great place it is. From there we went to see her Fiance Sean at his work. We had a nice walk there, where we chatted about everything. We then puttered off to find wedding dresses. And if you can believe it, first time out: Success! We, well Diane, found her dress. It is BEAUTIFUL! We talked about bridesmaid dresses, the hall where she is getting married (where we tried to put a deposit down, but the person wasn't there), and the wedding in general. Sounds like it is going to be beautiful. We had lunch at McD's, ran around to fine me a day-timer, and then went and watched her niece figure skate. And WOW is she good! Puts me all to shame, and only six, yikes, I cant believe it. We then toddled off to the mall where I checked out, in person (for the first time), the camera I want: Nikon Coolpix 5700, and I think that IS the camera. Short of going SLR (which I wont because I cant afford the lenses and I don't own any) is one of the best Digi cams. We then ran into some friends of mine from where, and we chatted for a while. Then we went to see The Last Samurai What an amazing movie!

[From the official site]: Captain Nathan Algren (TOM CRUISE) is a man adrift. The battles he once fought now seem distant and futile. Once he risked his life for honor and country, but, in the years since the Civil War, the world has changed. Pragmatism has replaced courage, self-interest has taken the place of sacrifice and honor is nowhere to be found - especially out West where his role in the Indian Campaigns ended in disillusionment and sorrow.

Somewhere on the unforgiving plains near the banks of the Washita River, Algren lost his soul.

A universe away, another soldier sees his way of life about to disintegrate. He is Katsumoto (KEN WATANABE), the last leader of an ancient line of warriors, the venerated Samurai, who dedicated their lives to serving emperor and country. Just as the modern way encroached upon the American West, cornering and condemning the Native American, it also engulfed traditional Japan. The telegraph lines and railroads that brought progress now threaten those values and codes by which the Samurai have lived and died for centuries.

But Katsumoto will not go without a fight.

The paths of these two warriors converge when the young Emperor of Japan, wooed by American interests who covet the growing Japanese market, hires Algren to train Japan's first modern, conscript army. But as the Emperor's advisors attempt to eradicate the Samurai in preparation for a more Westernized and trade-friendly government, Algren finds himself unexpectedly impressed and influenced by his encounters with the Samurai. Their powerful convictions remind him of the man he once was.

Thrust now into harsh and unfamiliar territory, with his life and perhaps more important, his soul, in the balance, the troubled American soldier finds himself at the center of a violent and epic struggle between two eras and two worlds, with only his sense of honor to guide him.


I was so skeptical about this movie, but when Sean and Diane said I needed to go, I went. We met Sean at the theatre, grabed some Za, popcorn and drinks, and then enjoyed an amazing movie.

If you want a good movie, this is one to see.

Then I came home.

But I had so much fun. It is so amazing to me the fun you can have when you spend time with good people.

I am lucky to have such great friends!

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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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"The road to a friend's house is never long."
-Danish proverb

Wednesday, January 07, 2004

Old friends

It is amazing how much of a smile can be put on your face by a simple phone call. I had such a smile yesterday.

My friend Julie, who I haven't seen in years, called my up out of the blue to say "hi", and I cant tell you how happy that made me.

I met Julie years ago at SCUBA collage: the PADI CDC in Vancouver, where we became awesome friends. We hung out pretty much every night, drank to much, went diving a lot, and general had an amazing time. With memory's of a sleeping with a felt,pitchers of china whites, and trips to Whistler amongst others (of course he got to see the sharks *sigh*) we were instantly great friends.

After school was done, we went out separate ways: I went back to Victoria, Julie went back to Whistler. But we kept in touch always... She would come to Victoria and stay for a while, I would goto Whistler (and NO, I have NEVER Skied Whister). I think there was one night when Julie came to Victoria where we freaked out my roommate by how much we drank.

Ahhh those were the days.

Julie even is to blame for my love of the Show Buffy The Vampire Slayer / Angel, although my fascination for Vampires is my own. And of course there was SCUBA, the most amazing thing in the world.

Then of course, as with all my friends over the last few years, I kinda lost touch. Not that I wanted to, I just did. Partially shame, partially fear, partially knowing, as with all my friends, if I showed what was going on, she would come over and kick my ass.

Of course now, again as with all my friends, I see what I was doing, and I felt terrible. Then I found out, she was going through a similar situation as I was, and I felt bad for not being there.

Then yesterday, she surprised me and called. We chatted for a long time, not as long as I wanted mind you, but my brother came over, and well he's heading back to Rome tomorrow, so I wanted to spend the time I could with him. We talked about the old days, the last few years, and the last few months, and how far we both had come. I was an inspirational conversation. Talking with her, finding out how she has been, what she has been up to and what she has overcome, and is doing now was just amazing.

I am so proud of her.

It is amazing how one good friend can make you smile, and feel better about everything.

Thanks Jules.

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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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"Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don't recognize them."
-Ann Landers

Tuesday, January 06, 2004

Please Blogger....

Please Blogger, fix your site, becuse even though others can seem to get to my blog... I can't

Blogger.com and Blogspot.com are not addressable for lots of people because of a DNS snafu. (DNS are the computers that tell your computer what number to go to when you put in a name.) The fix has been pushed, but it could take a while to refresh everywhere. Meanwhile, if you're geeky, you can change your host file to get to Blogger (point new.blogger.com to 66.102.15.100).

Please hurry!

Thanks.

The UPS man has chains

Well it is beautiful and snowy out, and I am so excited about a day curled up watching DVD's. I had curled up to look for Easter eggs, found an excellent one in the ring: if you find the egg, what will play is the 2 minute Ring video, which you can't pause, and after the two minute segment, it returns to the main menu (a faux main menu) and you hear a telephone ring (from the video, not your house). Somewhat of a humorous twist that the makers put in. Now it was excellent to see the full Ring video, full off the subliminal that keeps my jumpy and makes me happy I bought it, but what was funny (ok it made me jump) was that the UPS man rang as it ended... Just part of the subliminal that made me jump outta my seat.

Fantastic that movie.

Anyway, I'm gonna curl up, and watch Buffy Season 5, and Pirates of the Caribbean. I'll sit with a warm cup of coffee, maybe make some hot pea soup for lunch, and enjoy the falling snow!


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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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"I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."
-Frank Herbert, Dune, "Litany Against Fear", 1965

Monday, January 05, 2004

Sharks, Terrors of the Deep

Sharks, Terrors of the Deep

My favorite screensaver now with SHARKS! I could just die!


Life is good!

Mind a jumble

I had so much I wanted to say here the last few days.... I wanted to start a new year with writing everyday, not just here, but start a second blog (don't worry I will link to it) with random writings: fiction or non-fiction, start saving for that camera I wanted, switch shifts so I can go to some of the local photo clubs. So far I have done none of it.

On the up side, I have gotten to spend some amazing time with my brother these past couple weeks. He leaves in 3 days, back to Rome, which makes me sad, but I am making the most of the time I have.

At the same time, I sit here, mind a jumble, thinking about how for the past 3 weeks all I have done is make excuses not to go out. I have told friends at work I'm busy, friends at home I'm busy, non friends that I have better things to do. Truth is, I don't. Why am I shutting myself down from these people? I have some amazing friends in my life, both old and new, and yet I'm shutting myself away again.

And I don't know why.

And my mind is a jumble.

It is going a mile a minute with thoughts of longing to go out, and reasoning why to stay in. Thinking about what has been, what could be, what never will be.

It's like I am back sliding.

I keep listening to Gloria Estefan's song:

Always Tomorrow

I've been alone inside myself, far too long
Never really wanted it that way, but I let it happen
If I could do it all again, my life would be infinitely better than before
I wouldn't waste a moment
Make time for laughing with my friends
Make love, make music, make amends
Try to make a difference, try to love, try to understand
Instead of just giving up, I'd use the power at my command

(chorus)
That's why there's always tomorrow, to start over again
Things will never stay the same, the only one sure thing is change.
That's why there's always tomorrow

I guess it took a little time, for me to see
The reason I was born into this world,
And what I'd have to go through
For I've finally realized, that I could be infinitely better than before, definitely stronger
I'll face whatever comes my way, savor each moment of the day,
Love as many people as I can along the way
Help someone who's given up, if it's just to raise my eyes and pray

(chorus)
That's why there's always tomorrow, to start over again
Things will never stay the same, the only one sure thing is change.
That's why there's always tomorrow

(bridge)

Before your last setting sun
And everything your heart has longed for
Has yet to be (one)
Yes there's always tomorrow though people come and they go
But if you,ve brought some love to their lives
Then you've got something to show


I listen to that thinking, yeah I've finally realized, that I could be infinitely better than before, definitely stronger, but then someone will ask me to come over, and I'll make some excuse not to go. Granted sometimes they are viable reasons (like tonight, between being messed up and my bad night vision, which is extra bad in rain/snow I aint going no where... Especially until I sort this out), but usually they aren't. So I sit around thinking: Ok, I will write a little... Then I don't. I am hiding from myself, I am hiding from others. I sulk away from myself, I cower from others. I'm hiding in videos, and books, seeking solace, not here, but in the shelter of my couch with a book or remote.

And now my mind is reeling, wondering why... Why do I hide.

My mind is a jumble.

I keep hearing (from Sunflower - Corey Hart):

I'm a little tired
Pretty messed up tonight
I don't know where to begin
This aint no delusion
Looking out from within
Some place that I've never been
But I know that I let you down
I know that I let you down


I have let myself down.

I just sit here wanting to go out, but afraid to, afraid of disappointment, afraid of not being accepted, afraid of letting go, of letting in.

Is it just fear?

Or is it the disappointment?

Of all I could have been, could have done? Thing things I did not do?

Or is it more simple than that?

Is it just the fear of being hurt again?

Could it just be that simple? I am afraid to go out, to hang out with my friends, old and new because I am afraid of being hurt, of having my heart trampled on again.

I keep thinking, no, not thinking, longing. Longing to be with my friends, to hang out like I used to, with no fear, no pain, no loss. But that time is gone. My time of innocence. Now I fear being alone so I force myself to be alone so I wont be alone when its not my choice.

That doesn't make much since to me, but that is how I feel.

My brain is a jumble.

I cannot see why I isolate myself.

I cannot see why I am frustrated.

I cannot see why I am angry.

But I am.

I just want my mind to slow down. Let me take it all in.

And yet I have the good moments to. The moments where I can see how I have grown, and how I can laugh at work with all my friends, and how I can come home and pick up the phone and chat with more friends. How I have so lucky to have family and friends like I do, that love me.

Still my mind whirls.

Today is a fog.

Please let it clear....

Let me see what is going on.

Let me see why.

Let me go.


---------------------------------------------------------------
INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
---------------------------------------------------------------

"Feelings are not supposed to be logical. Dangerous is the man who has rationalized his emotions."
-David Bornstein, January 28, 2000

Saturday, January 03, 2004

Is it just me....

I wonder....

What is it that happened between Dumbledore and Hagrid that has made their trust in each other so deep? They both would trust each other with each others lives... What happened to cause that?

Just wondering

---------------------------------------------------------------
INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
---------------------------------------------------------------

"It is our choices Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
-Dumbledore

Thursday, January 01, 2004

Welcome to 2004

Happy new year!

---------------------------------------------------------------
INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
---------------------------------------------------------------

"If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living."
-Gail Sheehy

Monday, December 29, 2003

Before you die, you see the ring...

The Ring was a good movie. The first really scary movie I watched in a while. And I didn't know why. It's not that the movie itself is scary, well it could be I guess, but its just SCARY. And as I love a good scary movie, I bought the DVD. The DVD shows the truth. I caught a glimpse of a subliminal image while watching the DVD. So I frame by framed it and there it was. After I enjoyed the movie I searched online and went to the official sites productions notes. Read the production notes from the director. He talks about putting things in the movie "that leaves residual effects".
He used subliminal messaging to scare the audience and keep them scared after they made it home.

How awesome is that!

I don't care why I'm scared in a movie, I just love a good scare. And the ring certainly rattled me.

Subliminal, Sweet!

Thanks to director Gore Verbinski (who also did Pirates Of The Caribbean), I really REALLY enjoyed the movie.

And I don't care why.

---------------------------------------------------------------
INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
---------------------------------------------------------------

You start to play it and it's like somebody's nightmare. And then this woman comes on, smiling at you, right? Seeing you... Through the screen. Then when it's over, your phone rings, someone knows you watched the tape... And what they say is, "You will die in seven days". - Becca (quote from The Ring)

Friday, December 26, 2003

Don't eat the green Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans! I learned the hard way!

Some things line Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans should just be left inside Harry Potter books, and not bought into the real world!

I tried a green bean.

Vomit.

No really, that was the flavor, vomit.

Yeah. I'm so done!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Sean finally proposed to Diane!

Gratz Guys!

What a romantic Christmas moment!

Sean, you treat her right or I'll kick you ass!

---------------------------------------------------------------
INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
---------------------------------------------------------------

"...happiness is the highest good, being a realization and perfect practice of virtue, which some can attain, while others have little or none of it..."
-Aristotle

Thursday, December 25, 2003

Merry Christmas

Well what a weird Christmas.

My family celebrates Christmas on the 24th, but this year I was working... So nothing really happened. Then I showed up at my mom's for Christmas breakfast. Had Dutch Baby, and sausage. Then we all did a little online Christmas shopping (why do boxing sales at the store when you can do it online), and then I had to go off to work. After an exciting day of work (which I will probably talk about another day) I came home and here I sit... Watching A Buffy Marathon/League of their own, eating lamb chops, and reflecting on the day.

I missed the X's family today.

I missed Helen today.

I missed Avis.

I miss Auntie Audrey

I missed my dad.

My X's family is always amazing on Christmas. First, his mom.... 1 tree was never EVER enough, and the sooner it was up the better. The house was always decked out in the most beautiful decorations, with as many trees as possible. To walk into that house after Halloween was true joy and Christmas spirit. His Dad, always happy, full of music, and spirit. His Grandparents, with wisdom, stories, and love. His Aunt with spunk, and sass, and zeal for life not to be exceeded by anyone. His sister a wild and crazy, fun, and heart. And of course the X himself... Whom I loved. I missed stockings after a 7am breakfast,achieving orange was always a treat. And that family was more generous than anyone I have ever known. I love them all. Gosh I miss them.

Helen used to always spend Christmas with my family. Drinking martinis, enjoying presents, and dinner, laughs and merriment. Her smile always warmed your heart, and we always had such fun playing Oilman where her company "Baby Oil" always beat out everyone else... Ok not always, but I like to remember it that way. I miss her so much.

Avis was my school teacher from grades 1 though 4. She tough in a one room school for grades 1 to 5. During that time she became great friends with my mom and dad, and after we move she became family. Avis was an amazing person with an unbreakable spirit. When I worked the system in highschool to get straight A's with out really doing anything, she was proud of my ingenuity, even though she saw the down side to what I was doing, she always saw the upside. I miss her laugh.

Auntie Audrey was my parents best friend for as long as I can remember. Her necklace change "Live, Love, Laugh" has always through out my life, given me inspiration. She was so VERY Swedish. And she made great Swedish lunches, with dancing and music. I miss her spirit.

My Dad.... It has been to many years to count since my father passed away, and yet ever Christmas I spend a lot of time thinking about him. Playing his guitar, watching hockey, discussing politics, dancing to Song Sung Blue (Mom, if you are reading this, you might not want to click this link - you WILL cry)... When I was young, my dad and I dance together to James Last's Song Sung Blue (from beach party 3 -Now you can get it on Best Of Beach Party: James Last). He would put on that song, and lift me onto his shoulder, and we would dance... It was our song. I always thought him and I would dance that at my wedding... But he never made it. I wonder if I should still play it when I get married someday, ether play it and request no one dance, or dance it with my brother (where the father daughter dance should be), I don't know If I could play it without crying. Anyway, I digress. At Christmas time, I miss my dad the most.

Now I did get to spend time with Grandma Betty, and Uncle Nick, and Aunt Carol which was AMAZING! They cam down Island to visit, and I hadn't seen them in about 10 years.... My brother hadn't seen them in 20. It was so long ago that he still had his baby teeth, and wasn't talking to people he didn't know. This was the first conversation they had ever had. It was surreal.

And I am getting to spend time with my brother, which means the world to me.

But Christmas still makes sad for friends and family I have lost, and family that is no longer mine. I miss them so much. My heart, and mind is with them tonight, for tonight is a night of family, here, or gone.

So as the door of Christmas closes for another year, I think of what I have, what I have lost, what is, has been, and will be.

Tonight I will sleep with thoughts of family.

My love to them all.

whether they are hear or not.

My love to them all.

---------------------------------------------------------------
INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles.
--Unknown

Sunday, December 21, 2003

I miss my friends

One bad thing about this promotion I got, is that I really miss my team (both original and the new one before I left). I used to spend 8 hours a day, 5 days a week with these people, and they are amazing! Ted, Rae, Brendan, Brandy, Leanne, James, Jason.... Ok, I'm gonna stop the list there just because I will forget someone if I try and list them all.... I miss them. Yes we still work similar hours, but I work on the second floor now, and the rules are kinda quirky and I really cant hang out with them on my breaks and after work while they are working. So I don't really get to see them.

I miss them so much!

I try and do lunch/brunches when I can, but when your used to spending 8 hours a day with some of the most amazing people, you have a huge void when there gone. A few of them had training yesterday upstairs, so they all can in and said hi! I damn near burst into tears. It was so good to see them, and I couldn't express it.

I miss them.

I have never worked with people so amazing as the people I have worked with at West.

I know the people I work with now are amazing to.. But its not the same.

And I don't want to loose touch with my friends from the floor, and I know I wont, but its not the same.

There is not daily "Brendaaaan!", no M-O-O-N that spells Rate Plan, no cola or yogurt coming out my nose while Ted shoots off one of his patented singers, no gossip with Leanne, no making Rae jump outta her chair, or chatting with Brandy...

No crazy 8's.

Don't get me wrong, I love my new job...

But the people downstairs is where my heart is.

---------------------------------------------------------------
INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
---------------------------------------------------------------

"He who has a thousand friends
Has not a friend to spare,
While he who has one enemy
Shall meet him everywhere."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Friday, December 19, 2003

My brother is home!

My brother is home, and I am so happy! He got in (Late) on Wednesday, and I was so happy to see him! I have not seen him in a year. I was so excited to show him my new place, my new life. I am so proud of my bother... He has had such an amazing life, and done such amazing things. He is smart, and funny, and a good kid (he will always be that little 8 year old brat in my mind, just kidding), I AM SO PROUD OF HIM! He has grown to be come an amazing man. I am so happy about getting to spend time with him, I haven't had a moment to breath since he has been home because I have been spending time with him: playing Hockey mostly... The cup will be mine!

I missed him so much!

I'm so glad he is home!

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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."
-Albert Einstein

Tuesday, December 16, 2003

Spider-Man Blog Templates

Spider-Man Blog Templates

How great are these!!!

Again.... Where have I been?

I haven't blogged in a week... Can you imagine! Well, there has been good reason. I spent all week getting used to my new schedule (which I'm starting to enjoy), my new position as a Resolution specialist (or Resolution consultant... I'm not sure which sounds better), getting ready for my brothers return tomorrow (YAY), and somewhere amongst that trying to fit in a life, and grocery shopping and reflection time. Of course on top of that, its Christmas, so as per usual, I'm not very cheery... Even though a part of me is, it's that time of year.

But...

My job is great!

I LOVE MY NEW POSITION!

I have so much fun, and I'm good at it to! Plus the people are fantastic to boot!

And my brother comes home tomorrow! How awesome is that!

Now all I need to do is find time to 1) send out my Xmas cards 2) reply to the zillion of emails I got!! (To all my friends that I haven't emailed back... SORRY - its coming) 3) try to fit in some budget Xmas shopping 4) try to visit my favorite forums... I haven't been in a week (SORRY!!)!

I don't know how I am going to do it.

But I will.

And I gotta start bloging again on a regular basis....

*sigh*

Maybe once I get used to the new schedule.

Until then, forgive me.

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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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"The unexamined life is not worth living."
-Socrates

Monday, December 08, 2003

Where have I been?

I have been buried in work...

Not that my job swallows me, not that I take it home with me... But I had a goal.

I wanted a promotion.

I wanted Rez Desk.

Since the X kicked me out, its been an uphill battle for me, and although I have come along in my recovery faster than I expected (there is still a long way to the summit yet), I have struggled with so much inside. I have tried to find out who I am, and don't get me wrong, I'm still looking, I have tried to rebuild my confidence, to start believing in myself again, to love my self. I have spent countless hours along, thinking, and dreaming about what I want to be, about who I need to be...

Then I would goto work and my life would begin.

I could come out of my shell, and loose my pain in friendship and camaraderie at work.

And I am good at my job...

Maybe it's my gift of gab, or my ability to shovel it, or take no BS... Whatever it is, I am good at my job.

But a promotion was not something I really thought about. True I applied, but I had 6 years of self doubt that kept it out of my minds grasp of possibilities. Add to that I had never had a promotion before. True, I have had great jobs, but I was never promoted to them. But every posting I was qualified for I applied for, even if I didn't hold hope. Then a posting for Rez Desk happened.... And I thought, you know, that is a job I would be good at... That is a job I deserve.

But then my car accident happened, and that was the end of applying.

I got back to work though, and there was another posting up for Rez, but it was to soon. I had doubts.

So I didn't apply.

I got back into the saddle, got back into the job... Then I applied again.

But it took a lot of convincing.

I couldn't take the disappointment. What if I didn't get it? This is what I thought. What if?? What if the one thing I am feeling that I'm good at, for the first time in 6 years, was not something I was go at? What if I got rejected. I don't think I could handle it.

But my friends at work convinced me. They believed in me, and believed I needed to apply

So I did.

And then I got the interview.

And the panic started.

What if?

And then I got the second interview.

What if?

And through all that time I had to think about myself, and remind myself that I deserved it.

What if?

I spent every spare moment preparing. Double jacking with Rez, asking my friends and co-workers fore help, input, advice. And reflecting, reflecting, reflecting.

But what if?

Then....

I got the job.

I blink, disbelieving... Then I smile, I did it.

I did it!

So, what does this mean?

This means raise....

With pay incentive, I'm going from 1400 a month to 1800 a month (before taxes). BIG CHANGE.

Ultimately this means I can:

First, get my camera!

Second, goto Disneyland!

Third, taking those courses I have wanted to take to improve myself, and enjoy.

Forth, treat me!

And all that in between paying off my bills and debts.

No, its not a lot of money, but an extra 200 a month... (ish after taxes)... That is a big step for me. And soon my 6 month raise starts.

It will be a couple months before this comes together, but there it is.

And that is why I haven't been posting.... I have been to busy thinking to.... To scared to...

And that's it, and now I know...

I am good at my job, and I will be great on rez.

I believe in me....

Ok, I don't,

BUT...

I'm starting to.

And that is what is important!

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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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"Nothing happens by itself... it all will come your way, once you understand that you have to make it come your way, by your own exertions."
-Ben Stein

Monday, December 01, 2003

Strange realizations

I love the movie: The Wedding Singer. I always have, never know why really, its not like its a fantastic cinematic event, but I loved it. Tonight I think I figured out why.

I loved the love story: New Jersey wedding chanteur Robbie Hart loses all hope after being abandoned at the altar by his fiancee Linda. Enter Julia, an effervescence ray of light in the shape of a catering-service waitress, who enlists Robbie's help in planning her own wedding--to a sleazy, DeLorean-driving junk bond salesman who tomcats around and treats women like unfeeling slabs of meat. Can our hero win Julia over before she elopes to Las Vegas? Will Billy Idol save the day? And, most importantly, will the fluffy romantic storyline be completely overpowered by the weighty mid-1980s cultural references? Cheesy fun for the nostalgically inclined. Steve Buscemi tries to steal the film in an uncredited role as a drunk best man, but that honor actually goes to Alexis Arquette, as "George."

In the end of the movie, the wedding singer catches up with the girl who has settled for the guy who doesn't love her, and treats her like crap and rescues her from her life to be, and whisks her off to a new one. He strolls in singing his song he wrote for her to win her heart, and I start to cry as he starts to sing:

Grow Old With You (To listen to the song, copy and paste this URL into a new browser; I can't link it for some reason http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pointe/6598/growold.mp3 )

Billy idol (speaking): good afternoon everyone. we're flying at 26,000 feet,
Moving up to thirty thousand feet, and then we've got clear skies
All the way to las vegas, and right now we're bringin you some in-flight
Entertainment. one of our first-class passengers would like to sing you a song
Inspired by one of our coach passenger, and since we let our first-class
Passengers do pretty much whatever they want, here he is.

Robbie hart (singing):
I wanna make you smile whenever you're sad
Carry you around when your arthritis is bad
All I wanna do is grow old with you

I'll get your medicine when your tummy aches
Build you a fire if the furnace breaks
Oh it could be so nice, growing old with you

I'll miss you
I'll kiss you
Give you my coat when you are cold

I'll need you
I'll feed you
Even let ya hold the remote control

So let me do the dishes in our kitchen sink
Put you to bed if you've had too much to drink
I could be the man who grows old with you
I wanna grow old with you

So I'm flipping through the TV tonight, and see the movie on. As always when its on, I stop to watch it, because I love the movie. As I'm watching this movie unfold I realize (as I'm sure you can see coming) that there is more to my liking this movie than just a funny 80's parody. I related to the Julia character. I was in the relationship with the guy who didn't love me. I was her, waiting to be saved.

I wanted my wedding singer.

I just didn't know it.

I guess subconsciously I knew what was going on, and didn't want to admit it... I was waiting for my wedding singer to walk in, and sweep me off my feet and save me.

But I didn't get my wedding singer.


I did get saved though, the man who didn't love me decided he didn't need me any more and that was it.

So the question is:

If this is true, why do I hurt so much? Why do I still love him?

I used to sing that song in the shower, smiling at the lyrics, thinking of how they remind me of how I felt about the X, and how I wanted to grow old with him... But I think I was fooling my self.

Am I still waiting for my wedding singer?

Will I ever be lucky enough to find a man who can love me, who I can love, who will "Want to grow old with me?"

I think back on it now and laugh, I used to tell the X how I wanted to grow old with him, and I would regale him of stories, and he would just ignore me.... That whole scene in the plane, between Glen and Julie (Glen is the Jerk) reminds me of me and the X... That whole scene was us! And yet at the end of their scene, Julia is saved by her wedding singer.

I want my wedding singer.

When do I get to hear;

I wanna make you smile whenever you're sad
Carry you around when your arthritis is bad
All I wanna do is grow old with you.
I'll get your medicine when your tummy aches
build you a fire if the furnace breaks
Oh it could be so nice, growin old with you.
I'll miss you, kiss you, give you my coat when you are cold.
Need you, feed you, I'll even let you hold the remote control.
So let me do the dishes in the kitchen sink
Put you to bed when you've had too much to drink.
Oh I could be the man to grow old with you.
I wanna grow old with you.

When do I get my wedding singer?

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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
---------------------------------------------------------------

"When you make the finding yourself - even if you're the last person on Earth to see the light - you'll never forget it."
-Carl Sagan

Sunday, November 30, 2003

BioWare meets Lucasarts.... I think I'm in love!

I just have to say; Knights of the Old Republic...

Amazing!

There is a Corey Hart CD I don't have!

I was looking through Amazon.ca today, and I saw that there is a Corey Hart CD I don't have! I actually did not know that it was possible! How did I miss that!

Yeah, so I so have to order it!

Classic Masters [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]


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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
---------------------------------------------------------------

"All that spirits desire, spirits attain."
-Kahlil Gibran, "The Poet of Baalbek"

Saturday, November 29, 2003

Long time no post

I know it has been a long time since I posted... But I'll be honest, I just did not have it in me. The work week has been plugging alone as per usually, although with it being an American holiday, it was very VERY slow, which did give us all time to play some crazy eights games that were just *crazy*. At home, I've been bored a lot. Tearing though books, and DVD's like they are going out of style.

I really want to get that camera I have in my Christmas Wish List ... Not that I am really expecting to get anything on that list... It's like a pipe dream list, you know. More a list for me, and what I need to save up for, with a few DVD's that my family can get me for Christmas. But I am going save up for that camera sooner than I thought:

I love photography.

I love taking pictures, and I like to think I have a good eye... I have been told I do. I have an amazing Tri-Pod, but I am lacking the good camera ( I have an 0.7 mega pixel Epson PhotoPC 600, one of the first ever Digi-cams, cost me an arm and a leg, but it just does not cut the mustard any more), and taking pictures with what I have is just disheartening.

I buy camera magazines every week, read books on photography all the time, and I see some amazing things which would take great pictures, but I cant capture them on what I have.

I want to take some photo courses as well, but again, I cant do that with out a camera.

The Nikon Coolpix 5700 5MP Digital Camera w/ 8x Optical Zoom is what I am looking for. It is what I am going to save up for.... Even before my trip to Disneyland. It is an amazing camera, with all the manual controls you'll ever need, 8X optical zoom lens, excellent photo quality, Superb macro ability, CompactFlash Type II slot - Microdrive works fine, Handy swiveling LCD, Hot shoe for external flash, & RAW and TIFF file formats. The review (Linked above) is very favorable to. I just think I need to do this.

Photography has been something I always loved to do... Even as a kid! My mom used to have to take the camera away from me for fear of my wasting film. As I grew up I took more and more photos. I would have joined a couple photo clubs in highschool, and cadets if it didn't conflict with other things I was doing. Over the past 10 years I have been drawn back to it, and I wish to explore that part of me even more... But I cant do it with what I have... I just cant.... So I am going to have to goto Japan Camera in Mayfair Mall and get the Nikon Coolpix 5700 Camera then run to Future Shop and get a
256 MB Compact Flash Card Maybe even a Sandisk SDDR-91-07 USB 2.0 Compact Flash Reader

Why am I bloging all this you ask?

To keep me on track.

To set my goals, and achieve them.

Just like my *Christmas wish list*, its for me to keep my sites set and not get distracted by all the *shiny things* in life!

I will have my new camera, compact flash card, and reader.

I will

Then, only THEN, will I goto Disneyland!

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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
---------------------------------------------------------------

"It is good to have an end to journey toward, but it is the journey that matters in the end."
-Ursula K. LeGuin

Tuesday, November 25, 2003

A toast - to Helen

Last Thursday morning my friend Helen passed away. Her battle with cancer finally came to its conclusion. And I will miss her. Over the last few days, I have stared at this blog screen... Wondering what to write. How do you express emotions into words? I certainly don't have the answer to that, but I can tell you what I am thinking.

I have know Helen for a lot of years, in fact, even though she was my moms best friend, I have known her longer than my mom. Helen married one of my closest and dearest friends father. In fact I almost cant remember Hank with out Helen. Through the years I got to know Helen well, Chad (my forementioned friend) and I were like family... Heck there was a time when it was Helen's dream for us to be together.... Which makes me laugh now... Especially seeing as how Chad has met and married the most amazing person, and to see him and Anita together is just a beautiful thing, a perfect thing. But when Helen talked like that was over 15 years ago... Back when we were still in highshcool, back when we were just kids. It seems like a lifetime ago. Of course Chad and I wanted no part of Helen's master plan... We were just friends, and liked it that way. But every once in a while we could hear (again 15 years ago) Helen say "you two should just get together". It was funny. We were best friends, nothing more.... Except in Helen's dreams. That of course changed as they years progressed, but it still makes me laugh!

I keep thinking of all the years I have know her, and all the fun we had. When she became best friends with my mom, I got to see her and Hank even more! We were all like family, so Christmas', Thanksgivings, heck all holidays we were always together. She is family. So is Hank, and Chad, and Anita and Josh.

She was a very important part of my life... Never afraid to give me hell, or support me when I needed it... Always willing to give a different and new perspective on the situation....

And I miss her.

When she was diagnosed with cancer my heart wept. Why must terrible things happen to good people? Helen is one of the most kindest most caring, funniest, truest souls I have ever known... And it was horribly unfair that she was going to have to battle cancer.

But she did.

And she battled valiantly.

But now the battle is over, and Helen does not have to fight anymore.

I will miss her smile, laugh, brutal honesty, and never ending faith in the good inside people. I will miss dominos, cards, and martinis. I will miss the holidays. But most of all I will miss her.

But all those things will live on in my heart and memory's... And the hearts and memory's of every life she touched. She will live forever in our hearts.

I toast to you Helen.

We will never forget your smile.







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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
---------------------------------------------------------------

"I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see."
-John Burroughs

Wednesday, November 19, 2003

16 THINGS THAT IT TOOK ME OVER 50 YEARS TO LEARN: by Dave Barry

1. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping
pill and a laxative on
the same night.

2. If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why
the human race has
not achieved, and never will achieve, its full
potential, that word would be
"meetings."

3. There is a very fine line between "hobby" and
"mental illness."

4. People who want to share their religious views with
you almost never
want you to share yours with them.

5. You should not confuse your career with your life.

6. Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up
and dance.

7. Never lick a steak knife.

8. The most destructive force in the universe is
gossip.

9. You will never find anybody who can give you a
clear and compelling
reason why we observe daylight savings time.

10. You should never say anything to a woman that even
remotely suggests
that you think she's pregnant unless you can see an
actual baby emerging
from her at that moment.

11. There comes a time when you should stop expecting
other people to
make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age
eleven.

12. The one thing that unites all human beings,
regardless of age,
gender, religion, economic status or ethnic
background, is that, deep down
inside, we ALL believe that we are above average
drivers.

13. A person, who is nice to you, but rude to the
waiter, is not a nice
person. (This is very important. Pay attention. It
never fails.)

14. Your friends love you anyway.

15. Never be afraid to try something new. Remember
that a lone amateur
built the Ark. A large group of professionals built
the Titanic.

16. Final thought for the day: Men are like fine
wine.. They start out
as grapes, and it's up to the women to stomp the crap
out of them until they
turn into something acceptable to have dinner with.


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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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"Humor is perhaps a sense of intellectual perspective: an awareness that some things are really important, others not; and that the two kinds are most oddly jumbled in everyday affairs."
-Christopher Morley, Inward Ho

Tuesday, November 18, 2003

How Not to Get Fired Because of Your Blog

How Not to Get Fired Because of Your Blog

My christmas wish list - With canadian shop/shop-online links (in order of drool factor for me)

Sony SLVD300P DVD/VCR Combo
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Complete Fifth Season
Angel: The Complete First Season
Angel: The Complete Second Season
Finding Nemo - WIDESCREEN
The Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl - WIDESCREEN
Sony KV20FV300 20" WEGA TV
Sony HT-DDW750 Home-Theater In-A-Box
Nikon Coolpix 5700 5MP Digital Camera w/ 8x Optical Zoom
WITH
Sandisk 256 MB Compact Flash Card
Linksys Etherfast Cable/DSL Router
HP DVD300i Internal DVD+RW Drive
Palm Zire 71 Value Bundle
NEC MS97F-BK 19" Monitor - Black
Indiana Jones Trilogy (Widescreen) - WIDESCREEN(2003)
EverQuest Game Card
JVC KD-S890 MP3 CD Car Deck
WITH
2 x Pioneer TS-G1317 5 1/4" Car Speakers

Bailing on friends.... This time for the right reasons.

I have to bail on my best friend, and one of my dearest friends last night, and I feel horrible. I emailed them and explained why, but I hope they can understand... I hope they know I still love them. I didn't bail on them because of them... I bailed because I had to. I had to do what I felt was the right thing. I hope they can forgive me.

Sometimes the right thing gets in the way.

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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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"A friendship can weather most things and thrive in thin soil; but it needs a little mulch of letters and phone calls and small, silly presents every so often - just to save it from drying out completely."
-Pam Brown

Monday, November 17, 2003

M-o-o-n That spells "The Stand"

One of my favorate books: Stephen King's "The Stand: Complete and Uncut" was made into a huge film back in 1994, and it was a fabolus adaptation. I have owned it on VHS since it's release, and now I have it on DVD: Stephen King's The Stand (1994)

Quotes from the Book

"That wasn't any act of God. That was an act of pure human fuckery."

"M-O-O-N, that spells moon. Laws, yes."

"Life was such a wheel that no man could stand upon it for long. And it always, at the end, came round to the same place again."

"What kind of world was it where God would trap a person like a bug in a puddle of gasoline? A world that deserved to burn, that was what."

"Show me a man or a woman alone and I'll show you a saint. Give me two and they'll fall in love. Give me three and they'll invent the charming thing we call 'society'. Give me four and they'll build a pyramid. Give me five and they'll make one an outcast. Give me six and they'll reinvent prejudice. Give me seven and in seven years they'll reinvent warfare. Man may have been made in the image of God, but human society was made in the image of His opposite number, and is always trying to get back home."

I think I'm in love..... Hockey Night in Canada debuts its first high definition broadcast!

Hockey Night in Canada debuts its first high definition broadcast at a very special event Sat., Nov. 22. The Heritage Classic (also known as "The Outdoor Game") in Edmonton begins with the Megastars game featuring some of the greatest players to don the Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens jerseys.

Catch the Megastars game 4:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. MT), followed at 6:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. MT) by Saturday Night and then Canadiens versus the Oilers from Commonwealth Stadium.

Today is a great day to be Canadian!

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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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"Men always want to be a woman's first love - women like to be a man's last romance."
-Oscar Wilde

Sunday, November 16, 2003

Lost in time

What is it that makes time whisk us away in a furry on activity? I find myself lost so many times with in a dream, be it daydream or night dream, not aware of the time that has ticked away. And we work away time... Grinding our 8 hours a day away, just waiting for our 5 o'clock, and freedom.... In the end its all about time... Being lost in time.

So how do I stop killing time... And start embracing time?

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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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"It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves."
-William Shakespeare

Friday, November 14, 2003

Comments & links

I have added a comment and link section to my blog! I know, about time.

So if you wish to link to a particular blog post click on the picture at the bottom of the post, and if you wish to comment on a particular blog post click on the picture at the bottom of the post.

I'm not sure if they are working correctly, so please, try them, comment, link, and let me know if its working! (If not email me [link for my email is on the right] and let me know!)

I am having so much fun with this blog, and I am learning tons of code with it... I just hope the code I put in for the link and comments was correct!


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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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"The Devil finds work for idle hands."
First Appeared in 1721
-Proverb, 1721

Thursday, November 13, 2003

So much to say, no heart to say it.

I have not had the words to say what has been in my mind as of late.... Not to mention the pain I get from sitting at my computer... I haven't had the heart to post... So much to say... No time to say it.

For some reason, Shakespeare's Sonnet 116 keeps going though my mind... And I don't know why:

Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O no! it is an ever-fixed mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.
Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle's compass come:
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved.


That and Rainer Maria Rilke's Love Song:

How can I keep my soul in me, so that
it doesn't touch your soul? How can I raise
it high enough, past you, to other things?
I would like to shelter it, among remote
lost objects, in some dark and silent place
that doesn't resonate when your depths resound.
Yet everything that touches us, me and you,
takes us together like a violin's bow,
which draws *one* voice out of two separate strings.
Upon what instrument are we two spanned?
And what musician holds us in his hand?
Oh sweetest song.


I don't know why I keep thinking of these poems... I haven't really thought about them in years... But this last week, they keep coming though to the forefront of my brain, and I just don't know why.

Maybe it is the lost love, or the longing of a better love, a new love, or the morning of my past and what I thought was my future. All I know is that I'm lost... Why can't I have my star for my wandering bark?

What I think I need, is a club, or group or something I can do, that I enjoy, or can learn from, where I can meet people and continue my rediscovery.

Actually, I don't know what I need....

This week I have had dreams so bad I haven't been sleeping to avoid them... Dreams of regrets, taunts of a future that wont be, torment and insults, berating, and belittling, vivid dreams preying on my worries, fears, and regrets. So I avoid sleep. I cant dream, I wont dream, it hurts to much.

My dreams betray me.

I am so lost.

I need my Star.

Can someone show the me way?

Can I find my way?

The good news is, I'm still not drinking, or smoking. I have stayed away from that. I am proud of that. I know drinking right now would be devastating for me. Maybe soon I can have a few again, but right now... No way.

I spend a lot of time thinking "if I could go back in time, 10, 20 years... What would I do differently?" Why do I do that? What good is dwelling on things I cant change? How can I turn this into something positive? Can I make those changes now? What can I do today to become the better person I know I can be (I really need to stop quoting Matthew Kelly, but dang, they are so good).

I need to find my wandering barks star! My ship needs guidance!

Who can help me find my star.

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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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"Every man has his follies -- and often they are the most interesting thing he has got."
-Josh Billings

Sunday, November 09, 2003

Time heals all wounds

It is said, that time heals all wounds. But how much time? I have spent such a long time already trying to get over the loss of my life, my plans, my future. Although I may be better off... I certainly cant forgot the hollow feeling inside from the loss of my love. Missing the feeling of love: the little jump your heart makes when your love comes in the room, or calls, or when you just think of him. The way your stomach turns when you know he is going to be home soon. The excitement from looking into his eyes. The elation of the kiss.

So how much time?

Do I spend this time drifting aimlessly? Hoping to find my way? Hoping to fall into my destiny? I feel so lost, so alone.

I miss my love.

I miss being loved... But I guess I missed that for a long time know.... I just didn't know it. It would explain a lot of things.

Do I have the strength to take the time I need?

Will I ever love again?

Can I ever love again?

Who will love me?

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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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"If one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favorable."
-Seneca

Saturday, November 08, 2003

I would love this in black!

CBS: "Survivor 7 Skull Long Sleeve T-Shirt "

I would love to get this in black as well!

CBS: "Survivor 7 Tribal Buff "

It is a new day

May today bring light into my heart... I need it.


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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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"If you love somebody, let them go. If they return, they were always yours. If they don't, they never were."
-Anon.

Friday, November 07, 2003

No good can come from this day

First, apologies for not posting all week. My back has been "in bed all day" sore this week, so I have not had any PC time besides work all week. Today of course, is no different, but I have a lot to say, and I want to say it.

It is amazing how demotivation a single word, or seeing a single face can be.

I am rebuilding my reality, my future, myself... And any reminder of my old life, dreams, and self, and it does not take to much to crack my exterior and break me in to tears.

A simple letter can rush back feelings.... A face can fill me with anger, and hate. A simple word, bring me to tears.

And today I got the pleasure of all three.

It started simply enough with a letter... From the X, expressing concern for me, having not hear from me in a while. I guess I responded with some curtness and he wondered why.... So I explained.... And it brought me to tears. Right before work, I was crying so hard that I could barely stand.

Then I walk through the door to see the X's X, and I was filled with rage, anger and pain. Why do I have to work with this woman! It is not fair.... Not even close. I think sometimes that god's sense of humor is a little to painful.

Then a friend of the X's, whom I suggested get a job where I work decided to come say hi. And tell me about the last could days with the X.... That, was not what I needed to hear... Not now, not ever. I know he means well, I think, he means well, but I cant take hearing all that.

So all night my bran is reeling... Thinking about what was, what is, what could have been, and what will come to pass. So here I sit, in tears trying to figure out how I let myself get to this point.

I was a strong woman once.

Maybe not the most confidant, maybe not the most beautiful, but I was happy, and strong, and I knew what I want, and what I needed to do to get there. Now, I am an emotional wreck. Saddened by the thought of seeing the next Lord of the Rings movie without the X, or feeling smothered in the weight of the world.

So I sit here, heavy of heart, not knowing where my life is to go, or how I am to get there. Or how I can get over losing the loss of my love. The man, who I was going to spend the rest of my life with, who I and spent 6 years of my life with, who I and built a life with. But how can I not.

I must go on.

So I look to the future. Perhaps I will apply to a tech position at work. But that to brings troubles, for it as been a long LONG time since I have done computers professionally... Do I still have what it takes? Can I do it?

What is to become of me?

Where lies my destiny?

Who am I?

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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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"If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape a hundred days of sorrow."
-Chinese Proverb

Tuesday, November 04, 2003

The Cab Ride

My friend Ted emailed this along to me, and I though I would share... I think it is a beautiful story that everyone should read, and take a moment to think about....
I don't know if this is true but wouldn't be nice if it was. If the world could get back to the way it used to be.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. When I arrived at 2:30 a.m., the building was dark except for a single light in a ground floor window. Under these circumstances, many drivers would just honk once or twice, wait a minute, then drive away. But, I had seen too many impoverished people who depended on taxis as their only means of transportation. Unless a situation smelled of danger, I always went to the door. This passenger might be someone who needs my assistance, I reasoned to myself. So I walked to the door and knocked.

"Just a minute", answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.

After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 80's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.

"Would you carry my bag out to the car?" she said.

I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness.

"It's nothing", I told her. "I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated".

"Oh, you're such a good boy", she said.

When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, then asked, "Could you drive through downtown?"

"It's not the shortest way," I answered quickly.

"Oh, I don't mind," she said. "I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice". I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. "I don't have any family left," she continued. "The doctor says I don't have very long." I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.

"What route would you like me to take?" I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighbourhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.

Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, "I'm tired. Let's go now."

We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

"How much do I owe you?" she asked, reaching into her purse.

"Nothing," I said.

"You have to make a living," she answered.

"There are other passengers," I responded. Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug.

She held onto me tightly. "You gave an old woman a little moment of joy," she said. "Thank you."

I squeezed her hand, then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut.

It was the sound of the closing of a life.

I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly, lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk.

What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?

On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life. We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware--beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID, ~BUT~ THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.

Pass this on to all your friends. You won't get any big surprise in 10 days if you send it to ten people. But, you might help make the world a little kinder and more compassionate by sending it on.



Thank you, my friend....



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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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"The hardest thing in this world is to live in it." -- Buffy: The Vampire Slayer

Monday, November 03, 2003

Live, Love, Laugh

One of my dear family friends (so close I grew up knowing her as Auntie Audrey), who had passed on a few years back (long than I care to remember) used to wear this gold charm on her neck. It simply said: Live, Love, Laugh. I have spent years looking in my heart and seeing, and hearing those words.
Three simple words really:

Live:
1 : to be alive : have the life of an animal or plant

Love:
2 : warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion

Laugh:
1 a : to show mirth, joy, or scorn with a smile and chuckle or explosive sound b : to find amusement or pleasure in something c : to become amused or derisive

But these 3 simple words, when putogetherer can have such a powerful meaning. I never understood what my Auntie Audrey's pendant meant growing up. As time went on, I knew it was a motto to live by.... But its true meaning... What it is all about, escaped me. And I can't say now that in this place I am in and this time I am in in my life that I do truly understand the full power behind those words. But I am starting to, or at least I know what it should mean for me.

I need to enjoy myself. Who I am, why I am, and what I am doing. I need to love, and be love (yes, another great Matthew Kelly quote), to give and share love. I need to be happy, and joyous, and inspire joy in others. It means do what makes you happy, and be happy. And I intend to. I intend to live, love, laugh.

I was allways drawn to that pendant as a child, and that saying as I grew up. Who knew that it would be so important. That three little words can mean so much.



Think about it.



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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it's time to pause and reflect."
-Mark Twain