My night of yoga

To call today a long day would be inaccurate. To call it a short day would have little accuracy. It was a day and just that. Sure, different things happen on different days. Yes, sometimes we call them "long" or "short". Today didn't have any particular feel to it that would result in me calling it either of those or anything else for that matter. Today just happened.
In fact, it has now become yesterday. The day has just left me behind, or I've left it behind, and I am casting my memory of it right here. Two big things happened today that may not have had as much importance on their own as they do now contrasting with each other in my mind. The first is the product of a lot of things. The first thing about today is how it was upsetting. Today I woke up just fine, but then ended up in an angry and stressful point that was visibly noticed.
I missed my first class which resulted in an e-mail from my Business Policy Prof informing me that my group for that class were becoming worried about my commitment. I went to Ethics, had a decent class. I went to the radio station, wrote an apology letter to my Policy group. I then went to Auditing where one of my Policy group members informed me that we had a presentation today. I apologized again for everything. I tried talking to her but she was rude and upsetting to me. This resulted in my mind dwelling on how I really didn't want to work with people if they were going to be mean to me.
Later I went home and then back to the radio to do a show with my friend Cory then back home to see my roommate Wil. I told him the story of the group member and he wondered why the group never let me know about the project. I complained about a few things and he commented on how upset I seemed. This was the first part of my day. Not pleasant.
Later this evening (the end of yesterday and start of today) I went to my first Yoga session with a friend. It was challenging, amazing, relaxing. I pushed myself to do many of the warrior moves, challenge my breathing, stretching, muscles, and just let everything go. I then went to watch movies. The yoga was definitely something I needed and I am so happy that Sara took me. While it would have been amazing it wouldn't have meant as much to me if not in contrast with the rest of my day.

The downfall of society

I am not a Facebook user. I have no desire to be a Facebook. I may be a little ignorant on the issue of using Facebook, however, this allows me to be enlightened and savvy towards the problems that Facebook poses to users, social interaction, and society as a whole. We, as technologically inclined users, are at a crossroads where we can choose to use the tools radily available to most of us for progression or regression.
Information sharing, organizing, and networking are all excellent ways that technology is being used to accelerate positive social change. However, sometimes tools that were developed for one reason slowly start to be used for another and eventually become manipulated into something quite different from their original form.
Facebook is an excellent example of this. Not only has it been manipulated as a tool for photo sharing and social organization, it now is becoming a gross tool for a form of mass communication and interaction that is upsetting to me.

***At this point I would like to say that I am focusing on what the majority of people are using Facebook for and am not trying to say that my comments pertain to all users. I do understand that there are many people out there who maintain their dignity while still using Facebook. You more than I can help keep this tool as something useful and constructive. ***

As a result of this manipulation people are taking less, taking fewer chances, and becoming less connected. All of these are social regressions in my mind and paint a very dismal picture for our future. What has become even more upsetting is the latest development of add-ons for Facebook. These "nifty" tools are the main reason Facebook can be altered into whatever the majority of users want Facebook to be. Recently I heard about a new app called "Are you interested?" and was then inspired to write this blog. The way this app works is allowing people to basically flirt and seek "romantic" partners. This is a problem...
The obvious reservations that come from online hook-ups is obvious. The problem I have is that Facebook was intended for something greater. Facebook, as one of the most popular web-sites, had much more potential. I don't enjoy to see potential wasted.

My day of torture

2 weeks ago when I was immersed in Orientation Week I forgot to mention this little auction that was going on amongst the committee to raise money for Shinerama. The way the auction went was that if the committee collectively raised money on their own they could get certain male executives waxed. Starting at $200, the first male Exec would get something simple, like his legs. Then, as the amount raised increased, more male Execs would be waxed. Eventually the committee raised $1,000 resulting in two backs, a chest, 5 legs (one guy only got one), and 2 full bodies. I was one of the full bodies.
For one hour I had two women applying sugar wax too my legs, chest and arms. The tore, they ripped. Hair was pulled, fists were clenched, I kicked and screamed more than I ever have in my life. Finally, almost all the hair in my body was removed. I just have a few touch ups. I have to get the upper most part of my thigh done. But I am basically a smooth, smooth man. It feels weird, a little awkward, but I love touching my skin.

Metric and the Radio

Two points to mention. Well.....maybe three. I decided to let you know that I currently write under massive sleep deprivation and a bladder full of chocolate milk. Last night I was unable to sleep, but luckily that resulted in me finishing my essay on what makes a good person different from a bad person. Today I went to class from 9:45 to 5, spent time in the library, visited with friends, and did some more ethics. At the end of the night I ran into my long-time friend Aaron, who I haven't seen for 16 months. Aaron being the quirky fellow that he is suggested that we down a gallon of chocolate milk together as we caught up over the next hour. It was a great conversation, a hilarious time, and some delicious milk.
I also think that it is delicious that I got to co-MC the recent Metric concert with my friend Scott. Down With the Butterfly opened and the whole show was awesome. I danced like crazy to Metric with a few old and new friends and just had a blast.
The final thing to mention is that tomorrow, Tuesday, will be the second installment of Celluloid Radio, the film review show started by myself and my old roommate Mark 2 years ago. Now in its 3rd year, it will be hosted by me and my roommate Wil every Tuesday at 7pm on CFXU.

Here are some pics I took from the Metric concert:

3am and I'm thinking

I love the late night blog. I love the silence of the late hour. The hour later than the drunk people wandering home. The hour later than the end of the midnight movie. The hour where things are really quiet, and suddenly thoughts of the day start to awaken. Now, as I sit in my easy chair in my living room; As the sound of the aquarium and my fingers on the keys are the only sounds; As a shaded lamp and a glowing ornamental star and my computer screen are the only sources of light, I begin to think. I think about how I need to spend more time on my school work. I think about how I need to speak my mind and not feel awkward that people may find that inspiring. I think about how, while I do need to organize quite a bit in my life, I am fortunate to know a lot of what I want out of life. While I may sit and brood about some of the more difficult things I am going through, in the back of my mind one word tells me to think differently - perspective. I need to accept that I can't really control the amount of school work, I can't change how people react, but I can change my reaction, and while I may not be in all the relationships I want, I do know the kinds of relationships I am looking for. People may disappoint me in the days. Often I find myself shaking my head at them when I come home after a late night. But then I think about some of the amazing people. I think about my friends that are extremely loyal and kind to me. I think about the new friends I am making and how fortunate I am. I think about the kind things people say to me and other people. Just tonight someone told me they read this blog and found it very sweet. In one of my last posts a friends that now lives on the other coast about to make movies told me that he finds me inspiring. I think this shows that we can inspire each other even in the hard times. Just writing about such simple yet happy moments has made me feel much better about everything. Now, in the middle of the night I am smiling rather than frowning. 

On the path to ....

So the reality that new routines and trends are invariably setting in is upon me. I am starting to feel the effects of a life where routine is almost non-existent, and working whenever you can is an essential part of survival. I am of course talking about irregular classes, randomly ending up on the radio, and socializing when it is convenient. What isn't convenient is that I need to fit school work, and lots of it, somewhere in between all those more desirable features of my day. How have the last few days panned out? Why am I really starting to complain about this to you dear reader? Well, I realize that while Welcome Week was utter chaos, complete physical and mental exertion, it was free from true obligation - obligation that depends more on just doing what I want when I want. On Saturday night I got to MC the entire Joel Plaskett concert. I was up on stage announcing bands, giving out iPods, and feeling like a big shot as I hung out back stage. Also, I got some wicked photos:

Now, however, I have classes. I am buying books and doing required reading. I am sorting through fitting it all in. It's something I haven't done for 16 months. Also, I am starting to realize that I need to make my dreams a reality. I need to be doing what I love and nothing else. Finally, my heart is waking back up and it is going to beat patiently under my control. I plan on letting my desires become a reality, starting with being honest with myself about everything. This is something I continually strive for and try to do more often. Right now I can honestly say that while I don't like work I will find reward in tolling over all these books, and assignments, and other mundane things.

Sleepless days and the moments to come

The main event of my life is drawing to a close. In the second last day of Welcome Week I post here with only 2 hours of sleep and a morning full of "Shinning". I've been in the Student Union building on StFX campus and around town organizing both the O-Crew and first years since 7am - sending them out to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis. Shinerama is a day filled with creative ways to raise money, a lot of participation, and energy. Luckily, as things wind down, it seems like all three were present in plenty. After getting a coffee into my system and now posting in a semi-therapeutic way I feel a bit better and not nearly as tired as before.
Tonight I will need all my energy as I have a very important task during the outdoor concert. The concert lineup is amazing and exciting with The Aaron MacDonald Band opening, followed by Toronto favorites (and a band I really love) The Golden Dogs and finally, headliner Joel Plaskett. I am very excited and can't wait to tell you exactly what my role is.
I also have been going over some pictures I recently took of some of the people I work with and am just overwhelmed with how close I feel to so many of them. I am very proud of O-Crew this year. I am proud of everyone who keeps showing up and working so hard. The difference they are making in the lives of these first years is completely visible and inspiring. Thank you for making the week, thus far, amazing.

Oh stress and it's whole family

It's a new day with new problems. With orientation and a long list of to-dos, problems with women, the beginning of classes, and new jobs starting confusion, a sense of un-accomplishment, frustration and eventually stress begins to set in. I am quickly writing this in the middle of a meeting in which stress is making me restless and thus making me realize that I wish this reality on no one.

So, I will say right now, to all who are reading, do not life get ahead of you. Focus only on the things you can control. Don't let other people's problems become your own. Lend any type of kindness you can and always keep your mental and physical health in peek condition. Life can be wonderful when you don't allow the negative to enter the door. Right now I am trying to kick out all the unwanted guests of stress and close the door behind them.

Here are some pictures from my road trip from Ottawa to Antigonish:

It's a new day with new problems. With orientation and a long list of to-dos, problems with women, the beginning of classes, and new jobs starting confusion, a sense of un-accomplishment, frustration and eventually stress begins to set in. I am quickly writing this in the middle of a meeting in which stress is making me restless and thus making me realize that I wish this reality on no one.

So, I will say right now, to all who are reading, do not life get ahead of you. Focus only on the things you can control. Don't let other people's problems become your own. Lend any type of kindness you can and always keep your mental and physical health in peek condition. Life can be wonderful when you don't allow the negative to enter the door. Right now I am trying to kick out all the unwanted guests of stress and close the door behind them.

Orientation week

So I haven't posted anything in awhile and that is all due to one major force - O-Crew. "What is O-Crew?" you say. This is a group of energetic, enthusiastic, welcoming students here at StFX whose job it is to run the Orientation week that is going on currently. There are two chairs, about 15 executive (I am one) and about 160 committee members. These 160 are split into 8 committee responsible for different tasks throughout the week. Myself and my partner in crime, Scott, run what is called "Hype!". We are responsible for spirit and making sure everything stays running smoothly. This is the largest and hardest working group of people on O-Crew.
So far I've done almost a week of training that included a few days with just the executive and then some very busy days with everyone getting ready for all the first years arriving. Last Sunday all the first years arrived. I woke at 5:20am to arrive for 6:15am and start pumping up everyone at 7:00am. By 8am everyone was outside. I greeted the people at the entrance to the school with about 50 others. We cheered, danced, sang and held posters. It was 9 hours of cheering and a lot of sun. I painted my hair and arms red. Everyone had a great time.
After the cheering there was a cheeroff, a BBQ, a guest speaker, and a dance. The energy from all the first years at the BBQ was amazing. The guest speaker was the most moving speech I've ever heard. She spoke about leadership and how we all can make a difference. The dance outside was pretty crazy and I had to rescue a few drunk first year girls from some sketchy older guys. It made me depressed to think of how selfish some of these people can be. It also made me nervous to think about how young, naive, and innocent a lot of the first years are.
The next morning was early as well as I was up at 6:20am for a pancake breakfast followed by the amazing race. The race had groups of students running all over campus and it was a blast. The Orientation Committee members that weren't running with the different groups waited at the finish line cheering houses, dancing, and having a good time. After that there was Playfair. Seriously, this is the most amazing thing of the week. You meet at least 500 people in 2 hours and have a wicked time doing it. During playfair the executive all joked that the first year girls I met were flirting with me and they filmed me the whole time and did commentary like a nature show. My friend Jill met me that night and after Playfair I went to meet her and hang out.
The next day I got sleep in a bit and everyone met at noon. That day we had buddy olympics where eveyone got into their buddy groups and competed in games like which group can stick the most cheezies to someone's head by only throwing the cheezies in a circle. After we had a jello slide where everyone dove down a tarp filled with soapy water and jello. I went down a number of times with the executive and also took a girl down the slide with me. After the slide I began to prepare for MCing the talent show that evening. I prepared an entrance that went off amazing. The show was hosted in the main arena where the hockey team plays. There was a big stage with lighting, amps, and two big screens with cameras to film the whole thing. The Orientation Committee did a dance that my committee made up at the beginning of the show and then I was announced to start the festivities. Four ladies in two rows dressed in evening gowns with heels, jewlery, and makeup lead the parade with me and a lady on each arm up the rows to the sounds of James Brown. I walked on stage and had the two ladies on my arms remove my sunglasses and scarf. I wore a decked out jacket and purple shirt. As I announced all the acts I was blown away by all the talent. It was truly amazing to witness.
Yesterday there was only a foam party so I got to sleep in and take care of some registration. There were two circus tents set up outside with a stage and a DJ to spin all night. I wore a bathing suit and extra small first year shirt. The foam machine wasn't working but all the first years still danced to the great music. I bought some glow sticks and spun around to the tunes and got people energized. Eventually the foam machine got working and people kept dancing like mad. There was a lot grinding and sexual activity as the night went on. It was only first years in a safe environment so the executive and I tried to ignore it and have a good time. The Campus Police had to break up some lewd activity underneath what was now a foam waterfall. After I went to the bar and met some people from Africa.
Today was the first day of classes, which I have none. I took the time to sleep and finally finish this blog. Soon I am going to prepare to arrange all the first year students in a giant X and watch a presentation from Sue Johansen (Sex with Sue).

Here are two pictures from a beach party during training week: