What...another end?

I didn't think I would miss my classes. Sure, I'm no stranger to the heart pains and strains of anything that you've invested memories and time in. Usually its the passing of certain happy moments, or entering into new possibilities that creates those nostalgic moments of forgotten joy and a fondness for just about anything. I love being so happy you feel sad, but I am always surprised when it happens. Once again I have surprised myself as these feelings re-appear as the holiday season nears, classes end, and thoughts of family begin to rise.
It strikes me as apparent and relieving to note that my nostalgia has extended into a reflection of the professors I have only for a few more exams, the classmates that I've struggled through projects with, and even the rooms that used to imprison me at the same time every week. Perhaps as I only have a few more days in waiting for my X-ring I realize that I will be leaving yet another life behind in only a few months. Oh how time passes...

Well Versed Episode 8

My radio show Well Versed for the week of November 19 about hopes and dreams. Listen every Sunday at 9pm AST:

• 92.5 FM for those in Antigonish, NS
  
• CFXU Radio for those not in Antigonish, NS

On this show I interview local poet and artist Russel Welsh - one of the most honest people I have met I am pleased to present this man to you. Also played:

• I Sold My Wealth - Odessa Thornhill
• My Confession - Q The Romantic Revolutionary
  
• Keep It On My Fridge - Tanya Davis
  
• Secret - Meryn Cadell
  
• Barreling Madly - Steph Berntson
  
• Had I Been There - Nora Smithhisler
  
• At Least I Tried - Nora Smithhisler
  
• Deconstruct - John Akpata
  
• Hope - Danielle Gregoire
  
  

11 more days

Yes, I am posting about X ring. I am doing something I never thought I would do, and that is to get excited about something material to the point that I have to tell everyone around me. However, the X ring is something far more than a material object.
If you do not know what I refer to then I will explain. It is quite simple on the surface. The X ring is simply the school ring of St. Francis Xavier University. It is given out in the graduating year on the feast day of St. Francis Xavier (Dec 3).
Beyond all this is where the meaning and importance lies. X ring is a milestone at StFX. It is equal, if not greater, in celebratory festivity and memory. The X ring ceremony is something for students to mark their achievements. It is simple and without frills. There are few speeches, no honorary degrees, and just 1 day that I have been counting down to since I first arrived here over 4 years ago.

A French Onion Soup

Last Friday I would have told you that I really hadn't cooked in awhile. I would have said this in between judging a high school debate tournament and handing you a Christmas colored Rice Krispy square with dried cranberries and saying, "well, besides this, but that's really nothing." Of course I remedied this the following evening as I made dinner for a few special friends of mine. On Saturday, after another round of debates and fatigue from the toga party I attended after handing out the squares, I made a french onion soup (complete with bread, swiss, and emmental cheese) and ratatouille. It was a first in both dishes and they went over extremely well. My friends kindly honored me with a Oreo crust, caramel and chocolate topped, peanut butter crunch cheesecake. They watched in anticipation as I took my first tantalizing bite and leaned back in orgasmic palate pleasure.
To make the evening better I was greeted by my roommate and some more friends upon my return home. They were playing outside in the leaves and I was able to capture this great shot.

Well Versed Episode 7

Episode 7 of my hour long poetry show Well Versed for the week of November 12. Listen every Sunday at 9pm AST:

• 92.5 FM for those in Antigonish, NS
  
• CFXU Radio for those not in Antigonish, NS

On this show I focus on jobs, money, and work. I discuss all the stresses, problems, and difficulties that work has created in our lives. Poems played include:

• Resurrection - John Akpata
• Job Application - Meryn Cadell
  
• Buy Stuff 3:01 Bona Boonaafied Books & Spoken 1 18/11/07 9:11 PM
• Flight Attendant - Meryn Cadell
  
• Minimum Rage [a capella] - Free Will
  
• America - White Noise Machine
  
• Spelling Bee - Meryn Cadell
• Make a Sandwich - Rob Hardy
  
• Knitting - Meryn Cadell
  
• Arsenic And Boldface - Kevin Matthews
  
• Snap Shot - Sheri-D Wilson
  
• I Worked With A Girl - Arianna
  
• Big Sky Alberta - Sheri-D Wilson
  
• Writeous -John Akpata
  
• Apocalyptic After-Party - Bona
  
  

The Radio friends

So I was just reading the blog of fellow DJ and dear friend Shannon and found the whole thing endearing. Now these terms befell my mind due to reasons to close to the heart to describe. However, I will say that I have been touched by the positive effect of my actions this evening for that and for other reasons.
I also received an e-mail from my parents after my movie review show, Celluloid Radio, on 92.5 The Fox aired (every Tuesday at 7pm AST). It encourages me to know that my parents listen to my show. It reminds me

a) that people care about me; and
b) I am doing something important to a few people

Repercussions like Shannon's blog or my parents' e-mail fuels my mind to persevere and comforts my soul.

Well Versed Episode 6

A special Remembrance Day episode of Well Versed for the week of November 5. Listen every Sunday at 9pm AST:

• 92.5 FM for those in Antigonish, NS
  
• CFXU Radio for those not in Antigonish, NS

On this show I honor Canadian soldiers with a Remembrance Day tribute including material from:

• Vetran's Affairs Canada
• The United Nations Peace Poem
  

A musical longing

So I haven't reminisced a lot about the last city I left behind - Ottawa. Yes, I did recently write about my friend Savanna visiting but that was one person. I'm talking about bigger things that make up the city.
Right now I am listening to The Love Machine, a band from Ottawa, and I am remembering how great the music scene is there. Yes, it has its little difficulties that come from being a conservative city sandwiched between Toronto and Montreal. I love those difficulties. I love that the city still produces some incredible music. I love that Ottawa doesn't have one discernible "sound". I love that even at the radio station here in Antigonish, NS bands still seem to find me.

Well Versed Episode 5

My radio show Well Versed for the week of October 29. Listen every Sunday at 9pm AST:

• 92.5 FM for those in Antigonish, NS
  
• CFXU Radio for those not in Antigonish, NS

On this show I interview poet Aben Amoako-Tuffour who read poems about "Identity".

Who visits an airport?

I do. Well, that is, I am. Right now I write from inside the Halifax airport. The normal question to proceed this would be, "where are you going?" This question is now illogical to me because I am where I was going. Huh? Yes, I went to the airport to do nothing but go to the airport.
Well, that is half true. I did take my friend Savanna here and get her on a plane to Ottawa that will leave in 30 minutes. And yes, I did say that she was leaving 3 days ago. However after a hurricane here and multiple flights sold out she was unable to get her discount fare and thus was stuck a few extra days with me and Wil.
So while Wil and I toiled through copious amounts of papers and some serious exams, Savanna tried to get on a plane. Finally she will be flying out and I am done another round of heavy work. Now for me it is starting my job as a consultant while catching up in more school work. Go, go, GO!

A friendly visit

My friend Savanna is sitting beside me in the library on the last night of her 4 day visit. She arrived last Thursday on StFX campus after a 12 hour trip just in time to hear leader of the Green party Elizabeth May speak. After presenting myself and my roommate with an onslaught of gifts that included multiple candles and jellybeans we went to the speech and a philosophy debate. That night I inttrodcued Savanna to Antigonish's finest cheese layered pizza (the Wheel) as we watched movies in the candle light. The next day we would walk around town and go to the Tall and Small for lunch. Savanna was once again blown away by the delicous food of this small Nova Scotian town and its beauty.


That night we made loads of deserts and spaghetti before watching movie with a few friends. The next day we went with some other friends to the Ocean. This would be Savanna's first time seeing the open water and it was quite a sight as the waves were high with the coming of hurricane Noel. That night was 1 month 'till X-ring and the parties were rampant. For those of you who don't know the graduating class has a ring ceremony on Dec 3 (the feast day of St. Francis Xavier). Our school ring is one of the most recognized rings in the world. The next day was more cafes, walks, and then an evening of poetry as I did my radio show on CFXU. Today Savanna brought me muffins between classes and is now studying with me. She will be missed when she leaves tomorrow.