Yeah, so the Edmonton trip is on the questionable list due to weather. Well, due to the fact that I can't feel my toes after driving around for 20 minutes let alone 3 hours! It's also supposed to blizzard now tomorrow... so who knows. We'll have to play it by ear. If it's crappy maybe we can do the hot springs in Banff... that'd be fun.
Very tired today... but feeling really good. Talked late with Erin last night about important things, and love her all the more! Also had lunch with Fr. Greg from St. Gerards about a political mess I got myself into a couple months ago. It was good to know I have some support (even if the way I got myself into trouble was a bit dumb) and we get along good, so that's pretty cool.
Nick's in town tonight! SWEET! Didn't get to see him at Christmas, so that was a bummer, but now some post holiday Nickage will be good!
That's it for today...
Friday, January 30, 2004
Tuesday, January 27, 2004
Data... data... I have my data. Data
Okay, can't believe it! My photogrammetry data just worked. Like it worked. Things never work when I try. I've been trying to get this data to work for months, and then, bam, I figure out what might be the problem and it works. It works. I can't believe it works.
There is about a 5 cm systematic error in it on first inspection, but that's still working data. Holy S**T! I can compare numbers now. I have ALL the data I need for modelling and analysis. Holy crap. No more using the supervisors computer. No more wasted days. OMG! I can start writing now. I can start writing my thesis. Still in shock. I might just finish this century. Well, maybe not, I'm sure the 5 cm will start to effect things, but at least I can come up with theorys why now. Shaking.
Church was good last night, thanks Alison for bringing friends. Devin, good to see you out.
Going home.
With data.
There is about a 5 cm systematic error in it on first inspection, but that's still working data. Holy S**T! I can compare numbers now. I have ALL the data I need for modelling and analysis. Holy crap. No more using the supervisors computer. No more wasted days. OMG! I can start writing now. I can start writing my thesis. Still in shock. I might just finish this century. Well, maybe not, I'm sure the 5 cm will start to effect things, but at least I can come up with theorys why now. Shaking.
Church was good last night, thanks Alison for bringing friends. Devin, good to see you out.
Going home.
With data.
Sunday, January 25, 2004
Antibiotic Shout Outs
So when did I update last? Can't even remember... I could check, but I'm too lazy.
#1 - Do you all know what a shout out is? (and by you all, I mean, you, one or maybe two people reading this) You can click on it and leave me messages on my blog. It adds a bitter little ray of sunshine to mundane office work!
#2 - Fr. Greg is cool, and so is Willy's Classic 50's diner.
#3 - Take Swing Dance lessons at St. Bonaventure Church
#4 - Hanging out with David and Sinead is awesome
#5 - Ditto for Ryan and Erin and the rest of the Fitz'
#6 - It becomes abuse when there's no respect
#7 - Love
#1 - Do you all know what a shout out is? (and by you all, I mean, you, one or maybe two people reading this) You can click on it and leave me messages on my blog. It adds a bitter little ray of sunshine to mundane office work!
#2 - Fr. Greg is cool, and so is Willy's Classic 50's diner.
#3 - Take Swing Dance lessons at St. Bonaventure Church
#4 - Hanging out with David and Sinead is awesome
#5 - Ditto for Ryan and Erin and the rest of the Fitz'
#6 - It becomes abuse when there's no respect
#7 - Love
Thursday, January 22, 2004
Aurora Insomnialis
Yeah... still on with the late nights. Didn't get to sleep last night until two, and had way too many vivid dreams. Don't remember any but the last one... was getting ready to go rafting... strange it was on a river (fake) that I'd dreamt about before. Maybe I do have recurring dreams and just don't know it.
Was at Erin's again last night... watched "The Bumblebee flies anyway". Kind of an ultra cheesy drama with elijah wood... it was cute I guess... the important part was Erin havin a nap on me on the couch. I ask, is there anything cuter than your girlfriend sleeping?
A little bummed though... Ryan's probably gonna be busy for the up coming edmonton road trip... woulda been fun to have had him along.
So the Aurora... HUGE last night. Brighter than I've ever seen it (except when I saw it flying over greenland) So yeah, late nights and not enough sleep can have some fringe benefits.
Was at Erin's again last night... watched "The Bumblebee flies anyway". Kind of an ultra cheesy drama with elijah wood... it was cute I guess... the important part was Erin havin a nap on me on the couch. I ask, is there anything cuter than your girlfriend sleeping?
A little bummed though... Ryan's probably gonna be busy for the up coming edmonton road trip... woulda been fun to have had him along.
So the Aurora... HUGE last night. Brighter than I've ever seen it (except when I saw it flying over greenland) So yeah, late nights and not enough sleep can have some fringe benefits.
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
So... Very... Tired...
Okay, seriously need to work on the will power. I ended up over at the Fitz' until like 2:00 am last night. Not good on a work night. Sigh. I can't help it if spending time with Erin is the bomb though. Things are going so scary good that it's hard to think about anything else.
Had a good time talking to her family too. Her mom found this crazy... well... umm... I'm not even sure what it is... i think it's a pink and red penguin wearing an avaiator's helmet, and it sings 'fly me to the moon' (that's me and Erin's song) when you hit it's wing. Erin made a little sign for it that says 'Bonjour! Je m'appelle Monsieur Fromage. C'est le grand biere. Tres Amusante!!', and added a mustace and beard to it. I laughed so hard when she gave it to me... NEVER know what to expect when I go over there.
Now today is office work day mostly. I'm gonna get my phone calls caught up, my books started for the year, and then I get to be creative for a couple hours at a Sr. High Meeting. Fun.
Anyway, speaking of office work, i should do some.
Had a good time talking to her family too. Her mom found this crazy... well... umm... I'm not even sure what it is... i think it's a pink and red penguin wearing an avaiator's helmet, and it sings 'fly me to the moon' (that's me and Erin's song) when you hit it's wing. Erin made a little sign for it that says 'Bonjour! Je m'appelle Monsieur Fromage. C'est le grand biere. Tres Amusante!!', and added a mustace and beard to it. I laughed so hard when she gave it to me... NEVER know what to expect when I go over there.
Now today is office work day mostly. I'm gonna get my phone calls caught up, my books started for the year, and then I get to be creative for a couple hours at a Sr. High Meeting. Fun.
Anyway, speaking of office work, i should do some.
Monday, January 19, 2004
A new week
Okay, amazing weekend.
Friday Me and Erin and Sinead hit the Trap for some good old East Coast fun! It was seriously great. Fraid Knot was playing. Not typically my favourite Newfie band, but they were on on friday. Despite being only three of us, we still had an awesome time. I also ended up hanging out with Erin watching a movie (aka falling asleep on the couch) afterwards and not going to bed until the wee hours. mmmm... wee hours.
Saturday consisted of errands, dinner at Bookers (mmm... cajun) and mad Settlers night at my place. It was great to get the gang together for the first time in forever. I won too, which never hurts (even though I win once in a blue moon). Ryan was close behind... probably would have had it within a turn or two. Not sure about where everyone else was at. Saturday ALSO consisted of hanging out with Erin afterwards. mmm... Erin.
As such, Sunday consisted of sleeeeeeping. I got up at 2 and was still tired. Church was good, and met my bro after at the Ship for a pint. Good to see him.
Today has been a frustrating waste of time. I did get some errands done and stuff, but I couldn't use the VMS computer at school until 4, I got here at 4:07 and my supervisor had already gone home, so I can't get into his office. Grr.. I'm gonna do my control adjustment then go home... maybe organize a new mix album for Erin if I can find some good songs on my hard drive.
I want my bike back.
Friday Me and Erin and Sinead hit the Trap for some good old East Coast fun! It was seriously great. Fraid Knot was playing. Not typically my favourite Newfie band, but they were on on friday. Despite being only three of us, we still had an awesome time. I also ended up hanging out with Erin watching a movie (aka falling asleep on the couch) afterwards and not going to bed until the wee hours. mmmm... wee hours.
Saturday consisted of errands, dinner at Bookers (mmm... cajun) and mad Settlers night at my place. It was great to get the gang together for the first time in forever. I won too, which never hurts (even though I win once in a blue moon). Ryan was close behind... probably would have had it within a turn or two. Not sure about where everyone else was at. Saturday ALSO consisted of hanging out with Erin afterwards. mmm... Erin.
As such, Sunday consisted of sleeeeeeping. I got up at 2 and was still tired. Church was good, and met my bro after at the Ship for a pint. Good to see him.
Today has been a frustrating waste of time. I did get some errands done and stuff, but I couldn't use the VMS computer at school until 4, I got here at 4:07 and my supervisor had already gone home, so I can't get into his office. Grr.. I'm gonna do my control adjustment then go home... maybe organize a new mix album for Erin if I can find some good songs on my hard drive.
I want my bike back.
Saturday, January 17, 2004
Passionate suffering
So I was one of the very blessed 8000 Canadians to get to see an advance screening of Mel Gibson's 'The Passion of the Christ'. It was a ministry event that pretty much all the Christian ministers in Calgary (and the other cities it went to) were invited to. I'm not allowed to review or talk about the movie until it's release date on Ash Wednesday though. But that's okay. I wouldn't want to say anything anyway. It's something you need to experience for yourself.
I can say this. I didn't learn anything I didn't already know, but I FELT all the things that I knew like never before. Before you go see it when it comes out, take a few minutes to prepare yourself to watch the brutal, graphic reality of what Jesus went through before his death. Decide for yourself if you will grow from seeing it so realistically portrayed that you could be standing in Mary's place 2000 ago, or even more difficult, standing as a member of the San Hedron during the arrest, the crowd during the trial, or the guards during the rest of it.
There's talk of Anti-semitism in the movie. If you want it to be there, it's there in the same way if you want it to be in the Bible, it's there. But don't go in looking for blame... the Jews or the Romans or anyone else. Look at it in the sense that it was no nation that killed Jesus, no religion (he was a Jew with many Jewish followers), it was evil, and sin, all that ever was and all that ever will be that killed Jesus. But he was stronger than all the evil there is and rose from the dead, so we don't ever have to die.
If you go to see this movie, and you wanna talk about it, either to debate points of view, ask questions, or just to say 'man, that was _________' feel free to email me. youth_minister_guy@hotmail.com
Lots of other stuff happened today too, but its still all processing, so stay tuned!
I can say this. I didn't learn anything I didn't already know, but I FELT all the things that I knew like never before. Before you go see it when it comes out, take a few minutes to prepare yourself to watch the brutal, graphic reality of what Jesus went through before his death. Decide for yourself if you will grow from seeing it so realistically portrayed that you could be standing in Mary's place 2000 ago, or even more difficult, standing as a member of the San Hedron during the arrest, the crowd during the trial, or the guards during the rest of it.
There's talk of Anti-semitism in the movie. If you want it to be there, it's there in the same way if you want it to be in the Bible, it's there. But don't go in looking for blame... the Jews or the Romans or anyone else. Look at it in the sense that it was no nation that killed Jesus, no religion (he was a Jew with many Jewish followers), it was evil, and sin, all that ever was and all that ever will be that killed Jesus. But he was stronger than all the evil there is and rose from the dead, so we don't ever have to die.
If you go to see this movie, and you wanna talk about it, either to debate points of view, ask questions, or just to say 'man, that was _________' feel free to email me. youth_minister_guy@hotmail.com
Lots of other stuff happened today too, but its still all processing, so stay tuned!
Wednesday, January 14, 2004
What fantastic stories
Actually, that's sarcastic... it's back to the grind. I've been so spoiled over the last three weeks. But i'm glad to be back to routine. I had a productive day at work, and plan on having a productive week. Yay.
Hung out with Erin the last couple o' nights. Some big conversations on monday. That usually happens when I get back from a weekend like the one in Surrey... there's just so much deep stuff that happens, and I like to share and make sure the other person in my life if there is one, can share that a bit. This conference was about discernment so there was fear cuz of my previous struggles over priesthood, but I'm very happy to say things are awesome right now.
Tonight I had three simultaneous meetings to attend, and did good at all of them. PC are happy with my progress and plan for the next few months, and are eagerly awaiting the YAC presentation next month, the confirmation parents are happy with the retreat info and saw some people nodding their heads about volunteering, and the Jr. High Planning Team did a great job. I think Crystal musta been on the ball chairing. She's just doing a great job in general... like my right hand I tell ya!
Anyway, gonna go home now...
Hung out with Erin the last couple o' nights. Some big conversations on monday. That usually happens when I get back from a weekend like the one in Surrey... there's just so much deep stuff that happens, and I like to share and make sure the other person in my life if there is one, can share that a bit. This conference was about discernment so there was fear cuz of my previous struggles over priesthood, but I'm very happy to say things are awesome right now.
Tonight I had three simultaneous meetings to attend, and did good at all of them. PC are happy with my progress and plan for the next few months, and are eagerly awaiting the YAC presentation next month, the confirmation parents are happy with the retreat info and saw some people nodding their heads about volunteering, and the Jr. High Planning Team did a great job. I think Crystal musta been on the ball chairing. She's just doing a great job in general... like my right hand I tell ya!
Anyway, gonna go home now...
Sunday, January 11, 2004
The low down in Surrey
Just finished the WCACYM Annual Gathering in Surrey. It was great. SUPER challenging. The theme was building communities of discernment... all about decideing who God made you and what your vocation is (married, single, religious, priest) and then picking it and committing to it permanently. Also then on how to build communities that help people do this effectively and accurately. I had some important personal questions answered and also got some good ideals to implement at home.
On a side note, stupid homesickness. I really missed the gang. I haven't seen Christine since I got home, and really would like to hang out with David and Sinead too. And of course... missed my Erin.
Had a ball friday night though... we went to White Rock and chilled. Met some awesome Ukrainians and celebrated their new year. They were representing the Ukrainian Catholic part of our awesome Church and it was so great to have their input. Laurie (one of them) is coming to Calgary in August, so it should be a mad ball.
So what did I learn this weekend... Well, #1, when you feel like you're gonna kill someone you're so frustrated over a personal hangup, ask someone you trust for help. Sr. Francine got me over my own struggle when I asked her and the conference was gravy after that.
#2, know when to let go of a friendship and don't take it personally.
#3, God answers prayers, even when it seems like He might not be
#4, Sometimes a hardcore crisis of faith is okay, and can help you turn more strongly to God in the end... if you have the support and presence of mind and heart to pray and trust.
#5, I can lead my peers in prayer and music without fear.
Sounds like a self help manual.
Cheers
On a side note, stupid homesickness. I really missed the gang. I haven't seen Christine since I got home, and really would like to hang out with David and Sinead too. And of course... missed my Erin.
Had a ball friday night though... we went to White Rock and chilled. Met some awesome Ukrainians and celebrated their new year. They were representing the Ukrainian Catholic part of our awesome Church and it was so great to have their input. Laurie (one of them) is coming to Calgary in August, so it should be a mad ball.
So what did I learn this weekend... Well, #1, when you feel like you're gonna kill someone you're so frustrated over a personal hangup, ask someone you trust for help. Sr. Francine got me over my own struggle when I asked her and the conference was gravy after that.
#2, know when to let go of a friendship and don't take it personally.
#3, God answers prayers, even when it seems like He might not be
#4, Sometimes a hardcore crisis of faith is okay, and can help you turn more strongly to God in the end... if you have the support and presence of mind and heart to pray and trust.
#5, I can lead my peers in prayer and music without fear.
Sounds like a self help manual.
Cheers
Wednesday, January 07, 2004
Off again
Yeah, I leave for Van tomorrow morning at 5:45 am... stupid airlines. Ah well, it'll be a cool weekend. Its the WCACYM annual gathering. It'll be good to get the networking time in. I'm gonna send out my speaking/retreat press pack in a couple months, so people will have a face with the name. Also, it'll be good to meet new ministry folks and stuff... Calgary is a bit of a microcosm, so it'll be good to expand beyond for a couple days. The only sad part is I'll be out at a retreat centre, so won't have time to see family or Matt and Nick and Andrea. Bummer. If I wasn't just back from vacation I'd take a couple days, but its not an option right now.
So I'm relatively skinny now. I've lost probably 20 pounds in the last little while, and I fit into a straight cut 38. No more mister baggy pants! Wuhu! Thanks to my little digestive friends. My main resolution is to now lose a little more and keep the weight off indefinitely... sigh, no more excessive fast food consumption. Ah well, it'll save me money.
Watched The Order and Finding Nemo with Erin last night. Finding Nemo is awesome... the Order, well it was bad enough that a girly Heath Ledger fan asked if we could turn it off half way through... More importantly, there was much hanging out at the Fitz' place with Erin's family, and then just Erin... both of which are awesome.
So I'm relatively skinny now. I've lost probably 20 pounds in the last little while, and I fit into a straight cut 38. No more mister baggy pants! Wuhu! Thanks to my little digestive friends. My main resolution is to now lose a little more and keep the weight off indefinitely... sigh, no more excessive fast food consumption. Ah well, it'll save me money.
Watched The Order and Finding Nemo with Erin last night. Finding Nemo is awesome... the Order, well it was bad enough that a girly Heath Ledger fan asked if we could turn it off half way through... More importantly, there was much hanging out at the Fitz' place with Erin's family, and then just Erin... both of which are awesome.
Tuesday, January 06, 2004
Back to the grind
So today I'm officially back at work... which is why I'm not working, and rather blogging instead (mmm... procrastination). First order of business, clean my horribly horribly messy office! Like seriously... its madly messy in here. ugh.
Lots of work to do before I leave for Vancouver, so I'll be pretty busy the next couple days doing office work (fun).
Spent the last couple o days with Erin... mmm... Erin. Last night I was talking to her and she was all like, 'I wanna see you... come over... Tim Hortons'. Of course my response was 'Timmy's... see you in 20'. It was funny, we were both falling asleep in the Tims in Riverbend we were so tired... totally worth it.
Apparently her brother is making fun of us on his Blog because our blogs tend to be... 'this is what I did today, oh yeah, (Erin/Ryan) is awesome'. Hehe... little online romance.
I listened to the Strong Bad Sings CD. Awesome! Thanks Matt... best CD ever. I almost peed my pants listening to the System is Down I was laughing so hard.
Anyway, I should actually do work at work... so bye for now.
Lots of work to do before I leave for Vancouver, so I'll be pretty busy the next couple days doing office work (fun).
Spent the last couple o days with Erin... mmm... Erin. Last night I was talking to her and she was all like, 'I wanna see you... come over... Tim Hortons'. Of course my response was 'Timmy's... see you in 20'. It was funny, we were both falling asleep in the Tims in Riverbend we were so tired... totally worth it.
Apparently her brother is making fun of us on his Blog because our blogs tend to be... 'this is what I did today, oh yeah, (Erin/Ryan) is awesome'. Hehe... little online romance.
I listened to the Strong Bad Sings CD. Awesome! Thanks Matt... best CD ever. I almost peed my pants listening to the System is Down I was laughing so hard.
Anyway, I should actually do work at work... so bye for now.
Monday, January 05, 2004
Home sweet home
Well, after a LONG trip home (I hate Olympic Air... will never fly there again, also plan on avoiding connections in Athens and Toronto... if you wanna know why... ask me in person) we made it. What a great experience. Everything made it home, and so far everyone likes their Chrismas presents. I'm glad to be back (despite the fact its DAMN cold here)... I missed all you guys a lot. (I'm not really sure who You Guys are but if you're reading this you are probably a friend, and thus I missed you).
Got to hang out with the Fitz' most of yesterday... that was sweet... It was so good to see them all. I think they all liked the stuff I brought them, so that's good. I spoiled Erin a bit, but she wasn't complaining. She got me a Claddagh ring from Ireland, which is sooo cool. I've always wanted one, and coming from her its that much more awesome! It doesn't fit on my ring finger, but its perfect on my middle one. I figure that's as suitable a place for it as any though... people wonder a bit when you have a ring on your left hand ring finger (and my cartouche is on my right one and is not resizeable). Also hung out with Matt last night... Awesome! It was so good to see him before he left. Also saw Kristin. That was cool.. we talked about the dance scene, school, relationships. Her and Erin got along great too, which is really cool.
Today is rough a bit. Some things are going well... got one fiasco at work worked out, but theres some stuff on the horizon that will be challenging. Also, my computer at the university died on me. I think the power supply is toasted. I'll have to get that looked at. Also, the stomach thing is still sitting in there. On the plus side of that, I've lost enough weight to fit into ALL my hollywood pants again... now if I can just get healthy and keep the weight off!
Anyway, that's it for today kids.
Got to hang out with the Fitz' most of yesterday... that was sweet... It was so good to see them all. I think they all liked the stuff I brought them, so that's good. I spoiled Erin a bit, but she wasn't complaining. She got me a Claddagh ring from Ireland, which is sooo cool. I've always wanted one, and coming from her its that much more awesome! It doesn't fit on my ring finger, but its perfect on my middle one. I figure that's as suitable a place for it as any though... people wonder a bit when you have a ring on your left hand ring finger (and my cartouche is on my right one and is not resizeable). Also hung out with Matt last night... Awesome! It was so good to see him before he left. Also saw Kristin. That was cool.. we talked about the dance scene, school, relationships. Her and Erin got along great too, which is really cool.
Today is rough a bit. Some things are going well... got one fiasco at work worked out, but theres some stuff on the horizon that will be challenging. Also, my computer at the university died on me. I think the power supply is toasted. I'll have to get that looked at. Also, the stomach thing is still sitting in there. On the plus side of that, I've lost enough weight to fit into ALL my hollywood pants again... now if I can just get healthy and keep the weight off!
Anyway, that's it for today kids.
Friday, January 02, 2004
The final hours
Well, my trip to Cairo is coming to a close. I found everything I wanted to bring home for people, and saw enough stuff to make anyone's head spin. I dunno how I'm gonna whittle my photos down to 100 for printing... I took about 400 or so. Yikes!
New Year's was really good. I was worried cuz I'm pretty homesick, and for me New Years is always the big friends day on the holidays. But I had a great time. Me and my family went to La Petite Palmera. Its a FANCY restaurant. We got there at 8. I guess Egyptians go out later, cuz we were the only ones there. Dinner was like, imagine Teatros or Muriettas or the Catch. Now imagine the entire staff is waiting on you. Now imagine more food than you could ever eat (and the best quality there is) and french wine (GOOD french wine). Now imagine the whole thing for four people cost $150. That was it. Then came home and smoked my parents new giant shisha. Pretty good.
Oh yeah, my superhuman healing capabilities kicked in and I defeated the evil bacteria infecting my lower intestine that night too!
I'm gonna miss my folks tonnes... its gonna be a teary goodbye (my mom cries a lot). It'll be good to be home too... I feel refreshed and ready to take on all the stuff that I gotta do when I get home.
See you all very soon!
New Year's was really good. I was worried cuz I'm pretty homesick, and for me New Years is always the big friends day on the holidays. But I had a great time. Me and my family went to La Petite Palmera. Its a FANCY restaurant. We got there at 8. I guess Egyptians go out later, cuz we were the only ones there. Dinner was like, imagine Teatros or Muriettas or the Catch. Now imagine the entire staff is waiting on you. Now imagine more food than you could ever eat (and the best quality there is) and french wine (GOOD french wine). Now imagine the whole thing for four people cost $150. That was it. Then came home and smoked my parents new giant shisha. Pretty good.
Oh yeah, my superhuman healing capabilities kicked in and I defeated the evil bacteria infecting my lower intestine that night too!
I'm gonna miss my folks tonnes... its gonna be a teary goodbye (my mom cries a lot). It'll be good to be home too... I feel refreshed and ready to take on all the stuff that I gotta do when I get home.
See you all very soon!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)