tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326840442024-03-12T22:56:43.606-07:00The latest in living life.My Expression, My confession,
add it up, extract a lesson.Jonarklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06151181887773984482noreply@blogger.comBlogger186125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32684044.post-79482956876700090052012-10-08T08:51:00.002-07:002012-10-08T08:51:58.111-07:002012 Video Blogs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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For easy access and uniformity<br />(and it creates a blog post without having to write about anything)<br />for shameeee<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166370611207712366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32684044.post-71167979784049803632012-03-30T04:33:00.000-07:002012-03-30T04:33:30.354-07:00OopsAn entire country neglected! My bad.<br /><br />Rather than make it seem like a competition blog, I'll propose a partnership between you and Video Blog. (You get first dibs on good stories anyways)<br />SO!<br /><br />Vietnam, in two parts<br /><a href="https://vimeo.com/38789028" target="_blank">1 - Episode 7: Good Morning Vietnam</a><br />
<a href="https://vimeo.com/39284566" target="_blank">2 - Episode 8: Episode 7 Part 2</a><br />
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There we go! So if you want to know about Vietnam, that's the place to go. There were stories there, but you (the reader) will just have to ask me about them when I'm home. Lets go for coffee actually! That sounds awesome.<br />If there is one thing I miss about home, it's the people. Obviously some people I miss much much much too much, but overall I miss all my friends and family back home. No matter how often we used to hang out (or never hung out), lets change it by upping the anti and hanging out all the time. I'm pumped for many coffee dates with YOU! Yes, you. Say it out loud. No don't... if you do people will think you are talking to yourself (even though you are talking to me).<br /><br />Okay!<br /><br />So I'm in Laos now, and I have a special guest with me. You aren't allowed to know who it is quite yet because I want it to be a surprise in the video blog (SORRY BLOG!) but I'm pretty pumped with how it's worked out :)<br /><br />Today we went to waterfalls! And attached to the waterfalls was a Sun-Bear sanctuary. So that was pretty cool. Saw the little guys wrestling with each other which was as adorable as you can imagine. Unfortunately the reason that there IS a sanctuary is because of the threat of poaching, which I even saw an example of first hand. On the drive from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang (where I am now) our bus stopped at a rest stop which had "Bear Whisky". Meaning... it was a dead bear (cub) crammed into a big jar of whisky for drinking. Apparently people think it's good for health. Sad.<br />
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But the waterfalls were gorgeous, the limestone (I think) cliffs made the water runoff this gorgeous blue, and there was a rope swing into some pools near the bottom of the falls. Very fun. I don't know what the plan is after this... my time in Laos won't be as long as my time in any other country, and unfortunately much of it was spent in a town that I wish I hadn't been in for so long (due to the heavy party scene), but that's okay. I used some of the days there to finish and post the last blog and then just get some recoup time while I waited for special guest to catch up.<br />
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After the waterfalls we came back to Luang Prabang and wandered around the city center for a while, went to a temple around 4pm when the monks all begin this big drumming thing. It lasts for about 15 minutes while a group of monks all kept beat with these massive drums and little cymbals. Pretty cool!<br />
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But I am coming close to the end of my time in SE Asia! It went by so quickly... 2 months, woah! Nepal will be next... looking forward to that. REALLY looking forward to that.<br />
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This blog wasn't as good, but it's something new. Which is nice. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166370611207712366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32684044.post-90356974847577965142012-02-29T19:25:00.001-08:002012-02-29T19:25:13.304-08:00Good Morning......Vietnam!<br /><br />But this blog will be about Cambodia.<br />Tease.<br /><br />So, since the last blog post I've been to Southern Cambodia, specifically this place called Sihanoukville. At this location I had my fair share of "story worthy" things happen, but I'll give two.<br /><br />Rented scooter/mopeds with another backpacker for one of the days we were there, we figured it would give us the freedom to roam around the city. We did for a while, he would rip up and down parking lots (his moto was better than mine), and it did give us a certain amount of freedom. We went down to one of the beaches and walked around there for a while, then when we got back to the bikes I couldn't get mine to start! So I borrowed his (while he hung out on the beach) and drove back to the hostel we rented them from, and had them come back (only to tell me that I needed to click the kickstand in WHILE holding in the brakes while pressing the starter... embarrassing. <div>
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Anyways, we drove back to the hostel where we met up with a group of other backpackers and decided to go "out" that evening. They all took Tuk-Tuks, but I figured since we had rented the mopeds for the day, I'd just use it to get to where we were going to get a full days worth out of it! I borrowed the other one because it was better (and I enjoyed riding it more when I had to go back to the hostel). We were down by the beach until maybe... 1:30am when I decided that I should go back since I had a island snorkelling tour booked the next day. So I'm putting my way along back to the hostel and I am halfway up the big main hill in the city when all of a sudden... putt putt putt... dead. <div>
Out of Gas.<br /><br />So I coast back down the hill, then push back up another one, then push along the road trying to get to where there is a gas station which, of course, is shut for the night. Finally I was able to get a local to grab me some gas from somewhere (in coke bottles) for $5. I'm sure it was more than it was worth, but what else was I to do? It got me back to the hostel alright though, so that was good. But boy... I'm not having the best luck with vehicles this trip!<br /><br />A few days later I went out on a Scuba trip to this Island called Koh Rong. The diving itself was pretty cool, saw seahorses and other cool crabs, lots and lots of coral at this one site, and even a barracuda. When we got back to "the island" I had the option to either go back to the mainland (2hr boat ride) or stay on the island in one of the bungalo guesthouses that were built along the beach. I decided to stay, and then heard that there was a bunch of bungalos on the west side of the island that were really excluded and quiet. I can understand why, as they were a hour long hike over the ridge of the island to get there. The hike was a long sweaty one just by itself, but I was also wearing ALL of my bags (50-60 pounds?). Boy... was I ever regretting it halfway through haha, especially as some parts of the descent were very steep and tricky, requiring ropes as you went from rock to rock. Saw a little red snake about the size of a pencil on the way over, don't know what kind it was though. Apparently the island has King Cobras on it. Didn't see any of those.</div>
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Got to the bungalos and they definitely were excluded, a little bit run down too. Met up with some other people I had met earlier that morning on the boat ride over and hung out with them for the evening. Watched the sunset (my real reason for choosing the west side) and swam in the water after dark to see the fluorescent plankton, which was pretty cool to see. Like fairy dust in the water every time you moved and made a current.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGuDBX0hHw_O4Sms0tYQ53Ug8L8xGJNzDsx0vZBSs2QvFqdI0-HJrLQLme5Uji36pDUrEHtURFw5Yl7r9-fPkdR_c8ClhIqQefFZV2XQB9w8d8KM257aW7C_2be3UxAezc9JVgQQ/s1600/IMG_1961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGuDBX0hHw_O4Sms0tYQ53Ug8L8xGJNzDsx0vZBSs2QvFqdI0-HJrLQLme5Uji36pDUrEHtURFw5Yl7r9-fPkdR_c8ClhIqQefFZV2XQB9w8d8KM257aW7C_2be3UxAezc9JVgQQ/s320/IMG_1961.jpg" width="239" /></a>Got back to my bungalo (in which I was the only person sleeping) to find that while I was out, rats had chewed through my bag... dang. So that put a damper on the whole experience. Also, nightfall brought "the spiders". Big suckers. There was no electricity save for my headlamp, so everytime I'd look their way some of those eight eyes would catch the light. I fell asleep knowing that the walls and grass roof above me were covered with glowing eyed eight legged freaks. Needless to say I was happy there was a provided mosquito net, which I tucked WELL under the mattress on the ground and lay as tightly as I could away from the net's walls (afraid I might untuck it in the night and welcome in guests). <br /><br />Minutes after turning off my lamp I could hear the rats scuttling around me. I was thankful when morning came haha.<br /><br />Hiked back the next day, not as bad since I knew what to expect, and then just hung out on the east beaches of paradise waiting for the 4pm shuttle bus back to the mainland.</div>
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Getting to vietnam had it's fair share of troubles too, with busses first not having communicated that I had transfer tickets, then the border crossing bus dropping me off 1.5hr walk away from the hostel area of Siagon (Ho Chi Minh). Even the bus I took from Saigon to Da Lat (where I am now) dropped me off at a distant (main) bus station at 5am with no clear way of where to go.<br /><br />It's all figured out now though, I'm staying in the "Peace Cafe Hotel" which is actually really nice. I have my own room which only cost $8 a night, it even has two beds which since I'm alone acts as a nice place to spread out my stuff and organize myself a bit for my many bus rides to come. I foolishly booked onwards bus tickets through my last hostel and realized after it was non-refundably too late that the company they booked with is notoriously the sleaziest and worst one in Vietnam haha, but it was only $29 for getting me halfway up Vietnam, so I will suck it up for one more trip so I get at least HALF of my moneys worth out of it, but then forsake the last two tickets and go with the company that has good rating.<br /><br />There we go blog! Post 201!<br /> I haven't forgotten about you yet. Our 200th was not so long ago... let's make it to another 200.</div>
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Also had really weird vivid dreams while on the bus last night... but this blog is already long, so I won't go into any introspective details about those... this time haha.</div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166370611207712366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32684044.post-54592781804269327362012-02-15T09:24:00.000-08:002012-02-15T09:24:54.531-08:00200th Post!Happy 200th post blog!<br />
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Crazy stuff. This blog has seen me through ups, downs, University, YWAM, multiple world trips, all sorts of events, fires, plays, races, you name it. I've been slacking a bit recently... but reading that is nothing new, you'll see that statement scattered all over the place in those 200 posts. Pretty cool though.<br />
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But thank YOU, the reader. I know that you are out there, blogger sends me a little stat every once and a while telling me how often my page is checked, so I know that someone out there is reading haha, and I thank you. I'll make sure the road to 300 is kept exciting!<br />
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Leave a comment if you've ever read one of my 200 posts! (trick question)<br />
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So today was pretty eventful!<br />
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Woke up and went to this temple that was wayyy far away, about 30-45min Tuk-Tuk ride away. I split the $30 charge with another backpacker, some Aussie girl from Melbourne, and we went to Beng Mealea temple. Very cool, it was totally overgrown and pretty big. I think those are my favorite temples, the ones where the forest has won.<br />
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We were offered to check out the flooded forest/floating villages on the way back, but the person I was splitting the ride with didn't seem too interested... too bad. Next time! On the ride home we crashed.<br />
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It was really sudden, the tuk-tuk lost control and began to skid then swerved off the side of the road down a short embankment. It stopped when it hit a tree and jackknifed. Everyone was okay, the bike got beat up pretty badly though, and had to be disconnected from the carriage and hauled up separately. The surrounding people were really helpful and the driver was really embarrassed. Poor guy. We still paid him, he said the money would go towards repairs (we realized when we were dropped off that the front wheel was messed up).<br />
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Aso ate some sticky rice with soy beans in a bamboo chute, it's sold on roadsides, Cambodian/Thai snack, very good!<br />
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Got back into town and I rode my bike out to the Angkor Watt again. Rode around, walked around some temples, and joined some other travelers in walking up the "elephant path" to the top of this hill where the sunset view is supposed to be nice. It would be if it weren't for all the smog... this heat in Cambodia is something else indeed. Saw elephants, fed a monkey a banana, rode back to "pub street" and had an awesome meal and a few drinks for a great price, then had a good cup of coffee while watching a philosophy speaker on youtube. This place is right up my alley, I will come back with anyone who wants to go! Haha, I'm really looking forward to seeing more old things tomorrow!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166370611207712366noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32684044.post-35697967340554312762012-02-12T01:04:00.000-08:002012-02-12T01:07:35.522-08:00The Talk...Well Blog, we need to talk...<br />
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You've definitely been neglected... <a href="http://vimeo.com/jonarkle" target="_blank">Video blog is younger and more vibrant</a>. We've had some good times but....<br />
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I don't know... things have changed... I'VE changed, it's not you blog, it's me...<br />
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You are... What's that? You think we could give it another go? Should we dare?<br />
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Okay, you've convinced me. You're right, we've had too much history just to give up now! Here's what I propose... you get special spoiler status. News on the forefront, wayyy before Video Blog is even NEAR reporting it.<br />
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Sounds good?<br />
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Perfect.<br />
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(Spoilers if you want the Video Blog to have surprises!)<br />
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So we arrived a couple days ago in Poipet Cambodia. Getting across had it's hassles, on the Thai side a very fiesty little border guard screeched her way around everyone getting the massive line of foreigners to move back and them split up, so I was separated from the Hope for the Nations group for a while there (but then she was super nice to me inside, weird), and then on the Cambodian side I, like an idiot, had forgotten to print out a copy of my Cambodian Visa, I just had my reference number thinking that would be good enough for it to come up on the screen. No dice. So after waiting through the massive line to get to the border check, I needed to go back to no mans land, find a printer and print off my Visa to have it stamped, then stand in the massive line AGAIN to get back to the guard. All worked out though, and the guards were very friendly. The rest of my group had gone off ahead during my little delay, so I caught up to them at the hotel by taking a moto-taxi (sitting on the back of a moterbike) to the hotel. pretty sweet, I have my own private room for $12 American, which is pretty sweet for my own little zone. <br />
The bathroom is shower and toilet space all in one, so when I have a shower the toilet seat is hit by the spray and the entire place is full of water... which doesn't go away. There is a dip by the door which is on the other side of the bathroom from the drain, so there is a perpetual puddle in the washroom, I forgot about it last night when I woke up in the night... wet foot.<br />
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Here in Poipet we went to see some of the projects that have been set up here including a school building/childrens home AND a really cool "School on a Mat"rural education program here. Video blog shows more footage of that, very cool program though, it's called "Build a Bridge" and can be found if you look into the Hope for the Nations website.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04FsKYB8k_Ph1GkkoX5Yn6SEknBkE0EtvuoPq4KJP8l0jnnxxrCub51RxkmkVr16iIJSF3GTSZr-F_Lt1dAhtaFn78wFMF82FqwyCDSSz7VgY-gTG_-MjgPAsYLEkEyPvw3dnTw/s1600/IMG_7207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04FsKYB8k_Ph1GkkoX5Yn6SEknBkE0EtvuoPq4KJP8l0jnnxxrCub51RxkmkVr16iIJSF3GTSZr-F_Lt1dAhtaFn78wFMF82FqwyCDSSz7VgY-gTG_-MjgPAsYLEkEyPvw3dnTw/s320/IMG_7207.JPG" width="320" /></a>Yesterday I went to Battamburg with two other hope volunteers Sophie, Rebekah and Rachelle. Sophie is a Cambodian national who works for an NGO here in Poipet, Rebekah works on projects in Cambodia on a regular basis and comes out here once a year and Rachelle is an RA who has been working in Red Cross crisis centres in warzones for the past year, she is volunteering now with Hope for the Nations. After the two hour drive to Battamburg, we bought goofy glasses to make change for the American cash we took out of an ATM, and then went to get "traditional Cambodian photos" taken. This is apparently a modern pastime for Cambodians, to have photoshoots in very fancy gear, which are then greenscreened onto backgrounds. They are incredibly cheesy (but taken seriously here) and we had a lot of fun doing them. Didn't take any videos of the process... so blog might be the exclusive showcasing location of these photos when they are eventually delivered.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIeuQy3KSxw6Tz7ObhtU3isPbvNcomV2miQLE9rWNySPUn98d_gIXyNIEjZV1LQyMnY5qEgTpNITAXmT3jK8myXEEEErlP_s8BsHrgt8fMKtDv8Aph3F5F-xB_HgA7tDZqri8yw/s1600/IMG_7226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIeuQy3KSxw6Tz7ObhtU3isPbvNcomV2miQLE9rWNySPUn98d_gIXyNIEjZV1LQyMnY5qEgTpNITAXmT3jK8myXEEEErlP_s8BsHrgt8fMKtDv8Aph3F5F-xB_HgA7tDZqri8yw/s320/IMG_7226.JPG" width="320" /></a>After the photoshoot we grabbed something to eat with two workers from another NGO here in Battamburg, which was really nice, cool to get to know more people who do awesome work. Then we went to the Bamboo Trains, which are these crazy, sketchy little bamboo platforms on railroad tracks that just rocket down the cambodian countryside with no railings or support. This is one thing that the video blog will do better justice for, but it was a very cool experience.<br />
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On the way home, our taxi ran out of gas. Hilarious. We had noticed subtle little things that our driver had been doing, turning off the A/C, slowly coasting whenever he got the chance, and finally we could hear the sound of him pumping away at the pedal as we coast at 10 km per hour. Seeing as this guy had been driving at about 180km/h earlier (honestly, it was scary, cannonball on the run) we figured this meant we were out of luck. He got out and after fiddling around with something in the engine, he finally waved down a truck that had a massive load of Nescafe boxes on it and big poles sticking out the back. No biggie, he just tied a rope to the back of this truck and let it pull us for about 10 min to a spot where he could put a little bit of gas into the taxi. We were laughing hysterically in the back, but I think he didn't mind, he smiled away and laughed with us. We finally got back later that night and hit the hay pretty quickly afterwards.<br />
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And that was my day yesterday in Poipett!<br />
I'll be sticking around for another day or so to take pictures of the various projects that the NGO here runs. They wanted them so that they could put nice photos onto their sponsorship packages, e-mails, website, etc, so I am happy to help. After that I'll be heading to Siem Reap, and the temples scattered there... I have very high expectations.<br />
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This was refreshing to write on this page again,<br />
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You were right blog, we belong together.<br />
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-Jonathan<br />
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(P.S. To the people who have been coming to this blog and seeing nothing new... I'm sorry)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166370611207712366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32684044.post-62843506675232222492012-01-31T18:31:00.000-08:002012-01-31T18:31:22.806-08:00I'm sorry BlogI lied, I didn't write again soon.<br /><br />I've been working on these...<br />
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http://vimeo.com/jonarkle/videos<br />
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Sorry Blog. I haven't forgotten about you.<br />
I'll be back when I want to be all introspective... and stuff.<br /><br />I've been preoccupied<br />
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<br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166370611207712366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32684044.post-56387653771285418252012-01-09T13:31:00.000-08:002012-01-09T13:31:31.288-08:00My Stumble!!My trip has started!<br /><br />I've spent so much time editing the video blogs that I've been neglecting this!<br /><br />I will be back later to write a good post. I have been keeping a hard copy journal though, so that should count for something...<br />
<br />Left Adelaide, wedding was amazing<br />
Road trip to Mt. Gambier yesterday<br />Continue on towards Melbourne today<br />
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I'll write again soon!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166370611207712366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32684044.post-74008692401479287302011-12-04T20:33:00.001-08:002011-12-04T20:45:39.032-08:00Role Models<br /><br />
I was going to send a friend of mine (Mark) a silly picture over facebook, and thought I would send it via 'private message'. I quickly changed my mind when I realized that the last back and forth that the two of us had had on facebook was a surprisingly thought out discussion on role models. I re-read my answer that was quite old truth be told, and found it fascinating to read something that I had written that I had not only forgotten about, but told me something about myself that perhaps I have forgotten as of late.<br /><br />I would love to chat with young (old?) Jon, just to see what he might have to say about where I am at today. <br /><br />But this is what I found the Jon of May 2010 had to say on the topic of role models. I assume Mark wouldn't mind a reproduction of my answer, despite the fact that it was in a "private conversation" back then.<br />
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Mark<br />
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Hey Jon, <br />
This is a little out of the blue but I wanted to ask you a personal
question. I'm curious about who your role models are and how you decide
who you want to be in life ...AWKWARD<br /> <br /> I know it's very
Anya-esque of me to ask something like that with no preamble, but I'm
feeling a little preambled out in life lately and i have no idea how to
segue into a question like that! Besides, you seem like someone who
wouldn't mind getting to the point. So... share?<br /> <br /> -Mark<br />
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<abbr class="timestamp" data-utime="1291496417" title="Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 1:00pm">December 4, 2010</abbr></div>
<strong><a data-hovercardx="/ajax/hovercard/hovercard.php?id=507989032" href="http://www.facebook.com/JonathanArkle">Jonathan Arkle</a></strong></div>
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hahah Awkkkwarddd..... <br /> <br />
Not at all actually, but I don't know if I'll be able to supply the
answer you might be looking for. Regardless I'm going to punish you
with an essay for asking me such a question.<br /> <br /> I give a long history, then my "current answer" below the line if you don't feel like reading<br /> <br />
My role models change.. haha, depending on the season of life I guess.
In an all round, and sort of cliche way, (also more on a career
path/work ethic basis) my Grandfathers and my Dad are who I hope to
someday be like... obviously growing up seeing them as my archetype for
"successful life" because, cmon, it's "your grandpa" who doesn't look up
to them, and then my Dad because obviously he's been able to supply me
with the life that brought me up to be who I am now, so I hope to
emulate his approach to life in that sense as well.<br /> <br /> BUT, less
cliche, and more to the "season of life", usually my role models are
based on individuals who approach life with an attitude that I respect
or agree with. Haha, in middle school/high school I really looked up to
a rock star... not just any rock star, Andrew WK. and when I say
"looked up to" I mean it, he was my hero. Not necessarily because of
his musical style (which I did/do love regardless), but mostly because
of his approach to life. He was endlessly positive, endlessly
energetic, and when I watched interviews and things with him, past the
PARTY PARTY PARTY exterior, he was really intelligent and philosophical.
In the end, he "preached" an approach to life that was focused on
being happy, looking on the bright side, and living life to the fullest
just because.<br /> <br /> That set the basis, and honestly I attribute a
lot of my positive outlook on life to that influence during crucial
"finding yourself" years. But, I don't look at AWK quite the same way
anymore, as my own life began to change, soon I was admiring people who
were able to live what I had decided was a praiseworthy lifestyle.
This was primarily fuelled by listening to what others had to say about
people (not in the gossipy way though). I would hope that in my life I
would be seen as someone who people would "want to be around", someone
who doesn't just have friends, but is admired by their friends (in a
totally not conceited way, I hope I don't give that impression). So,
role models for me became people who I observed others want to be around
for the sole reason of how they treated others, how they treated
themselves. So for a good part my role models were my peers, or perhaps
peers of mine who were older, more established. This would still be in
the high school/early post high school era. But mainly, I looked up to
and hoped to emulate the positive aspects of those who treated others
with respect and were respected for it.<br /> <br /> ------<br /> <br /> So
now... I thought about it, and (hopefully this answer doesn't
disappoint...) But I don't really have any specific role models haha. I
don't have someone who I look at all round and think, "Them... that's
who I want to be like", but rather I pick and choose on traits that I
admire from other people that I know, and use those in each specific
interest. So for example, if it comes to work ethic, I'll look at my
grandfather or my good friends at the university who genuinely work
hard. Sense of humour? Well.. I have an unhealthy fanatical interest in
Ricky Gervais, but he is far from someone to look up to in regards to
human interaction haha, if it comes to general communication between
people, I look at (brush your ego) people like you who time after time I
hear people say "I love Mark Wells" just because of the way you
interact with kindness first, judgment... never. But I don't have a
clear cut answer for you... I used to in previous "seasons", but I guess
for the "season" I'm in now, I am more of a pick and choose admirer,
finding what I see to be the best, and what others identify as being the
best, in those around me, and emulating those in hopes of being a
horrible Frankenstein mash up of admirable qualities.<br /> <br /> In the
end, I feel life comes down to how are you treating others... so I
observe that process. If we have any indicator of what's the right way
to act, or the right way to live our lives in relation to those around
us... It seems the clearest response is to listen to those around us and
figure out what combination "works", and it generally comes down to a
pretty basic combination of love and humility... (which of course I
still struggle to keep up with every day).<br /> <br /> Hopefully this made
sense... I just woke up from my "post graveyard shift nap", so I hope
that it was somewhat coherent... albeit scattered with run on sentences.<br /> <br /> See you at White Christmas tonight!<br />
<br />
-Jon <br />
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I loved reading this for my own sake, and it made me realize that I haven't put much thought into such topics lately. Perhaps it's because I'm not in as social of a setting as I previously was, but regardless of the reason... It made me miss being able to give an answer like this.<br />
<br />
Good old' Jon. Thanks for that.<br />
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Sincerely- Present (your future) Jon.<br />
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<br />
I feel like documenting it on the blog is appropriate seeing as this blog began when I was living in Australia, and you will likely see him mentioned a fair bit back in the earliest posts. <br />
What a great surprise though, I was out at Doc's with some folk celebrating Ben's brother's birthday when suddenly a strange "Unknown" calls my phone with the number +01234567. Odd...<br />
<br />
I answer it only to hear a fantastic Irish accent say "Jon Arkle! It's Rob Lewis here". Best surprise ever. He continues to say that he has a chance to come to BC and would love to meet up with me, which he did a few days later. Awesome.<br />
<br />
The best part about having friends like Rob is that you can jump right back into where you were at despite a 5 year hiatus. Even though it felt like ages since we'd last seen each other, hanging out was like we had seen each other last week. Those are the friendships that count in my opinion. Lots of talk of Lord of the Rings, Movie soundtrack quizzes, Philosophy, Ethics, Faith, Guinness, and old friends. What a great week.<br />
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Unfortunately his trip back wasn't the best for him. He was trapped in the early morning on a broken down bus in a valley with no reception outside of Chilliwack. As a result he missed his flight and thus began phone tag with the airline trying to move his reservation, and he slept on the airport floor ("slept like a baby" he said).<br />
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None the less, for my part at least it was worth having him here.<br />
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<br />
Also, my nerdiness knows no bounds... I don't own a Nintendo system, but that didn't stop me from pre-ordering the new Zelda game. I just like owning it. So now I've got to figure out a way to borrow someones Wii so I can play it.<br />
It came with a soundtrack CD, full Symphony, awesome.<br />
<br />
<br />
AND! I bought a new Camera, which I'm still playing around with and having a great time. I probably could find things more productive to do with my time, BUT here I am writing a blog, so maybe not.<br />
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As you can see, I'm pretty much a professional photographer now. So, that's cool.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166370611207712366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32684044.post-56070190665032576002011-11-08T13:59:00.000-08:002011-11-08T13:59:14.012-08:00Karl SilckingtonAs promised, update!<br /><br />Fighting off a cold at the moment... <br />
<br />(Segue to main point)<br />
As many of you will likely already know, I have an (unhealthy) obsession with good ol' Ricky Gervais haha. You name it, T.V, blog, stand-up, basically all of his scripted comedy work (which is genius), but even more so than all the others, I love eavesdropping on the banter between him and his friends, namely the old podcasts. For the years that he was bringing them out, I was hooked on the podcasts that he would record with Karl Pilkington and Stephen Merchant which was essentially just three best friends hanging out and having the same sort of conversations many of us have with our friends (except of course Ricky and Steve are consistently hilarious, and Karl is a genius in his own... special way). I would listen to them often while driving to University, (made the mistake of listening to them on the bus once... strange looks for the laughing man), but the real treat was when a podcast would come out on the Friday before my weekend Graveyard shift, 8 hours of lonely night-work goes by a lot faster when you feel like you're with friends.<br />
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<br />Now, there was one podcast where Karl said something that, as usual, had a foundation of wisdom behind it, namely that "it's good to be sick, so that you know when your healthy" (I paraphrase). Of course, that was funnier at the time with the addition of his friend's berating him for saying it afterwards, but almost annoyingly now every time I get sick I find myself thinking back to that statement.<br /><br />So, in honour of good ol' Pilki, I am... er... happy that I'm feeling gross because it'll mean I'll appreciate it when soon I will feel better. I guess that's really true about everything, that classes "you don't know what you've got till it's gone" mentality, applies to everything, even the sniffles.<br /><br />And then of course are the REAL ailments. I have friends who are battling cancer, family with chronic illnesses, friends with disabilities or injuries that render them incapable of doing the things that I love.<br />
<br />When put in perspective, I'm happy that I can say the worst of my worries is a sore throat and snot.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfwYwcZms6cttMBlDrxIDKwC4ArMOXyfXmiMn0HoG3e_rFa96GsJf_uDbRNJ6mkuiRGRLnzsIDnteKziOoBXf_2ZvPj2YwPT5moT3oIQL8kaVygzCe2qEz7A3dtMWNTJXf1ljUA/s1600/IMG_1196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfwYwcZms6cttMBlDrxIDKwC4ArMOXyfXmiMn0HoG3e_rFa96GsJf_uDbRNJ6mkuiRGRLnzsIDnteKziOoBXf_2ZvPj2YwPT5moT3oIQL8kaVygzCe2qEz7A3dtMWNTJXf1ljUA/s320/IMG_1196.jpg" width="239" /></a>So... although this post isn't particularly interesting, it stirs the waters, and keeps the blog alive until it gets properly used in the new year with my travel plans. But it is nice to think about what I should be, and hopefully always will remain thankful for... my health, my abilities to do things such as triathlons, or travel. Not everyone in the world has been dealt the same benefits that I have been... and it would be selfish and cruel of me not to recognize that I am incredibly fortunate.<br /><br />It's nice to be inspired to remember that. Important too.<br />So for that reason, I guess Karl was right. Today it's been a good thing for me to feel sick.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166370611207712366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32684044.post-17890296798437464912011-10-27T13:56:00.000-07:002011-10-27T13:56:58.216-07:00Def I neI'm in an awesome mood today, so I don't want this blog post to make it seem like I'm having some sort of crisis, far from it.<br />
<br />
Well, that's not entirely true... I'm three quarters through "A Storm of Swords"... and those of you who have read the book can probably guess what chapters I just read... and that ruined my day yesterday. Mini crisis in my own little mind there. <br />
Actually, on the note of the book, I'm so pumped to be genuinely enjoying reading a book. Never before have I been so immersed in a book before that when something happens in it I end up dwelling and stewing on the happenings in between readings. In fact, I'll probably go back to reading it as soon as this post is written.<br />
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But, I figured I'd write something, get it picked up a bit again.<br />
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I was reading a book a few months ago, "The Reason for God" by Timothy Keller. I was really enjoying it, but put it down for some reason, I still have a couple chapters left that I haven't read, I don't know why. Maybe I'll zip through those sometime in the next week... but I digress.<br />
One of the last chapters that I had read came back to me the other day.. or at least I think it was from that book... regardless, it was about "identity" and more specifically where we get it from. Now, as I'm sure you can assume, a book with a title like that is obviously theologically based, but it had a really good question that it posed regarding what defines you. The book was encouraging the reader that having your "faith" as something that defines you would be something unchanging, which I guess makes sense seeing as broad and abstract as faith can be sometimes, but this isn't a theological post, this was just the introduction...<br />
<br />
It got me to thinking lately though about what "defines" me. Clearly, (as I've said time and time again on this blog), being a "student" used to define me. It was a nice, all encompassing term. "I'm a student at the University" = ah, this person is hard working, probably busy, going somewhere, has a plan, has a goal, has a social setting, etc. But of course, that ended, and now that all encompassing term doesn't apply to me or a few of my friends who are in the same boat now with the same question "wow, what do I do now?". I find this really interesting... do we "define" ourselves by our current jobs now? Perhaps... but we likely don't want to do that. "Lifeguard", "Gym employee", "Nanny" are all fine terms I guess... but none of them are quite as all encompassing as "student". Which is interesting to me. <br />
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Of course, these labels of definition aren't permanent either. I won't be a "lifeguard" forever, and when that's gone what will be my definition? It mine placed purely in what job I'm working in at the moment? Is what defines us based on our current "projects"? What happens when those end<br />
<br />
"No, Jon, it's not! What defines you is your personality, it's how you treat others!"<br />
<br />
Hmm... maybe. But then who is that definition for? Probably the people who know you already... I think I'm referring to a more "first impression" level of definition. "Hi, I'm Jon...." and where do we go from here?<br />
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"Alright, it's based on your hobbies, so you could say 'triathlons', or 'acting'"<br />
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"Well those are alright as well, but what if I was rendered incapable of triathlons? Does that change 'me'? or just rid me of a pasttime? What if I loved... cars? But couldn't dedicate as much time to cars as I used to... did what makes me "ME" just get lost somewhere?"<br />
<br />
Pretty people will lose their looks, party animals will lose their youth, athletic people will get weak, energetic people will get old, rich people might lose their money, friendly people might lose their friends, experts might become outdated, specialists might become obsolete. Is anything that people place their self-worth in permanent?<br />
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<br />
I'm beginning to see why the book was pushing for "man of faith and discipline" to be the preferable defining characteristic. These things can't really be affected by outside change of scenery. But then again... what if I lose my discipline? Is something that was characteristically "me" gone in that moment? <br />
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This blog doesn't have answers, it doesn't even have properly formulated questions. But, as I'm sure my lack of writing style has exemplified, I literally type out what is in my internal dialogue with myself haha. I'm not having a crisis, I'm not searching for my identity (I don't think...), but I do think it's curious to observe both myself and my friends as what used to be such a great "defining characteristic", in fact THE defining characteristic<br />
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Truly the ramblings of a mad man.<br />
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I'm a mad man with a blog.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8o0zC_CT4PI">Definitely the ---> SONG OF THE WEEK!</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166370611207712366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32684044.post-80644125084058380652011-10-18T12:05:00.000-07:002011-10-18T12:05:53.378-07:00A shocked otterI'm nominating my own blog for "Worst kept of 2011". I'd appreciate
your support by continuing to become annoyed by checking it and not
seeing any updates.<br />
<br />
BUT THERE ARE SO MANY! (I'm sure!)<br />
<br />
Jonathan
Arkle BA. I know that I posted on that in the past, but it still
holds true. It's a weird feeling... not sure I like it. I haven't
jumped into full time work yet, still doing the life guarding thing at
the moment pending near future travel plans, but with 5 courses per
"semester" and Gorman Bros. all taken out of the equation, I've got
wayyy to much free time. On the bright side, I'm reading more (which
is ironic), but I'm anxious to figure out a way to keep myself
constantly on the go.<br />
<br />
Oh well.<br />
<br />
But my musings are boring, for the most part. People like stories. I
don't have any particularly exciting ones off the top of my head, but
I'll work on that. The lack of steady stream of strangers that UBC
provided leaves me feeling alienated. I need an excuse to be in crowded
places again. But no good "stories" doesn't mean no good news.<br />(You'd think most people would be happy not to have to deal with the strangest individuals that society has to offer... but when I'm not constantly able to provide stories of them, I start to worry that others are providing said stories about ME).<br />
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A picture tells a thousand words, these are the latest things whilst I've been living life!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laura's Wedding!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jill!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My friends Scott and Daniel passed away in a tragic hiking accident. I will always remember them. It's a funny feeling, losing someone you are that close with in such a tragic way... there is definitely that "gap" now that won't ever be filled. I love you and miss you bud.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As if I wasn't nerdy enough... Doctor Who has become one of my new favorite television shows. If you haven't watched it, I highly recommend beginning with Season 5, it's a good starting off point.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I doubtlessly have the best group of friends I could ask for. A.. "best damn crew" of my own if you will (Hi Jordan, thanks for reading, missed you).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDmYCxuhLuhyphenhyphenYxvtXDG_XpyBR2er4QR-WerMCy2ST4KDFTuUs1jHAVqxOUMB-iknv6XbUICNQ4A2zHOFtTBXJYZdN4OY_sAO2dcnp-IZl3H0fFIIeBB6q7KAsP-stbwjkroLcxA/s1600/Crew+at+Laser+Tag+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDmYCxuhLuhyphenhyphenYxvtXDG_XpyBR2er4QR-WerMCy2ST4KDFTuUs1jHAVqxOUMB-iknv6XbUICNQ4A2zHOFtTBXJYZdN4OY_sAO2dcnp-IZl3H0fFIIeBB6q7KAsP-stbwjkroLcxA/s320/Crew+at+Laser+Tag+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best friends and my gorgeous girlfriend in red. (I say this so she'll hate the fact she checked my blog)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqg6KINw2XDX-zjewpjdnHSZEueOJf4QcZNcVg2e-jUcfWg2MC1pjPZ8B-VZZ26A_wlFC3N9bGqkPJovOPq6utAM_uUN9Gmoic4Yq5i9cCq66wPgAaK6Brh0MrIMquczN8vRMMIA/s1600/shocked_otter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqg6KINw2XDX-zjewpjdnHSZEueOJf4QcZNcVg2e-jUcfWg2MC1pjPZ8B-VZZ26A_wlFC3N9bGqkPJovOPq6utAM_uUN9Gmoic4Yq5i9cCq66wPgAaK6Brh0MrIMquczN8vRMMIA/s320/shocked_otter.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A shocked otter. No relevance.</td></tr>
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Well how's that? Something.<br />
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As I mentioned above... I'm making travel plans at the moment, and this blog is going to be utilized in a very major way during said travels, so it is not dead.. it just took a hiatus. This won't be the first blog that I've loaded with pictures and promises to "keep updating", but at least it's something!<br />
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Also! Let's bring this back. <br />
SONG OF THE WEE... er... POST!<br />
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The weather is getting colder which always brings the metal back into my playlist. I am definitely not complaining.<br /><br />"Winter is coming".<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166370611207712366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32684044.post-14335974918899001672011-08-08T11:44:00.000-07:002011-08-08T11:50:17.259-07:00Stirring the watersSummer finally started! Doing my best to take advantage of it. (He says as he is updating his blog in front of a computer screen)
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<br />GO OUTSIDE JONATHAN!
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166370611207712366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32684044.post-81330544262434201072011-07-13T21:19:00.000-07:002011-07-13T21:32:20.779-07:00Google + what?Alright Google +... you think you can take on Facebook? I want to see this...<br /><br />Invite only at the moment, so if you read the blog and want in to this exclusive club, let me know!<br /><br />In other news, summer is going well. Today I had my first "open water rescue" of sorts at the beach, went out to get two girls who had foolishly swam about half a kilometer out into the open water as the wind was picking up. That was kind of cool for me, could have been very bad for them.<br /><br />Overall life is good. Sports nights slowly creeping back, movie nights still going strong, working days are good and I'm slowly exploring all the little foodie places in Peachland. Fun.<br />Skipping it tonight, but Karaoke is also becoming regular for the "gang", which is pretty funny I think.<br /><br />I think this was titled "Velociraptor fight"... I wouldn't have it any other way.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgc3iWeKON1Kwldzc6ZlsgYb1kFP0ajpwoFZU2AFW19poowsM6VGodAEyAJdouvOK91LUh-gah9sv8WtrniGfCP2IAtqzCoAFWLLI7LCNsggtFUFnGmydB6EIe3pzcGqX9NRTSg/s1600/IMG_0647.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgc3iWeKON1Kwldzc6ZlsgYb1kFP0ajpwoFZU2AFW19poowsM6VGodAEyAJdouvOK91LUh-gah9sv8WtrniGfCP2IAtqzCoAFWLLI7LCNsggtFUFnGmydB6EIe3pzcGqX9NRTSg/s320/IMG_0647.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629060550201119922" border="0" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166370611207712366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32684044.post-5492339549458710572011-06-17T12:54:00.000-07:002011-06-17T13:03:54.287-07:00Stanley CupHow disappointing... Soo many emotions during this playoff season. We do love our Canucks, bandwagon or no, it brought the Province together...<br /><br />Well... haha then sharply separated it again.<br /><br />However, blah blah, all BC media has reiterated this to death, but "how embarrassing was the riot aftermath". Exciting... but still disappointing and embarassing. First world problems. But I won't fill the blog with the overstated "Small group of morons" "anarchists", etc... No... it was a large group of morons, who love the spectacle and the idea that somehow they have a reason to "hate the system". That being said, I come to wonder if I would have immediately left the riot scene? or whether I would have been a bit fascinated by the spectacle... Would I have encouraged the monkeys by bringing out MY camera phone? It's easy to distinguish the "other" and become high and mighty and judge... but crowds are crowds, and I know I am easily moved by the enthusiasm of the masses...<br /><br />We'll see how I react next year when we win :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i.imgur.com/ftjvJ.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 490px; height: 275px;" src="http://i.imgur.com/ftjvJ.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div id="msg_717520360_undefined" class="fbChatMessage fsm" jsid="message"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tony</span>:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I don't know why they don't arrest that one guy in the picture you posted.</span></span></div><div style="font-style: italic;" id="msg_717520360_undefined" class="fbChatMessage fsm" jsid="message"><span style="font-size:85%;">It has his name right on his shirt!</span></div><div style="font-style: italic;" id="msg_717520360_undefined" class="fbChatMessage fsm" jsid="message"><span style="font-size:85%;">Kesler!</span></div><div id="msg_717520360_undefined" class="fbChatMessage fsm" jsid="message"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Man, criminals are stupid.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jon</span>:<br /></span></div><div class="mhs mbs pts fbChatConvItem fbChatMessageGroup clearfix small"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=507989032" class="profileLink"><img class="uiProfilePhoto profilePhoto uiProfilePhotoMedium img" src="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/187454_507989032_5023411_q.jpg" alt="" title="You" height="1" width="1" /></a></span><div class="messages"><div class="metaInfoContainer fss fcg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="timestamp"></span></span></div><div style="font-style: italic;" id="msg_717520360_953557821" class="fbChatMessage fsm" jsid="message"><span style="font-size:85%;">I know eh? such easy identification</span></div><div style="font-style: italic;" id="msg_717520360_219750997" class="fbChatMessage fsm" jsid="message"><span style="font-size:85%;">Almost every picture I saw had that moron too</span></div><div id="msg_717520360_2292956200" class="fbChatMessage fsm" jsid="message"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">him and his friend Burrows</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tony</span>:<br /></span></div></div></div><div class="mhs mbs pts fbChatConvItem fbChatMessageGroup clearfix small"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=717520360" class="profileLink"><img title="Tony Grzegorzewski" class="uiProfilePhoto profilePhoto uiProfilePhotoMedium img" src="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/187155_717520360_2071223_q.jpg" alt="" height="1" width="1" /></a></span><div class="messages"><div class="metaInfoContainer fss fcg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="timestamp"></span></span></div><div style="font-style: italic;" id="msg_717520360_undefined" class="fbChatMessage fsm" jsid="message"><span style="font-size:85%;">mhmmmm</span></div><div style="font-style: italic;" id="msg_717520360_undefined" class="fbChatMessage fsm" jsid="message"><span style="font-size:85%;">The egos on some people.</span></div><div style="font-style: italic;" id="msg_717520360_undefined" class="fbChatMessage fsm" jsid="message"><span style="font-size:85%;">But we can't blame Luongo</span></div><div style="font-style: italic;" id="msg_717520360_undefined" class="fbChatMessage fsm" jsid="message"><span style="font-size:85%;">as much as I see him</span></div><div style="font-style: italic;" id="msg_717520360_undefined" class="fbChatMessage fsm" jsid="message"><span style="font-size:85%;">I've heard he can't stop anything.</span></div><div style="font-style: italic;" id="msg_717520360_undefined" class="fbChatMessage fsm" jsid="message"><span style="font-size:85%;">couldn't*<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jon:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Hahah</span><br /></span></div></div></div><br /><br />Next year Canucks. Next year.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166370611207712366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32684044.post-82032318537406228742011-05-20T11:01:00.000-07:002011-05-20T11:12:27.268-07:00One yearIt's been one year since LOST was on the air. I miss it.<br /><br />Well, that's my little statement about that, not really blog worthy in my mind, but I figured I needed to write about SOMETHING and that was the first thing that came to mind. I could supply commentary about the "World ending" or any of that sort of thing, but I feel like the interweb is obsessed enough with this whole doomsday prophecy.<br /><br />Summer is here! And I am looking forward to it immensely. Mostly, I'm looking forward to waterskiing again... This hot weather and flat lake is making me think about it all day, but I haven't quite had the opportunity to go yet. Soon though... soon. The fact that it is as hot as an August day, and there is still snow on the hills makes me happy too. Granted, the snow is way up there, but it's still visible. Awesome, I love where I live.<br />On that note, I've been giving it more thought into when I won't be living here anymore. I'm back in "LSAT studying mode" for a little while, and that keeps my days busy. So, pathetic me, still goes out to the University almost every day to do prep for that, but that's okay. Only for now.<br /><br />Because my "summer" hasn't really kicked off with any shenanigans yet, I don't have much to write about. Routine is still un-blogworthy... BUT I figured I'd stir up the waters a bit. Stagnancy brings all sorts of insects...<br /><br />I saw a mosquito the other day too.. they are coming.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSR_5yTY26W4_rEBS6KTEzye16UrcMNnVehnUBYKQbWaLV1ka0lOl6PhHajxP-lv110iCFMRAt1wSdI84GHfZu6NT9bkUQ8WpX4UjzBkxbaOCf3934vZa1WdWlXp5Byt_Tn0Mog/s1600/IMG_0521.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSR_5yTY26W4_rEBS6KTEzye16UrcMNnVehnUBYKQbWaLV1ka0lOl6PhHajxP-lv110iCFMRAt1wSdI84GHfZu6NT9bkUQ8WpX4UjzBkxbaOCf3934vZa1WdWlXp5Byt_Tn0Mog/s320/IMG_0521.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608862701390981058" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Oh, and Baby Ducks. Awesome.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166370611207712366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32684044.post-132099856277896342011-04-28T17:23:00.000-07:002011-04-28T18:05:25.899-07:00And so it came to an endWell, that's it!<br /><br />On Tuesday, at approximately 2:33pm I handed in my last term paper (Epistemology) of my undergrad degree... pretty exciting.<br /><br />I guess now I am "Jonathan Arkle... BA (pending)"...<br /><br />The questions I've been asked<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">How does it feel</span>: A little bit weird actually, hasn't quite hit me entirely yet, but still the knowledge that "that was it!" is in the back of my mind. Exciting I guess, but also... now I need to start figuring out the next step<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What is the next step</span>: Most of you who read the blog have likely already heard my spiel, law school is my plan, my hope at least, but I'm taking a year off to get my "ducks in a row" for that. Going to rewrite the LSAT after preparing for it properly, then spend the next year hopefully taking care of that and applying to schools!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">You should travel</span>: I would love to, school plans come first, but also I don't have any idea as to where I should go? What would I do? I'm open to suggestions.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What can you do with a Philosophy/Sociology degree</span>: I can look at not only society and "the human experience" in a more critical and understanding way, but also approach arguments in a logical and thoughtful manner. I have knowledge, experience, discipline... and also, I can write a damn good paper and circle you in argument. That sounds worth it to me.<br /><br />Now the "long summer" has begun for me, and so far it's been off to an eventful start.<br /><br />Go Canucks anddddd<br /><br />I'll post more often now that school discipline isn't distracting me as much<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeFkMpp5hSHqy-0-LhyphenhyphenIdXDeoP6O6qnhXm6PY2Xs2ECh1dVKzZ_NKqeQ_ApdKxgoT19Y3zLoM0GASEKRZdiXKzqboZ6MWa00495UcBZ3dix-pGabKp-T8GioVT2qnxPgpSARK8w/s1600/IMG_0431.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeFkMpp5hSHqy-0-LhyphenhyphenIdXDeoP6O6qnhXm6PY2Xs2ECh1dVKzZ_NKqeQ_ApdKxgoT19Y3zLoM0GASEKRZdiXKzqboZ6MWa00495UcBZ3dix-pGabKp-T8GioVT2qnxPgpSARK8w/s320/IMG_0431.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600801392570149138" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8f2ap3-wGumQkYSUw3ZybGPMfYlPWBq_LLhUmI7xjqe8T6ok8SG7mkSi8S6vPvEQZ6HmLkVFUD6rc-Ome4hNO3zS_XUABZU1i0eB8L0ZSkr7Lo_J-8O4YJ1PaxQ9mB5xNcATHQ/s1600/IMG_0389.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8f2ap3-wGumQkYSUw3ZybGPMfYlPWBq_LLhUmI7xjqe8T6ok8SG7mkSi8S6vPvEQZ6HmLkVFUD6rc-Ome4hNO3zS_XUABZU1i0eB8L0ZSkr7Lo_J-8O4YJ1PaxQ9mB5xNcATHQ/s320/IMG_0389.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600801402003464162" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIybdIAR2bxHevXyxzfx4YNWjqUVOcD89m9KTfDexanLfXCMF8t8tXzfx3zXfnlXgDApdhOBBeR2SUwloCb7rmRHCg9jaPy0jD4Gb4Wde70qd5YlSjih1PHK0ayYpWaikaIm5rQ/s1600/IMG_0475.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIybdIAR2bxHevXyxzfx4YNWjqUVOcD89m9KTfDexanLfXCMF8t8tXzfx3zXfnlXgDApdhOBBeR2SUwloCb7rmRHCg9jaPy0jD4Gb4Wde70qd5YlSjih1PHK0ayYpWaikaIm5rQ/s320/IMG_0475.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600803829396944834" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLrrYk2GwTtwYO4BQMj8JY_nA7yTZYcznnt7uYR89JgxBKiVYu4qttDXL8N6rzgyaA_MeDmwG-_OQNhi0B-IwJg_BLnnliyhE9bydeGTxWafof6byYAJ9zr_La2Bjbd26q1xmWA/s1600/IMG_0388.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLrrYk2GwTtwYO4BQMj8JY_nA7yTZYcznnt7uYR89JgxBKiVYu4qttDXL8N6rzgyaA_MeDmwG-_OQNhi0B-IwJg_BLnnliyhE9bydeGTxWafof6byYAJ9zr_La2Bjbd26q1xmWA/s320/IMG_0388.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600803832480896034" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqsi4LJz5Zdg7jHI5uXDjQMoyJrkFYlhz4d1nvs9TwPeIHSJZlikrnJk9wyrF66pruCtYpc-jQsk4_XQL_uNO7W5dETR2w9WT2UgbwwqcCT2oLjUGLCx-UM8o6LanYN7ZSfZtXw/s1600/Tim+hortons+UBCO.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqsi4LJz5Zdg7jHI5uXDjQMoyJrkFYlhz4d1nvs9TwPeIHSJZlikrnJk9wyrF66pruCtYpc-jQsk4_XQL_uNO7W5dETR2w9WT2UgbwwqcCT2oLjUGLCx-UM8o6LanYN7ZSfZtXw/s320/Tim+hortons+UBCO.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600803831170768610" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtXF-gs_mDf-ZvObKNZ4A5UV8o8EMsdYhFML2Vg2TE1RV6rJ_JWhI9kFcy425TnolxobsjJA5pUkjKw6L4iT5BH8xaLba2XCmHd2ZSzbPgy8iv1jQCtXFPZPg8RM7iO-nXBgBmg/s1600/IMG_0479.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtXF-gs_mDf-ZvObKNZ4A5UV8o8EMsdYhFML2Vg2TE1RV6rJ_JWhI9kFcy425TnolxobsjJA5pUkjKw6L4iT5BH8xaLba2XCmHd2ZSzbPgy8iv1jQCtXFPZPg8RM7iO-nXBgBmg/s320/IMG_0479.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600797724050575090" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSWM2FOyaetHN_0AugRFFdD05GAuYeK2C81u4SV2_qDmupp64SS9nC3rr8j8oxnXrWjOsYYcEj3tq_xgoOgL4a0QQ_F2FxrjkoSxFDCuosv4nePGeohDyHErmoafiRWAUGmVCXw/s1600/IMG_0417.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSWM2FOyaetHN_0AugRFFdD05GAuYeK2C81u4SV2_qDmupp64SS9nC3rr8j8oxnXrWjOsYYcEj3tq_xgoOgL4a0QQ_F2FxrjkoSxFDCuosv4nePGeohDyHErmoafiRWAUGmVCXw/s320/IMG_0417.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600805184408970994" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I think I'll miss the library though.. not necessarily the studying (although that was always an ol' faithful "thing I need to do today"... purpose is nice... but also because the "library crowd" sort of became a constant. <a href="http://youtu.be/7KtAgAMzaeg">That school library was my "Cheers"</a>)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166370611207712366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32684044.post-63433628848912543162011-03-29T18:34:00.000-07:002011-03-29T18:56:27.279-07:00Unproductive? Probably. Worth it? DefinitelyToday was likely the most unproductive day I've had at UBCO haha, however at the same time it was a very very good day.<br /><br />Began with an 8:00am 'Police and Society' class in which we were going to watch a documentary. It didn't work, technical difficulties, so instead we got back our Finals, which I am happy to say I did very well on. We got out early after that.<br /><br />Instead of moving on to the library with my "crew", we decided to sit in the sun on a bench in the courtyard... then a classmate reminded me that my only other class of the day (save for a speaker at 4:00pm) had been cancelled, and so commenced a day long socializing event in the sun with my friends and colleagues that I have grown to love over these 2 years at that particular campus. A day very well spent if you ask me.<br />It also got me thinking about how, despite the stress, and despite the "I AM SO OVER IT" attitude that seems to come to everyone in the last few weeks of their degree, I am going to miss the student lifestyle, the atmosphere of the university, the intellectual stimulation and discussion, but perhaps mostly haha, I'm going to miss the social aspect that is university. Here's hoping I continue to constantly meet new people and don't get caught up in a "small social circle" mindset once I'm not in the beehive of activity that is the campus.<br /><br />Also, sun means summer. Nice.<br />(Guest speaker that I listened to at 4 spoke on deviance and youth subculture, with a particular interest in the straight edge movements of punk subcultures in the 1980's-1990's, really really interesting. Kim and I brought Katie along for her first sociology class ever, last week on "Terror and use of fear in popular culture" I brought Jill, Kelly, Dave and Dylan. Awesome, Sociology is the best... maybe I should have double majored... more school atmosphere!?!? Nah.. maybe today's leisure was a "grand farewell" to all of this... ack, no Jon, don't get all mellow dramatic, blogs are no place for that!)<br /><a href="http://www.epitaph.com/artists/player/artist/262/title/610"><br />NEW THURSDAY CD COMING OUT! ACKAKJ IT'S GOING TO BE SO GOOD!!!</a> Listen to "Past and Future Ruin"... oh man. So great.<br /><br />First bike ride of the year on Sunday too... wore me out, but it was really good. Good to get those muscles moving again, off season was too... off season I guess.<br /><br />So that's awesome. Things are awesome. (SO PUMPED FOR NEW THURSDAY)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQflz6TswzBbIwptGSEOGYYL_6BbIr2E7vydyNXNGsU9C1ENjVHcAUzUE0XBDmw43uGHk-PkktTfUiyc4s8xLPYyBaulREw8PHJn16aqUjiRNpXtXF0a1UnMEW55P3Y8l2KXxsw/s1600/Thursday+dove.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQflz6TswzBbIwptGSEOGYYL_6BbIr2E7vydyNXNGsU9C1ENjVHcAUzUE0XBDmw43uGHk-PkktTfUiyc4s8xLPYyBaulREw8PHJn16aqUjiRNpXtXF0a1UnMEW55P3Y8l2KXxsw/s320/Thursday+dove.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589685892562653810" border="0" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166370611207712366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32684044.post-16974317733814573742011-03-22T19:20:00.001-07:002011-03-22T19:30:29.962-07:00The end of the end of the end beganThese past few days have been great! Things have just been going very well, AND it's been sunny, which is awesome. Cmonnnn summer!<br /><br />Wrote my first final today for "Police and Society". I know... the first final... terrifying, this is the end of the last semester of the BA... crazy, 3 weeks left.<br /> It was killer, but I really, REALLY prepped for it, so I'm feeling very confident. Hopefully a week of nothing but 13 hour library shifts pays off. Here is an excerpt from the end of one of my essay answers...<br /><br />“These circumlocutions worked” as Skoncik and Bayley state, however not in the sense of achieving the mandate. Rather, with the proper presentation community policing through its circumlocutions wrapped the police in “aspirations and values that are extremely powerful and unquestionably good” to further legitimize this “moral powerhouse” in its war against the deviant <span style="font-style: italic;">others</span> in society, to uphold both the unwritten moral mandate and police mandate as a “justified” non-accountable and nonnegotiable coercive force. - Jonathan Arkle<br /><br />I know right?<br /><br />I'm feeling good about it. ALSO, New Rise Against is fantastic and definitely winning the playcount race at the moment, but new contender isssss<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fNho-VSEac">NEW THURSDAY SONG</a><br />Yayy.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FfFKWNlrUwxycgvobiufXhfVjbfzhoumDygUo3cEFxBYCoZp6jcA7OTHoNnFNXc5evrUSSMrPx1fzRjZmojtc2jyCPLCS-arFgGntn81M364iJf4WTWYWFc6bFhe8bjZb_21kQ/s1600/IMG_0398.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FfFKWNlrUwxycgvobiufXhfVjbfzhoumDygUo3cEFxBYCoZp6jcA7OTHoNnFNXc5evrUSSMrPx1fzRjZmojtc2jyCPLCS-arFgGntn81M364iJf4WTWYWFc6bFhe8bjZb_21kQ/s320/IMG_0398.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587096533350812706" border="0" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166370611207712366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32684044.post-86076967873296067782011-03-12T20:14:00.000-08:002011-03-12T21:18:12.716-08:00Wolf pupI'm ashamed that I consistently want to write about something, but as soon as I open blogger it all disappears from my mind. Such is life I guess, but I'll try to scrape together what I hoped to rant about...<br /><br />The new <a href="http://www.myspace.com/riseagainst"><span style="font-style: italic;">Rise Against</span> album</a> has incredibly poignant lyrics, and I would recommend it to anybody who has a particular affinity for punk music.<br /><br />As I worked through my graveyard shift last night I went through a complete flurry of emotions. The shift is an interesting one as it is 8 hours beginning at midnight, but the majority of it is working alone. As a result, this lonesome time with my own thoughts mixed with the increasing tiredness in those ensuing hours creates a cocktail of thoughts that is sometimes dangerous in that they will be right the way across the spectrum. I've never been so inspired, so happy, so angry, and so depressed as I have been during a graveyard shift.<br />Anyways, last night was focused a lot on faith (<span style="font-style: italic;">oh no.. another one of these posts? YOU BET</span>), this is naturally an ever going battle seeing as I'm constantly immersed in the atheistic push that is a philosophy degree in the academic circles. Apologetics has always been not only a passion, but something that I feel to be almost necessary... but last night wasn't so broad of a thought. Instead, it was more shame towards the way that those under the banner of Christianity treat their fellow humans... close-minded, open-mouthed... I can't relate, I hope I never can. I'm a broken record on this blog, I recognize that, but I hope that I can be an example without being a hatemonger, I hope that I can demonstrate love without it appearing like I'm just seeking an "eternal reward", altruistic means for a selfish end, I hope that I can show, and continuously demonstrate, that my life has a genuine focus and compassion that is a bit different than the masses hopefully... hopefully, but God knows that I fall so far form this <span style="font-style: italic;">every</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">single</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">day</span>.<br /><br />Regardless, I caught myself in a place where amongst my internal stewing I was feeling apathetic about gathering at one of my two churches as I was struck with an (unjustified) feeling of disconnectedness with my immediate fellow Christian brethren, to a point where I was feeling aggressive towards nobody but everybody because I am so unwilling to neglect fellow humans of the respect and rights they deserve, as so many people walking under the banner I claim to so eagerly do... damning humans based on their own misunderstandings of the nature of our species (It was 4am...)<br />Thankfully I was able to catch myself, slap myself into a much calmer place, and then went on a little blast from memory past to Australia and particular events and important (and level headed) people there, which was good to sooth my stewing for the time being...<br />I was thinking about you <a href="http://notesonthingsetc.blogspot.com/">Jordan</a> and <a href="http://vanessaruth.blogspot.com/">Vanessa</a>. Thank you! I appreciate you.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I feel this blog comes across as preachy too often... Expect some fluffy filler posts for the next little while to stir stagnant waters. </span><br /><br />On more interesting notes, this came into the pool the other day, it's a wolf! 98% said the owner. It is also my new favorite thing in the world... this week, until something else remotely distracts me.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ct4ZG2U_UtSpZ9G0LB95-cBq7ZwUxpL_P2PuP0xd__HkGAisgiodBRaIfaWJVkCo-rUHqe2k-Hy7bxMimzamHlIcgMOChgOoBUBHO0Mo8XhWnqEkp6CUOvXQnH_GU5klz8UqZg/s1600/IMG_0411.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ct4ZG2U_UtSpZ9G0LB95-cBq7ZwUxpL_P2PuP0xd__HkGAisgiodBRaIfaWJVkCo-rUHqe2k-Hy7bxMimzamHlIcgMOChgOoBUBHO0Mo8XhWnqEkp6CUOvXQnH_GU5klz8UqZg/s320/IMG_0411.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583417559180402642" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Also, the tragedy of the Japanese earthquake is awful, naturally (no pun intended). The footage is dramatic, and obviously the devastation is remarkable... however, it is worth noting that had Japan <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> had such strict building regulations that it has, the devastation could be much worse. So lets be thankful for that. Praise the effectiveness of preparation.<br /><br />And finally... (not making fun, bear with me...) CNN could have come up with a better description I feel... I can't help but think that a marquee writer with a wicked sense of humour is responsible. The tragedy is awful, but this headline is incredibly ironic.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMToqYBM0cFqEk5sRuR6bQ9jg_mwTiZNz-q1Nue4gRRsXTHA_L8j5VwGCpTnfeVCX85s4Sk9ZdDXSirg9ud2K8gsAo2mlS099NCvJw_Y9dPxkF7_UIPJGYGPcpmKxSdsAw1cWO_w/s1600/IMG_0414.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMToqYBM0cFqEk5sRuR6bQ9jg_mwTiZNz-q1Nue4gRRsXTHA_L8j5VwGCpTnfeVCX85s4Sk9ZdDXSirg9ud2K8gsAo2mlS099NCvJw_Y9dPxkF7_UIPJGYGPcpmKxSdsAw1cWO_w/s320/IMG_0414.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583417566464958930" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Also on my graveyard shift were long conversations during breaks about UFO's and Wendigos. I'll write about that next time... I would have written about that now.. but it's nighttime and it scares me.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166370611207712366noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32684044.post-22837389578174108312011-03-04T23:09:00.001-08:002011-03-04T23:32:09.258-08:00The Cancer of SocietyNegative Post! :D!!<br /><br />I realise that I am definitely part of the problem, as I have been perpetuating it in the last couple of days with my fascination with this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5aSa4tmVNM">Charlie Sheen video</a>....<br />However, the fascination that our society has with celebrities really does make me feel awful about what we have become.<br /><br />The other day a friend of mine said, when finding out that I hadn't watched the Oscars he said "oh really? I thought you would have been all over that"<br /><br />No... no, I really wouldn't be :(<br /><br />I can't understand the self-worship that that culture has about itself... these people with influence should be using it change the world, and in a more harsh perspective, influence the lemmings that follow them to want to change the world as well. Some do this, and I recognize that, however I can't understand the fascination that the media, not just pop-culture media but even news media, has on these people.<br /><br />As of this writing, the current playcount for Justyn Beebir's "Oh baby" video is <span class="viewcount">479,180,276... Four Hundred and Seventy Nine Million unique visits.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnwi6wO03As">This video</a> only has 264,124 views...</span><br /><span class="viewcount"><br />What makes news? What makes headlines? Not what people should be aware of... Charlie Sheen being off/on/off and on drugs/tigerblood is though.<br /><br />Oh well... I was talking about it, so I'm part of the problem I guess.<br />I need to get ready for graveyard, but I wanted to rant. I'll likely speak on this subject again though... It's been on my mind a lot recently. Anger at the apathy held by the west to not only injustices in our own system, but even more significant around the world.<br /><br />hmm...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkroIXktjgE">Goodnight!</a><br /><br /></span><br /><span class="viewcount">(Also, I'm currently 0/15)<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSZ4INb45UKuB5YX1E9W9Lgph3hp-Tc4YD1e-jN_jBkXR2hqy_cj6ytipiKdTaveIOXrhD-X4XbAXc5Yrh3TePgzocYWBWXvF4fcX27LiZbnBPqF-peuNwK2uFyDqTRz6LY-VXA/s1600/IMG_0382.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSZ4INb45UKuB5YX1E9W9Lgph3hp-Tc4YD1e-jN_jBkXR2hqy_cj6ytipiKdTaveIOXrhD-X4XbAXc5Yrh3TePgzocYWBWXvF4fcX27LiZbnBPqF-peuNwK2uFyDqTRz6LY-VXA/s320/IMG_0382.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580494753164910754" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="viewcount"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166370611207712366noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32684044.post-32975756937069001152011-02-25T14:36:00.000-08:002011-02-25T15:02:21.289-08:00Love keeps her in the air when she outta fall down<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tGiCkd1kBHU" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />Another potential title for the post was almost<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Little Albatross"</span><br /><br />So last night was the much anticipated Serenity night. It's likely because of all of the "bring Firefly back" hoopla that has resurfaced on the interweb recently, but watching it made me incredible nostalgic for the show, and sent me right back into a very passionate "It was/is the greatest ever".<br /><br />Also, great company helps too. How do you tell the quality of a man? By the company he keeps. How can you tell the quality of the company you keep? Their willingness to "sing"/yell along with Dr. Horrible, and then intently watch Serenity, (and unanimously consider it a night well spent).<br /><br />Aside from that, nothing particularly newsworthy, but I figured I'd stir up the stagnant waters again. Going to a UBC Volleyball game tonight, should be good, again, good company so I'm sure it will be.. and if it isn't... oh boy.. hell to pay I tell ya....<br /><br />That's it. There is no more. Re-watching that clip makes me feel like I need to have something incredibly profound to say about Love, or perseverance, or maybe just spaceships... but no such luck. I'll try to be more deep for the next one...<br />(Someone asked me the other day "You have a blog? What do you write about??" to which my friend Katie quickly responded "nothing really, he just posts music he likes" haha... (she then followed up with "I never read it though" aw... adorable).<br /><br />Sounds like I have a trend though, so clip, and then... lets go with some "study music" then.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZfUd88le7Y">The track behind the clip</a><br /><br />And a beautiful appropriate picture titled "Coming Storm"<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXDh3pLBQdtWOA2edqFItHcmtl-3i6IpqoZ0uYwdMciPFA1C0y-oVCWscRxLhy4Gwcx7Ua6Jt79brZVCHfOz0ZeNCPm8g9NWMxBIVyihulsizUu3w7El8stfmSfbDPzPvQjLwNQ/s1600/Serenity.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXDh3pLBQdtWOA2edqFItHcmtl-3i6IpqoZ0uYwdMciPFA1C0y-oVCWscRxLhy4Gwcx7Ua6Jt79brZVCHfOz0ZeNCPm8g9NWMxBIVyihulsizUu3w7El8stfmSfbDPzPvQjLwNQ/s320/Serenity.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577765730451293346" border="0" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166370611207712366noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32684044.post-88768921295358524982011-02-15T13:15:00.000-08:002011-02-15T13:39:53.647-08:00"Let's decide to be the Architects"My bad... I don't often check the links after posting my songs of the day... but this time I did, and realized that I had posted the Dr. Horrible song twice. oops. The original "soft" song was intended to be a Postal Service song... just in case some of you thought that I considered Dr. Horrible to be "one of the the most perfect CDs ever recorded"... It's good.. not THAT good though.<br /><br />Today is my final exam for the lumber grading course, and of course instead of studying here I am updating my blog. With no real motivation either, just saw the procrastination window of opportunity and took it. ("Oh no! There was a misplaced link in my blog! This devastating mistake MUST be redeemed... the blogosphere will never forgive me for it otherwise!")<br />aaaannd studying lumber goes on the back-burner.<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ya76bQksqLg&hd=1"><br /></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ya76bQksqLg&hd=1">New Rise Against song released today</a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ya76bQksqLg&hd=1">, "The Architects"</a><br />So that's very exciting. (To me). I love it, it's passionate and even has chanting "heys", which I'm a sucker for.<br /><br />Soundbites!<br />- New Spiderman costume for the reboot looks really badass, could be a good movie!<br />- Reading break has thus far involved no reading... oops<br />- Tired of the cold weather with no snow, and earlier sunrises are making me wish it was summer.<br />- I love the new Iron and Wine for what it is... but have come to the conclusion that I prefer it when it is him an his guitar. Not because I don't like change, but more so because in the musical interludes between verses, I'd rather listen to him plucking away at a guitar than hear his backup band playing a trumpet... or a recorder. That's just me though, the CD is still fantastic, but it doesn't knock "Shepard's Dog" from its pedestal.<br /><br />That last one was definitely not a soundbite.. dang.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPBn2CaMMwiWLu6IPlOoKEmHx-6hcUv2k95728ptgxubuqVPrWXrIZaD_amXXOT4gmQ18CIg-j_TKirTvleozvNFfF6LLNjes2DlBS9asDcpPXtPIpgP7q0f6SPaGpPvkODC07w/s1600/IMG_0352.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPBn2CaMMwiWLu6IPlOoKEmHx-6hcUv2k95728ptgxubuqVPrWXrIZaD_amXXOT4gmQ18CIg-j_TKirTvleozvNFfF6LLNjes2DlBS9asDcpPXtPIpgP7q0f6SPaGpPvkODC07w/s320/IMG_0352.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574032574305649330" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Also saw Torrey play a show the other night... I love that guy to bits.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166370611207712366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32684044.post-11985360917900474842011-02-11T14:37:00.000-08:002011-02-11T15:00:21.381-08:00NostradamusSaw this standing in line at the grocery store...<br />I think the irony of this front page speaks for itself<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIZO24CrXDG69zoczI5NFin2M8_pd__Ek3jNA4tHCbmSovU5fh0OYpkBY1ONGweRXy-xreFnjZtZuu4_Nd6hjnsQQo43yXEXbShHIeknPgMY_KUpiDorv-uVk5zV5ZQORQuM_LQ/s1600/IMG_0347.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIZO24CrXDG69zoczI5NFin2M8_pd__Ek3jNA4tHCbmSovU5fh0OYpkBY1ONGweRXy-xreFnjZtZuu4_Nd6hjnsQQo43yXEXbShHIeknPgMY_KUpiDorv-uVk5zV5ZQORQuM_LQ/s320/IMG_0347.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572565870777524482" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Now I'm torn about whether or not I should afraid of the fearful 2011.... or use the magic of numerology for a safe and happy year.... can I be safe and happy in a fearful year? Or is it fearful in the risk of me not using numerology? So much stress!! If only I had read beyond the title... then maybe I would have learned what it is I need to do.<br /><br />Reading break!! Definitely looking forward to the break. Here's hoping it's memorable!<br /><br />Happy Valentines day too I guess? haha Here are some Valentine's day "themed" songs.<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktuWC9ZXdkY"><br />1) Heavy song of the day (Favorite metal band throughout all of high school)</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDD-SP2iaa8">2) Softer song of the day (From one of the greatest/most perfectly complete CD's ever recorded)</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDD-SP2iaa8">3) And one that all we hopeless fools can relate to!</a><br /><br />3! Fantastic.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166370611207712366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32684044.post-65512841352466133082011-02-02T17:14:00.000-08:002011-02-02T23:10:05.521-08:00Word math!"Oh Jon, that last blog was self serving and whiny"<br />Yea? Get this...<br /><br />So this week is off to a fantastic start... I'll put it into an equation<br />Exam Season + Coffee + Laptop = ?<br /><br />(I'll reorganize that to get my point across a little bit better)<br /><br />Coffee + Laptop +Exam Season = ?<br /><br />For those of you who may not have caught on... I'll formalize the logic a little bit more<br /><br />(Coffee + Laptop) + Exam Season = ?<br /><br />Now granted, it was a mistake... not on my part, somebody else spilled said coffee on said computer (Coffee got spilled on the computer, I assumed you caught on, but just in case), so I can't be mad... what's done is done, and now I need to figure out how to arrange my next few weeks around getting papers done plus getting computer repaired (hopefully).<br />Furthermore, to add to this week being "awesome", in the Lumber Grading course today I was wrong on every answer I was called on... the worst part about that is it doesn't matter how right you may have been in other answers, you still appear to be a complete moron to the rest of the class when the few answers that you bunged up on are the ones that are announced to the class. Swell.<br />Also... sickness can go away, if it doesn't mind.<br />Nobody said that the blog was self serving and whiny, but I am quick to assume that my voicing might come across as such..<br /><br />I hate the blog being a place to whine... be all preachy and wax philosophic yes, but whine? pfft. (wahhhh! I wish I could just chat with...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Changing subjects!</span><br />I wanted to riff about one of these two pictures, couldn't decide which one, so went with both!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfG7UzCpQiXj0RvAsFnAPDVZC5VMP8l2vVRof0dtNBz_Rdu_hUXhkxZifPc4d2zrnQqM5Y0k9wgYC7o6_D0zeYX5TZpzy8LhmuMXnO31hpsJdzSnIz97S9V5LJHUAnE5UhLb8wQ/s1600/IMG_0339.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 148px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfG7UzCpQiXj0RvAsFnAPDVZC5VMP8l2vVRof0dtNBz_Rdu_hUXhkxZifPc4d2zrnQqM5Y0k9wgYC7o6_D0zeYX5TZpzy8LhmuMXnO31hpsJdzSnIz97S9V5LJHUAnE5UhLb8wQ/s320/IMG_0339.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569270005022581298" border="0" /></a><br />I love this. It's the directors cut!! I mean, it must be a good movie now right? Not only have they re-released it, but now as a directors cut? I always find it funny when movies that were pretty much universally destroyed by critics get a "directors cut" release... as if going with the original version of the directors already awful vision will somehow result in something worthwhile. Furthermore, it wasn't just the director that made this movie bad... it bad bad everything. Adding more scenes with Bhen Aflack isn't going to make the movie magically better... "Ohhhh, we missed that one scene where he was GOOD!"<br /><br />I can't wait for the "Catwoman: Directors Cut" to come out, and we all realize that Holy Berry was part of the greatest cinematic masterpiece of all time... it just got cut a little short.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphwwrNZyvxMLKgxUTYa3mBCb5qYtqynQzPkmefqpiwod0UP2iwTIclefd6iaXMtmIwfW_nrA0YxIYcyIMcvowPiF69XuObdSQbK5hGWs2dKZpmw2_zqQmKPJBmU6Bmn-2C2qXjw/s1600/IMG_0330.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 141px; height: 189px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphwwrNZyvxMLKgxUTYa3mBCb5qYtqynQzPkmefqpiwod0UP2iwTIclefd6iaXMtmIwfW_nrA0YxIYcyIMcvowPiF69XuObdSQbK5hGWs2dKZpmw2_zqQmKPJBmU6Bmn-2C2qXjw/s320/IMG_0330.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569270016617228818" border="0" /></a><br />Now this one... I don't know if you can read it when opening the picture... but instead of ranting about it, I'd just like to say that I want to go with someone now. Who's in? We now have breakfast AND dinner plans!<br />(Weirdest marketing ever though...)<br />Especially because I feel like Shrimp is an appetizer food you know? Like... the kind of thing that is on a platter with tarter sauce or whatever, and you have about five and think "yeaa... I'm done"... but that?? Hilarious<br /><br />Anyways,<a style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZV4ULazntY&hd=1"> "play em off Jonny"...er.. "Andy?"</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166370611207712366noreply@blogger.com0