I've moved locations once again...

http://tobemarked.wordpress.com/

Waiting

There is so much to blog, comment on and ponder about. So I don't know how this is going to relay onto my blog but I got to try.

Recent happenings...
Well I'm down to my Finals week at school. I've got four finals to go, Hermeneutics, Arts and Culture, 19 century reformation and Sin and Salvation. After this that will have been three years of Bible college with one more year of full courses and one year of internship. I opted to do a internship year without any courses. This will delay my 4 year program and extend it one more year. But if I know myself well enough I know I can't put to much on my plate if I want to do things well. My reflections on the school year? Alberta Bible and Rocky Mountain Bible College connected to make it available for students from ABC to participate on the sports teams at RMC. Some played on the hockey team, others basketball and futsol. It was interesting to see what happened when students ended up on teams. It has been a long time since ABC had students participate in competitive sport. I just hope this can continue for the students and this is moving forward for the community and student body.

We haven't collectively merged with RMC academically, because I believe what we are doing although small are building towards a better learning environment for future students. Tuition's are low, Profs are available when you need them and the influence of transformational learning with the practical side of ABC is something that is hard to find. Ps. We are now accredited.

Those NHL playoffs and the Canucks....
I haven't commented or made any venting public since the Canucks were knocked out of playoff contention and for good reason. The first round of the playoffs are almost complete. Calgary and Montreal are on the brink of elimination. Ottawa put up a dismal effort against the power house duo of Malkin and Crosby. But we all knew Ottawa was out no matter what they did. Canada's hope rest on the shoulders of Iginla and those inconsistent Flames. While in the East Price, Kovelev and the Habs salvage some premature thoughts that 12 straight in the regular season would translate in a easy first round opponent in the Bruins. As I sit and watch the playoffs and I become even more of a hockey fan through and through. I actually sat and watched and cheered for other teams. I found myself cheering for the Capitals and Ducks(and I might have a bias because of some Canuck influence). Watching the talent in Pittsburgh and the trampling of the Sens. How can you not cheer for the Penguins at this point. So much talent and all of it being displayed. Players playing to their potential. I am becoming more of a fan of the game of hockey, if not already.

As I mention players playing up to their potential, I must talk about that team that never did this year. Especially the last 8 games. Don't get me wrong I will and forever cheer for the Canucks. But at the end of the year I have never been so disappointed. I lost hope in my childhood heroes. I remember I cried when they lost to the Rangers in game 7. I saw Mr. Canuck Trevor Linden kneel on one knee tired and in disbelief they had a chance to win it all and now we may never see him play another game. This Canucks team never played up to their potential. They say back and watched teams demoralize them and take advantage of a less than confident team. On top of that David Nonis was fired a week ago or so. I can't comment on whether this was truly a good thing. But I know that at the tradeline the problems team with the lack of offence was not addressed and now Canucks fans are in the waiting room to see whats to come next. Who will the GM be? Who will be traded? Will Linden come back(its not official folks, but it might as well be, but here's hoping one more year)? Does Naslund resign for less and become 2nd fiddle to new blood? Rumors out there have Luongo upset and wants to be traded. I would be upset that my team depends solely on me too. Luongo can do a heck of a lot, but he can't score goals for you. If the rumors are true. I believe it is up to management correct the situation before trying to trade possibly the best goalie in the world at the moment. I will throw this out there. But if the Canucks trade Luongo for anything less than 2 proven offensive players (Heatley, Spezza, Lecavalier, Crosby, Malkin,) and solid goalie and a number one draft pick, I will become a Flames fan. In other words... Don't trade Luongo for anything less than an amazing outlandish trade.

But there is one saying Canucks fans have been accustomed to, "Well there's always next year."

Consumer Responsibilty...
Recently there has been protest against the Summer Olympics. I've made some inquires and gathered some information about China and what is going on there. Peacefully I agree with protest. Done in a manner that is peaceful and thoughtful. Trying to disturb the passing of the torch from nation to nation and using hateful words is not the way to go. But maybe being educated in why and what is going on. I have decided to more conscience of what I buy. boycottmadeinchina.org speaks about what is going with our money and how it empowers a government. I don't want to just look at China itself and I'm not talking about the people, but the people in charge. Those with political influence and those of us who have a choice to make a conscience one. Where does our money go and how can we be responsiblie? Do we as North American profit from the welfare of those who work in forced labour camps? I am still learning myself, but I know we need to be more conscience of what we purchase. Importantly for human rights issues, but also as a enviromental issue. How many starbuck coffee cups do we throw out in a year? Plastic bags we use and throw away for that single cd you bought. How many things do we purchase and realize that it was really not needed? This includes me, but we all need to make a diffrence in our power to purchase things or not to purchase. Lets make the smallest ecological footprint in this world as individuals and make the biggest positive impact in the lives of people.

to be continued....

The Girl by Dallas Green

I wish I could do better by you,
Cos that's what you deserve.
You sacrifice so much of your life,
In order for this to work.
While I'm off chasing my own dreams,
Sailing around the world,
Please know that I'm yours to keep,
My beautiful girl.
And when you cry a piece of my heart dies,
Knowing that I may have been the cause,
If you were to leave, fulfill someone elses dreams,
I think I might totally be lost.
But you don't ask for no diamond rings,
No delicate string of pearls,
That's why I wrote this song to sing,
My beautiful girl

Faith under a tree

When the Pharisees heard how he had bested the Sadducees, they gathered their forces for an assault. One of their religion scholars spoke for them, posing a question they hoped would show him up: "Teacher, which command in God's Law is the most important?" Jesus said, "'Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.' This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.' These two commands are pegs; everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them." (Matt 22:34-40 Msg)

Last week I was asked a question:

"How can you be rabid for Jesus and not come across as a bigot?"

Christians have had there time in the sun and in the mud. The worlds reception of Christians depends from person to person. Good or bad, we are asked to love God first and alongside that love our neighbor. To answer this question I must look at being solely sold out to Christ command of loving God and loving people. I think most time we think about how many people we can turn on to Jesus. But who wants to follow sheep that are really wolves masquerading as sheep. Not practicing what we preach. Sometimes we fail to be an example of Jesus. In our work place, schools, community and the many diffrent circles we run in. Some may say that the church is going to hell in a handbasket, but I would like to say it's not. Christ message is love with grace and in that grace we can find a peace/understanding that surpasses all things plain and complicated. I myself have not come to be a follower of Jesus to judge those around me, but to love (whatever that might look like). Its a tough job loving people at times. It stretches my comfort zone, pulls me places where I would normally wouldn't want to go. It goes against the grain of self perservation. But thats the amazing thing about the love I find that Christ gives. I don't do it for treat or sticker or be in the good graces of Gods eyes. But I do it because faithfully that is the only thing I know that can make this world a better place. It is the greatest commandment; to love. To love God and to love people where they are at.

Some quick thoughts...

Listening to No beginning, No End - Hawksley Workman

So here I go again. Blogging again. Maybe its because certain people have come back to their blogging ways and have inspired me to blog once again.

Have you ever heard of Vlogging? Video blogging your entries and recording your thoughts. I don't know if I could ever Vlog my thoughts. The fact that you could see me 10lbs heavier is something that doesn't seem appealing. Or what about Flogs. A blog dedicated to blogging about the meals you eat. The food you eat at restaurants or your own home cook meals. John Mayer did it once on his blog. It was funny.

But here I am again blogging. I've only really wanted to blog important thoughts and not useless information that will stay on the Internet forever. But sometimes you just need to write and reflect.

Today I almost died?!? When you drive in the snow there are people who like to drive slower than usual. And those people are me. Today I was merging onto Sarcee and this guy in the minivan was bearing down the backside of my little Honda Civic. I was pressured to move at a faster rate just so that we wouldn't collide. But at this point I was turning and turning in my car in the snow takes a little more grace. I started to feel the car lose its grip and my back side was starting to shake its tail. The guy avoided me and passed me while I span and did a 360. Luckily I didn't have to merge into any traffic at the time. But cars were heading towards me from across the overpass. I quickly collected myself from being a little shaken up. And quickly turn the car around and got going to church.

My only advice/vent, please slow down when driving in the snow. Some people don't wake up thinking it would be nice to have their life flash before their eyes in the middle of the road.

Something Random
I had a quick conversation with some of the grocery guys at Sobeys. We were talking about how the world is such a complicated and frustrating place. "I think its time for a INFESTATION of ZOMBIES." The name of the person will remain anonymous but I thought how our funny around the compactor can go from what the world is, to what we would do when if Zombies started to roam the streets of Calgary.

If anyone cares... I've had a PS3 for 3 months now. I've reached level 41 for my COD4 (WOOT!). Rockband is the great new addiction especially when you have a great names like Travs Supertramp(drummer), Jimmy Stones(guitar), and JJ Jeffersons(lead singer) to the newly formed band "Jefferson's Flavor". There is an audition for a bass player in the works.

Thats it for now. See you sooner than later.

Genesis

I wonder how many bloggers out there blogged about the new year? The beginnings of a new year, giving opening remarks about what this new chapter will entail. What hopes and dreams they have ... goals, aspirations they may conjure up.

This year I'm not gonna do that. But allow for what will come and embrace it. Whether it be good or bad. Heart breaking or blissful. I dare to dream, but for now not out loud. Being easily surprised is far better. [End blog]

Just a thought...

I was thinking about the songs I love to play over and over on my ipod and itunes at home. There are just some songs I can never out play. I can listen to them everyday even if they are 2, 5, 10 years old. I just can never get tired of them. Sometimes those songs get you through a tough time, or they take you back to a time when heard it in thebackround or some certain event. I just can't get tired of them. So I just thought I'd make a list and ask that you do the same and post your all time repeat replays. Heres 59 of many songs that I can play on repeat:

1. 30 Seconds to Mars - A modern myth
2. Alicia Keys - If I ain't got you
   Alexisonfire - This could be anywhere in the world
3. Amel Larrieux - Make me whole
4. Agualung - Brighter than Sunshine
5. Beatles - Hey Jude
6. BellX1 - Eve, the apple of my eye
7. Bic Runga - Sway
8. Bill Withers - Ain't no sunshine
9. Brian Mcknight - 6812
10. Brooke Fraser - Saving the World
11. Buckcherry - Crazy Bitch
12. Carrie Underwood - Before He cheats
13. The Cars - Drive
14. City and Color - Comin Home
15. Colbie Caillat - Bubbly
16. Coldplay - Sparks
17. Colin Hay - I just don't think I'll ever get over you
18. Crowded House - Don't dream it's over
19. Damien Rice - I remember/The Professor & La fille Danse (live at Cornucopia)
20. Dashboard Confessionals - The Best Deceptions
21. David Crowder - You're everything/Stars
22. David Gray - This Years love
23. Eminem - Till I collapse
24. Feist -1234
25. Jeff Buckly - Last Goodbye
26. John Legend - Ordinary People
27. John Mayer - Slow dancing in a burning room
28. Justin Timberlake - Lovestoned, My Love, What goes around comes around
29. Kanye West - Golddigger
30. Lenny Kravitz - Again
31. Lifehouse - Everything
32. Linkin Park - What I've done
33. Maroon Five - She will be loved
34. Michael Buble - Home
35. Michelle Branch - Breathe
36. Montel Jordan - Get it on tonight
37. Nada Surf - If you leave
38. Nelly Furtado - Promiscous Girl
39. Nelly Furtado, JT & Timbaland - Give it to me
40. Iron and wine - Such great heights
41. Incubus - Just a phase
    Israel Kamakawiwo'ole - Somewhere over the rainbow
42. Nick Drake - Northern Sky
43. Nsync - Gone
44. Paolo Nutini - Last Request, Rewind
45. Peter Bjon & John - Young Folks
46. The Police - Roxanne
47. Rachael Yamagata - Meet me by the water
48. Rage against the Machine - Wake up
49. Rihanna - SOS
50. Rufus Wainwright - Across the universe
51. Ryan Adams - Come pick me up
52. Shania Twain - Don't
53. The Shins - New Slang
54. Sigur Ros - The nothing song
55. Solomon Burke - Don't give up on me
56. Switchfoot - I dare you to move
57. T-pain feat. Akon - Bartender
58. U2 - With or without you, Where the streets have no name
59. Wilco - Jesus etc.

There was a man who lived in Alaska. A very simple man and was liked by all the people in the small village he lived in. Every night he would take a walk and think about that hole in his heart. He didn't know why or what caused it. But he felt as if there was really a hole in his heart.

He would return home and lay in his bed and lie awake for hours thinking about that hole in his heart. This would continue for a year. He would take that evening walk in the rain, snow, and clear glass night, just before bed. And for a year he would lie in bed awake thinking about that hole in his heart.

But one day the towns people came together and brought him a log. He was never known for a carver. It took him 5 years to crave that log.

They raised that log some years ago. And when you stand there realizing that it took that log hours of carving to fill that hole in that mans heart. You stand there just looking at it and just wanting to cry because of it's beauty. That beauty of that mans hole in his heart.

Worn-down

"Worn me down like a road

I did everything you told

Worn me down to my knees

I did everything to please"

- Rachel Yamagta

I do my best. I try my hardest to please. I fall and I get up. I do better. I learn from the past and do what I can. And when I think I'm doing better. I just see more disappointment. I try to cross these bridges but it feels like we just keep burning them. I've failed. Not because I feel that way. But because you just keep telling me that. You've ingrained in me that it's suppose to build character. But what about that loving character. I don't see it and I don't get it. So I don't think I'll ever be able to trust you. Because you've worn me down so much that I'll never measure up. So I'll dig deep, find it in myself to do it on my own and when I get off my feet and find my place. I will give credit where credit is due and I thank you. I'm grateful and will always be. But when I'm gone, I'll be gone because of you.

Upchuck the boggie woggie

Well after the vomit attack I had last night. I am feeling a lot better. I really don't know how it happened. Food poisoning? Who knows, but my stomach is feeling a lot better. Lying in bed trying to read was what I wanted to do. But my stomach just started to have these pains. Like a ball of needles poking my insides from all angles. I tried to sleep it off. But I kept rolling in bed trying various positions to ease the pain...

30 minutes later...

I decided to get up and throw up. I got up. Walk up to the bathroom door and I felt this urge. I rushed to turn the light on. I lifted the seat and dry heaved. A minute later... goosh the dragon from my stomach decided to come on out. I haven't puked in a long time. And for good reason I remember why I hate throwing up. It hurts, it makes me tear up and taste of lunch hours ago isn't pleasant either. Now my decision to upchuck my lunch, dinner, snacks etc. open the door to consecutive time going to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

I don't want to ever want to throw up again or at least 5 years from now.

Photographs and Memories

You take them out. You blow the dust of the top. The smell of fall helps you remember. A certain rhythm serenades you. You don't remember that purple sweater. You wished you smiled that day a little longer. You want to go back. You laugh at how funny our faces could make that face. Everything was touched by the sun back then. You wished it was like that now. But now they are just memoires hidden away for another day. For another day.

For blogs sake....

I just thought I should blog just cause I haven't in a really long time.

It's been one week since I've gotten back from Poland. The 2 weeks spent there was amazing and one day wish I could go back. Take more time... visit things on my own. Or revisit it with some friends. The experience was unforgettable and would love to repeat it one day.

So I'm back in the swing of things. Papers to write. Assignments to finish or start. Reports to evaluate. A life to map out. School is going to be a blur for the next 4 weeks.

I'm really not sure about social politics. The crassness of whats going on. I'm not sure if its me. Or if its someone else. But I feel like you need to prove something to someone to get some respect. What about just accepting the person for who they are and allowing them the opportunity to prove you wrong. I hate how people do things just so they can fly under the radar. Or why sometimes people do things so they can be considered. Not because its the right or best thing to do. But they do it so they can just climb that social ladder. And those judging just eat it all up like a fat kid who loves cake. I'm really not sure anymore that I want to even compete, because that's just not me. And if it means missing opportunities, then so be it.

Northwest watch (NHL news):
Canucks are on a small streak. 3 wins
Flames have dropped 5 in a row.
Oilers (30th placed team) beat the Flames.
Colorado & Minnesota are great opponents hopefully we can catch'em.

Winter is coming. I'm a little excited.

Poland 4 days in...

I have finally made time to post. 11:36pm on a wednesday evening in Krakow. Our 10 hour flight over wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The flight went well and the lay over in Frankfurt was nothing we couldn't handle. Being able to step out for a few hours in Frankfurt was a nice surprise. Almost missing our flight to Krakow would of been a story to tell but thats one of many stories I'll leavethat out. I'm just thankful that the pilot was nice enough to be delayed 10 mins.

Krakow is a amazing sight. I'm quite speechless. The architecture and the old structures that have stood the test of time is quite surreal. Standing in the square and seeing all the things that are around me and being in the enviroment I am in. I still cannot believe I am in Europe. This is my first time to Europe and hopefully not the last.

To be surrounded by people who aren't speaking your language, signs that I cannot read and traffic norms that are completely diffrent from what you are use to, really streaches your comfort zone.

But I allow for all of it to be a great experience. There is so much to learn and digest and the 2 weeks here will do no justice to it. But I hope in the next following days I continue to embrace what I have come to love here in Krakow. I almost don't want to go home and just continue this journey. 10 more days....

I stand in the square of old town, Krakow

Not knowing the full history that surrounds me

But it capture me

Knowing that the steps I take

were once taken by makers of history

Culutres, traditions and art encompass my thoughts

as I catch glimpses

What a sight to see, I wish you could see

Tommorow we are back exploring.

Rypien, NHL 08, Poland, Thanksgiving ...

It's been a long time since last I posted a blog. Alas I'm back.

Boy was I a happy camper. I had the night off. The Canucks were on sportsnet west. And Rick Rypien got the call to come and play with the big boys finally. After all his injury woes and not making the cut after the preseason. He got his chance and made it count. 1G, 1A. Out of all the guys that didn't make the cut... I was truly disappointed that Rypster didn't get the call. But all good things come to those who wait.

5-2 Canucks over the Oilers.

So the NHL is in full swing. There has already been two major suspensions. Crosby with only 2 points. Spezza with 10A. And finally the Flames won a game, thanks to Brendan Morrow.

I'm only in one pool this year and I currently sit a distant second to Lane, due to his insane picks... that has given a good 20 point lead. Who would of thought Stastny?

Mentioning suspensions... Steve Dowine was suspended for his hit on Dean Mcammond(20 games) and Jesse Boulerice for his cross check to Ryan Kesler (25 games). I think the suspension was fair. But I feel that Boulerice should of gotten more. If the NHL wants to make a bold statement.. they should of slapped the guy with 40 games... Yes thats pretty much half the season, but maybe guys would think long and hard about using their sticks as weapons. This might sound a little bias due to the face that this happen to one of my favorite Canucks... But someone has to be made the example and it might as well of been Boulerice. They even could of done that with Bertuzzi and I love that guy. I'm sure 25 games is a lot but why not stick it to all thsoe guys who have little talent and forget how privledge they are to be playing professional hockey as a living.

This time next week I will be travelling over the Atlantic Ocean heading towards Krakow, Poland. It will be the first time my feet will ever touch European soil. I'm really excited. I don't know what to expect. All I know is that I can't wait for 5:55pm on Friday October 19th...

Thanksgiving was a blast. My uncles farm had some many random filipino redneck moments. Samurai swords, Army style rifles, goats, pigs and an H2. I hope to get the pictures soon from my cousins...

I'm so tired, thats it for now... I'm out.

Adventures in Solitude

So today I spent the day alone. Nursing my ankle and alternating ice pack for another. Compression and Elevation on the neck of my couch. I went in and out from naps. What did I accomplish today? Not much. But enough I that I feel that my ankle is a whole lot better from this morning. I awoke with such pain. So there was no need for me to hobble around school. I felt like I could afford to miss class today. At least that's how I justify things.

I read my text(I'm half way done) for Church growth and theory: The Forgotten ways by Alan Hirsch. The book is getting to the real meat of it all and I'm quite enjoying this one. I'm coming out with ideas and inspiring thoughts that I hope to implement into near distant future.

We can only live changes: we cannot think our way to humanity. Every one of us, every group, must become the model of that which we desire to create. - Ivan Illich

I've been bouncing the thought of how people hate going to church or that people are tired of going to church. But would really like to talk about who God is and discuss what Jesus was trying to get at. I feel that a lot of people who have been going to church for awhile are left with only a temporary spiritual high, inspirational thought for the heart that last only till the early recesses of Monday morning. It's just not enough to sit for an hour and a half in service and be done with it. I think there needs to be changes. Changes in the way we do church.

For one... I think we need to make church more interactive. How? I don't really have the answer. But it can't be 80/20. Pulpit/Audience. I think people need to be more active. Be more involved in more social action than putting a monetary band-aid in some dish. Maybe church could be done down at the seed. Feeding the people, building relationships and reflecting the light of the world through the lives we try to proclaim to others who don't go to church. Maybe we need to be doing it more proactively. What if church was done this way. Each sunday the church is out doing a work bee, holding a lunch at the nursing home, going downtown handing out blankets etc to the homeless, cleaning the neighborhood. Doing these things builds relationships and living out and practicing our faith instead of just saying it by sitting in the pieu and listening to the pastor each sunday.

Becoming a mobile church. We are to be the hands and feet of Christ. Why aren't we doing it? Instead of looking like the normal church gathering for an hour or two each week. Why not mobilze and do something with that time?

I know I'm rambling and there is more behind this. But what if Church was done in a more proactive way. Could this be possible?

40/60

It's happening all over again.

Last night at the volleydome I went up for a block. I landed on a foot. And ended up rolling my left ankle. 2 a half years ago, I did the same thing playing basketball, but it was my right ankle. It took a long time for my right ankle to feel somewhat normal. And to this day it has never been the same.

Present day, I am now nursing a swollen left ankle. A 2nd grade sprain and some tearing of the ligaments. I can see the black and blue creeping up both sides of my ankle. It's not going to be pretty. I'm walking around on crutches and the simple stuggle of getting up and going from A to B takes so much more effort.

I'm hoping and praying for a quick recovery. The doctor said 2 weeks of being off my feet and about three months till my ankle makes a full recovery.

Pardon me Redux

I guess you just can't have good days all the time. The inspiration of this blog/note comes from a day of frustration, anger, burden, annoyance etc. If only I could find a true word that described this day I would use it. And at one moment in the day I found myself wanting to use words that would later need my mouth to be washed with soap. Pardon me by Incubus always comes to my mind when I have days like these.

"...on the verge of spontaneous combustion Woe is me. But I guess that it comes with the territory, An ominous landscape of never-ending calamity. I need you to hear, I need you to see that I have had all I can take and exploding seems like a definite possibility to me."

It's such a clear and loud message of frustration with this world and the people in it. Just for a moment I would like to address a few thoughts that come to mind.

• We need to be careful not to feed the egos that surround us. Those vessels that carry such a pompous attitude seem to thrive on it and they might believe in some respect that the majority of us concede. But in reality not everyone is willing to put them up on a pedestal.
• Get a clue that I cannot be your friend, when I'm trying to do your job. It's about give and take and at the moment I'm just giving, giving and giving while breaking my back.
• Are people aware of the social ineptness that they create? Or are they completely clueless?
• I can't seem to figure out the two faced people I have come to know and trust and then go from small talk to you are wasting the air that surrounds you.
• Favoritism is a horrible thing. But we all do it. Myself included.

Now you may say "Hey buddy, look in your own eye. Before you try and take the plank out of mine". Which is so true. I am to blame for a portion of this fallen world we live in. And I'm sick of it. I'm sick you me, myself, and I. I'm also sick of you, them and the group you belong to.

And finally the fat lady sings with this...

I took a dinner break at work today. I walked over to Subway. I was already a ticking time bomb. With all my frustration coop up inside I was looking to enjoy a pleasant meal. I was standing in line behind four different customers.

The couple in front of me were waiting to get their veggies on their subs. The female requested with a firm lettuce and tomato. The subway employee acknowledge this request. After finishing placing the lettuce and tomato on, the female continue to request for more tomato's and lettuce. "MORE, MORE, MORE". The subway lady acknowledge the request. And again the lady requested more, "MORE, MORE" at this point it wasn't a turkey sandwich, it was a lettuce tomato sandwich. I looked at the amount of lettuce and tomato and I would have to say that any vegetarian would say that was more than they could take. But the customer was displeased and her tone got louder. "MORE..." The subway employee said that she would need to pay extra for the amount of veggies she was putting on... This sounded like attitude to the disgruntled customer. She then proceeded to say "Are you the owner of this place... why do you care if you put all this on. I could have all the veggies I want ... I clean out all the veggies and have them on my sandwich if I wanted!" At this point I could see her male counterpart was getting a little uncomfortable with the conflict unfolding before him.

At this point I was steaming. I couldn't handle it anymore. I spoke up and the bomb exploded. In a deep and booming voice I said "Why don't you calm down? It's just a fricken sandwich, you don't need to be so rude about it." The customer retorted back with "Did you hear the attitude she gave me?" I repeated what the employee had said " Yeah she kindly let you know that you had to pay extra for those veggies you were requesting!" At this point her whipped boyfriend turns around and glares at me. I only glare back, ready to throw down. But before anything could transpire. The other subway employee swoops in to finishes the order while, the lady continues to grunt under her breath and stare back at me.

The couple left and the lady behind the counter thanked me for speaking up even though she was quite upset. I simply replied with "It's no problem, it's been a long day and I was looking for a way to blow off some steam."

The one funny thing about the whole ordeal was the little boy that was standing behind me. Waiting patiently. I look back at him and he catches my eye. He simply tells me, "I hate it when people get made at the sandwich lady".

"I know what you mean kid." I tell him.

Vancouver

Listening to: U2 - Where the streets have no name (Vancouver Canucks intro)

Okay so I've going around the internet reading all the comments on how the new look Canuck Jerseys are being received. Josh Plummer who is linked on the right side of my blog has dissed the new look jersey. He isn't happy and so are a few thousand Canuck fans out there.

I believe a lot of Canuckle heads out there wanted just to bring back the Vintage Jersey. The colors were great and the logo was simple. I was hoping but you knew the masses weren't going to get what they wanted. Plus money is needed to be made... and bringing back the vintage jersey would of done nothing profit wise. I can understand that.

But here was my first response to the jersey ... "VANCOUVER!" Why did they have to post the VANCOUVER lettering over top of the logo? Whats the deal? I think a lot of fans around the league know where we are from.

But it's taken me this long to admit that I actually like the dark blue jersey with the lettering of Vancouver on top of the logo.

The canucks are probably the laughing stock of Jersey logos and colors. Remember the hockey skate? The halloween colors? The V? Yah we haven't been consitent or carry any real tradition with the jeresys like Montreal, Toronto, and New York. But I'm going to support the Canucks, ugly jersey or not.

GO CANUCKS GO!!!!

I Want Someone To Eat Cheese With

Same shirt, different day

Listening to : Brooke Fraser playlist (I've got a crush)

Have you ever wondered when you see that apple at the grocery store and ask yourself, "How fresh is that granny smith apple?" Have you ever wondered and stood there watching the produce clerk and say"How fresh is it?" Well here is something to think about when you go to your local grocery store.

CA or Controlled Atmosphere. Is an agricultural storage method. An atmosphere in which oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen concentrations are regulated, as well as temperature and humidity. Fresh fruits, most commonly apples and pears, where the combination of altered atmospheric conditions and reduced temperature allow prolonged storage with only a slow loss of quality. http://www.bestapples.com/facts/controlled.html

Did you know that you might have on your kitchen table a year old apple or pear. That the apple you ate was picked and packaged a year ago? I've known this for awhile, working in produce for the last 4 years. It's something that I've kinda known as one of those weird facts that you know and oddly bring up at a party that you were invited to where you know no one except for the the person who dragged you along because they needed someone to fall back on if things got awkward. Like this fact, Did you know that at least 5 spiders crawl into your mouth in your lifetime while you sleep? Okay I don't know the exact number but I've heard that one and others have confirmed that fact.

Back to my CA...

So there are CA storages in the state of Washington. Where your local grocery giant orders and gets your Gala, Breburn, Granny, Fuji, Golden & Red Delicious apples etc. Thousands upon thousand of apples sitting and waiting to be shipped 6-8 months later from when they were picked. Because of the controlled gases such as Carbon dioxide, Nitrogen concentrations etc. the apples can last longer and won't spoil after 8 months of sitting and waiting to be eaten.

Aside: I realize what I do in this world may indirectly or directly effect the course of another persons life. I believe we are all connected somehow.

All these apples that are stored away so we can eat apples year round are horded in these storages while children, people, moms, dads, boys and girls are starving. Why are we storing apples that can be shipped around the world and feed so many refugees, homeless, children, and families.

There are so many problems and issuses that contiune to make those who are privledge to make our heads spin a million times over. But like my aside mentions... take for consideration that the choices we make can indirectly or directly effect a person you may never have thought in the first place.

I'm guilty and I'm not trying to put blame on anyone particular. Me, myself and I contribute to the major problem. But I take this into consideration.

Thanks to Dan the elderly man who comes to visit our produce department from time to time to chat it up with me and take up 30mins of my time a shift. It's always eaiser to pass time at work with a good conversation. Food for thought.