Saturday, December 29, 2007

Pee Wee's Playhouse Back On TV!

On Boxing Day at around 10:30 I was browsing through some channels on my mom and step-dad's Sasktel Max and on this channel called Razer, they had a marathon of Pee Wee's Playhouse. That's right Pee Wee's Playhouse is in syndication. So I decided to watch it. There was something that came over me. I was drawn into watching it for whatever odd reason. With WTF going through my mind I kept on watching it. Than WTF left my brain and turned into: "Why did I watch this as a kid?"

I watched Pee Wee's Playhouse as kid and liked it. But now I see the show as creepy and weird. Who is their right mind would put Pee Wee's Playhouse back on TV? But Razer is a crappy TV station anyways. Here is clip of Pee Wee's Playhouse to scar you for life!

The Materialistc Mindset Of People

On Boxing Day, my mom had to go to work for an hour or so and do somethings. My mom is the manager of jewelery at Wal-Mart in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. There was an announcement that the store would be opening. That is all fine and well, but when the doors where opened people lost all common sense and were running to wherever to see if there was any deals. My mom said there was nothing worth running for in Wal-Mart. I thought that people wanted Guitar Hero or various other games. but my mom said there was nothing much in for stock. My mom said: "Have people gone mad? They are running over materialistic things. It's not worth it. All we really have is a few Christmas stuff left."

After thinking about I do have to agree. It's not worth it. I am sure they will get in again whatever it is you want. Just because it's Boxing Day doesn't mean every place has something. Canada has become obsessed with Boxing Day. We have turned into this materialistic society that has gone stupid, as my mom put it, over materialistic items. Sure some items are essential for living, but others are luxury items we can live without. But some people would rather spend their money on luxury items then essentials. It's sad the mindset of people. I only go to a store on Boxing Day if I have to return something or if there is a good deal on something I can use. Otherwise I don't generally go to the stores on Boxing Day.

Apparently people were lined were lined up at 3;00 AM at Future Shop. Now that is beyond sad no matter how you look at it. Don't people have better things to do than to shop for stuff they don't necessarily need. I would love to buy stuff like a huge 48 inch flat screen TV or a Nintendo Wii. But I don't. I can't afford it, plus I don't really need it at this time.

I have come to accept that Canada has come to use Boxing Day as a way to get a mind boggling amount of sales. In 2006 there 26.7 billion dollars in sales. That is not including the automotive sector. I told you that is a mind boggling amount of sales. The 2007 figures are not out yet, but I can almost guarantee that they will mind bogglingly high as well.

A headline reads: "Boxing Day lineups likely to continue." Now that doesn't surprise me. As long as stores have Boxing Week sales or Boxing Day prices for a period of time, people will continue to buy. Sure people spend a lot on Christmas itself, but I wouldn't be surprised if people spent more on Boxing Day/Week sales in Canada.

Boxing Day/Week sales will never change and the people who wait in line for those sales will never change either.

Mr. C.C.

"Any so-called material thing that you want is merely a symbol: you want it not for itself, but because it will content your spirit for the moment."
-Mark Twain
"What difference does it make how much you have? What you do not have amounts to much more."
-Epictetus, c 200 AD -Seneca
"Most people seek after what they do not possess and are thus enslaved by the very things they want to acquire."
-Anwar El-Sadat
"An object in possession seldom retains the same charm that it had in pursuit."
–Pliny the Younger

"Possessions are usually diminished by possession."
–Nietzsche

Friday, December 28, 2007

Can't We All Just Get Along?

I know this may sound cliche and all but lately this question/phrase is more appropriate than ever. All over the world there have been shootings and death. Why some for political gain, some out of their own sick and twisted mind, and police doing what they feel is right.

  1. Benazir Bhutto - Unless you have been living under a rock, by now you have heard about the shooting and death of former Pakistan prime minister Benazir Bhutto. Bhutto was at a rally and she got up and poked her head out of the sunroof and was shot in the neck. She was taken to hospital and died. The person who killed her killed himself along with 15 others which injuring 56 others. I bet the killer got what he wanted and had no other reason to live hence why we was a suicide bomber. This situation proves the unstableness of that area of the work. Civil war, political war, etc. can break out at any time. I am thankful that Canada isn't like that. Sure we have our political war, but not to the extent of areas like Pakistan. This puts a damper on their efforts to bring western democracy over to Pakistan. I work with a guy from Pakistan and I wonder how he is handling the news of this. I thought of asking him, but thought that might a bad thing to ask about.
  2. Killings in Washington State - I heard about on the radio and this women and her boyfriend had this premeditated plan to kill her parents and four other family members. Basically she massacred her parents and other family members on Christmas Eve. What a way to go. I guess her own sick and twisted mind finally led her to do something I would never do and that is kill family especially parents. What drives a person to kill someone? I don't know. They must have some reason. But family of all things. That's what seems odd. Would you hatch a premeditated plan to kill your own family? Even you best reas... or I should I say excuse wouldn't be sufficiant enough to justify killing your own flesh and blood. But the two killers may get the death penalty. I have never been a fan of the death penalty, so I am really on the fence, so to speak, on this issue of the death sentence.
  3. Two Shootings In Saskatoon - One shooting happened on December 22 on Cumberland Ave.. The police killed the man they shot. The person was coming towards them with knives. The other shooting happened in Ghettoland aka Riversdale. This women in her thirties was shot but is in the hospital in stable condition. Did the police have to resort to using their gun? Or was it their last resort? I am sure they start out by trying to talk the person down. I guess in these two situations they had to draw their weapons. Even though police get a bad rap at times, they do have a hard job to do in situations like these.
I get that stuff like this happens all the time and well continue to happen, but it seems as though there has been more of this lately then in the last number of months. Can't we go a month without hearing some craptastic thing happening in the world? Is it so hard to ask? I guess it seems like it at times. Sometimes I feel like just shutting off things that give us media and live like a hermit, but I am too weak to do that. So I continue to listen to the radio, watch TV, read the newspaper, go on the Internet, etc.. But by hook or crook I will end up hearing about some craptastic thing happening in the world.

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Chrismas Day... Or Is It?

It is Christmas Day and one of the few things that make it Christmas Day is the fact we are with family. Or at least you should be. Also you eat and drink a ton of food. You open presents to find things you don't want. But in the end realize it's the thought that counts even if for a fleeting moment. Than you go back to the stores on Boxing Day in Canada and return the crap you got the day before. But that's another tale for a time. You see people being nice because it's expected of them. Also people are grinning and bearing their immense debt. But if it's their credit card namely Capital One, than I get the pleasure or displeasure of calling them telling them to fork over some damn money to payoff their credit card. Oh the irony of talking about money during Christmas. Wait... corporate North America is laughing all the way to the bank because of people buying everything on store shelves.

Yes, it does seem like a lot of people are taking Christ out of Christmas. Jesus is the reason for the season as the old saying goes. So is Christmas becoming just another day? Is it just another excuse to eat and drink tons without any guilt? The questions should be about Jesus, his birth, and all that. But when you are bombarded with images thanks to corporate North America you are not necessarily thinking about that. Also, do atheists or non-believers celebrate Christmas? Just some things to think about.

All in all I have a nice quiet day. Did you? We don't do as much stuff with my cousins, aunts, uncles as we used to. But I still try to see them regularly.

Anyways, lets be cliche, but appropriate... to you and yours have a merry Christmas
Mr. C.C.

Monday, December 24, 2007

In Ghetto Prince Albert

I made it safe to Prince Albert. The highway was perfect for driving. I made it to Prince Albert at a great time. I got my haircut. I went with my sister shopping. Tonight I am going to church at Gateway Covenant Church, than the midnight mass at St. David's Anglican Church. It will be a good chance to see people I haven't seen in a long while. But before I do that, I will be going to my Grandma's to give her her Christmas present as she will not be at church. Tonight though I hope to see some friends as well.

Tomorrow I will be with my mom and stepdad. Than I will see some more family later on.

Merry Christmas eh!

"Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall."
-Larry Wilde, The Merry Book of Christmas

"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year."
-Charles Dickens

"When we were children we were grateful to those who filled our stockings at Christmas time. Why are we not grateful to God for filling our stockings with legs?"
-G.K. Chesterton

Roses are reddish
Violets are bluish
If it weren't for Christmas
We'd all be Jewish.
-Benny Hill

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Kaylee Anne Gibson

That is the name of my niece. I wasn't too found of the name Kaylee. I getting to like it more. After hearing her middle name, her name sounds pretty gooda! I went and saw her on Saturday at the Victoria Union Hospital. I guess you can say she is cute. I have this thing about saying cute. Alas, I will get over it. I will post a picture when I get some. I believe my sister Heather is home now. She was supposed to go home on Sunday. Now my sister will have to get used to staying home more often now that she has a baby to take care of. My sister doesn't like to stay home much. This will be an adjustment for her.

Mr. C.C.

"A child is God's opinion that life should go on."
-Unknown

Saturday, December 15, 2007

It's A Great Day To Be Alive

You are probably wondering what's with the blog title. Well, my sister had her baby. She named her baby Kaylee or something like that. Apparently she was bleeding from her uterus and it wouldn't stop. I kind of cringed when my other sister told me that. But luckily everything is alright now. At Christmas I will see the baby for the first time. Oh and thanks to whoever prayed. I do appreciate it.

Saturday, December 08, 2007

Money, Money, Money

Money is tight nowadays. Christmas doesn't help any. I have been waiting on another job. A government job for months. So if I could get a Friday and Saturday job, than I wouldn't care. As long as I can get extra money to pay my bills. At least my cable is paid for. My mom will be paying for my cable. Digital cable I might add. When it comes to making other money I have these hair-brained schemes and don't know if they will work. I mean look at the bills I have:

Cable
Rent
License Plates
Car Loan
Gas
Student Loan (I have to start paying on it)

So as you can see, I can use extra money. I am working, but my pay cheques are taken up by my bills. Or a good portion of it is. I hope my band works out and we can do some gigs making some pretty money. But that right now is a pipe dream.

Mr. C.C.

“If you want to feel rich, just count the things you have that money can't buy”

“Money never made a man happy yet, nor will it. The more a man has, the more he wants. Instead of filling a vacuum, it makes one.”
-Benjamin Franklin

“The art is not in making money, but in keeping it”

Sunday, December 02, 2007

Married In Church, Divorced In Court

I have thought a lot about this over time and I wonder why people would get married in a church then get divorced in court. I some aspects I get the legal aspect of money, house, vehicles, etc.. But, it doesn't make sense otherwise. Shouldn't you repent for breaking the vow you solemly swore you would uphold? Till death do us part! Then other things like sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, etc. go along with it. But when the going gets tough, it seems as though some people bail out on the one they choose to spend the rest of their life with. There are various reasons for bailing out. But that is neither here nor there and that is not the issue I am bringing forth.

Going back to the issue of "till death do us part," that is something I have set in my mind as upholding if I ever get married. I have made up my mind that I will uphold as best as I can. I have come to the realization that if you say those words, than don't say them just because it is tradition. If you do, than who are you kidding? Marriage is something that should not be entered into lightly. Coming from a divorced family, I know that first hand. I have friends who know that first hand as well. If you are going to get married, than take those words "till death do us part" seriously. Use your grandparents as a guide for example. When they said "till death do us part" they meant it. Nowadays people say because they have to say it. Well, maybe that is a generalization of people. But you get what I am saying.

As I am looking for stats on divorce I come across some that are not surprising. These stats are from DivorceMag.com and are for the United States and Canada. These stats are based on the most recent stats availiable:

Canada:

About 48.5% of the adult population in Canada was married in 2006 (as opposed to single, separated, divorced, widowed or living in common law). This is the first known time in Canadian history that the percentage was under half; according to CanWest News Service, the figure was 50.1% in 2001 and more than 60% during the 1980s.

The number of marriages in the country was 149,236 in 2006 -- down nearly 2,000 from the previous year, but up from 148,585 in 2004.
In 2006, there were 1,629,490 divorced Canadians -- or about 5% of the population. 941,306 (well over half) of the divorcees were female.
As of 2006, there were 1,414,060 single-parent families in Canada -- or approximately 15.9% of all families. Of the lone-parent families, 1,132,290 were headed by the mother. In 1971, the number was approximately 476,300.

There were 70,828 divorces in 2003 -- down from 71,144 in 2000.
More than one-third of marriages in Canada will end in divorce before the thirtieth anniversary.
A recent study from the National Population Health Survey shows that men between the ages of 20 and 64 are six times as likely to suffer from depression if they were divorced or separated, than if they stayed married. For women, the figure is 3.5 times as likely for the divorced or separated.
According to the same NPHS survey, 43% of women who have undergone a marital breakup (divorce or separation) had a substantial decrease in household income, while 15% of separated or divorced men had a financial decline.

About 48.5% of the adult population in Canada was married in 2006 (as opposed to single, separated, divorced, widowed or living in common law). This is the first known time in Canadian history that the percentage was under half; according to CanWest News Service, the figure was 50.1% in 2001 and more than 60% during the 1980s.
The number of marriages in the country was 149,236 in 2006 -- down nearly 2,000 from the previous year, but up from 148,585 in 2004.
In 2006, there were 1,629,490 divorced Canadians -- or about 5% of the population. 941,306 (well over half) of the divorcees were female.
As of 2006, there were 1,414,060 single-parent families in Canada -- or approximately 15.9% of all families. Of the lone-parent families, 1,132,290 were headed by the mother. In 1971, the number was approximately 476,300.

There were 70,828 divorces in 2003 -- down from 71,144 in 2000.
More than one-third of marriages in Canada will end in divorce before the thirtieth anniversary.
A recent study from the National Population Health Survey shows that men between the ages of 20 and 64 are six times as likely to suffer from depression if they were divorced or separated, than if they stayed married. For women, the figure is 3.5 times as likely for the divorced or separated.
According to the same NPHS survey, 43% of women who have undergone a marital breakup (divorce or separation) had a substantial decrease in household income, while 15% of separated or divorced men had a financial decline.

United States:

There were approximately 2,230,000 marriages in 2005 -- down from 2,279,000 the previous year, despite a total population increase of 2.9 million over the same period.
The divorce rate in 2005 (per 1,000 people) was 3.6 -- the lowest rate since 1970, and down from 4.2 in 2000 and from 4.7 in 1990. (The peak was at 5.3 in 1981, according to the Associated Press.)
The marriage rate in 2005 (per 1,000) was 7.5, down from 7.8 the previous year.

In 2004, the state with the highest reported divorce rate was Nevada, at 6.4 (per 1,000). Arkansas was a close second, with a divorce rate of 6.3, followed by Wyoming at 5.3. The District of Columbia had the lowest reported divorce rate, at 1.7, followed by Massachusetts at 2.2 and Pennsylvania at 2.5. (Figures were not complete for California, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Louisiana, or Oklahoma.)
8.1% of coupled households consist of unmarried heterosexual partners, according to The State of Our Unions 2005, a report issued by the National Marriage Project at Rutgers University. The same study said that only 63% of American children grow up with both biological parents -- the lowest figure in the Western world.

As of 2003, 43.7% of custodial mothers and 56.2% of custodial fathers were either separated or divorced. And in 2002, 7.8 million Americans paid about $40 billion in child and/or spousal support (84% of the payers were male).

Americans tend to get married more between June and October than during the rest of the year. In 2005, August had the most marriages at about 235,000 or a rate of 9.3 per 1,000 people. The previous year, July was the highest month at 246,000, or a rate of 9.9; this doubled the lowest month in 2004, January.

So, do people really take marriage seriously? Read the stats and judge for yourself. If they end up getting divorced, should they get married? Holy matrimony is something that you should not enter into lightly. That's it boogles my mind why non-religious people get married in a church. Sure, there is the tradition factor. But I still am not wrapping my mind why they do it. Either way, they take those vows and not take them to heart if they end up getting married.

If I ever got divorced, then I would most likely never re-marry. I believe that you should be committed to one person. But, never say never. I never thought my mom would get re-married but she did. If I do get married, I hope that that marriage lasts as long as my grandparents. The only way I would think of getting re-married is if my spouse died. It might be an odd way to think, but this way I know I never let myself down by getting a divorce.

If you can make a marriage last, than all the more power to you. If you can't, then you should examine what went wrong. But always try to fix the problems first.. Also would you repent if you got a divorce?

Thanks for reading.
Mr. C.C.

Battling A Cold

For the first time in how long, I am battling a cold. It sucks as I constantly am having to blow my nose. I guess I will suck it up and get over it. But if I still have a cold next week by the time my sister has her baby, I will have to be careful around the baby. Let's hope that is not the case.

Here's hoping you don't have to battle a cold!
Mr. C.C.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Made Me Think

After reading a blog post on RandallFriesen.com I have come to realize even for a fleetting moment how much I miss home. My hometown being Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada for those that don't know. I have come to realize that things are not as they seem at Gateway Covenant Church, which is the church I went to for the last few years. Being that I live in Saskatoon, I feel that I am out of the loop. When I am clued into things, it comes as "WTF" or "damn" or some kind of reaction. One feels powerless to try and actually do something about it. So you sit back and watch it all go down.

As you may or may not know, I have hit a slump with faith as a Christian. I haven't been able to go to church due to my work schedule. I haven't really been in a prayful mode. But I have thought about prayer a little bit recently. I have been feeling like I should get back into prayer. Here are somethings that are on my list:

  1. My sister - She getting closer each day to her due date. December 2nd or so is the due date for her baby, but between now and then and maybe a little past, the baby could come. My sister lives in Prince Albert and is maried. Also, my sister and I have had our arguements over the years, but it will all seem petty when it's time for the baby to come.
  2. Gateway Covenant Church - There seems to be some issues in the church which I don't really know the details of the specifics, but the paster Randall Friesen seems like he is going through some issues dealing with the church.
  3. Johnny Rempel aka Johnny Random - I met John last year in Strathmore, Alberta when I started attending St. Michaels & All Angels Anglican Church. I went to Covenant Bible College in Strathmore. He is over in Korea working and whatnot. Keep him safe as he is a stellar dude.
  4. Luke Loseth - He is a troubled youth who have been apparently getting into some bad stuff. Pray that he is going to see what he is doing is wrong and learn the error of his ways.
  5. St. Michaels & All Angels Anglican Church - This was the church is started attending in Starthmore, Alberta. The church needs to continue to preach the word of the Lord. That church has a small congregation and even though I couldn't help financially as I was a college student at the time, I seem to have blessed them with a song I would perform with Pastor Fergus Tyson on guitar. But anyways, pray that they can make enough to survive as I don't want to see them close their doors.
  6. Pastor Fergus Tyson - Continued prayer as he continues on in his first year as head pastor of St. Paul's in Calgary. Fergus is the former pastor of St. Michaels & All Angels Strathmore. I got to know him over the course of last year in Strathmore.
  7. Cadet Steve Reid - Steve the youth pastor for Gateway Covenant Church or was. Now he is in Regina at the RCMP Depot. Please for him to have the courage and strength to get through his grueling time there.

That's all for now. Time to go to work.

Mr. C.C.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Missed My Chance

On November 7th, I missed my chance to see Bret "Hitman" Hart. A co-worker said that he was at McNally Robinson. I instantly knew that he was promoting his new book. It is titled Hitman: My Real Life In The Cartoon World Of Wrestling.

One of my life goals is to met Bret Hart. If any of you know, I am a huge Bret Hart mark. I have watched him from the time I was very young. I have accomplished my other goal of seeing Bret Hart live in action. He would still be wrestling if it wasn't for that dumbass Bill Goldberg giving him a concussion and forcing him to retire. But anyways, here is a classic Bret Hart match. I think it's one of the best matches of all-time. Enjoy!

Summerslam '92
Wembley Stadium in London England
Intercontinental Championship Match
Bret "Hitman" Hart (c) vs. British Bulldog

Bret Hart vs. British Bulldog






Oh and remember to think of the veterans who sacrificed their lives for our freedom in Canada.

Saturday, November 03, 2007

Snake Pulling A Cow?



Here is a picture of a snake pulling a cow out of the water. Apparently it was shot in Australia. I guess no animal is a match for this snake.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Why Me?

I was at work yesterday and I got a message to call my landlord. Than I got another message to call my sister. I was told it was an emergency. So, I phoned and my sister said that my basement suite was broken into. I then got this bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. I was hoping that they didn't take anything. So I finished my shift and on my way home, I phoned my sister and they took my laptop and my Xbox. My eyes started welling up with tears. They didn't take anything else. They managed to bust into my landlords part upstairs and five finger discount a watch and his iPod. Luckily there are fingerprints. My landlord is really sorry for this. He feels real bad about all of it. All they did was slide my kitchen window open, but from there they made a mess of stuff that wasn't messed before.

Now I have to make a list of what was taken along with the serial codes. I don't know if I can provide any serial codes.

I hope they find this jackass and hopefully can get my stuff back. What would motivate someone to break into someone's place? I would like to know what that person was thinking. I bet they are real proud of themselves for making a couple of people's life hell. If I was there at the time it was taking place, I don't if I would have done something to stop it. Would you?

Please pray for me during this time. I do hope they find this person and can recover my property.

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Internet Is Up

This blog post is from my new place. The Internet is up, but not all of the channels of the cable come through. All I am getting right now is Much More Music and CMT. I will ask my landlord about that.

Sunday, September 30, 2007

Don't Call Me Ma'am

You might be wondering about this blog post title. So let me explain. I had a woman on the line who is the wife of the cardholder and I call her mame for respect purposes. Than she starts getting pissed off that I am calling her ma'am. Due to force of habit, I kept saying ma'am. She said call me Mrs. ______ (won't say a name) and I tried and did a few times. The whole reason she was pissed off was because when we call we don't leave a message. I asked my supervisor why this is and he said that it's for privacy reasons. So it didn't sit well with her and previously asked to speak to my supervisor. Than the whole mame thing started. She said if you call me mame one more time than I am hanging up. By this time I terminated the call. If I could have told her go (insert explative here) than I would have. But you have to remain professional on the phone. So I bit my tongue and went on to the next call.

Thanks for letting me rant.
Mr. C.C.

Saturday, September 29, 2007

Jazz Recommendations

I was thinking about how my friend Mark A.R. Jensen wrote on my Facebook wall about how he has been into jazz/funk/rock acoustic music lately. So here are some of my recommendations for jazz artists and albums.

Diana Krall

What is there to say about Diana Krall, what hasn't already been said? Well, she is amazing on the piano. She has that sultry voice that can memorize anybody. I knew this before I bought one of her albums. I bought her 2001 album "The Look of Love" and I must say it is pure Diana Krall awesomeness. The title track "The Look of Love" is perhaps the most recognizable song on the entire album. Irregardless, the rest of the album is phenominal. I mean "S'Wonderful," Besame Mucho, "Cry Me A River," and the rest of the album is awesome.

Jamie Cullum

Even though I haven't listen to a full album of his, I do know he is great. When I first heard the song "All At Sea," I instantly liked it. I would listen to that song over and over. It was just a great song. Than I found some other songs of his and have come like. He does an incredible cover of "Singing In The Rain" and for not previously liking that song, Cullum's version has made a fan of it. He voice isn't as sultry as Diana Krall's, but it's still great for jazz. I hear his Twentysomething album is really, but don't take my word for it as I haven't heard it yet.

Friday, September 28, 2007

Got My Own Place

Well, it's official, my search for a place is over. I have found a place here in Saskatoon. It is on Lansdowne Ave. The rent is $550 a month. This will put financial strain on me for the next while. I have to pay my car loan, my plates monthly, and rent. On top of that I have the usual gas, food, and all the side expenses. It's great that my sister is helping me out with some stuff like food. I wonder if my dad will help me out with one months rent like he promised a while back? It wouldn't hurt to ask.

So now I have to learn to budget. If anyone has ways to save money, so that I have money to spare. Than please don't hesitate to give me some tips. I really could use it.

But that puts the stop to any possible tickets for Michael Buble.

Here's to moving into my own place!
Mr. C.C.

Michael Buble Coming To Saskatoon

Michael Buble is coming to Saskatoon on January 8, 2008. I seen this on Facebook and I was like hells f'in yeah! Michael Buble is so awesome. Tickets go on sale September 28, 2007. I just need to find a Ticketmaster outlet here in Saskatoon and buy a ticket or two. I just need someone to come to the show with me. Anybody going to be in Saskatoon on that day? Or anybody willing to come to Saskatoon that day? The tickets cost between $45-$85. As long as I am able to see Michael Buble in concert, it will be worth getting nose bleed section, but I hope to get better than that for seats.

Writing Songs

I have been trying to get ideas to write songs lately, but nothing concrete has flowed from my head to the paper. I don't want to sound redundant with the words the flow from my brain. But it seems as though that is what I put down on paper only to crumple up that piece of paper and start over. I know that I want to stray from the ordinary with my lyrics, but that is easier said than done.

I know I have a lot of lyrics written, but those need tunes put to them. But that's another blog post for another time. I guess you could say that I have a case of writers block. If you know what that is like, than you will know what I am talking about. Sometimes, I can just write, write, write. Than other times... nothing.

I wonder what sort of things I should like to for inspiration? I guess it doesn't have to be one set thing, but you know, inspiration is a good place to start off. I have tried to look at my surroundings for inspiration. But that came up empty. I wonder what to else to look too for inspiration?

If anyone at all has ideas than feel free to post a comment.

That's all she wrote
Mr. C.C.

"Songwriting is different from music, although I don't deny now that it would be nice to have a little more background in music theory." -Neil Diamond, singer/songwriter/musician

Thursday, September 27, 2007

The Self-Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior

Here is the full video of The Self-Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior. I haven't watched it yet, but from the clips I have saw, Ultimate Warrior is one of the most wacked wrestlers ever. I even seen seen other clips of the Ultimate Warrior doing promos and I don't even know what the hell he was rambling on about. But without further ado, The Self-Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior...


Watch The Self Destruction Of The Ultimate Warrior in Entertainment | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

My Life Right Now

Well, I have told many people that my life was looking up. But it seems to have suddenly came to a screeching halt. I had a car, a job, but no perspective place to live. It seems as though, I have been dragging my feet on this whole finding a place to live deal. I got it good where I am. But I should move out on my own instead of living with my sister. It's great and all, but I need to move out on my own. Plus, I do recognize that my sister and her boyfriend... well fiancee need their privacy. It's just that I am looking for the best possible place for the cheapest rent, but that isn't always available. A good location is also key.

Why should I be so picky? Maybe part of the reason is because I don't want to live in an area where the rent is so damn cheap, while the lingering thought in the back of my mind that it's an utter shit area to live in. I am sure you can see where I am going. If my niece and two nephews were to come over, I don't want to have to be subject to the shit in the area where I live. I mean, is it so hard to ask for a decent area to live in. I mean, my sisters area of Saskatoon is pretty good place to live. It's not a shit hole. It's nice community area with a park the kids can go place in. They are close to the Market Mall, a bowling alley, churches, and whatnot. But I digress, the search for a place continues.

If I was living in Prince Albert, I know for a fact that I would living on the farm. While that is not a bad thing, the job situation might be a bit worse. Saskatoon is better for getting jobs unlike Prince Albert.

Speaking of the job situation, I bet by now you know that I work at GC Teleservices doing collections for Capital One. Well, I have thought about getting another job. One that pays even more and better hours. I mean it's great not having to get up at 5:00 in the morning to get ready for work, but in on the other hand, the day shift is pretty good as well. I do pretty good at my job and all that, but as my friend Marlin has made a good point on is that sitting around makes a person lazy. I couldn't agree more. If you know me, than you will know that I am lazy. A job that I move around at isn't so bad, but I stick around at GC Teleservices for the money. The incentives to stick around are great. I mean, they give out sweet as prizes for refering people like entries into a draw for a sweet prizes. The current prize for refering someone is a 46" flat panel TV. Who wouldn't want that. Also, you get your referal bonus as well. But there is catch to getting the full thing. You and the person that gets hired both get $400. There are stuff like that make a person stick around. So you see, that is why I haven't really looked for another job as of right now.

For the last topic to tell you about is schooling. A lot of you know by now that I have my sights on Western Academy Broadcasting College here in Saskatoon. I have set my sights on becoming a radio station DJ. I have wanted to host my own radio show for the longest time. I even one day want to start my own radio station. But that a future dream. Right now I am wondering what I am going to do about paying off my car loan and my student loan if I go to school next fall. I want to go to WABC, but these loans won't pay for themselves. I know that. I understand that. But I want to go to school so I do something I am interested in. Something I love to do. I love music, plus I have been known to just start commentating. When I was at CBC, I would watch people play soccer, football, basketball, or whatever, and I would just commentate on it. That is the announcer in me wanting to come out. I have wanted for the longest time to commentate on wrestling. But that's another tell for another time. So anyways, WABC is step getting me towards my goal of becoming a radio station DJ. Than I could play the music people would want to listen to and not just because it's top 40. There are so many under played artists out there, that radio is just what they need to broaden their fanbase. WABC is where I want to get accepted into for next fall.

Peace, love, and rock and roll
Mr. C.C.

"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe." - Anatole French

"Give me a stock clerk with a goal and I'll give you a man who will make history. Give me a man with no goals and I'll give you a stock clerk" - J.C. Penny

"The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it." - Michelangelo

"To will is to select a goal, determine a course of action that will bring one to that goal, and then hold to that action till the goal is reached. The key is action." - Michael Hanson

Monday, September 24, 2007

Christian/Christ Follower (Mac/PC) Parody #3

Here is a video that I got off GodTube.com. It has an interesting message to it. Now do you agree with it? Watch it and post a comment with your response.

If the video doesn't show up for you than here is the link:

Christian/Christ Follower (Mac/PC) Parody #3

GodTube.com?

If you don't like what's on YouTube, Daily Motion, UselessJunk, Google Video or other video posting sites, than I think you might be interested in GodTube.com. GodTube.com is the Christian oriented version of YouTub. I was flicking through the channels and heard about this site. I was like what? Believe it or not someone got the brainwave to create a video sharing site with a Christian perspective.

The slogan of GodTube is: Broadcast him. Is this a the new way to communicate your faith or is it destined for failure? A couple of questions I guess they delt with when they were creating GodTube. Anyways, here is the link:


GodTube.com

Sunday, September 23, 2007

This Job Puts Things In Perspective

What I am about to say, don't get the wrong idea. I have many American friends who I think are awesome. With that being said, my job puts things in perspective. What am talking about you may ask? Well, as you may or may not know, I work at GC Teleservices and do collections for Captial One. Now, don't worry for my fellow Canadians, I don't call Canada, I call the United States and some other countries, but mainly the United States. So when I call them, the people I do call, they are sometimes ignorant, assholish, among other things.

Sure this maybe baseless upon reading this, but hear me out. I phone someone and they freak out because we call them. What's the harm in that? Nothing really, but they act as if calling them is going to disrupt their day. If you don't want to talk to us, than don't pick up. When I get an outbound call, I say hello and they hang up. Again don't pick up. When someone calls and say: "Thank you for calling GC Services..." and they hang up. Don't call in if you don't want to talk to us. Or when you get a cardholder on the line and they won't verify information like their date of birth of the last four of their social security number they ask: "You have our that don't you?" Of course we fucking do. It's for security purposes and to make any potential updates to their account. Don't question because if we didn't need it, than would we ask? The security purpose is to know we are speaking to the correct person. Do you want us giving your information to the incorrect party? Think about it.

It's the person on the other end of the line who think we are in the wrong, but that is far from the case. I have been called or told the following:

Faggot
Asshole
Ingorant son of a bitch
Chink
Mother fucker
Don't call here again you fucking cock sucker

There was call in which I got the cardholder and I got the payment from this woman and then she says stop calling here. By all rights we will stop calling for a period of time. This guy, husband or boyfriend, or whatever gets on the line and starts saying stop fucking calling here you hear or something to that effect. He wouldn't even let me speak. Everytime I tried to speak he said: Would you like my cock in your mouth? Would like that. This douche bag kept going on. I terminated that call.

The bottom line is that if you don't want us calling than don't be in fucking debt. Credit cards are not free money. When you sign to get a credit card, than you acknowledge that you are going to keep your account current and out of collections. Some people shouldn't be allowed to have credit cards. I could keep going on, but you get the idea.

Thanks for letting me rant. I had to get that off my chest.

Until next time, stay out of debt
Mr. C.C.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Update

I should update my blog more often, but I generally try to do it once a month. So here goes:

Work has been great. Can't really complain in that regard except that there a system designed to get the better collectors more inbound calls. How are we supposed to get better if we don't get inbound calls? At least I redeemed myself by getting a $2662 cheque (check for non-Canadians) by phone. Hopefully I will get more payments to day. We will see.

My car is dead and has been since last week. So I am back to taking the bus. My dad is going to get my car fixed yet again. I hope it doesn't die on me again. I know that I am going to have to get a new car. My dad does have a car that he can sell to me that he is fixing up. But who knows if he will. It's a 2002 Ford Tarus and my car is a 1992 Ford Tarus. I hope I can get a better vehicle soon. I don't know if my car will last the winter. Hopefully it does.

I am still looking for a place to live. I got a viewing tomorrow at 11AM. The rent is $480/month. Hopefully I can get a place soon. I have been looking and there have been some prospective places, but nothing official. I obviously didn't get that place in City Park here in Saskatoon. So the search continues.

Until next time... this has been very nicely done
Mr. C.C.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

My Car

I should have my car on Sunday. This way I won't have to take the bus for very much longer. I will be able to drive myself to and from work. Without a bus pass, taking the bus is getting expensive.

If I save up some money, by the fall the plans are to get a new car. But that's not for months. Right now I am going to work on saving up money.

A Second Job

For the last how long, I have been telling people over Facebook, the phone, and various other ways about this job with the Canadian federal government at the Regional Psychiatric Centre. I went for the interview and it went well. At least I think it did. I hope I get it because I want to get on more permanently. This job is casual and is only 90 days.

The job is four hours a day and there is set start time. The requirement is that I get the four hours in. I can just get the four hours done before I have to go work at GC Teleservices for the evening shift. No weekends at the Regional Psychiatric Centre. Due to not working Fridays at GC Services, I will have all day to get my four hours done. There will be minimal contact with the people staying there. So I hope there is no trouble with them.

I hope that I get on more permanently after the 90 days are up. Get on part-time, then get on full-time.

I need to tell my dad to get my car fixed in case I do get this second job. I will know later this week wether or not I get it.

Until next time... Mucho gusto!
Mr. C.C.

"A lot of fellows nowadays have a B.A., M.D., or Ph.D. Unfortunately, they don't have a J.O.B."
-"Fats" Domino

Monday, June 04, 2007

Being Challenged

On Facebook, someone who I went to school in elementary and high school added me. I haven't seen him since 2001. So I told him what I have been up to recently and I told him that I attended Covenant Bible College in Strathmore, Alberta. He didn't think I would believe in Christianity. So we have been posting on each others wall and he has been challenging me. It's a good thing because I want to fall into a rut in my faith. The one thing he thinks is the government is controlling us through religion. I think that is bogus, though I will research it more indepth.

It's good that I am getting challenged. I still have so much more to learn within my faith. But these responses are good to get the gears in my head turning. I thank him for that. I hope we can continue our dialogue over email, MSN or wherever. It's been good so far. I don't want it to end just yet.

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Now That CBC Is Over

Riding on the bus from Strathmore to Saskatoon gives you time to think. I reflected on the past year with the memories I have and the friends I have made. I went over the event of the couple weeks prior to CBC being finished and I realized that I had strong feelings for a girl. I told her after the fact when CBC was over and I expected her not to feel the same way. But it doesn't get any easier. She is one solid and awesome girl. I never met someone like her before. It was just not meant to be and as I said, I expected that. But that doesn't make it any less easier. There are a few things I will miss about this person and that is her smile, her caring attitude towards people, her down to earthness (is that even a word?), and so much more. Just being friends is the most important thing. I know that we could make a long distance relationship work, it's as I keep stating is that she doesn't feel the same way.

I have started on my quest to become employed. I haven't applied at a lot of places, yet, but I plan on it though. I need to get some work so I can start saving up money and paying off my student loan. Student loans don't pay for themselves. I also hope that I can save up some money to pay for college next year provided I get accepted. I still need to get an application for the Western Academy Broadcasting College here in Sasaktoon.

I have also shaved off my chops. I still have my sideburns, it's just that they are not mutton chops like they used to be.

I miss all of you guys and I hope I can see some of you sooner rather than later. People of my CBC class, don't hesitate to come and visit me! Ha!

Until next I have something to say to you... Shika da!
Mr. C.C.

"It takes a minute to have a crush on someone, an hour to like someone and a day to love someone - but it takes a lifetime to forget someone."
-Unknown

"Why do they call it a crush? Because that's how you feel when they don't feel the same way in return."
-Unknown

"A movie camera is like having someone you have a crush on watching you from afar - you pretend it's not there."
-Tom Stoppard

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Spring Retreat & Commencement

We are back from the spring retreat which is the final retreat of the year. It was a bittersweet time. We got to hang out with each other for the one of the final times this year. In some sense this was a time to just reflect back on the year, give thanks to God in all that he has done this year. The friendships we have made, the talks we have had, the laughing, the tears, the joy, the everything was reflected upon. It wasn't all somber and sadness. There was some great times had. There was some great laughs shared. It was a great time to just fellowship for one of the last times with a good majority of them.

Some of the people I have become friends with I will truly miss because of the close bond I have made with them. Some I can't say the same for as I never got to make a close bond with them. This year was rewarding in many ways like the aforementioned friends I have made. It will difficult in my own way leaving CBC. I have learned so much from so many people and I will take what I have learned and hopefully use it in the future.

Just think, it's seems like only yesterday we just started coming here. But in another sense, it's like we have been for along time. I do acknowledge that CBC was not meant to last forever. It was only meant to last one year. I get that, but in many ways it has been a great ride whether we are going up or going down. There will always be hard times and if there wasn't than we would never know how to grow from those experiences. The community has been wonderfully and painfully connected to each other and the times we have been to hell and back have been crucial to our growth and development, as I said, as Christians. If we didn't grow, than we were putting on nothing but a show.

Outside of the confines of the CBC community, leaving St. Michaels & All Saints Anglican Church was so hard. They embraced me into their parish and community. It was hard to leave. This one lady, Betty Wyndham, at St. Michaels said that I better come back and visit. I will try and hold Betty to that promise. Another lady at St. Michaels said that they will miss my singing in front of the church. Not only the church, but parting ways with the former minister Fergus Tyson was hard. Fergus and myself formed a close relationship. We talked about a lot of stuff like apologetics, Anglicanism, hockey, my grandfather, among other stuff. He is just so smart that when you say something, he can just go on and on. I respect how smart he is and it is fitting that our last day at St. Michaels was on April 29th. I know that the St. Michaels & All Angels and St. Andrews in Gleichen are losing a respected minister. When people were saying a few words and giving him gifts, I said a few words. It was hard to say goodbye. I felt it was a privilege and an honour to be embraced by the St. Michaels & All Angels parish and have a close relationship with Fregus. I will never forget them and they will be in my prayers.

I just ask God's blessings on them as they go through this time of transition with Fergus gone and the low numbers. They are doing the work of God and they need new members of their church so it can be sustained for the future. If all the people in their directory came to church and gave regularly, than they would have more than even money to sustain themselves. But the fact is that they don't have those numbers and thus don't get the money they need. I hope they can get enough money in their building fund to build a new church building. I want to see this parish and ministry flourish.

So commencement is upon us, or is starting Friday. I know that there will people that will be a mixed bag of emotions. As draws as a whole draws to a close, it will be a time of reflection and a time of being with people one last time. Treasure the times that you were with people. Don't forget the friends you have made. I know I may be sounding a bit emotional, but I will not forget the times I had here. This will be one last send off for the staff, students, teachers, CBC board members, and alumni (if any alumni are there). It will be one final send off and I hope it's the best one ever.

All in all, whether it's within the CBC campus, or within the church, I have grown significantly and have been impacted in so many ways. I will look back on this year with mixed emotions, but I will not forget the memories that I have and I will not forget the friends I have made.

Peace of the Lord be will you for now and for always;
Mr. C.C.

“It's weird...you know the end of something great is coming, but you want to hold on, just for one more second...just so it can hurt a little more.”
-Unknown

“Education is not a product: mark, diploma, job, money in that order; it is a process, a never ending one”
-Bel Kaufman

"Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending."
-Lazurus Long

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Your Theological Worldview

You scored as Roman Catholic. You are Roman Catholic. Church tradition and ecclesial authority are hugely important, and the most important part of worship for you is mass. As the Mother of God, Mary is important in your theology, and as the communion of saints includes the living and the dead, you can also ask the saints to intercede for you.


What's your theological worldview?
created with QuizFarm.com

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

A New Addition To The Family?

Today as I wasn't feeling good, I didn't go to class. I usually stay logged into MSN Messenger when I am not class. So my sister Angela IMs me and said, you need to find a job so you can spend money on gifts for a new niece of nephew or something to that affect. I was puzzled. She was snickering (she posted a snickering emoticon) and I was still puzzled. Still snickering, she than came out and told me that Heather, my other sister, was pregnant and that she is due in November. Angela was disappointed by the emoticon she posted.

My initial reaction was shock. Than I thought, ewww my sister had sex. Immature, I know, but that's how I felt. I than responded, by saying that I thought she would have at least have waited until her honeymoon to do it. Practicing Christians would generally wait until they get married to have sex. That was my view of it. But Angela said that she is a not a practicing Christian. It is all an act. In someway I agree. She puts on one face for family and one face for church. But now I just don't know what to think.

One thing I am worried about is her fiance, soon to be husband, possibly becoming a deadbeat. I mean, he doesn't do much around the apartment. I just wonder if he will decide to leave. I want this child to have a father in his or her life. My other niece and two nephews don't have their fathers in their lives and I don't want this to happen to this child. I will love this child regardless. But if Rob (her fiance) acts like a deadbeat in any way, than so help me. This will be a huge rude awakening for both and they need to mature and fast because once this child enters this world, they will have significantly less time to do what they want. My sister Heather doesn't like to be at home that much, but she will have to now because once this child comes into this world. It will be less about them and more about this child.

I am mixed bag of emotions right now and I might not be thinking rationally. So I just want a piece of mind in this situation. I want this child to grow up in a healthy loving home, but I am not sure if this child will get it or not because there have been times where I have witnessed my sister Heather and Rob fight and over the might trivial things. I am just so confused at what to think right now. I wonder if my mom, dad, or step dad know about this. I don't want my dad to be the last to find out because the last time he was the last to find out about my sister Angela being pregnant with her third child, it set him right off. I just hope my family doesn't find out through the grapevine because that would be just wrong to find out that way because I would think that they would have the maturity to come forward and tell my parents. After all, they have decided to become parents.

Sunday, April 08, 2007

Back From Saskatoon

Over the weekend six of us went to Saskatoon to the Evangelical Orthodox Church. It was for their Easter celebrations. They had services Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. They went through the whole Lent services that coincides with Jesus' death and resurrection. Something like this I have never experienced before. Sure I have experienced an Easter service and whatnot, but attending services like this has given me a deeper appreciation for Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. I am thankful for the opportunity to go and experience that. If I didn't go, then I would have never felt this deeper appreciation.

The weekend was very good overall and I thank everyone at Holy Covenant Church for being so hospitable.

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Memories

Do you have a memory of me? If so, just post a comment about it. It doesn't matter if you know me a little or a lot. Memories of me is what I want. I have seen other people do this and it's pretty cool and funny. Repost this as a "memories" and see the responses you get.

Until next time, I have two words for ya... good bye!
Mr. C.C.

“We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they're called memories. Some take us forward, they're called dreams.”
-Jeremy Irons, British Actor

“Whenever I think of the past, it brings back so many memories.”
-Steven Wright, American comedian

“A person is neither whole nor healthy without the memories of photo albums. They are the storybook of our lives. They provide a nostalgic escape from the tormented days of the present.”
-Patrick Garry

“Some people do not become thinkers simply because their memories are too good.”
-Frederich Nietzsche, German classical scholar, philosopher, and critic of culture

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

This Alberta Weather

Alberta weather in the last few weeks has been inconsistent. It will snow one day, then the next day it will melt away. Then it will snow again, then once again melt away. What is up with that? At least in Saskatchewan when it's cold, it is for a number of week or two, but when it's nice, it's nice.

I don't know why Alberta weather is the way it is. Do you?

Sunday, March 18, 2007

Extreme Impact '07 Done!

This weekend has been rewarding though tiring at the same time. Extreme Impact has ended and yes there will never be another Extreme. That doesn't mean that you can't shepard the students in other ways. Future youth will never get to experience what others in the past have. But I digress, the journey to know is not over.

Even though I would have liked to be on the worship team, I am now realizing that being on security is a blessing in disguise. Even though the worship team put a lot of time and effort into getting the worship all planned out and whatnot, they didn't get much time to talk with the students. That's one thing my friend Mark wished he could have done due to being so busy with the worship team and practicing for each session.

We were getting things fine tuned right up to when the students were coming and getting signed in on Friday. On Friday after the sign ins there was some free time before the first session. Then the first worship was at 7 PM. We managed to cram the students, CBC students, and the staff into the worship space. It got hot in there and that was a sign of things to come. We got to hear a story from one of the CBC students on Friday. There were also some games for prizes at these sessions. At this session, they had to find a piece of gum this questionable looking stuff on a plate and blow a bubble, but the blowing of a bubble wasn't working.

Later on Friday we went to the Southland Recreation Center where we could go so swimming, skate, play hockey, play basketball, play badminton, or just chill and hang out. I chose to play basketball. It was fun. Luke Carlson got stuffed by his little, I should say younger brother Matt Carlson, who is a CBC student. Although he doesn't like to admit it. I said to him: "You were stuffed by your own little bro." Luke replied to me by saying: "Yeah, as he was holding my other arm." I just won't let him live that down. But it was all in good fun.

Saturday came soon and well, the second session was at around 9 AM. We got to hear more stories from CBC students and from a couple of youth pastors. It was a chance to hear a how their lives have continually been shaped as they have been a Christian. The game they did was that one person sat on a chair while another person had to shave the balloon without breaking it. In the end, one of the MC's Kara broke them anyways and the two people sitting got wet.

After lunch there was a variety of activities people could participate in if they so wished. I played ultimate Frisbee. It was fun, but I haven't play in months. Then at 5:30 the coffeehouse started with the act the opened and closed. I did two things in the coffeehouse. I did a Kiss cover with Manny Coon and the Facelickers. We did "I Was Made For Loving You." The crowd went nuts when it did the wailing part of that song. People were saying how much they loved it. I do have to admit that it was awesome.

Later on Saturday, We had a bit of worship after setting up our God encounter stations. After the worship we went to our God encounter stations. The station I was at for the students to come to was the spontaneous prayer/song/scripture station. Everybody got into it when I "Gotta Serve Somebody" by Bob Dylan. Near the end of the song as I was singing the chorus, people would repeat by saying "serve somebody." I just love that song. It's one of the few Bob Dylan songs I like. It has a gospel like feel to it. It was great.

Then we finished out the night we more worship. We hard people share some how they see the kingdom of God and what it means to them. Near the end people were getting into. It was awesome. People were jumping, dancing, singing, and just worshiping. Sure it may seem like a Jesus high, but it was great in that moment to see people worshiping God in their own way. Then after people could stay and worship or go out to the lounge or where ever and chill. I being on security got to lockup that at midnight.

Sunday came soon as well and we hard our last session. It was the last time that we as a large group could come and just worship as a whole before going back home. Then the CBC students pitched in and got the place cleaned in great time. No class tomorrow (Monday) morning. Only one class in the afternoon.

This body of Mr. C.C. although tired feels a sense of accomplishment. Thanks for reading. Now here is some food for thought.

"Anyone desperate enough for suicide...should be desperate enough to go to creative extremes to solve problems: elope at midnight, stow away on the boat to New Zealand and start over, do what they always wanted to do but were afraid to try."
-Richard Bach, American writer

"The less secure a man is, the more likely he is to have extreme prejudice."
-Clint Eastwood, American actor and writer

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Abortion

In biblical ethics class yesterday we talked about abortion. Abortion is one of those issues that is not a black and white issue. It has so much gray area that it's unbelievable. It's one of those issues that people are sometimes so touchy about. But it was pretty calm in class. Yes people voiced their opinions, but they weren't lively about voicing them which is a good thing in many respects.

When the class was talking about it, there was the issue of when does life start. People said when the girl conceived or when the fetus started developing hands, fingers, toes, etc.. I don't really when life starts honestly. Sure I could take a guess, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's correct and some people said the same thing as other people, but just in different words.

I brought up the issue of motivation such as financial stability, poverty, etc.. It's pretty ignorant to say: "It's there choice to have an abortion." Sure it's there choices, but let's honest here, there has to be more behind it then it's just there choice. In the second class yesterday, I also brought up that harm might come to the mother via death during delivery or abuse in the home and whatnot. I believe there is no black and white area on this part of the motivation aspect of abortion. You don't know each individual persons case. It's different for each person why they got an abortion. Sure a lot have abortions because of convenience on their life because they don't want to make the adjustments in their life to take care of a child. My teacher in the first class brought up the issue of abortion because of rape. Even though it's only .0001 per cent of the time, doesn't make it any less of significant. People should stop trying to justify their motivation with the classic "it's their choice." No, as I said there is more to it then that. Justification makes you look ignorant for a lack knowing the whole story.

This issue of abortion yesterday went as far as to talk about freedom and responsibility. My teacher Todd said that the opposite of freedom is not slavery, but responsibility. But one of the students said that freedom and responsibility go hand in hand. But I disagree with that because you can be free not and be responsible. For instance, there are people that are free yet they continually get caught drunk driving which is irresponsible (I know first hand). Freedom and responsibility do not go hand in hand. There are some pretty irresponsible people that are free. It seems like what this person was getting at was that you have to be responsible to be free and again that's not always true.

We also talked about this second wave that happens years after people abort. It's when they have families and then they have feelings about having an abortion and whatnot. Is it really worth it if this second wave is going to happen? Do you really want to have all this emotional stress years later because of your abortion? Just something to think about.

All in all, abortion is a very sticky subject with no clear answers. But one thing my friend Mark mentioned was that a lot of the stuff in class was geared towards the conservative minds in the class. Which I guess I can see a bit. Either way we could spend years talking about abortion.

"I've noticed that everybody that is for abortion has already been born."
-Ronald Reagan, quoted in New York Times, 22 September 1980


"If the anti-abortion movement took a tenth of the energy they put into noisy theatrics and devoted it to improving the lives of children who have been born into lives of poverty, violence, and neglect, they could make a world shine. "
-Michael Jay Tucker

“How can anyone be against abortion but for the death penalty?”

-Loesje, Dutch fictional character

Monday, February 26, 2007

Random Fact #1: Carrot Top Feet

Here is the first random fact of the week post. I will post some random fact that will add to your repertoire of trivial facts.

Carrot top feet is more common then you think!

Now first off, you maybe wondering what carrot top feet is. For those that don't know what it is, it is basically you toe beside you big toe being longer then your big toe. With that being said, you must be wondering how I know that this fact is true. I do look around at people's feet. Yes I notice when people wear open toed shoes, flip flops, sandals, or go bare feet a my college I have seen that they have carrot top feet. No I am not a creep. I just found it interesting that it is more common then you think. I only thought a few people have carrot top feet, but as it turn it is more common then you think as I have said before.

That's all she wrote!
Mr. C.C.

"There are more valid facts and details in works of art than there are in history books."
-Charlie Chaplin

" Well, maybe that’s the problem with punk, and the root of its hypocritical nature. The fact that it is no longer a statement at all. It is a deviation from the mainstream, but by deviating it only becomes it’s own separate mainstream. Punks no longer shock people."
-The Creeps

" It is possible to store the mind with a million facts and still be entirely uneducated."
-Alex Bourne

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Lent

It seems like all the rage these days is giving up something for Lent. Well, at least around CBC it is. For instance, someone is giving up Facebook, or someone is giving up media (ie: iPod, Internet, TV, movies, etc.), and the list goes on and on. I have been thinking what I could give up for Lent. This is harder then giving up Facebook, or media, and whatnot. I know that this will require will power on my part. I don't know if you have guessed what I am doing. I am trying to go for Lent without any junk food (ie: chips, chocolate bars, etc.). I am still debating on whether or not to include pop (or soda for you American folks). I know that I have a weakness for snacking. Sure snacking is not bad as long as you eat the right things. Even tonight I felt like having popcorn, but I decided not to because I know I don't need it.

As I sit here contemplating my decision, I do realize that going a week without any junk food is not that hard of a thing to do. But going Lent, 40 days without junk food might be a bit more difficult. I do realize that I start slow and that jumping into something like this might be "crazy" on my part. This is all apart of me trying to deal with my gluttonous self.

Dictionary.com's definition of gluttonous is... tending to eat and drink excessively; voracious.

I know that the beginning of that definition defines me personally in some respects. There have been times in the past when I would just gorge out on food and not feel guilty about it. Then afterwards I would pay for it because I would have eaten too much and then I would feel slugish and even more lazy then I already was at that particular point in the day. Even as I sit here typing I smell that unmistakable fragrance and aroma that is popcorn because someone made popcorn with a hot air popper. Just the sent alone makes me want to get a bag of popcorn and pop it and eat it till every last popped kernel is gone. But I will not do that. I will resist the urge and go against what I would sometimes do and that is to eat popcorn. There were even times during the past summer when I would staying at the farm, that I would take my hot air popper and pop some popcorn downstairs where I sleep. I would melt an artery clogging amount of butter and mix seasoning salt into it and eat it in my room while watching TV or a DVD. I didn't care. All I knew as I was eating it that the popcorn tasted good. Being here at CBC I have ate considerably less popcorn in just these few months then I ever have in my life. But there was one evening where just needed something to snack on and I was in dorm four and in there kitchen sat a bag of popcorn for roughly a month I was told at that point. I kept debating in my head whether or not I should pop it and eat it. I then gave into my cravings of wanting food. I popped it and ate it and I didn't feel guilty. There are many other tiimes where I wouldn't feel guilty about eating junk food or excessive amounts of it.

During my talks with Brian Frable (one of the teachers here at CBC), we have been talking about this issue of my gluttonous ways and he has seen me at lunch take a lot of food. I just need to talk to him about getting my accountability group set up because I will then need to stay accountable them about how much food I take.

Hmmm, I seem to have gone off track, but you get what I am saying. Now to get back to the issue at hand, I am giving up junk food for Lent. I didn't want to give up food totally. Nonetheless, I think this a step in the right direction giving up junk food.

I would really appreciate encouragment on doing this. If you feel like praying I would appreciate that as well. This is more then just giving up pop as one person here at CBC is doing. This is something I need to do for myself. Even though I think giving up pop is a good thing, this is something I need to do for myself. If I don't start eating less junk food now, then who knows what my life will be like in the future. I need to do for one of the biggest reasons and that is for my health. On my Grandma's side of my dad's side of the family, there is a history of diabetes and if I continue on this way then I may very well get diabetes and I don't want that at all.

In the end it may seem like I am giving up something that I don't need, but I also know that Lent is so much more. Lent is about the journey that Jesus goes on. Jesus retreated to the wilderness because to be tempted by the "Devil." He goes to the wilderness to fast for forty days and forty nights.
Afterwards He was hungry and the devil tempted Him. Jesus overcame all of the devilish temptation of the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life by citing Holy Scripture to the "Devil." The "Devil" left Him. Holy Angels ministered to Jesus. Now Jesus begins His Galilean ministry.

Until next time: Lent is not just about giving up something that you don't need. Lent is also about Jesus and the reasons He fasted.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Saskatoon Trip To The Holy Covenant Evangelical Covenant Church

Over the past weekend a few of us went to the Holy Covenant Evangelical Covenant Church in Saskatoon. We left on Saturday at eight in the morning. We arrived in Saskatoon in the afternoon. We would go to the church to meet our host family. Mark, Scott, and I would stay with the coolest host family ever. They were cool to talk to. We stayed with the Bishop's daughter and son-in-law. Jason and Candace were so hospitable it was unreal. On the Saturday, we went back to their house and the meal was awesome. Later we went back to the church for a vespers service. It was different from the vespers we do here at CBC. It was different in a good way. There was a lot of liturgy in this vespers service. I liked the change from the usual vespers. When the Bishop was at CBC he did a vespers service here and so I recognized some of the songs. Then we went back to our host family's place. We played some Super Mario and Jason was impressed by Mario skills. He said I had some "mad Mario skills." It was great joking around with Jason as we played Mario. Then after that we watch Night At The Museum on their projector and screen. That was a pretty good movie I must say.

On Sunday we of course went to church. The service was very liturgical. It was very different from any service I was used to. Candace continually had to switch books with us so we were on the right page. Being that we have never been to a service like that, it was hard to keep up. The songs had an eastern feel to it. I liked that about the songs. The way they do things for communion is different from most churches I have been to. I noticed that the bread was sweeter and the wine has more water in it then I am used to. Maybe it's because there were young kids partaking in communion. It's interesting that they let young kids partake in communion without having wait till their older or go through confirmation before receiving communion. There was one part of the service in which people asked for forgiveness of sins. It was more then just a handshake. We would hug people instead. That was different then what people normally would do. It was something that myself and a few other people out of there comfort zone. Over all the service would something that I liked. Then after church there was a potluck and the food was awesome. The main dishes and dessert was great. Then after that Scott, Mark, and I went to the mall to kill about an hour before we went back to the church and then heading in the van to go bowling. We went ten pin bowling, something I haven't done before. I think I did not bad for my first time ten pin bowling. Others did awesome at bowling. But it was fun nontheless. After supper we went back to the church and dialogged about the church service. The discussion went in various other ways such other items in their church like and stuff like mega churches, youth, drawing people into the church, among other stuff. Then we went back to the host family and watched the Tenacious D movie.

On Monday we went to the mall and whatnot before we headed back to Strathmore. All in all it was a great weekend.

See you on the flipside!
Mr. C.C.

“Church isn’t where you meet. Church isn’t a building. Church is what you do. Church is who you are. Church is the human outworking of the person of Jesus Christ. Let’s not go to Church, let’s be the Church.”
-Bridget Willard

“The perfect church service, would be one we were almost unaware of.
Our attention would have been on God.”
-C.S. Lewis

“Some go to church to see and be seen, some go there to say they have been, some go there to sleep and nod, but few go there to worship God”
-Proverb quotes

Friday, February 16, 2007

Continued Prayers

I recieved word today that my Grandpa, Bill Cantin had another mini-stroke. It's bad enough he had one mini-stroke, but a second one... I don't know what condition he is in. It's so hard not knowing something, but at least my sisters are sending me the information on his condition and whatnot.

I just keep thinking the worst. I know it's only a mini-stroke, but that doesn't make it better. That doesn't make the situation any less nerve racking. I don't know why I am thinking the worst, but I am.

People here at school have been praying for me and I totally appreciate that. I just want continued prayer for him. As I said in an earlier post, that I am appreciative of the people who are praying for him. Just continue praying for him to get some semblance of what he had back. I just want him to go back to doing what he does best and that is playing the fiddle. He is known throughout Prince Albert for his fiddle playing.

Until next time: Keep on rockin' in the free world!

There isn't any formula or method. You learn to love by loving.
-Aldous Huxley

Thursday, February 15, 2007

The End Of An Era!




I am sure you have heard by now that Covenant Bible College is closing down. There are many reasons why had to do it. They first closed CBC Midwest because of the dwindling enrollment. Not only that, but financial difficulties have a lot to do with it. The growing cost and expenses outweighed the income that CBC as a whole was receiving. They depended a lot on donations and I guess that amount they were getting wasn't enough.

Now some of the stuff that was planned is not going to happen. The small group tour, CBC nomadic, and possibly Junior Hi Jam are not going to happen. I think that Junior Hi Jam should still take place, but we will see.

It will be hard for some people to deal with especially my friend Jon Loewons' family. His grandfather Wendell Anderson was the president of the CBC for 30 plus years. So there is a history and a legacy that goes with that. At the meeting yesterday, he apparently couldn't handle it. He realizes that he is the last one in his family to come here. I just wonder how his grandma Birdie Anderson will take it. CBC has been a big part of her family for so long. This news of CBC closing (if she hasn't found out already) will crush her.

I know that a lot of people have been wanting to come here. They didn't bother applying anywhere else because they were so set on coming here. I have heard that young kids have set their sights on coming here and now they can't. CBC has been a place that has changed a lot of people over the years and now people will not be able to come here like they have been wanting and also be changed.

This graduating class will be a special one as we are the last CBC Canada ever. We should make the rest of the year even better. We need to go out with a bang and make this the most memorable CBC class in history.

It will take some time to process all of this. For those that have supported CBC in the past we truly thank you.

Until next time: Shabot, shalom mother trucker!

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
-Theodore Roosevelt

All of us learn to write in the second grade. Most of us go on to greater things.
-Bob Knight

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

My Eyes Are Bugged Out

I finally got to the spot in the Bible we are supposed to caught up to. We have to check in with Todd by 1:30 PM and we are to be in Ezekiel 15. After reading from seven o'clock till now, my eyes are bugged out. But I was able to get my reading done even though it is three thirty in the morning. Now I can hopefully stay on track with my reading of the Bible. After Ezekiel, the books of the Bible are relatively short. I at least hopefully won't fall behind at all.

Now onto something different. I was looking at my Cost of Discipleship paper eight thirty or so and I got a 79. Todd gave me some good comments overall. He said it was my best reflection paper to-date. For him it was. But for other classes, I have gotten better marks. That is not the point though. The point is I got a pretty good mark on this paper. After seeing that mark, I was so stoked that I got that mark. My friend Mark on the other hand got the same mark as me and thought he should have gotten better. He is after all smarter then I am. But nevertheless, seeing that mark was the bright spot in a rather crappy day after learning my Grandpa has a mini-stroke.

Until next time: You suck, I suck, we all suck!

I was not an outstanding student. I did a reasonable amount of work. I got generally good - pretty good grades, but I was not that passionate about getting straight A's.
-Steve Case

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Prayers For My Grandpa


When I got up this morning, I noticed I had to IM's on Windows Live Messenger from my two sisters. I thought nothing of what it could be. So I clicked on and they said that my Grandpa, William (Bill) Cantin (my mom's dad) had a mini stroke. I was taken aback. I didn't expect this at all and I just couldn't help but cry a little bit. After all, it is my Grandpa. At lunch as I was leaving after finishing, one of the teachers Brian Frable asked me how everything was going and so I told him that my Grandpa had a mini stroke and my eyes started tearing up. So Brain prayed for me which I appreciated it and I would appreciate it if you would pray for him. You don't know how much it would mean to me if you did that. My family would appreciate it as well. But as the day went on I was thinking the worst and I didn't want to do any of the reading I had to get done.

Once again, prayers would be very, very appreciate. I can't state how much appreciated prayers would be.

Until next time: ignorance is bliss!
Mr. C.C.

“Live this day as if it will be your last. Remember that you will only find ''tomorrow'' on the calendars of fools. Forget yesterday's defeats and ignore the problems of tomorrow. This is it. Doomsday. All you have. Make it the best day of your year. The saddest words you can ever utter are, ''If I had my life to live over again. ''Take the baton, now. Run with it! This is your day! Beginning today, treat everyone you meet, friend or foe, loved one or stranger, as if they were going to be dead at midnight. Extend to each person, no matter how trivial the contact, all the care and kindness and understanding and love that you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again.”
-Og Mandino, American Essayist and Psychologist, 1923-1996

Back From Edmonton

Well, I just go back from Edmonton. It was a very long day if you are wondering. The odd thing is we were away from CBC for around 15 hours. Eight and a half to nine of those hours was spent at the West Edmonton Mall. I know what you are thinking and sure it was a long time to waste at a single mall, but it was good times all around. It was cool hanging with people like Jon Loewen, Mark Jensen, Ian Solomon, Jesse Stegeman and various others. Jesse and myself were in Sport Chek and we double teamed this tackling (for a lack of a better word) dummy. Good times, good times! I also saw other people from school there like Tom Rorem, Courtney, Eric Braun, Danny, Hannah, Ashley, etc.. It was like over half of the school was there.

Sure I maybe tired, but it was worth going. I ate some food from this Chinese supermarket in this Chinatown section of the West Edmonton Mall. Chinatown must be a new section in the mall. But the food was sooooooo damn good. The next time I am in the West Edmonton Mall, I will have to remember that supermarket. I felt like a minority in that place. HA! But it was all good.

It's crazy how big of a Chinese population Edmonton has. Just looking around the West Edmonton Mall and you can see the Chinese as a big part of Edmonton.

Friday, February 09, 2007

Finished My Foundations Of Faith Paper

I have been working on my paper for over 12 hours and I finally got it done. I wrote an eight page paper for foundations of faith class. It's seven and a bit. Either way I hope I get a good mark because I worked hard on that paper. My head is saying "no more" and I won't have to do anymore foundations of faith papers because the class is finished for the year. My brain was going to implode if I didn't finish.

Theology is black and white with no gray area. It's either one or the other, there is no and. But I am sure if you researched it enough you could find some gray area. Either way no more foundations of faith!

Now I have read the book for youth ministry so I can write the paper on that. I don't want to do another paper. No more papers! I guess I will suck it up. I am in college after all. I just want to enjoy my break. I will have time to enjoy it and get this other paper done. I will also be catching up on my Bible reading as well. I need to be in Ezekiel 15 by Valentines Day. I will do a bunch of reading over the break.

Until next time, take care of yourself and each other!
Mr. C.C.

"Writing gives you the illusion of control, and then you realize it's just an illusion, that people are going to bring their own stuff into it."
-David Sedaris, interview in Louisville Courier-Journal, June 5, 2005
American writer

Friday, January 26, 2007

Pet Peeves

Here are some of my pet peeves. They are in no particular order. Post some of your pet peeves on your blog.

-People not washing their hands after they use the washroom. I used to not wash my hands when I was a kid, but now I make sure to wash them. Washing your hands doesn't take that long.
-People who barge in on conversations and have no idea what they are talking about or say something that is not related to what the conversation is about.
-I hate it when people say one thing and do another. Practice what you preach.
-When someone tries to outdo another person. For instance, when someone is playing an instrument, then another person comes along and shows them up.
-When some tries to act smarter then they are and think they something about a certain topic. If you don't know something, then don't say anything as if you know.
-People who like a certain musical artist or where certain clothes just to fit in.
-People who elevate themselves to such asshole heights based on the amount of money they have, when in truth, it's there parents that have all the money and they didn't a damn thing to help earn that money.

Until next time, see you on the flipside!

“It is impossible for you to be angry and laugh at the same time. Anger and laughter are mutually exclusive and you have the poser to choose either.”
-Wayne Dyer, American motivational speaker and best selling author

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Manliness, What Does That Mean?

In my SFG groups on Wednesday, we talked about what it means to be a man and the idea of manliness. Now, I can honestly say that I don't have a concrete idea of what it means to be a man. I know what the North American culture's view of what man and manliness is. It is being in control and having power over someone or something. But, truthfully, that is not a total wrong idea, but it's not a right idea either. I mean, one definition of being a man means taking care of your family no matter what the cost. Then again some people view manliness as Chuck Norris or Clint Eastwood.

People make all these Chuck Norris jokes as if he was God's gift to men. Sure he can kick some ass. But in the same respect, it's not about who can beat up who, or who can do something better then who. In Biblical times, people thought of David as a manly man, but he did have his faults and make mistakes. It's just another way of elevating someone to unrealistic heights based on the fact that David was the strongest in all of the land.

Sure it's good to be strong and tough and whatnot. I just think that we have kept the same old stereotypical tough and strong male image as the definition of being a man. We need to get out of this ideal that I need to look and act a certain based on being male to be a man. Some people are of the adage that men shouldn't cry and if they do, they are not a man. It's those stereotypical views that skew what it means to be a man.

It's just not men who have it bad in the fact that they are stereotyped. Woman also have it bad as far what it means to be a woman. Some people define being a woman is staying at home, looking after the kids, cleaning the house, and cooking. But nowadays, woman have jobs and careers and sometimes they are in a position of power in their respective job or career. My mom fit into the stereotypical view of what it means to be a woman once upon a time. She would stay home, look after my two sisters and I, clean, and cook. Mind you, this was before I was in school. Nevertheless, my mom was what some people would is the stereotypical woman. But now in her place of work, she is in a position of power. She is a department manager at Wal-Mart. As time goes on, some people's perception of what it means to be a woman changes. The same could be said for what it means to be a man.

I don't know if any of that made sense. I tried to give my perspective on what it means. But in the big scheme of things, trying to decipher what it means to be a man is a complex issue and we could go on forever what it means to be a man.

Until next time!

“The male stereotype makes masculinity not just a fact of biology but something that must be proved and re-proved, a continual quest for an ever-receding Holy Grail”
-Marc Feigen Fasteau

Friday, January 19, 2007

Which Movie Character Are You?












Forrest Gump

You scored 22% outgoingness, 38% intelligence, and 70% goodness!

A little bit shy, but escentialy good. You are well liked, but a little bit in the shell. It is because of your good heart you are loved.
















My test tracked 3 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:
free online datingfree online dating
You scored higher than 99% on outgoingness
free online datingfree online dating
You scored higher than 99% on intelligence
free online datingfree online dating
You scored higher than 99% on goodness




Link: The Which Movie Character Are You Test written by 5934 on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test


Post your results.