Road Trippin'
Pretty soon I will be embarking on a road trip with some friends. Its gonna be a blast, and definitely blogworthy. I think what I will try to do is actually write about each day during the trip. I've blogged about trips in the past but never during, so lets see if I remember to do that or not.
Just recently I looked back in the 'ole archives of the past blog to see what I did. Its actually kind of neat to look back and I know a few people read what I put up so I'm somewhat eager to do this.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
And There Goes June
How did a whole month pass by!? Seriously, where did it go?? What happened in June...? I don't even remember... what did I do?? Wait, lets make a checklist of stuff I can remember doing...
- rock climbing
- fishing
- floor hockey
- bought a guitar
Now lets try some point form blogging!
- So I tried rock climbing and it was really fun! It was also really difficult and I definitely felt my arms burning afterward. I definitely underestimated the upper body endurance and the balance you need with your feet. It was a huge feeling of accomplishment to reach the top for any part of the wall. At the end, I tried to go up the rope climb but man, it burned my hands! For some reason I thought it would be fun to try...
- Also went fishing at Slave Lake. I don't really know anything about fishing except how to case and reel in a fish when it bites. Thats it. That said, it was a nice peaceful experience. I had my mp3 player and brought out a little chair, and just got lost into it. I managed to catch two walleyes I think? They weren't particularly large and I didn't even eat them when they got cooked later but its a fun feeling when you catch something. It is kind of a downer though when I think about how much time I spent just to catch two!! Last year everyone was catching a whole bunch.
- Next, kinda captaining a floor hockey team. Its co ed and rec, so its a fun first team. Well, I'm trying. There is still a part of me inside that dies when I see bad plays, but its all in good fun =D. We're named "The Avengers"! I love the name at least, and I've scored some goals.
- Lastly, I bought myself an Epiphone Dot, which is a copy of the Gibson ES 335. I've been kind of wanting a guitar all my own, and was trying to figure out which one. So I looked to my big influence, and Dave Grohl uses a trina lopez model which is based off of the ES 335. He actually uses some version (the headstock is different so...) in the video for Best of You (which is a messed up video). Also, Noel Gallagher of Oasis seems to use a version as well. Actually, in the following video, the ES 335 is represented (really soulful solo), as well as the acoustic i want, a hummingbird.
How did a whole month pass by!? Seriously, where did it go?? What happened in June...? I don't even remember... what did I do?? Wait, lets make a checklist of stuff I can remember doing...
- rock climbing
- fishing
- floor hockey
- bought a guitar
Now lets try some point form blogging!
- So I tried rock climbing and it was really fun! It was also really difficult and I definitely felt my arms burning afterward. I definitely underestimated the upper body endurance and the balance you need with your feet. It was a huge feeling of accomplishment to reach the top for any part of the wall. At the end, I tried to go up the rope climb but man, it burned my hands! For some reason I thought it would be fun to try...
- Also went fishing at Slave Lake. I don't really know anything about fishing except how to case and reel in a fish when it bites. Thats it. That said, it was a nice peaceful experience. I had my mp3 player and brought out a little chair, and just got lost into it. I managed to catch two walleyes I think? They weren't particularly large and I didn't even eat them when they got cooked later but its a fun feeling when you catch something. It is kind of a downer though when I think about how much time I spent just to catch two!! Last year everyone was catching a whole bunch.
- Next, kinda captaining a floor hockey team. Its co ed and rec, so its a fun first team. Well, I'm trying. There is still a part of me inside that dies when I see bad plays, but its all in good fun =D. We're named "The Avengers"! I love the name at least, and I've scored some goals.
- Lastly, I bought myself an Epiphone Dot, which is a copy of the Gibson ES 335. I've been kind of wanting a guitar all my own, and was trying to figure out which one. So I looked to my big influence, and Dave Grohl uses a trina lopez model which is based off of the ES 335. He actually uses some version (the headstock is different so...) in the video for Best of You (which is a messed up video). Also, Noel Gallagher of Oasis seems to use a version as well. Actually, in the following video, the ES 335 is represented (really soulful solo), as well as the acoustic i want, a hummingbird.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
End of a Dream
I think I'm going to start adding songs at the bottom of the post just for fun, and I'll try to fit in songs that fit a relaxed mood or the post.
Anyways, this will be a bit of a downer post, but some tough news is gonna follow.
First, the somewhat impersonal news of Vancouver Canucks prospect Luc Bourdon being killed in a motorcycle accident. I've heard of athletes getting injured because of motorcycles before but this kind of a gut wrenching blow. Obviously, when anyone passes away its a big deal and is a bit of a shock. I guess celebrities and athletes that pass away are bigger news because it seems sadder because they had a chance to live a dream that many of us wish for but can't attain. Fame and influence certainly put the story on a bigger scale.
I know I kind of wanted a motorcycle, but hearing the circumstances of the accident have turned me off of it. I don't know for sure if this is how it went down, just a rumbling from an internet board, but the Canuck prospect was in the midst of passing a track that was pulling over when a gust of wind surprised him and pushed him into oncoming traffic. I read a comment of how you should think about the actual or potential car accidents you've had, now think of them on a motorcycle. Hey, if you think you'll be okay, don't stop yourself, but be aware of the risks.
As for news a little closer to home, I don't know the exact details but my grandfather was admitted to the emergency room because of blood leakage in the brain. Not exactly sure, but it was what I was told. We visited him Wednesday night and he seems to be doing fine, he was alert and knew who we were and could describe what was happening. He caught up a bit on what we were doing in school, and around this point my lack of Chinese speaking caught up to me as I was unable to communicate as much with him as Keith did. Its kind of been scary because he is up for hip surgery, and at his age its an obvious risk. I read a doctor's presurgery report and it said that the age was really the only concern, but now I wonder how this will change things. And if he does go through the surgery it will be a long road ahead.
I look at my grandparents and mortality is all I can think about. Just looking at pictures from a few years ago to now, there seems to be a difference, they seem much more frail and small than they used to. I remember as a kid being taken to school and home on my grandfather's bike, riding on the front. I remember playing cards with my grandmother and Keith, and how they both would play some version of soccer indoors (used some tables as nets!). Man, I had a tough time scoring if my grandpa was in net because he covered so much...
Foo Fighters - Ain't it the Life
I think I'm going to start adding songs at the bottom of the post just for fun, and I'll try to fit in songs that fit a relaxed mood or the post.
Anyways, this will be a bit of a downer post, but some tough news is gonna follow.
First, the somewhat impersonal news of Vancouver Canucks prospect Luc Bourdon being killed in a motorcycle accident. I've heard of athletes getting injured because of motorcycles before but this kind of a gut wrenching blow. Obviously, when anyone passes away its a big deal and is a bit of a shock. I guess celebrities and athletes that pass away are bigger news because it seems sadder because they had a chance to live a dream that many of us wish for but can't attain. Fame and influence certainly put the story on a bigger scale.
I know I kind of wanted a motorcycle, but hearing the circumstances of the accident have turned me off of it. I don't know for sure if this is how it went down, just a rumbling from an internet board, but the Canuck prospect was in the midst of passing a track that was pulling over when a gust of wind surprised him and pushed him into oncoming traffic. I read a comment of how you should think about the actual or potential car accidents you've had, now think of them on a motorcycle. Hey, if you think you'll be okay, don't stop yourself, but be aware of the risks.
As for news a little closer to home, I don't know the exact details but my grandfather was admitted to the emergency room because of blood leakage in the brain. Not exactly sure, but it was what I was told. We visited him Wednesday night and he seems to be doing fine, he was alert and knew who we were and could describe what was happening. He caught up a bit on what we were doing in school, and around this point my lack of Chinese speaking caught up to me as I was unable to communicate as much with him as Keith did. Its kind of been scary because he is up for hip surgery, and at his age its an obvious risk. I read a doctor's presurgery report and it said that the age was really the only concern, but now I wonder how this will change things. And if he does go through the surgery it will be a long road ahead.
I look at my grandparents and mortality is all I can think about. Just looking at pictures from a few years ago to now, there seems to be a difference, they seem much more frail and small than they used to. I remember as a kid being taken to school and home on my grandfather's bike, riding on the front. I remember playing cards with my grandmother and Keith, and how they both would play some version of soccer indoors (used some tables as nets!). Man, I had a tough time scoring if my grandpa was in net because he covered so much...
Foo Fighters - Ain't it the Life
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Weddings
Originally I thought this would be a longer post, but it ended up being fairly short...
So over the weekend I attended a wedding of a friend who is my age. She is actually only half a month older so its kind of amazing to see a couple so young getting married. I think most people had the thought in their head that it seems really soon for them to get married, but after attending the wedding those thoughts vanished and you could see the love they had for each other. As long as they can keep the other things in line they'll be fine.
But anyways, it was really well organized and I had a great time. The bride and groom are both engineers and hence detailed oriented people and it showed. There is a story I was told how all the chairs at the banquet are decorated a certain way, and after it was done, the bride went and inspected the chairs and ended up rearranging half of them the night before the big day. Heh, she has to do everything!
Overall, I just had a positive experience and even gives me the idea that I can one day look forward to a special girl walking down the aisle... a... long...time from now though!...
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Originally I thought this would be a longer post, but it ended up being fairly short...
So over the weekend I attended a wedding of a friend who is my age. She is actually only half a month older so its kind of amazing to see a couple so young getting married. I think most people had the thought in their head that it seems really soon for them to get married, but after attending the wedding those thoughts vanished and you could see the love they had for each other. As long as they can keep the other things in line they'll be fine.
But anyways, it was really well organized and I had a great time. The bride and groom are both engineers and hence detailed oriented people and it showed. There is a story I was told how all the chairs at the banquet are decorated a certain way, and after it was done, the bride went and inspected the chairs and ended up rearranging half of them the night before the big day. Heh, she has to do everything!
Overall, I just had a positive experience and even gives me the idea that I can one day look forward to a special girl walking down the aisle... a... long...time from now though!...
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Play Guitar and Live Forever
As an aside...when I created this blog, I decided to make it a bit more impersonal by using references to Foo Fighter's songs. I feel that I tend not to post a lot of highly personal topics, or at least am not comfortable with that so I decided to take my name out of the title. I picked the title because I think a lot of blogs talk about life's obstacles and how someone threw a "monkey wrench" in your plans.
Anyways, as the title of this blog alludes to, I'm going to talk a bit about guitar. When I picked up the guitar and started trying to play it again, it was a way of unwinding. My perspective about playing guitar is more for songs and the lyrics. I enjoy guitar riffs and such, but I need to see the combination of the instrument with vocals and lyrics to make the song. If I learn a song, I usually learn it while learning the words and then hearing the words in my head as I play. Over time I'll learn the vocals part and sing along with it to make it "complete." Its really uncomfortable to play and sing full songs in front of other people as I more play for myself and get all self conscious in front of others, but it might be fun to do so with other people if I get to play rhythm and someone else learns the lead guitar part.
Also, because I tend to play guitar more for unwinding I've leaned toward a lot of slower acoustic songs. Lately I've been trying to get some Oasis songs such as "She's Electric", "Live Forever", and "Don't Look Back in Anger."
I've linked to Live Forever below performed in a duet by Chris Martin of Coldplay and Noel Gallagher of Oasis. Its a great performance and I read an interesting story, although I don't know if its true. Apparently, this song in response to Nirvana. Nirvana has a lot of self loathing songs and references suicide, which Noel disagreed with because Nirvana was one of the biggest bands in the world and could influence a lot of people with its lyrics. And so, Noel answered with "Live Forever." I think its an inspiring song and one that a lot of people wish they could write.
As an aside...when I created this blog, I decided to make it a bit more impersonal by using references to Foo Fighter's songs. I feel that I tend not to post a lot of highly personal topics, or at least am not comfortable with that so I decided to take my name out of the title. I picked the title because I think a lot of blogs talk about life's obstacles and how someone threw a "monkey wrench" in your plans.
Anyways, as the title of this blog alludes to, I'm going to talk a bit about guitar. When I picked up the guitar and started trying to play it again, it was a way of unwinding. My perspective about playing guitar is more for songs and the lyrics. I enjoy guitar riffs and such, but I need to see the combination of the instrument with vocals and lyrics to make the song. If I learn a song, I usually learn it while learning the words and then hearing the words in my head as I play. Over time I'll learn the vocals part and sing along with it to make it "complete." Its really uncomfortable to play and sing full songs in front of other people as I more play for myself and get all self conscious in front of others, but it might be fun to do so with other people if I get to play rhythm and someone else learns the lead guitar part.
Also, because I tend to play guitar more for unwinding I've leaned toward a lot of slower acoustic songs. Lately I've been trying to get some Oasis songs such as "She's Electric", "Live Forever", and "Don't Look Back in Anger."
I've linked to Live Forever below performed in a duet by Chris Martin of Coldplay and Noel Gallagher of Oasis. Its a great performance and I read an interesting story, although I don't know if its true. Apparently, this song in response to Nirvana. Nirvana has a lot of self loathing songs and references suicide, which Noel disagreed with because Nirvana was one of the biggest bands in the world and could influence a lot of people with its lyrics. And so, Noel answered with "Live Forever." I think its an inspiring song and one that a lot of people wish they could write.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Vacation Planning
I guess to kind of continue a little bit off of the last post, some time was spent planning on the Vancouver road trip.
First off, I have to comment how it can be difficult navigating all the different websites trying to find information about various things. Seriously, what the fuck? Stop putting random crap all over the page. No one wants embedded music, no one wants 6 jillion different colours, and no one wants to go on a scavenger hunt to find the prices if they actually want to spend money on your stuff.
Its also funny how when there are 2 people or more around a computer, the person on the computer seems to lose internet search skills. Someone will ask you to search a word or phrase and you will end up completely butchering the spelling of it and find nothing.
Anyways, some of the things I look forward to in BC is kinda adventurous (sp?) stuff. So far, ziplining, hiking, and white water rafting has been put up as part of the trip. We'll also likely hit some of the beaches and other locales. Someone planted the idea of trying surfing but it got shot down by Larry and Danny (those babies). I'm even kind of excited for the drive and all the scenery and blasting out tunes as we drive. The challenge will be to find a playlist that is acceptable to everyone. I think a decent rule to follow is that at least two people should know and really enjoy the song, but that could really come back and screw me over...
Anyways, here is a summer song to end off. Its Summer in the City originally by the Loving Spoonful. I'm pretty sure its their version but the youtube video is mislabelled.
I guess to kind of continue a little bit off of the last post, some time was spent planning on the Vancouver road trip.
First off, I have to comment how it can be difficult navigating all the different websites trying to find information about various things. Seriously, what the fuck? Stop putting random crap all over the page. No one wants embedded music, no one wants 6 jillion different colours, and no one wants to go on a scavenger hunt to find the prices if they actually want to spend money on your stuff.
Its also funny how when there are 2 people or more around a computer, the person on the computer seems to lose internet search skills. Someone will ask you to search a word or phrase and you will end up completely butchering the spelling of it and find nothing.
Anyways, some of the things I look forward to in BC is kinda adventurous (sp?) stuff. So far, ziplining, hiking, and white water rafting has been put up as part of the trip. We'll also likely hit some of the beaches and other locales. Someone planted the idea of trying surfing but it got shot down by Larry and Danny (those babies). I'm even kind of excited for the drive and all the scenery and blasting out tunes as we drive. The challenge will be to find a playlist that is acceptable to everyone. I think a decent rule to follow is that at least two people should know and really enjoy the song, but that could really come back and screw me over...
Anyways, here is a summer song to end off. Its Summer in the City originally by the Loving Spoonful. I'm pretty sure its their version but the youtube video is mislabelled.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Vacations
I've finally ended the school year after finishing my last exam. Now I'm on vacation, that is until I start to work. I think I'm pretty much set on going back to the job I did last summer as a landscaper. It'll be nice to be outside and because of the schedule, I'll always have a long weekend (Friday's off). Later on in the summer, as some of you may know, I'll be joining some friends on a road trip to Vancouver. This one's been in the making for a while and some activities that have come up are white water rafting, ziplining, and hiking up mountain trails. As well, we may take a detour into the US for a little bit.
Anyways, about vacations, I think its kind of interesting that these are usually a small section of our year (and lifetime). Despite that, often you get some very memorable and exciting moments to remember for the rest of your lifetime. Sometimes its just silly moments on a road trip or a major occasion that you made your way out for. And the memory could take place in that grand event that was planned, or that silly Rockapella CD that was made for the trip...
One of my favorite memories is when I went to Malaysia about two years ago and we had a longboat ride. I don't remember the name of the jungle we went to, but it was super fun. Dammit, I thought I had pictures of this but I don't. Its just much better to put up pictures than to describe it (because I'm lazy) so hopefully I can find a few of those and post it later.
Another good moment is from a trip last summer. Keith and I went to a preseason NFL game and at the end of the game went and got a picture at field level at Qwest Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks. I'm not really a fan of the team, but it was just a fun experience being in a NFL stadium.
Hmm.. pictures is fun! Lets put up one more for the road, but on the right to make it this post seem a bit more stylish. Yep, its a ridiculously large tower of guitars. This was also while in Seattle in their "Experience Music Project" museum thingy. I couldn't stop looking at it...
Hmm... I'll hafta look for more vacation pics to post up and some stories to go with it.
I've finally ended the school year after finishing my last exam. Now I'm on vacation, that is until I start to work. I think I'm pretty much set on going back to the job I did last summer as a landscaper. It'll be nice to be outside and because of the schedule, I'll always have a long weekend (Friday's off). Later on in the summer, as some of you may know, I'll be joining some friends on a road trip to Vancouver. This one's been in the making for a while and some activities that have come up are white water rafting, ziplining, and hiking up mountain trails. As well, we may take a detour into the US for a little bit.
Anyways, about vacations, I think its kind of interesting that these are usually a small section of our year (and lifetime). Despite that, often you get some very memorable and exciting moments to remember for the rest of your lifetime. Sometimes its just silly moments on a road trip or a major occasion that you made your way out for. And the memory could take place in that grand event that was planned, or that silly Rockapella CD that was made for the trip...
One of my favorite memories is when I went to Malaysia about two years ago and we had a longboat ride. I don't remember the name of the jungle we went to, but it was super fun. Dammit, I thought I had pictures of this but I don't. Its just much better to put up pictures than to describe it (because I'm lazy) so hopefully I can find a few of those and post it later.
Another good moment is from a trip last summer. Keith and I went to a preseason NFL game and at the end of the game went and got a picture at field level at Qwest Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks. I'm not really a fan of the team, but it was just a fun experience being in a NFL stadium.
Hmm.. pictures is fun! Lets put up one more for the road, but on the right to make it this post seem a bit more stylish. Yep, its a ridiculously large tower of guitars. This was also while in Seattle in their "Experience Music Project" museum thingy. I couldn't stop looking at it...
Hmm... I'll hafta look for more vacation pics to post up and some stories to go with it.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Exam in less than a Hour!!
Ohh shit! I probably should be cramming, but I can't take it anymore! I'm so anxious to just get this over with and just trying to think of ways to calm down. I'm just hoping all the information is in my head. As these exams got closer, I seemed to fade out. Oh well, maybe I'll have a zen moment and be able to collect all the exam material from the inner recesses of my head and put it out in pencil and paper.
In other exciting news, I changed the comments to allow anyone to post something. I think I changed it previously because a long time ago, back when everyone was blogging, it seemed a bot was posting on our entries. I remember myself, Maggie, and maybe others, not sure, but we were getting some random comments. Its not that having someone you don't know comment bugged me, but that there was a link and an attempt to get people to goto that link and it had nothing to do with the post or the blog. But anyways, end result is now Larry and Dev can comment under silly names like Mr. Bananagrabber.
Ohh shit! I probably should be cramming, but I can't take it anymore! I'm so anxious to just get this over with and just trying to think of ways to calm down. I'm just hoping all the information is in my head. As these exams got closer, I seemed to fade out. Oh well, maybe I'll have a zen moment and be able to collect all the exam material from the inner recesses of my head and put it out in pencil and paper.
In other exciting news, I changed the comments to allow anyone to post something. I think I changed it previously because a long time ago, back when everyone was blogging, it seemed a bot was posting on our entries. I remember myself, Maggie, and maybe others, not sure, but we were getting some random comments. Its not that having someone you don't know comment bugged me, but that there was a link and an attempt to get people to goto that link and it had nothing to do with the post or the blog. But anyways, end result is now Larry and Dev can comment under silly names like Mr. Bananagrabber.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Obligatory Studying Post
Its yet another grind through final exams. I've only been able to study at home in maybe the first semester of University, but after that its been impossible to be productive at home. At school, I have somewhat of a chance. Right now I'm sitting in the Students Union Building (SUB) inside the "quiet room." The quiet room is a nice area, as it is well lit, has couches, and big windows to look outside. Studying in this environment is kind of different from what I've usually done as this is the kind of place that put me to sleep. However, I have a friend who is very reliable in showing up to a study spot here and staying for long periods of time so this is probably the best spot. Typically I need someone around to "babysit" me and make sure I don't leave too early. Even if I'm not being super productive, staying at school as opposed to going home increases the chances of me studying infinitely.
So while trying to study, you tend to do things not related to studying, such as observing other people trying to study. Some people are really prepared for this time of year. For example, those of us who have laptops have memorized where all the power outlets are. We make a bee line (or an I line, thanks Dane Cook) toward the tables next to the outlets. Of course, if someone is sitting at the table with an outlet, you're screwed. That is... unless you bring power bars! Some of the power outlets have a jumble of laptop and cell phone cords that will look similar to the mess thats behind your TV and DVD player...
And while on the topic of us laptop users, we are major slackers. Half the time we're on facebook, youtube, or showing the person the latest thing from facebook or youtube. Or talking to someone to your left on MSN messenger about someone on your right. I guess if that person is about to look you have to go, "hey this is personal!"
I'm sure I've talked about this before, but its funny how the dumbest things will bug you and deter you from studying. Its too warm, too cold, table is to high, chair is too uncomfortable, girl on the third table is dressing too slutty etc.. I used to go to all sorts of places to study, convinced that once I moved to an area without those annoyances I'd be ready to go. Of course, I'd just end up feeling annoyed at something else.
Alright, I think its time to get back to studying. Sigh...
Its yet another grind through final exams. I've only been able to study at home in maybe the first semester of University, but after that its been impossible to be productive at home. At school, I have somewhat of a chance. Right now I'm sitting in the Students Union Building (SUB) inside the "quiet room." The quiet room is a nice area, as it is well lit, has couches, and big windows to look outside. Studying in this environment is kind of different from what I've usually done as this is the kind of place that put me to sleep. However, I have a friend who is very reliable in showing up to a study spot here and staying for long periods of time so this is probably the best spot. Typically I need someone around to "babysit" me and make sure I don't leave too early. Even if I'm not being super productive, staying at school as opposed to going home increases the chances of me studying infinitely.
So while trying to study, you tend to do things not related to studying, such as observing other people trying to study. Some people are really prepared for this time of year. For example, those of us who have laptops have memorized where all the power outlets are. We make a bee line (or an I line, thanks Dane Cook) toward the tables next to the outlets. Of course, if someone is sitting at the table with an outlet, you're screwed. That is... unless you bring power bars! Some of the power outlets have a jumble of laptop and cell phone cords that will look similar to the mess thats behind your TV and DVD player...
And while on the topic of us laptop users, we are major slackers. Half the time we're on facebook, youtube, or showing the person the latest thing from facebook or youtube. Or talking to someone to your left on MSN messenger about someone on your right. I guess if that person is about to look you have to go, "hey this is personal!"
I'm sure I've talked about this before, but its funny how the dumbest things will bug you and deter you from studying. Its too warm, too cold, table is to high, chair is too uncomfortable, girl on the third table is dressing too slutty etc.. I used to go to all sorts of places to study, convinced that once I moved to an area without those annoyances I'd be ready to go. Of course, I'd just end up feeling annoyed at something else.
Alright, I think its time to get back to studying. Sigh...
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
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