I was just reading a post on a forum that I am a part of about this guy whos dog had cancer and he was trying to win enough money in poker to pay for her surgery. In his case the dog did get the leg amputation needed and he was given a special price. Sadly a few months later the dog passed away.
While reading this I started thinking of when I was in grade 1 and my parents brought home this mutt and said it was our new dog. We named it Lucky and until the year 2004 I had that dog. It was definately my moms dog however. I can remember playing with in, riding in the car, walking it, laying in bed with it and all the other fun stuff people do with their dog.
When my father left in 2001 that Dog was my mom's lifeline. Whenever she was sad or crying that dog would be right their offering companionship and unconditional love. The dog always new when to comfort her and go lay beside her or put the head on her lap.
By the time 2003 came we could tell she was starting to get sick and not walking as well. We could feel the lumps inside her. Late 2004 it got to the point where she could barely walk up the stairs or make it outside.
The last few weeks in early 05 we could see her stop eating and continuing to struggle to walk and get outside. We then talked as a family and decided it was time to end her suffering. I called the vet and me and my gf took the dog to the vet. Watching my mom say goodbye to the dog and begin to cry as she told the dog how much she loved it and would miss it.
When I went to put Lucky in the vehicle she could barely get in I had to lift her up to get her in. Reminds me when she was healthy she would just run to get in the car to go for a ride lol. Well when I got to the vet and took her in to the vet he asked if i wanted the collar which I said I did. He then stuck the needle in and that was it. She was so sick it only took bout 5 seconds.
I never realized until writing this how much I miss the dog lol. I think I will need to get another one
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
I am a dancing machine
So this weekend was the Xplornet Christmas Party. My buddy picked me up around 520 or so and we made a quick stop to pick up some supplies then headed to the delta hotel for the evening festivities. We first went up to one of our buds rooms and had a couple of "pops" then headed to the lobby to meet and greet our friends and fellow co workers before going into sit down for dinner. After dinner I got my pic taken with a great gal so I'm sure it will turn out fine.
The Dinner was tremendous a buffet of alot of different foods. I was definitely full after eating. So then there was some boring speeches and then people got their 5 year awards and such. This was cool as a couple of people I know got their 5 year plaques. They also did some door prizes including a laptop and a TV.
Sadly I didnt win anything.
After that we sat around and socialized some more and had couple more beverages. After a while some friends decided to get up and finally start dancing. I barely sat down for the next 3 hours. It was great fun and I got to dance with some great people who I wont name but they know who they are. We all danced and had lots of fun and laughs.
After the dance some people decided to go out to the club but I stayed back in the hotel with a lady who was not feeling well. That was fun as we sat and talked and laughed until Her roomate and friend came back from being out. All in all it was a great evening and a fun night that I am glad I went. I have some great co workers who I greatly enjoy spending time with and hope to spend more time in the future.
The Dinner was tremendous a buffet of alot of different foods. I was definitely full after eating. So then there was some boring speeches and then people got their 5 year awards and such. This was cool as a couple of people I know got their 5 year plaques. They also did some door prizes including a laptop and a TV.
Sadly I didnt win anything.
After that we sat around and socialized some more and had couple more beverages. After a while some friends decided to get up and finally start dancing. I barely sat down for the next 3 hours. It was great fun and I got to dance with some great people who I wont name but they know who they are. We all danced and had lots of fun and laughs.
After the dance some people decided to go out to the club but I stayed back in the hotel with a lady who was not feeling well. That was fun as we sat and talked and laughed until Her roomate and friend came back from being out. All in all it was a great evening and a fun night that I am glad I went. I have some great co workers who I greatly enjoy spending time with and hope to spend more time in the future.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
A Serious Post For a Change
I decided to write today on a topic that I believe does not get enough attention in today's society and that is the subject of Teen Sucide.
Someone reading this may not understand why I am writing this but I have been reading the story of the 14 year old daughter of former NHL Defenceman Luke Richardson. Just last week this young beautiful girl was so filled with pain and sorrow that she felt she had to take her own life rather then live another day with the hurt she was feeling. I can not imagine the pain her parents and friends must be going through at this time. All the wondering if they could have done something or was there a sign they missed. The self blame is something that will go on for years or maybe the rest of their lives.
I ask in this blog for any teenager or young person out there who may be feeling like this to please talk to someone. A friend or family member or someone else that you trust. Young people you have your whole lives ahead of you. Whatever pain or sadness you are going through at this moment doesnt last. It Goes away. The sun continues to rise in the morning. Please do not think that you are going through something so bad that you can not go on.
Adults when a teenager or young person comes and wants to talk about how they feel or issues in their life take the time to listen and to show them that you care. That moment or few minutes might seem unimportant to us but to a young person who is hurting and thinking of ending their live it can be a life changing few minutes.
Lets all try and not be so self involved to miss the hurting and confused people in society today. A few minutes of attention and compassion can save someones life.
This story is an example of how one important statement can potentially change a life
"He's one of those stupid idiots from over at the Children's Orphanage Home," said one of the boy's from my seventh grade class.
I looked him straight in the eye and he turned his back on me. The other boys and girls, grouped around him, looked away as if I were not even there.
I had hoped that my attending a new school, located five miles from the orphanage, would give me a new start on life. It would be a welcome break from all the jokes, and never-ending ridicule, which we kids suffered for years while attending to Spring Park Elementary School. A school located next door to the orphanage where I lived.
It took less than a day, or two for the word to spread around the classroom that I was from the orphanage. My living in an orphanage home somehow made me different from all the other kids. I could not tell much of a difference myself. However, for some reason it sure made a big difference to all the other kids in the classroom.
For the first week of Junior High School, no one, other than my teachers, even spoke to me. I sat in my assigned seat just hoping that someone, anyone, would smile or speak to me. I opened up my notebook and I took out a piece of paper. On the paper, I drew a heart. Inside the heart, I wrote the words "Roger, you are a piece of shit."
I folded up the notebook paper and I walked to the front of the classroom. I walked up to the teacher and handed her the note. She opened the paper and began to read the contents. Then she looked up at me and tightened up her jaw muscles.
"You head straight to the Dean's Office young man," she said, pushing on my shoulder to spin me around to face the door.
I'M A PIECE OF S#&T," I screamed aloud, as I ran out at the classroom.
I turned and I ran out of the classroom. Down the long hallway, I sped to the double doors leading outside the large brick building. I continued to run until I could run no more. Slowly I made my way to the St. John's River and then over to the Main Street Bridge leading back to where the orphanage was located. I stopped when I reached the center of the bridge. I looked over the metal railings and I looked down at the water below.
"That's a long ways to fall down " I said to myself, in a broken voice.
I just stood there looking down at the moving water below. I placed my head down onto my arms and I just stood there trying to decide what to do. My mind was racing ninety miles per hour. I knew that I could not go back to the orphanage because I had left the school grounds. As usual, they would beat the pure living crap out of me. There was no way that I could return to school and face my classmates or the Dean of Boys.
"I'm too scared to jump all that way," I mumbled, as slobber fell from my mouth.
"You have no choice. You’re in bad trouble," my mind kept telling me.
"You don't have to jump. Just put one foot up onto the railing," said something inside my head.
Carefully I raised my foot and I placed it onto the metal railing. Then I raised my other foot up off the concrete walkway.
"See that didn't hurt anything," said the voice.
"Yea, I don't really have to jump if I don't want to?" I said aloud.
"You don't have to jump if you don't really want to," the small voice inside my head.
Each time that I would take another step, I felt much better inside. The pain and the sadness were disappearing a little bit at a time. Soon I was half way up the silver steel railing. Now the passing cars were starting to honk their horns at me. One of the cars came to a complete stop. A man rolled down his window and he yelled at me to get down off the railing.
I looked over at him and I thought to myself "That man must care a lot about me to honk at me like that".
"Do you like me?" I asked him.
"I like you son. Come down off that railing," he told me.
Slowly I climbed down off the railings and back down onto the concrete walkway below.
I have always heard that people who commit suicide really do not want to die. All that they really want is for the pain to stop. I have never heard a truer statement in all of my life.
Someone reading this may not understand why I am writing this but I have been reading the story of the 14 year old daughter of former NHL Defenceman Luke Richardson. Just last week this young beautiful girl was so filled with pain and sorrow that she felt she had to take her own life rather then live another day with the hurt she was feeling. I can not imagine the pain her parents and friends must be going through at this time. All the wondering if they could have done something or was there a sign they missed. The self blame is something that will go on for years or maybe the rest of their lives.
I ask in this blog for any teenager or young person out there who may be feeling like this to please talk to someone. A friend or family member or someone else that you trust. Young people you have your whole lives ahead of you. Whatever pain or sadness you are going through at this moment doesnt last. It Goes away. The sun continues to rise in the morning. Please do not think that you are going through something so bad that you can not go on.
Adults when a teenager or young person comes and wants to talk about how they feel or issues in their life take the time to listen and to show them that you care. That moment or few minutes might seem unimportant to us but to a young person who is hurting and thinking of ending their live it can be a life changing few minutes.
Lets all try and not be so self involved to miss the hurting and confused people in society today. A few minutes of attention and compassion can save someones life.
This story is an example of how one important statement can potentially change a life
"He's one of those stupid idiots from over at the Children's Orphanage Home," said one of the boy's from my seventh grade class.
I looked him straight in the eye and he turned his back on me. The other boys and girls, grouped around him, looked away as if I were not even there.
I had hoped that my attending a new school, located five miles from the orphanage, would give me a new start on life. It would be a welcome break from all the jokes, and never-ending ridicule, which we kids suffered for years while attending to Spring Park Elementary School. A school located next door to the orphanage where I lived.
It took less than a day, or two for the word to spread around the classroom that I was from the orphanage. My living in an orphanage home somehow made me different from all the other kids. I could not tell much of a difference myself. However, for some reason it sure made a big difference to all the other kids in the classroom.
For the first week of Junior High School, no one, other than my teachers, even spoke to me. I sat in my assigned seat just hoping that someone, anyone, would smile or speak to me. I opened up my notebook and I took out a piece of paper. On the paper, I drew a heart. Inside the heart, I wrote the words "Roger, you are a piece of shit."
I folded up the notebook paper and I walked to the front of the classroom. I walked up to the teacher and handed her the note. She opened the paper and began to read the contents. Then she looked up at me and tightened up her jaw muscles.
"You head straight to the Dean's Office young man," she said, pushing on my shoulder to spin me around to face the door.
I'M A PIECE OF S#&T," I screamed aloud, as I ran out at the classroom.
I turned and I ran out of the classroom. Down the long hallway, I sped to the double doors leading outside the large brick building. I continued to run until I could run no more. Slowly I made my way to the St. John's River and then over to the Main Street Bridge leading back to where the orphanage was located. I stopped when I reached the center of the bridge. I looked over the metal railings and I looked down at the water below.
"That's a long ways to fall down " I said to myself, in a broken voice.
I just stood there looking down at the moving water below. I placed my head down onto my arms and I just stood there trying to decide what to do. My mind was racing ninety miles per hour. I knew that I could not go back to the orphanage because I had left the school grounds. As usual, they would beat the pure living crap out of me. There was no way that I could return to school and face my classmates or the Dean of Boys.
"I'm too scared to jump all that way," I mumbled, as slobber fell from my mouth.
"You have no choice. You’re in bad trouble," my mind kept telling me.
"You don't have to jump. Just put one foot up onto the railing," said something inside my head.
Carefully I raised my foot and I placed it onto the metal railing. Then I raised my other foot up off the concrete walkway.
"See that didn't hurt anything," said the voice.
"Yea, I don't really have to jump if I don't want to?" I said aloud.
"You don't have to jump if you don't really want to," the small voice inside my head.
Each time that I would take another step, I felt much better inside. The pain and the sadness were disappearing a little bit at a time. Soon I was half way up the silver steel railing. Now the passing cars were starting to honk their horns at me. One of the cars came to a complete stop. A man rolled down his window and he yelled at me to get down off the railing.
I looked over at him and I thought to myself "That man must care a lot about me to honk at me like that".
"Do you like me?" I asked him.
"I like you son. Come down off that railing," he told me.
Slowly I climbed down off the railings and back down onto the concrete walkway below.
I have always heard that people who commit suicide really do not want to die. All that they really want is for the pain to stop. I have never heard a truer statement in all of my life.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Another Day Another Dollar
So last night at work it was exceptionally busy. I was wondering why so busy when there was no outages or issues out there. Apparently we discovered it was because there were only 4 csrs on last night. So from when I got to work around 3 until I left at 2pm the calls never stopped. It was needless to say a long day.
Also yesterday I created a challenge for myself. For those that know me know I like to play poker online. Well right now all I had on there was 5.50$ I decided to see if can turn that into 500$ by the end of the year without playing any tournaments just by playing cash games. I keep track of my results and post them in a form I am a part of. Well Last night being the first night for it I played 253 hands and ended up with 7.65$ So a positive start which is good. As for the little amount being won Thats why its called grinding. It takes time effort and skill to make money at this. You cant do it all at once.
So a few months ago our trainer here at xnet was let go along with some other people. Tomorrow we are all going out to lunch together so that should be fun. I will prob then get some groceries and also probably get a hair cut since I havent gotten one since before I came home from the North.
Other then that I think I will just enjoy my day off tomorrow. I feel the weather outside here in NB slowly starting to turn into winter. The work Christmas party is this weekend so that should be fun. I remember the last time I went the food was delicious and a fun time was had by all.
Not much else to write about for now I guess just getting ready to head back on the phones
Peace
Also yesterday I created a challenge for myself. For those that know me know I like to play poker online. Well right now all I had on there was 5.50$ I decided to see if can turn that into 500$ by the end of the year without playing any tournaments just by playing cash games. I keep track of my results and post them in a form I am a part of. Well Last night being the first night for it I played 253 hands and ended up with 7.65$ So a positive start which is good. As for the little amount being won Thats why its called grinding. It takes time effort and skill to make money at this. You cant do it all at once.
So a few months ago our trainer here at xnet was let go along with some other people. Tomorrow we are all going out to lunch together so that should be fun. I will prob then get some groceries and also probably get a hair cut since I havent gotten one since before I came home from the North.
Other then that I think I will just enjoy my day off tomorrow. I feel the weather outside here in NB slowly starting to turn into winter. The work Christmas party is this weekend so that should be fun. I remember the last time I went the food was delicious and a fun time was had by all.
Not much else to write about for now I guess just getting ready to head back on the phones
Peace
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Back to The Grind of Life
Well after 3 days of doing not much, Here I am at work once again grinding the night away helping people with their computers.
I am a little perplexed and frustrated with my supervisor lately. I just looked back at the last 4 calls of mine that he has monitored and scored 100%, 99% 98% and 95%. Yet he is still bothering me because he says my handle time is to low. I average about 8 minutes per call including my notes and he wants this to be around 10 minutes. He is constantly bothering me about this. I am about to tell him not to worry about it and listen to my calls if he thinks I am rushing the cxs. AHHH sometimes I feel like cursing lol.
Other then that on my three days off I didnt do much. Got in alot of sleep. Weds night I went to our churchs weekly concert of prayer which is a great time. Thurs night I went to my friends who invited us over to watch The Boston Bruins play the Montreal Canadiens. Sadly the Canadiens won. And last night I just stayed in and didnt do to much.
Now I am working and catching up on some of the blogs I missed over last couple days,. Tomorrow I think I will sleep in and then come to work again. Next weekend is the Xplornet Christmas Party so that should be a good time. I think the last time I went was a super fun time of food and socializing.
Anyways I should do some more work so Peace and I hope you all have a super weekend
I am a little perplexed and frustrated with my supervisor lately. I just looked back at the last 4 calls of mine that he has monitored and scored 100%, 99% 98% and 95%. Yet he is still bothering me because he says my handle time is to low. I average about 8 minutes per call including my notes and he wants this to be around 10 minutes. He is constantly bothering me about this. I am about to tell him not to worry about it and listen to my calls if he thinks I am rushing the cxs. AHHH sometimes I feel like cursing lol.
Other then that on my three days off I didnt do much. Got in alot of sleep. Weds night I went to our churchs weekly concert of prayer which is a great time. Thurs night I went to my friends who invited us over to watch The Boston Bruins play the Montreal Canadiens. Sadly the Canadiens won. And last night I just stayed in and didnt do to much.
Now I am working and catching up on some of the blogs I missed over last couple days,. Tomorrow I think I will sleep in and then come to work again. Next weekend is the Xplornet Christmas Party so that should be a good time. I think the last time I went was a super fun time of food and socializing.
Anyways I should do some more work so Peace and I hope you all have a super weekend
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
I wish You Enough
Recently I overheard a Father and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure.
Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the Father said, 'I love you, and I wish you enough.'
The daughter replied, 'Dad, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Dad.'
They kissed and the daughter left. The Father walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see he wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on his privacy, but he welcomed me in by asking, 'Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?'
'Yes, I have,' I replied. 'Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?'..
'I am old, and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is - the next trip back will be for my funeral,' he said.
'When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I wish you enough.' May I ask what that means?'
He began to smile. 'That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone...' He paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail, and he smiled even more. 'When we said, 'I wish you enough,' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them..' Then turning toward me, he shared the following as if he were reciting it from memory.
They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them; but then an entire life to forget them.
* Only if you wish, send this to the people you will never forget and remember to send it back to the person who sent it to you. If you don't send it to anyone it may mean that you are in such a hurry that you have forgotten your friends.
TAKE TIME TO LIVE....
To all my friends and loved ones, I WISH YOU ENOUGH.
Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the Father said, 'I love you, and I wish you enough.'
The daughter replied, 'Dad, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Dad.'
They kissed and the daughter left. The Father walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see he wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on his privacy, but he welcomed me in by asking, 'Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?'
'Yes, I have,' I replied. 'Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?'..
'I am old, and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is - the next trip back will be for my funeral,' he said.
'When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I wish you enough.' May I ask what that means?'
He began to smile. 'That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone...' He paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail, and he smiled even more. 'When we said, 'I wish you enough,' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them..' Then turning toward me, he shared the following as if he were reciting it from memory.
- I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.
- I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.
- I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.
- I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.
- I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
- I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
- I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.
They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them; but then an entire life to forget them.
* Only if you wish, send this to the people you will never forget and remember to send it back to the person who sent it to you. If you don't send it to anyone it may mean that you are in such a hurry that you have forgotten your friends.
TAKE TIME TO LIVE....
To all my friends and loved ones, I WISH YOU ENOUGH.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
To stay Or Cut Bait and Run
I have been reading with much interest the news recently that Prime Minister Harper has been thinking about the idea of leaving some troops in Afghanistan past the 2011 deadline that was made to pull the troops out and bring them home. Now for those of you who do not know I am a proud supporter of the Canadian Military. I respect them and honour them for the work they do in keeping us free and for the sacrifices they and their families make.\
My personal opinion before this news became public was that I didn't think we should leave their until the work is done. I thought if we leave early it is just giving control back to the Taliban. I know the media likes to report about the lack of progress over there and how the effort isn't making a difference but I tend to take the reports with a grain of salt. After talking with MANY people who have been there and seen the truth on the ground you can tell that the mainstream media in this country will not report on the positive progress being made such as the schools built for children and the freedom for the women and children.
If people would take the time to talk to the men and women over there then would be able to have a better understanding of what is really going on and the difference we as Canadians are making over there. I think this is the real reason we need to be there. So that the Afghan civilians will never again have to live under the threat and repression of the extremist Taliban Regime.
One of the things that really bothers me is when people form uneducated opinions without taking the time to research come to a reasonable conclusion. Our troops are doing the work of heroes and deserve be commended for the job they do. The mission needs to be completed. If we cut and run now I believe Nations will never again be sure that we will be there for them again in their hour of need. We Need to stay until the job is done until the Afghans can protect themselves and take care of their security.
This same reasoning allowed the Americans to finally leave Iraq after a number of years and countless deaths. They stayed until the Iraqis can defend and look after their own country.
Anyways that is my opinion based on reading and numerous discussions I have had with people who have gone to Afghanistan worked on the ground and saw the real difference we are making in the lives of ordinary Afghan civilians.
My personal opinion before this news became public was that I didn't think we should leave their until the work is done. I thought if we leave early it is just giving control back to the Taliban. I know the media likes to report about the lack of progress over there and how the effort isn't making a difference but I tend to take the reports with a grain of salt. After talking with MANY people who have been there and seen the truth on the ground you can tell that the mainstream media in this country will not report on the positive progress being made such as the schools built for children and the freedom for the women and children.
If people would take the time to talk to the men and women over there then would be able to have a better understanding of what is really going on and the difference we as Canadians are making over there. I think this is the real reason we need to be there. So that the Afghan civilians will never again have to live under the threat and repression of the extremist Taliban Regime.
One of the things that really bothers me is when people form uneducated opinions without taking the time to research come to a reasonable conclusion. Our troops are doing the work of heroes and deserve be commended for the job they do. The mission needs to be completed. If we cut and run now I believe Nations will never again be sure that we will be there for them again in their hour of need. We Need to stay until the job is done until the Afghans can protect themselves and take care of their security.
This same reasoning allowed the Americans to finally leave Iraq after a number of years and countless deaths. They stayed until the Iraqis can defend and look after their own country.
Anyways that is my opinion based on reading and numerous discussions I have had with people who have gone to Afghanistan worked on the ground and saw the real difference we are making in the lives of ordinary Afghan civilians.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Tired out
I dont know why as I have slept plenty over past 3 days but I feel exhausted tonight. I think my sleep pattern is all screwed up working until 2am.
I did not do much this weekend as Saturday I slept and then Sunday my good friend came up for the day.
I am here at work right now and all I can think about is sleep.
This is a short post as I am not mentally with it enough to write along one today. Hope you all had a great day and peace out
I did not do much this weekend as Saturday I slept and then Sunday my good friend came up for the day.
I am here at work right now and all I can think about is sleep.
This is a short post as I am not mentally with it enough to write along one today. Hope you all had a great day and peace out
Friday, November 5, 2010
3 Years Ago Today
Many people that read this blog know that I once lived in the Northern Town of Kimmirut, Nunavut, while working for the Northwest Company there. While living there I met some great people and had a lot of fun as well. However 3 years ago today was not one of those days.
About a week after I moved there in Aug/07 I was at work and this young guy comes in looking to be about my age. I noticed he looked as if he was from Southern Canada like myself so thought he must be a teacher here to teach this year. I remember talking to him and being surprised that he was a cop. I remember thinking he looks to young to be a cop
Well from that day on when I saw him coming into the store we would talk or when we would pass each other on the street which was often we would stop and shoot the breeze. It turns out that we both liked to play cards as well so every week we would gather with some of the teachers in town to play poker on Friday nights. This was an event we did every week as much for social time then playing cards. We would eat and laugh while enjoying each others company.
During this time I had discussed with Doug the fact that i was interested in becoming a police officer as well. He was a great help in this area. He gave me his preparation book to help me know what was coming next in the process. We also decided to that it would be a good idea if I was in shape in order to take the physical exam as well so we began jogging around the town and doing sprints and other stuff. Now for Doug this was easy but it was killing me lol. I'm sure part of the fun for him was watching me trying to keep up. Usally after this we would go to his house and cool down and talk about whatever normal guys talk about. Sports, girls, work etc
The Afternoon of the 5th of November 2007 I had stopped in at the police station to get some paperwork that he had for me. We chatted for half hour or so then I had to get back to work So I said I would see him later. Little did I know it would be the last time I saw him.
The next morning I was kind of lying in bed slowly getting up for work when my phone rang and it was my boss on the phone. Now it wasn't all that unusual for her to call some mornings and advise she was going to be couple mins late as she would take her daughter to daycare of whatever. So I wasn't alarmed by the phone call. The First thing she asked me was had I heard about last night, I replied "no what happened? " She then proceeded to say words I never expected "Doug's Dead" I said "my dogs dead? what" She spoke again and said Dougs Dead. I then went "huh what are you talking about what do you mean?" She proceeded to tell me about the event of the previous night when Doug was shot and killed my a drunk driver. I remember being in shock as I called home distraught and sad. I remember the next day trying to work and having to leave as I couldn't think straight. I remember being asked by the health station nurse to walk his dog that same night and while doing that just crying while walking down the street.
I remember finally asking for some medication to help me sleep and then going to the school and watching the funeral on tv. I think about my friend often and the sacrifice that was made to keep others safe,. I missed him greatly and still do. I promised myself that I would never forget and so each year on this date I take the time to remember the fine young man that I got to know and was privileged enough to call a friend.
Thanks for taking the time to read this Its not something I like to think of often but I believe its important to remember our friends and those who have been lost
About a week after I moved there in Aug/07 I was at work and this young guy comes in looking to be about my age. I noticed he looked as if he was from Southern Canada like myself so thought he must be a teacher here to teach this year. I remember talking to him and being surprised that he was a cop. I remember thinking he looks to young to be a cop
Well from that day on when I saw him coming into the store we would talk or when we would pass each other on the street which was often we would stop and shoot the breeze. It turns out that we both liked to play cards as well so every week we would gather with some of the teachers in town to play poker on Friday nights. This was an event we did every week as much for social time then playing cards. We would eat and laugh while enjoying each others company.
During this time I had discussed with Doug the fact that i was interested in becoming a police officer as well. He was a great help in this area. He gave me his preparation book to help me know what was coming next in the process. We also decided to that it would be a good idea if I was in shape in order to take the physical exam as well so we began jogging around the town and doing sprints and other stuff. Now for Doug this was easy but it was killing me lol. I'm sure part of the fun for him was watching me trying to keep up. Usally after this we would go to his house and cool down and talk about whatever normal guys talk about. Sports, girls, work etc
The Afternoon of the 5th of November 2007 I had stopped in at the police station to get some paperwork that he had for me. We chatted for half hour or so then I had to get back to work So I said I would see him later. Little did I know it would be the last time I saw him.
The next morning I was kind of lying in bed slowly getting up for work when my phone rang and it was my boss on the phone. Now it wasn't all that unusual for her to call some mornings and advise she was going to be couple mins late as she would take her daughter to daycare of whatever. So I wasn't alarmed by the phone call. The First thing she asked me was had I heard about last night, I replied "no what happened? " She then proceeded to say words I never expected "Doug's Dead" I said "my dogs dead? what" She spoke again and said Dougs Dead. I then went "huh what are you talking about what do you mean?" She proceeded to tell me about the event of the previous night when Doug was shot and killed my a drunk driver. I remember being in shock as I called home distraught and sad. I remember the next day trying to work and having to leave as I couldn't think straight. I remember being asked by the health station nurse to walk his dog that same night and while doing that just crying while walking down the street.
I remember finally asking for some medication to help me sleep and then going to the school and watching the funeral on tv. I think about my friend often and the sacrifice that was made to keep others safe,. I missed him greatly and still do. I promised myself that I would never forget and so each year on this date I take the time to remember the fine young man that I got to know and was privileged enough to call a friend.
Thanks for taking the time to read this Its not something I like to think of often but I believe its important to remember our friends and those who have been lost
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
A Job or A Purpose
I ve had a few career choices thrown my way in the past couple of weeks. I have had 2 interviews for a retail management position, I have been told to apply for two jobs with the government of the NWT which I did today, I have been told also about the possibility of a job in the cruise ship industry as well as still working on joining the military.
This makes me happy to know I have lots of options out there to pursue should I choose. Out of all these options I think I would best like to work for the government of NWT. The jobs best suit my skills and one of them especially would be something I would excel at. Notice I havent mentioned the financial incentives lol.The money for the government job would be very good.
I really want to find a good paying job that I enjoy and excel at. Is it that hard for someone to do this. I read somewhere that 60% of people would take less money then they currently make to work at a job they enjoy. This tells me that too many people are caught on the merry go round of go to work get the paycheck and come home. This lack of enthusiasm at whatever the job is can also lead to lack of enthusiasm in life. I think a person whos happier in their job will naturally be happier in their life.
I try to be a happy go lucky person in whatever I do and can only imagine how much better I would feel working in a job I truly enjoyed. Maybe the reason I have switched jobs every so often is because I have yet to find the one I am truly designed to do.
I find myself at this stage of my life wondering if I ever will find out what it is I truly desire to do. I tend to think that most young people around my age have an idea or are doing whatever it is they desire to do. I evaluate where my life is at and see alot of my friends married, getting established in their careers, having kids lol and sometimes wonder what about me. Oh Well I m sure my time will come. For now I am reminded of a verse of a song I used to know as a teenager
If there are millions down on their knees, among the many can you still hear me? Here me asking where do I belong, Is there Vision that I can call my own.
Show me I'm looking for a reason, roaming through the night to find my place in this world, my place in this world, Not alot to lean on, I need your light to help me find my place in this world, my place in this world,
Sometimes I wish someone would just show me instead of me hopping from place to place to find that place where I will be content and happy and be willing to stay for the next 20 years or so. Again I believe everyone has a place to serve and it is just taking me longer to find mine I guess. The journey shall continue until I find that place.
This makes me happy to know I have lots of options out there to pursue should I choose. Out of all these options I think I would best like to work for the government of NWT. The jobs best suit my skills and one of them especially would be something I would excel at. Notice I havent mentioned the financial incentives lol.The money for the government job would be very good.
I really want to find a good paying job that I enjoy and excel at. Is it that hard for someone to do this. I read somewhere that 60% of people would take less money then they currently make to work at a job they enjoy. This tells me that too many people are caught on the merry go round of go to work get the paycheck and come home. This lack of enthusiasm at whatever the job is can also lead to lack of enthusiasm in life. I think a person whos happier in their job will naturally be happier in their life.
I try to be a happy go lucky person in whatever I do and can only imagine how much better I would feel working in a job I truly enjoyed. Maybe the reason I have switched jobs every so often is because I have yet to find the one I am truly designed to do.
I find myself at this stage of my life wondering if I ever will find out what it is I truly desire to do. I tend to think that most young people around my age have an idea or are doing whatever it is they desire to do. I evaluate where my life is at and see alot of my friends married, getting established in their careers, having kids lol and sometimes wonder what about me. Oh Well I m sure my time will come. For now I am reminded of a verse of a song I used to know as a teenager
If there are millions down on their knees, among the many can you still hear me? Here me asking where do I belong, Is there Vision that I can call my own.
Show me I'm looking for a reason, roaming through the night to find my place in this world, my place in this world, Not alot to lean on, I need your light to help me find my place in this world, my place in this world,
Sometimes I wish someone would just show me instead of me hopping from place to place to find that place where I will be content and happy and be willing to stay for the next 20 years or so. Again I believe everyone has a place to serve and it is just taking me longer to find mine I guess. The journey shall continue until I find that place.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Bonus Blog on Love I guess
So I was reading some other blogs of friends of mine and one of them was on the subject of love or such a thing. This got me thinking of love and my experiences with it. I looked around in my old emails and was able to find a old letter that I wrote once. i figured I am sensitive and vulnerable enough to share it with the blogging world
this is a letter i wrote at a vulnerable time in my life when I felt lonely and was regretting a decision that was made in my life.
The more I think about her the more love that I
feel,also the most regret. I regret the way it ended.
I regret the way I took her for granted or put my
needs and wants ahead of hers. Lately shes been on my
mind more and more as I ponder what life has in store
for me. The love I feel for her will never be felt by
someone else. No one compares to her. She is perfect
in my eyes though she would definitely disagree with
that. I think of her when I meet someone new,when I am
lonely,when I am sad and when I am happy.I don't know
why I thought being single at university was more
important or better then being with her. She was my
whole world and I still feel that part of me almost
three years later is still missing. Why cant I move
on? Am I supposed to. I met this shy but mysterious
girl and have watched her grow into a beautiful
compassion filled young woman. She taught me more
about myself then anyone I have ever met. She taught
me how to love, how to totally open myself up to
someone and let them see all of me. She taught me
responsibility and accountability. I knew if I needed
her or was having a bad day she would be there. She
has no idea how much she impacted my life. I'm still
realizing it even now. Every day I realize more and
more how lucky I was and how much I would give to have
it all back again. To start fresh and grow and blossom
into something spectacular.
this is a letter i wrote at a vulnerable time in my life when I felt lonely and was regretting a decision that was made in my life.
The more I think about her the more love that I
feel,also the most regret. I regret the way it ended.
I regret the way I took her for granted or put my
needs and wants ahead of hers. Lately shes been on my
mind more and more as I ponder what life has in store
for me. The love I feel for her will never be felt by
someone else. No one compares to her. She is perfect
in my eyes though she would definitely disagree with
that. I think of her when I meet someone new,when I am
lonely,when I am sad and when I am happy.I don't know
why I thought being single at university was more
important or better then being with her. She was my
whole world and I still feel that part of me almost
three years later is still missing. Why cant I move
on? Am I supposed to. I met this shy but mysterious
girl and have watched her grow into a beautiful
compassion filled young woman. She taught me more
about myself then anyone I have ever met. She taught
me how to love, how to totally open myself up to
someone and let them see all of me. She taught me
responsibility and accountability. I knew if I needed
her or was having a bad day she would be there. She
has no idea how much she impacted my life. I'm still
realizing it even now. Every day I realize more and
more how lucky I was and how much I would give to have
it all back again. To start fresh and grow and blossom
into something spectacular.
Day 6-Something I hope I would never have to do
So there are many topics that could be done for this thread as I am sure there are things everyone hopes they never have to do. So I have thought about this one for a few minutes and have decided that one thing I hope I would never have to do is bury one of my children
This is one of the most unnatural acts on earth. Parents are not supposed to have to bury their kids. I have seen this happen on two occasions in my life and it is something I hope I never have to go through. I watched the parents in these events just struggle mightily for years following these tragedies and some are still struggling.
I can not imagine what someone who had to do this would be going through. I remember a young girl killed at 18, a young girl killed at 16 and the grief of their parents was obvious years after the fact.
So i guess thats the one thing I hope I never have to do.
This is one of the most unnatural acts on earth. Parents are not supposed to have to bury their kids. I have seen this happen on two occasions in my life and it is something I hope I never have to go through. I watched the parents in these events just struggle mightily for years following these tragedies and some are still struggling.
I can not imagine what someone who had to do this would be going through. I remember a young girl killed at 18, a young girl killed at 16 and the grief of their parents was obvious years after the fact.
So i guess thats the one thing I hope I never have to do.
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