"I feel I'm incredibly fascinating and this blog bears witness to that simple fact. Friends, from far and wide, are often pestered to keep abreast of my life and opinions. I offer my most sincere greetings to random visitors as well."
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Saturday, April 12, 2008
Wide Open
I got roped into the obligation a few weeks back. I volunteered to help my department at the annual BCIT Open House. PELD had a table set up in order to hand out information and answer questions from potential students. Professional English Language Development is a part of Academic Studies. We offer upgrading courses for students who haven't completed English 12 from a high school here. Of course many of our clients are immigrants from the professions who need some additional language exposure. The ultimate goal for our standard courses is entry into the programs offered at BCIT.
For the first several hours, I manned the table and was able to talk with quite a few interested people. Then I grabbed a super-quick lunch and headed off to the NE1 Building to open the PELD computer lab. We encouraged visitors to try some of the software we use. For example, Pronunciation Power helps students with detailed analysis of the sounds of the language. Microphones and headsets are used. Unfortunately, as the location was a bit out of the way, it lacked the carnival atmosphere near the center of things. Still, there were a few who came in to look around and stayed. I had several long conversations with visitors.
All it all, it was a useful experience.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Life is in the Details
Ordinary stuff becomes more precious over time. There are many examples of this phenomenon. Most family heirlooms are only keepsakes because they've existed for so long. Some objects that people have thrown away eventually become retro and valued. Lastly, a public persona, such as Madonna, has become a diva simply by not vanishing from the scene.
I was stopped at this light waiting to cross Deer Lake Parkway and head up Royal Oak Avenue. Even a picture such as this will grow more important as time passes. Things change and people do too. I wish, I'd taken a snap of this location before the upgrade when I used to toboggan down the smaller street in my pickup truck. It's still visible to the right. I wish I had taken photos at various traffic lights on commutes from other points in my life. It'd be interesting to see any image on the way home from work during my overseas years, for example.
Nothing is too trivial to make a record of it.
I was stopped at this light waiting to cross Deer Lake Parkway and head up Royal Oak Avenue. Even a picture such as this will grow more important as time passes. Things change and people do too. I wish, I'd taken a snap of this location before the upgrade when I used to toboggan down the smaller street in my pickup truck. It's still visible to the right. I wish I had taken photos at various traffic lights on commutes from other points in my life. It'd be interesting to see any image on the way home from work during my overseas years, for example.
Nothing is too trivial to make a record of it.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Now a Homebody?
From the time I was brought home from the hospital until the first year I went to college, I lived in the same house. Those eighteen years were the longest I was ever in one place.
After college, I went directly to work in various parts of the Middle East with a few educational breaks in the States. I stayed overseas from 1981 to 1996. During those fifteen years, I worked in five different countries and slept in at least 12 different apartments. After that, upon immigrating to Canada, I rented a place for two years.
It wasn't until 1998 that we bought an apartment in New Westminster, BC. It does indeed seem strange that come this summer, I'll have been in the same building for ten years. I can forsee no changes in where I'm living, unless we were to do something unusual like decide to take a year off and move to Halifax.
I live on the tenth floor of the taller tower to the left.
After college, I went directly to work in various parts of the Middle East with a few educational breaks in the States. I stayed overseas from 1981 to 1996. During those fifteen years, I worked in five different countries and slept in at least 12 different apartments. After that, upon immigrating to Canada, I rented a place for two years.
It wasn't until 1998 that we bought an apartment in New Westminster, BC. It does indeed seem strange that come this summer, I'll have been in the same building for ten years. I can forsee no changes in where I'm living, unless we were to do something unusual like decide to take a year off and move to Halifax.
I live on the tenth floor of the taller tower to the left.
Labels: feelings, New Westminster
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Journal-ish-ness
I don't feel like saying much this afternoon. This picture I just took somehow strangely represents my feelings at the moment. The day is sort of gray as only days around here can be. I feel neither joyous or sad. However, I am warm, dry, clean, and well-fed. My current class takes the final examination tomorrow. So, I'm rather satisfied with the progress made by so many. Yet, saying the final goodbye always involves mixed emotions. In the back of my mind I am aware that I won't have a new class starting until April 8th. That, if anything, should sort of help form upward turns at the corners of my mouth, right?
Labels: feelings, New Westminster, transit
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Note to Self: Chill.
I should keep better track. Maybe this is the time of the year when work sometimes gets to me. It's my second intensive course of the year and the week in between the midterm and final. We had an assignment in the BCIT library today, and then we went back to the classroom for another three hours. As well, I volunteered to administer a computerized speaking evaulation this evening. I just got home a little while ago.
I think I used to be less stressed even when I had more on my plate. It's time to step back and appreciate the opportunities I have and circumstances I'm in. For example, this is the view from SW3 4725. It can be rather pleasing.
I think I used to be less stressed even when I had more on my plate. It's time to step back and appreciate the opportunities I have and circumstances I'm in. For example, this is the view from SW3 4725. It can be rather pleasing.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Need Some Gene Therapy?
I've always thought, that generally, things are coming up roses. Now I guess, I have family to thank. I used to just hold them responsible for bad vision, high cholestrol, and ugly toes.Original Link
Labels: feelings
Thursday, January 10, 2008
A Lack of Cholecalciferol
Okay, don't always believe our collective chorus. We always maintain how great it is not to have to shovel snow out here. What we sometimes forget to mention is that we sort of pay for the avoidance by putting up with non-stop rain for five months in a row. There are weeks on end when sunshine is only a distant memory.
A strange thing occurred to me today though. I found myself really enjoying my drive into BCIT. It was nice to have the windshield wipers working hard to give me a clearer view of the soggy environment on the other side of the glass. I really felt as if today's weather was how things were supposed to be. I really didn't mind that it had been raining for the entire week.
Oh, my God! This is my twelfth winter here and I guess I must qualify as a bona fide native of British Columbia now.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Eliminating Stress
Well it's Monday evening, so I've started this entry from the BCIT computer lab. I'm with some students enrolled in COMM 0031 which is a course for practicing oral communications. Thankfully, we're in the lab. I can make use of special listening software here. I can also have the students practice recording answers on the computers. This is handy as they'll be officially taking the BCIT Spoken English Assessment right here on Wednesday. This will give the chance to practice with the microphone and headphones.
Earlier today, I corrected all the final examinations from my weekend course. It feels really good to speak about both the intensive COMM 0004 courses in past tense now. During November, I felt quite a bit of stress dealing with forty students at the same time and it surely provided me with a lot of correction.
I can't help but think how great my job is though. I really appreciate the project-like environment of taking on individual contracts. There is clear definition of the beginning, middle, and end to each course. I take preparation for my classes very seriously. I keep a very friendly environment in the classroom but I do accumulate a fair amount of stress doing the housekeeping end of things. So stress builds but then completely dissipates. For example, tomorrow I have absolutely no appointments. Better yet, there're no assignments to be corrected nor planning to be done.
I need lots of down time and some has finally come to visit. I look forward to walking around town with a camera. I did manage a one-hour walk to the Quay today.
Earlier today, I corrected all the final examinations from my weekend course. It feels really good to speak about both the intensive COMM 0004 courses in past tense now. During November, I felt quite a bit of stress dealing with forty students at the same time and it surely provided me with a lot of correction.
I can't help but think how great my job is though. I really appreciate the project-like environment of taking on individual contracts. There is clear definition of the beginning, middle, and end to each course. I take preparation for my classes very seriously. I keep a very friendly environment in the classroom but I do accumulate a fair amount of stress doing the housekeeping end of things. So stress builds but then completely dissipates. For example, tomorrow I have absolutely no appointments. Better yet, there're no assignments to be corrected nor planning to be done.
I need lots of down time and some has finally come to visit. I look forward to walking around town with a camera. I did manage a one-hour walk to the Quay today.
Labels: BCIT, feelings, New Westminster
Sunday, November 25, 2007
There's Nothing to Fear
I recently got a very scary message in my BCIT inbox. I suppose whether something is frightening or not depends a lot on personal perception. In this case, the message was from the Institute's Special Events Office. Okay, so that doesn't sound too awful. It was actually an invitation to a Staff Service & Recognition Ceremony. Even that hardly qualifies as hair-raising. Wait, the content provided the spine-chilling news. A fancy, formal font under the splashy logo, read:
You may still be wondering why the announcement gave me the jitters. It's simple, really. When I was growing up, I always thought that a person's career lasted 40 years. I reckoned after four decades of work, employees ought to take it easy by sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch. I am concerned because I've been at BCIT for a decade. This is on top of another sixteen years of working abroad. Yikes, BCIT alone represents a quarter of my total, self-imposed limit. This is enough to frighten anyone, isn't it?
Dr. Verna Magee Shepherd, a/ President
cordially invites you to attend
The Annual
Staff Service and Recognition Ceremony
In honour of all BCIT employees who have reached
10 and 15 year milestones in 2007
Tuesday, December 11
1:00 – 2:00 pm
SE2 -The Great Hall
Annual All Staff Christmas Reception to follow ceremony
in the Town Square Café
Monday, October 22, 2007
The Goldilocks Phenomenon
This is my final week of freedom before heading back to teach classes. I can be quite content just hanging around. It has, however, been three months since I gave my last final examination. Next week, I'll be back to a routine and frankly am looking forward to it a little.
Interestingly, we were talking with friends a few weeks back about our recent three weeks in Central Europe. We mentioned about how we ran into elderly tourists. They are the ones with copious free time and some with the money to visit faraway places. Conversely, we ran into the Euro-youths on parade. It seems as if the tourists in our age category were in fairly short supply.
I'm really happy that we are able to gallivant around. The trips of young people must be fun but as individuals they often lack the maturity and experiences of the world to appreciate many of the things they see. The elderly have enough life behind them to understand the sights but, unfortunately, are sometimes not physically able to keep up. We saw many tour groups where disabilities prevented older folks from sprinting up the mountains or church towers.
I'm satisfied to have lots of free time at this point in my life. I feel people should be most free from obligations when 35 to 50 years old. I understand what Goldilocks meant. Being not too young and not too old means we're 'just right' for world travel. I realize being in this situation is not possible for some, but it's exactly how things have happened for me.
Interestingly, we were talking with friends a few weeks back about our recent three weeks in Central Europe. We mentioned about how we ran into elderly tourists. They are the ones with copious free time and some with the money to visit faraway places. Conversely, we ran into the Euro-youths on parade. It seems as if the tourists in our age category were in fairly short supply.
I'm really happy that we are able to gallivant around. The trips of young people must be fun but as individuals they often lack the maturity and experiences of the world to appreciate many of the things they see. The elderly have enough life behind them to understand the sights but, unfortunately, are sometimes not physically able to keep up. We saw many tour groups where disabilities prevented older folks from sprinting up the mountains or church towers.
I'm satisfied to have lots of free time at this point in my life. I feel people should be most free from obligations when 35 to 50 years old. I understand what Goldilocks meant. Being not too young and not too old means we're 'just right' for world travel. I realize being in this situation is not possible for some, but it's exactly how things have happened for me.
Labels: Eurotrip 2007, feelings
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Reflecting
I'm still not tired or perhaps I'm simply past the stage of tiredness.One cannot take a real vacation and come back the same person. Being outside of one's usual element is crucial for growth. European kids are lucky to have such a variety of culture that's so easily accessible.
Some basic daily living in other places can be a true eye-opener. One questions one's usual practices and routines. There's nothing inherently right about the way that one has been socialized. If a trip is truly educational then one plays a lot of what-if questions throughout the journey. For example, I wondered if I'd have a different sense of humour if I spoke a different language. Or, I thought about how those who grew up under communism feel about brash, new billboards touting the latest in Euro-fashions.
I could spend a lot of money on a new vehicle or take several months of vacation a year where I question things about the planet I'm on. I guess I'll choose the latter.
Labels: Eurotrip 2007, feelings
Friday, August 03, 2007
Welcoming Diversity
This Sunday is the Vancouver Pride Parade.
I learned a lot during my decade and a half teaching Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the UAE. It provided me with much that most people don't have the chance to experience. I know many people who get used to life there and find it hard to leave.
I left those places because they could not provide me with many important things. People can learn to make do in many situations but it should not be a substitute for really being free to express oneself. The whole concept of personal freedom is extremely foreign to large swatches of the world.
North American values and ideals can get quite twisted at times, but there's still an underlying respect for diversity. There's something noble about perhaps not supporting something but upholding the basic right of others to be different. Agreeing to disagree is quite respectful. These facts boil down to the major reason I'm living in Canada.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Are We Happy, Yet?
Damn, I hate the fact an improvement in the weather might affect my mood. Well, perhaps it's more than just the sunny, blue sky. Am I feeling good because:(Note: The correct answer is ALL OF THE ABOVE.)This bottle of BC Growers Sparkling Watermelon Cider is empty The Canadian dollar is worth more than 96 US cents I completely finished up all teaching obligations this week I could easily avoid work for a few years, if I chose to I'm glad we chose to make Vancouver home There's not much I'd change about my life, if given the chance British Columbia's tourist advertising campaign keeps telling me I'm living in the best place on earth?
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
What are You?
Today, I've got to go into BCIT a little bit earlier than usual. I have to meet with a colleague in order to learn about marking the BCIT Test of Spoken English. It's funny how ideas about a career can often change throughout one's life.I would venture a guess that the peak years of an employee's productivity are between 28 and 38. Well, I think I'm using myself as an example for this statement. Anything much before that initial age denotes a time where an employee is still finding himself. Anything past the latter indicates a time when an employee should have had the chance to begin straightening out his priorities. By his forties, if all is on track, he should be attempting to have a more balanced existence. Remember, that peak decade doesn't really mean one's work is constructive or will necessarily lead to important results; it simply means one is willing to work too long and hard. Again, I guess I'm talking about myself.
My most basic belief still holds true though. If a person, irrespective of age, is defining himself though his work, he should have his head examined.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Say, What?
I sometimes wonder if the words in my eJournal and images really end up being a representative repository of my thoughts and ideas. After all, on an ordinary day, we all have a deluge of ideas during waking hours. Well, I surely do, and although it may prove suspect, I'd like to think that most of those around me spend at least part of their days with their brains engaged. So, why might these blog entries not capture the spirit of my thoughts for a day?First, I believe one major impediment to a more balanced expression of ideas is that I still have to be at a keyboard when entering data. I simply do not spend the majority of my day near a PC; therefore, I might not be able to capture the good ones when they're available.
Then, there's the very complex process of sorting and deciding what to say. Of the millions of possible ideas I could express, most simply don't fit well into a box of typed text. Perhaps some of my thoughts today have never even made it into language form.
Also, many of my ideas might have been fleeting. Others may have lacked coherence. I cannot think of an appropriate term for the smaller material of which thoughts are composed. Let's call them atoms. I would venture that the single atoms of thought, do not a blog entry make.
Lastly, on some days, and today may just be an example, I may simply not have any useful thoughts or ideas to share.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
More "According to Dennis ..."
I've always felt that happiness must reside internally. It doesn't quite seem right to me that external circumstances should affect one's emotional state. Of course, that is a blatant oversimplification for our interaction with the world is how we experience it.
External forces affect our habits. For example, the weather is great today just as it was yesterday. I was extremely happy to not have to go into work. I walked uptown soaking up the extra sunshine along we way. Being out with no obligations seemed joyful. I will always have a hard time understanding people who get bored when they've time off from their jobs. Life without a schedule is the way it was intended to be, I believe.Furthermore, many people have trouble being in the moment nowadays. Technology has made it easy to exist in a constant somewhere else. Take all the people immersed in some other reality as they go about life. If I were to pull out the iPods' earbuds and switch off the cell phones, two thirds of the people on public transit would immediately go into a panic. Rather than attempting to be in some other zone, maybe it would be healthier just to look around and experience the here there.
Labels: feelings, relaxing, SkyTrain, technology
Thursday, April 26, 2007
The Present is Good
I'm in the computer lab with my class again. I would never give up this type of work for another. I'm having one of those days where my job seems like a piece of cake. Don't misunderstand me; it's not easy. Today, however, class has been well organized and my students responsive. I feel more like I'm sharing expertise than teaching content. If you ask me, I'll generally say that whichever class I'm currently teaching is the best one I've ever taught. Realistically, classes differ wildly in motivation, cohesion, and aptitude. So, to always believe I'm working with my favourites sounds a bit whorish. This profession, perhaps the second oldest, does all really boil down to personal interaction though. As I'm intensively involved with students for sixteen hours a week, I think the world of them. Or rather, for the duration of the course, they become part of my world. This probably explains why I always favour my present group over past ones.
Labels: BCIT, computer lab, feelings
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Being a Proud BC Resident
I was feeling very lucky today to live here. Perhaps it was today's mixed-bag of weather. The more I thought about life, the more I'm glad we chose to live near Vancouver.
I fear that there really aren't many people who end up choosing where they will live. For a great number, one's place of residence has more to do with being an accident of birth. In this day and age, one might not think of a hometown as a factor limiting choice, but I wish I had statistics on how many adults have ultimately ended up fairly close to where they grew up. There's certainly nothing wrong with that. Yet those who maintain it's perfect without having tried other locations have not actually made a choice, have they?
Others may live where they do because work led them there. I consider that, in fact, as noble. Life changes and those who demand to maintain historical ties as a birthright are sadly ignorant of the greater history of civilization.
So, the fact that Vancouver was once just a place on a map and now my home makes me as proud of myself as my adopted area.
I fear that there really aren't many people who end up choosing where they will live. For a great number, one's place of residence has more to do with being an accident of birth. In this day and age, one might not think of a hometown as a factor limiting choice, but I wish I had statistics on how many adults have ultimately ended up fairly close to where they grew up. There's certainly nothing wrong with that. Yet those who maintain it's perfect without having tried other locations have not actually made a choice, have they?
Others may live where they do because work led them there. I consider that, in fact, as noble. Life changes and those who demand to maintain historical ties as a birthright are sadly ignorant of the greater history of civilization.
So, the fact that Vancouver was once just a place on a map and now my home makes me as proud of myself as my adopted area.
Labels: feelings
Monday, April 09, 2007
I'd Rather Hike in Poison Ivy
Today, Jay went to work at his usual time of 11:00 am. As I didn't have much planned, I left at the same time and rode with him on the SkyTrain but got off in Burnaby. He said I should spend a $25 HMV gift card that dates from last Christmas. Although I looked through both outlets in the mall, I couldn't decide on any particular DVD. The card was given to Jay, so maybe it'd be better if he made the decision on how to spend it. Getting from The Bay to the SkyTrain is quite a jaunt, but it was a jaunt that I didn't find enjoyable.Of course, this being Easter Monday, the schools were closed. So, students were out en mass traipsing up and down the mall. In a statement earlier, I had said that I prefer walking around the city to a hike in the woods nowadays. However, this love of urban things doesn't extend to shopping malls. I hate being inside those temples dedicated to consumerism. I always wonder who would actually buy clothing in one of the small retailers. I wonder if the people spend money each time they end up inside. More importantly, I feel pity for those who think of shopping as recreational endevour. Gads, I want to suggest they go get a life!
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Raindrops on Roses ...
I bought new windshield wipers a few weeks ago. As today's weather was typical for this time of year, I got a chance to use 'em. I like the sound of the new rubber against the glass.I suppose getting pleasure from the inconsequential bits of life is important. I think I'll come up with a dozen other things that make me happy.
Sliding into newly washed bed sheets. Having the hamster on my lap and petting it. Solving a computer hardware or software problem. Sitting around the living room with Jay. Sneaking an occasional Whopper or Big Mac. Watching a good HD prime time TV show. Teaching a class that is exceptionally well organized. Taking the time to go for a leisurely walk. Planning for any vacation whether long or short. Getting a good DVD in the mail from Zip Canada. Noticing whenever gasoline drops below $1 / litre. Sipping an evening glass (or two) of u-brew wine.
Monday, February 26, 2007
According to Dennis ...
I have a love/hate relationship with work. I don't mean with my present job; I am talking about the whole concept of employment.
Working because one is being paid for a useful or enjoyable experience is fine. Unfortunately, I see many struggling to get to work everyday merely as a means to survive. That's sad.
It's also sad to see an individual so wrapped up in his little working world that he defines himself by the job. Work should be an experience not one's main experience.
Work can be good if it give one perspectives beyond one's personal life. Being able to concentrate on a different set of circumstances is probably good for one's character and development.
Return here often for future glimpses of ... The World According to Dennis.
Working because one is being paid for a useful or enjoyable experience is fine. Unfortunately, I see many struggling to get to work everyday merely as a means to survive. That's sad.It's also sad to see an individual so wrapped up in his little working world that he defines himself by the job. Work should be an experience not one's main experience.
Work can be good if it give one perspectives beyond one's personal life. Being able to concentrate on a different set of circumstances is probably good for one's character and development.
Return here often for future glimpses of ... The World According to Dennis.
Labels: feelings
Friday, February 23, 2007
Chugging Along
If I were on anti-depressants or other medication, I'd chalk up my happiness to the drugs. I don't think fish or flaxseed oils have much in the way of mood-altering effects though.For quite a few years, I've been very pleased with the stuff of life. I would rush to attribute these feelings to the positive situations in my life. I honestly can't think of things I'd have any differently even if given three wishes from the proverbial genie in a bottle. I look around the world and feel fortunate and very lucky.
In reality one's satisfaction probably isn't directly related to ones circumstances. Some people worry too much. Others feel blue. There are those with broken relationships and others who hate how they earn a living. Yet, regardless of the situation in which I discovered myself, I think I'd be pretty grounded. And I guess, that's just one more reason to be happy, isn't it?
Labels: feelings
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
My Blog; My Pedestal.
When a new course starts up, the writings in my eJournal and images tend to be a little more abbreviated. When I have lots of extra paperwork to do, I have a bit less time to devote to this blog. I also might be a little more myopic than usual but this, of course, is open for discussion.
At the start of every term, I again find new appreciation in how the web has made class organization and administration easier. I'm sure if you search, over the past few years I've mentioned myBCIT here a number of times.
I truly appreciate my colleagues, yet I cannot understand why none make use of this wonderful resource. It makes things easier! I can pester students with facts, documents, and assignments at any time of the day or night. Over the years, I have come to realize I really am a very special breed. Generally social people keep away from technology like the plague and nerdy folks play only with machines. I'm a rare combination as ...
I have extraordinary talent with both!
At the start of every term, I again find new appreciation in how the web has made class organization and administration easier. I'm sure if you search, over the past few years I've mentioned myBCIT here a number of times.
I truly appreciate my colleagues, yet I cannot understand why none make use of this wonderful resource. It makes things easier! I can pester students with facts, documents, and assignments at any time of the day or night. Over the years, I have come to realize I really am a very special breed. Generally social people keep away from technology like the plague and nerdy folks play only with machines. I'm a rare combination as ...
I have extraordinary talent with both!
Labels: blogging, feelings, myBCIT, software, technology
Monday, December 11, 2006
Today's Food for Thought
It's one of those mornings where I have to keep the inside lights on. It's grey and is promising to stay rainy all week. This is the time when air ticket sales to sunny destinations must soar.Still, this season I haven't felt depressed by the extended darkness. In fact I feel upbeat about most everything. I'd not change a thing in my life even if given the chance. I'm pleased with relationships, finances, and the minutia of everyday existence.
Being happy is surely impacted by outside influences but it's probably more affected by brain chemistry. Clearly, there's an interaction between the environment and what's occurring in the old grey matter. Perhaps if the details of one's world are lined up right, then suitable endorphins are released.
Friday, December 01, 2006
The Final Month of 2006
The digital devices around the house now show December. On them the change was very uneventful. A silent change of a few digits on an LCD display can easily slip by unnoticed. Manually flipping a real piece of paper on a wall calendar is immensely more satisfying. It makes the passing of time seem somehow more real. Part of the fun of a paper calendar may be moving to a new picture. In the bathroom there's now, not surprisingly, a covered bridge. The kitchen wall now sports a new photo of an Italian Christmas Beef Ragout. For another thirty days I get a chance to become accustomed to these. It will then be time to chuck them and hang something completely new on those walls.
Not quite related, I want to share a link to one of my photos. When photos are allowed to run around cyberspace, there's no telling where they may end up. And no, I'm not talking about Britney's latest. I scanned some pictures from my Kuwait days. They have been well-received there. The following page prompted some folks to visit this blog: www.hilaliya.com. Reading the text made me feel old and wise.
Labels: feelings, technology
Saturday, November 04, 2006
A Virtual Look at Souvenirs
I like to think that I'm not terribly attached to possessions. Without trying to sound trite, it really is true that when you have your health you have everything. It is also true that you come into the world with nothing and leave it that way too. The decades in between those events shouldn't be diminished due to a desire to collect material things.We have friends who once lost near everything in a house fire. Belongings can, for the most part, be replaced. The memories of an item can be almost as powerful as the actual object.
The things we might miss do not have any financial value. Small objects can remind us of a vacation or different time in life. I want to start saving these items in photographs in case they somehow get seperated from us.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Sure, Shore's Nice
I must remember to relish each day this week. For a week from today, I'll be back in the classroom. It's been a substantial break. I needed the time away to re-charge emotional batteries and gather a few fresh perspectives. I'm fortunate to have found a niche where I can enjoy a lot of free time, yet afford a comfortable lifestyle.
I still run into kids whose stated goal in life is to become rich. That has never been a personal priority. I essentially buy copious amounts of time off and have done so for years. There's no actual money transfer; rather, it's only calculation of wages not earned. As they say, you can't miss what you've never had. I just searched the contents of my blog. Yes, I've said it before and will undoubtedly do so again.
Nobody, when looking back on life, wishes they'd spent more time at the office!
I still run into kids whose stated goal in life is to become rich. That has never been a personal priority. I essentially buy copious amounts of time off and have done so for years. There's no actual money transfer; rather, it's only calculation of wages not earned. As they say, you can't miss what you've never had. I just searched the contents of my blog. Yes, I've said it before and will undoubtedly do so again.
Nobody, when looking back on life, wishes they'd spent more time at the office!
Labels: feelings, Sri Lanka 2006
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Going 'Ass Over Tea Kettle'
Are you familiar with the meaning of the title? Sometimes I wonder exactly where I get these sayings from. I think a lot of language comes from one's roots. It can be influenced either the geographic location, or the specific family one grows up with.
I think my dad may have used the phrase above. What I was attempting to communicate in the title is that I recently fell down. I was just going for a walk and tripped on some steps near a church of Carnarvon Street. It's very odd that stumbling and hitting the ground is embarrassing. You'd think there'd be many emotions one could feel, but why shame? Anyway, I looked around and saw that nobody had seen.
My pride was intact but I still scraped my knee a bit. It was the type of wound that as I kid I got when I fell off a bicycle. I don't think I've skinned a knee in probably thirty-five years! It didn't bleed a lot, but I knew there would be a fairly large scab.
This fact made me appreciate the human body. Isn't it grand that a body heals? I mean many of us would be a walking basket case were it not for our ability to automatically repair ourselves.
I think my dad may have used the phrase above. What I was attempting to communicate in the title is that I recently fell down. I was just going for a walk and tripped on some steps near a church of Carnarvon Street. It's very odd that stumbling and hitting the ground is embarrassing. You'd think there'd be many emotions one could feel, but why shame? Anyway, I looked around and saw that nobody had seen.My pride was intact but I still scraped my knee a bit. It was the type of wound that as I kid I got when I fell off a bicycle. I don't think I've skinned a knee in probably thirty-five years! It didn't bleed a lot, but I knew there would be a fairly large scab.
This fact made me appreciate the human body. Isn't it grand that a body heals? I mean many of us would be a walking basket case were it not for our ability to automatically repair ourselves.
Labels: feelings
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
From Where I'm Sitting ...
I've always been good at knowing directions. I mean from any location I frequent, I have an innate skill at knowing the compass directions. Consequently, I can point to the direction of another known point. I'm sitting at my living room computer right now. So, the Burnaby Campus of BCIT, for example, is about eight miles beyond my bathroom. New York City is about 5,000 kilometers directly behind my left shoulder.
So maybe the following thought is more applicable to me than for others. I cannot help but believe that truth with a capital T is elusive. For example, my perception of downtown Vancouver is based on my geographic location. I tend to think of the city in terms of my approach from the east. I also most always take the SkyTrain, so I also tend to define the city from those stations. My Vancouver, as it exists in my thoughts, is probably entirely different than those who reside on the North Shore. We're contemplating the same physical reality. Yet, we can only filter reality through our experiences.
In the same vein, I am amazed how persistent our perspectives can be. For example, we've been scouring airline fares for an overseas vacation in September. It has dawned on me that my view of the world is still based on my childhood perceptions. I grew up in the north-east of this continent. To me Asia is still on the other side of Europe. Actually, Asia it directly behind this monitor ... just on the other side of the Pacific!
So maybe the following thought is more applicable to me than for others. I cannot help but believe that truth with a capital T is elusive. For example, my perception of downtown Vancouver is based on my geographic location. I tend to think of the city in terms of my approach from the east. I also most always take the SkyTrain, so I also tend to define the city from those stations. My Vancouver, as it exists in my thoughts, is probably entirely different than those who reside on the North Shore. We're contemplating the same physical reality. Yet, we can only filter reality through our experiences.
In the same vein, I am amazed how persistent our perspectives can be. For example, we've been scouring airline fares for an overseas vacation in September. It has dawned on me that my view of the world is still based on my childhood perceptions. I grew up in the north-east of this continent. To me Asia is still on the other side of Europe. Actually, Asia it directly behind this monitor ... just on the other side of the Pacific!
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Seasons Add 'Seasoning to Life'
Some folks state there really aren't four seasons out here in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. They go on to say there is just a rainy season and that other month of the year.
I've lived without seasonal changes for I worked in the Persian Gulf for about fifteen years. So, by comparison, I enjoy the change of the seasons here. Of course it gets depressing when it's dark at 4:00 pm during winters. Then ever-so-slowly, spring triumphantly arrives and makes everything seem worthwhile.
People need a little down in order to enjoy a high. I've heard pharmaceutical anti-depressants do take the edge off the low points but at the sacrifice of those up moments. An unchanging plateau surely isn't any way to live.
I've lived without seasonal changes for I worked in the Persian Gulf for about fifteen years. So, by comparison, I enjoy the change of the seasons here. Of course it gets depressing when it's dark at 4:00 pm during winters. Then ever-so-slowly, spring triumphantly arrives and makes everything seem worthwhile.
People need a little down in order to enjoy a high. I've heard pharmaceutical anti-depressants do take the edge off the low points but at the sacrifice of those up moments. An unchanging plateau surely isn't any way to live.
Labels: feelings, flora and fauna
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
No Oil Shortage
I turned in my grade reports yesterday. That simple act provided me with joy for I'm free for the rest of the week. I'm very happy.Little things make me happy nowadays. Perhaps, it's just a general type of satisfaction that comes during this time in life. You know, I'm just as apt to tune into a TV program on PBS as one of FOX. I've feathered my nest long enough so that I could survive for a while on interest alone. I quite literally have clothes which are older than some of the adult students in my classes.
Who would have thought that I would still need to buy acne medicine in this millennium. Thirty years ago, I lived on the hope that my oily skin was just a passing stage ...
Labels: feelings
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Declaration of Appreciation
As a rule, people are very quick to notice when things don't go their way. On the other hand, they're much slower to appreciate those times when things turn out well.
Last week I didn't teach as I was between different intensive courses. The weather turned out to be wonderful during these days of freedom. I took the photo above on an afternoon trip to the Buntzen Lake picnic area. I couldn't have asked for bluer skies. Now this week, I'm again in the classroom and the weather has turned horrible. It's cold and quite miserable outside.
Therefore, today's entry is just a public declaration to show how much I appreciate the way things seemed to work out.
Last week I didn't teach as I was between different intensive courses. The weather turned out to be wonderful during these days of freedom. I took the photo above on an afternoon trip to the Buntzen Lake picnic area. I couldn't have asked for bluer skies. Now this week, I'm again in the classroom and the weather has turned horrible. It's cold and quite miserable outside.
Therefore, today's entry is just a public declaration to show how much I appreciate the way things seemed to work out.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Old Acquaintance
Yesterday, I was riding up in an elevator from this building's swimming pool. As the doors opened, I was politely greeted by Mr. Burns. Actually, his name isn't Mr. Burns. He's a very old Chinese guy living on the floor above. I simply refer to him as Mr. Burns. I do this as he closely resembles that namesake from the Simpsons. We bought this apartment coming up on eight years ago. Mr. Burns has lived here since we arrived; yet, I don't know his real name or much else about him. I have the idea he might not know a lot of English. Is this just a comforting excuse for not speaking more?
Urban living differs from small-town life. It is strange how little one has to know about neighbours that, quite literally, may live a few meters away. People's schedules differ, I suppose A yearly owners meeting isn't really the best time to divulge intimate details. Even special building functions, like the yearly barbecue, do not lead to much mingling. It's okay, as we might not have much in common with the others. Perhaps our most common similarity is our postal address.
Labels: feelings
Friday, January 13, 2006
Sizing Up Life
Work this week is really cutting into my free time. This also means that it's negatively affecting the quality of my blog entries! When I'm teaching an intensive course, I generally go to campus four days a week. This week is an exception and I have class today as well. I'm not knocking my situation as I really enjoy the students, materials, and program.I am very thankful for so many things in life. I have met far too many people who act as though the world owes them. They believe they should have automatic entitlements just because .. well .. they were born. I've never felt this way. I'm extremely humbled by the fact there are:
It's not that I have set my sights low, I am just honestly appreciative with the hand life has dealt. In fact, I used to consider it a miracle that I can do a task I like and find someone willing to pay me for it. I wish a bit more of our society shared my gratitude.a comfortable roof over my head and warm blankets on my bed. food in my stomach (obviously enough) and clothes on my back. so frequent opportunities to visit different pastures. those who walk though the journey of life with me.
Labels: feelings
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Avoidance
I've been away long enough, so I'm ready to get back in the classroom. I am not exactly sure when I'll hear about the class loading. There is a special meeting this Thursday, and I should have a better idea then. It's possible that I might do an Intensive course. This type of class meets for five weekends on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. It would begin this weekend! These classes are generally a struggle as a majority of the students work full-time; however, there is a great deal of satisfaction when we successfully cover the materials.I have never considered getting into educational management. Unfortunately that's the expected path for the brave and the brightest. I understand, however, that my strengths are best utilized in the classroom. That is really where I enjoy staying put. I absolutely detest office politics and everything that goes along with it. I would take no delight in shuffling papers nor the stress of dealing with those of my ilk.
Saturday, October 01, 2005
The Burden of History
I felt lighter upon our return to Canada. I don't mean physically, although it would be nice to weigh about twenty kilos less. Europe is interesting and one big reason why is the history. Everywhere you turn, there's a historical building or monument. This makes a trip great for tourists. It seems as if the majority of things by which one is surrounded are old. Sometimes, they're ancient.
I wonder how this affects the young people growing up there. I first remember feeling sorry for kids kicking around a soccer ball in Florence Italy when I travelled there in the 1980's. They were having fun but were confined in the large open space of an ancient plaza. It would just seem to me to be a burden living amongst all the past. Mind you, it's not past from a book, it's past right in their faces, everyday.
I am writing this entry in one of the first cities in British Columbia but I'd be hard pressed to find a civic structure that is 120 years old. Maybe that's why I feel lighter in Canada than I did during the recent trip.
Labels: Eurotrip 2005, feelings
Tuesday, May 11, 2004
Seeing the Forest for the Trees
Now that we've been living here coming up on eight years, I was trying to decide why I am often more relaxed than during my decade and a half in the Persian Gulf. I wasn't nervous due to proximity to war. It may have been a bit to do with being more easily prone to workahoic tendencies in one's 20's and 30's.
Yet, I've come to conclude that my emotional well-being probably has something to do with my physical environment. It was easy to appreciate the stark beauty of the desert in the Gulf countries; however, I think I missed forests.
Being able to easy step into a green space makes me really at ease. There's even a park about 3 blocks away where I seldom find any other people. I can sit near the small stream and easily find peace of mind.
Yet, I've come to conclude that my emotional well-being probably has something to do with my physical environment. It was easy to appreciate the stark beauty of the desert in the Gulf countries; however, I think I missed forests.
Being able to easy step into a green space makes me really at ease. There's even a park about 3 blocks away where I seldom find any other people. I can sit near the small stream and easily find peace of mind.
Labels: feelings, flora and fauna
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