Dodgeball Season Has Commenced

That's all I have to say right now... That, and GO EL DIABLO!!!

I'm seriously disappointed with the direction Fox Pictures has gone with its Alien and Predator (and Alien vs Predator) series.

Ripley being born through a test tube and genetically altered into a hybrid human/xenomorph? Seriously.

Danny Glover having an easier time killing a predator than Arnold Schwarzenegger? Seriously.

GET TO THE CHOPPA!

Alien vs Predator? I mean, come on. The xenomorph may have razor sharp teeth and claws, and is highly agile. But the predator is a highly intelligent, technologically advanced being with superb killer instinct. And 2 of them die in the first fight scene - by the SAME ALIEN! Seriously, Fox. Seriously.

On that note, watch the movies (except alien vs predator (pure rubbish)). Seriously, the age-old forbidden love romance movies are getting old. They're so cliché, so american. I say we go back to the good ol' days of cheesy monster action flicks. I love cheering for the monsters! ;p

ABC

In other news, I finally finished Anne Lamott's Bestseller, Travelling Mercies. I've been seriously wanting to read it for a while after hearing that it was the book that inspired Don Miller to write his book Blue Like Jazz (my favourite). In the end, I'd have to say that Blue Like Jazz is still my favourite, but Anne Lamott is a far better writer. I only prefer Don Miller's book because he's a guy and I can relate a whole lot more to his experience than Anne's. That being said, I highly recommend this book to any girl who struggles with her faith, appearance, weight, the opposite sex, etc. Ms. Lamott bares it all, and by the end of the book, she leaves you with a sense of peace. As if she's letting you know that if she can find grace, so can you. Drop me a line if you wanna borrow.

"... I've found that self-righteousness is very comforting. But Jesus is quite clear on this point. He does not mince words. He says you even have to love the whiners, the bullies, and the people who think they're better than you. And you have to stick up for the innocent." (250-51)

She writes a lot about her son and it's obvious how precious he is to her. Somewhere near the end she tells a story about the two of them snorkeling together. Way before this point, I've noticed that she has a lot of hang-ups with keeping her son safe and she muses and sighs over every decision, be it minute or grand, concerning her little Sam. My mind started to wander from the words even though my eyes were still on auto-pilot (as I always do, and then I have to read the page over again). And I began to imagine what it would be like to have a child of my own. A little mini-Neil running around. (S)He would mean the world to me. And then I thought about how much I must mean to my parents. I thought of my dad and how proud he must have been when I was a little kid. He would take me fishing every weekend and we'd keep the bass, perch, and pickeral; and throw away the catfish. How precious I must have been to him. And then I lost it. I couldn't breathe. In that epiphanic moment, I realize how much of a sorry-ass of a son I've been. They beckon me every night to spend a little time with them, but I shrug them and their stupid scrabble game off (seriously, I hate scrabble). All they really want is to spend time with me (why don't they ever play video games with me then?!). Today, I understand how fortunate I am to still have both my parents who still love each other very much and love me. And all I've done lately is take them for granted.

Anyway, yeah, I seriously recommend the book to all y'all girls in the house what! what! what! lawl.

Random facts:

uno. Number of times I've said 'seriously' in this post: 10 (if you count this line)

dos. Hardest paragraph for me to write was the last one. The screen kept getting blurry from my eyes welling up. ;p

tres. I want to meet a lady who's pretty on the outside and beautiful on the inside. Somebody like this. E-crush? Definitely. *le sigh*

Edit: I found this quote somewhere from some american whose identity I won't devulge to protect him from ridicule. All you need to know is that he's from Nevada...

“i was never a person to classify others into categories or titles but i guess you could call him my best friend. through the thick of it all we are able to withstand the 34 degrees for more than a few hours at a time, in the deepest greys of the night, fighting off the shivering and constant trembles in our voices that result from being out in the cold too long.”

Ok, 34 degrees. That's about 1 degree celsius. If you're from Winnipeg, you're thinking the exact same thing I'm thinking. THAT'S T-SHIRT AND SHORTS WEATHER! PUA HAHAHAHA!

Who did you vote for?

Election day today. Wanna know who I voted for? Well, here...



Ok, I didn't vote, I just made this up a long time ago during the previous election... Back when I thought I was funny.

I had to work today, so I didn't get a chance to go out and vote. But in all honesty, I really don't care about politics and I have serious doubts about our whole democratic system in general. Well, not in our system per se, but in the people that run our government. The way I look at it, there wasn't any good party to vote for. Each had their own leader who's a dumb old guy who's so out of touch with the country, and each had their own promises that they won't keep... And what's with all the smearing?! I can't believe people would vote for somebody who slandered the opposition. It's like voting for somebody who only focused on the problems and pointed fingers rather than figuring out solutions.

I feel that it won't matter who I vote for. Big deal, the conservatives won this time. We'll let them screw us around for 10 years or so until we change to liberal and they screw us around and so goes the cycle. I've never felt any loyalty to any particular party because none of them ever get around to what they say they'll do. So who really cares?

I am not without hope in our government, however. The first party to abolish taxes will win my support. Hopefully they're not the antichrist.

Now, if you'll excuse me,
I have unicorns to chase.

PACQUIAO IS TEH WINZ!!!

OMG x ∞
If you're brown, then you know exactly how I feel. For the rest of you whities, Pacquiao is only the most amazing Filipino boxer in the world! And he beat Morales in a rematch! So dramatic! I watched it with all my brown relatives and the house was just crazy when he knocked out Morales, not once, but TWICE!

It's like Philippines winning the super bowl! You have no idea how big this guy is. He's more celebrated in his home country than Bruce Lee/Jackie Chan ever were in China! It's like Philippines delivering a Flying Dragon Kick™ in the crotch to Mexico!

Take that! Elian can NOT stay!







Doesn't he look like Bahandi?

Close Encounters of the... Divine Kind

Last week, my friend Annie (the same Annie who sent me the dummy string) called me up and told me of a life-changing revelation she had. She had encountered God in a turning-point kind of way while on this conference of some sort. She was sketchy with the details of the whole thing and its secrecy led me to believe that it was some sort of fight club that nobody is supposed to talk about. In any case, she shared with me her revelation of the Almighty in a way that I wasn't prepared for, to say the least. I was at a loss for words after she had finished talking to the point where she might have thought I wasn't listening or didn't understand.

"I want to be a praying woman, because I never pray."

Those words were enough to tell me that somebody had doused gasoline on the small flame that was inside of her. A flame that had been burning at the end of its rope. I sensed a deep change within her from the tone of her voice almost as if I was talking to somebody I've never met before. Amidst her on-and-off weeping and murmering, she relayed the rest of her experience to me.

As I hung up, I was completely dumbfounded. It was a lot for me to digest. I began to reflect on my relationship with God. Where had I gone wrong? Have I gone wrong? Why doesn't God ever speak to me in such a way that would stir up passion within me? Where had my passion gone?

The truth is that I've been through those "Oh my God" moments before many times myself. It's hard to explain the feeling of utter exuberance from becoming a new person and seeing everything you've seen before in a different light. And yet those memories will be forever etched in my mind.

My thoughts then jumped to what Curtis (a Nav's staffer) told me during the Somewhere Else Retreat almost a year ago now. It had been right after one of those "Oh my God" moments where there was much crying and praying and empowerment. I had not gotten any dramatic revelation from the G-man that night and was kind of disappointed in the whole retreat considering it was our last night at the camp and the next day we were packing it all up to go home. Later that night, the session had long been over and most of us were in our bedtime attire already. It was a very non-chalant and yet intimate kind of setting as we sat in a circle of couches with a number of other guys.

"I don't experience those moments anymore... It's not that God doesn't speak to me in that way, it's just that I don't chase after it or fully give myself to that moment." Curtis declared.

After a very enlightening discussion, it felt as if God was tapping me on the shoulder, as if to tell me, "Neil, you're ok."

And after that night, I understood. Although I appreciate the moments of spiritual bliss, I realize that the darkest and most painful times of my life are where I've grown the most spiritually, as a person, and in character. God will reveal himself to us in the way he sees fit. It's true, some may never experience him in a dramatic way like Annie has, and yet just a hint of him is enough to spark a lifelong change in some people. Still others might need a kick in the butt to realize that he's there. I'll be the first to admit that I need a kick in the groin to be convinced of his presence.

Everybody's relationship with God is different. God has placed us all on different paths and some of our paths will intersect. Some will divide. Some may never cross. But in the end, I think the big guy has everything under control. Intuitively, I feel that all our paths will ultimately lead to some sort of revelation of his nature.

In no way am I saying that Annie's experience is totally bunk. I'm very glad for her because I had been praying for her for a long time that God would give her some sort of passion. And he's answered. But I think something can be learned from Curtis' example. Incidently, I thought Curtis was the most hilarious guy at the retreat... next to my fist.

"I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward - to Jesus."
-Phil. 3:12-13

I want to hear from you. Where, if at all, have you experienced an "Oh my God" moment? Was there a catalyst in your relationship with Jesus? What has he taught you lately about your relationship with him? Whether you have or haven't, do you feel these moments are necessary (example)? Write as much as you like, but bear in mind that I prefer quality over quantity.

Anne Lamott said that the two best prayers she knows are "Help me, help me, help me." and "Thank you, thank you, thank you."

God, thank you for Annie. Help me to keep her fire burning.

Shameless Confession(s)

Edit:

"I still care... just that I don't have to be a part of his [or her] life to do that."

So true. Thanks for the reminder and encouragement, friend.

There's always heaven... =D

Those who have been with me since my xanga days may have noticed a steady decline in the frequency of my posts. I used to post a minimum of twice a week if not more, and they used to be funny. Lately, they've been more sombre and introspective. I'm sorry. And I realize that I've picked up a few more regular readers as well and I can only imagine the pain and sorrow they experience everytime they visit and find a blog that is barren of updates. And there's this one person in Dryden who keeps visiting... WHO ARE YOU?!? REVEAL YOURSELF!!!!!111one. Anyway, to thank all you who visit and read regularily, I promise to post at least once a week.* But, please... COMMENT! Thanks.

Random nothingness...

Last night I hung out with Jen and Jen. It was a summer staff reunion minus one staff member haha! We had a grand old time talking and catching up on things. The funniest part was that I called Jen earlier that day... and the conversation went like this:

"Hello?" she answered.
"Hi."
"Hi."
"Hi."
"How are you?"
"Hi."
"I was going to call you because Jen called earlier."
"Oh yeah? What did she say?"
"She said the tickets were already sold out."
"Yeah, that's why I was calling."
"Yeah she said we should meet up for supper anyway."
"Hmmm ok. Where are we meeting?"
"Dalat."
"What?"
"Dalat."
"What is that?"
"It's a chinese restaurant, it's on Ellice, I've been there before, it's pretty good."
"Yeah, but you're white, so it's probably not that good."
I called her from the Nav's office and the people listening in laughed. And then she laughed.
"So... are you going to pick me up?"

So we went to Dalat and it was a chinese/viet restaurant so I wasn't so disappointed. After that we went to Baked Expectations. It's the most amazing dessert place ever... next to my kitchen. ;p

The best part was at the end of the night, because I got to say:
"Good bye Jennifer. Good bye Jennifer."

Hmmm what else...

Oh, my friend Annie sent me these mittens with strings attached to them because I told her once that I keep losing my gloves and I need strings for them to put through my sleeves... And as soon as I got them, I immediately put them through my sleeves and practiced my nunchuk skills. i r s0 teh 1337.

My darkest secret. I love to randomly visit other people's sites and steal their images. Let me share some!




Yes, they're all girls. Got a problem? Don't mess.

*This promise is void.

Flashback #527

Have you ever had a Rolo pop? They're these popsicles with a solid chocolate shell filled with chocolate ice cream and caramel in the centre. I love them. They remind me of Québec. The first time I ever had a Rolo pop was with Karen, in Jonquière, QC, during a summer french language course.

I had graduated from high school with a french immersion diploma, and it was customary of our french teacher to send us on french orientated trips, kinda like a grad present. Karen was from Winnipeg too. For 2 of the 5 weeks of our stay in Québec, there was this rock festival going on. Every night we'd walk down the bar strip in town and at the end of the street was the stage where all the bands played. I felt so alive back then just taking in the sights of lanterns lined along the street, the sounds of chattering patrons on bar patios and great french music, and the smell of cigarette smoke and the river that was nearby. A biker gang was in full force in that town as they would ride up and down the street almost as a sign of arrogance towards the cops that were on patrol. The underage drinking was absurd. So many kids were sent home after their trip to the hospital. Each night, after the last band finished their session, Karen and I would go to this 50's style diner and have milkshakes together. Sometimes we would race to see who would finish theirs first, but normally we would talk about the meaning of life and what it's like to be in love.

"There's different kinds of love, Neil."

I disagreed at that time, but deep down I knew she was right.

Karen was catholic. She attended mass regularily, but it seemed more out of habit. She went to this big cathedral during her stay in Jonqière. It was one of those massive ancient stained-glass ones that you would see on postcards. I even accompanied her one Sunday. A beautiful building.

During my stay in Jonquière, I managed to start a bible study. There were a couple students from Nova Scotia who were christians and Rachel, my classmate, joined us as well. At our first meeting, we had Scott and Chelsea, Rachel, myself and April Griffin. April was the cutest girl you've ever met, I sat with her at least once a day in the cafeteria, and she'd always make a mess while eating. By the end she'd have this smear of chocolate on her cheek or ketchup all over her hands. She was always enthusiastic about everything. We got along well.

The next week, a few more people showed up at our little bible study, Karen was one of them. She seemed very interested about spiritual things. I suppose eternity is a seductive idea to most people who never really think about these things. Needless to say, she was hooked, and showed up every week thereafter.

The last week in Québec, I found out I was accepted into a leadership program in Calgary. I was so excited. The last night in Jonquière, we had this crazy farewell night that started off with watching a film the TA's made. It was little snippets of popular films all dubbed over with their voices. It was full of inside jokes about our course and I've never laughed so hard. After that, we got our little certificates and a small tribute to our teachers. There was a dinner and dance thing too. Crazy.

Karen had eventually found out I was going to Calgary in the fall instead of staying in Winnipeg where she was. At the end of the farewell night, she approached me with watery eyes...

"Neil, is it true you're going to Calgary?" She asked, as her lip quivered.

I smiled and grabbed her and held her as she sobbed on my shoulder. It was then that I knew that I had made a friend. A few weeks later while I was still in Winnipeg getting ready to move all my stuff, I got an email from Karen...

"Neil, thanks to you, I read my bible more often. I feel so much closer to God."

I felt so humbled that God had used me to touch somebody's life. I'll never forget that time at the dépanneur when Karen first introduced me to Rolo pops.

I love Rolo pops.