1. I have many passions but for the past 8 years, it’s been ultimate Frisbee. I frequently dream about playing ultimate. Whenever I see a green field, I think “Wow, that would be a great field to play on.”

2. I miss my mom more than anything in the world. She passed away in 2001 when I was 18 and it still hurts to think about it. She was the most important person in my life and I can honestly say that she was the most honest, most sincere, nicest, most caring person I’ve ever met. And I was lucky enough to have her as my mom. That makes me happy but also hurts that she’s gone.

3. My first love is golf, and I miss playing so much. The last time spent with my mom was on mother’s day when we went golfing. I’ve dreamt of playing pro golf for a long time.

4. I cry during movies. Sometimes. Shhhhh.

5. I’ve never been outside of North America, but I’ve been all over Canada more than most people.

6. I drank for the first time when I was 16 at the prom party for the grade 12’s (I was in grade 11). And the first thing I ever drank was coolers. Which continued to be my bevy of choice; until I got drunk off 3 Mike’s hard when I was 18 and that was the end of coolers.

7. I haven’t weighed less than 200 pounds in almost 6 years, but I can still beat you in a race…

8. I bought my first car ever in Oct of 2007. I miss rollerblading to get around and I think since I’m living downtown now I will do more of that this summer.

9. I miss my family a lot but since it’s so expensive to fly home to the Maritimes, I haven’t gone since Dec 2006. I’m going to go this year and really want to go to our family cottage in PEI.

10. I’m extremely proud to have grown up in the Maritimes and would raise my family there in a heartbeat. I love Calgary and the people here but it’s not the same. If you’ve ever been there, you’ll know what I mean.

11. I’m a very honest person. Sometimes too honest. But that’s how I am and I will live and die by that sword.

12. I have an addiction for Haagen Daas ice cream. The 500ml variety. My favourite kind is chocolate chocolate chip and it made me very sad when they stopped selling it in Canada so whenever I’m in the US for a Frisbee tournament, I try and eat it.

13. One of my favourite things to do is to go to an open field and throw Frisbees. Like, I’ll bring 8 with me. And throw for 2 hours. By myself. It’s almost like my form of meditation. Ask me to go throw sometime and you better believe I’m there.

14. I think Frisbee golf is one of the best sports ever. Especially when me and the boys play the Majestic. Ask me about the Majestic and maybe I’ll tell you. If you’re lucky enough.

15. Rhubarb is to me what shrimp is to Bubba Gump.

16. I have built 3 of my own computers. I learned by watching other people and reading about it online. It’s fun being able to do that. But ask me about cars, and I have no clue. But I can bullshit and pretend I know what I’m talking about…sort of.

17. I have been designing websites for 6 years and my proudest accomplishment was doing the Umbilical Brothers website for 4 years. They are 2 hilarious guys from Australia who do shows all over the world and I still haven’t met them. But they might be in New York in April/May and I am planning that trip already. I am beyond pumped to meet them. And to see my good friend Deb (whom I met through the forum I built for their website).

18. I have been on television 3 times. And recognized once from an appearance. For being on Street Cents, when I was living in Halifax. I felt like a celebrity. It was pretty special.

19. I have a plastic canvas calendar sitting in my drawer which I started over 8 years ago. I want to finish it one day. It’s an Olympic themed calendar. Maybe I’ll try to have it done by the 2010 games.

20. I can throw a Frisbee longer than a football field.

21. I once shaved my whole body. It took a really long time and I probably wouldn’t do it again. But I liked how my muscles looked really defined. But I didn’t like how itchy it was when the hair started growing back in.

22. I’ve dyed my hair blond twice. Once it turned orange because I didn’t have enough dye. The other time it was very light and I liked it. Would I do it again? Why not?

23. I used to be really really funny in grade 8. Like make people fall out of their chairs laughing funny. Then in the summer between grade 8 and 9 I grew up. I remember reading Sphere by Michael Crichton and feeling more mature. I still make people laugh. But not like grade 8, oh man.

24. I love dogs. Like I can’t wait to have a house with a yard so I can get a dog. I think they’re the greatest pet ever.

25. Since I’ve been told I’m random, I’ll throw in a very random fact. I was suspended in grade 3 for one day because I pulled a knife on a kid. It was my grandfather’s and I happened to have it in my pocket. Not sure why I did it. But I haven’t done it since.

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I find it interesting that when we follow our heart it can tend to contradict what our head is saying; and vice versa. How do we truly know what is right? I like to think that what our heart says will always lead us in the right direction. I believe that passion comes from your heart and if we always do what we love (as long as it isn’t something like heroin, stealing or murder) then it will lead us in the right direction and help our life be what we want it to be. That’s pretty much the “Secret” that there was so much hype about a few years ago. There is not “secret”. Do what makes you happy and be with whom you love and the rest will follow. But what happens when you aren’t sure what that is. Or are trying to figure that out and in the process make a mistake? That’s when you start to question “Did I do the right thing?” But, as long as you do what feels right, then things will work out the way they were meant to be.

It can be a scary idea, but you need to have faith. For a while I’ve been lacking that faith. I guess it’s fairly normal to feel that loss of faith after such an amazing person, my mom, was taken from us a short 7 years ago. I still remember every detail about that night. The time everything happened. The day. The date. The events. I still find it hard to believe that she is gone and I miss her so much. I still cry every so often about her and I just want so badly to be happy. I mean, I am happy, but I want to share my happiness with someone. At times it feels like karma is out to get me. I never maliciously try to hurt anyone. I’m looking for what everyone else is I suppose. Maybe I go about it differently. Maybe I go about it the same way. All I know is that I feel close. Maybe I feel like I have it. I don’t know some days and other days I am absolutely sure. I guess all we can do is have that faith (which I feel that I am starting to regain, which is a great feeling). I went for a run the other night and I think it was the first time in a long time that I have felt so clear and fresh. Dean and I have finally started talking again. I am seeing my family more. And I have met someone. I feel like things are coming together once again but there are still so many daily tasks that need to be done (school and work) that at times I wish I had a few months off to just relax. I think when I’m graduated I will be taking that time off to just relax. Since I graduated high school, I have been either in school or working. I really haven’t had time to relax. Sure, going away for the weekend to California, Utah, Washington and BC amongst other places is great, but really when you go to play 7 games of frisbee and get home exhausted and having to get back into your normal busy lives, it’s not a vacation. At all. I truly need a vacation. I think I’m going to go to Fort Mac again at the end of November and see my cousin Natalie and my buddy Chris. I miss Natalie so much. We both have the mutual understanding that family is important and that we don’t do all we can to see each other. We are planning on a week vacation next summer in PEI; I really hope that happens.

I guess that’s what is on my mind currently. It’s been a tough week. This weekend is the last weekend of ultimate until the spring so as sad as I am to be done, it’ll be nice to have some time again for myself and the rest of my life on weekend and evenings. It’s been a long, expensive season.

Rob out.

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So my foray into answering some of the stupid questions got old fast. Like after a few days. I just wasn’t interested in answering them anymore and I doubt anyone actually read them. I sometimes wonder, like many do, how visible my blog actually is. Is there anyone who actually reads my blog? Is there anyone who keeps up to date on my site by checking it every so often? The fact that I have not gotten any comments in a long time would suggest the contrary but I am getting visits (I checked my analytics) so something is going on.

Not that I need comments, but it would be neat to read them. Would be neat to hear what people would actually like to hear and read about. I know many times a blog becomes popular because the author picks something unique and obscure to write about and via word of mouth, more people start reading the blog and checking it out more often. Other times, the author knows a great deal about a topic so people are interested in reading about that topic from an expert in that field.

Perhaps I could take a dual approach. Write about something obscure once in a while (such as pinecones and how sticky they make your hands from all of the sap and how this is a problem) and then write about something in which I know a lot about (technology, ultimate, leadership/coaching). Interesting. I think I just came up with a whole plethora of new topics for posts. Stay tuned.

Oh and leave some comments.

Peace.

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As I normally do, I stopped off at the Shell before practice to grab some energy (i.e. a Snickers bar). Today was not like a normal day however. Oh no, I only had $1.50 in change. Well, I went to buy a Snickers bar (large) and upon finding out it was $1.98, I returned the bar to the rack, let a cute girl go ahead of me and went off to find a smaller, cheaper bar. I got back in line, having quickly found one, only to have the cute girl hand the Snickers to be saying “This is the one you wanted right? It’s ok, I got it.”

I stepped back, and said simply “Really? Wow, thanks.” I wasn’t really sure what else to say. I have never seen that before, let alone have it done to me, and for such a simple act of kindness (and for only $1.98), I was honestly blown away.

Later, I was told by a friend that I should have given her a hug; next time it happens I will for sure! haha. But in this case, a simple act from a stranger put a huge smile on my face and made my day.

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What does freedom mean?

Does it relate more to the political definition: “the absence of interference with the sovereignty of an individual by the use of coercion or aggression”

Or the philosophical argument: “the idea of being free, is a broad concept that has been given numerous interpretations by philosophies and schools of thought. The protection of interpersonal freedom can be the object of a social and political investigation, while the metaphysical foundation of inner freedom is a philosophical and psychological question”

I like to rather think of freedom as doing what you want (that which makes you happy) and feeling that you can do what you want when you want (granted much of this “freedom” relates to your financial state).

This is why I feel that the above definition (in philosophical terms) is best when enhanced by the idea of financial freedom. And in that case, we shall truly be free.

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I wrote this on my blackberry and sent it to myself while I was at the Tom Petty concert a few weeks ago. I was watching the fans in the floor seats as they watched the show and had some thoughts about it. I’m going to leave the post exactly as I wrote it; fragmented but with complete thoughts. Feel free to add your own thoughts…

Find something to talk about that inspires people. Talk about it. Be passionate about it. Promote it. Live it. Spread it. Find something that entertains people. Find a cause that people can rally around.

What is it about musical or athletic talent that draws people to spend so much time and money on the pursuit? Since they are not actively involved in the activity, why do they become so drawn to it? Do they think they have an effect on the outcome or the overall experience by being in attendance? Do they think they can make a difference? If so, why don’t more people vote? Or donate blood? Or support real causes? Why do more people go to a rock show (and pay money) than go to a political rally for a real cause? Does practicing ignorance and keeping our distance somehow make us feel that we are not avoiding what is real because we pretend we don’t know about it?

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by Sonny Carroll

A time comes in your life when you finally get it…when, in the midst of all your fears and insanity, you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out…ENOUGH! Enough fighting and crying and blaming and struggling to hold on. Then, like a child quieting down after a tantrum, you blink back your tears and begin to look at the world through new eyes.

This is your awakening.

You realize it’s time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change, or for happiness, safety and security to magically appear over the next horizon. You realize that in the real world there aren’t always fairy tale endings, and that any guarantee of “happily ever after” must begin with you…and in the process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance. You awaken to the face that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are…and that’s OK. They are entitled to their own views and opinions. You learn the importance of loving and championing yourself…and in the process a sense of newfound confidence is born of self-approval.

You stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to you – or didn’t do for you – and learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected. You learn that people don’t always say what they mean or mean what they say and that not everyone will always be there for you and that everything isn’t always about you. So, you learn to stand on your own and to take care of yourself…and in the process a sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance.

You stop judging and pointing fingers and you begin to accept people as they are and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties…and in the process a sense of peace and contentment is born of forgiveness.

You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. You begin reassessing and redefining who you are and for what you really stand. You learn the difference between wanting and needing and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you’ve outgrown, or with which you should never have bought into to begin. You learn that there is power and glory in creating and contributing and you stop maneuvering through life merely as a “consumer” looking for your next fix.

You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a bygone era, but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life. You learn that you don’t know everything, it’s not your job to save the world and that you can’t teach a pig to sing. You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that martyrs get burned at the stake.

Then you learn about love. You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be. You learn that alone does not mean lonely. You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO.

You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs. You learn that your body really is your temple. You begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin to eat a balanced diet, drink more water, and take more time to exercise. You learn that being tired fuels doubt, fear, and uncertainty and so you take more time to rest. And, just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul. So you take more time to laugh and to play. You learn that, for the most part, you get in life what you believe you deserve, and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy. You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for and that wishing for something to happen is different than working toward making it happen. More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance. You also learn that no one can do it all alone, and that it’s OK to risk asking for help. You learn the only thing you must truly fear is fear itself. You learn to step right into and through your fears because you know that whatever happens you can handle it and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live life on your own terms. You learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom. You learn that life isn’t always fair, you don’t always get what you think you deserve and that sometimes bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people…and you learn not to always take it personally. You learn that nobody’s punishing you and everything isn’t always somebody’s fault. It’s just life happening. You learn to admit when you are wrong and to build bridges instead of walls. You learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you and poison the universe that surrounds you.

You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about: a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower. Then, you begin to take responsibility for yourself and you make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never, ever settle for less than your heart’s desire. You make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting, and to stay open to every wonderful possibility. You hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind.

Finally, with courage in your heart, you take a stand, you take a deep breath, and you begin to design the life you want to live as best you can.

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So I listen to a lot of music. I am a huge fan of a lot of different bands that span quite a few genres of music. I thought I’d make a list of my favourite songs. Why? Because it makes me happy thinking about these songs. These are in no particular order and will be continually updated as I find new ones or remember current favourites. Without further adieu:

Theory of a Deadman – Santa Monica
Nickelback – Too Bad
Seether f. Amy Lee – Broken
Queen – Save Me
Queen – Don’t Stop Me Now
Queen – Hammer to Fall
Queen – We Are the Champions
Marc Cohn – House of Stone and Light
Theme song from the movie “Rudy”
Black Eyed Peas f. Sting – Union
Black Eyed Peas – Dum Diddly
Matchbox 20 – How Far We’ve Come
Breaking Benjamin – Forget It
Darude – Sandstorm
ATC – Around the World
Survivor – Eye of the Tiger
Robert Tepper – No Easy Way Out
AC/DC – Thunderstruck
AC/DC – Big Gun
AC/DC – Moneytalks
AC/DC – TNT
AC/DC – Hail Caesar
AC/DC – Are You Ready
Metallica – Turn the Page
Metallica – Fuel
Metallica – Whiskey in the Jar
Metallica – Unforgiven
Metallica – No Leaf Clover
Metallica – One
Ozzy Osbourne f. Lita Ford – Close My Eyes Forever
Michael Jackson – Billie Jean
Michael Jackson – Man in the Mirror
Michael Jackson – Thriller
Michael Jackson – Black or White
Jimmy Eat World – The Middle
Jimmy Eat World – Sweetness
Rascal Flattz – What Hurts the Most
Timbaland f. One Republic – Apologize
Scooter – The Logical Song
Pearl Jam – Reign O’er Me
Flipsyde – Train
Flipsyde – Someday
Deep Forrest – Sweet Lullaby
Beatles – Hey Jude
Murray Head – One Night in Bangkok
Rita McNeil – She’s Called Nova Scotia
Tesla – Tommy’s Down Home
John Lennon – Imagine
Joe Cocker – With A Little Help From My Friends
Billy Ocean – Loverboy
Billy Ocean – Caribbean Queen
Loverboy – Turn Me Loose
Hall and Oates – So Close
Simon and Garfunkel – Mrs. Robinson
Simon and Garfunkel – I Am a Rock
Simon and Garfunkel – Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon and Garfunkel – Sound of Silence
Guns ‘n Roses – Paradise City
Guns ‘n Roses – Welcome to the Jungle
Guns ‘n Roses – So Easy
Guns ‘n Roses – November Rain
Bush – Machinehead
Paul Filek – One Love
Joey Scarbury – The Greatest American Hero
Paul Filek – Toe Tappin’ Love
3 Doors Down – Citizen/Soldier
3 Doors Down – It’s Not My Time
3 Doors Down – Here By Me
3 Doors Down – Here Without You
3 Doors Down – When I’m Gone
3 Doors Down – Let Me Go
Ben Lee – We Are All In This Together
Chris Brown – Forever
Stevie Wonder – Master Blaster
Johnny Cash – Hurt
Johnny Cash – When the Man Comes Around
Sia – Academia
Ra – Do You Call My Name
Bubba Sparxxx – Deliverance
Robyn – Handle Me
Miley Cyrus – See You Again
Forrest Gump Theme
Indiana Jones Theme
Jurassic Park Theme
Juanes – La Camisa Negra (Juicy Mix)
Shiny Toy Guns – You Are the One
Imogen Heap – Hide and Seek
Ida Corr – Let Me Think About It
Rufus Wainwright – Hallelujah
Terry Kelly – A Pittance of Time
Ray LaMontagne – Empty

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In case you haven’t heard this great song by Billy Joel, I recommend listening to it before reading the rest of this post…you can listen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFTLKWw542g

Just today, while listening to some Billy Joel, I was reintroduced to this great great song. In high school, our Outdoor Pursuits teacher, Mr. Fletcher, gave us an assignment to look up every historical reference in this song and find out what it meant. The assignment was worth something like 112 points – which equaled the number of historical references in the song. He was a huge history buff, and thought it would be an interested assignment. Which it was. However, whether he knew it or not, there are websites devoted to this song, and each historical reference is linked to a corresponding page with some information about that reference. So the assignment, while informative, was quite easy.

Here are the lyrics to the song, with the references linked (I’m sure some of the links don’t work as this is an old site):

Harry Truman, Doris Day, Red China, Johnnie Ray
South Pacific, Walter Winchell, Joe DiMaggio

Joe McCarthy, Richard Nixon, Studebaker, television
North Korea, South Korea, Marilyn Monroe

Rosenbergs, H-Bomb, Sugar Ray, Panmunjom
Brando, “The King and I”, and “The Catcher in the Rye”

Eisenhower, vaccine, England’s got a new queen
Marciano, Liberace, Santayana goodbye

CHORUS
We didn’t start the fire
It was always burning
Since the world’s been turning
We didn’t start the fire
No we didn’t light it
But we tried to fight it

Josef Stalin, Malenkov, Nasser and Prokofiev
Rockefeller, Campanella, Communist Bloc

A super video of the song: Billy Joel – “We Didn’t Start the Fire”

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Check it out:

Pool balls and dominoes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GA3ySz4el4&NR

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