Achievement Unlocked: New Job.

Why hallo thar!

It turns out that not blogging for awhile makes some people unhappy, and so I am getting all y'alls off my back!
I have a new job, which is awesome, where I no longer have to stand around waiting for people to ask about GPS units, subs for their cars, things like that. Nope! Now I get to go to clients' houses and install TVs and Home Theatre units! 'Tis a much better job, as it is a lot more fun to do. Doesn't so much seem like work, to be honest. Mounted my first TV during my first week of work, and still have a lot to learn, but I'm getting there. Seems like it could actually be a fairly good gig as a career, or at least a temporary one!

Some other news, is that by this time next year, I could be living in the grand ol' City of Calgary! I/we would be much closer to family, as well as RL would be going back to school. Plus, who can say no to watching your niece grow up? Speaking of which, she's adorable. Oh my goodness is she cute. Even when she's crying or constantly shouting (which apparently doesn't happen often) she's still really cute.

So yes, new job, which I am enjoying immensely, and possible new city! Lots has been happening around here, and I shall attempt to keep you updated!

Achievement Unlocked: It's Been Such a Long Time...

Hey Intrawebz,

I know it's been forever since I last had a chance to Blahg, and for that I apologize. A lot has happened since I last had a chance to let you know what was going on with my life.

First off, I had applied to go back to school in September, but I have otherwise been denied the opportunity to advance my schooling at this moment. Annoying, as I was really looking forward to getting back to school, but we shall see where this leads me. It really just means a bit of a roadblock or speed bump on the highway that is my life, but 'tis still an annoyance none-the-less.

Secondly, I have since evacuated the hole in the ground that was my past living arrangements. I am now comfortably living with some good friends of mine, Adam, David and Nathaniel. All three of them I have known since first moving to Edmonton, and all of whom I very much enjoy their company. It shall be a house of great reknown. An excellent perk in this new living arrangement, is that I am only a few short minutes from my dearly beloved Rachel. It has cut the walking distance considerably, living just down the street!

Thirdly, I am exhausted from work, as I have not had two consecutive days off in a row since early July. I only just had two days off in a row, but that was due to my taking a sick day. Seriously, it's getting annoying and I'm most frustrated with the job in general. I am currently looking for a new place of employment, but I may have to wait a little bit longer as I have not as yet received an interview, or even an invitation to an interview. It is most frustrating indeed.

So that may conclude my short wrap-up of my busy life. I will try my hardest to continue this excellent and most interesting blahg to the fullest of my extent, and I apologize once again for my "summer break". Hopefully with the return to normality I shall be able to blahg a lot more. Hopefully.

Acheivement Unlocked: House?

Dear Intrawebz,

It is time for me to move, yet again. Not so soon as to invoke panic on my part, but close enough to make me start to worry just how I am going to move all of this...stuff. You see, over the past, 10 months, I have slowly nestled into this basement room I call a man-cave. And, while it's not really comfortable, or even looks like it's habitable, it's where I've been living. Yes, I am thrilled to be moving, I cannot wait to have my own freaking house (to be shared with friends). However, I must once again tell you, I have absolutely no idea on how I am going to move all of my stuff.

Oh, and Hedgehogs are super super cute, I cannot wait to have one. Name suggestions, I was thinking "Sonic" but that's a little...cliché.

Achievement Unlocked: School.

Hey intrawebz

I am still trying to find my bleeping transcripts from Highschool, and it's frustrating me endlessly, as I am now into June, and wanting to finish my freaking application for school in September.
Frustrating.

Also, although work has it's rare good days, I am looking forward to getting this book delivered so as I can study and challenge this exam to get my MECP certification. This will allow me to work in an automotive shop, installing electronics and sound systems, a major step up in both work and in pay, for which I am excited. It may not be something I'm willing to do full time for the rest of my life, but I don't mind learning how to do it now, and having that skill set should I need to fall back on it at a future date (read: Montreal).

Car have always fascinated me, much like learning new languages (including mastering both English and French), learning how to play a new instrument, and generally knowledge in any respect. I am realizing that I enjoy learning, but mayhaps not in a traditional school sense. I like to learn at my own pace, and do not do well, it seems, when I am given busy work, or general work for the sake of work. If I am given a clear reason, aside from "It needs to be done", it will usually lead me to do the work, wether I like it or not. I am also aware that there are probably many many comma splices in this post, but I done care. Yeah, you heard me. Done. Care.

TL;DR, I'm bored with work, I would very much like to be doing something with my hands for the next little while, but as I might not currently have the required skill sets for the positions I would enjoy. Oh yah, learning opportunities! Which are always fun, so long as I am able to learn at my own pace, and do not have to suffer through "busywork".

Until next time (which will be before my birthday, I promise!),

Craigles

Achievement Unlocked: Long time, no see.

Well, it certainly has been a long time since I've blogged.

And I'm not sure that I like it.
A lot has happened in the past little while, what with surprise visits from friends who were thought to have been in Ireland, to visiting parents and family in Vancouver.
It was a really nice surprise to find out that both Meaghan and Caitlin had decided to come home early, and surprise Rachel on her birthday! Life really hasn't been very quiet now that they're back and most of our friends who are staying in Edmonton between semesters have free time. The good weather and late sunsets (10:00 PM in MAY? my Vancouver is showing...) have definitely helped with the goings on for us. Lots of time is starting to be spent outdoors, with visits to the park now happening almost weekly. Life is getting easier to live, and I like it.

I also spent some time with Rachel in Vancouver, visiting my family. It's been unseasonally "cold" there and so most of the plants were a month late for blooming and such, but it was still a much much more green atmosphere. We spent a lovely few days there, and even managed to snag some Aquarium time, as well as some Sushi (right after our visit to the aquarium!). Sunday, Mothers' day, was spent with a nice walk through the Glades, which is a 10 acre garden filled to the brim with Rhododendrons, some of which seem more like trees than bushes or shrubs. Even with the plants being so behind in their flowering stages, it was still very pretty.

That's really all I can think of to write at the moment, but hopefully I'll be able to sit down and pump out a few more posts this month. Maybe it will encourage a few others to blahg as well! (hint hint)

Until next time,
Craiginator.

Achievement Unlocked: Uncledom?

OHMIGOSH CONRATULATIONS LITTLE!

Seriously, she's just had the most adorable child, ever. Not two days old yet, and has already stolen the hearts of at LEAST 50 people. I absolutely cannot wait until this friday when I get to drive down to Calgs with DGF to meet her. Obviously, not as excited as DGF, as this is her sister's baby. But honestly, cutest baby on the planet. So healthy, and so cute. She's going to spend so much time trying to squirm away from relatives just waiting in line to praise both her and her mother. Well, maybe not hordes of family members, but there sure is going to be a large amount of them there this weekend!

She is such a character, and I've only "met" her through the numerous pictures that have been posted on Facebook. Honestly though, if she's this expressive so young, she surely will be a force of nature and somebody who will always be hard to forget. I know for a fact that she will forever be in my heart, much like her auntie. I get to see her grow up! It's still sinking in that I get to be around for her firsts, and that she'll always know who I am. Well, once she's old enough to really differentiate people by name.

Oh, and if you haven't gotten over the fact that this whole post is baby related? SHE'S SO FREAKING ADORABLE! Yes, ladies and gentlemen, a 20 year old boy is gushing over how cute a baby girl is. And will gladly announce that his heart has been stolen by someone who has not yet spent 48 hours breathing. It will be oh so hard to say "no" to her when she's older.

Achievement Unlocked: Vancouver!

Hey Intrawebz!

We bought Tickets to Vancouver! Yay! Finally get to go home to see my fambly in just over a month! I am SO stoked, I can't wait.

Even more cool, is that two weeks before, we shall be in Calgary to see DGF's fambly for Easter. It'll be nice to get out of this city for a little while, Edmonton is getting to be a little bit suffocating.
News on work's front, I am moving departments YET again, to one which I have next to no knowledge. Car Electronics. This will be interesting, to say the least, although the guy whose position I shall be usurping works a regular shift of 9:30-5:30 monday to friday, which will be so nice to have. Regular hours, with weekends off. Usually it doesn't get busy during the week at work, so I'm not too concerned about this move, especially since he shall be training me for a week straight. It'll be strange to think that there are two sales departments that I have not worked in now, as I have only been with the company a little over a year. It's nice to have so much knowledge, and be able to say that I can work anywhere in any department, however it's hard to figure out what the company wants to do with me. Seriously, I'm not sure if they want to keep me or get rid of me, but at the moment they seem to be happy with me. Sort of. Either way, regular hours, less complaining customers, and a bunch of new stuff to learn will keep me on my toes and keep me a little more engaged. Also, new route to and from work, which is actually much much easier and a little bit faster to get to and from work.

Life is picking up with being a little more interesting as well as a little less, daily grind-ish. Last night I got a last minute ticket to go see Rural Alberta Advantage at the Starlite Room in Edmonton. I can easily say that it was the best/most fun concert I've ever attended (not that it's saying much) but it was really nice to feel like I didn't stick out looking like a hipster. RAA is quite honestly an amazing band, with a slightly different approach to their shows. They're a three-piece band, with an incredibly talented drummer who I'm surprised didn't pass out from exhaustion after playing for close to two hours. My personal favourite song is Don't Haunt This Place, to which anyone reading this I highly recommend. Their lead singer, Nils, has a bit of a different voice, one that might take a little bit of getting used to, on a few album songs, but live he shines. A native Edmontonian, he obviously felt at home, and very excited to be there, as I did not once see him stop smiling. He plays the acoustic guitar, mainly, but also triples his talent with an impressive talent on the piano. The third and final member of the band, Amy, has a voice that could earn her quite a strong solo career and devoted following. She has the greatest ability to multi-task, at one point singing back-up vocals, and playing the tambourine, keyboard and single drum all at the same time. All three have this infectious energy and are capable of pacing their live concerts RAA is a group of musicians who definitely have a strong future in the music industry, having already released two albums, currently midway through a tour and the ability to sell out a concert at the Starlite Room in Edmonton.
All in all, check them out. Seriously. You won't be disappointed.
Also, they will be playing in Calgary this Tuesday at Republik. If there are tickets left or available, get a hold of them and dress to your hipster capability. You will not be disappointed.

Craig.
P.s. Thanks are needed for DGF and SK for convincing me to get my keister over to the concert and accept the last minute ticket!

Achievement Unlocked:

Hey Intrawebz,

So, life has a funny way of throwing things at you. I was so set on going back to school in Edmonton, when DGF comes up with a wonderful idea, sent to her by her dear fajah. Why don't we move to Montreal? There's a job opening for her, der fajah found her a place to live, and there's a school at which I could study not too far from her place, so, why not?

Like I said, it has a funny way of throwing things at you. We're still thinking about it, making a pros and cons list, however, I'm not sure what the outcome of this will be. She's all for it, but I'm a little more cautious. I, of course, am a little afraid of major changes. Also, I had just informed my parents that I wanted to go back to school in September, and should we be moving to the frenchie-land of french, it would be January (or, over there, Janvier) before I could return to my studies. First off, though, is we need to decide that we're going, and also employment and such.

Really, I am all for it, I'm just cautious, and wanting to think it through a little bit more before jumping head first into it. Because the last time I did something like that, I ended up REALLY sick, and I do NOT wish to repeat that process.

Craigles

P.S. OMIGOSHMONTREAL

Achievement Unlocked: Think of me...

Woo!
So, Intrawebz, I shall let you in on a little secret.
I freaking LOVE Phantom of the Opera. Like, LOVE it! I actually used to listen to it on my ageless walkman before I would go to sleep. (yeah, that's right. Original London Cast, on Cassette!) I'm so hipster.
Anyways, I was perusing my favourite of favourites, Youtube, when I found that somebody had uploaded pretty much the entire OLC performance. I. Am. So. Excited!
I'm pretty sure that I have given DGF a new view into my awesomeness, as I have spent most of the time reciting it almost word for word, despite not having listened to it for close to a year. Phantom is by FAR the best musical out there. It has EVERYTHING in it. That, and the main Antagonist is actually very easy to relate to.
Gah, I could go on and on about how much I love it, or how awesome it is, or...well, you get the idea.

In following with the musical aspect of the blog, I should advise you to listen to a wonderful artist by the name of Adele. DGF went out and bought her album, and we really really love it. Also, At the WWF Earth Hour Pledge party on friday night (hosted by our own lovely and amazing Savannah), we got a wicked chance to see a local band play, by the name of Audio/Rocketry. Now, I had never really listened to their music before, and wasn't entirely sure if I would enjoy it. Needless to say, however, that they rocked my socks off, both impressing me with their amazing talent and musical sense, and also with their sense of humour.
If you ever get a chance to see any of the above, take it. It's definitely worth it. Phantom is a classic that I believe everyone should see at least once (Live, never a film adaptation of it), and Adele is an amazing singer with pipes the size of an organ. She can belt out a tune and you'll feel it reverberate in your bones, she's that good. I am especially enjoying the first song on her album, titled Rolling in the Deep. Get it from iTunes, you'll be glad that you did.
Audio/Rocketry is a little bit easier to see if you're in the area, considering at the moment they're a little bit more of a local band. It's very Acoustic heavy, with the 3-piece band relying mostly on an acoustic guitar/mandolin/bass guitar trio that really manages to highlight the benefits of each instrument, with an amazing mix and range of melodies and harmonies. They have one CD out that I know of, and it's definitely worth picking up if you see it.

That is all for the moment, and my brief introduction of reviewing music. I know this has mostly been a rant about the newest music I've found/rediscovered,  but I felt it needed to be said!

Don't forget, Phantom of the Opera.
See it.
You can thank me afterwards.

Achievement Unlocked: Trips?

Hey Intrawebz,

So, nothing really of note to put up here, aside from the fact that in just over a week, my brother turns 28, and I have absolutely no idea what to get him for his birthday. Joy.
Also, Easter chez DGF's parent's will be fun, and I'm looking forward to seeing them all again. Maybe ruffle B's hair a little. Y'know, just cause. And then the following month is MAY! which means that a) actual spring, and b) trip to Vancouver! Wooo! DGF and I are going to go see my parents for a weekend, before they go on their cruise to Alaska, and DGF takes her trip to Barbados! They're all so lucky.
Hopefully me madre's arm will be feeling better after her surgery, and she won't be sore any longer. Also, it'll be nice to get back into the "sun". And by that I mean that it'll be warm, but not sunny. It IS Vancouver, y'know, they never get sun. Only rain.
...I just realized that I've got a bunch of trips coming up, because in June, we're going back to Vancouver for my birthday! Crazy, to think I'll be Legal World-Round.
Anyways, I'm hoping for a nice quick, clean change of jobs coming up, either a promotion/department shift, or a new company altogether. We'll see, but it'll be happening soon!

Until next time, amigos!

Edit: I also just found out that I scored 93% on my English provincial in Grade 12! Score!

Achievement Unlocked: School?

Hey-o!

It's been awhile since I've last blogged, I know!
So, things that have happened since then! Well, turns out that I will now have more stuff to do at work, as they are making the Sales Operators (that's me!) learn how to send out/work with all of the customer units that have been sent out for repairs, warranty stuff and come back from ze repair depot! Wooo new things to learn!

Also! I have applied for a new job as a Cashier Supervisor, which will pay more (yay!) be much much closer to home (double yay!) aaaand well, gives me a ridiculous amount of supervisor experience! (triple yay!)

So, enough about the boring things, here's my new plan for schooling, much more improved than the last one.
Step one: Apply at Grant MacEwan University for a Science degree, which is my new choice.
Step two: Acquire living quarters much closer/easier to get to both work and school.
Step three: Finish long-hauled degree, with much rejoicing.
Step four: ???
Step five: Profit.
(somehow)
Barebones outline of life for the next four years? I think yes.
At some point in there I will have to find a way to y'know, make enough money to pay rent, bills, debts and y'know general stuff like food and fun. Maybe some new clothes as well!
Aaaaaand, going back to school will put me back on my parents medical plan which = bonus!
Oh? and the degree? Major in Mathematics, or Computer Science. Whichever one I do not choose for ze majeur, I will have as me mineur. Score!

Wonderful blahg is wonderful, non?
Until next time, dahlinks!
(which hopefully will not be a long as last time!)

Acheivement Unlocked: I Get Knocked Down...

So, Intrawebz.
Adventure. But nothing I enjoyed. Basically I had a WONDERFUL (please note: Sarcasm) trip to the Hospital.
Thinking I should most likely get my act in gear and never have to have another trip like that ever again. So, Diabetes has kicked me thoroughly once again, and to add insult to injury, apparently there is something acting up with my Liver. Ah well, I'm sure ze doctors will let me know what's going on once they figure it out. Medical Mystery am I, I feel like I should be on an episode of House or Scrubs or something.
Which really doesn't make me feel that great.
On the other hand, I know have meetings galore coming up over the next month with doctors, nurses, dietitians, and even a refresher course on how to effectively deal with my Diabetes. Which will be nice. It's about freaking time that I've gotten myself in order or actually really TRIED to take care of myself. Even now, I have so many bad habits from over the years that it's going to take a while before I truly get a handle on things. In the end, it'll be worth it, though. Just unfortunate that it's kicking me when I'm down though.
Trying to figure out what to do with my life, career wise. It's hard when you know that you want to go back to school, but there are so many things out there that interest you that you could, ostensibly, qualify for. There are lots of people who complain about not having many choices to pick from in life, that their life is fairly set. But, I find that having TOO many choices is just as bad, if not worse. I'm always second guessing myself, or thinking that the goals I'm setting for myself are much too ambitious. Or not nearly ambitious enough. It's a delicate balance, and I feel stretched to my limits sometimes.
For now, career choice at the moment is Foreign Service, for the Political/Economic departments. It looks like it would be something that interests me, but I'm not 100% convinced that it's what I want to do. I like having some stability in my life, and I'm not entirely sure how much change or how often the change occurs. I really feel like I should know by now at least a general direction of where I want to go, what with a lot of my friends coming up on their last year of University, and starting to look for jobs following their degrees.
The other thing, is that the CFS requires you to have a University Degree before you're allowed to even apply for the entrance aptitude tests.
It'll be a long road to get there, and I'm not even sure if it's what I want to do. Especially because I can't even decide on what to go back to school for.
Too many choices. Too little time.
...And I SO want to get out of retail.
Alright, time to end that rant, put on my thinking cap, and finally decide what to do.
Moping time is over, New chapter of my life has begun once again.
...Doesn't help that Mulan's "I'll Make A Man Out Of You" is playing. Totally pumping me up.
-Craig
P.S. I have GOT to stop eating junk food. Seriously, it's making me even more lazy than I was previously. Bad Habit to kick #1? I think so.

Acheivement Unlocked: House

Hey Intrawebz.

So, I just realized that I actually like where I'm staying. Both my roommate (the one still here) and my landlord are awesome. Even the guys upstairs are pretty awesome, the little that I talk to them.
Just thinking about it because of the move to Calgary. It'll be nice to actually have a y'know, place to myself (mostly, I'm sure that DGF will be infiltrating it during the day) and maybe have a sitting room with couches and such. But this place is cozy. It's...familiar. It's messy, yes, but I've actually got a place where I get along well with everyone I live with.
Ah well, just me reacting to change again. I don't like change. I'm like a dog. We like familiarity.
Speaking of dogs, I want one. DGF and I saw the cutest dog waiting for a bus today. Seriously. Black lab/Australian Shepherd cross, most likely, and the friendliest, cutest face ever. I wanted to bring it home, but she said no.
Ah well, I'm realizing how much I enjoy having animals in my life. And not just any animals, but an animal that I can y'know cuddle with. Or play with. I'm thinking I'm going to get a cat when I move, which means that my search for apartments and places to stay will be harder, as it will require that one extra thing. In the long run, though, I think it'll be worth it. I am lacking in the pet-love department these days, and Prudence (DGF's feesh) unfortunately isn't filling the quota. Sad days.
Hopefully the Government is working it's butt off, (HA!) and will e-mail/call me soon. I really want to know how these applications are going to end up. No news is good news though, right?
We shall see, pig, we shall see.
Oh, and I successfully managed to pull of "Shut up Piggy, I have the Conch" the other day. So proud of myself.

-Craig.

Acheivement Unlocked: Jobs?

So, today was productive!
Three more job applications out!
Will be hearing back from loverly GoA soon concerning a past application, and now I'm feeling a bit better about today.
Now, off to my daily grind.
Joy.
(Yes this was a short post. Don't have time, and don't REALLY want to put three massive posts one right after the other. You'll probably get another one tomorrow.)

Acheivement Unlocked: Sleepy

Dear Intrawebz.

I don't like not sleeping. It's sincerely not fun.
Dear work. Please stop giving me shifts that will insure that I am aware until all hours.
Dear body. Seriously. Get your sh*t together and man up. Grow a pair, and while you're at it a Y chromosone.
Dear computer. Get fixed. You're broken. Please work.
Dear laptop. Stop being dumb. Hold a freaking charge, and maybe sometimes it's nice to recharge your battery.
Dear weather. Get warm. It's nice to be above freezing! ( On that note, it's supposed to be warm today. Not that I'll be outside to enjoy it...)
Dear food. Stay delicious.
Dear Subway. Alternate the cheese direction. Maximum cheese in my sammich is greatly appreciated. Same with the other veggies. Yes, I asked for lettuce. No, I did not ask for a lettuce salad with more lettuce and lettuce on the side.
Dear Subway employees. I know you don't care. But please do not put ALL of the sweet onion sauce in one corner of my sammich. I asked for dressing because I enjoy the flavour, not because I want a sweet onion flavoured lettuce soup with occasional bits of bread. And would it kill you to not attempt to injure yourself with a bread knife whilst cutting my food? I prefer my sandwiches human-and-blood-free.
Seriously nose, get your sh*t together. Not cool.
It's hard to sleep when you're not tired. It's even harder to sleep when you're not tired, and your nose is plugged.
I need a vacation. Anyone want to donate to the "Craig needs to fly to Vancouver for a weekend" fund?
It would be greatly appreciated! There will even be hugs!
Maybe I should go make those muffins that I've been planning on baking for, like, a bajillion years.
We'll see.
(That means no muffins, I'm lazy)
Pictures? I could...no. Lazy.
I'll figure something out, entertainment is not hard to come by when the Intranet is involved!
(For those of you not currently aware, there is actually a difference between Intranet and Internet. Crazy, eh? I should probably start making sure I use the right term).

Oh, and watch the HBO miniseries The Pacific. I've only seen the first part (episode/log/whatever you want to call it) but I am intrigued, hooked, and loving every second of it. After this I'll check out Band of Brothers and let you know what I think of that one.
Seriously, The Pacific is really well done. Amazing shots, gritty realism, characters you actually care about and only know that two, three parts down the series there's only going to be about half of them and you really don't want to see any of them go. It's hard when you're watching either a show or a series about The Second World War. Because they always bring in the most charismatic characters, with great chemistry. And it's bittersweet, because you know that at least one of them isn't going to make it to the end. Which reflects a lot upon the time period. You never really would be able to know if, say, the next year, month, week, day, hour even sometimes, that the person to whom you were just kicking tires with, killing time, enjoying yourselves, would be around. Or that you would be. I almost envy that.
The rush,of living. It seems that I have become slightly complacent. It feels like I've lost my spark, so to speak. It's been sucked, or beaten out of me from my daily grind.
Maybe this change will be the greatest thing to happen to me. (Aside, of course, from my lovely counterpart, most likely out cold in a wonderful dream. How I envy you sleepers).
I'll be able to regain my sense of adventure. I'll get actively involved in things again. I won't use this blahg as my only means to vent and release stress. Stress that builds incessantly.
I need a vacation. I need to explore. Backpack. Camera. Girlfriend. Ticket. If only.
Three months, backpacking, going wherever I wanted. Take my camera with me, if not to show of my adventures, than to expand both my skills as a photographer and a portfolio for future reference.
Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, South America. Somewhere.
Maybe I'll finish my grandfathers book, and travel to the Sudan when the referendum is finished. When there's less of a danger. Or maybe I'll go sooner.
I'm feeling slightly caged, and narrow sighted. I need more perspective. I need more...life.
Die Gee-Eff, because I know you'll be reading this later, I want you to come with me when I go.
It might not be the "adventure" or the "traveling" that you wanted to do, but hopefully we can reach a compromise and make it work for the both of us.
The old world is calling me, and I feel it's pull.
Cairo. Alexandria.Jerusalem. Tel Aviv.
We can jump from there to Asia, in Hong Kong, Beijing, Singapore, Tokyo, Osaka.
South to Fiji, where my brothers have said they've always enjoyed.
New Zealand, and we'll stop by to see family and friends.
Europe can be done when we're a little older, a little more...set in our ways.
Alaska, where my parents are going later this year, is one trip I've always wanted to take.
Even with all my griping about being "contained" and "caged" I will always, always think of the Western Coast of British Columbia as home.
Tall, majestic trees, looming overhead as if to proclaim dominance of both land and sky. The fresh, crisp sound of the rivers running into the ocean, bubbling and foaming to demonstrate the nature of it's force. The endless wildlife all somehow managing to co-exist beneath our ever present gaze.
I have decided, after much thought on the matter during the day (when I should have been working, bad Craig!) that I am going to attempt to build my way to attain a career in what I have coveted for years, of being a Photographer and Journalist for the National Geographic Magazine.
To be able to see the world for in all of it's glory, I will need planning, patience, skill, training, luck and above all perseverence.
The ability to report on the goings on of the planet, both through nature and the human aspect, will be one of the greatest joys. This will mark the beginning of my path towards this goal.

...Wow that actually is going to be a bit of a read. Kind of a few different tones to it, I could almost make it into a few different posts. But, as I mentioned earlier...Lazy.
Sleep deprivation/second wind must be hitting me, as I am now super super hyper active, and needing something to calm me down and knock me out.

Until next time,
Aspiring published journalist Sprung
(I will be able to join my cousin in the ranks of journalists!)
Also, there's a billion topics in here so I'm just tagging it as everything.

Enjoy!

Acheivement Unlocked: Confused

Hey Intrawebz.

Just had an awesome talk with my older brother currently being freakishly awesome in New Zealand with his Girlfriend. Seriously, his day today (tomorrow?) consisted of hanging out of a helicopter whilst flying up and down a mountain. While not exactly my cup of tea, his "average" day manages to put mine to shame easily. Canoeing through New Zealands rivers? Hikes through the tropics? -sigh- Best. Job. Ever.
Ah well, it's not like my life is in shambles or anything, although I REALLY would like to hear back from the lovely government concerning a particular job application. That would be nice.
To the point, he managed to part some brotherly wisdom to me, which I've really been needing considering he's probably one of the most influential people in my life.
It's nice to know that I've got a brother who, halfway around the world still manages to give me advice on my life, and helps me decide what I should be doing. I must be getting a teensie bit homesick cause I have the sudden urge to walk downstairs and wrestle with my little brother. Although "little" is, y'know, not really a good description of him now cause he's probably taller than me and has at least a good 20 pounds of muscle on me as well.
I'm going to start planning a trip back in May, because by then hopefully I'll have a) the money and b) the time off. We shall see.
Also, I'm back to my old wishy-washy ways of trying to decide what to do with my life. School-wise, anyways. It'll be interesting to see which wins out this time, Photojournalism (again? not very creative there...) and Computer Engineering (be that network/software/systems...we'll see).
This is all brought upon by checking up on what good ol' National Geographic's been up to lately, and luckily (unfortunately) it has rekindled my long lost dream of being a photographer for said company. Now, I do realize that it's not so simple to attain this dream, and it will most likely take a while before it can be realized. That and I'd have to work in the States, which I'm not entirely sure I'm ready for. (Yes, I'm being cheeky, but I do so love being Canadian. I am unabashedly proud to be Canadian, and when traveling I love being able to announce that yes, "I am Canadian!").
We'll see how things shape up, and I'm really hoping that one morning I'll wake up and suddenly realize what my purpose is and be able to follow that path. Dreams, I know.
Now, it's late, and I'm not tired. Why, lady of the night, must you curse me with all of the excess energy when I know I should be trying to fix my sleeping patterns? You are a coy and confusing mistress indeed.
Maybe I'll find some inspiration among cooking recipes and meal ideas. Or maybe I'll end up on Cracked.
Until we meet again,
Craig
P.S. I would SO love to travel right about now. Winter Blues may have set in a little...

Acheivement Unlocked: Exhaustion

Hey Intrawebz

So. Lots of things on my mind. Firstly, I'm agonizing over hearing from this Job opportunity in Calgary. Litterally foaming at the mouth. Stupid Government and their taking time to respond. Ah well, It'll teach me the virtue of patience, while I fling myself at attempting to find another greater adventure in job hunting. Crickey! Would you look at the hours on that one? Wow, she's a real beaut...oh, nevermind. Posting for Fort McMurray. You would be surprised a the amount of times that I found a really awesome job posting, only to realize that it's stuck WAY out in the middle of nowhere. Makes life difficult sometimes.
The weather isn't helping with life either. It's been really lovely the last couple of days and a metric ton of snow has melted everywhere in the City. However, it's reminding me a lot of BC, and I'm missing the atmosphere of the Lower Mainland. Nothing beats (in my mind) sitting under my parents' deck on a 30 year old worn couch sipping hot chocolate with friends and listening to the rain pound mercilessly on the top deck.
Soon enough, I'll be back.
Now, enough with all the griping. Time to go find out why Telus shut off my phone services, and why my Landlord wants me to call him.
Wish me luck!
Craig
Oh, and I want my cat, too.

Achievement Unlocked: Food

Food.
For some (incredibly terrible and horrible) reason, I have been thinking about food today.
It may be because of my stupid idea to eat at a certain chicken-themed fast food "restaurant" yesterday and now have food poisoning.
Which, I may add, is one of the worst things ever.
My brain is not working so well, as I am hungry but can't keep anything down, and I need to help plan what we're going to be eating this weekend on the ski trip.
Food.
Disimpressed.
Oh, and I really need to finish that darn resume of mine. Cause I want a new job, the one I currently have is amazingly frustrating. Not the work itself, though. The work itself I kind of enjoy. It's mostly the atmosphere and a fair amount of the people that I work with. Most of the people I enjoy working with are either quitting or getting "let go".
Ah well, I'll find something good.
Now, back to trying not to throw up.
Cheers,
Craig

Achievement Unlocked: Mum!

Hey Intrawebz, sorry short post again today!

Me Mum's coming to visit later today (I get to meet her at the hotel in roughly 2 hours!) and I still have yet to clean my house. Crockpot is finally being used, and I fell in love with the knives DGF's parents gave me for Christmas. Seriously, I don't....they're just...wow. Never before have I loved a set of kitchen appliances this much. I will be most upset if they stop being this awesome.
Anywho, thought I'd update you on ze job hunt! Found an awesome one for our loverly Federal Government, which I think would be awesome. It's for the Department of Veteran Affairs, but I'm not sure if they'd place me in Edmonton or Calgary. We'll see, but I'm definitely going to need help with my resume for this job. Seriously.
Also, BBY is starting to frustrate me endlessly, and I'm really not enjoying work anymore. We shall see what becomes of me, and my employment. Curious, Indeed.

Until next time, Adios!
Craig

Achievement Unlocked: New Year

Hey Intrawebz!

There are so many new things happening in my life right now, and it's starting to get me really really excited for 2011! First off, my mum has decided to make her way to the frozen tundras of Edmonton to come visit for a weekend. Which is really really exciting, as I haven't "seen" (Skype doesn't count!) any of my family since September. It will be really nice to be able to get a "Mom" hug.
Also exciting, is the fact that I am actively looking for a new job, which has been SO well documented in the past couple of weeks. I have decided to no longer be a retail slave, and instead am looking to progress to an office slave. Who knows, hopefully I'll manage to get the one job that I'm really really interested in.
In other, related, news, I am looking at going back to school in the fall. Yay! Higher Education! Computer Science is really interesting for me, and to be able to actually tinker around with my computers will give me endless amounts of joy. That, and, y'know, not having to slave away at retail.
My biggest resolutions this year are to; A) not be working in retail for any of the large "consumer" holidays, and B) start my return to school.
So, exciting news, exciting year (hopefully!), and lots of trips planned!
Vancouver, at least twice, and hopefully France if it's viable.
Short blahg today, I'll make he next one super long!
-Craigles