the vinyl cafe

the world is right again ...

2006-09-05T19:46:00.000-04:00

This does not deserve its own post and probably only further proves my obsessiveness with John Mayer (which is really just huge appreciation for making such great music), but Jessica Simpson admitted that she was not dating John on The View.

AHA! I TOLD YOU! People said I was wrong but there you go! He was never in on this charade!

Can you say 'loser'?

2006-08-29T06:21:00.000-04:00

Despite its serious nature, Continuum isn't a huge departure from Mayer's earlier work. As the artist jokes, "It's not like this is Swahili chants."

Haha.

Dang! Listened to four tracks already.

Brother, if you ain't excited, well ... I can be for you.

2006-08-28T18:38:00.001-04:00

So do I continue?

Perhaps the best way is to just take a break so that all these vultures can get off my trail.

I'm still needed in some cases though.

Best to avoid watchful eyes.

Why didn't anyone tell me?

P.S. Brenda, I hope you don't explode. Bzzz!

on family ...

2006-08-24T11:13:00.000-04:00

Ken - How ghetto is Kennedy Commons?: Hey Derek, Kow Foo gave me that TIME MANAGEMENT book... he said he lent it to you and you dropped it into the crapper or something hahahaha

dereklai. stop this train: hahahah, it wasn't me man. it was left in the trunk forever. and somehow it got oil stains or something

Ken - How ghetto is Kennedy Commons?: the book's all nasty orange... and smells funny... hahaha

Gitchie: LOL

dereklai. stop this train: sorry i have no idea what happened to it. my dad discovered it after like two seasons in the back

Ken - How ghetto is Kennedy Commons?: LOL don't tell Kow Foo that... he'll get mad

later ...

Gitchie: i'll cook up something niiiiiice. that;ll look like Derek's book

Ken - How ghetto is Kennedy Commons?: then you'll really be +o(

dereklai. stop this train: it's not mine!! nor did it get dropped into the crapper

Ken - How ghetto is Kennedy Commons?: yeah, that book is narsty. can't beleive I brought it home

dereklai. stop this train: hahahaha and he still gave it to you

even later ...

*Sunshine*: what is THe Descent about?

Ken - How ghetto is Kennedy Commons?: I showed you the trailer. the 6 girls cave-diving. and then they have a pillowfight down there. and they get cabin fever. and then they meet the brothers from The Cave

*Sunshine*: really...does it have anything to do with ghosts, spirits or the devil?

Ken - How ghetto is Kennedy Commons?: no

dereklai. stop this train: just evil things. like the book on time management

Ken - How ghetto is Kennedy Commons?: it's just some eccentric people living in the pits

*Sunshine*: good one Derek

Ken - How ghetto is Kennedy Commons?: LOL. I'll bring it with me today

Gitchie: daw and I thought all this time Descent was about public etiquette and wearing good clothes

Ken - How ghetto is Kennedy Commons?: I'll let you hold it

dereklai. stop this train: you don't need help with that jay

Ken - How ghetto is Kennedy Commons?: LOL jay

*Sunshine*: eeeewww, I think I put that thing in my lunch bag

Gitchie: like.. the title should read "Descent manners"

Ken - How ghetto is Kennedy Commons?: hahaha yah, you did

dereklai. stop this train: hahaha

Gitchie: or "isn't it time you became Descent?" training video

Ken - How ghetto is Kennedy Commons?: The Decent VS. The Descent

Gitchie: LOL

*Sunshine*: that book looked pretty ancient

again, later ...

Ken - How ghetto is Kennedy Commons?: I'll just tell him that the book is too damaged to read, thanks to Derek. words are smudged. and smelly

Gitchie: tell him you went to watch "Descent'

*Sunshine*: Dreek's big ass sat on the book while taking a crap.

Gitchie: a training video about time management and decency

Ken - How ghetto is Kennedy Commons?: I don't think he'll buy it. he'll just frown

Gitchie: which one? taking a crap? at least you were diligent about reading during number 2

Ken - How ghetto is Kennedy Commons?: It was actually quite funny, cuz Kow Foo was a little embarrassed when he handed me the book. he was like maybe I should scan the book first and laminate it instead

Gitchie: "oh... this book sounds very familiar.. like the turds i'm about to pass out.. might as well throw it in with the rest"

how i love my family. most of you won't understand but it was pretty funny for us at the time. i'm just pasting it here for myself really. but those of you who appreciate it can laugh too.

for the record, i didn't drop it into the crapper ... it just got ruined somehow.

2006-07-29T19:28:00.000-04:00

I've got this nasty habit of letting friends drift.

I guess it happens easily if they're based on feelings.

I can honestly count on one hand the number of actual friends that I can really talk to and bare my soul with ... and not be plagued by a hovering mass of hormones or something to that effect. Whatever.

There were those who appeared to make me 'ambidextrous' but all too soon (and those who prolonged extensive agony that spanned an entire school year) they too, fell away.

I'm sorry.

Must be careful this time 'round.

I'm an ass but I'm working on it.

in other news:

I am loved.

2006-07-08T17:39:00.000-04:00

There we go.

Only a matter of days until France missions.

2006-06-29T14:27:00.000-04:00

Home life
Been holding out for the home life
My whole life ...

He says it quite well. I'm itching to see the ending - to see how it's all going to plot out before me, to learn her name and what she's like. Where am I going to be? When am I going to meet her?

And the waiting game continues ...

Finish on a Friday
And sit in traffic on the highway ...

Aside from all that DCLA is tomorrow and it really hasn't sunk in yet.

I'm back for a week after that and then it's off to France I go!

People who I need to see during that week remind me before I forget.

Continuum is coming out September 12th, 2006. His pop-blues fusion is genius.

2006-06-04T00:44:00.000-04:00

It's not a silly little moment when the thought of what you once were brings tears to my eyes.

I hardly knew you or talked to you for that matter, but as my involvement with NY grew, so did my relationship with you. You reached out to me and made sure I was comfortable and had a place to fit in on that first day (or so you thought it was) and yet I showed no appreciation. Gilead took a more central part of my life and from that moment on we were no longer just distant family, it became something deep-rooted and meaningful.

I suppose I didn't see this coming as your displacement from home seemed harmless at best. We were all proud of you and moreover, we were excited for what lay ahead. But without that restraint and nagging, life became a roller coaster for you and we, concerned, stood watching from the sidelines as you experimented.

The person I once knew is so far gone from what I see now. Being around you is awkward and only brings more pain than I can bear. I want the old you back.

It's not OK to leave us in the dark while you go out and get involved with dubious people and expect us to give you the thumbs up. I want the old you back.

I feel so disconnected from your life and everytime I ask, you reassure me with a white lie or whatever it is that you like to feed me and I buy into it. I mean really, does the monkey ask where the banana comes from? I enjoyed this "truth" you threw at me, believing that things really were OK and perhaps for a fleeting moment I'd thought you would come back and peace would be restored. Wrong again, Derek. I want the old you back.

What's more, there's him who knows the type of things you do and he'll scrutinize my concern for what you're up to behind closed doors. He's not even family.

Dammit,

I want the old you back.

2006-05-17T17:24:00.000-04:00

It's so pathetic that I've been checking John Mayer's myspace page everyday for the past month, hoping for any indication that Continuum will be out soon. I really do hope it arrives sooner than later.

I think I've moved on from the Taylor gutiar desires ...

I most definitely want a Martin now.

Check it.

Thanks for all your time,

- Derek

2006-05-15T21:24:00.000-04:00

Boy, am I ever in need of motivation right now.

Someone help me.

2006-03-29T18:58:00.000-05:00

You know you're getting old when you read "policy" as "police-ee."

The more school I endure, the more university I want. Sure, people will tell me to enjoy the years I have here at PCA but in all honesty I want out. NOW!

I've been getting The Hockey News out the wazoo. The Leafs aren't going to make the playoffs and I'm not sad.

One more baptism class until the big dance on April 16th. That shall be great.

I need to become the man I was meant to be.

I don't know if I should go to France or not. God? Anyone?

DCLA should be fun ... despite the fact that someone jumped off the boat.

I want a Taylor but that won't be happening for many years to come.

2006-03-23T08:53:00.000-05:00

So. Coldplay!! It was amazing but I'm le tired. They played "Square One" for the intro and that was pretty good.

"Politik" was rocked out and lights were flashing like crazy. Chris Martin took his shirt off on stage because it was "too hot". They played some new songs and "Ring of Fire" by Johnny Cash which was interesting to see. I managed to record all of "Talk" despite the remaining battery life on my camera. Wahoo!

Now to wait for the DVD of the show...

Now I just have to see Switchfoot in concert. THEN I SHALL be complete.

But first, Death Cab and Franz.

2006-02-12T15:49:00.000-05:00

What a birthday. Thanks everybody.

I haven't even turned 16 yet.

Three days to go.

2006-02-10T23:08:00.000-05:00

That's it. You think we play guitar because we want to be "cool" and "get girls"? I'm sick of your attitude and your self-induced superior status amongst us other guitarists. What gives you the divine right to judge us and declare us as "pansies" and "posers"? Granted, you do have the skill and you are talented and we may not have the certain knowledge or sound that deems us as "worthy" of your presence, but being good just isn't enough. Your basket isn't quite full enough and your egotistical mindset drives you to bash us and you go so far that you begin to contradict yourself. You say we do it for the image and that makes us posers but you say you love being infront of thousands of people getting your adrenaline rush. Is that not the same? Do we see no relation between the two?

What's more, you blatantly lie to my face and behind my back you're ranting about my own sound and whatnot. I may not be as talented or have the knowledge but I am a human. I started guitar for a reason. I picked it up with sheer determination to play for worship and just bring all the glory to God. Is it not enough that I am humble and keep to myself? Is it not enough that my friends who also play guitar keep to themselves? Must we be so far off the radar that we're only to pluck a string and be done with guitar? Is your self-confidence so depleted that you snub off others with nothing to prove but play only for the sake of playing guitar?

Get over yourself and learn to accept others as they are.

2006-02-05T19:17:00.001-05:00

An excerpt from "Home From The Vinyl Cafe" by Stuart McLean

At 4:00 a.m., with the help of a taxi driver named Mohammed, Dave found an open store. There was one turkey left: twelve pounds, frozen tight, grade B - whatever that meant. It looked like a flesh-coloured bowling ball.
When he took it to the counter, the clerk stared at it in confusion.
"What is that?" said the clerk suspiciously.
"It's a turkey," said Dave.
The clerk shook his head. "Whatever you say, buddy."
As Dave left the store, the clerk called after him, "You aren't going to eat that are you?"

He was home by 4:30. The first thing he did was make another pot of coffee. Then he went to work on the bird. By 6:30 he had the turkey more or less thawed. He used an electric blanket and a hair dryer.
As the turkey defrosted, it became clear what grade B meant. The skin on its right drumstick was ripped. Dave's turkey looked as if it had made a break from the slaughterhouse and dragged itself a block or two before it was captured and beaten to death. Dave began to refer to his bird as Butch. He turned Butch over and found another slash in the carcass. Perhaps, he thought, Butch died in a knife fight.

At this point Dave decides to bring Butch to a hotel to have it cooked because of the lack of space in the oven in which his wife, Morley, is cooking a casserole.

The bellboy took the turkey, and the twenty-dollar bill Dave handed him, without blinking an eye.
Dave said, "You have those big convection ovens. I have to have it back before 5:30 p.m"
"You must be very hungry, sir," was all he said.
Dave collapsed into the bed. He didn't move until the phone rang half an hour later. It was the hotel manager.
He said the turkey was in the oven. Then he said, "You raised the bird yourself?" It was a question.
Dave said yes.
There was a pause. The manager said, "The chef says the turkey looks like it was abused."
Dave said, "Ask the chef if he has ever killed a turkey. Tell him the bird was a fighter. Tell him to stitch it up."

[10 days until my birthday]

2006-01-26T23:18:00.000-05:00

Tonight I went to my second Leaf game and witnessed their seventh loss in a row. Let me show you in pictures:

So here I am posing for my snap-happy mother who just had to take a picture of me.

This is what I was watching while waiting for the Buds to come out for their pre-game warm up.

The game was pretty fast paced and exciting with tons of scoring. To my own surprise, the guys around me cheered when Belfour got the hook. Change, change everyone wants change in Leaf Nation. There were some drunk guys doing commentary on the game. "We want Belak on the ice!!" "We love you Belak!" All sarcasm of course. It was pretty funny.

So by the end of the third period I got fed up with the score so I decided to leave but before I did, I went down to the lower bowl to get some more close-ups of the Leafs losing 7-4. I think this is just before the Sabres plotted the empty-netter.

So what's next for the Leafs? Perhaps we could trade Allison. He is a pile of crap on the ice. It's embarassing to watch him make stupid plays and even score on our own net (from the replays it looked like he kicked the puck in intentionally).

Final score: 8-4 Buffalo. Steen is the future of this team.

Oh and on another note, if anyone can tell me where "I'm cold Phyllis. Aren't you cold?" is from I'll give you a pat on the back.

2006-01-26T10:51:00.000-05:00

Freshman year,
Mom asks "What do you want to do
when you get out of here?"
I said, "Well, gee, I'm only 13,
but I think I'd like to play my guitar...
be a star."
"Well," she said, "that's not it,
you got time to go.
Good sense will kick in anytime, you know.
I'm not worried, I'm not worried."

Sophomore year,
she asked the same old thing,
my answer had remained unchanged.
I saw her fidget with her thumbs.
She said, "You like computers, John,
you like computers, don't you?
Yeah, I always see you with computers...
you like computers
maybe you could do something with computers.
Yeah, wouldn't that be nice?"

Junior year,
It's a little more intense,
She says, "What do you want to do with your life?"
I'm not on the fence, I know exactly what I aim to be,
and I'm only 17.
She said, "Well, all I ask, is that you pay attention in class,
so if you happen to change your mind in time,
you can still go somewhere reputable...
do us proud."
So I went downstairs,
and I played guitar loud.

Yeah, senior year,
Same old question,
She said, "What do you want to do?"
I said, "Play my guitar and sing."
She said, "There's no such thing."
She said, "There's no such thing..."

I love you mom

We Are One Tonight

2006-01-15T16:07:00.000-05:00

All rise
Al fall
I'll fail you all
We built these cities to stand so tall
We've lost
Our walls
I don't want to lose you coming down with the whole world upside down
I don't have a soul to trust in now with the whole world upside down
We are one tongiht and we're singing it out
We are one tonight and we're dreaming out loud
Though the world is flawed these scars will heal
We are one tonight
Two eyes
One tongue
I've come undone
I'm no victim
I've paid these dues
I came to lose
I don't want to fight about it now with the whole world upside down
I dont' ahve a soul to trust in now with the whole world upside down
I don't want to lose the common ground with
the whole world upside down
I don't want to fight about it now in a world that's burning out
Let's slow the evening down, slow it down, slow down
Please slow down, down, down
The stars are coming out

-Switchfoot

2006-01-07T12:21:00.000-05:00

GOLD!!

2006-01-05T22:42:00.000-05:00

Is it any surprise that we obliterate the competition?

In other words the Canadian juniors won gold for the second time in a row.

What baffles me is how the overly-confident Russians can be so cocky and yet break down and sob after losing a game to the superior Canadians.

Perhaps I'm being harsh but when the Star asked Russian captain Evgeni Malkin whether they would win, he replied, "easily". Boy does that make my blood boil.

Anyways I'm better and I want a harmonica. And some CDs.

2006-01-04T22:16:00.000-05:00

Neglected..
again..

They say I've lost it
What could i know
When I'm but a mockery?
I'm so alone

And it all seems so helpless
And I have no plans
I'm a plane in the sunset
With nowhere to land

My arm hurts. Note to self: stop playing No Such Thing.

2005-12-20T23:49:00.000-05:00

Wow she posted.

I find myself up late yet again. Second night in a row. Maybe not late for some of you but I need my rest!

Leaving for Florida on the 25th.

I love John Mayer and his crazy faces.

whoa dude!

2005-12-20T22:53:00.000-05:00

i leave the vinyl cafe for a few months and LOOK WHAT IT HAS BECOME! haha. sorry derky for not posting for song long. i get too caught up in xanga. oh man. because i finished all my isps, since im a nerd, i decided hey why not go take a visit at the vinyl cafe. so here i am. boy oh boy i cant wait for christmas. im so into the christmas spirit. gah i want this week to end! i think i realy need to go to mitchells one day so i can get one of those david crowder cd's derek has been talking about. because david crowder is just SO COOL isnt he? haha. anyhow. im not much of a deep thinking talker here. thats really what derek does. haha i think thats what makes derek so popular on blogger. isn't that right derry? haha okay i'll finish now. this should be a surprise.

Stars

2005-12-02T23:56:00.000-05:00

You should see the stars tonight
How they shimmer shine so bright
Against the black they look so white
Coming down from such a height
To reach me now, You reach me now

You should see the moon in flight
Cutting 'cross the misty night
Softly dancing in sunshine
Reflections of its light
Reach me now, You reach me now

And how could such a thing
Shine it's light on me
And make everything
Beautiful again

You should feel the sun in spring
Coming out after a rain
Suddenly all is green
Sunshine on everything
I can feel it now, I feel You now

You should hear the angels sing
All gathered 'round their King
More beautiful than you could dream
I've been quietly listening
You can hear them now, I hear them now, oh yeah

And how could such a King
Shine His light on me
And make everything
Beautiful again

I want to shine, I want to be light
I want to tell You it'll be alright
And I want to shine, and I want to fly
Just tell You now, it'll be alright

It'll be alright, it'll be alright

'Cause I've got nothing of my own to give to You
But this light that shines on me, shines on You
And makes everything beautiful again

It'll be alright, it'll be alright

-David Crowder

NHL

2005-10-05T19:14:00.000-04:00

Hockey is back ... and that means only one thing!

NACHOS!!

My beloved Buds are back in action! They still suck though ... which means we are without Lord Stanley once again. But who knows maybe Lindros and Allison will become the NHL's one-two punch!

Musn't forget this young man

Hooray for Crosby!

Let's hope he can be great again this year

And once more, Go Leafs Go

2005-09-13T18:32:00.000-04:00

And so the wait is over and "Nothing Is Sound" has taken over my life. Go buy it now, and while you're at it ....

The friendly people of David Crowder Band have sent me an email telling me to inform you about their glorious new CD!

Spend, spend, spend!

i turned fifteen

2005-08-31T00:32:00.000-04:00

haha okay well i went to mt tremblant. THAT was VERY VERY FUN. you could read my xanga for details.
WWW.XANGA.COM/OBSESSED_WAVE
anyway school is coming a bit too soon. like in a week for real. gosh. i guess im sorta excited for school. haha dont get me wrong but imean you get to seen your friends right? but then again. school. and we're SPLIT UP THIS YEAR! like what is up with that?! i liked my class finee. anyhow. whoa its 12 30 i actually should be sleeping right now. i need to adjust to "back to school time zone"! ho hum.

A Tale of Two Counsellors

2005-08-31T00:24:00.000-04:00

GRAR

VBS. My, what a mind-stimulating event that allowed characters such as The Human Torch and House (black version) to emerge from the depths of the twisted minds of one Alexander Lee and Derek Lai. Pauline was none to happy about this event. It began with a half-assed Monday morning skit about Super Missionaries, and spawned into The Pyros whom pleased many and displeased one disgruntled Camp Director ...

It soon consumed my life, The Pyros, yes I was usually seen staying up late into the night typing up a script for the following morning. These skits turned into something that was truly more for its writers, than who it was initially inteded for: the kids. Oh sure, it had violence, political incorrectness but there was still an underlying theme of missionary work, and the kids absolutely loved it! In the end, mission accomplished.

The Human Torch was a troubled soul. After witnessing the death of his mentor, The Human Flame, he began a search for youths who would join forces with him and fight the evil Bizarro. He encountered many potentials, yet they proved to be duds as one converted to the ways of the Atkin Diet and the other four lived with their mothers all of whom would not allow their boys to go out past 9:00pm. He went through a beret wearing period in which he discovered his inner-self. But that is a story yet to be told (VBS 2006 anyone?). Finally, after years of soul-searching and Church-building, he came across two young lads who appeared to have great knowledge of the Bible, good builds, and handsome faces. He decided that THEY would be his successors. Their names were Derek and Stephen, but due to outside sources (me) their names were changed to suit the roller-coaster lifestyle that they were subjecting themselves to. Now named Isaiah (played by me ['Isaiah' said in a gruff voice]) and Evangelor (played by Stephen), The Human Torch had found his two students and fulfilled the promise he made to his mentor 20 years ago!

It was rough, writing for The Pyros (I realize I'm no longer italicizing these words), yet I had Alex along on this wild ride so it was worth it (it was really his job to do it but hey, who cares?). Following encounters with Kim Jong Il (played by Alex [this episode brought us to Korea where The Human Torch got the "Kimchi Willies" or something like that ... correct me if I'm wrong Alex]), and Bill Cosby (Me [by far the most confusing episodes]), the face of The Pyros had changed. The team now consisted of The Human Torch (Alex), House (Me), and The Green Seraph (Nathan)! The sudden disappearance of Evangelor brought up only one question: Who cares? Getting back on track, this new trio of missionaries became a force to be reckoned with on the Mission field, and after ridding the earth of evil, only one figurehead remained. Bizarro.

Bizarro is a man of few words.

During one brainstorm session with Alex (which took place in Jeremy Law's office...which tookplace during VBS hours) we decided that the season finale should include theme songs, creepy music, guest stars and more crazy non-sensical violence!

The season finale brought the trio to Willy Wonka's amazing Chocolate Factory! It was a fifteen minute horror show for the kiddies! Roxanne narrated and brought everyone up to speed with all the going-ons of the Pyros. Unfortunately The Pyros bid farewell to House, who was injured in the heat of the battle between the newly-turned-evil Evangelor and Willy Wonka (played by Jeremy Law [he is also Bizarro pretending to be the evil chocolateer!]). Luckily, when the remaining Pyros were on their last legs Bionic Preacher showed up and allowed them to unlock the only weapon that could put Bizarro and Co. away forever!

THE TRINITY GUN

It requires three Christians to carry and operate.

It obliterated the evil ...

The kids cheered!

Everyone was happy ... but one ...

Yeah that was only session one ... session two was ... eugh.

2005-08-24T14:13:00.000-04:00

"Guess what , my boy!"
"What??"
"It's a very special time! Do you really want to know?"
"Yes!"
"Are you sure?"
"YES YES YES!!!"
"It's Picture Time!!!"
"..."
My Life ... The past few weeks of summer! (in photos)
Here is I, playing the sexy Taylor Guitar!

Right after camping, at Maison du Japon ... pigging out with Tiff! (I put this up cause we both look ridiculous)

The trio rocking out at Church

Switchfoot ... 'nuff said

Go and buy their CDs in bulk

Dr. Gregory House! I've fallen in love with this show and so should you! Season One comes out August 30th!

David Crowder asks: "What do I do with two Crowdsters?!"
I say: GIVE ONE TO ME!!!

His new CD is coming out soon as well
"A Collision" by David Crowder Band

So there you have it. Summer's been great. See you real soon PCAers.

two weeks til school. OH JOY

2005-08-23T22:40:00.000-04:00

my back hurts again. but from sitting and straining while i was sitting. quite confusing actually. well im going to mt tremblant in 2 days. and um ya. i finished my piano exam! whihc is good. i just need to see my mark. i had a great retreat and um ya. im just waiting for school to start again. which kinda sucks. buti really have nothing to do. i still havent gotten my school books yet. but i think i might get them tomorrow. well anyhow thats enough updating for now. i dont know what to say. i wish i was stil at retreat.

2005-08-18T17:50:00.000-04:00

Rocking pictures to come soon...

Anyways don't ask how but I've got "Nothing Is Sound" by Switchfoot already. I'm going to buy the CD so you can all hush...

Back to my point. It's great. I love it. They've done it again. Everyone go buy their new CD in bulk.

"Happy Is A Yuppie Word", "The Blues", and "Daisy" are my favourites on the CD. Daw it's great.

2005-08-02T23:31:00.000-04:00

heres a link phil gave me to some photos taken by some torontonian photographer. if you're really bored maybe you could take a look at them. theyre really good.

http://wvs.topleftpixel.com/archives/photos_macro/030704_7.shtml

2005-08-02T21:14:00.000-04:00

i guess its time to update since i havent done so since....who knows when. july 11 i think. i havent been on the compouter much. can you imagine that? me not going on the computer on my own free will. so anyhow. summers just flying by. i can't believe it. but lately ive been thinking a lot lately. who knows why. im not much of a thinker or anything. haha and i've had several interesting dreams lately. but my piano exam is coming up. im pretty nervous about it but i think i'll do okay.

interesting comics you got going there derek

2005-08-01T18:40:00.000-04:00

Yet another exciting installment in The Adventures of Earl.

It's too late in the night for me to think straight...

2005-07-27T23:15:00.000-04:00

I made this comic originally for Brenda but then I thought it was too depressing not to post. We are all beautiful inside...or as Mrs. O would put it: "Weeners!" or.."Supahstahs!" There is more to come...from Earl.

Also:

2005-07-26T08:06:00.000-04:00

A post that's long overdue. I'm sitting here in a hotel lobby of a Holiday Inn with free internet. Being me, I've capitalized on this opportunity and spend most of my free time here. How are things, how are things. Thinking about baptism, joining worship team at school, wishing summer wasn't flying away as it usually does ... Lord help me now.

...
...

Breakfast!

2005-07-12T17:44:00.000-04:00

DAW it's actually five days people. The ticker is wrong. Anyways haven't posted in a while because of my lack of...wanting to. Things are fine things are great though i wish i had a big silver plate.

2005-07-11T19:55:00.000-04:00

HBP IN THREEE DAYS!!! yayyy but i dont think i'll get it by then. FINALLY some summer reading coming along!

okok i'll post

2005-07-03T17:37:00.000-04:00

hm well lately ive been trying to practice piano and i hope i can do my exam and pass. how scary. anyhow im eating smarties right now haha. i should really stop. eating one box all at once isnt good for you. well today i had the experience of carrying a baby in those pouches while walking around til she fell asleep. boy it was very VERY tiring. it hurt my shoulder. and my back. haha but babies are SOO cute =). and there was this other baby. you know hes kinda weird. hed smile and thena ll of a sudden he'll cry. and then he'll smile and laugh a little. wow. quick changes of mood! haha anyhow i watched a perfect man yesterday. due to my sisters ..."obsession" with hilary duff. even though she wont admit it. haha i dont know what it is about her. but anyhow shes really pretty in the movie. i guess it wasnt that good but it wasnt horrible it just wasnt. as good as raise your voice or cinderella story. and there was no chad michael murray or oliver james in that movie so it wasnt as good haha. but no treating guys as objects derek would say. anyhow i better go practice piano. i do have a lesson tomorrow. oh boy.

and an update onto the vinyl cafe

2005-06-28T21:25:00.000-04:00

wow lets see. well did i mention going to vaughan mills? wow that mall is VERY VERY TIRING. it hurted my back. i guess i awsnt that satisfied even THOUGH i got stuff. i mean a girl could always use more clothes right? ahahaha. ANYHOW. at fellowship we learned that we shouldnt slack off on our relationship with God in the summer and thats very very important. and im going to try to stay with God and not get lazy afterall it IS summer. haha. gosh you know what? my tummy's been hurting a lot these days. theres something wrong with me. ohh dear. i wanna watch a movie. i wanna watch mr. and mrs. smith it looks prettttty cool! alright then.

DAW

2005-06-24T14:24:00.000-04:00

So yesterday i bought my 620 dollar Yamaha Compass Guitar! It sounds great and I'm doing great! Yay! Here are some pictures:

YEEHAW

2005-06-22T14:22:00.000-04:00

wow that was a long post derek wrote. hmm im looking forward to saturday. i get to go to buffalo! and we all know what THAT means. whats a girls favourite thing to do? SHOPPING. why yes of course shopping. outlet malls and everything. haha well. my experience to physio therapy wasnt exactly fun. but its not bad either. they made me do these stretches and it really tired me out. aha. well then

one day later
and im not going anymore. how sad! but whatever. i have managed to scratch my knee so much that it stings all the time. i dont know HOW i did it. it hurts

2005-06-22T10:34:00.000-04:00

Fine! FINE! I'll write something...
(thinking..)

DAW Half-Blood Prince is coming out SOON...speaking of which:

I'm sure Harry Potter and co. wouldn't get half as much flamage from the Christian community if it traded places with the things that we see on TV today. Imagine a world where we were not bombarded with action, murder, drugs, sex, and alcoholism. But rather, we would constantly see "majikul" things EVERYWHERE! Of course, at first, the Christian community would object to all the sinful things we're seeing on the silver screen, but as time passes, we accept it, and eventually we are numb to all of it and soon it becomes the status quo of theatre. A movie is simply not complete without some wizardry or witchcraft. And along comes a daring, bold author who decides to write a book about murder, deception, lying, corruption etc. Once again the Christian community causes an uproar! We don't want our children reading stuff that the Bible condemns and claims is "evil"! OK stop imagining now, and come back to the real world. Wizardry has been taking so much heat from Christians, and churches yet they do not realize that this world is already corrupt and full of sinful things on TV.

"Sure Billy you can go watch some movie about murder (sin), dirty premarital sex (sin), and other things we are oblivious to! What's that? You've changed your mind? HARRY POTTER?! No way, the Bible states that wizardry is evil! So you go watch that other movie with the lesser of evils."

Wake up, please. There is no such thing as "lesser of evils". Sin is simply sin and in God's eyes, it's sin. It's the f-ing media's fault that we are totally oblivious to the blatantly obvious sin that is televised while we eat. Yes, there was some questioning of what was shown on TV whenever it first began, but the media persisted in its stance and has effectively made our minds numb to the garbage that we see.

Initially, parents were against Elvis Presley's raucous behaviour on TV because of his pelvis thrusting and rock n' roll music. Pelvis thrusting? That's it? That's the least of our worries today!

I do admit that the Bible says wizardry and all that is evil, but I believe it all falls back upon our perspective on the subject at hand. As long as we don't go out and try to perform spells (AVADA KEDAVRA!) or try to speak to spirits we're OK. Yes there are kids dumb enough to expirement on the perforated fine line that divides OK from NOT-OK. Parents simply want to protect them from the knowledge of another world existing. Which is fine by me, but as long as they do not contradict themselves. "How so?" you may ask. Well, they let them out to watch movies with "sin" in it, but they don't care. They purchase games like Grand Theft Auto for their kids and think nothing of it! Crime rates are up because stupid little children get ideas from these games and they want to shoot people, kick them in the crotch, beat them over the head with a bat numerous times because they called them "poopy face". Once again, it falls back on what kind of perspective we have on these things. So before you flame Harry Potter again, think of what you're not flaming.

2005-06-17T00:09:00.000-04:00

bahhhhh. grad tonight. fun exciting surprising INTERESTING but boring draggy long. you know. it was cool but boring. haha all that clapping man. hm matt and adams little handshake was quite the funny haha. well anyhow gosh anotherweek of summer almost over

rain rain go away

2005-06-14T20:23:00.000-04:00

gosh the rain is scarrrry! its very loud, windy, thundery, and flasshy. theres a heavy water fall forming and coming off of my roof. the rain is pounding on my window yup its pretttty. bad. and loud. scary. gosh haha i dont think im gonna be able to sleep tonight. and the thunder. my word.

i have come to love YOU

2005-06-14T12:32:00.000-04:00

I love to sing your name
To speak about your fame
You're worthy of my praise
I long to worship YOU
In Spirit and in truth
It's all I want to do

i sang this song at church. its a greaaat song. worshipping is fun. anyhow im really bored as usual. theres nothing to do around here. well im off to eat lunch. at least thats something i can look forward to. hm i wonder where derek is

ARGH

2005-06-13T23:43:00.000-04:00

First, Survivor, which in itself was pretty entertaining. Then came American Idol, Fear Factor, and whatever other hit reality TV shows one can think of. Reality TV shows have taken over by storm. This type of programming has spread like wildfire amongst the viewing population. Reality TV shows are designed to pit normal people up against unsual circumstances. We, as viewers, tune in weekly to watch everyday bums get a shot at fame and fortune. It's gratifying to see that people that are less 'pretty', and 'hot' attain certain social status in the media. They get to rub shoulders with the big names and make large sums of money just for drinking Mountain Dew. We're happy, and they're happy, and guess who's especially happy? The heads of NBC, Global, HBO etc. They are the ones making the big bucks from their spin on reality. But, lately, those idiots who come up with these ideas, soon begin to run out of them, thus producing some of the ugliest, dumbest, television ever put on TV.

Some months ago, I was flipping through channels, and I came across a program called "Trading Vacations". The meat of the show is self-explanitory in its title. It's literally about two families, who have booked vacations prior to the beginning of the show, and trading their vacation with another family's! Ingenious is it NOT?! It has got to be the most scripted piece of S*** I have ever witnessed. I really could not breathe while watching the horrific trials of a typical American family attempt to ski. One giant woman with copious amounts of makeup + skis? = Disastrous attempt to entertain viewers. Please, spare me the trouble of watching this garbage and put on some "Friends" reruns.

This is how I imagine the producer's board room to be like:
"So, Johnson, any ideas? We've basically done every possible reality show,"
"Well how about this: One geek trades his souped up computer with another geek for HIS souped up computer!! Can you imagine the confusion? And imagine how they would cope with the drastic changes!!"
"Sounds good! Let's get it into production in say...a month?"
"No way! Why sacrifice time for quality? I say we just give em some half-assed show that already has a weak foundation!"
"I'm glad I hired you Johnson,"

Thank goodness for those diamonds in the rough. Reality TV certainly has its fare share of crapulance, but there are some shows that are worth watching....Queer Eye anyone? Anyways I've been pretty pissed at networks lately. It seems like ANYTHING can make it on TV as long as some stupid idea to support it. Everyone is so desperate to find that "next big thing" that they'll throw anything out in a desperate attempt to make the big bucks. Somebody please kill someone.

Sticking with it

2005-06-13T19:34:00.000-04:00

I just can't seem to stick with one thing. My earliest memories of trying and eventually giving up are my piano lessons. I never enjoyed those sessions with Fifi. She was a rather large woman who intimidated the bejeezus out of me. I used to get yelled at because i couldn't concentrate on the music placed infront of me.
"Pay attention!"
"Huh?"
*Slaps Derek's hand!*
"Ow.."
So after two or three years of that I finally convinced my mom to teach me. But that turned out to be a disaster. Every "lesson" she gae me spawned into a screaming match and a battle of wills. Who would last longer? Who could stand the emotional roller coaster that was the PIANO LESSON? And at the age of...oh let's say...11, my piano learning days were over (which is a good thing because i was about to put an axe through the piano).

"AHHH!!!" A common expression of anger that came from me when I would be dragged away to a horrid place. A place where children went to die (actually one drowned there and it was a huge mess). It is a sport of madmen; it is a sport for those who like to flip and flop around in water. I call thee SWIMMING. Of all the extra curricular things I ever endeavoured, this had to be the most hated. Purely because I just despised those lessons with whomever. Jenny? was that her name? Or was it Rob? I've been through too many instructors...call me the "whore of swimming"! Oh please don't. Nobody reads this anyways. Continuing, I failed level 7 like four times. My instructor just got so fed up, and had pity on me, so he/she let me advance to level 8! OOOH...well years later, now 15, I finally made it past Aquaquest Level 12! I made it! There's still Bronze Cross but I'm not taking that garbage! So there is another activity that has been abandoned.

Next up, is skiing. I am actually pretty damn good at skiing. I own a pair of 1200 dollar skis so and have all the latest in the latest of skiing technology. So that's one hobby I haven't given up on.

Tennis is another I haven't given up on either..

I totally abandoned skateboarding though (and i'm glad that i did). It started in grade six when Isaac started skateboarding, and i decided to be cool and I bought a skateboard for like 200 dollars. Well this fad lasted until early grade eight...that's when I found Hockey.

Hockey. Hockey is what I love. 'Nuff said.

Drums...I took lessons for two years, and finally, realizing that they fell upon "OC" I decided to stop. Which, in retrospect, was pretty dumb. But I can play in Senior Orchestra and that's all that matters. I don't need to be any better so I'm satisfied.

So that's 2 musical instruments given up (one if you don't count drums) and 2 hobbies given up.
So I've come to the conclusion that I just can't stick with anything. I give up. Which is truly depressing. I could've been so much more, but in some sense it's too late? I've always regretted not taking up some musical instrument and actually became an expert.

But that ship has not sailed and I do have a chance. Shortly after Europe, something inside of me began to stir. I felt a desire to worship God, as i always had, but I decided to get more involved. Be..a leader...as people have told me that I am. And that "leadership award" backs up my case I guess. Also, I realized that after the grade 11's graduated, there wouldn't be anyone to lead our chapels, which were already lacklustre, and that was unsettling. So, being the "leader" that I am, i decided to pick up guitar. I think it's been about...three weeks or so. It's something that I'm working very hard on (I've totally forgotten about assignments because of it). I'm aiming to join praise team next year...if I'm good enough. Part of my inspiration came from Ren, who plays electric violin at my church. So thanks, Ren. Yeah so..story of my life...haha this is really the first big thing I've decided to do for God, with the sole purpose of worshipping Him!

Writing this took a lot out of me..as you can see the quality of my writing starts to deteriorate near the end. If you don't then I'm a writing genius. Thank you.

CHL

2005-06-13T19:33:00.001-04:00

A scalper offers you a choice: tickets to the Memorial Cup Final, or tickets to a classic matchup between the Buds and the Wings. Chances are, the entertainment value in the CHL's offering will almost certainly bring you a night full of hard-fought hockey, and all the goodness that a game should have. In an age full of clutching and grabbing, low scores, giant goalies and other entertainment dwindling factors, it is a rarity that we ever find a game worth watching in its entirety.

Last night's match up between the Kelowna Rockets and the Rimouski Oceanic had me on my feet at many times during the game. It was a spectacle to behold. It was a gem in the crap that is shoved at us night in and night out. These kids are speedy, and flashy. Sidney Crosby still wows me with his intuitive play and fortuitous spirit night in and night out. This 05 Memorial Cup is how hockey should be played. Yes, they're kids. Yes, they make mistakes. There is still clutching and grabbing; the oversized goalies are still rampant throughout the league, but many of these kids are playing for the love of the game. Most of them won't even make it to the NHL and they're still playing their hearts out. Salary is not an issue, which could explain why it's just so darn exciting to watch these young guns strut their stuff.

Let's examine the opposite end of the spectrum. The Leafs win! Barely. Mats Sundin lazily skated to the front of the net to screen Legace, and hastily buries Kaberle's shot from the point. Only goal of the night. The rest of the game was slow paced, and hardly any shots were taken. This is the sign of tired veterans who are ready to hang up their jerseys and call it quits. It's the same ol' same ol' that we get every night.

With the CHL's entertainment value so high, and the NHL's lethargic display rendering their entertainment value so low, perhaps the NHL should stay in permanent limbo.

Of course we all want to see it come back...I MUST see some Stanley Cup action NOW. This is random #2!

Chippers

2005-06-13T19:33:00.000-04:00

"Cherries, cherries all for me!" squealed the Chipmunk.
Juices splattered onto the ground as he plunged his face into the bright red cherry. He quickly snatched another one from the branch and greedily sunk his teeth into another.

hours before...

Chippers (the chipmunk) awoke to the sound of squirrels screaming and dancing under the cherry tree. "They're at it again," grumbled Chippers. "Hogging those cherries like it's theirs." He paced around his treetrunk home. Every now and then his eyes shifted momentarily to the corner in which a bow and arrow lay. He smiled, but kept walking. "Patience, you must have..." It was the mantra he repeated over and over to himself as he paced around his home. Beads of sweat were beginning to form on his forehead. He tried sitting down but began to gnaw on his leg. As the minutes went by, Chippers carefully surveyed the squirrels. They were now leaning on the tree, some basking in the sunlight; others sleeping peacefully under the shade. "Now is my chance!" Chippers cackled. He scurried over to where his bow and arrow lay. He grabbed it and slung it around his shoulder and headed out the door.

The squirrels were a blisfully ignorant bunch. They had their cherry tree and that was all that mattered. Now and then a pesky chipmunk would ask for a cherry, or even try to steal one. Of course they would be exterminated instantly. Only one has ever tasted the sweet innards of a cherry.

The others would call him "Monk" for reasons unknown. Anyways Monk had his share of beef with the squirrels and decided one day that he would be brave and attempt to steal a cherry. Monk somehow crept by the soundly sleeping squirrels and snapped off the brightest cherry he could see. He quickly sunk his teeth into it. Unfortunately, Monk did not have the patience to bring the cherry back to his house where he could enjoy the cherry in the comfort of his own home. As he ate, the drips of juice fell onto Squirrel A and he awoke with a start. Unbeknownst to Monk Squirrel A had picked up a rock and..well you can fill in the blanks from here.

In the hazy distance Chippers could be seen approaching the glorious cherry tree. The squirrels quickly realized that he was a chipmunk and began to gather ammunition. "Darn 'munks never learn do they?" "Naw, it's all acorns upstairs!" "Hehehehe" The laughter came to a halt as a toothpick teared through the air and plunged deep into the squirrel's chest.

Chippers laughed a demonic, crazed, laugh. It was the laugh of madmen. He WAS a madman. To take on the squirrels on his own was considered loco by the chipmunk population. Regardless of that Chippers was taking them on and there was no turning back. He launched another toothpick and hit another squirrel. One by one he took them all down. He was a murderer. He was a hero. He won the cherry tree for all who saught its prize!

A squirrel picked itself up off the ground. His side ached. His head was pounding. In all the confusion and chaos he had been trampled. Fortunately he had not been hit by the assailing chipmunk. He was safe. He was not hurt. He saw the chipmunk and decided to strike back. It had its backed turned to him. Carefully and skillfully he picked up a rock and crawled towards Chippers. With a single stroke, he brought him down with a thud.

Chippers world began to slip away. The pain was outstanding. He was on the dangerous precipice of a deep chasm called death and yet he could not tear his mind away from cherries. He yearned for them. "My pr...preci...ioussss..."

That was the randomest thing I've ever written.

HELLLOOOO

2005-06-13T13:41:00.000-04:00

hello there