Vancouver Olympic Cookies

It is a little past 5am right now. I'm trying to alter my sleeping schedule, because I start work at 10pm tonight (or ~17 hours from now). My shifts will go until 7am. How ironic that I've been killing hundreds of zombies for the past few days (playing Left 4 Dead, yeah!) and I sort of feel like one now as I force myself to stay awake. I wonder how Batman does it.

I have a more general idea of what I'm actually doing at the Main Media Centre venue, but not so much of what I should expect (and I can't really say too much anyways because our supervisors made a point during training/orientation by asking us not to blog on the interwebs). Because of strict corporate sponsorship and stuff for the Olympics, we're not allowed to bring our own food/drinks to work, so instead one meal is provided for every shift you get, and hot drinks and cookies are provided throughout the day! So I'm definitely expecting that.

I plan to visit the break room so that I can stuff my pockets with cookies to eat during my shift. That's a normal and rational thing to do right? That's how I'll celebrate the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. I like cookies.

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In other Tim-news, I was finally able to pick up a book from the SFU library that I put a hold on in, wait for it, October 2008. Apparently it was lost.

Post-SFU, 2010, and the Vancouver Olympics doesn't feel real

I've been a student for almost my entire life and so the idea of me not returning to school again still doesn't feel real. On the other hand, I'm finding it very easy to not think about school... at all. It's actually very easy too. Also, I'm a lazy bum.

I saw someone at church last Sunday who I haven't seen for a long time and we greeted each other with a hug. I'm pretty sure he's done two handed hugs in the past, so I put out both arms, just as he only put out one arm (maybe to do a side-hug?). It was almost awkward. He asked me if there's anything new in my life, and being the dull person I am, usually I respond, "Not that I can think of" but for the first time....this decade (oh yeah, I also find it weird that its 2010.... I keep writing 2009 on things) I promptly said, "Yes, I'm done school, and I'll be working at the "Olympics" soon!" (although I didn't do air quotes). I'm no longer a dull person (or am I? Please don't respond to that in the comments)!

And yes, it's the Vancouver 2010 Olympics (that's also weird to think about that its happening so soon... and that its actually happening). I'll be getting paid (none of this volunteer nonsense... I only work for free for Jesus and family) to be an "Event Services Staff" at the Main Media Centre venue at Canada Place and the new waterfront Vancouver Convention Centre. I'm still not sure what I'll be doing. Apparently it involves standing a lot outside and smiling.

With so much free time, I've been able to watch and read more news, so I'm trying to learn and absorb as much useful information I can about the Olympics seeing as how I'll be representing it in a way. I used to be so anti-Olympics, but I think that's an incorrect perspective now, as I think I was (and still pretty much am) actually more overall anti-corporation. That seems contradictory coming from a recent business student graduate. I just hate seeing money mis-managed and poorly spent on unnecessary things. Stewardship is to be a godly act of worship which I could probably preach about. Long story short, I think I'm getting excited that the Olympics will be here, and that there will be tons of people from all over the world (but I'm not looking forward to the crowds and traffic/wait times everywhere...which again seems contradictory). I am a strange person.

There are a lot of hardcore Canadians who are really excited about the games and who are actually taking the time off to volunteer and are so proud at the fact that they can do that sort of work, in Canada. You only have to watch CTV to get a glimpse of that with all the propaganda "Do you believe?" commercials as well as the newscasts (but then again, perhaps they're just trying to milk the Olympics for as much as they can because according to some other news (Global was it?) CTV overpaid for the broadcasting rights and still haven't broke even yet due to low advertising/sponsors). On one hand, all that stuff almost makes me feel bad that I'm not also moved to the point of tears when I see venues/the torch/etc which is exactly how some people are reacting, because I almost feel like a marginal person who happens to be working at the Olympics. On the other hand, I've been trying to busy my mind with more important things; things that last longer although fun and useless things (eg. video games) are competing for that same attention.

I should be starting work by the end of the month and by God's grace, I plan to work hard and put forth my best efforts (as God would require me to as a testimony to who He is and why He made me) while trying to have an enjoyable time at this once in a life time opportunity (as I also try to stay dry, assuming Vancouver winter weather remains the same old rainy Vancouver weather). Yay.

More weird dreams

Two nights ago, I dreamed that I was driving horribly on a highway, crossing in and out of oncoming lanes of traffic, except my point of view was like a third person video game perspective, so I couldn't really see everything. It was disturbing during the dream because I didn't want to have an accident. During that dream session, I also flew (my second dream of flight!) and that was fun, but then I also shot people with a gun. They didn't look/feel like real people though. I wonder if that's leftover remnants from my time of gaming right before going to bed, shooting zombies. That was fun. It's always fun to shoot zombies.

In last night's dream, for some strange reason I was somewhere at SFU and for some stranger reason, I met Georges St-Pierre, but the weirdest part of it all was that he seemed to know me (that even weirded me out, during the dream). And for all you fans, he was exactly as he seems to be on TV, humble, gentle, and very polite and personable. He was a lot bigger than actual size in my dream though. Don't know what that means.

Some day, I plan to write out my thoughts about my time at Simon Fraser University, and reflections on the past decade. Y2K was not too long ago was it? It is a good thing to reflect, look back, and learn. After I shoot more zombies.

I'M DONE! YES!

This was inspired by a story from Phil, who said that when he finished his very last final exam at Simon Fraser University, he handed in his paper, shouted joyously, kissed the floor and left the room.

I thought that was near-epic and so I wanted to do something similar, but better. However, as you can see, I think it comes off more silly than anything... someday I'll do this better on a lone mountain somewhere, like on the Chief in Squamish or something....

In case you're wondering, I'm prancing funny because it was cold and windy. I'm running funny because... actually I'm not too sure. I wanted to scream louder and longer (perhaps more in a Dragonball Z kind of way) but I didn't want to attract security. This is relevant because the final exam I just completed was about policing. The things I throw on the ground at the end are noise makers... the camera's mic doesn't pick it up very well. I'm pretty sure I startled a guy who was walking by sipping his coffee and the few people who were within hearing range in Convo Mall thought I must be some mental nut.

Big thanks to Will for filming and witnessing my madness for me.
God is good and merciful.
This hasn't completely sunk in for me yet. But I'm done! Yes! BAM!

Pointless Post #42

Quote of the Day:

Setting: Professor (a former policeman, now turned academic, although he's very down to earth and HI-larious!) is explaining about crime scenes, forensics, and other morbidly gruesome things (they were bad) in Criminology 251 - Introduction to Policing.

Paraphrased quote:

"Real life is never like those sexy gang shootings you see on TV."

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Pointless Post #41

I hate it when I read something, start to daydream or get distracted, and then when I get to the bottom of the paragraph or page, I have no clue what I just read. Serenity now!

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Pointless Post #40

I just finished the last research paper of my undergraduate studies! And most likely my life! And it's a reasonable hour, not the middle of the night/early morning/late morning/must-hand-in-few-hours-from now (aka no sleep before handing it in)! Twenty-two and one half hours before its due! A new Tim-record!

Now I have about 200-250 pages to read (in PDFs) for an in-class final tomorrow.... the same class the term paper was due for. Too bad prof doesn't know how to space things out.

Productivity... yeah!!!

In other Tim-news, my school-related posts will soon cease.

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Pointless Post #39

There's nothing in the world quite like cursing your computer at two, three, and four in the morning. By five you're too tired and focused. By six AM, the work is done.

Productivity, yeah!!!

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Pointless Post #38

Went to the library today. Got some books to start my term papers. Yay. Instead of starting on my work like a normal person, I decided to stack my newly borrowed books according to their size in descending order (biggest to smallest, from the ground up), and then take pictures of them. It's actually quite an impressive pile, sitting on the floor of my room. I stubbed my toe on them a few minutes ago.

And then guess who decided to make an appearance?
He is not so impressed.

Productivity! Yeah!

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Dead bird and ice tea

I have work to do, but I don't want to do it. I could go to sleep now, but I don't want to yet either (partially because I'm not too sleepy).
So I thought I'd write a little something.

Firstly, in the past year, I believe I have never drank so much ice tea in my life. I like ice tea. It taste good. It's also a good alternative to soft drinks because I'm not the biggest fan of carbonate beverages (aaagh my mouth it hurts!). I guess this is a testament to how many times I've eaten fast food this year. And it is a lot. I guess that's probably a bad thing. This is sort of significant for me because usually, I only drink milk, water, and the occasional juice...box. Yes I still bring them to school with me from time to time. I try to be a simple person.

Secondly, last night after taking the dog out to pee before going to bed, he sniffed at something on the ground, and upon closer inspection, I realized it was a bird! I thought it was dead, and was about to poke it (to check to see if it really was dead), until it's head moved slightly. Pitiful looking thing just sitting there, in the rain, in the cold, looking miserable. So finally, I picked it up with some paper towel (didn't come into contact with it) and put it in a shoebox with some more paper towel. Turns out it was injured and bleeding, from somewhere. We could only tell it was bleeding because the paper towel was smeared on some parts. After some googling, the BC SPCA website suggests to leave it alone, and to call a wildlife rehab centre. So... it was past 11pm last night when I discovered the bird, so that means I'll have to wait until morning to call the centre.

This morning, open the shoebox, and lo and behold, the bird is dead. Pity. At least it died warm. Went out to backyard, buried the dead bird. Now I'm out of a shoebox...

I'm dreaming...

...of me standing victoriously over a pile of zombie corpses, with dual berettas in hand, and a cool sword strapped on my back (think future Trunks... except even COOLER). The zombies are a metaphor for swine flu (because it seems to be the top story almost every other day on the news) and the berettas and sword are just cool. Actually that's more of a silly daydream.

I can't help but think about visions and dreams. Yes, they are a way in which God can speak to people (or appear to people), but that has never happened to me. I heard Lance making very soft, muffled yelping noises from his bed. He does that when he's dreaming. I know this because in the past, when he made those noises, I've seen his eyes moving under his closed eyelids. Sometimes he kicks and moves his legs. I can't help but wonder what he's dreaming about.

On Saturday night/Sunday morning, part of my dream was that the computer at our church that's used to display songs and stuff in the sanctuary was infected with spyware (and some of it was Korean too.... extra weird) and that someone had uninstalled a bunch of programs that we need to use on a regular basis (eg. PowerPoint). I also dreamed that the computer was extra laggy and to top it all off, my mom was running the computer and in charge of everything, and in real life, my mom isn't the greatest with computers.

After waking up and having breakfast (this is real life now), I get a phone call from the person who's in charge of managing all the visual stuff that day at church and it turns out our projector is not working properly. When I get to church, I discover that the computer will establish a connection with the projector (mounted 50ft? [rough estimate] above the stage) but will turn off after only a few seconds. So the whole service, there was just a blank screen and me trying to troubleshoot what the problem was. Stupid computers. And stupid people for messing around and causing this mess. It was too difficult for me to figure out.

I don't think the dream I had the night before was God speaking to me or a warning of what was actually going to happen, because it turned out to be separate problems, but they're almost related. Also, I think the dreams and visions where God speaks to people (or appears to people) are much more than dreams. The kinds of dreams people in the Bible had are sort of real, almost tangible. I think those are similar to the kinds of dreams members of the persecuted church have (I'm currently reading The Heavenly Man by Brother Yun and Paul Hattaway). Those dreams are meaningful and real.

"Real" dreams, visions, God-given messages and such, are things that will cause feelings to persist. Plain old non-sensical dreams (the kind I have 99.99999% of the time, to my knowledge) usually fade away out of memory. I partially learned that from an Archie comic (Jughead was having some weird experiences) but it's true.

I had a dream once where I was able to fly. It was amazing.
I want to see Zombieland.

Pointless Post #37

Actual conversation on instant messenger, not a few hours ago:

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this is what Tim says:
just a reminder, tonight is daylight savings
put your clocks back one hour
don't waste it, like last year
8^p

Calencairion says:
ooooooh, thanks u saved me 1 hr
woohoo!

this is what Tim says:
hehehe
i thought i should let you know
cause i remember i did a post on this......

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Which can be read here. My life is so exciting.

By the way, about swine flu/H1N1... I'm starting to think that I might have actually had it!
I had a lot of the symptoms listed on the Immunize BC website and so.... yeah... I just thought that was interesting. I guess I didn't turn into a "serious" case and I'm not a statistic. God is merciful to me... but why?

In other Tim-news, I didn't know the answer to a question on a recent midterm, and the prof said we can write jokes down for partial marks (I'm 100% serious), so I wrote a dirty joke. I didn't come up with it, I heard it somewhere.

A white horse falls into a mud puddle.

Thank you, I'm here all week!

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Obligatory mid semester post (and final)

Final because this is my last semester ever, so there probably will never be a post like this ever again. I will graduate (I wonder why it's not "undergraduate") by December 2009. Kind of scary. The unknown lies ahead. Everything is uncertain.

Haven't posted anything in a while, out of laziness, apathy, and I had the flu for a good week a while back. It wasn't swine flu, just regular flu... whatever that means. I just know it sucked the strength out of me for a good 5 days, gave me lots of chills, headaches, and I was sort of useless as a human being, doing nothing. I don't think I've been that sick, that long before. But I'm better now. Thanks for being merciful to me God. I washed my hands a lot that week for my family's sake. And they're all doing fine. So see, God is merciful for keeping them well too.

School is typical, which means its getting boring. Stuff is interesting, but I just keep getting distracted, or things just don't seem relevant enough. There may be some partial information overload as well. My Intro to Policing course (CRIM 251) is pretty awesome though. I think about policing a lot now. They go through a lot of stuff and don't get enough credit. The media distorts things too much. I really want an ASP. Too bad they're illegal.

Lately, I've been trying to give an outlet to what little humour I have, by (drumroll) drawing comics. Ohhhh. Ahhhhh. I'll post them all some day on here. It's called "Little Bits of Tim" (haha its a pun!) and a few have been published in The Peak (SFU's student newspaper). I don't get paid. I hardly get feedback. I just get the satisfaction of seeing my crap printed and published on newsprint. It's sort of a me-thing, for my own satisfaction. I need a real job.

The weather is colder now. Its nice. Canucks are starting to win games. I am still alive and my life is the envy of billions of poor, dirty, sick, and underprivileged people around the world. I am so unworthy of what I have and I take everything for granted. And yet I still want more.

Here's a picture of a little cardboardy/paper dog I folded and glued. You can see its from a design similar to the one underneath it (you cut out the design, fold and glue the pieces together). And below the design is the policing textbook I ignored while assembling the dog, instead of cramming for my midterm. It's actually quite cute! Dogs are cute. Thanks Johnson. It was kind of a pain though. I don't think I have enough patience to do the other one.