Photo of the Day: Jan 15th

Photo Taken: 06/10/2007

About The Photo: Sadly these pictures I can't take credit for...but are awesome none the less! On a chilly day in October our dear Laura married her now husband Kevin in a very beautiful ceremony just outside of the city. This picture features myself, Josh and one of Laura's lovely bridesmaids, Meghan. The whole Wedding Party looked amazing, and while I know some people weren't a fan of the colour, I still loved the Bridesmaids Dresses. Very pretty. There were certainly a lot of memories leading up to the wedding day, including one of the bachelorette parties which included a great time doing Glow-Mini-Golf and me feeding icecream to Laura. All in all it was a great time, with many wonderful memories...

Photo of the Day: Jan. 5th

Photo Taken: 21/10/2005

About The Photo: In the fall of 2005, Josh, Jessica, Laura and I got tickets for the RWB's production of Dracula. We decided to make a nice night out and went all out, dressed up, got new clothes and took a limousine to the ballet. Of course, being the fool that I am, I forgot the tickets, but that's not the point of this story. All in all we had a great time. The show was amazing and I look forward to seeing another production of Dracula sometime in the near future. :-)

Thank Goodness

Why two months without an update is a terrible thing indeed. I haven't been online much lately, and I'm sure some of you believe me to be dead. Well I'm still around and kicking and living every day as best I can. The holidays were a busy time, what with the new job and the holidays in general. I spent a great deal time with family and with those closest to me, and all in all it was a very good time. I've completed training and started working on the floor, which has been a rather positive experience. I miss the people I trained with, though.

During my training period my writing went by the way-side...hence the lack of updates and the sporatic pressence online. I have a tonne of ideas floating around in my head, so hopefully within the next few weeks I can get back into the writing spirit. My focus as of late has been making my apartment more into a home. I know however once I really start to feel comfortable here, that's when I'm going to be ready to move onto a new place...hopefully a house of my own. That, however, is still quite a ways off.

The passing of New Years has recently made me reflect on how much has changed for myself and those around me this past year. Michelle, Joshua, Scott and myself have all quit our jobs, and in my case I've quit two jobs. Laura is now engaged to be married and making wedding plans. Scott and Michelle have both found new partners who they are both very happy with. Jessica has gone through some drastic life changes. Kimberley took a leave of absence from work and travelled across Europe. Heather moved to Montreal for the summer...and then to a small town in Quebec for the year. I finally moved out on my own. Jackie officially came out to us all. Scott broke his knee and I sliced my hand open with a knife. Both of my dear Crystal's found great guys that make them smile. My Sister Graduated Highschool. Michelle made the decision to remain in Winnipeg and pursue a career here in the city. A lot has changed, yet a great deal has remained the same.

It's been quite a year and who knows what 2007 will bring.

Michelle needs to write an autobiography shortly and it got me thinking: if I were to write an autobiography, what would I write? Would it be anything of interest to the average reader? Hells no. While I wish I could talk about wacky adventures on the bus or say I've gone through medical school or that I travelled to Israel...I wouldn't have any of that. Born and raised in Canada, life of a normal family, and now living on my own.

Of course that's not to say there haven't been rough patches along the way...

But would it really be enough for an autobiography...even just a two page one? One of my greatest fears has always been being forgotten when I'm not around...and how can one be remembered if there's nothing outstanding to recall? What really makes an individual truly memorable? Maybe that's too complex of a question for a random blog such as this. So getting back to some less serious topics...

Joshua and my mother both have birthdays this upcoming weekend! It should prove to be a good time. I have a long weekend next weekend too, which should be rather exciting. For now however I'm going to go back to my soundtracks, head off the computer and brainstorm my next writing endevour...

Until next time...happy journeys through cyber space.

The Story of Stabby

This entry my take a while to write so please bare with me...

Yesterday was an adventure. While preparing to make hamburgers and fries for Scott, Jessica and myself, I had a minor accident - my hand slipped and I ended up slicing open my left index finger. Blood sprayed everywhere, and Jessica quickly called 9-1-1. Paramedics arrived and I was taken to the Victorian Emergency Room. After a seven hour wait with Scott, Jess and my mother, I saw the (only) doctor on duty and had five stitches put into my finger.

Oh what a day. The doctor put four needles into the wound, but the freezing didn't take, so four needles later he attempted to put the stitches in. It still hurt like a bitch. I remember why I hate needles. Seven + hours in the ER and I was sent home.

Ended up crashing with Jess at about 4AM, woke at noon and then slept some more. Went to dinner with Jackie, Joshua and Scott...then later in the evening went to redress my wound and found that the doctor didn't stitch my hand properly...

In the ER I had told them that the blade went right through my finger - they didn't think it did and chose not to listen to me when I told them it had. So the inside part of the cut wasn't stitched. Joshua, Scott and I went to the Mis ER, where I was looked at within an hour. They cleaned the wound and looked at it. The doctor said it should have been stitched, but there wasn't anything he could do to fix it now. Fuck.

Scroticus and I make quite the gimpy pair now. Scott's brace is off now, but his mobility is still greatly reduced. I'm left handed, so everything (including typing), is being done with my much weaker right hand. Grrrr. At least we're close and can help each other out.

Now I am off to sleep once more. I shall post pictures of the gimpy pair soon...

- Stabby Gibson

Summer Holidays

1. Days Until Holidays: Two
2. Days Until I'm Unpacked: ?
3. Days Until Michelle's Birthday: One
4. Days Until Jessica's Birthday: Fourteen
5. Days Until Heather's Birthday: Twenty-six
6. Days Until My Screenplay Is Due: Fifty-one

What do you get when you put a slightly OCD afflicted invidiual into a slightly messy apartment? A very frustrated Christopher. My kitchen is almost done, but damn there's still a lot more to go. On the plus side, I got a new(ish) free microwave...on the down side I have no idea where I'm going to put it. Got lots of space in the bedroom...but somehow I don't think it would really do well in there.

In two days I leave for Montréal for a week. Woot, woot! Joshua and I haven't finalized all of the details just yet - but it looks like we're going to have a great time. I just have to survive today at work and then we're home free! After some convincing by Josh, I'm working on my screenplay once more with a new goal - August 31st. With any luck I'll be able to get a lot done on the trip.

It looks like it's a beautiful day out. We still haven't really got any significant amount of rain - some people are loving it, some are hating it. I'm choosing not to complain. I work until 10 tonight and if I can survive that, then I'm free for a week on holidays. Woot! I definitely won't have to complain then.

Mental Note: Bring sanitizer to Heather's place in Montréal.

Life is finally coming together, or so it seems. My summer isn't working out like I had expected it to, but so far it seems better then I could have anticipated. Yay for life starting to work itself out. On that cheerful note, I'm going to wrap this up. I'll be sure to post pictures and blogs from my trip...hope you all have a great week!

Woot! Three updates in a month! New record for this quarter!

O Canada

Summer is here, and along with Summer comes our annual Canada Day Get-together. For the past five or six years we have hung out at my place and gone to see the Fire-Works at the Assiniboine Park. This year, however we will be breaking tradition. Between recent developments with Jessica and Scott, we will not be able to attend (the steadily worsening fireworks displays). We're going to relax...and I intend to enjoy the down time...

July is definitely going to start off differently, and will be a month of changes.

On July 3rd, I move out into an apartment - a home all on my own. I applied for a place on Wednesday and was approved almost immediately. I get the keys Monday afternoon, and I can't explain how excited I am. I have a lot of work to do, packing and such, and I've drafted many people to help me...and eventually it's all going to get done. I feel terrible having to leave Lana behind...but it was an eventuality I knew I would have to one day face. I'm really going to miss home and especially her...

Mid-July, I'm going to be going to Montreal for the first time. Joshua and I are planning a week long road trip to and from Montreal...a nice get away to escape not only work, but Winnipeg in general. It'll be nice to leave the city and have a mini vacation. It's definitely well deserved and I'm sure we could both do with a holiday. I'm quite excited to see old Montreal and of course to visit dear sweet Heather.

Later this month I also register for classes. Yay for the University of Winnipeg...fourth year, holy. What have I done with the last few years? Scary.

Finally, this month I hope to get a new job. I've all but given up on waiting for RBC to finally contact me, and Joshua and I may have new jobs lined up at Convergys. While I know it's evil, it's well paying and something I should be able to do with some proficiency. I hope to keep working at Safeway part time...but if I'm going to afford living on my own (and going to school at the same time) I need something with more hours. In comes Convergys...time to sell my soul.

A lot has changed in the last month, my sister has graduated, my friend's lives have changed and my views on the world have shifted...so much has changed, more then I can even really relate here. My new place is going to have a nice little office for me - so hopefully my writing can get back on track once again. Time to revisit my list of goals from April:

1. Support My Creativity - Working on it...
2. Complete Screenplay Draft - Failed...
3. Complete Novel Edit Draft - Due December 25th, 2006
4. Plan May-Long Bash - What a bash it was...
5. Move Out On My Own - WOOT!
6. Learn One Great Song - Due October 14th, 2006
7. Archive My Life - Slowly working on it...
8. Run In The Marathon - My running partner broke his knee...
9. Find Happiness - Think I might almost be there.

Two failed, two succeeded...several still in progress. I'm getting there...let's hope July is as productive as it will be different.

"We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open." - Jawaharlal Nehru

...Happy Birthday Jennifer, where-ever you are...

Noodle Queen

Well the weekend has come and gone, and I'm long overdue for an update. Friday I went to the best dinner party imaginable...it was italian themed - even the menu was in italian. We all had a blast. Poor Christine had to eat everything that I ordered and cursed me for screwing up 'napkin' and 'spoon' on my ordering. Okay, sorry...I don't know italian. Sue me...or break my legs, or something. *Hides from Christina*

Saturday I worked early, which was nice. I was done by 1:30 and got to beat most of the rush for the day. Came home and cleaned up and relaxed...it was nice. Joshua came over and we watched the pilot of Firefly, one of my new favorite shows. *Drools* Too bad it was cancelled. After Josh went to work I picked up Jessica and we hung out, made dinner and went off to Desire. Lots of dancing and lots of fun - but I was definitely feeling tired after. Came back to my place and crashed. Busy Saturday.

Sunday was uber lazy, and uber relaxing. Went to Dim Sum and had the best time ever. Jessica and I were thwarted by the Noodle Queen, which resulted in us spending almost $40 on Dim Sum. Heather would be proud. Noodles, Shark Fin, Dumplings, Calimari...mmmm, all very good. Apparently the Noodle Queen is a 'medium dish' (you had to be there...). Ah, *sigh*, good memories. Came home after that, moved some furniture and ended up crashing while watching DVDs.

All in all...a good weekend.

Now, unfortunately, I'm sick. Monday was payback for the great weekend, a massive ear infection hit. It hurt like hell and I felt like I was about to die. Luckily the pain has passed - now I'm just deaf. If you see me...talk to me on my right side. :-) Seniors Day is going to be so much fun now that I'm going to be as deaf as the old folks. Boy oh boy what fun and excitement.

The week is half over...I can't wait until my week off...

Migraine

Oh the pain. My back and neck has been one big knot today, which has lead to a splitting headache...and what better then a migraine but an ill stomach as well. Great.

I had a nice day off. Had some friends over, went for drinks with Jessica at Boston Pizza. It's been good...lots of fun. I think I've needed it. Now if only I could clear my head and get rid of some of this pain.

I'm not looking forward to getting up in four hours to pick up my father and then going to go work for 8 hours. Fun times. Oh well, I guess I should get some sleep...

I did a quick update of the Winter '05 Album - you can find some pictures from a few socials I've attended recently. Yay for more pictures! G'night everyone!

One Down

One week down, many more to go.

Life has been bearable lately. I had a fun weekend. Friday I had the games night with Kimberley and Scott, which was a blast (yay for another night tomorrow!) and Saturday Jessica and I had a night out on the town. We got ready at my place and after some minor disasters with her hair and a foreign substance known as hairspray, we were ready.

Christina, Jessica and I began by going to a wedding social near work. A friend of ours (Adam) invited us to his brother's wedding social. We had fun dancing (despite some of the more unique song selections), had a chance to hang out with Liam and Adam...and even saw Ty and Shawn. Yay. :-) I even bought my two ladies drinks...and was called "Smooth" by the girl selling drink tickets. If only she knew.

Jackie met us and we dropped Christina off and went to Desire where we met up with Crystal and her friend from Highschool (who Jessica knew). Lots of dancing (and lots of alcohol, mostly on Crystal's part). It was a fun night. "God save the Queen" - worst drag queen ever. T'was a fun night.

Sunday was...well, sore. I'm not doing Variety (regularily) anymore, so I don't have to worry about the early Mondays, which is good. I work 4.5 hours on Customer Appreciation Day today - as if they actually expect me to appreciate customers. Bah! Oh! I ordered Firefly and the Chronicles on DVD. Woot! Life might just be looking up...

Back To Normal

• MSN Name: Christopher - Ballet Tonight! Yay!
• Life Outlook: Great!
• Theme Song: "Listen To Your Heart" - DHT

I know there's something in the wake of your smile,
I get a notion from the look in your eyes, yeah,
You've built a love, but that love falls apart,
Your little piece of heaven turns to dark,
Listen to your heart, when he's calling for you,
Listen to your heart, there's nothing else you can do,
I don't know where you're going, and I don't know why but,
Listen to your heart, before you tell him goodbye...

I feel as though life is back on track once more. I'm still sort of running off the high from completing my novel, but things seem to be in a really good place right now. I'm happy in school and with work. Tonight Joshua, Jessica, Laura and myself are all going to see Dracula being done by the RWB. We're going to be all dressed up and we're taking a limosine. It should be a blast. :-D I'll be sure to take a lot of pictures!

My birthday was last weekend, and I had a nice time. My mother was in Nevada for a trip, my sister was at camp and my father was on the road - so I had the house to myself. :-) Christina and I are talking about going out for dinner on Sunday after work to celebrate the completion of my novel and for my b-day. Woot!

Halloween is only ten days away, which means I need to get my butt in gear and finish my costume. I got a big portion of it last night, and I even found a perfect (amazing) looking mask. I won't mention what I'm going to dress up as, but all I can say is that those in EC shall be proud, and that Jessica won't be able to veto it because I'm not going to be an angel "like all the other gay bois." :-P

Now that exams and this novel is done, I should have a lot more free time, I hope. I'm looking at picking up a second job. I'll be quite excited if I get the job I interviewed for recently; while I've heard the horror stories, it doesn't sound like a bad job at all. I want to get experience in various fields, and that won't be retail work, so it's a plus. Mid-terms went not too bad, As and Bs. Not bad for focusing more on my novel then on my readings. Next big projects on the horizon are my novel with Laura (yay!), and the dreaded Christmas season. Joy of joys.

Well I'm going to head off here now. I've rambled on for long enough and I need to get ready for the ballet. :-) Yay!!!

Pants & Vampires

• MSN Name: Christopher - At School
• Theme Song: "The Battle" - Hans Zimmer
• Life Outlook: Good

Hey everyone. Jessica and I are just in Riddell right now lounging around, waiting for Joshie to finish his class. Jessica is having a unique sandwich combination while I sit here and type - with the two of us discuss the Laurell K. Hamilton novels. I just finished Circus of the Damned - which was great. I liked the climactic ending of it. I shall have to see how much I enjoy the next few novels. I started The Lunatic Cafe last night too - which seems good so far. Yay for vampire novels. :-)

I start my writing challenge in four days. Laura and I are both excited - yay! :-)

The Chronicles of Narnia comes out in three months! Yay! *Clears throat* Ahem, I am just mildly excited. Laura (other Laura) has borrowed my Chronicles books, and will likely finish them in a weekend - if she's not busy reading webcomics. Speaking of webcomics: !!!!!!!!!!!!. There we go.

So this entry has gotten long and boring - Jessica and I are going to head off so that I can give her my pants. Have a great day everyone!

Wisdom & Character

• MSN Name: Christopher - 50,000 Words, 31 Days
• Theme Song: "Now We Are Free" - Hans Zimmer
• Life Outlook: Calm

"By three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is the easiest; and third, by experience, which is the bitterest." - Confucius

"Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun." - Mary Lou Cook

Played Seven Deadly Sins tonight, had some interesting life changes, prepping for the BBQ and bought myself a nice new glass desk (thanks Joshie/Jess!). Novel is slowly coming along, Laura and I have some great ideas on paper. Michelle must hear about it. Jessica needs more experience with tight fits and I am busy prepping for an upcoming challenge. School starts soon. I'm tired...g'night.