Finally, school started with an orientation for us new students and of course the usual "getting to know each other round of speeches" serves to give a little info about who we will be with in the classrooms. Some seems to be intimidating with their degrees and what not about themselves and what they have done in their careers before they decided that a career in Environmental Engineering could bring them the satisfaction that they had been trying to achieve in their careers.
I for one talked about my degree in Agricultural Engineering and my need to launch myself into a career that I will be proud of for I am, and I admit honestly, is a proud person. Not that i would be bragging about my achievements because I still believed I could have done better given the chance.
First subject was Surveying and though I have transfer credits for this course I decided to sit-in if only to refresh my knowledge of how to measure areas which I was kind of amazed to learn about such unit measures as "chains and links" and something like rads. I think I am going to enjoy this class.
The second course was Chemistry. Its not that I hate counting protons and electrons, but I believe my instructor Kevin Hoy, Ph. D., could be a little lively with the discussions then maybe the class can interact a little more to make the discussions more interesting rather than the formal delivery of the subject.
Tomorrow we'll start the day with Air Quality Management followed by Environmental Law.
I hope I don't fall asleep.......
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Back to School
September 8 is next week and I am very excited and worried. Is going back to school really the answer?
A lot of us rely on our steady stream of income to catch up with the bills to pay, the mortgage, maybe a little vacation to stretch out and relax a bit. But what happens when that steady income suddenly stops?
With the recent economic crisis, the large number of people laid off has made the job search a lot more competitive. In order to stay ahead of the others, one has to have more than a few skills.
Therefore for those who had been dreaming of the perfect job, this is a perfect timing to acquire the skills one needs.
Going back to school or retraining thus becomes a very important decission to make. For some it is just as simple as highschool arithmitic. You want more money, move up to a higher position. To do that acquire, more skills not only where you are already good at but make it a point to get the skills that will make you one notch above your nearest competitor. Skills that makes you stand out making you the one person that the company just cant have without.
Obviously, the fact that you were a casualty of this economic crisis, your standing with the company you were working for was not as high as you would have liked. But that does not mean you were not contributing enough to the growth of the company. It only means that you need to get those skills up to a level were there are few competitors therefore getting laid off is the one thing you need to get ahead. Why? Because if you had been retained, you would be in the same position you had been and when the economy gets better, those who were laid off will come back with new skills, a fresh drive and determination to be on top. Most likely a lot of them will overtake you.
Then again it could be the other way around. The ones who survived the culling will be in the position to be the supervisors of those who are coming back and the new hirees.
So what is exciting about going back to school?
For me it is the opportunity to actually drive myself nearer to the job that I had been aiming for.
Here I come BCIT!
A lot of us rely on our steady stream of income to catch up with the bills to pay, the mortgage, maybe a little vacation to stretch out and relax a bit. But what happens when that steady income suddenly stops?
With the recent economic crisis, the large number of people laid off has made the job search a lot more competitive. In order to stay ahead of the others, one has to have more than a few skills.
Therefore for those who had been dreaming of the perfect job, this is a perfect timing to acquire the skills one needs.
Going back to school or retraining thus becomes a very important decission to make. For some it is just as simple as highschool arithmitic. You want more money, move up to a higher position. To do that acquire, more skills not only where you are already good at but make it a point to get the skills that will make you one notch above your nearest competitor. Skills that makes you stand out making you the one person that the company just cant have without.
Obviously, the fact that you were a casualty of this economic crisis, your standing with the company you were working for was not as high as you would have liked. But that does not mean you were not contributing enough to the growth of the company. It only means that you need to get those skills up to a level were there are few competitors therefore getting laid off is the one thing you need to get ahead. Why? Because if you had been retained, you would be in the same position you had been and when the economy gets better, those who were laid off will come back with new skills, a fresh drive and determination to be on top. Most likely a lot of them will overtake you.
Then again it could be the other way around. The ones who survived the culling will be in the position to be the supervisors of those who are coming back and the new hirees.
So what is exciting about going back to school?
For me it is the opportunity to actually drive myself nearer to the job that I had been aiming for.
Here I come BCIT!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
An Antelope's Traffic Jam
Driving along the way from Jasper to Edmonton, a traffic jam was building up just outside Jasper's city gate. No there was no vehicular accident,thanks be to God Almighty, but rather an antelope was enjoying his 15 minute of fame, probably more.
With the annoyed Albertans honking behind us(British Columbians and every one else who were passing through Alberta) the two way road quickly turned into a long line up of tourist cars, children milling out to take a chance for a picture with the celebrity of the day.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Spousal Rift
The other week I had a really bad rift with my wife. The conflict, as it always start with us, was one that is all too common in a lot of marriages - a relative of one or the other.
This time, it was my nephew whom we were trying to help immigrate and settle here in Canada. We were lucky enough to be working in a company which hires workers from other countries and thus my nephew came to work for the company as a contract worker.
Whether it was my nephew’s fault or the other person’s fault that got them both terminated from work and thus ruined their bright future, was the center of our argument,
which quickly escalated into a shouting match right in front of our kids and my mother-in-law.
According to Paul J. Bucknell (Resolving Marital Crises and avoiding Conflicts, Session #6, Marital Conflict Resolution: Part 2) there are three steps to resolve disagreements between spouses. “When we find that we disagree on something, we slow way down. We take a time out and we begin to pray.”
If we would first try to handle the individual conflicts or ‘battles,’ then our solutions are superficial. Couples need a new approach to marriage. They need to see that they are on the same team and therefore resolve to:
1) Deliberately refuse to oppose each other, and(2) Designedly work together toward a great marriage
The typical married couple has given far too much room for the evil one to bring harm to their marriage. We don’t need to do this. If we find ourselves fighting with our spouses, we should note a willingness in our hearts to battle and repent from it. Conflict reveals a heart impurity. The spouses must be convinced when they beat their spouse that both of them have lost. As a married couple we are a team, and we aim to make that team a success!
Once we have this basic commitment to our spouse, we can then take a deeper look at the conflicts couples face. Perhaps a good illustration of this is when a truce is made. Each side can stop fighting. But in the old days of poor communication, sometimes battles went on for days before knowing the war was called off! Hasn’t the war been called off in our marriage? Do we still need to have conflicts if peace is made? No. Do we still have them? Yes, we can and do, but they are no longer necessary. There is a better way of handling differing opinions.
We need a real clear way to resolve these varying opinions or the enemy will use them to make us think that we are at war with each other, which in turn will result in setting up opposing sides. Difference of opinions is not wrong, but if we are not careful, they become battlefields.
Someone might say that their chief problems are not with disagreements but just emotional reactions.
For example the husband comes home cranky or the wife barrages the husband with a slew of problems as the husband enters the house. Let us make a few observations.
1) What is normally called emotional problems are more than often sourced in spiritual problems. Our emotions are closely intertwined with our spiritual natures. If we do not handle an offence properly, then we will be angry. We can easily bring that anger home and get irritated with our spouse.
(2) Every argument requires two sides. Even if one spouse is upset, it does not mean that there needs to be a battle. The other spouse needs to intercede on the behalf of the needy spouse.
(3) Every spiritual problem that we do not properly resolve will infect our marriage. The husband and wife live too closely together not to be affected by personal sin. Sin reveals itself in our marriage.
(4) The gospel sets us free from those sins. We do not need to allow worries, fears, doubts, anger, hate, etc. control us. Christ can forgive us as the Spirit empowers us.
(5) We need to stay ministry-oriented. The Spirit of God wants us to minister through us to others including our spouse. Even though our spouse might be impatient, we need to care for them and minister Christ’s love through great patience.
(6) In a good way, both the husband and wife should check their attitudes and lives before encountering each other. Ask yourself, “Am I in the state where God can minister His love and grace through my life to my spouse.” If not, ask Him to ready you.
(7) Lastly, we should remember, that the disagreement we speak of is not necessarily a verbal disagreement. A difference in approach toward a situation or expectation of another can also bring about the same volatile situation. If a husband leaves a dirty sock hanging around, it just might be enough to set a couple against each other. The husband sees no big deal. The wife is convinced the sock should not be there. In such cases there are problems behind the ‘starter’ problem.
People will always have difference of opinions and approaches. This is true with couples too. What we do with these dissimilar viewpoints is what will characterize our lives and marriages. Great marriages are those that have learned how to utilize these differences so that they as a couple can grow. Poor marriages, however, mishandle these differing perspectives and bring further trouble into their relationships.
Keeping away from strife is an honour for a man, but any fool will quarrel (Proverbs 20:3).
We need to realize that conflicts are more than the simple difference of opinion or approach. Conflicts are the way couples poorly carry out the expression of their varying viewpoints. Spouses can get quite mean and cruel at times. On the other hand, we can see that these crises also serve as opportunities to draw closer to God and closer to our spouse. Many couples insist that crises must lead to conflict. This simply is not true. Even they, no doubt, do not argue about everything they disagree with. We believe God has given each of us a door of opportunity in which we can refuse to step into conflict
Here is a guideline that spouses should try to follow to avoid conflicts or to resolve them if ever one arises:
1) We will start by praying together for tender hearts and wisdom—committing to come together in a spirit of humility and reconciliation —considering the health of our marriage as more important than our individual interests.
2) We commit to handle ourselves with maturity —being quick to listen and slow to speak —reaching for the goal of continually trying to better understand each other.
3) We will speak the truth in love —respectfully honouring each other’s feelings.
4) We won’t allow our discussion to escalate into yelling or name-calling. And we will refrain from provoking each other by delivering “cheap shots” —sarcasm, innuendos, and rudeness which complicates the issues. If that happens we’ll call for a time-out and come back together at an agreed upon time.
5) We commit to MEAN what we say —so neither one of us is put into the position of being expected to read the other person’s mind.
6) We will stick to the subject on hand —not allowing our discussion to sidetrack onto any other grievance at this time. (Other issues can be dealt with at another time.)
7) We will avoid using “never” and “always” statements —seeking to be accurate, truthful, and realistic in what we say.
8) We will work not to judge each other—but rather seek to express our own feelings over the matter.
9) We will speak to each other in “I feel” statements (explaining our own perspective) rather than in “you” statements pointed at our spouse accusing them of feelings they may or may not have. (An example of this would be: “I feel lonely when you’re gone so much,” rather than “You never come home.”)
10) We will readily apologize and sincerely ask for forgiveness for whatever way that we have hurt our spouse and for whatever tension we’ve caused in our marital relationship by our behaviour.
in our own eye—rather than the speck in our spouse’s.
11) We will work to forgive each other as Christ has forgiven us — never again reminding our spouse of the pain for which we’ve said we’ve forgiven them. And we’ll make daily choices not to dwell on those painful thoughts in the future.
12) We will end our time together in prayer giving thanks for what we’ve learned about our relationship with each other. We will each ask God to bless our spouse and help us to be a blessing to them knowing that is our mission because of our marriage vows.
This guidelines were taken from Marriage Missions International
Sources:
Bucknell, Paul J. Resolving Marital Crises &Avoiding Conflict, Session #6
Marital Conflict Resolution: Part 2
http://www.foundationsforfreedom.net/
Marriage Missions International. RESOLVING CONFLICT GUIDELINES - With Scriptures. http://www.marriagemissions.com/
This time, it was my nephew whom we were trying to help immigrate and settle here in Canada. We were lucky enough to be working in a company which hires workers from other countries and thus my nephew came to work for the company as a contract worker.
Whether it was my nephew’s fault or the other person’s fault that got them both terminated from work and thus ruined their bright future, was the center of our argument,
which quickly escalated into a shouting match right in front of our kids and my mother-in-law.
According to Paul J. Bucknell (Resolving Marital Crises and avoiding Conflicts, Session #6, Marital Conflict Resolution: Part 2) there are three steps to resolve disagreements between spouses. “When we find that we disagree on something, we slow way down. We take a time out and we begin to pray.”
If we would first try to handle the individual conflicts or ‘battles,’ then our solutions are superficial. Couples need a new approach to marriage. They need to see that they are on the same team and therefore resolve to:
1) Deliberately refuse to oppose each other, and(2) Designedly work together toward a great marriage
The typical married couple has given far too much room for the evil one to bring harm to their marriage. We don’t need to do this. If we find ourselves fighting with our spouses, we should note a willingness in our hearts to battle and repent from it. Conflict reveals a heart impurity. The spouses must be convinced when they beat their spouse that both of them have lost. As a married couple we are a team, and we aim to make that team a success!
Once we have this basic commitment to our spouse, we can then take a deeper look at the conflicts couples face. Perhaps a good illustration of this is when a truce is made. Each side can stop fighting. But in the old days of poor communication, sometimes battles went on for days before knowing the war was called off! Hasn’t the war been called off in our marriage? Do we still need to have conflicts if peace is made? No. Do we still have them? Yes, we can and do, but they are no longer necessary. There is a better way of handling differing opinions.
We need a real clear way to resolve these varying opinions or the enemy will use them to make us think that we are at war with each other, which in turn will result in setting up opposing sides. Difference of opinions is not wrong, but if we are not careful, they become battlefields.
Someone might say that their chief problems are not with disagreements but just emotional reactions.
For example the husband comes home cranky or the wife barrages the husband with a slew of problems as the husband enters the house. Let us make a few observations.
1) What is normally called emotional problems are more than often sourced in spiritual problems. Our emotions are closely intertwined with our spiritual natures. If we do not handle an offence properly, then we will be angry. We can easily bring that anger home and get irritated with our spouse.
(2) Every argument requires two sides. Even if one spouse is upset, it does not mean that there needs to be a battle. The other spouse needs to intercede on the behalf of the needy spouse.
(3) Every spiritual problem that we do not properly resolve will infect our marriage. The husband and wife live too closely together not to be affected by personal sin. Sin reveals itself in our marriage.
(4) The gospel sets us free from those sins. We do not need to allow worries, fears, doubts, anger, hate, etc. control us. Christ can forgive us as the Spirit empowers us.
(5) We need to stay ministry-oriented. The Spirit of God wants us to minister through us to others including our spouse. Even though our spouse might be impatient, we need to care for them and minister Christ’s love through great patience.
(6) In a good way, both the husband and wife should check their attitudes and lives before encountering each other. Ask yourself, “Am I in the state where God can minister His love and grace through my life to my spouse.” If not, ask Him to ready you.
(7) Lastly, we should remember, that the disagreement we speak of is not necessarily a verbal disagreement. A difference in approach toward a situation or expectation of another can also bring about the same volatile situation. If a husband leaves a dirty sock hanging around, it just might be enough to set a couple against each other. The husband sees no big deal. The wife is convinced the sock should not be there. In such cases there are problems behind the ‘starter’ problem.
People will always have difference of opinions and approaches. This is true with couples too. What we do with these dissimilar viewpoints is what will characterize our lives and marriages. Great marriages are those that have learned how to utilize these differences so that they as a couple can grow. Poor marriages, however, mishandle these differing perspectives and bring further trouble into their relationships.
Keeping away from strife is an honour for a man, but any fool will quarrel (Proverbs 20:3).
We need to realize that conflicts are more than the simple difference of opinion or approach. Conflicts are the way couples poorly carry out the expression of their varying viewpoints. Spouses can get quite mean and cruel at times. On the other hand, we can see that these crises also serve as opportunities to draw closer to God and closer to our spouse. Many couples insist that crises must lead to conflict. This simply is not true. Even they, no doubt, do not argue about everything they disagree with. We believe God has given each of us a door of opportunity in which we can refuse to step into conflict
Here is a guideline that spouses should try to follow to avoid conflicts or to resolve them if ever one arises:
1) We will start by praying together for tender hearts and wisdom—committing to come together in a spirit of humility and reconciliation —considering the health of our marriage as more important than our individual interests.
2) We commit to handle ourselves with maturity —being quick to listen and slow to speak —reaching for the goal of continually trying to better understand each other.
3) We will speak the truth in love —respectfully honouring each other’s feelings.
4) We won’t allow our discussion to escalate into yelling or name-calling. And we will refrain from provoking each other by delivering “cheap shots” —sarcasm, innuendos, and rudeness which complicates the issues. If that happens we’ll call for a time-out and come back together at an agreed upon time.
5) We commit to MEAN what we say —so neither one of us is put into the position of being expected to read the other person’s mind.
6) We will stick to the subject on hand —not allowing our discussion to sidetrack onto any other grievance at this time. (Other issues can be dealt with at another time.)
7) We will avoid using “never” and “always” statements —seeking to be accurate, truthful, and realistic in what we say.
8) We will work not to judge each other—but rather seek to express our own feelings over the matter.
9) We will speak to each other in “I feel” statements (explaining our own perspective) rather than in “you” statements pointed at our spouse accusing them of feelings they may or may not have. (An example of this would be: “I feel lonely when you’re gone so much,” rather than “You never come home.”)
10) We will readily apologize and sincerely ask for forgiveness for whatever way that we have hurt our spouse and for whatever tension we’ve caused in our marital relationship by our behaviour.
in our own eye—rather than the speck in our spouse’s.
11) We will work to forgive each other as Christ has forgiven us — never again reminding our spouse of the pain for which we’ve said we’ve forgiven them. And we’ll make daily choices not to dwell on those painful thoughts in the future.
12) We will end our time together in prayer giving thanks for what we’ve learned about our relationship with each other. We will each ask God to bless our spouse and help us to be a blessing to them knowing that is our mission because of our marriage vows.
This guidelines were taken from Marriage Missions International
Sources:
Bucknell, Paul J. Resolving Marital Crises &Avoiding Conflict, Session #6
Marital Conflict Resolution: Part 2
http://www.foundationsforfreedom.net/
Marriage Missions International. RESOLVING CONFLICT GUIDELINES - With Scriptures. http://www.marriagemissions.com/
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
A New Tool
My wife, coming out from a a really bad spousal rift, decided to pacify my explosive feelings with a nice gift. One that will get me a notch up the ladder of blog zombies - A 15.4",with a 4GB Intel-Pentium Dual-Core Processor T3400, and a 250 GB Hard Drive, Dell Laptop.
Afterall, Father's Day is right around the corner, and this is just the best gift, material ones, that I ever recieved in all my life. Not that this is more expesive than most gifts I received. This is by far yhe one thing that I had been praying to get but just can't afford to buy myself.
Eversince I found this blogging hobby, I had been dreaming of facing the ocean to write something if only to satisfy the itch gnawing behind my brain. Something that has always been growing eversince I wrote my first poem in grade six. I don't do poems now. Maybe because the romantic innocence that once carried me to the endless day-dreams in my youth is now replaced with the reality that the responsibility of fatherhood does not allow me the luxury to day-dream as much as I used to.
But still I believe, that daydreaming is one thing that humans should indulge in as this is where minds become pregnant with ideas that turns the world around.
Thank You Mama. From now on I promise to stay calm even in the heat of an argument. Ahhh...could I?
Afterall, Father's Day is right around the corner, and this is just the best gift, material ones, that I ever recieved in all my life. Not that this is more expesive than most gifts I received. This is by far yhe one thing that I had been praying to get but just can't afford to buy myself.
Eversince I found this blogging hobby, I had been dreaming of facing the ocean to write something if only to satisfy the itch gnawing behind my brain. Something that has always been growing eversince I wrote my first poem in grade six. I don't do poems now. Maybe because the romantic innocence that once carried me to the endless day-dreams in my youth is now replaced with the reality that the responsibility of fatherhood does not allow me the luxury to day-dream as much as I used to.
But still I believe, that daydreaming is one thing that humans should indulge in as this is where minds become pregnant with ideas that turns the world around.
Thank You Mama. From now on I promise to stay calm even in the heat of an argument. Ahhh...could I?
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
It's been too long since my last post, and I am compelled to post yet another one of this daily events however sad they may be.
A couple of weeks ago a girl died right at the entrance of our complex. She was 15 years old. The flowers still keep coming and candles are still burning sporadically at the tree where she and a friend of hers where probably standing. The police report said that the girl stumbled onto the street (104th Avenue) in front of a semi-truck. She got hit on the head and died on the spot. For us residence of this complex, a little inconvenience from going in or out of the complex is nothing compared to the grief of the parents for this young girl who was just visiting a friend and will never ever be coming home to them.
I was supposed to be at the Fil-Can of Hawthorne Park general meeting where we are organizing something like a Philippine Independence day celebration in conjunction with our complex's annual garage sale event, but unfortunately, I was tied up trying to give advice to my nephew who just had trouble at work. The details for this matter is posted at my other blog :The Pink Slip Blessing
As I was writing this post I am acknowledging that I too, need to seek counsel. I am praying to God Almighty for His guidance and may He brings me to someone or He brings that someone to me to help me understand the situation I am in now....
A couple of weeks ago a girl died right at the entrance of our complex. She was 15 years old. The flowers still keep coming and candles are still burning sporadically at the tree where she and a friend of hers where probably standing. The police report said that the girl stumbled onto the street (104th Avenue) in front of a semi-truck. She got hit on the head and died on the spot. For us residence of this complex, a little inconvenience from going in or out of the complex is nothing compared to the grief of the parents for this young girl who was just visiting a friend and will never ever be coming home to them.
I was supposed to be at the Fil-Can of Hawthorne Park general meeting where we are organizing something like a Philippine Independence day celebration in conjunction with our complex's annual garage sale event, but unfortunately, I was tied up trying to give advice to my nephew who just had trouble at work. The details for this matter is posted at my other blog :The Pink Slip Blessing
As I was writing this post I am acknowledging that I too, need to seek counsel. I am praying to God Almighty for His guidance and may He brings me to someone or He brings that someone to me to help me understand the situation I am in now....
Monday, May 25, 2009
Signed and Dated
I have finally signed the agreement which would propel me back to the school campus.
With the recent debacle of the world economy, I consider myself lucky to be laid off from work as this will really give me the opportunity to pursue the career that I always wanted, the cost of which I never could have afford to pay myself while taking care for the needs of my family.
The province of BC does come through when you need it to. That at least is my opinion for now and I know a lot of people out there will dis-agree with me specifically those who are on the other end of this town called Politicsville.
Like what I have always said, do not think that being laid off from work is the end of the world.There will always be doors and windows that will open for you if you just gather youself together, clear your head, and do not let your emotions get the better of you. I understand, and I have felt it too. Getting axed always will get you doubt your abilities. Feelings like you are not good enough creeps up your brain, damaging your ego, paralising you to think that your situation may have just improved, better than those who are left at the shop you just left.
As long as you know what you want, finding your way to get it is just a matter of time and sometimes, we need to be in grave situations to be able to get our brains working on hyper-drive
With the recent debacle of the world economy, I consider myself lucky to be laid off from work as this will really give me the opportunity to pursue the career that I always wanted, the cost of which I never could have afford to pay myself while taking care for the needs of my family.
The province of BC does come through when you need it to. That at least is my opinion for now and I know a lot of people out there will dis-agree with me specifically those who are on the other end of this town called Politicsville.
Like what I have always said, do not think that being laid off from work is the end of the world.There will always be doors and windows that will open for you if you just gather youself together, clear your head, and do not let your emotions get the better of you. I understand, and I have felt it too. Getting axed always will get you doubt your abilities. Feelings like you are not good enough creeps up your brain, damaging your ego, paralising you to think that your situation may have just improved, better than those who are left at the shop you just left.
As long as you know what you want, finding your way to get it is just a matter of time and sometimes, we need to be in grave situations to be able to get our brains working on hyper-drive
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Duck Pond @ Hawthorne Park
A nook by the edge of the park is home to a few ducks frolicking over a pond which is one of my favourite places. Most times, this place is quite except when it is invaded by this gang, two of its members live just next to m
y bedroom.
y bedroom.It is almost summer but the water is still ice cold. Yet mommy Duck and her brood are happy swimming about as they seek the crumbs of bread thrown by this invading rascals.
"Hey you there in the red hoody, don't you have a homework due tomorrow?"
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Blessings
I have been blessed a lot this week.
Today as I was driving my kids to school, my wife called me ( I know it is dangerous taking a call while driving but......) telling me that a Shell station near her office is giving free gas. I immediately took off after dropping off my kids instead of lingering around talking to other parents at the school. The drive was a bit fast as traffic on Highway 1 was sparse, so I was able to catch the line at #399, the second to the last car eligible for a free tank of gas.
Yesterday, the Program Officer handling my application for school funding called to tell me she is approving my request. This was really a big help to me as I really can not afford not to work for a year much more, to pay the tuition fees. Its like being in ViSCA again...free tuition plus a living allowance with added bonuses - I'd be with my wife and kids.
Tuesday, I was at the Mary Jane Shannon Elementary School working as a Voting Clerk for Election BC. This was a great job experience aside from the fact that we do get paid more than double my regular rate. The NDP candidate, Bruce Ralston won by a big margin over the Liberal's Radhia Benalla. My candidate Bernadette Keenan of the Green Party was a dismal third. I guess politics is politics whether in a corrupt 3rd world country or in a politically mature and developed one. The bigger political machines always has the advantage.
Thanks to the Lord my Provider!!!!
Today as I was driving my kids to school, my wife called me ( I know it is dangerous taking a call while driving but......) telling me that a Shell station near her office is giving free gas. I immediately took off after dropping off my kids instead of lingering around talking to other parents at the school. The drive was a bit fast as traffic on Highway 1 was sparse, so I was able to catch the line at #399, the second to the last car eligible for a free tank of gas.
Yesterday, the Program Officer handling my application for school funding called to tell me she is approving my request. This was really a big help to me as I really can not afford not to work for a year much more, to pay the tuition fees. Its like being in ViSCA again...free tuition plus a living allowance with added bonuses - I'd be with my wife and kids.
Tuesday, I was at the Mary Jane Shannon Elementary School working as a Voting Clerk for Election BC. This was a great job experience aside from the fact that we do get paid more than double my regular rate. The NDP candidate, Bruce Ralston won by a big margin over the Liberal's Radhia Benalla. My candidate Bernadette Keenan of the Green Party was a dismal third. I guess politics is politics whether in a corrupt 3rd world country or in a politically mature and developed one. The bigger political machines always has the advantage.
Thanks to the Lord my Provider!!!!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Shabu-Shabu
When the weatherman says its gonna be cold and raining, the only option other than a wet barbecue is a "Hotpot". Thaw some fishballs, prawn/shrimp, crab meat, and thick white rice noodles. Slice some fresh tuna, tenderloins (pork and beef), a few tofu and mushrooms. Prepare
the veggies : spinach and watercrest leaves are best ( my choice).
Stew is from beef bones done with a pressure cooker for speed. Season the soup in a pot over a simmering stove (I bought mine from TNT @Central City for 17 dollars - a bargain ha). Start dropping in the meats (pork, beef, tuna), the mushrooms and tofu, let it boil once and add the veggies. Its best to drop in just enough ingredients for one serving each person and take out what ever ingredient is left in the pot to avoid overcooked food mixing with the next batch of serving.
Puto (rice cakes, from New Town Bakery over near Surrey Central Station) is a good dessert.Hep hep hep hinay hinay lang sa soft drinks kid.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Are Multi Level Marketing a Con Game?
This Topic was started by Nick Noorani at the Immigrant Network and I find it so interesting and useful that I decided to share it here too.
The responses are from members of the Immigrant Network of which I am a member.
Alexander Potter wrote:
You've posed a perennial question. Like anything else with which we humans come in contact, the possibility for corruption does exist. This can occur both corporately and individually. Consequently, the first thing one needs to do is identify a corporate culture and product/service suite that resonates with one's own character/personality.
Like anything else, you get what you put into it. I know individuals who make a very healthy recurring monthly income after investing several years building an organization or 'downline'. However, it took persistent, sustained effort. I've been, and continue to be, involved in two organizations but it is not my primary focus... I just like the products/service.
A further area of caution is the 'fanatic'.. i.e. the non-professional who expects you to share their zeal for the product/service blindly. If you ever encounter this character, RUN don't WALK to the nearest exit!
In summary, multi-level marketing or 'Network Marketing' as it is termed by those involved, is a legitimate way of making a living and supporting one's family.
Hope this helps the discussion.
Keep living your best life!
Valerie Riesen:
What a good question! My Canadian partner has experience with Primerica. The thing about Primerica is that you need an outgoing personality, confidence and a good network to begin with in order to get a good start and make money. Far from being a con game, a Primerica rep must go through a licensing process which is highly regulated by the insurance authority by the province and the country. Although it is a multi level business what Primerica has to offer to the average Canadian family is a legitimate and valuable service. The bottom line is to help families get out of debt and become financially independent
Jun Paa:
Multilevel Marketing is a healthy business and is very legal as long as the income's focus in on the products being sold and not on the number of participants in your downline. The one thing that I see though in an MLM (specifically with Primerica where I was once an agent) is the fact that the business seems to thrive on the failure of a lot of people. In an MLM only a select few makes it to the top. For every triangle there has got to be only one 'apex'. That although everyone has the chance to get to the top(VP), an individual still has to step on a lot of shoulders to reach it. And for that person to be successful (financially) the downline has to produce (sell and recruit) which is sometimes frustrating because when you are at the bottom of the heap, you reap the least. And when finally the weaker persons fold, who benefits from their failed endeavor
Stanley Furtado:
I have not enlisted with these type of companies so do not have an answer to your question but as a fairly recent immigrant I see a lot of people who struggle to get that job in their field, being attracted towards these companies. People who are already with these companies seem to target new immigrants as well. It's a great dream being sold and I hope this is a reality for many in these companies.
I have been approached by several of these agents and have had to RUN not WALK away. I am in good shape but sometimes you can't run fast enough. I have sensed the desperation from some of these agents, most of them friends and acquaintances who I no longer wish to speak to - as they have ruined good friendships by losing objectivity in their zeal to recruit.
From this perspective I am very eager to read some of the answers to this question, to find out if it was it really worth it?(!)
Karen Wallis-Musselman:
This a is a very good question.
I have been approached several times by MLM representatives to join their companies. I have politely decline every single time. I don't see myself in a position where I have to be thinking about work 24/7, talking to every single person I meet promoting my job, and let alone try to get my family and close friends to be part of it.
I am sure there are candidates suited for MLM positions, but not everybody is ready to do it.
Judy Embden:
Oh Nick,
If you were attempting to draw me out of exile, ...you sure knew the right bait to use in order to do it.
I have to wholeheartedly agree with Alexander, and infact with everyone who has responded thus far to some degree or other. As a 19 year veteran of the MLM, or the Network Marketing industry, I've seen a lot of things.
The industry has evolved over the years, however you cannot judge an entire industry, based upon a single company, or the ethics of individuals who participate in it.
Is MLM a scam? Absolutely not!
Are there scam artists who participate in MLM? Of course there are!
Any endeavor that provides a huge money making potential will attract all sorts, both the good and the bad, the scrupulous and the unscrupulous. You will find the same in any industry, and in any business, from manufacturing to food production to flea market vendors to Wall Street investment brokers. Just look at the recent tainted milk scandal in China, or Bernie Madoff to see the point I'm making.
The beauty of MLM however, is it provides you with the support, and the wiggle room you need to succeed, or acquire the skills necessary for your success, if success is your objective. The only way to fail in MLM is to quit, which people are notorious for doing in any endeavor, whether it be higher education, a job, or career direction.
The thing to remember is that not all MLM companies are created equally, or afford participants the same potential for success.
For those of you considering MLM as an option, there are a number of things one must be mindful of when choosing an MLM company. Some key areas you must examine are:
1. The Company: The management team must be sound, ethical, competent etc. This should go without saying, however, so many get caught up in the excitement, they forget to look at this crucial component. A company can have the best product since sliced bread, but if the management team is not competent, the company will fold, and that fabulous product will be acquired by another company, ...along with your customers.
2. The Product: The product must be consumeable, must provide VALUE, and must be attractive to the end consumer. It must have integrity, and must live up to it's claims. How new are the company's products and services to the marketplace? Are they unique, ...or do they fall into a category called 'me too' where there are many people and establishments offering similar products? It must also be a highly retailable product that would be desirable to the consumer even if there was no business opportunity associated with it. ie: Would people want to purchase the product, even if they didn't want to participate in a business? I have customers who are STILL purchasing products I introduced to them well over a decade ago. Even though I'm no longer actively promoting that product, or building that business, and haven't been for over 10 years, they are still purchasing it and using it every month. The only way for a residual income to last 10 years later is when the product provides real VALUE to the end consumer. Their bottom line is they want that product, and they don't care if I'm in the picture or not. There are mechanisms in place that allow them to acquire the product as often as they need to without even having to talk to me, or me having to schlep across town to deliver it to them. If the motivation for people to buy the product is to participate in the business plan, ...you are better off looking elsewhere.
3. The Compensation Structure: The compensation structure is very important, because this is not only the mechanism by which you are paid, it is also the mechanism that drives behaviour in the field. Is it a comp plan that encourages and fosters mutual support and team building, ...or is it one that pits people in competition to one another. There are some compensation plans that would seem by design to unfairly compensate distributors based on the failure rates of those below them as Jun Paa aluded to earlier. Some compensation structures that will discourage assistance from colleagues, because your success results in a diminished income for them. Does the compensation structure reward people at every level of participation, allowing them to set their own priorities and proceed at their own pace, ...or does it require one to jump through so many hoops, they lose all perspective and turn into walking talking 24/7 promoters who harass friends and family. Is it a comp plan that forces you to chase the money by harassing people as Karen & Stan spoke of before, ...or is it one that makes the money chase YOU, by rewarding you for helping people in your organization to succeed?
Just as there are both attractive and unattractive compensation structures to be found in MLM, the same could be said of a tradition workplace environment. There too, you will find employers who pay generously with good benefits in the workforce, ...as well as minimum wage jobs with no benefits, no overtime, and slave drivers for managers who often require employees to work off the clock, and who will thwart your progress because your success poses a threat to their position.
4. Timing: Timing is very important. Are the company's products timed correctly for the marketplace? Will there be a growing demand for the product in the years to come? Timing within the company is also important? Depending on your particular goals when it comes to building a MLM business, the timing, both in the marketplace, and within the company itself, should be very crucial components in your evaluation process. I often see many people looking to run out and create a dynasty with a product offering whose time has passed. If you're looking to sell vinyl records, the timing is not as advantageous as it was in the 1950's
5. A Proven Duplicatable System: This is extremely important, and it is often the biggest stumbling block to success for new comers to the industry. There must be a track to run on. You must have a simple duplicatable system that you and others you bring into the business, can plug into, in order to achieve success.
These are the 5 crucial components to any successful MLM venture. They are simply the starting points. All of these factors MUST be present before you can even hope to have a successful MLM venture, as they are the foundations upon which your venture rests. If one of those components is missing, there will be problems down the road.
To address Stan's comment about what he sees as the targetting of new immigrants. I don't know if it is so much the targetting of new immigrants, as opposed to seeking a wealth of character traits often found in the immigrant mentality, traits that are often lacking in the native born. There is an old saying in MLM. "There are 3 things you can't do; you can't push a rope; you can't put toothpaste back into the tube; and you can't teach ambition, desire, and work ethics." Immigrants bring something very special to the table. They are possibility thinkers, with a burning desire to succeed, the ability to dream big dreams, and they are often people for whom failure is NOT an option.
I sincerely hope my post is helpful to everyone. No one sat me down to teach me these things when I first ventured into MLM. I had to learn them along the way after a few bumps, bruises, and disappointments. I decided it was preferable to become a quick learner.
I've assembled a video playlist with 14 quick clips that will hopefully clarify much about this often very misunderstood industry. Each clip should play automatically one after the other.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAkno4zRjic&feature=PlayList&p=960CAAECDF66849C&index=0&playnext=1
So grab some popcorn, ...and enjoy
Hope That Helps
The responses are from members of the Immigrant Network of which I am a member.
Alexander Potter wrote:
You've posed a perennial question. Like anything else with which we humans come in contact, the possibility for corruption does exist. This can occur both corporately and individually. Consequently, the first thing one needs to do is identify a corporate culture and product/service suite that resonates with one's own character/personality.
Like anything else, you get what you put into it. I know individuals who make a very healthy recurring monthly income after investing several years building an organization or 'downline'. However, it took persistent, sustained effort. I've been, and continue to be, involved in two organizations but it is not my primary focus... I just like the products/service.
A further area of caution is the 'fanatic'.. i.e. the non-professional who expects you to share their zeal for the product/service blindly. If you ever encounter this character, RUN don't WALK to the nearest exit!
In summary, multi-level marketing or 'Network Marketing' as it is termed by those involved, is a legitimate way of making a living and supporting one's family.
Hope this helps the discussion.
Keep living your best life!
Valerie Riesen:
What a good question! My Canadian partner has experience with Primerica. The thing about Primerica is that you need an outgoing personality, confidence and a good network to begin with in order to get a good start and make money. Far from being a con game, a Primerica rep must go through a licensing process which is highly regulated by the insurance authority by the province and the country. Although it is a multi level business what Primerica has to offer to the average Canadian family is a legitimate and valuable service. The bottom line is to help families get out of debt and become financially independent
Jun Paa:
Multilevel Marketing is a healthy business and is very legal as long as the income's focus in on the products being sold and not on the number of participants in your downline. The one thing that I see though in an MLM (specifically with Primerica where I was once an agent) is the fact that the business seems to thrive on the failure of a lot of people. In an MLM only a select few makes it to the top. For every triangle there has got to be only one 'apex'. That although everyone has the chance to get to the top(VP), an individual still has to step on a lot of shoulders to reach it. And for that person to be successful (financially) the downline has to produce (sell and recruit) which is sometimes frustrating because when you are at the bottom of the heap, you reap the least. And when finally the weaker persons fold, who benefits from their failed endeavor
Stanley Furtado:
I have not enlisted with these type of companies so do not have an answer to your question but as a fairly recent immigrant I see a lot of people who struggle to get that job in their field, being attracted towards these companies. People who are already with these companies seem to target new immigrants as well. It's a great dream being sold and I hope this is a reality for many in these companies.
I have been approached by several of these agents and have had to RUN not WALK away. I am in good shape but sometimes you can't run fast enough. I have sensed the desperation from some of these agents, most of them friends and acquaintances who I no longer wish to speak to - as they have ruined good friendships by losing objectivity in their zeal to recruit.
From this perspective I am very eager to read some of the answers to this question, to find out if it was it really worth it?(!)
Karen Wallis-Musselman:
This a is a very good question.
I have been approached several times by MLM representatives to join their companies. I have politely decline every single time. I don't see myself in a position where I have to be thinking about work 24/7, talking to every single person I meet promoting my job, and let alone try to get my family and close friends to be part of it.
I am sure there are candidates suited for MLM positions, but not everybody is ready to do it.
Judy Embden:
Oh Nick,
If you were attempting to draw me out of exile, ...you sure knew the right bait to use in order to do it.
I have to wholeheartedly agree with Alexander, and infact with everyone who has responded thus far to some degree or other. As a 19 year veteran of the MLM, or the Network Marketing industry, I've seen a lot of things.
The industry has evolved over the years, however you cannot judge an entire industry, based upon a single company, or the ethics of individuals who participate in it.
Is MLM a scam? Absolutely not!
Are there scam artists who participate in MLM? Of course there are!
Any endeavor that provides a huge money making potential will attract all sorts, both the good and the bad, the scrupulous and the unscrupulous. You will find the same in any industry, and in any business, from manufacturing to food production to flea market vendors to Wall Street investment brokers. Just look at the recent tainted milk scandal in China, or Bernie Madoff to see the point I'm making.
The beauty of MLM however, is it provides you with the support, and the wiggle room you need to succeed, or acquire the skills necessary for your success, if success is your objective. The only way to fail in MLM is to quit, which people are notorious for doing in any endeavor, whether it be higher education, a job, or career direction.
The thing to remember is that not all MLM companies are created equally, or afford participants the same potential for success.
For those of you considering MLM as an option, there are a number of things one must be mindful of when choosing an MLM company. Some key areas you must examine are:
1. The Company: The management team must be sound, ethical, competent etc. This should go without saying, however, so many get caught up in the excitement, they forget to look at this crucial component. A company can have the best product since sliced bread, but if the management team is not competent, the company will fold, and that fabulous product will be acquired by another company, ...along with your customers.
2. The Product: The product must be consumeable, must provide VALUE, and must be attractive to the end consumer. It must have integrity, and must live up to it's claims. How new are the company's products and services to the marketplace? Are they unique, ...or do they fall into a category called 'me too' where there are many people and establishments offering similar products? It must also be a highly retailable product that would be desirable to the consumer even if there was no business opportunity associated with it. ie: Would people want to purchase the product, even if they didn't want to participate in a business? I have customers who are STILL purchasing products I introduced to them well over a decade ago. Even though I'm no longer actively promoting that product, or building that business, and haven't been for over 10 years, they are still purchasing it and using it every month. The only way for a residual income to last 10 years later is when the product provides real VALUE to the end consumer. Their bottom line is they want that product, and they don't care if I'm in the picture or not. There are mechanisms in place that allow them to acquire the product as often as they need to without even having to talk to me, or me having to schlep across town to deliver it to them. If the motivation for people to buy the product is to participate in the business plan, ...you are better off looking elsewhere.
3. The Compensation Structure: The compensation structure is very important, because this is not only the mechanism by which you are paid, it is also the mechanism that drives behaviour in the field. Is it a comp plan that encourages and fosters mutual support and team building, ...or is it one that pits people in competition to one another. There are some compensation plans that would seem by design to unfairly compensate distributors based on the failure rates of those below them as Jun Paa aluded to earlier. Some compensation structures that will discourage assistance from colleagues, because your success results in a diminished income for them. Does the compensation structure reward people at every level of participation, allowing them to set their own priorities and proceed at their own pace, ...or does it require one to jump through so many hoops, they lose all perspective and turn into walking talking 24/7 promoters who harass friends and family. Is it a comp plan that forces you to chase the money by harassing people as Karen & Stan spoke of before, ...or is it one that makes the money chase YOU, by rewarding you for helping people in your organization to succeed?
Just as there are both attractive and unattractive compensation structures to be found in MLM, the same could be said of a tradition workplace environment. There too, you will find employers who pay generously with good benefits in the workforce, ...as well as minimum wage jobs with no benefits, no overtime, and slave drivers for managers who often require employees to work off the clock, and who will thwart your progress because your success poses a threat to their position.
4. Timing: Timing is very important. Are the company's products timed correctly for the marketplace? Will there be a growing demand for the product in the years to come? Timing within the company is also important? Depending on your particular goals when it comes to building a MLM business, the timing, both in the marketplace, and within the company itself, should be very crucial components in your evaluation process. I often see many people looking to run out and create a dynasty with a product offering whose time has passed. If you're looking to sell vinyl records, the timing is not as advantageous as it was in the 1950's
5. A Proven Duplicatable System: This is extremely important, and it is often the biggest stumbling block to success for new comers to the industry. There must be a track to run on. You must have a simple duplicatable system that you and others you bring into the business, can plug into, in order to achieve success.
These are the 5 crucial components to any successful MLM venture. They are simply the starting points. All of these factors MUST be present before you can even hope to have a successful MLM venture, as they are the foundations upon which your venture rests. If one of those components is missing, there will be problems down the road.
To address Stan's comment about what he sees as the targetting of new immigrants. I don't know if it is so much the targetting of new immigrants, as opposed to seeking a wealth of character traits often found in the immigrant mentality, traits that are often lacking in the native born. There is an old saying in MLM. "There are 3 things you can't do; you can't push a rope; you can't put toothpaste back into the tube; and you can't teach ambition, desire, and work ethics." Immigrants bring something very special to the table. They are possibility thinkers, with a burning desire to succeed, the ability to dream big dreams, and they are often people for whom failure is NOT an option.
I sincerely hope my post is helpful to everyone. No one sat me down to teach me these things when I first ventured into MLM. I had to learn them along the way after a few bumps, bruises, and disappointments. I decided it was preferable to become a quick learner.
I've assembled a video playlist with 14 quick clips that will hopefully clarify much about this often very misunderstood industry. Each clip should play automatically one after the other.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAkno4zRjic&feature=PlayList&p=960CAAECDF66849C&index=0&playnext=1
So grab some popcorn, ...and enjoy
Hope That Helps
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Moneytizing VFS1981 yahoo group
If you are from my yahoo group - the Viscafreshmen1981yahoogroup.com, then you have decided to actually see for yourself if the ads on this blog will actually cause problems on your computer. My advise though is please do not go beyond openning the ad. Once you have openned the ad, please close it, and see if a number of pop-ups is going to open which I don't really think will.
You are free to read the contents of this blog if only to see what I had been doing. These are mostly what had been going on in my community and may not be an interesting read - I'm sorry.
Then again, please let me know of your comments about creating a blogspace for our e-group.
I will volunteer to create it and send the sign in user name and password to our moderators so they can start posting their blogs.
Thanks for visiting. Oh and by the way I am using "Jun Paa" on this blog.
You are free to read the contents of this blog if only to see what I had been doing. These are mostly what had been going on in my community and may not be an interesting read - I'm sorry.
Then again, please let me know of your comments about creating a blogspace for our e-group.
I will volunteer to create it and send the sign in user name and password to our moderators so they can start posting their blogs.
Thanks for visiting. Oh and by the way I am using "Jun Paa" on this blog.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The Christmas Party that was
I have forgotten this draft that was supposed to be published a few days after the 1st Hawthorne Park Fil-Can Families Christmas Party. Then again the poses and the smiling faces are just too much to waste. So here it is, a few pictures from that party.
A table of smiling and christmassy faces.......
....and Hey we are afterall a big happy family...but next year's celebration will even be bigger.
The President, Sam Gonzales, and me welcoming right at the door of the rented multipurpose room somewhere by 148th street.
A table of smiling and christmassy faces.......
....and Hey we are afterall a big happy family...but next year's celebration will even be bigger.Watch out for the Garage Sale Event on Saturday, June 27, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Valentines Day @ Praise International
So you think you can't dance
Yes we can, after three Wednesdays of ball room tutorials from the multi talented Alex Anayas (artist, musician/singer/composer, comedian, dance instructor). The dance floor was a myriad of fleeting objects whether calling it dancing or something else was not that important compared to the joy of holding your spouse as you both twirl around bumping to different couples doing the same thing oblivious to the music that was playing in the background.
Yes we can, after three Wednesdays of ball room tutorials from the multi talented Alex Anayas (artist, musician/singer/composer, comedian, dance instructor). The dance floor was a myriad of fleeting objects whether calling it dancing or something else was not that important compared to the joy of holding your spouse as you both twirl around bumping to different couples doing the same thing oblivious to the music that was playing in the background.
A first at the Praise International Church's Surrey Campus, this years Valentine's Day celebrations will certainly be included to the already growing traditions of this young multicultural Christian Church.
I am just happy to take out the suit and tie that were tucked deep in my closet. It gave me the assurance that I have maintained my size for the last 8 years after all. And it is nice to see yourself in somewhat high powered clothes as it does rekindle the dreams that I had and is still trying to reach. It will come soon I know.
With friends, dreams will always be a common goal to be shared and nurtured for we take our strength and guidance from the people who shared our causes and beliefs.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The Fil-Can Core Group of Hawthorne Park
Hawthorne Park is home to more than 50 Filipino Families. Of the 133 units in this community,53 are owned by Filipinos. Thus it became a must that an organization of the Filipino community should be formed.
Sam Gonzales, an energetic insurance agent, started talking to the Filipino community within Hawthorne Park, about the need to unite the Filipino residents to address the common interests of the Kababayans. He also was voted, the first President of Fil-Can of Hawthorne Park.
The picture above is the Core group of this organization: Standing L-R, Sid Amancio (Vice-President), Sam Gonzales (President), Danny Datur (Business Manager and Strata Council member), Gilbert Gupit (PRO), Jun Paa, Dennis Nasol (Entertainment Coordinator), Front
L-R, JR Lachica (Special Event Coordinator), Agnes Gonzales, Ally Tapales (Secretary),
Officers not in the picture: Menardo Dioquino (Auditor), Jerry Bonggao (PRO)
A series of meetings were conducted which culminated with Danny Datur becoming a member of the Strata Council of Hawthorne Park through a coodinated effort of the Core Group who collected the voting proxies during the strata council election for 2009. The first major event for this community was the Christmas Party which will be on my next post.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Poetry: A war between Good and Evil
I was watching Darlene Zschech on You Tube singing "All Things are Possible" as this will be one of the praise songs The Levites will be singing on Sunday.
Scrolling down to the comments I came across two poets going at each other in a definitely unsual way.
Lola:
Yes Jesus all things are possible,even it does seem impossible to us.
I give you praise in good times and in bad times for then you will know
it my heart belongs to you.Thanks for the answered prayer i have today.
Praise the Lord for he is good.
Robert:
A circle of shade, I'm blessed by Satan.
Prince of the darkened horde.
A circle of flame, I'm touched by Lucifer.
The eyes of demons blazing with fire.
A circle of power, I'm seen by Belial.
An emperor of the thousand abysses.
A circle of sin, I'm embraced by Leviathan.
Guardian of gates beyond this dimension.
The four rituals cast within depths of hell.
While Lucifer rapes christian souls.
His laughter mixes with their howls of terror.
Laughing as he rapes the sheep once again.
You are physically animated, yet mentally dead.
I see you awake but you are not really there.
You walk around in a hollow shell.
Living a life of mental stagnation.
Seeking the comfort of reassuring lies.
Your shallow mind, in a church of fools.
Living a life of willing ignorance.
Never thinking, forever dim.
Nothing's more pathetic than a brainless drone.
Vicious cycles of lies to cover lies.
Just another robot in factory of falsehoods.
A hollow puppet controlled by strings.
Lola:
God's word is true, He says what He means,
And those who believe Him are wise;
Reject God's word and it's plainly seen,
He'll let you believe Satan's lies!
Now if you believe God's word and obey,
Your life will surely be blessed;
He'll save you and keep you from going astray,
Your soul will find peace and rest.
So many churches and cults today
Are teaching the devil's lies,
Leading millions of folk astray,
For Satan has blinded their eyes.
The world is full of Satan's lies,
Confusion on every hand;
God's word is twisted and denied,
Just as Satan has planned.
Truth, it seems, is cast in the street,
For men by the devil are led;
Tramp'ing God's truth under their feet,
They prefer to teach error instead
Robert:
A dark army marching in the twilight.
A sorcerer leading his horde.
It's the night when cowardly faith will die.
Minions of the Devil soon to be dancing.
And urinating on the body of christ.
Tears of rage falling from god's eyes.
Which are drowned out by laughter from the night.
Where demons are now celebrating.
White souls to the slaughter in the dark land.
Where Lucifer has left his trail.
We rise in the shadows of his kingdom.
This night of Satan will never come to an end.
Lola:
The Bride Of Christ
The religious world looks down upon
Our Lord's churches, so small;
But they the victory have won,
For He loves them one and all.
For them, He suffered, so forlorn,
For them, His life has given;
And soon will take them home to join
His first - born church in heaven.
His church, complete, will be ready then,
To become His loving Bride;
For true and faithful she has been,
And His word has not denied.
Robert:
The soldier of darkness that I am.
Drinking blood to quench our beast.
The ignorant sheep are my slaves.
It was a long time ago...
When I sold my soul to the devil.
He shall kill their god and become their new god.
Those who refuse, shall be eaten alive.
Dragged into the shadows of Hell.
Empty Abyss, void of nothingness.
Deep inside, devoid of all holy light.
I shall serve Satan forever in darkness.
As a faithful Demon by his throne.
Surrounded by the filth of departed angels
Lola:
She bought the truth and sold it not;
She labored to expel all leaven,
And will appear without blemish or spot,
To take her place in heaven.
The marriage of the Lamb shall come,
And there will be His bride,
Dressed in spotless righteousness,
Standing by His side.
No more shall she be martyred,
No more shall she be scorned;
But she shall be rewarded
For all that she has borne.
Oh, it shall be her destiny,
To rule and reign with Him,
Then live with Him eternally,
In the New Jerusalem!
There was no room for Him in the inn,
That's why He was laid in a manger;
And to this world of lost, sinful men,
Unto this day He remains a stranger.
Now once a year they become quite merry,
And celebrate His birthday - or so they claim;
But the rest of the year they seem in a hurry,
To dishonor Him and blaspheme His name.
Oh, they like to think of Him as a babe,
But they have no love for Him on the cross;
That He would come to die and to save
Seems quite foolish to those who are lost.
Yes, the gospel is hid to those who perish,
For Satan has surely blinded their eyes;
This world of sin they love and cherish,
And their lost condition do not realize.
But scattered among them are His dear sheep, '
Twas for them He was born, for them He died;
He kept the law which they could not keep,
And to their sins was His blood applied.
So thankful am I that my Saviour came
To this wicked, sin - cursed earth;
Oh, praise His precious, holy name,
I'm thankful for His virgin birth!
But 'tis not my Saviour's desire or plan,
That with His birthday I be concerned;
'Tis, instead, His solemn command,
That I watch and wait for His return.
Robert:
Darkened powers are now caressing my mind.
In my unveiling, a body of shade.
My heart, his infernal tongue.
Blasphemous rituals are the way to Lucifer.
We all adore the work of the devil.
The path to his evil incarnation.
He is below and above you.
His life is ecstasy in yours.
We are under the inverted cross of the lord.
Pray to your weak god of infinity.
Your shattered prayers are soon forgotten.
You are a stranger to our champion.
I will lead you to the throne of Old Nick.
The weak infant is burning in his crib.
I am watching his tender flesh burning away.
The flames are blackening the body of fragility.
Clouds of smoke have filled the manger.
The child's screaming has finally stopped.
The incinerated skin crumbling faintly to the ground.
I stare at the corpse and now remove the skull.
It is time to return to the depths of doom.
As demons praise my return.
I enter my crypt and place the trophy above my shrine.
Behold!The son of god is now dead!
Jun:
May the ever Awesome Redeemer
Snatch you from the clutches of evil
For His is the power mightier than everything else
Not even your satan can withstand
to gaze just His image.
For Like a thousand sun His radiance shown
for all eternity.
But my God is a righteous God
and He will forgive those who repent
so Brother Robert.....
The gates of Heaven are waiting for you
You only have to raise your hand to the one who
created you,
He will take you back gladly, like a lost sheep
you are as important to Him as each one of
His creations.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Another Sunny Tuesday
The receding snow and melting ice are finally uncovering the green grass beneath the chilly white blanket that has been the landscape since the downpour of this white stuff that shattered records of decades ago. Once again, the sun is showing its presence though seemingly shy bathing Hawthorne Park with a soft glow as if afraid to let go of its awesome power which could overwhelm the fragile greenery just popping up from under the cold.
The sky is showing some promise of a bright day as the clouds seems to dissipate into a pale hue of gray. Yet again who knows what will come down from the unpredictable skies of Surrey where hydro meteorologist could never get their predictions right. Yes its a sunny Tuesday morning much a mirror of the Tuesday last week although a centimeter of snow did come down by the weekend yet again taunting the weatherman to get their noses shined as again the sky proved him wrong, short by four centimeters.
Me, I am thankful that the weatherman was wrong coz I have not been comfortable with my back yet with the shovelling I have done from the past few weeks just so my car can get out of the parking lot.
The perimeter road around Hawthorne Park is fairly clean and two cars can actually pass by each other saying Hi and Goodbye as the drivers nod to the familiar faces of the neighbourhood.
More block watch Report:
I just received a report of a prowler going into someone's patio area. The owner was sleeping and the prowler woke her up at 1:55 am this morning (Tuesday, Feb 3) by opening the patio gate. The owner looked outside and the prowler was scared off.
The incident occurred at the front of the complex on 104th Avenue.
No description was obtained
Monday, February 2, 2009
A Crank Call?
Here is another Block watch development.
(I know I am hitting at the blockwatch thing recently
'coz there is not much to write about Hawthorne Park in this bleak
weather)
"One of the residents, who is a woman, received a crank call early Saturday morning from "Terasen Gas". The caller said that they were checking up on the home because there was a gas leak in the area and they wanted the resident to go outside and check their gas pressure.
The call was around 12:15 am Saturday morning and the caller was insistent that the owner go outside to check the meter. The caller knew the location of the gas meter outside the residence. The caller told the resident they had called other people in the complex and that she should go outside and that she would see other people checking their meters.
When the owner said that she would wake her husband and get him to check things out the caller seemed to become flustered with her and lost his composure. As the conversation progressed the owner heard people starting to laugh in the background. The caller then started to become abusive and used inappropriate language.
The owner hung up on the caller and never did go outside.
Has anyone else received any calls like this?
If this happens to you:
1) 1st and most importantly before you call the police, call anyone else or receive any in coming calls:
2) Dial *57 on the phone. This will flag the phone call and allow the police to contact the phone company to request a trace. The police will only request a trace if the phone call is: threatening physical harm, occurring on a frequent basis or is happening to a group of people.
3) Call 911 immediately and report the incident.
4) Send me an email and let me know what has happened.
If you are receiving crank calls and you have done the above then make sure that you tell the caller the next time they call that you have reported the previous calls to the police and that the call is currently being traced. This will only be true if you remember to dial *57 after the call is terminated.
The resident has now informed me that they have checked with Terasen Gas and there was no gas leak in the area or any phone calls made on behalf of the company"
Just be careful when you guys are reporting to the police coz like the block watch captain said, this was a "crank call", your best friend may have just made a "crank"
on you and you are sending him to jail. Achooooooo..... ahhh this cold weather!
(I know I am hitting at the blockwatch thing recently
'coz there is not much to write about Hawthorne Park in this bleak
weather)
"One of the residents, who is a woman, received a crank call early Saturday morning from "Terasen Gas". The caller said that they were checking up on the home because there was a gas leak in the area and they wanted the resident to go outside and check their gas pressure.
The call was around 12:15 am Saturday morning and the caller was insistent that the owner go outside to check the meter. The caller knew the location of the gas meter outside the residence. The caller told the resident they had called other people in the complex and that she should go outside and that she would see other people checking their meters.
When the owner said that she would wake her husband and get him to check things out the caller seemed to become flustered with her and lost his composure. As the conversation progressed the owner heard people starting to laugh in the background. The caller then started to become abusive and used inappropriate language.
The owner hung up on the caller and never did go outside.
Has anyone else received any calls like this?
If this happens to you:
1) 1st and most importantly before you call the police, call anyone else or receive any in coming calls:
2) Dial *57 on the phone. This will flag the phone call and allow the police to contact the phone company to request a trace. The police will only request a trace if the phone call is: threatening physical harm, occurring on a frequent basis or is happening to a group of people.
3) Call 911 immediately and report the incident.
4) Send me an email and let me know what has happened.
If you are receiving crank calls and you have done the above then make sure that you tell the caller the next time they call that you have reported the previous calls to the police and that the call is currently being traced. This will only be true if you remember to dial *57 after the call is terminated.
The resident has now informed me that they have checked with Terasen Gas and there was no gas leak in the area or any phone calls made on behalf of the company"
Just be careful when you guys are reporting to the police coz like the block watch captain said, this was a "crank call", your best friend may have just made a "crank"
on you and you are sending him to jail. Achooooooo..... ahhh this cold weather!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Race Back
"The unit that I mentioned in the last update has had thieves go after their place again. This time the shed was smashed open, but the thief was scared off before anything was taken. I have talked to the owner and she has given me permission to release her unit information.
The unit that was broken into and had their shed smashed open in the last three days is Unit 120. The unit is located in the middle-east side area of the complex facing the playground.
Please keep your eyes open for anyone suspicious prowling around this unit. The owner's name is Debbie and she has two teenage males and one teenage female staying at the residence. If you see anything of concern call 911 immediately and report the incident"
This news came from the block watch captain of Hawthorne Park - Steven Pettigrew.
What is disturbing is that why would thieves come back after being denied their bread of the day to thrash the shed of their victim. Angry that they were thwarted in their first attempt at the front door? Bruised ego?
I suspect as thus my wife and everyone else in Hawthorne Park that this is not a botched robbery. I have a strong feeling that this is something else, like a teenage rift? I don't really know but thieves? Ah-ah
The unit that was broken into and had their shed smashed open in the last three days is Unit 120. The unit is located in the middle-east side area of the complex facing the playground.
Please keep your eyes open for anyone suspicious prowling around this unit. The owner's name is Debbie and she has two teenage males and one teenage female staying at the residence. If you see anything of concern call 911 immediately and report the incident"
This news came from the block watch captain of Hawthorne Park - Steven Pettigrew.
What is disturbing is that why would thieves come back after being denied their bread of the day to thrash the shed of their victim. Angry that they were thwarted in their first attempt at the front door? Bruised ego?
I suspect as thus my wife and everyone else in Hawthorne Park that this is not a botched robbery. I have a strong feeling that this is something else, like a teenage rift? I don't really know but thieves? Ah-ah
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Tuesday Thief
A unit was broken into on tuesday morning around 7:30 AM. The unit is located in the middle of the complex by the east side. The deadbolt was breached in some manner and the thieves gained entrance to the unit.
The owners were home at the time and manage to slam the door as the thieves entered. The alarm went off during the struggle which scared off the thieves. No description was obtained.
These are the recommendations from the Block Watch Captain of Hawthorne Park Mr. Steven G. Pettigrew:
- replace your front door locks with new a HIGH QUALITY lockset (the MORE $$$ you spend the better protection you have). This is especially important if your locks were ones installed by the previous owners. Who knows how many copies of keys are floating around for your front door.
- install an alarm system. The alarm went off as the thief entered, warning the owners and helping in scaring off the thief.
- replace your screws for your hinges, lock plates and locks with 4" wood screws. This will make your door more secure and harder for the thief to force an entry into your unit.
- replace your wood door with a metal door (as long as it is painted brown or white). This will make your door more secure and harder for the thief to force an entry to your unit.
- leave your outside lights on from dusk to dawn. Some of you have been neglecting this area. Do not depend on you neighbours to do it for you. Thieves like to work in darkness. Don' t make it easier for them to break into your unit. You can also install a timer for your outside light. This is a great tool in case you forget to turn the light on, or you are not at home, or you are on vacation
Be safe
A unit was broken into on tuesday morning around 7:30 AM. The unit is located in the middle of the complex by the east side. The deadbolt was breached in some manner and the thieves gained entrance to the unit.
The owners were home at the time and manage to slam the door as the thieves entered. The alarm went off during the struggle which scared off the thieves. No description was obtained.
These are the recommendations from the Block Watch Captain of Hawthorne Park Mr. Steven G. Pettigrew:
- replace your front door locks with new a HIGH QUALITY lockset (the MORE $$$ you spend the better protection you have). This is especially important if your locks were ones installed by the previous owners. Who knows how many copies of keys are floating around for your front door.
- install an alarm system. The alarm went off as the thief entered, warning the owners and helping in scaring off the thief.
- replace your screws for your hinges, lock plates and locks with 4" wood screws. This will make your door more secure and harder for the thief to force an entry into your unit.
- replace your wood door with a metal door (as long as it is painted brown or white). This will make your door more secure and harder for the thief to force an entry to your unit.
- leave your outside lights on from dusk to dawn. Some of you have been neglecting this area. Do not depend on you neighbours to do it for you. Thieves like to work in darkness. Don' t make it easier for them to break into your unit. You can also install a timer for your outside light. This is a great tool in case you forget to turn the light on, or you are not at home, or you are on vacation
Be safe
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Sunny at Hawthorne Park
Sunshine has finally arrived at Hawthorne Park, melting some snows that were left after the rains that followed a torrent of snow, unending it seemed, covering the whole neighborhood three feet in white powder.
The perimeter road had been a horrible experience with slips and near misses as the road was reduced to a single lane barely enough to accomodate a single car. Four wheel drives were the only inhabitants of the circumferential pathway that became of the road that used to be two lanes. Now and then a family seems to enjoy the job of shovelling snow to clear their parking space and pathwalks leading to their units. My two kids enjoyed the snow mountain I have made behind our fence. These are now hardening ice, melting under the sunny Tuesday morning in the middle of January. Indeed a new year is born.
There is still snow on all of the grass field in the park and getting rid of the white stuff will prove to be a meany. What makes snow go away fast? Rain. Then the park becomes slushy, never a nice place to stroll with your snickers on. Rain boots would certainly do if you are really determined to shake off your winter woes.
Now I am reminded that I have to clean up the car, for "it's snowing" and "it's raining" had become invalid reasons to relegate on the deal - "If we have a brand new car, I will clean it everyday". Ahh I really ought to be careful comitting myself into any deals with my wife.
Sunshine has finally arrived at Hawthorne Park, melting some snows that were left after the rains that followed a torrent of snow, unending it seemed, covering the whole neighborhood three feet in white powder.
The perimeter road had been a horrible experience with slips and near misses as the road was reduced to a single lane barely enough to accomodate a single car. Four wheel drives were the only inhabitants of the circumferential pathway that became of the road that used to be two lanes. Now and then a family seems to enjoy the job of shovelling snow to clear their parking space and pathwalks leading to their units. My two kids enjoyed the snow mountain I have made behind our fence. These are now hardening ice, melting under the sunny Tuesday morning in the middle of January. Indeed a new year is born.
There is still snow on all of the grass field in the park and getting rid of the white stuff will prove to be a meany. What makes snow go away fast? Rain. Then the park becomes slushy, never a nice place to stroll with your snickers on. Rain boots would certainly do if you are really determined to shake off your winter woes.
Now I am reminded that I have to clean up the car, for "it's snowing" and "it's raining" had become invalid reasons to relegate on the deal - "If we have a brand new car, I will clean it everyday". Ahh I really ought to be careful comitting myself into any deals with my wife.
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