Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!

I wrote this post this past Saturday on a sheet of paper and have just now gotten the chance to post it. Given that a terrible tragedy happened last night, I thought I'd better post it before I announce the bad news.

Oh my, where do we start?

How about we lay it simple: life is going well. Actually, "well" is more than somewhat of an understatement... "Fantastic" better describes how I've been feeling as of late. I feel better now than I have in the last seven years, and I sincerely mean that.

Finally, I feel as if things are going my way. Disappointments seems minuscule, meanwhile depression and unhappiness seem nearly non-existent. I've been waiting for this type of mental re-brith every since the beginning of this decade.

As I've explained oh-so many times before, the year 2000 was essentially a stop-gap in my life, but now - after a seemingly endless amount of problems - things are starting to look good.

Whilst I still have yet to sort my education, rest assure, I'm working on it. And when it's sorted, I'll welcome it with open arms. In the meantime, I'm just a happy person all-around. For instance, I'm feeling more confident not only about things as they are, but about the future. I'll just have to continue to do my best.

Other than that, I am pleased to say that my meet up with Mandie (the girl I met last weekend at Oakridge mall) went well. I truly believe that the two of us had a fantastic time together. However, that's all I'll say on the subject because I wouldn't want to be pushing my luck, but ultimately, don't believe it's fair to kiss & tell. I have a lot of respect for Mandie, and have no desire to treat her like some trophy. The only thing I'll say is that I really like her. She sets my mind and heart my free. I've never met anyone like her before, and am sure I never will again.

On the automotive front, Dad has bought a new car! Oh yes, it was time and let me say: it's one hell of a purchase. It's a gold/champagne coloured 1999 Acura RL 3.5 with just 54,000km. In short, the car is absolutely mind and has hardly ever been used.

And, umm, what else?

Evidently, I haven't been able to blog anywhere as much I have the past. Why? Well, it's not so much as I haven't the time, but more because I'm too busy enjoying life. Forum life, for instance, has taken a big hit. My usual online-forum visits have drastically declined. But you know, I don't really care about that. Silly though it sounds, I feel as if happiness has found me. And it's been a long time coming.

Christmas Eve

Wow. It truly is unbelievable that as I write this message, it is Christmas Eve. Seems like it kind of snuck up out of no where, if you know what I mean.

And you know what? This is the first Christmas Eve in the last seven years that I've actually enjoyed. And ironically, it also happens to be the first one that doesn't feel like Christmas Eve.

As I mentioned some time ago, I have had a string of awful Christmas' over the last several years. And when I say "awful", I truly mean it.

This year is a little different though. I'm feeling fantastic because the today has played out in a manor in which I wanted it to play out, for a change. And I must mention that even despite the horrible cold (throat, nose and head) which I've been fending off for the last three days, my Christmas hasn't been ruined even the least bit.

Woke up at 4:30am, ate and then surfed the net for a few hours. And after I saw that I had a new double-match on HotorNot.com, felt totally confident and happy. Really look forwarding to talk with her.

After that, I spent the entire day with my father around various locations in Vancouver; a few of which included Granville Island, exotic car dealers and Jericho Beach. So, suffice to say, I got lots of exercise today and am feeling completely refreshed.

And for the last couple of hours, I've not only been surfing the net, but rocking out to as much music as I bloody want. And because my house-neighbours went away for Christmas this past Saturday, I get to listen to it at any volume I desire. I've been listening to Rush and Porcupine Tree non-effing-stop. In fact, I'm listening to Rush's 1989 album, "Presto" at the moment...

Essentially what I'm trying to say is that I think what most people fail to recognize, is that Christmas is something different for everyone. While some people's idea of great Christmas consists of a big party, a thousand family members, turkey and a ton of presents, my idea of a great Christmas is a great deal simpler. Hell, I didn't even set up a tree. In fact, my house looks identical to how it did 6 months ago. No decorations, no nothing. And I wouldn't have it any other way. For me, Christmas is best enjoyed with few family members (my dad specifically), food (other than Turkey - perhaps Pizza), loud music and next to nothing when it comes presents. Truth be told, I hardly got any presents for Christmas this year, but couldn't care. I've got my dad, and I've got my music.

And you know what I'm going to do first thing tomorrow morning? I'm going to listen to Rush's "Snakes & Arrows"... And I'm going to enjoy every minute of it. Now this is what I call a great Christmas.

Oh, and here's something that makes me that little bit happier.

Feeling Better

Had you read my previous post, you might have gathered the impression that I was pretty bummed out. That's true, but I'm feeling much better now.

And as per usual, I have music to thank as it never fails to lighten me up. I'm currently listening to Rush's 1989 album "Presto". It's a masterpiece if I've heard one; just finished rocking out to "Available Light" and am now onto "The Pass".

More Music

I have yet to mention that on the weekend, I picked up a couple of new CD's (yes, I hate Ipod). Picked up the "Platinum and Gold Collection: Thompson Twins" - who by the way, are unearthly awesome - and Loreena McKennit's "Parallel Dreams". The latter of which I had a long while back, but as far as I recall It was taken to a pawnshop in search of money to feed myself.

Anyways.. Loreena McKennit is also, well, unearthly. If there was ever an Angel put on earth by God, she would most certainly be it. Her music most always puts me to tears; there's undoubtedly a certain magic about it.

The Mystic's Dream:



And while were on the subject of great music...Rush. Before you go on, yes, I do listen to other music than Rush, but there isn't a day where I don't listen to Rush. So, pipe off! In any event, I am as of right now listening to Rush's 1982 album, "Signals". It's an album often criticized for an overuse of synthesizers and lack of guitars, but I could not disagree more; in fact, I think "Signals" is one of their greatest achievements. But what I really cannot believe is how much this band has evolved. I mean think about it, 19 studio albums in 3 decades.

They never were a conventional band. For starters, it's almost unheard for a band to stay with the exact same members for such a time, let alone the fact that there are just three of them. That always shocks me, you expect at least four, but no, here is a band with just three members who are all master of their instruments, have been around for 3 decades and have experimented with countless styles - from Led-Zeppelin inspired metal, to hard rock, to synth, to pop, to rock to..whatever the hell you want to call it.

Who ever thought that in 1982, Rush would continue to release albums through out next 2 decades? Whoever thought that all band members at the age of 54, would release an album and tour in 2007? And honestly, I never thought that when they released "Snakes & Arrows", it would be as good as it is..

I'm absolutely struck dumb that they are this committed to making music. God damn, I love this band.

Feeling Good

Not that anyone cares, but I am happy to announce that I'm feeling pretty damn good today.

The temperature is currently 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) as the sun continues to shine it's sparkling rays. It's colder than yesterday (which was quite a blazer), but still more than enjoyable and perfect for my daily walk; which for you're information, I plan to carry out after I blog this.

Been surfing the net all morning while listening to a large variety of musicians. Rush being one of them (of course), but so far this morning I've already played stuff by Men At Work, Dire Straits, English Beat and The Fixx.

And, do you guys remember that frantic tune that goes: "dodo-dodo-dodo-dodododododo" in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" when Ferris is running through the bushes to beat his sister to their home? Well, that's what I was just rocking out too.

If you're interested in the song, It's done by the English Beat and is called: "March of the Swivelheads"