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My God. What a terrible end to a day at the beach.
Ok, so…it all started off as a normal trip to the beach to take some shots of the boats off the water, read my “Dearly Devoted Dexter” novel and last but not least, soak up some brilliant rays for a radiant skin tan. When I first arrived, Jericho Beach was pretty busy with people…doing, uh, beach stuff. I start off a few logs towards the back of the beach whilst reading “Dearly Devoted Dexter” and as I read through my 35 pages (some 5 chapters), I noticed that the beach was starting to clear out and front-ocean-viewing logs were becoming available. As a result, I decided to pack up and move up to one of the logs closest to the ocean. As it happens, the log I decide to sit at had two empty cans of Coors Light beer left behind from the last party. Did I care? No of course not. I felt neither the reason to conceal or clean them up as they were not mine.
Some one hour later, the beach police (Think Erik Estrada, aka: fake police) start combing the beach for trouble; fair enough as dawn approaches. And as I am doing absolutely nothing inappropriate, I continue to mind my business. As they (two of the pinheads) approach my location, one of the two pulls up towards me and starts smiling at me. And because I was in a cheery mood, I decided to smile back. I mean, why wouldn’t I? Soon enough, I’m approached by the female office and she and points towards the beer cans. She comes over and as she’s pouring out one of the beer can’s (one of them had a tiny bit left in it), asks if I had been drinking. I said: no! To which she replies, “You’re lying”. And at this stage I got very angry.
Un-fucking believable.
I then replied: “I don’t drink (which is 100% true) and do NOT like the accusation”. She then replied, “Well there are two cans beside you”. And that was pretty much it….I made no further eye contact (as I felt I was about to start in on a serious argument) and they left on their merry way. I cannot even tell you how much it pissed me off. Sure, by the looks of it they could have been my beer cans, but how the hell did they know that? Accusations like those are what get people sued. And what further pisses me off is that I’m one who doesn’t drink. In fact, I’ve never been drunk (only buzzed) in my entire life. I cannot stand drinking; the taste of alcohol, nor it’s effect on my body.
As it turns out, I left some 15 minutes later to where I spotted the Park Ranger in her white Ford Ranger Pick-Up talking to someone else about something else. After that person left…I told her the story, about the accusation and she apologized on behalf of whoever accused me. She remarked, “that’s not the way it should go”. She said she’d bring it up with the board (which, let’s face it, is highly doubtful)... Nevertheless, I felt much more calmed after telling someone else about this incident. I especially felt better when I told the Park Ranger that if I had to take a breathalyzer to prove that someone was an idiot, I would. And I seriously would.
Pity a beautiful day has to come to an end like that.
What do you think? A friend on a forum posted this girl and I thought the outfit was fantastically brilliant. Full body stocking...Mmm. Talk about erotic!
Long time folks!
Anyway...
That was the day I saw Rush live in concert for the first ever. A day where I shook the hands of two of my greatest heroes - Geddy Lee & Alex Lifeson. The show it's self was absolutely incredible. The performance was unmatchable, and the stage set (lighting and all) unbelievable. And the set list...absolute perfection. When packed with not only 'Mission' and 'Witch Hunt', but 'Digital Man' and 'Ghost of a Chance', you cannot complain about anything.
It was an incredible day, and one which I'll never forget. Here's what I'll have forever: Me and my dad standing between Al and Geddy.
Rush Foreva!
Ok, so I've failed to mention this before, but I've been having issues with my left knee-cap as of late. It started about four weeks ago when I would do my daily speed walk...After a quick Internet search it appeared that my pain was as a result of over-use. A pocket of water and inflammation builds up behind the patella thus cause aching and swelling.
Yesterday I went to the doctor (despite my hatred for visits) and he confirmed the problem: overuse. Seems 4-8 miles of walking per day isn't doing the old bones any favours. So, I have to cut down the walking, wear a tensor and do some rest and relaxation.Bah.
Seeing as I've become a complete Porcupine Tree addict in a matter of months, I figured now is the time to create a list showcasing my favourite tunes from the band. Here it is:
1996 - 'Waiting - Phase One' (Signify)
1999 - 'Don't Hate Me' (Stupid Dream)
1999 - 'Even Less' (Stupid Dream)
1999 - 'Piano Lessons' (Stupid Dream)
1999 - 'Slave Called Sliver' (Stupid Dream)
2000 - 'Lightbulb Sun' (Lightbulb Sun)
2000 - 'Hatesong' (Lightbulb Sun)
2001 - 'Buying New Soul' (Recordings)
2002 - 'Blackest Eyes' (In Absentia)
2002 - 'Trains' (In Absentia)
2002 - 'The Sound of Muzak (In Absentia)
2002 - 'Gravity Eyelids' (In Absentia)
2002 - 'The Creator Has a Mastertape' (In Absentia)
2002 - 'Strip the Soul' (In Absentia)
2002 - 'Heartattack in A Lay By' (In Absentia)
2002 - 'Futile' (Futile)
2005 - 'Halo' (Deadwing)
2005 - 'Lazarus' (Deadwing)
2005 - 'Arriving Somewhere but Not Here' (Deadwing)
2005 - 'Open Car' (Deadwing)
2005 - 'So-Called Friend' (Lazarus Single)
2005 - 'The Start of Something Beautiful' (Deadwing)
2005 - 'Mother & Child Divided' (Deadwing)
2007 - 'Anesthetize' (Fear of A Blank Planet)
2007 - 'Way Out of Here" (Fear of A Blank Planet)
2007 - 'Sleep Together' (Fear of A Blank Planet)
2007 - 'Fear of A Blank Planet' (Fear of A Blank Planet)
2007 - 'What Happens Now' (Nil Recurring)
2007 - 'Cheating the Polygraph' (Nil Recurring)
Well, that's only 30...^_^
Sorry, I couldn't be bothered to start nit-picking. All of their music is awesome. <3
Ok, today's piercing incident easily outweighs anything thus far. So, I'm walking down on 4th avenue (which has a load busy strip mall-stores with a whole load of people) here in Vancouver and I noticed in passing that a girl with her boyfriend was staring at me.
I thought "hmm..". Soon thereafter, I heard the girl say to her boyfriend: "he's got a piercing". And just as we pass each other, her boyfriend says: "oh the eyebrow".
Perhaps they thought I couldn't hear them, but it was as clear as day. I paused, and then laughed.
It's been a total of six days since I first got my eyebrow pierced, and I suppose you're wondering how I feel about it? Whether I regret it? Whether others resent it? So on and so forth. You're asking the simple question: has it been an issue in any way?
Well, let me answer all of those questions and more. First and foremost, the piercing's healing process has been spic-and-span. Haven't even endured the slightest issue thus far. In fact, I've been lucky in this regard. Whilst others can have piercings which continue to bleed and pour puss, mine has still yet to. Even when my brow was first pierced, the piercer (Erin McMahon @ 'Adrenaline' here in Vancouver) said that it indeed bled very little. And even now, I have yet to come across any fresh and/or crusty-dried liquids. Additionally, my brow hardly even swelled.
Having continued the daily cleaning routine (sea-salts and anti-bacterial soap) and continuing to sleep on my back, my piercing has been completely hassle free. My only reminder thus far that it's even in my body (aside from looking at myself in the mirror), is the consistent itch. It started doing this on Tuesday and is obviously a good sign. My piercing is healing not only properly, but at an extremely fast rate. In other words, it's been free sailing.
Impressions:
Ahh yes, the ancient old question. How do others react to a shiny piece of stainless-steel stuck in your face?
Reactions obviously vary from person to person, but the general impression from older people is clear: "bloody adolescent kids". Yup, I'm afraid you'll get that quite often. The fact that my hair is getting reasonably long certainly doesn't help with that image. It's the same old story though. As expected, it doesn't raise too much of a stir with the younger crowd, but the older crowd clearly cannot understand why you'd do this to your body. And what makes the latter strange is the fact that Vancouver is a city which is very strong on the promotion of the so-called 'body art'. Take it from me - Vancouver is full of people sporting body art. Piercings are by no means a rarity, nor are tattoo's. And yet still, some people are baffled.
And for the sake of entertainment, I've got some fine examples of my personal experiences to share. First and foremost though, I must explain that my hair-bangs are quite long. They pretty much cover my forehead, so these experiences are based upon a piercing that is only partially visible.... Oh noes!
One of the more entertaining ventures when was I last visited Safeway. I could see - from the corner of my eye - a woman in a lineup across from me was staring at me... When I turned to look at her, she looked away real fast. I could tell... And when I went up to Safeway customer-service counter to get a pack of Cigarettes (for the old man, naturally), I noticed one of the guys at the counter staring at it. And so it goes on. After a short while, it's easy to tell who's staring at it based upon their reaction when you look back at them. It's kind of humorous actually.
And because the barbell is silver, when you're walking towards a sunny area, the light cannot help but sparkle off the silver. People catch a glimpse of that....and it's like, "what the fuck is that?". And lastly, if a younger kid (let's say 13 years of age) catches glimpse of it, they stare at it in absolute shock and awe.
And of course, this all leads to the final question of: why does one involve themselves in body art? Well of course, everyone's inspiration is different. Some do it to be bold, some to be unique, some to be rebellious and some evidently do it because they have an affection for art. Or perhaps, it's a combination of the above. For myself? I won't lie, I do like the fact that it further gives me an identity. It's something that makes me, me. But of course, I do indeed have a keen appreciation for art and that's exactly what I see my piercing as.
Regrets? Nada. None.
Future Body Art?
You betcha ya. As soon as I got back from Adrenaline this past Saturday, I was already looking on the net for my next piercing. Yep, that's how it is. Addiction.
What's next? Probably an ear piercing of some sort; either an industrial cartilage piercing or a outer-conch cartilage piercing. The trouble with these particular piercings is that they have a long healing process: six months to a year. But I'll probably get one of the two next time around.Other piercings which I have considered, but have been leary of, have been piercing of the lip and/or tongue. Given the damage these particular items can possibly do the oral region, I am greatly fearful. My mouth is already a world of hurt: chipped away teeth; low enamel levels; receding gums. If my gums were in better shape I wouldn't think twice about getting either.Tattoo? I think will, albeit long down the road. Already have a few idea, but I ain't spilling the beans just yet!
It happened.
ZERO issues. Hardly bled at all. Best description of the initial piercing: felt like a nail going through my foot.
Tuesday night, March 18th.
What's going on? Oh not much if I may be honest. Not that that's a bad thing, because things in general are going extremely well. I'm feeling well-healed at the moment: healthy, confident and happy.
Got a chance to Van Dusen Gardens this past weekend. Whilst out of season - not the most colourful time to visit - both my father & I had a great time.
Other than that, this forthcoming weekend is sure to bring some great adventures and changes. Don't want to induldge too much on the subject, but if you stick around long enough, I'll very hopefully be able to spill the beans. Not 100% it's going to happen just yet, but we'll see when the day rolls around.
Err...Nothing else comes to mind at the moment. Must hit the sack.
-- Ciao
Well would you look at that. Today is the 1 year anniversary of when I opened "In Myself". Having just looked over some of my previous posts, I am absolutely amazed at how much has changed in little time. Things really have turned around - for the better, finally - in a time frame which was certainly unexpected.
That all be said, I took the time to assemble this short chart to show how things have changed. Even then, I simply cannot cover all of the things that have happened. In any event...
And lastly:
Blogging level: Then - high (nothing to do!); Now - low (lots to do!) :D.
-- Over and out
Written by Mr. Tom Cochrane.
A song I have long since loved:
So long so long so long he's been away
So long so long so long he's back again
When I turned seventeen
We had passion, we had dreams
Thought the love we were fighting for
Was something holy, something more
When I turned twenty-one
we were outside on the run
When I walked out with my girl
We went halfway around the world
CHORUS
I dreamed I saw her standing there
Running for the boy inside the man
I was hit hard by the light so bright it burned
All at once I knew she'd understand
Boy inside the man
The boy inside the man
When I turned twenty-five
We were hungry, we had drive
When I turned much older then
When the boy was lost in pride
Now I just turned thirty-one
I have lost and I have won
Still I've kept my dreams alive
'Cause the boy will never die
CHORUS
Ah do you understand
CHORUS
The boy inside the man
The boy inside the man
So long so long so long
You been away
So long so long so long
You're back again
Sister cool this face
As if it's carved in stone
Don't leave me in this place
Like a boy without a home (repeat)
Boy inside the man
Thanks to my mother, I was able to pick up a new camera this past Thursday. It's a Sony Cybershot DSC-H3, and it's awesome.
After a near two year experience on GermanCarZone as Moderator, I've decided to move on. I'm set to leave my Moderator position tomorrow - March 7th. It was a terribly hard choice, but it's time for me to move on. I must set my personal life as a priority. It's time to move on. If any of you guys are reading this, remember that I'll always love you guys!
Ok, so yeah.
I've been thinking about getting a piercing. If you're a frequent reader of my Blog or a close friend your jaw might have just dropped, but hear me out.
I've really grown a fascination with piercings, and I suppose that's because they're a tad rebellious, awesome and kind of sexy too. Unlike the vast of teenagers, I missed my stage of growing-up rebellion. I feel that now as my lifestyle and appearance continues to molt, I must take a course of uncharted and unexplored form. And that all started with the urge to grow my hair long, but now, I want to - cheesy though it sounds - further create an identity for myself. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm more than happy with my current appearance, just looking to make myself all that bit more special. :-p This fascination with piercings started it's development ever since I not only moved to Vancouver, but started cracking to the dark and melodic tunes of Porcupine Tree. Go figure, I'm turning emo. Nah, just joking. I'll never be a skinny little emo boy with false dyed black hair.
But anyhow, I do admit to feeling that I've grown a curious indulgence into the world of modern 'punk' and 'emo'. That being said, I've grown a strong attraction to women of a darker nature; more rockin', more out-spoken. Girls with piercings, girls who wear dark make up and girls who dye their hair crazy colours. Yes, I've grown attracted to 'emo' and 'punk' girls. Please seeing the following pictures for examples:
Those who truly know me will know that I've never been one to follow trends, so I don't think this is just a passing phase but rather something that's been building up over the years.
And it's the good 'ol argument, eh? Beauty is the eye of the beholder. I know tons of people who would think these girls are disgusting. But of course, I whole-heartedly disagree with that. I think these girls are not only fantastically beautiful, but utterly special.
I know, I know. Some people are probably rolling in their graves right now, but oh well. You like what you like.
Oh wait - what was this about? Oh yes, the piercing.
The actual consideration as to getting a piercing of some sort is largely in thanks to a female friend (Wai-Lee) living in Burnaby, who I met online a few months ago. Actually, the two of us are planning meet up this weekend and go on a photospree.
Anyway, she's got five piercings herself; one in her lip, one in each ear and one in each breast nipple. After expressing my interest to her about myself getting one, she told me that she thought I'd look good with an eyebrow piercing. I hadn't put much into it before hand, but after a few days of thought I could finally see where she was coming from. And I now concur. Very much so indeed.
And after additional thought, I've been thinking a lip piercing would be pretty rad too. Mind you, If I do go through with it, it'll only be one of the two - not both. However, they are downsides to having either of them.
Lip piercing have a tendency to make gums recede. Even Wai-Lee told me that it has happened to her. Mind you, it's less obtrusive on the gums if the ring is placed to either the left or right as it leaves more roof for the stainless steel ring (and that's what I had planned anyway). Other than that, the piercing takes 2 to 4 weeks to heal in which you must use special alochol-free mouth wash and sea salts.
An eyebrow piercing is a little less of a hassle and is much less prone to causing bodily injury. However, the healing process takes 6 to 8 weeks and in that time, one must be careful not to mix oily hair jam packed with gel into the wound as it will cause an infection. Care procedures from this point are swabbing on a special cleaning soap on the wound 2 times a day. At this particular time, my hair is bloody long. Hangs over my brow and has even caused a few zits in this particular facial region. Could be an infection waiting to happen (assuming I get the piercing in the brow). And considering the time it's taken to grow my hair this long, I have no intentions of cutting it.
Having the opportunity to talk with someone who has to live with a lip piercing has greatly comforted me. After all, she does have first hand experience...
And no, I'm not worried about the pain and etc of the procedure it's self. On average, it takes them 2-3 minutes as they jam a needle through your brow and/or lip. Sure, it'll hurt, but only for a short second. Not to mention, I'm no stranger to pain. I walk around Vancouver with ripped up heels pouring blood into a nice pair of grey socks. And yes, it hurts like hell. I've got so many scars on my feet you wouldn't believe it.
But enough about that, let's go onto initial reaction from others. And they are? Uhh, I've only two told people about it; Wai-Lee (the girl with the piercing) and my father. My father is quite sensible on the matter. Not over bearing by any means. Though honestly, he doesn't like the idea as, A) he thinks the girls won't like me as much and B) as short as it may be, the operation it's self. He's easily sickened and not a fan of hooks being ripped through any of his body parts. Haha.
Piercing Style:
As to the exact piercing, If it be a eyebrow one, I'd like something like this:
Love the green colour especially.
If I went with a lip piercing, I'd like something like THIS (green) or THIS (blue). Green's my favourite colour, whilst blue matches me eye colour.
I'm excited. And more so towards the prospect of a lip piercing than a brow one. Will keep you mofo's informed.
Ciao for now.
They aren't front row of course...In the stands.... But woohoo!!!
Tomorrow the Pre-Sale tickets for Rush's May 29th concert here in Vancouver, go on sale!!
Hoping for the best. Will report back.
My God. What a terrible end to a day at the beach.
