Steeped in Fiction

Here I am. I've been watching Battlestar Galactica for only about a week now, and I've covered about 25 hours of it.

I've played more Video Games in the past few days than in the whole month prior to coming home. Part of that has to do with lack of money, and now an excess of free time, but in some ways it feels good.

The psychologist dude I went to talk to in St. John's talked about escapism. I've been thinking about escapism, what he's said, and what I've read. Escapism becomes a problem when, like anything else, it gets overused or abused. A few years back, I found a book completely published online. I read it nonstop for a whole weekend. By the end of the weekend, I had to think a few seconds before I remembered where I was, and that my best friend's name was not "Sharon."

I don't think I'm approaching that level of absurdity right now, but I'm always wary. I'm going to call these past few days entertainment, but I worry what's going to happen to me over the next semester. Good friends will be gone, and I'm going to have a whole lot more time, what with not having any labs or anything. I plan on getting a job, but how busy is that going to keep me, really? And will it just fuel this addiction to fiction that sometimes rears it's head.

Is that "addiction" even a problem?

It's going to be an interesting few months. I'm hoping for a few blissful bumps along the way, but I hope it's less ... gross ... than the past few months.

Good Times

Despite the great times I'm having home, there are some people I wish I didn't have to see again.

I remember why, in some ways, I tried to abandon my old circle of friends. The core was great, but the fringes weren't so awesome. Now, I don't know what else I could have done. I ran to a group that I thought would be better for me, to discover that though the moral fiber was there, I wasn't going to fit. Nobody seemed to want me to fit.

Now I look forward to St. John's again. Half of the group of friends I fit best with there, are leaving on the 15th-16th of January. And those are the friends I fit best with. I feel like running away for a while. Just seeing where else I can be. Just experience stuff.

But I don't think this is the time to punch out. This feeling will probably pass, and I'll be comfortable down in my social and academic rut once again.

Something is wrong with where I am. And I don't know what it is, or how to fix it.

Battlestar Quote

I'm loving me some Battlestar Galactica right now. A new favourite moment in Science Fiction is at hand.

Commander Adama: (Observing a quiet moment between a crew member and civilian) They better start having babies.
Executive Officer Tigh: "Is that an order?"

Last Gifts, and Chillin

Due to a screw-up in my Christmas list, I bought an extra CD. I'm glad I messed that up, to be honest. I'm enjoying some Nickelback now.

Tomorrow I do some Christmas basket packing at the 'Army Thrift Store. I'm thinking that in addition to finding a job in January, I might look to do some work for the 'Army when I go back to St. John's.

Today and yesterday I spent a nice few hours just hanging with friends, some whom I haven't hung around with enough, I've discovered. How did I let that happen?

It was a good birthday. I got a TNIV / Message parallel bible that I was looking at in St. John's from my parents. And a very thoughtful housemate gave me the gift of Will Smith. Fresh Prince season 1 much? I wouldn't have even thought to ask Santa, but it's probably one of the most perfect things ever.

Gotta do a few more present-buyings tomorrow after I finish at the Thrift Store. Then perhaps some more chilling.

I want to live in a Monastery. Maybe a Buddhist Monastery. That would be pretty wicked. Maybe a year later I might have a different thought, but who knows? It sounds neat at least.

Auspicious Day

"What day is it?"

"What month is it?"

I went to Staples today to see how it is. I noticed World of Warcraft was on sale for only $20. My nan gave me $20 for my Birthday.

So I bought it. Won't be able to play for a while, as I haven't gotten a subscription yet, but the first nail is in the coffin.

I'm so excited now. =D

Blasphemy

This is sort of a response to The Blasphemy Challenge, and I know I don't get too many comments here (whether it comes from lack of readership, or lack of interest I'm not sure), but I thought I'd put this out there:

Does anybody have any thoughts on Mark 3:29? I don't want this to be too out of context, so I'll post the verses leading up to it, and the one following.

=====

22 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, "He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons."

23 So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: "How can Satan drive out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. 27 In fact, no one can enter a strong man's house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man's house. 28 Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven all their sins and all the blasphemies they utter. 29 But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, but is guilty of an eternal sin."

30 He said this because they were saying, "He has an evil spirit."

=====

Mark 3:22-30, from the TNIV.

Home For A Few Weeks

After an all-nighter including Robin Hood: Men in Tights, and much laughing/joking, I slept several hours through a bus trip bringing me to the West Coast of Newfoundland.

I'm home right now, in my own bed. Maybe it's just because I'm tired, but this feels like a visit. Even that feeling of not having anything to do, which I always used to have while visiting Clarenville, is haunting me now.

Tomorrow night I'll probably go to the Temple and see some long lost friends, and perhaps even go for Pizza or something. Mom's put my name in to volunteer with the Family Services here over the break, which is probably the most awesome thing she could have done ... ever.

Plus I want to do a bit of an art project while I'm here, but I think that'll just have to not happen, since I don't exactly have all the equipment required.

It doesn't feel like my birthday is less than a week away. It doesn't feel like Christmas yet.

Corner Brook Friends

At the beginning of this year, I made a move.

Now, I'm going to attempt to reverse that move, and I fear it won't work. On one hand, I don't deserve to be taken back as a friend, because I left them. I tried to get into a new group. Which would be "better" for me. On the other hand, these friends have taken me back before. They're understanding, they don't judge, and they love more often than other friends.

And despite this hopeful direction, I know things are going to be the same. People will be busy. People will still not have time. But more of these delinquents have made time for me, than any other friends.



How could I have ever left them? Here's to an awesome Christmas.

Wicked Sweet Days

So, yesterday could only be described with the words "Wicked Sweet."

I woke up to a house left all to me. I lounged around a bit, until I heard knocking at my door. Mark, Meighan, and Greg, being totally awesome!

They went to Catherine's for a minute, and I got a shower, after some aimless wandering, we ended up back at my house, watching 12 Monkeys. I laughed at the title, but honestly, it's a pretty awesome movie.

At 3 was my German exam, which went okay, except for the translation. This is how it went down (Italicized are my words):

"Translate the following paragraph from German into ideomatic(sp?) English.

No."

After that, I went to the store and picked up some munchies, plus a birthday card for Greg. Got home, watched the rest of the movie, and waited for people to show up. Mark showed up at 8, Meighan at 9:15, Catherine at 10:30, and then Greg at like 12:30.

Greg and I went to play X Box when I discovered that my 360 had passed on. A call to Microsoft told the tale of woe: $170 for a replacement.

We'll see. I could just sell my extra gear and buy a Wii.

Anyways, Greg and Meighan never really left, until this morning, and Greg only left at like, 4. Now tonight is another "gang" Christmas party, where I'll be able to distribute Christmas Gifts.

Leaving in the morning. I can't wait to be a fool in Corner Brook again. I'm feeling more confident in my foolishness, so much fun will be had.

Things of Beauty

Check it out.

Just spend some time looking.

We have such incredible things around us too, but I know I don't always take the time to look.

Julius Caesar Style

I laughed.


"... They stabbed him with icicles. - Julius Caesar style."

Is it just me, or would that make a hilarious picture?

Strange Compliments

It's strange.

The most genuine compliment I've received in a while was as follows:

"... but by my definition you're an agnostic because you are open to other possibilities--this is regardless of the fact that you still believe God exists."

That gives me the warm fuzzies. I guess you have to understand the context.

Reminds me of the time that the nicest thing a person had done for me in a while was offer me a cigarette. And the time when a classmate tossed me a beer.

F-Bombs

I said "The F-Word" for the first time in a while today.

I thought I had weeded that word out of my vocabulary by now.

I turned on the tap expecting cold water, and got very, very, very hot water. It was the first word ready to describe what I was feeling, and thus, lept forth before my brain had a chance to reign him in.

Fun.

BBQ Sauce Saves The Day

Hah! My new hero is a condiment!



Yayyyy, BBQ Sauce!

Chapters Adventure

So, fed up with waiting for Catherine to get her act together (=P), I decided that instead of calling my Chapters quest off, I'd continue on, and go alone.

I'm proud to announce that after some looking around, and talking to Suyen, I grabbed an armchair, Root Beer, and read my book a little.

While at Chapters, I experienced (rather, sensed from fifty feet away) the magic of a Rex Goudie signing. Apparently he had security guards. Root Beer came out of my nose as I heard this.

After browsing for a while, I've decided that once I've dug through my pile of "read me" books, I want to get Plato's Republic. I felt quite superior thumbing through philosophy and religion books while Rex Goudie fans jumped up and down. It was a jerkish feeling, but seriously ... Rex Goudie.

A side note: I was almost ready to buy a Qur'an, but 1) Chapters didn't have any, and 2) to order one would be $140. Maybe later, hey?

Rob Bell's Velvet Elvis was there, which I want to get, but decided against getting for now.

Books in my cue for reading:

Have to Finish
Shadows of the Empire
Saddam's Secrets
Sophie's World
Josephus: The Essential Works
Need to Start
Eusebius: The Church History
The End Of History And The Last Man

Wow, that's only six. I must be forgetting some.

I Just Stopped Breathing

Not even kidding. I just swore really loud, and stopped breathing for a second when I saw this article.

Please, oh please, oh please, oh please be Mac Compatible!



I love you Captain Reynolds.

Tired

I feel like I should blog about something, but there's nothing I can think of to blog on.

This time next week I'll be home.

I need to get a job next term.

I was bothered tonight when an adult insinuated that I'm being an idiot with my life. I'm bothered because I can't argue it, but I still feel like I'm doing what's right. I'm gonna become an Arts student, because that feels like that's where I'm supposed to be. Apparently it'll be more right if I do something I really don't want to do, and make a crapload of money.

Yeah. Why not? Just take a pre-fabricated life instead of shaping my own.

Ugh, I'm trying to figure out what's on the go, but the wheels aren't turning in my head. I think I broke my brain when I went to Tim's.

Physics exam in the morning. Washing and trying to figure out how to dry my clothes (i.e. not use the broken dryer) in the afternoon. Chapters with Catherine in the evening.

How is nobody else in this house in the middle of a crisis? No dryer, people! Maybe I'll just go to a nearby laundromat. That'd be pretty urban.

What I Am ...

I did some of these the other day.

The internet thinks I am ...

You Are a Life Blogger! Your blog is the story of your life - a living diary.
If it happens, you blog it. And make it as entertaining as possible

Your Life Is Worth... $954,000

You Are 58% Passionate, 42% Compassionate You possess an ideal balance of passion and compassion.

You definitely can get swept away and lose your head a little.

But you're rarely a fool for love!

You Are 60% Pure Well, you're not exactly an angel - but you're pretty darn close.

But chances are, you have a couple juicy secrets deep in your closet.

Your Theme Song is Back in Black by AC/DC "Back in black, I hit the sack,

I've been too long, I'm glad to be back"

Things sometimes get really crazy for you, and sometimes you have to get away from all the chaos.

But each time you stage your comeback, it's even better than the last!

Cheese Pizza Traditional and comforting.

You focus on living a quality life.

You're not easily impressed with novelty.

Yet, you easily impress others.

Joshua Alvin Thompson's Aliases

Your movie star name: Doritos Kenmore

Your fashion designer name is Joshua Amsterdam

Your socialite name is Joshie St. John's

Your fly girl / guy name is J Tho

Your detective name is Penguin Herdman

Your barfly name is Root Beer None

Your soap opera name is Alvin Windsor St.

Your rock star name is Salt Water Taffy Rocket

Your Star Wars name is Jossmo Thojil

Your punk rock band name is The Happy Asteroid

A Walk Through The Realm Of Philosophy

So I just decided to go for a walk to Tim Horton's to allow my brain gears to grind a little. I've been reading a book called Sophie's World, which is really all about the history of Philosophy. This fresh on the brain, my thoughts churned over a few topics. The one that slapped me in the face is that age-old question that made me laugh at it's stupidity when I first heard it in Grade 3.

"If a tree falls in the forest, and nobody's there to hear it, does it make a sound?"

Obviously the question is worded inadequately, since what we're meant to think about isn't what physically happens, but what we classify as sound.

The answer that used to be so satisfying: "Of course it does!" didn't satisfy tonight. I still don't really have an answer, but I've sort of constructed a mental framework, as it were, to build upon later.

I realized that when I was dissatisfied with my answer earlier, I was defining "sound" more as music than as physical vibrations. I decided to keep this definition, originally, meaning that somebody had to be present in order to listen to the sound for it to actually be sound. To interpret it, really.

Then I got thinking about music. What is music? It's obviously more than just sound. I got to thinking: What if somebody was singing in the forest, or perhaps, a solar-powered CD player that somebody forgot, and left on to play for all eternity. Would that still be music if there was nobody there to hear it? I mean, can there be music without what I've defined as sound?

Obviously that's a weird thought. So I've decided that there has to be sound when a tree falls. The vibration definition will have to do. But what about the music?

I got to thinking, and I really decided that there are two people that count in any art. The creator, and the observer, the creator being the absolute most important. After the creator leaves, a painting remains art, because it was the effort, the result of the Artist's action, that constitutes the piece, right? So if a painting was hung in the forest, with nobody to observe it, it would still be art. So it's the same for the CD player in the wilderness. The creator is not there, but it was the result that was the music anyways. Somebody could go listen to it, but even if nobody even knew of it's existence, other than the artist, it would remain music.

So I've concluded for myself that sound is a part of the physical world, if nobody is there to hear it, it's still there. Art is different, but has the same end result. Art is all about expression and interpretation, if one of those two actions takes place, I personally would constitute it art. So the song that nobody other than the songwriter's ever heard is still music.

But that leaves one final puzzle for myself: what about what I've always called "God's Art?" No human made it, so does it constitute as art? If we see it, then we can interpret or appreciate it, so would that make it art? Does that mean that the horsehead nebula, something I've always pointed to as "God's Art" wasn't "God's Art" before we saw it?

Obviously I need to realize that the definition of Art must lie in the creation of it. Thus, if it's art at the point of interpretation, it must have been art at the point of creation as well. It's a different art, divine art, I guess, but art none the same.

Which would mean that we're art. All of us. Because God created us. But a paper I write for school, I don't consider art, maybe God created us in that way.

Perhaps, but I don't think so. We're made in his image, and that thought makes me think "art." more than "assignment."

Ugh this philosophy crap is going to kill me. I hope anybody who decided to follow this through to the conclusion aren't demanding their half hour back. If so, just email me, and I'll take you out for Coffee, free of charge to make up for it (=P).

Unless, of course, you live in Oregon!

Maybe I'll blog soon what I wrote while I was at Tim Horton's. I 'observed' (read eavesdropped) on a conversation some strangers were having, and had some thoughts on it, which I promptly wrote down. A sort of map-drawing activity, in case I get lost in this realm of thinking.

And finally: everybody seriously go out, grab a philosophical question, and think on it. It feels so good to work this stuff through, even if you're 90% sure you've come to the wrong conclusion.

388 Water St.

Can you see it? Can you imagine it? Doesn't it yell at you, what it could be?



Where does one get $350 000.00? My fishbowl has about $3.47.

Three Red Lights

I almost just cried myself into oblivion.

Robyn discovered, when she went to watch some Full House on my X Box 360, that it certainly wasn't working. Three red lights glared up at me, trying to communicate the problem.

I looked it up, and it means "Hardware Failure."

A part of me died. My first X Box 360 died, and it was replaced with a second generation machine, which should mean no problems.

Not so.

Anyways, it's okay now, but I'll forever be wary of my machine. Like the guy who's PS2 started chewing up CDs randomly. You just can't trust it anymore. Something is gone from the relationship.

I've also determined that I'd rather have a comfy reading chair now than a girlfriend. Sad? Yes. Luckily this one in my house fits the bill, but for next year, I want one to call my own.

On the Attack

So.

I was talking to my friend about a sermon I had heard recently. Exciting I know, but I mentioned one of the quips the speaker let out. He said something along the lines of "I don't want to go on another Retreat. I want to go on the attack for once."

That really hit me, since it's something I've been thinking about. What it means to be on the attack in the Salvation Army. The popular belief seems to be that we're on the attack every day, just by going out into the world, and living good lives. Smiling at people, holding doors, and when the situation calls very clearly for it: speaking of God.

Sure. Why not. It's St. Francis of Assisi. "Preach the gospel always, and if necessary, use words."

But is that far enough? If I had to classify that in a military way, that would be holding the lines. We're possibly influencing somebody's day, making the world a little brighter, but it's not enough.

An attack, as far as I'm concerned, is getting out there. You work hard when you're on the attack. You're in the line of fire. You're out past the front line, you're in No Man's Land.

The Salvation Army isn't on the attack anymore. As an organization, the battle duties have been delegated to Officers, and hired staff. It's become the Salvation Reserves.

What can we do to fix that? Maybe we should all ditch the country club. Maybe we should burn down our churches. Who knows? If we've got nowhere to be comfortable in, then we might actually do some of the Lord's work.

Community service should be mandatory for Soldiers in the Salvation Army. You can't join the Canadian Forces and expect not to do your duty. Then how is it one can be a Soldier in the Salvation Army, and not be on the front lines?

NOTE: I'm just as guilty as the next Soldier. Just trying to figure this out.

Do you think we'll ever meet them?

Bweeeee! New Halo 3 commercial, and I almost wet my pants watching it.

Who's excited? I hope that shield thing ACTUALLY IS what the X button does.

NERV

I've always loved the NERV logo. Strangely enough, though, today was the first time I noticed the motto, or whatever it is, written around the bottom.

"God's in his heaven, all's right with the world."

I can understand the sentiment, I guess we all can. Obviously I don't agree with the statement, but it feels sometimes like God isn't on our side, doesn't it?

I had this conversation with a friend of mine about a week ago. When stuff goes bad, we blame God, but do we even give a thought to the fact that Satan's probably working harder?

A friend of mine in High School was talking about his "religion" (actually a cult). He looked at me and said "... but you're a Christian, you don't believe in demons."

Oh no, my friend. I probably believe in them more than you do.

Craziness

This is going to be long, since I want to tell two stories that are related, plus I need to rave about my night.

Story #1 actually happened. It's actually pretty short. I'll just dive in.

After church last night, a group of us decided "Hey! Let's go to A&W!" So we did. I had a Mozza Burger with Swiss Cheese. Doesn't that make it NOT a mozza burger? Anyways, much fun was had, especially when we started talking about cartoon shows and the like. Some were speechless when I outlined my plan for a Coup: a simple plan for a better Salvation Army (Note: I was joking). I think people started yelling at me when I outlined how we would invade IHQ.

Anyways. After this, the group split. Long story short, Rebecca and I discussed marriage. I believe my exact words were: "... I mean, c'mon. I'm totally wicked, and you're kind of okay. It could work." Much laughter was had, and my approach was questioned. I honestly can't understand why.

Story #2 is a dream, that I believe was heavily influenced by Story #1, My "Govenator" T-Shirt, and the discussion of movies that Greg and I had.

There were a bunch of us. The whole "Gang" from the citadel, plus some others. We were on a cruise ship, and I'm honestly not sure if it was a space-ship, or a regular boat. Anyways, Rebecca and I were somehow married, and I, yes I, was pregnant.

Some game was being played, which included much running. When I ran to the front of the ship, I met Mr. Ahnold Schvatzeneggah (I am aware that this is the incorrect spelling).

"I see that you are carrying a baby."
"Uuh, what?"
"You are pregnant."
"Uuh, yeah, I guess I am."
"It's rough."
"It is."
A pause.
"Hey, you were pregnant, right?" I ask.
"Yes. In Junior." (It's a movie for those who don't know)
"How did you get through it."

Yes, Manly Man Arnold and I had a conversation about pregnancy. I just thought that was so hilarious.

Anyways, my night:

The girls decided they would have a sleepover, in their typical girlie fashion. Rebecca, Stephanie, and Catherine, went somewhere, to have this celebration of the night. Greg and I decided we'd do the same.

He came over to the house, and watched movies.

First we watched Dragon Ball Z ... one of the movies. I honestly cannot believe how much I've missed that show. Some of it was foolish, but I can't say I don't like it. Gogeta kicks ass.

Then we watched V for Vendetta. I didn't expect much from that movie, but I really liked it. A fairly compelling storyline, great vocabulary, and decent fight scenes. I'd watch it again in a heartbeat.

This morning, after some breakfast, we watched Starship Troopers. I really enjoyed that, since it's sort of a Sci-Fi classic I've been meaning to see. A fair bit of cheese, and gore, but great nonetheless.

Then Greg and I played Halo 2. I'd forgotten how awesome multiplayer really is.

Now I need to reconstruct my room, and give some serious thought to studying. Foolishly, the past two months of notes were simply dumped on my floor, and there's an unsorted pile retaining the knowledge that I need to review. Appropriately enough, said pile is underneath my garbage can right now.

This is going to take a while.

I Feel Sick

The title says it all, I guess.

Still searching for a direction.

Going to take it somewhere new.



Watch the video. I thought it was great.

"Do you know that I mean when I say 'I don't want to be alone'?"

Yip Yip Yip Yip Yip Yip

Oh Sesame Street. How I miss you.

Searching for a Complaint

I have a huge respect for George Bush. Is he the most brilliant man on earth? No. Would I like to serve under him if he Annexed Canada? No. But the man takes so much flack, and still hasn't killed himself.

I've come to accept that somebody, somewhere will always complain about something. It sucks, because obviously, I'd prefer if everyone were happy, but that's not happening. I just have to ignore it, I guess, which is really hard for me.

I came across this while blog-hopping today. I thought it was pretty neat. Wierd? Yes. Helpful? Heck yes.

This is comforting to me. With all the fuss about this stuff, I'm always afraid Canada will pull out of Afghanistan, and the US will pull out of Iraq. It'd be like running to somebody's crappy house, kicking it over, stating "We'll help you build a better one!" and then leaving before the work is finished. Do I agree with the Americanization of every living being? Of course not! But the more I read of The End Of History, the more I realize that these people need Democracy.

I'm not entirely sure it's happening the best way, but it'll have to be 2040 before we can look back and say the Iraq war was a mistake, or we should have gone about bringing democracy to Afghanistan a different way.

EDIT: More exiting articles!

A whale of a jerk, and Church gang wars in China.