T-Shirt

Hello there. It's 2019 and I returned here to check out the past a little bit. This blog is a bit of an artifact at this point, but it's been great to see how I used to talk and think.

Reading back over 10+ year old posts, I realize how different I am. So many things are different, of course there are still similarities in the way I think now.

I wonder, when I was posted in 2007/2008/2009, if I had an idea of where I'd be ten years on. To be sure, in 2019 and reading back to 2007/08/09 is strange. I'm not particularly proud of how I acted and who I was in my early 20's, and posts from that era remind me why. I'm a few months away from my 35th birthday, and I'm happy with who the current me is.

I've come full circle on the direction of my career. Fifteen years ago, I was dead set on a career as an educator. Ten years ago I was no longer dead set, instead feeling a little lost on my professional direction. 2012 saw a revitalization in my professional journey. I started to tiptoe back toward a career path as an educator. I was hired by a school district in 2013, and I have been working as an educator since.

So I like my job. I like my job enough to look forward to it every week. I love it, but I recognize it's a stepping stone to more growth.

I'm working with a group of teenagers at the moment, and we're learning about writing, poetry, and self-reflection. Which led me back here, and led me to post a quick update.

If you read this, thanks!

- Mike

'I just wanna sing a love song
Pretend there's nothing wrong'

Pablo Picasso

Why hello there.

Usually when I come here to write, I forgo flowing intro's and jump right into whatever is on my mind. I suppose I'll just do the same, although it feels a little awkward to say hi and then immediately start rambling. It's probably okay.

I like to read my previous post before writing a new one. As time increases between posts, I laugh more and more at the spots I was at not so long ago. In this case, my last post was almost 12 months ago. I have since left the job I was at, held a temporary job, and found a permanent position with the Boys and Girls Club. I have lost friends, made friends, and made a lifelong commitment to my best friend. Since Feb 15 last year, much of my life has changed. I mean, obviously, but I have had perhaps the most enjoyable 12 months of my life since my last post.

I remember what happened on Feb 15, 2012, that took me to Blogger to write. A very similar episode happened to me today, and it sent me to Blogger to write. Last year, I had a negative job performance review - quite negative actually - and it kicked my butt into gear to trim the fatty crap out of my life. Today wasn't a performance review, but the course of my morning sent my mind into the same gear as Feb 15, 2012.

I found out a few things about my current job this morning, and a few things about myself. "I feel" is what I'm going to be writing over and over - and I realize that it's just my opinion and probably isn't factual. BUT, I feel undervalued and disrespected in my workplace. I also found out that I'm not going to deal with that. So my current job has just become, as of a few hours ago, that thing I do while I look for a better job.

I am in a far stronger position than I was in a year ago. Last year I committed to finding better work, trying to move from $11/hour into a better spot. This year, I'm newly committed to finding better work, trying to move from $16/hour into a better spot. I feel like my resume is awesome, and the motivation that was dammed up yesterday, just crashed through the levee.

Maybe it's the time of year. Maybe not, but I'm ready to work hard towards something better. I want to do that for the rest of my life. Except the best friend part. There's nobody better.

Thanks for reading.

Mike

'Fill up your head and fill up your heart and take your shot'

Gold on the Ceiling

Okay, so.

Do you ever struggle with change? I do, and I have a few observations. Sometimes, when change is necessary, or inevitable (or both), one will wait until the change becomes absolutely crucial. The time passes when change is optional, and it becomes forced. Like writing a paper the night before, or packing up the day before moving day. Does this make sense? Do people still do this after they finish University?

I feel like I'm trying to wrap myself around improving this skill (or fault?). I'm interested in seeing the change that needs to happen, and making continual progress. That's the key for me I think, the "continual progress". Like if you pick up an empty box every few days, you can bring it home and pack it, instead of leaving a mountain of packing to do right before moving day. Follow me? In the past, it's been hard for me to go ahead and tackle something big until it hits that crucial point. Breaking something down into small pieces, and crushing them one at a time until something big is done has never been a strength of mine.

I want it to be. I'm trying to up that part of my game. Do you have any suggestions?

I feel like in the last 6 months, I've been getting better, and I feel like I've really turned a corner in the last week. Specifically, I need to find a job. I'm nowhere near a critical point where change is necessary from a fiscal standpoint, where I have to make a move. Maybe that moment won't come, and that's why I'm not waiting for it anymore. I used to wait.

Anyway, I've broken down this change into a bunch of pieces, now all I have to do is check them off this list.

1. Improve my resume. It's been far too long, and it's not professional enough.

2. Broaden my network. In person, online, etc.

3. Get the word out that my skills are essential to people. I have to re-learn how to sell myself.

4. Apply.

5. Find out what skills I need, and get them. i.e. First aid, Non-violent Crisis Intervention, Fitness Theory.

6. Get 'dream' job.

It may seem strange

How we used to wait for letters to arrive

Blue Jeans

Hey guys

I'm gonna jump right in. I am updating on here for the first time this year, and I plan to hopefully start updating more often again.

This week I've been thinking lots about professional development, and I'm starting to put a few different things in motion. For starters, I'm making my online profile(s) a little more professional. I'm starting to expand to more social networks (google+, linkedin) in an attempt to recreate myself in a unified, professional way. I'm really hoping that some serious attention and effort online can help me network with new people in various areas to help myself toward a career. Kind of a strange undertaking for me. Well, not strange. I haven't really dipped into the world of networking very much, and it's obviously a really strong tool. So it feels kind of clunky, trying to get myself into a new frame of mind.

I spent some time with my pal Matt recently, and he's working with me on this little project. Matt is a seriously successful networker, and has a strong online reputation. He has found great jobs through online networking, and he's been gracious enough to share some of his secrets.

I'm looking to break into Victoria's health, recreation, and/or fitness sector, and I appear to have been doing it wrong for the past 18 months. Well, I'm still working at Starbucks. So I would say it DEFINITELY appears as if I could try something new.

I'm also interested in a couple lifestyle changes. I mean, I figure if I want to get serious about health and fitness, why not stop eating so poorly, and get outside a little more. That might look a little more obvious on this page than it is in real life. Not that I'm a big slug. I also think that networking with new people in these areas will assist with me getting out more, and vice versa - getting out more might also expand my network.

I have a couple of really good head starts on this project. First, I studied and immersed myself in health, recreation, and fitness during University. Which wasn't THAT long ago. I'm no stranger when it comes to understanding healthier living. Also, I have a great friend in Matt, who not only has great tools/tips for expanding my network, but he also has a passion in recreation and health. I also have Jen, who works at a gym, and Blake, who is a great motivator in the drive to stay consistently active. Weirdly enough, the recent expiry of my Xbox live membership is also a solid catalyst. I have too much screen time per week, and I don't plan on renewing my membership.

So off I go. I want to set a few goals. I think an important one is to get employment in my area(s) of interest, but I want to try to set some other realistic, achievable goals that I can crush along the way.

I'm gonna go do it.

Thanks for reading.

- Mike

'Quit these pretentious things and just punch the clock'

The Vancouver National Anthem

How important is the fate of the Vancouver Canucks to you?

It's a question that people have been answering with vigor for 2 months. People all over BC are very excited about the prospect of the Canucks winning the Stanley Cup. A sports analyst commented that he was most excited for the fans, if Vancouver were to win.

With 1 game into the Stanley Cup finals, I can't help but finally feel some confidence in the outcome of this season. I have struggled with my confidence in the Canucks, and rightfully so. For years (decades?) they have come very close, and been very prepared to win hockey's holy grail, only to slip, trip, or just plain fail. It's been agonizing on one hand, yet predictable at the same time. But now, after beating Boston only once, I'm finally convinced we have what it takes to beat everyone, and be the best.

The fate of the Canucks is very important to me. I started following the 2010-11 season back in August. Really. I read the paper every day that I work, and while 'The Province' is a glorified high school newspaper in my opinion, they have 1st rate Canucks coverage. I have followed the news, stats and players very closely since before opening day, and it makes me happy to know so much about the team I enjoy watching so much.

Moving to Victoria in September 2010, I was leaving a lot of my friends behind. Many nights where I would otherwise be with friends, I instead spent watching Canucks games. Because of this, I have never watched as much hockey as I have this year.

I feel like I know more than the average fan, and I also feel like I want the cup more. I also feel like when a potential victory belongs to the fans, like the analyst said, that he's speaking directly to me.

I can talk all day about the players on the roster this year. What I like, their story, and what they've done for the Canucks in 2010-11.

As far as the skaters on the team, the head office put Vancouver in very good shape this year. The depth alone was a driving factor for Hockey News to predict Vancouver to win the cup back in September, a magazine I got for my birthday that month.

Alex Bolduc, Victor Oreskovich, and Sergei Shirokov saw really limited time for the big club this season, and spent most of their season with the Canucks AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose. Bolduc and Oreskovich are currently with the big club, switching between being scratched and 4th line duty. Same story for Cody Hodgson, except the expectations were much higher for Cody. A 4th liner from years past, Rick Rypien, didn't last long. After a scuffle with a Minnesota fan in the fall, he went into rehab for alcoholism. He finished the year with the Moose. The most consistent 4th liner was Tanner Glass, who fights a little but has really improved this season. Jeff Tambellini is the last 4th liner, who also spent time with the Moose and is currently with the Canucks. Tambo doesn't get much ice time, but he sure makes the most of it.

The 3rd line saw Glass sometimes, but most commonly featured Jannik Hansen and Raffi Torres. Torres was an offseason acquisition, and I was stoked, remembering how often he torched the Canucks while playing for the Oilers. Hansen is also a beast, and he's my 2nd favorite Canuck. The guy can skate and he can hit. My favorite Canuck, Manny Malhotra, centered the 3rd line until he suffered a career threatening eye injury. What made him my favorite player was the smaller parts of the game that he excelled at. He was one of the Canucks best penalty killers, and he was the in the top 3 in faceoffs in the league all year. After the trade deadline, Chris Higgins and Max Lapierre both spent time on the 3rd line, and they've both been huge in the playoffs.

The 2nd line was usually Kesler, Raymond, and Samuelsson. If 1 canuck won't be pleased with their season, it'll be either Raymond or Samuelsson. Kesler was on beast mode most of the year though, and I really hope he wins the Selke trophy for best defensive forward. I also hope he lifts the Conn Smythe right after lifting the Stanley Cup. One thing about Kesler, he always kept it light off the ice.

The most consistent line all year was the 1st line of Daniel and Henrik Sedin, and Alex Burrows. Henrik was made captain before the faceoff of the season opener in October, after winning the league MVP last year. After following the Sedins since they were drafted, I think 2009-2010 may have been the only year Daniel had less points than Henrik. Oh well, Dank made up for it this year, leading the league in scoring. New captain next season?? Either way, the boys are sick. Ridiculously good goals.

Not much to say about the top 6 defensemen, who made up the leagues best d-corps. Bieksa/Hamhuis, Edler/Ehrhoff, and Salo/Ballard were the usual suspects, but often there were a few guys injured. The fill ins were amazing. Chris Tanev would have been a staple during the playoffs if it hadn't been for a serious concussion late in the year. Lee Sweatt also saw a little time, and made the most of it with a sick game winner and an equally sick reaction to scoring. Aaron Rome and Andrew Alberts played the most out of the reserve d-men, and are still with the Canucks for the finals.

Behind them, Luongo was his usual self, only playing less games. He learned to play back in his net more, resulting in a better G.A.A. than recent years. Cory Schneider was easily the league's best back up goalie, making Vancouver the best defensive team in the league.

How important is the fate of the Canucks to me? I'll be really happy to see the Canucks do well, and they've already done that. I lowered my expectations long ago, and now I'm just enjoying the ride.

Mike

'Where the oar and the axe flies'

Mr. Rager

Goddamn, I feel at ease.

I went to the gym today for the first time in a while, and it was nice. I ran hard for 30 mins and lifted some weights. It felt great to sweat a bunch, crank my ipod a bunch, and change up my day to day routine. I got lost in my own little world on the treadmill at 8.5 km/h, and then I woke up 30 mins later and couldn't see through the sweat in my eyes. I got off of the treadmill and the floor was still moving beneath me. Feels great to get a good workout, doesn't it?

Work is still dead end, but I'm feeling happier at work these days. Feeling happier at work translates to being happier at home. It's a really easy equation, but sometimes I forget to work it out that way, and I wonder why I'm grumpy on my couch. But now I'm not grumpy.

Christmas is coming up, and I've firmed up my plans. I'll be in Nanaimo for a few days around the 25th with my family and friends. Can't wait. Hopefully the weather holds - no one likes the weather fucking up plans. I'm not ready for christmas yet, but I should be by tomorrow. Good times at christmas. I'm gonna blow some minds with awesome prezzies. Maybe.

That's that. Just a quick lil update on me and my month. Listening to lots of music again, and I like that. Visited some friends last week, and I also like that.

Thanks for reading. Enjoy your hols.

- Mike

'And I know

Everything that shine ain't always gonna be gold'

The Freshman

I feel like writing.

This entry is probably one of those entries where I write about everything and nothing. I saw Stone temple pilots last week. It's a different mindset when I go see a big band nowadays. Used to be a real big deal, but not so much anymore. The combo of seeing like 20-30 shows, and the fact that I don't listen to as much music anymore, has kind of dulled the mystique of live music. STP was good though. Big Empty was their best effort I thought.

I'm reading 'Next' by Michael Crichton. It's interesting, but I can't quite figure out why books don't hold me. I often struggle to get through the last 1/3 of a book, only to be supremely disappointed by the finish. Anyway, I'm ~290 pages into next and it's starting to dwindle.

I work tomorrow morning, and coach in the afternoon, and maybe it's a good idea to start thinking about sleep tonight. I've been working a lot more lately than my first few months in victoria. Yes, I'm still at starbucks. No, I haven't heard back from my other job prospects. Starbees (not their term, but mine) treats me well, and I take full advantage of my free stuff.

I was watching some sports thing last week, and they were talking about a coach's career record. So I want to keep track of my own career win/loss record - so I can celebrate my 100th win or something with my own little party or something. I probably won't call a press conference. But if last year was my 1st year coaching, my career record is 19W-7L-1T. That means I go home happy over 2/3's of the time. That's fine with me.

That's all for my free float. I like the new Kings of Leon album. Not to be trendy, but I like it. Oh yeah, and I miss my friends. All of 'em.

Later!

'For the life of me

I cannot remember

what made us think that we were wise'