Obsessions and Reality

That seems pretty obvious. Of course obsessions are never a good thing...and yet we endorse them... regularly. Take Internet for instance. Now there is a rather unhealthy obsession that society has become completely enthralled with. So much so those who choose not to have internet suffer social exclusion. I mean with out Internet how could you possibly know what that friend you have never spoken to in your life did 3 Sundays ago when he almost burned the eggs he was cooking and then proceeded to tweet about it. Or what about the never ending pictures of that acquaintance you barely know you wouldn't be able to see. And you'd never know who was dating who or who was married or who had kids without Facebook.

Or how about society's OTHER obsession: eating. Now don't get me wrong, as a university student I've learned the importance of eating because not eating can be seriously hazardous to one's learning. But, our cultures around the world have turned eating into a social event with bloating capabilities, rather a menial task that needs to be performed merely to keep ourselves from passing out and or dying. However, being on a tour with the universities, I've discovered just how important food is. Not eating is almost considered offensive even if you aren't really hungry at all. Good to know that no matter what country you may be in, that fact seems to remain constant.

So why the sudden outburst against societal flaws that I am just as obsessed with all of you, Faithful Readers?  Simply because the reality is, that is what life is all about...Identifying something that you should fix, or solve, or erase and doing very little to stop it simply because living without internet would be as impossible as living without eating. Think about it...we rely on our connection to the internet so much that when we are cut off from it we loose all hope and fall into a rather horrifying depression that makes even the most steadfast quiver in fear. The thought of no internet is so outlandish, so unbelievable, so unrealistic that we find it almost laughable, yet something as terrible as poverty or hunger is believable and very real. Internet is a luxury, one that we can live without if we had to (yes, i know horrifying) but eating should never be considered a luxury.

But I'm no better, I'm just like all of you Faithful Readers. I can't change the world, and probably neither can you. But, that doesn't change the fact that our society might be distracted by fancy toys and gadgets and loosing touch with reality. Perhaps we should work to make reality our obsession. A reality where children in a school yard have drive-by shooting drills, where people live in poverty and starvation, where hearts are broken and rarely pieced together, where filth can be found sometimes a mouse click away, where pain is considered common-place, and where so many people are confused and disoriented. But our realities aren't hopeless, our realities are filled with light and with bright horizons. We just need to discover the light within all the dark.

Perhaps this is wishful thinking, and perhaps this is not a likely sanario where people join together to help others, but I like to think so. And since this is my blog, I can say whatever I want. So you can disagree with me, but i believe in hope, but I also believe that hope takes work!

Sorry for the soapbox, but I felt like i needed to say it...sarcasm will be back again soon don't you worry.

Signing Off,
DG  
 

What Else is There to Do?

So, it's the night before the big 10 day tour of Northern California and the surrounding area. What does this mean? Basically it means dancing for 10 days straight...more or less...and hoping that legs, arms, other semi-important limbs don't lose feeling or become engorged with pain. Yes, engorged. And how does one prepare for this amazing extravaganza of almost biblical proportions???

By not sleeping.

Yes, Faithful readers, you are well aware about the fact that Sleep and I haven't been able to make our troubled relationship work. More to the point, SLEEP hasn't been able to get her act together and forgive me. So in reality, it's all sleep's fault. I've TRIED making peace with her...but NOOOO...she's just too stubborn. Well, tonight I've decided that i'm just going to let sleep be alone tonight, and see how much she likes it. And trust me, she'll come crawling back...either that or the divorce will be finalized...Hm...with sleep and I fighting so much this might make for a very interesting trip.

-SLEEP HATE-

But i am excited for this trip, despite the fact that sleep and I don't see eye to eye. And even though i'll be missing 10 days of school, i'm at peace...because I know that at least I won't be the only one who will be suffering from "post-tour stress and catch-up" or PTSACU! Yes, another rather violent acronym when said together. (See previous blog about assumptions).

But, of course sleep deprivation and stress always makes one extremely cranky. But, i vow to be a completely lovely and joyful person on this tour...well...maybe...engh....no. Pfft, why should i be happy. I'll leave that to those who never let anything get them down. Oh and by the way people who are constantly happy: I HOPE YOU STAY HAPPY! STAY HAPPY DESPITE ALL THE DEPRESSING FACTS OF LIFE! JUST TRY AND STAY HAPPY! I DARE YOU!

Ha, now all the spiteful happy people will be depressed...-evil laugh-

So, it's off to Northern California. It's off to 10 days of dancing. It's off to making new friends and getting to know a group of people so well that i'll forget what it's like not be with them all the time. It's going to be great! AND I'M EXCITED! (And i'll try and work out my issues with sleep...i'm currently getting the silent treatment...cold shoulder isn't going to work, sleep...so don't try!)

More to come,

Signing Off,
DG

It's Time to Dust this Blog Off

You know it's sad, when you have to "remove dust" off a blog simply because you haven't posted in 2 weeks...when I just didn't have time to sit down and write about my life. But let me recap the past two weeks as condensed as possible.

1. Idaho...it's cold...music mishaps...good food...nice families...boring bus ride. FOLK DANCE!

2. mid-terms...still happening...never-ending...one made me laugh.

3. FOLK DANCE (gala)...funny...skit...best thing of the night...should of won...PAC cheated (just kidding)

4. AUTOGRAPHS...from my profs...they look different at close proximity... I think that's why they like being so far away from their students....

5. Fixing the choreography to a dance that was supposed to be done a month ago...YES!

6. DIVINE COMEDY! SUPER FUNNY! Got to know some friends/friend better...and old friends came out of the woodwork

7. New shows...new music...new ipod cable...university bookstore is overpriced...

8. Confused a group of individuals on how to do a new style of dance...but they caught on pretty quick...FOLK DANCE!

9. Discovered that I don't have school next monday...

10. Found on that Preference is a Utah thing...and that I still don't fully understand it.

So that was my week, but that's not really why i'm blogging...because there is a much more pressing issue coming our way. There is a serious problem that is currently plaguing the western world. It's a threat to humanity, and is something that has only now decided to rear it's ugly head ONLY because most of the population in said Western World is bored by winter...

It's Love.

Or rather, a misguided idea of Love, simply because it has been implied by a mysterious societal holiday/celebration.

Valentine's Day. The day to encourage heartfelt emotions, passionate convictions, and potential increases in the Human Species. And let me tell you, this university is no different. Couples have been sprouting up like the non-existent weeds that are only growing back home...and trust me...they are all over each other.

If there were ever a holiday to make those in the single community uncomfortable with there primarily satisfying existence, this would be it. Valentine's Day divides everyone into two groups: Single or Couple. And since this divide is extremely obvious, Valentine's Day only make the gap wider. Thus, the single community disregards the gushing holiday and instead focuses on: SINGLE AWARENESS DAY (SAD). I am full supporter of Single Awareness Day. Everyone should celebrate it. EMBRACE THE SINGLENESS! LOVE IT! Your only single once, so don't waste it!

But, i'm not worried. Couples come and couples go, I mean, by mid-march all these Valentine's Day Couples will have either died out, quieted down, or at the very least disappear down the same hole they crawled out of. But nevertheless, there is a lesson from this holiday: NEVER EVER TAKE YOUR SINGLE STATUS FOR GRANTED (Because you never know when it might be taken away!).

Signing Off,
DG, who doesn't actual hate love, just gets confused by it...

Times and Measures

Well, this has been quite a weekend. So intense, that I've had to wait a whole 4 days to blog about it, and I'm sure that each of you Faithful Readers have been waiting on baited breath for it. So, you can let out your air, because I'm here and there is no need to worry.

This weekend I was in Nevada. Now, I know that when I say this, most of you will instantly think Las Vegas. As of this moment I have yet to be to Las Vegas, although I think if I'd only go there if I was in the mood to enslave myself to at least 3 unhealthy and socially condemned addictions. Of course, naturally, you're mind instantly shifts to Reno and again I disappoint. Although I can't help feeling that Reno is a wannabe Las Vegas...and if that is the case, Reno it's time you raise your standard and stop trying to give into peer pressure. No, rather, i was in a small town called Mesquite. It is a quaint town, that again is trying to be a mini-Vegas...but I think fails more then Reno. Granted I've never been to Reno. Nestled in the Virgin Valley, Mesquite is a picture-esque town embodying the essence of Nevada: DESERT!

I'm still confused as to why people chose to cultivate in that area, however, seeing as that I am not the end all be all in when humans live, i'll simply keep my opinions to myself.

We were doing a show that was highly eventful. The show went well, and we pleased our audience, despite a few minor mishaps, namely a hat to the face or a 30 second pause of the show right near the end...and some other rather entertaining mistakes. But needless to say, the people loved us and were not afraid to tell us so. It's a nice feeling being loved.

Then we drove home.

Upon arriving home, we all slept because we were pooped and a little shell shocked. Interesting things occurred on the roads between Mesquite and Utah...things that shall not be repeated because pretty much everyone knows the story...and posting that story on the internet seems a little harsh. Although, I'm sure that if you haven't heard the story, it simply means you don't get out much and need to associate yourself with real people a little bit more. Nothing a little time outside the house can't fix. SO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE AND MOVE YOUR MUSCLES!

Oh, and if you are desperate to hear the story...find someone who knows about it. GOOD LUCK!

It'll be a new show next week, I'll keep you posted.

Signing Off,
DG

Yet Another American Holiday

Alright, i will give you this America, the holidays in the early side of the semester is a brilliant thing. Canada doesn't have a mid-January holiday, but America...you have Martin Luther King Jr. Day. A man we have heard about even in Canada. Yes, it's true, sometimes American's have a global impact! (It's a pretty frequent).

Now at least Martin Luther King Jr. Day makes some sense. I mean there are so many holidays that really don't make sense like....Family Day. In pretty much every Canadian province (except for like 2...including Quebec) this holiday sneaks in mid-february for no apparent reason. I mean officially the holiday is encouraging "family togetherness" but in reality, it's just a paid day where people don't have to go to work.

Or how about Valentines day? That day does not make any sense. It's as if it encourages procreation (although that is one of the various historical explanations for this day). Although, i think Valentines Day is really just an excuse to give the chocolate makers of the world something do during the bleak winter months.

Or St. Patrick's Day. That one is merely a holiday for all Irish individuals in the world...yet somehow people have simply adopted it as a reason to get smashed. Although I didn't realize that people needed an reason to get drunk, people seem to do just fine without a holiday giving them permission.

So...there are some pretty outlandish holidays. Christmas, New Years, Easter, and other various religious celebration and obvious changes in the calendar have some real merit...and celebrating individuals who have truly changed their society for the better are logical holidays. But I vote we scrap some of the various stupid holidays (although, though if it gives met the day off then I accept it. So Family Day gets a gold star in my books).

Although, I guess all we have to look forward to is: SINGLE AWARENESS DAY (SAD) also known as Valentines Day. Hope you all enjoy your weeks faithful readers, cause mine is only four days! YES!

Signing Off,
DG

Blogging vs Time...Sadly Blogging Lost

So I'm back in the States. I'm back taking classes, some are highly enjoyable, others are well... not as exciting as they could be. But i'm not taking Econ this semester. And that...is probably the best thing about this new semester. Although, the political science class i'm taking is not as exciting as I believed it was going to be.

But, what else is there to talk about? For the past two weeks that has been the main source of conservation. "What class are you taking?" "I'm totally switching out of this class" "I'm taking WAY too many credits" "Does this class make me look fat?" Yes, all completely plausible conversation topics. But it's good to be back.

Utah actually has winter. Now when I say winter, I mean COLD, SNOW, SCARVES, GLOVES, TOQUES! I'm instantly missing the warm, moderately damp, temperate of winters back home. Although my distaste for snow has only increased as every day passes. See back home, snow is a novelty. People fail at commuting in it, and there really aren't enough snowplows to go around, but it really only snows usually a grand total of 3 times a year...if we are lucky. However, here...the snow doesn't melt. Meaning that day after day you end up staring at the snow and wondering why it doesn't go away. It instantly looses its "novelty" status.

But snow isn't the only problem with winter. Snow I could live with. It's the internal heating systems in buildings. I swear they are only on one temperature: WAY TOO HOT! You walk in from the frigid morning winter air into a building that is practically a sauna. I end up down to my t-shirt within 3 minutes of being in the building. And then you end up craving going back outside. Only to discover it is way too cold. it's like have to experience a hot flash every time you walk out side. And trust me it's enough to encourage you never to age to a point where hormone levels fail...

But one good thing about being back here is the wonderful world of Folk Dance. You probably remember it from a few posts ago. The one about the show of the year and the nasty condescending comments directed at those who didn't attend? Well it's back. Not the show...but the institution. Folk Dance, complete with various cultural dances that range from the simple to the terribly complex. But not matter what, you feel good about yourself, life, and the human race in general. A feeling that usually lasts until you enter the testing centre where all faith in humanity dies...rather painfully. Folk keeps you on your toes, physically, mentally, emotionally, and constantly. Needless to say Folk Dance is all the rage, and it's good to be back. Although i'm not a fan of the runners using the hallways as a track...stupid snow...CURSE YOU WINTER!!!

Well, that's all for now, off to Waiting for 2RB.

Signing off,
DG

Of Reflections and Projections

Phew! What a crazy year! 2010 just blew by, and much to my dismay, i don't think i really noticed all that was happening when it was happening. However, that being said...it still was a pretty amazing year!

First off we had the Olympics! Vancouver 2010 was a pretty impressive sight. Vancouver walked onto the world stage...stumbled a little, but then put on a wicked show. We truly rose to the occasion. Patriotism grew to a new level, a level that is still resonating with Canadians everywhere. It became truly cool to be a Canadian. Winning the most gold metals at a Winter Olympics and for a host nation Canada trumped even its own expectations. The Olympics were impressive to say the least, and I lived it...and for that I'm glad.

Next we move to the Mormon Temple the was built and opened the beginning of May. For some this event simple went by, but for those in my church, this was a major event. Complete with a Youth Celebration that was top notch and an open house that truly opened up the eyes of many individuals in the community as to what the heck the Mormons do in those "mysterious temples". However, the temple is now up and running and even this event became past...but something we will remember for forever.

Then came my graduation...you remember this don't you Faithful reader? The stress, the panic, the distain, the hesitation, the anger, and the irritation that came from planning the event that in the end grew to a night that I will always remember. However, in the shadow of the two previous events, Grad didn't really shine all that bright. However, it was interesting nonetheless and something that i'm glad i went to. But Graduations happen every year, and Grad 2010 quickly slips into the realm of forgotten for most people.

Then is was of to University. Again not really a "historical" moment of 2010, but still a big step forward for me. Moving out and going somewhere completely new was a little terrifying, but i quickly got into the swing of things. Although I must say, that the first semester was not completely terrible, and in the end I did enjoy my time there and now it's on to the second semester! WHOOO!

Then there was Christmas Around the World. The folk dance show that was put on this Christmas that I was privileged to be part of. Although there were moments of leprachonism, and "heavy drinking" it was a memorable experience. I mean, where else would see Hungarians being invited to an Irish Ceildh? The answer is nowhere...Although, i suppose the Hungarians DID have the drinks.

It's been an amazing year. 2010 was perhaps the most jam-packed year of my life, and I was glad for all the experiences. Each one made me grow and stretch (sometimes more then I would have liked). 2010 was a year of excitement and fun...but it did have pain and sorrow. But like every year it has come to a close and it's time to move forward and remember the experiences with fondness, but walk with our heads held high into 2011.

What will 2011 hold for each of us? Who knows. Perhaps it'll be a year of montony. Perhaps it'll be so exciting that none of us will even know what hit us. But one thing is for sure, it's here. And whether we like it or not, we need to face 2011 boldly and courageously. We only have one chance at 2011 everyone, you don't get a repeat...so make every day count. And don't let anything get in your way of your goals.

It's the New Year...and my resolution: Live my Life the way I want to, and not be afraid to "Take Chances, Make Mistakes, and Get Messy!" Oh Miss. Frizzle...what would I do without you.

Happy New Year Faithful Readers,
Signing off,
DG