// So Long 2005...

As we enter the dying hours of the year 2005, I look back at it with a cringe, as it was a year like no other. After following one of my better years of 2004, the year 2005 brought more bad then good sometimes. There were problems springing up for the entire family and it was incredibly hard some days to make it through the hours. Like I said though, this year did bring some joy and some historic events in the life of me, and I would like to re-cap 2005 before we enter the new year, which I feel, is full of potential.

NHL Lockout
I rang in the new year of 2005 with no hockey, which ultimily really sucked! There was a time when I thought that they were going to hammer out a deal, and save the season, but it was cancelled... the worst possible thing to happen in a proffesional sports league. Eventually, it was the Players who cracked, and management won the battle. Hockey was brough back in July of 2005, after many many long months. It was stupid, it was pointless, and we lost a year of hockey. 2005 also showed us the rejuvination of hockey as well, as a new season started back up in October, and we've enjoyed every minute of it.

Cars
2005 saw me go through three cars! We had Speedy Reidy, which was an instant classic with everyone. A 1982 Honda Civic and how it stayed alive through all those years was amazing! I loved every moment with Speedy, but eventually, he could not survive any longer, and he died in July, right after returning home from a weekend on Galiano. I lived him to the fullest, and I did everything I ever wanted to do with him. Stacy came along in July to bail me out of car troubles almost immidiatly. It wasn't the best car ever, but it got me from point A to point B. It was a 1989 Chrysler Acclaims. It was eventualy replaced in late August, early September with FJ. Stacy was sold in October for $700, which turned into a huge controversy, which I'll get too... FJ (Fred Junior) was given to me by my Dad, and my brother, when he bought his new truck. Fred still hadn't finished paying off my dad for the car, so he gave it to me! FJ is still with me as we speak, and will ring in the new year with me! He has been absolutly perfect so far and I've loved every moment with the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier. I can only hope that many new adventures will happen with FJ.

Work
I was hired my White Spot Triple O's in mid March, starting training in late March, and being put into work with everybody else at the begining of April. The White Spot Triple O's was located at a Chevron in Richmond, on No5 Road and Bridgeport. Training was pretty neat, and it was definitly an interesting experiance, and I got a really awesome looking hat! I became pretty popular with most of the staff, and I do miss working with them. I quit the job in mid July because I finally found a new full time job. I quit because I asked for more hourse, and I didn't get any, and I needed some serious money. Pro Works Painting was my first ever full time job, and payed a lot better then White Spot, and gave me a lot more hours. It was nice to work outside as well, but it was so incredibly hot sometimes! Some of the guys I worked with were incredibly funny, and for my birthday, they bought me a Star Wars backpack. I worked all around the lower mainland, in places like White Rock, Burnaby, Richmond, Vancouver, Surrey, and I'm probably missing one in there. Nevertheless, another good experiance in life. I entered my fourth year of being a hawker at Nat Bailey Stadium and I do believe this was my best year since my rookie year way back in 2002. We had a great core group, and Nick was are boss again. We were in a different spot, and Fred wasn't constantly breathing down are backs this year. It was a great year, and it was incredibly fun, yet extremly hard since I was working full time painting, and I would sometimes come home, just to go back to work. Nevertheless, I competed my fourth year hawking at the Nat.

Music
This was the year I became incredibly obbsessed with U2 and the Barenaked Ladies. I had the pirvaledge of buying to tickets to U2's Friday concert from a scalper. I payed something like $70 over face value for each ticket, but it was worth every penny! The concert was great and I honestly don't think anything could never compare to that. It was just so incredible to see them live and they just do a great concert. Matt Glynn enjoyed himself as well, since it was the first time he saw them live as well. December let me see the Barenaked Ladies for free as I won tickets to a private accoustic concert! I took Sam, and as I recently posted about it, it was as well a great experiance. I got to meet some of the band members and I was really incredibly happy.

School
High School is complete! Wow... it never really hit me that I graduated in June of 2005, and it seems really weird that I'm not going back. Yet, I know I'm not going back because it has already been four months into a school year. It is incredibly weird though, and I never thought the time would come. It was hard for me to adapt to the change, but nevertheless, it was something that had to be done. Mainstage was something in High School I will never forget, and we truly were a happy bunch of people. We had such a passion for what we were doing, and we put on some great shows. I enjoyed 42nd street a lot more then Bye Bye Birdie, and I had a major role in 42nd Street! It was truly amazing as a I became a local celebrity for about 4 weeks. I ended 2 fullfiling years in Mainstage just after May. I had a frantic couple of weeks in the summer while I attempted to apply for the Railway Conductor Program at BCIT. After trying to get over some obstacles, and doing a pre-test in math, where I somehow passed, I finally got in! Only to be told that somebody else was ahead of you on the waiting list and that your not in! After being incredibly disapointed, the administrator called me the next day to say a spot had opened, and I took it. Looking back at are first semester, I don't think you could have put together a better class. We are all very close with each other now and we really enjoy each others time. We have done many things together now, like going to Squamish, and working on the railroad, the usual. We all have really loved each others company though and I don't think I'll ever forget this class. We have already had some job interviews for CP Rail so we find out next week if we get the job.

Family
One of the biggest problems that had happened in 2005 was with my Step Mom as she had an affair and split up with my Dad, taking lots of money from the family, and a couple things from the house. I truly found the situation hard to deal with and it was hard for Sarah as well. I could only imagine what my poor Dad was thinking. The one thing that bugs me still is that they are still friends. That is one thing that I can't figure out, and it disapoints me. She moved out in June, and finally took her stuff out months later. It was incredibly weird. Sarah moved back into the house in November and it was weird to have her back as well, since I was so used to just having Dad and me around. Fred cheated death as he came out to visit Granny Lenos in the hospital, and on his way back, got into a major car accident. Somebody cut him off, and he lost control crashing into a ditch, fliping his brand new truck, and completly destroying it. He somehow walked out of the crash with no injuries. Fred then got transfered about a week later and moved in late November. He had no choice but to live in the laundry room, adn we then had a jam packed house.

Friends and What Not
I came into 2005 with many friends I loved and trusted, and that original crew had been dramtically ultered, as no longer talk regularly to them anymore or something just came up. Now I have a completly different lists of friends who I do belive will stick with me through times to come, but it's sad to see how things changed so much. I thought I had found my first Girlfriend in the summer, only to be heavily disapointed. It took me a while to get over it, but I did. I actually did have my first Girlfriend in November for about four weeks, but it then ended. I think I broke her heart, and I feel so bad that I can move on so well, but she can't. The Soap Opera! I love it! Never ends! Same leading cast as Dyllan and I tangled up with each other all through the summer, into the fall, and it just never quit. Him and Kasi got together, which really I had no problem with, it was just hard to deal with before. Unlike some couples, you can usually tell if there going to hook up, but that came right out of the blue, and I was a litte shell stuck. I think that transfered over to their minds as negativity and they came up with their own assumptions about me being 'jealous' and what not. I only had one complaint back in the summer when there was like 4 different girls in the picture, but whatever. They seem to be a great couple now, and I have nothing against it. $700 was stollen from my very own room, from one of my friends. The ass was never was cought, and it completly ruined any hope of rekindling a friendship with Dyllan, as when the cops called, he was a little mad. Anywho, life moves on...

Youth
Youth went down hill for me all of 2005 at RPC. The continuing drama's that came up were just starting to really become stupid, and I had really drifted away from God, only to rekindle the fire for him in the late fall, and at the merge. I finally left RPC to go help out at Tenth Ave, Jade's church. It had really been an awesome place and they have accepted me in, and I love the youth we have, and they love me! I was speaking one Sunday night in December at RPC which was really cool. A little weird to be a "special guest' but nevertheless, I think I should speak a little more often. I have made a couple appreances in December on Friday nights, including last night's allnighter, and I must say, I have thouroughly enjoyed myself! The group seems to have turned right around for me, and to come into the group as the person I am now, another leader from another group, its nice to see how there progressing, in some ways. Congrats to Andy and Annick as she is 4 months pregnant, and they are doing an awesome job leading this group.

18
Turning 17 was allright, however, it was a crappy year. Everything seem to start right after I turned 17, and it wasn't all good. However, my 18th birthday party was incredible! It was a load of fun, and I got 2 birthday cakes! It was so nice to have a great birthday for once and so far, 18 has been a lot better then 17.

The Empress: 2816
That was an amazing trip! My dad and I bussed up to Kamloops in the afternoon of July 1st, where we stayed at the same hotel as we usually do at Historymaker, and it was a little weird not to see all the youth. The trip the next day was incredibly fun, and took almost the entire day. It was something I'll never forget.

State Of Mind
In the summer I became incredibly depressed... probably the worst I had ever been in my life. I was just not dealing well with everything, especially since my Dad just devorced, friends turning on me, and I just lost it. I made it out alive though, and it was hard to do.

Walk On
2006... it's going to be an interesting year. It will be a year where I finish up at BCIT, and will start work on the Railway. What happens between then is unclear, but I know that this is going to be a great year, I can feel it. So let me say goodbye to 2005! You sucked, but I kicked your ass!

Thank you all, and to all a goodnight.

// Federal Election

So we have a federal election coming up in the new year, on January 23rd. That Monday is going to be an incredibly exciting day! It will be the day of my road exam, to dispose of my horrid 'N', and it will also be the day that I vote for my FIRST federal election!

I was not intirly sure when I would get to vote, but I got a voters card in the mail so it turns out that I'm allowed to vote! I'm incredibly excited since I get a say in who are next government will be! I got to vote in the civic election, however it wasn't as exciting... in fact it was pretty boring. I didn't really know anything about the candidates and personaly I just wasn't too excited. Nevertheless, the person who I voted for won! So I feel special.

I believe I will be voting for the Conservatives! Yes, I'm telling you who I'm voting for. I chose the Conservative because they aren't corrupt like the Liberals, and I don't want national fast ferries when the NDP is elected. Apperently the Bloc Quebecois (how they hec do you spell that?) isn't a bad party to vote for, but only Quebec votes for them. I would vote for them, but I'd just be throwing my vote away, plus, who wants a party named Bloc Quebecois running Canada?

Yes...I do believe I'm becoming an adult... a very immature adult...

// Water Bottle 20, Matt 1

Back from my quick little vacation and nonetheless, I enjoyed myself. Was nice to get away and all that jazz, and I didn't really do much.

My dad took Dylan and I shooting! Was my third time shooting (second time with a riffle) and my Uncle from Mayne was over for the day on Galiano so he came up to watch. We were shooting at targets about 150 yards away and it was rather difficult to get a shot bang on. We were shooting at a target poster, and a water bottle. The water bottle was actually a 4 liter milk jug filled up with water, thus creating the water bottle. After all three of us had terrible difficult trying to hit the water bottle, I finally hit it! It was so incredibly awesome! I could not believe I hit it since it seemed like nobody was going to do it! But I nailed the sucker and it blew up!

Then Dylan and I had a show down with this game called Crocano? I'm not sure if that's how you spell it, but it is an incredibly entertaining game and even though I made some huge comeback, Dylan seemed to beat me.

Christmas dinner was for dinner, which makes sence. It was as usual, with its average vegetables that you only eat for Christmas, Thanksgiving, and so on. It's almost like a punishment, but I've learned to deal with it... It's like a punishment for all the things that you haven't got caught for! Yea, that makes sence!

The evening after that was full of movies over in the cabin. Dylan started Hitch without me, nevertheless, I had seen it before so I just joined in about 20 minutes later, and since Fred came in that night, he joined in too. Hitch is quiet the inspirational movie if you ask me... It's just pretty good, especially on an Island. All movies are better on Islands. Followed by that we had Sin City, which was incredibly messed up! It had the oh so beautiful Jessica Alba though! The movie was actually entertaining, a little sick, but I liked it because it was different from other movies.

An interrupted sleep-in happened this morning as Fred and Sarah probably got up hours earlier then Dylan and I, waking us up. So we eventually were wide awake by 12:30 and then it was off to find food, since everybody had left for breakfast without us! No problem though, since we did sleep in. However, the part of town by us had all the restaurants closed! The bakery/deli, and Scoops! The Burril Store was incredibly busy as is, so Dylan and I dropped Fred and my Dad off at the shooting range, while we went to the pub! We had chicken strips to start, and I truly don't believe I have ever tasted better Chicken strips then the ones I had today! They were incredibly large and incredibly tasty as they were served with a plum sauce! If you LOVE CHICKEN STRIPS get yourself to Galiano Island and go to the Hummingbird Pub... Incredible chicken strips. Followed by the strips we had a huge burger and some fries.

We then did some driving on the Island and that was fun! Testing out my dad's new Chevy Cabolt, and its nice sound system. You wouldn't think it, but driving on the Island is a lot harder then city driving! You twist and turn and the road goes up and down! We then passed the one and only cop on the Island! Luckily we weren't doing anything incredibly illegal!

I then watched Bedazzled, and we made are way home, leaving us to where we are now. I got to drive me car home by myself since Fred drove it out by himself. That was nice, no free-way traffic and smooth sailing. I love driving really fast!

tonight's events have been fixing my train set, stabbing myself with a piece or rail from my train set (lots of blood, very painful) and of course, the Canucks finally winning a game!

Now we finish off the week....

// You Sunk My Boxing Day Ship

Good News and Bad New Today

Bad news always comes first... I found out that I'm not going to Victoria this week afterall! I am incredibly disapointed since I really wanted to see Matt and Becky, and I was all excited! I was going to go straight from Galiano to Victoria, and spend Wednseday Night and Thursday, and possible a bit of Friday. Now... I'm not which really sucks, but Matt said he would probably come visit me in January... and he goes back to school on January 3rd! (Just like all you other suckers!). So I wouldn't be albe to see them for long.

Good news is just plain old news which isn't negative. I got to sleep in today, while those poor suckers wait in line at 1am in the morning! Yea... I felt pretty good in my warm bed last night while they waited in line. Next year I might consider the idea, because by that time I might have money to buy like a nice TV or something, and then it would be worth the wait. But I didn't really need to wait in line for anything, and I couldn't afford anything that I wanted, even with the huge discounts. I wanted to buy some new speakers and a new amp, however I just didn't have the money. So I walk away today with some new CD's a brand new shirt, and Season 1 of the OC! I really shouldn't be telling anybody that, but I like the OC! I am now officially only 2 CD's away from completing my entire U2 collection! Woohoo!

World Juniors opened up tonight in Vancouver, and so far we got a 4-1 lead for Canada! Those kids are amazing eh? I hope they win it here, that would be awesome!

Merry Boxing Day everyone!
PS. I shall not be posting for some time since I shall be on Galiano for a while
PSS. I need some more money

// Merry Christmas!

Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday Dear Jesus!
Happy Birthday to You!

Wishing you all a very merry whatever christmas, and a happy new year!

// Snows Here Everyday, But It's A Green Christmas Anyway

To be honest, I have not been in the festive spirit, and in fact, I still think you would be lying if you told me it's Christmas Eve tomorrow.

Last year, Vancouver and Richmond played each other, hockey wise, and Richmond was pwned! Like honestly, they had no chance. This year we play again, and since the sun shines, I do believe we will make an exception for the lazy Richmonditers, and we'll come beat them on home turn again. I don't blame the Richmond people since Vancouver is soooooooooooo far away from Richmond (note the sarcasm).

Anywho, I do believe it won't be to competitive this year since there's only like four Richmond people playing; yea...They fear Vancouver. Last year Nick pushed one of my guys on the ground, so I think they were looking forward for a little revenge. I must say, I was a little surprised to see such a move from Nick... Like honestly, the church hockey players take the first, and only dirty shot of the game? Praise Jesus.

I've left all my Christmas shopping to the last minute, for the first time ever! I haven't bought one friend a gift, and I found out Jean and Nellie bought me a gift so I'll try and pick something up for them. Otherwise, I want to send some cards to some friends and hopefully I can just have a good Christmas.

The one thing that truly makes me happy around this time; the train around the tree! We have a wicked awesome set up this year, with a cross-over just before the couch, circles the tree, under the couch, and then curves back under the coffee table. This years train is rather small, but the perfect fit. Were using two BC Rail RDC Budd Cars, I believe no BC-23 and BC-30. They hum a bit, but otherwise they run perfectly! There a cute little couple.

I do believe school just had me a little busy and confused to realize that Christmas was coming, as well as just the minor problems here and there. I really have been down again but today I'm feeling pretty good about myself. Now I'm off to get my hair cut!

// Asian Fame

I would like to dedicate this post to all my Chinese brothers and sisters who can read this... i'm not sure what language it is, nor what there saying, but i'm in it! If somebody wants to translate, that would be wicked awesome, otherwise, too bad for you, not-asian suckers! (PS. I don't count because I know what the article is about!)

// "Good Show Ed"

Tonight was my first BNL concert, and I have offically seen my two favourite bands live, which is a huge accomplishment. I had a wicked awesome good time, and I brought Sam along with me. Ed Robertson, Jim Creeggan, and Kevin Hearn came out after the show, even though the security guard said the band won't be doing autographs. Tyler or Steve didn't come up, which was a disapointment, but still, holy crap! I got to meet 60% of the Barenaked Ladies! It seems like a small number, but 3/5 people is 60%

Sam and I got there a little late so we had to stand in the back, so we couldn't even see Kevin or Tyler. At least we could see Steve, Ed, and Jim! They song a lot of songs I didn't even know, and they were incredibly funny! I honestly don't know a band that has that much fun up on the stage!

One song they were singing was the roadrunner song! I didn't know they could do that but still it was wicked awesome! During the chorus one of the guys usually did the 'meep meep!' sound the roadrunner does, and once, Tyler yells out "MOTHER F***ING MEEP!" It was Hilarious! I laughed so hard! They were seeing how far away people came from and one guy was from Germany. One of the guys was like "wow, that's like just up past 100 Mile house!" and then somebody yells out they want to hear Jingle Bells, and Steve says "Wow, we have somebody coming all the way from Jingle Bells!"

For one of the songs, Jim came up to sing so he traded his Double Bass with Ed's acoustic, and Ed couldn't play the double Bass! Again! Incredibly funny! These guys were more about making us laugh then playing songs tonight!

I was talking to Kevin, and I really like his music, and I told him even though the band's front main guys are Ed and Steve, I really think he plays a huge role in the band, and he has really awesome music. He was very gratefull for what I sayed, and he even said 'thanks, that's really encouraging'

Wow... that made my night. If somebody can do that to popular band member, imagine what words we could say to just are fellow friends to boost their day...



Thanks guys! Loved the show!

// Sick and Twisted

Read this... it might be the most desturbing thing you've ever read.

I give it a 10/10 for most screwed up things i've ever seen

// I Could Smell Fresh Hay and I Could Smell....hay?!

Tonight was the Christmas play and I weight has been lifted off my shoulders! It was okay, I mean I didn't have the time of my life doing the show, but it was good times all in all. I must say it has been a plesure acting with Norman since he's such a great actor. I truly did enjoy it and it had it's high points.

I would assume that this will be my last show since next year I will hopefuly have a job with a railway, and time off will be impossible. However, never say never, and I could very easily come back some other time. If not, I leave having done four awesome shows. It started way back in grade 9 when the Robson brothers were shepards (and by far they were the best sheppards ever!). Then came grade 10 when we had a wicked awesome cast! Those were really awesome times! It was wicked awesome acting with Michelle as well, she's great too. Dave was fun to work with as well, and Marion has always been awesome to me. Grade 11 I had the year off (aka, I wasn't asked to help) and then grade 12 and now I did the same show. Working with my sister... meh, it was pretty rad. Norman was fun to work with though!

Highlight of the night: Tim Horton's. We desperatly tried to freak out all the asians quietly studying with Fred's rude behaviour, Steph's Gwen Stefani ringtone, and just the fact that we're all very loud. It suprisingly worked out well since Greg, Steph, Norman and his freind, Anthony, Jean, and me all ended up sitting together. The highlight of Tim Horton's was probably having Norman tell us about meeting Robin Williams, which was actually a dream, but I love that story! Tim Hortons was really just something nice to do... I really enjoyed it. Thanks everyone.

Hey! I have a final exam to study for! Better get on it!

// Game of The Season

I looked at my calender way back in October and I said to myself "that's one game I can't wait to watch."

I didn't get to watch it. To be honest, I haven't been able to watch many games lately. Too be honest it all started the night my money was taken. Is it a sign? Probably not. Since that time i've maybe watched 2 full games, otherwise i've had to listen to it on the radio, or just catch parts of it.

Tonight I just wanted to take a break from life and watch the game, but I didn't. Just not enough hours in the day.

// CN Rail vs Richmond

This post is open for debate! Argue with me, disagree or agree. This should be wickedly awesome

The Richmond Review
By Martin van den honestly

Back 20 years ago, when Joanne Fisher first moved into her home on No. 8 Road in East Richmond, the nearby railway line was little used and easily forgotten, lost in the lush backdrop of trees and green.

In that respect, Fisher was like her counterparts in Burkeville, who have grown accustomed to the din of airplanes soaring overhead. The odd whistle and clickety-clack of trains passing by was no bother.

But that all changed in 1992, when CN Rail began to operate its works yard in the middle of the night and escalated its operations. Short trains became longer, overnight noise routine. A couple of thunderous diesel-spewing locomotives turned into nearly a half dozen. And the odd shake turned into troublesome daily quakes. As activity ramped up in the works yard, so worsened the impact on Fisher's life.

Fisher, who has sued Canadian National Railway in B.C. Supreme Court, contacted The Richmond Review Tuesday, following Monday night's four-car derailment of a 39-car train not far from her home.

Four trains jumped the tracks on the Lulu Island trestle, one of which plunged into the North Arm of the Fraser River, carrying with it numerous brand new Toyota cars.

Fisher pointed out that this isn't the first derailment in the area, and that one on Dec. 31, 2002 happened next to her house and caused her already-split garage foundation to heave several inches. The split itself, she claims, was caused by the increased rail activity.

The cause of the 2002 derailment, according to Fisher, was speed and specifically trains being coupled together with too great a force.

Fisher's court case begins the discovery phase early next year.

Fisher said the sound of trains being shunted together each night is ruining her quality of life.

In addition, the ear-splitting 90 decibel whistle that screams four times each occasion a train reaches a level crossing now repeats itself up to 100 times on the worst of days, she said.

Trains are now a lot longer and much heavier, causing her property to routinely shudder, one time generating a jolt powerful enough to knock food off her table.

She wonders if East Richmond's soils are designed to withstand the loads that are being forced on them each day.

In 2000, Fisher met with CN's lawyer and representatives from the Canadian Transportation Agency, tasked at the time with regulating noise and rail complaints.

An agreement was reached, but Fisher said CN reneged on its commitment to cease overnight work and park the noisy locomotive in a designated area away from Fisher's home, which is near the rail yard near No. 8 and River roads.

Satisfied with the plan, Fisher agreed to withdraw her complaint. But there's been no improvement.

"CN has not kept to that agreement for one moment."

Since then, she's brought in municipal, provincial and federal politicians in an attempt to get some help.

Though they've been supportive, that hasn't resulted in anything positive for Fisher.

"So, CN has had all these different officials approach them saying 'You've got a problem here,' and they've basically thumbed their nose for 13 years.

"Delta-Richmond East MP John Cummins has written CN Rail on her behalf, and hasn't been impressed by the response.

"Lately, the traffic there has increased exponentially. I know of the problems and I sympathize with her," he said.

"CN has just brushed us off on this like we didn't matter. Their arrogance...These guys just don't give a damn," he said, likening Fisher's situation to the plight of Bridgeport residents who fought futilely with the Vancouver International Airport Authority over the noise of airplanes flying over their homes.

"The times that I've dealt with this company (CN), I just found that they don't care about what you think."

Monday's derailment has sparked calls for an inquiry by Burnaby-New Westminster MP Peter Julian, the NDP's transport critic.

"There has been a five-fold increase in the number of derailments in British Columbia in 2005 compared to 2004, including two in the past 24 hours.

"It is becoming clear that CN is engaging in dangerous practices and we are demanding an immediate public inquiry into the safety practices of CN Rail."

Graham Dallas, regional manager of communications for CN, said the impacted rail line was back in operation by Tuesday night and the rail car recovered from the Fraser and placed on a barge for inspection by federal transport authorities.

"We have to keep the traffic moving."

Asked about the complaints of Fisher, Dallas said "the line is built to handle current traffic loads."

"Unfortunately, a rail line is a 24 hour per day operation."

Dallas said rail crews have been asked to park their locomotives away from residents' homes in an effort to mitigate noise levels, and remote cameras have been installed to ensure compliance.



//Okay... So let me get this straight... This lady lives beside a rail line, and she expects peace and quiet? It's too loud? Of course it is you moron! Your living beside a rail yard! You can't just turn your engine onto silent, or stop running completely. The railway is a business that must meet its demand. Who does CN want to make happy? An angry person who is living beside the tracks, or there customers, who pay them money?

That's a tough one...

Short trains became longer, overnight noise routine. A couple of thunderous diesel-spewing locomotives turned into nearly a half dozen - Well, short trains which became longer usually need a some more locomotives. You can't increase the length of a train without adding an engine to help it out. I mean, isn't that common sence? The overnight noise... Well, again, CN is pretty busy on the railroad, and they can't just shutdown to let a few people go to sleep. Terribly sorry, but that's not how it works. The reason for all these longer trains and increased locomotives? More business in Richmond! Which means more jobs for Richmond people! There, you should be happy!

Fisher pointed out that this isn't the first derailment in the area, and that one on Dec. 31, 2002 happened next to her house and caused her already-split garage foundation to heave several inches. The split itself, she claims, was caused by the increased rail activity. - First of all, your living in Richmond, and in that area, right beside the river. May I remind you that your on nothing but a bunch of sand, and when you dig about a couple feet deep, you hit water? Especially since your living right beside the water, that can't help things. The rail traffic probably helped cause the problem, however, you move her house to a rail yard in Coquitlam, does it have the same problem? I wouldn't think so.

The cause of the 2002 derailment, according to Fisher, was speed and specifically trains being coupled together with too great a force. - According to Fisher... haha! Oh man, this one is too easy... First of all, what does she know about trains? I am assuming nothing, since nobody really knows anything about trains. The only people who do know the facts about railways are the train fans, and last time I checked, they liked railroads. Another thing, did she investigate the derailment herself? Is she an inspector who knows every little thing? Probably not! She doesn't even know how a railroad works, so she doesn't know how hard you can couple a train together or what speed CN has set out for its train crews. Seriously lady, you don't know everything, go back into your hole and watch little house in the prairie some more.

In addition, the ear-splitting 90 decibel whistle that screams four times each occasion a train reaches a level crossing now repeats itself up to 100 times on the worst of days, she said. - You know what, she has a point here. I think that trains should just stop blowing their whistles at crossings, even though a train could hit a car or person and overall just make the situation very dangerous for other people, just so this person can be happy! Because of course, it's all about her!

Trains are now a lot longer and much heavier, causing her property to routinely shudder, one time generating a jolt powerful enough to knock food off her table. - Honestly, no sarcasms or anything here, this is a true statement. Richmond lives on a spunge, and I've read many articles on CN's Richmond line. They have restricted speeds because the tracks are on such a spungy ground, and I've seen trains on those tracks, they literally sink into the ground. It isn't dangerous or anything, because if it was, they wouldn't be running trains on the line. It's not like CN wants to derail their trains or anything. So all I can say about this line is that your living in Richmond... You can't change the fact that you live on a spunge

She wonders if East Richmond's soils are designed to withstand the loads that are being forced on them each day. - Well... Lets see, they run trains on them every day, they have had that one derailment on 2002, and the derailment this week was on a bridge, made of wood, not soil. So what, 2 derailments in about 50 years? I think there doing okay.

"It is becoming clear that CN is engaging in dangerous practices and we are demanding an immediate public inquiry into the safety practices of CN Rail." - If any of you have been keeping up with current events, then you would know that this statement is true, I don't deny it. However, the problems have been directed at their new BC Rail line, not Richmond, or anywhere near it.

"Unfortunately, a rail line is a 24 hour per day operation." - ...And there's nothing you can do about it.

// Me Vs. Evil Week

Well this week is turning out to be as hellish as I predicted. Can somebody say exams?

Monday
The begining of my week started with a bang! Two finals exams in the moring covering a small percentage of what we had already been tested on, and the majority of it new material. First test was okay, leaving maybe 2 out of 57 questions blank, however I felt rather confident. I had trouble on some questions but are teacher was very helpful (how about he gives you the answer? Snap!). The second test not as well. I paniced when I saw the questions but once I calmed down I managed to do them all. I probably didn't do as well but still, I must be getting a low A, high B. The afternoon brought one more final exam, in which I did horrable in. We got are results back today and I'm going to have to re-right the exam. I could leave it as is, but I only have 75% in the course. If I do it again I think I could at least boost it up to an 80.

Tuesday
Today saw one math exam; decimals with no calculators. Yea that's looking ugly but I hope to finish it on Thursday. Then we moved onto working on one of are major final assignments for Communications, which just doesn't seem to be adding much fun to the entire month. In the afternoon we had one more exam completing infrastructure. The exam did not go over well since I forgot my book at home. However some last minute studying may have paid off. I am not sure however, and I can only hope for high marks.

Wednsday
Tomorrow looks exciting. It will be filled with applications and apptitude tests for the Canadian Pacific Railway so I don't really know what to expect. All I've been told is be prepared for about a 3 hour exam. Am I excited or what? Tomorrow night is filled with some study help from Jasmine! She's going to help me out with math before we start rehearsal for the Christmas play this year. Speaking of which, I've got to start memorizing some lines! I'm a tad bit worried about that.

Thursday
This day holds the return of my math exams, as I will aim to complete my decimals exam, and get a start on my trig exam. I'm not sure or not, but my interview with CP Rail will either be on this day, or possibly Thursday. I'm hoping for Thursday actually, because I wouldn't mind skipping business of Friday. The evening holds another practise for the Christmas play. This play will be the first show i've been in since 42nd Street, and has officially been the longest gap in between shows. I miss the mainstage life...

Friday
Today is the day that I don't have to worry about anything, unless I have an interview. Hopefully I can sign up for Thursday and I'll skeep the 3 hours of business and sleep in! I deserved it! Friday I will be at the church once again practising, and most likely will be with the youth once we finish up.

What happened to December being a jolly month though?

Oh yes, one thing that cheers me up. I actually did WIN tickets to a Barenaked Ladies Concert! There acutally not tickets either, there wristbands. There playing at some club or I don't really know, but it should be cool! Acoustic concert is next Thursday, pretty stoked for that.

The simple things in life... bah I'm still tired and stressed.

// WWJB?

WWJB; Where Would Jesus Be?

I was watching one of the quest video's at youth tonight, and we came across this question. Phil Cann asked if Jesus were still alive today, where would he go? Who would he be with? So on and so on...

Brilliant Question eh? Where would Jesus be? I'd imagine in bars or on hastings street, mixing things up. Jesus kind of paved the way for a new way of reaching out to people when he was on earth, and many people didn't like it. So... I don't think you would find Jesus in church everyday, I would think he would be chilling with the drug addicts and what not.

What do you think?