A Road Less Travelled

1. Is it important to be passionate about your job? That is a simple question to answer. Without passion and integrity in the workplace, tasks do not get completed to superb ability. If one does not display passion then how do you expect them to be hard working on an everyday basis. Showing up to work everyday and not caring about the work you achieve or are expected to complete will ultimatly backfire because there is no proper devotion of time towards your duties. It is proven that people who are passionate and love showing up for work are the ones that become successful and prosperous. Without passion how do you expect to recieve promotion to a higher role or an increased salary. So to answer the question. Yes, it is very important to be passionate in the work place as it reflects on your work ethic, character, and attitude towards your job. As well as sustaining a healthy and joyful lifestyle. I personally can relate to this subject manner. My father who not to long ago worked for a construction company in which he worked under a difficult boss to deal with, along with work he was not comfortable or enjoyed doing. Many nights he came home frusterated and full of anxiety. He did not love his job nor show any signs of passion. His lifestyle altered, he fell into depression issues and gained weight as well. However, after a couple years enough was enough. He recieved a different job offer and went on to resume a posisition under the government. Now he shows signs of passion and the whole family has noticed a change in his mood.





2. While i dont have concrete plans established i've narrowed it down to the correct route im planning on taking. Next year, I will be attending UBCO in Kelowna. I have been enrolled in the business program which I have had strong interest in for quite some time. From there I hope one day to perhaps open up my own business and achieve a prosperous and healthy lifestyle. However, I dont nessecary have to open my own business with this degree. With a business degree, I can attract more clients if I go the route of becoming a stockbroker. Handling people's money carefully is something I've been intrigued to do since middle school. I personally, have always been extremly cautious and smart with handling my own finances. Its not all about the money though. Over the last couple years, I have worked at Penticton Golf and Country Club where I have established some everlasting people skills as I have become communicative and personable with people of all ages. In the stockmarket business one must be able to persuade and sustain a likable image to retain clients to trust him or her with there life savings. Therefore, im keeping my options open. Thankful that a solid plan moving forward is intact and heading towards success.

55 Word Story

A rushed trip through the airport, scrambling for luggage and to clear customs to board our next flight. The plane for Mexico was leaving and my brother and I scurried thorough the airport like mice racing for cheese. We made it just in the knick of time.

Novel Research

For this assignment, I did research on the author of "A Clockwork Orange" Anthony Burgess. I discovered that he actually died the year I was born which is 1993. Not only was Burgess an author but he was also a poet, playwrighter, composer, and a translator as he was familiar with multiple launguages. Which might explain the diverse vocabulary he uses throughout the story. While Burgess was skilled at writing books he also was very talented at producing music. Burgess composed roughly over 250 musical symphonies. Truly, man of many talents and desires. Burgess took the military route in 1946 and started out as an unpoular and useless Army private and eventually made it all the way to being promoted to seargent. After Burgess was fed up and exhausted with his posistion in the military he decided to take a safer career decison and become a teacher. He worked as a lecturer in speech and drama and was very successful in doing so. Its safe to say Burgess did it all. While "A Clockwork Orange" was his most accomplished creation. He also starred in performances on radio stations providing insightful input and a successful screenwriter. In Burgess's career he published thirty three different novels or biographies. Honored through his career as an educated scholar, Burgess achieved graduation at St Andrews, Birmingham, Manchester universities. Burgess's flourishing living came to an unfortunate end on November 22nd, 1993. The cause of death was said to be from lung cancer as Burgess was a heavy smoker over the years. A lifespan that lasted 76 years, Burgess was gifted in the ways of arts, literture, and musical talent. To this very day, Burgess's novels are still read throughout the world and loved by so many due to his distinct vocabulary and unique writing style. A famous Britain author, Anthony Burgess will always be remembered

Toronto Blue Jays 2010 Season Review

The Toronto Blue Jays came into the 2010 season with little expectations to compete and numerous questions to be answered. It was the first season without there former ace and face of the franchise Roy Halladay. A young and inexpierenced starting rotation was intact filled with prospects with promising careers ahead. While many questioned how they'd fair the rotation was one of the bright spots throughout the season. Led by sophomore ace Ricky Romero, all 5 of the starters recorded winning records and showed opposing hitters they were major league ready. Perhaps, the most impressive start by Brendan Morrow who was aquired through a deal with the Seattle Mariners. In the final month of the season, Morrow hurled a 17 strikeout one hit performance against the division rival Tampa Bay Rays. Coming within one out of a no hitter till Evan Longoria squeaked a 2 out single in the bottom of the ninth past the sprawling glove of Aaron Hill. Jays fans got a sneak peek at what the future awaits, as rookie pitchers Brett Cecil and Kyle Draebek emerged from the minor league system and dazzled hitters with some of pitches they developed. Giving life to jays fans that the future is bright. While solid pitching was established it was the Jays bats that came alive in 2010. Leading the majors with an astonishing 268 homers. Led by none other then Jose Bautista. From utility man to big time slugger there might've not been a better story in the MLB then Bautista's. The guy came out of nowhere and slugged 54 homeruns to lead the major leagues and put himself in prime posistion as an MVP candidate. In August, Bautista was fortunate enough alongside teammates John Buck and Vernon Wells to recieve invitation to the all star game. Three representitives from the jays marked the first time since 1989 that 3 players from the Jays were all selected to take part. While Bautista, Buck, Encarnacion, and Wells produced solid seasons there were a couple downfalls that were discouraging for Toronto. Both Adam Lind and Aaron Hill coming off all star seasons were mired in season long slumps both posting avergages below the .250 mark and a sufficent decrease in homers. Ultimatly, hurting the teams batting average to the bottom 5 of the American League at an average of .268. Some of the downfalls towards the Jays were battling through injuries. Travis Snider who was expected to make the big leap in his career was slowed down by injuries. Landing on the disabled list for multiple stints. Aaron Hill was not the same player following his concussion in mid season and failed to return to the All-Star status he possessed in 2009. One of the most memorable moments in 2010 belonged to rookie call up J.P. Arencibia. On August 7th, the rookie catcher was inserted in the lineup after injuries to John Buck and Raul Chavez. On his first major league pitch Arencibia blasted a two run shot off James Shields. A young and enthusiatic Arencibia trudged around the bases and was welcomed back in the dugout by his teammates. Making the moment even more special for J.P. was that his mother was in attendence as well. Arencibia didn't stop there. He went on to blast another homerun and finished the game four for four. Capping off one of the best Major League debuts of all time. The 2010 season was one to remember, while the Jays finished a mediocre 85-77 and 4th in the AL east it was names emerging as bright young prospects that is keeping fans excited. Cito Gaston was given a standing ovation in the last game of the season and will be postivly remembered as perhaps the best Jays manager of all time. Able to develop such dangerous hitters that keep opposing pitchers on there toes. The Jays have cornerstone pieces in place, now its a matter of developing strong game to game consistency. Once this is established it will only be a matter of time before the Jays are competing for the World Series

Why Jose Bautista is the Best Player in Baseball

Some could argue Pujols, Howard, Rodriguez are far superior then the powerful and intimidating Jose Bautista. But to be labeled the best means one must excel in all aspects of the game. Jose Bautista can do it all. He possesses a quick bat through the strike zone muscling baseballs to all parts of the ball park. While in the field he can run down any ball and fire a cannon to home plate to snag a runner and keep the opposing team off the scoreboard. Oh wait! look out while the pitcher is napping Bautista can swipe second base in the blink of an eye. Enough said, this guy is capable to performing any talent that is thrown his way. While Pujols has been labeled the best player in baseball for years it seems like he is slowly being pushed aside in that category. He is to stocky to carry himself on the basepaths and his fielding skills are satisfactory at best. He might be considered the most consistent batter in the game but his lack of skill in other parts of the game are flawed. No where near the capability of Bautista. Stats are availbable to back up all cases of the argument. Since September of 2009 no player in the game has slugged more homeruns then Bautista. He led the majors with 54 dingers last season and so far in this young season has kept up the pace as he currently leads the league with 19 big flys. Safe to say the guy is locked in at the plate, and others have took notice. This April Bautista was on the front page of Sports Illustrated with the caption "Jose has Taken Over" beside it. Opposing pitchers fear Bautista when he steps up to the plate. Usually haunting them with a towering shot to left field or a double off the wall. He can hit fastballs on either side of the plate, curveballs that look unhittable and sliders breaking away from his bat. Pitches have not found the solution to get this guy out. As for the fielding stats, last season Bautista was second in the majors only behind Nick Markakis of the Orioles for outfield assists. With 24 to Markakis's 26. His cannon of an arm has runners on third base thinking twice before making a charge to homeplate on a sacrifice fly. What more is there to say, Bautista is the best player in the game because there is not a single aspect in which he struggles at. He will hurt you with the bat, throw you down at homeplate and perhaps catch you sleeping and make a charge for second. Jose Bautista is a beast. The best player in the game to date.

The Perils of Indifference

1. Does Society Even Care? 2. While the ending of "The Lottery" may be shocking to readers as the impression the townspeople were perfectly normal was portrayed throughout the story. It shows that society doesn't care who you are, if a ritual is set in stone then the consequences remain intact. The black box lottery stoning event takes place every year according to the story. So the townspeople are used to the fact that an innocent citizen will fall prey to the game and get stoned to death. The results dont phase them, as its just another year of playing "The Lottery". This passage connects to the sacrifices the Mayans made in their culture. The mayan community and faith would sacrifice humans from boys ages 5-8. They did not care who fell victim, as a ritual and belief was in place. The mayans did sacrifices of humans as they believed these would be foundations of temples and other symbolic structures. I got the chance to travel to Mexico and was fortunate enough to view the Mayan ruins of Talum. Right before my eyes I was looking at Mayan temples where actual sacrifices were once occuring. The Mayans also had rituals of sacrificing an innocent boy's heart in order to properly ascend a new king. While the Mayans weren't playing a game. They still connect to the passage as they performed a yearly ritual of sacrificing anyone without being brutally phased, as it was performed on a consistent basis. 3. Elie Wiesel's speech and "The Lottery" connect in a similiar manner. In the speech Wiesel attempts to strike the reader with the message that not taking action and being careless is as harmful as approaching a situation in a negetive or hatred way. Throughout the speech Wiesel produces points that signify this message. These points follow the same curriculum and guidelines the townspeople live by. Ellie makes an interesting reference to America's connection to the Germans. "Why did some of America's largest corporations continue to do business with Hitler's Germany until 1942?". I found this fascinating as it seemed like despite Hitlers actions towards jewish people, American society felt like there economy overshadowed those horrific events and continued business negotiations. By this time Germany had already been involved in the invasion of Poland and was ultimatly trying to reign supreme amongst the globe. So how do you explain the Americans indifference? This connects so closely to the townspeople playing "The Lottery" game. They know that sacrificing an innocent civilian isn't right. You get the idea as everyone involved is so intense and verbally communicative. However, despite past history they continue to fall through and use the black box to see who unwillingly will be stoned to death. Its almost like society just doesnt seem to care about the surroundings there revolved around. Society falls prey to careless decisions that leaves those who stop and think about the topic indifference, simply stunned and confused. Both the speech and the story strike the same message. Society for the past, current, and future ages has seemed to fall into a crisis of indifference.

Perception is Everything

The presentation by Beau Otto on optical illusions is stating that everything we see visually has been altered by previous encounters or expierences. During the video, Otto explains how a poster that is red might appear as blue to a seperate individual. This example shows that objects are unique and percieved differently through our own eyes. We see this on an everyday basis in society. A black male born in Canada during the 20th century is looked upon differently and stereotyped in a more peaceful manner, then a black male born down south during the 1960's. This relates to the theme of the presentation in the way that knowledge and information has been displayed in past occurences that alters our perception of the older black male. Even if the individual had nothing to do with racial disputes, he is percieved differently due to the timeline. Another real life example is advertisements protraying women as beautiful and perfect. However, there images have been mechanically changed so we see them as completly flawless. Women then get the general idea that in order to be elegant and gorgeous. They have to alter there appearance in order to be percieved like the figures we see on advertisements. The theme Otto presents is fascinating as it can be expanded on so many levels. For example, we percieve people who eat at say a fast food franchise such as Mcdonalds to be overweight and lazy. This perception is revolved around the fact that the food is outrageously high in calories. However, not everyone who eats at such restaurant falls under these characteristics. People who are athletic and physically fit might stop by a fast food outlet just to get a quick snack. Our knowledge through movies such as "Super Size Me" that society views obscures our broadbase of information on this topic. Ultimatly, manipulating the way we view customers of fast food by the rest of society. In conclusion, Beau Otto's presentation is more then just a simple engaging mind and color game. It's a topic and guideline that relates to everything we are involved or introduced to. People's perceptions of people, places, or objects of any manner are influenced by the visuals we've seen or the facts heard.

Weird Day at Work

The sun was out shining and the beautiful smell of the freshly cut grass filled the air. It was good times at the golf course, with the weather cooperative and the course filled with members and comfort seeking tourists. Everything was running smoothly and work was enjoyable. However, as 6 o'clock rolled around I made my way with the range cart to the driving range to do my routine role of picking up the golf balls. I stumbled across two avid golfers still out on the range rocketing golf balls past the 150 yard markers. I had a task to accomplish and a timeline intact. Politely, I told the players to shorten up there swings and only hit to the 75-100 yard markers. As I turned around and started to drive towards the area where I had told them Id be picking golf balls. A stinging pain hit my left leg and I bursted out "ahhhhh what the #$^&". Immedietly, I turned the cart around completly and scurried back to the designated hitting area. I was greeted by a "Did that scare you" with a chuckle. Unenthused and furious I said somewhat regrettable phrases to the golfer. Before I knew it, he was swearing back at me and I had to be restrained by fellow staff members. The rest of the shift I lurked around with a sense of authority and toughness. As I felt honored I had the guts to not take disrespect from older people who think hitting golf balls at staff is acceptable. The rest of the shift went back to the normal everyday routine. But in the back of my mind I was still angry that I was going to be leaving work with a big bruise on my leg. As 9'o clock rolled around there remained one last group consisting of a fellow staff member who I had endured argumentative occurences before. I told him if he was going to be the last guy out on the course to save me some time and lock the gates behind him. Suddenly, there he was flying past club storage with one of our power carts. He had this smurk on his face that signified arrogance and power. At least he had the class to park the power cart in the cart compound and save me a little bit of time. I yelled "Garret so did you lock the gates like I told you to" He looked at me startled and confused and murmured "thats your job why dont you do it". At this point I had completly lost it. On the brink of going insane, my anger level had hit a boiling point. I approached and pushed him against the power cart cutting the back of his shaved head on a sharp point. We tussled and wrestled each other to the ground. Once again, staff approached the incident and was forced to settle this dispute. The opposing staff member was escorted out of the course. When work was done shortly after I hopped in my parents car. My brother was sitting in the back and was excited to tell me that he had scored two eagles in one round of golf. I was delighted to hear the news and went on to tell him and my family that I had got involved in two fights today at work. Quite the day at the course it sounds like boys. Were the only words my dad could spit out. To this day I still maintain my posistion at the golf course. I am happy to say I have not fought since that day. A day full of mischief and physical pain enflicted. At the golf course.

21st Century Education

1. Personally, I believe the strongest skills you need following Highschool are independence, responsibility, and charisma. As it is up to you to make responsible choices to benifit your long term future outlook. Being able to communicate strongly to others will only help in job interviews and first impressions of people who can change your life.
2. Yes, I believe in Highschool you learn responsiblity and independence over a period of time. You start to relize that every choice you make is crucial to your well being. Whether its through school grades, friends, or knowing what's right from wrong. Being able to get along with others is a strong skill to possess. Over your grad year, it seems like everyone comes together and suddenly theres no seperation from group to group. As everyone has done the journey through these years together. Therefore, you should treat everyone with a sense of respect.
3. The perfect Highschool would consist of several ideas or concepts brought forward. However, most importantly a perfect highschool would have everyone get along. Bullying, negetive assumptions or stereotypes diminished. While its almost impossible to achieve this. Truly, if everyone could relize there is some good in every individual then a school would have a perfect student enviroment. Secondly, with technology rapildy growing. If a school was perfect then every student would be issued a personal laptop they could use and maintain over the school year. With the internet consisting of so many ideas and search engines. It would only help students seek and accomplish higher grades as they could aquire knowledge on the internet. My last idea is one of personal preference. While it seems somewhat unreasonable and immature. A built in convience store would be perfect. Imagine a 7/11 just down the hall from math class. While the cafeteria does provide eggers and healthy choices. Traditional snacks and munchies just down the hall would be a quick and convienent stop.
4. My plans next year are still up in the air. My goal at the start of the year was to do everything I could to make sure I could attend post secondary. So far I've done a satisfactory effort as grade 12 is defintly a notch above the grades below. My math mark might limit my acceptance into buisness school. However, a strong intrest in writing might possibly open a door in journalism. Perhaps, even a future career in writing or reporting on sports like NHL, MLB, or NFL. All leagues I have followed and enjoyed over my whole life time. Either attending college in town or in Kelowna seems of best intrest. Living at home seems to be option I'm leaning towards as it would save money and my mom could still cook meals and do my laundry! My last resort seems to be leaning towards entrance into the arts programs. Not a bad idea as I could discover potential careers and get a diploma. To get my work life started and my life in order.

Walk a Paragraph

Stumbling out of bed, I knew that while my beautiful wife rests up in heaven, another day of coping with the pain lay ahead. As I put on my socks, pants, and my trademark football jacket, I started the day as I always do. A swift and chilly walk to the mall to greet my friends and pickup my prescription drugs. Our group of friends meet at the mall every morning for a coffee and a chance to go over last nights sports stats. My bestfriend was wearing his favorite Canucks toque. The Canucks had lost to my beloved Montreal Canadians the night before, but spirits were not diminished as we laughed and joked about last night's game. I was so delighted my friends were here to accompany me. Suddenly, the point that my spouse was not with me was overshadowed by the companionship of my friends. The scene was the same as it was day in and day out. The mood friendly and relaxed. The only thing that was disturbing me was the miserable cold I was enduring. It felt like every minute I was required to take my handkerchief out of my pocket and constantly blow my nose. Indeed, annoying but at least I wasn't completely alone. The man to my right, a friend I had met previously at the mall, was going through the same misery. The others were quiet but I could sense were still enjoying themselves. Even with the fact that I was ill, I was still the most socially inclined. Perhaps,the reason for this was I was the youngest of the group and had not expierenced the health problems the others had to deal with over the years. There's a reason I wore my football jacket. Once a jock in highschool, and the quarterback of the football team, maybe all the exercise was paying off and my sustained health would keep me in line for the next few years. Overall, it was just an everyday sit down at the mall with my friends. We were all here for the same reason. Dealing with the death of a much loved one isn't easy. But with the aid of others who had expierenced the same occurence I felt occupied and uplifted. Isn't it nice to know you are not alone. As we polished off the last drops of our coffees and devoured our everyday breakfast sandwiches from A &W it was time to head home. My house, not far just a couple blocks west, was located in the central portion of the parkway area. I bundled up with gloves and threw on my black toque to keep my ears nice and toasty. It was a beautiful day, the sun was out, the snow was melting and the walk home was enjoyable. As soon as I got home, I sat myself down in my usual spot. My chair facing the T.V. and an ashtray in front of me. As I lit a cigarette and tuned in to The Price Is Right, I knew the rest of the day was going to be much more lonlier. Accomplishing all my errands first thing in the morning is always first on my agenda. The rest of the day was mine to relax. At 2 o'clock I decided it was time for my daily nap. Settling into bed I turned to my right to see the picture of my gorgeous wife sitting on her nightstand. I miss her so much and even though her death had occured several years ago, the pain and sadness still sunk in. However, I had to overcome the tragedy. Turning on my lamp I grabbed my book I had already sunk my teeth into. Stephen King was my favorite author and I had pledged to myself it would be the only series of books I'd ever read. Before you know it, I had dozed off into my afternoon slumber and woke up at my usual time of 5 o'clock. My dinner from meals on wheels was here. Tonight it was chicken and mash potatoes, a classic choice of comfort food. Once I had finished I turned on my old panasonic 30 inch tv and flipped to channel two to watch Global National. The news had become my most interesting source of entertainment. I laughed at seeing all the youth below me make dumb decisions. If only I could give them some of my wise advice to help them through. Flipping through the T.V. guide I was dissappointed to see there were no hockey games on tonight. Perhaps, it was good thing. My prescription drugs had made me dozy and bedtime was in order. Slowly trudging down the hall I got comfortable and rested in my bed. King Sized as once meant for two people. I didn't feel like reading tonight. Instead, I kept my eyes on the picture of my wife once again. Thoughts of all the good memories circulated through my mind and I felt my eyelids start to droop. I fell asleep to the moment in my mind of the day I proposed. I loved her so much and I always will.

A Historical Moment

If you look back on historic times, you'll notice some positive and some negetive. Personally, to be able to stop a traggic historic time and save the lives of people would most defintly be of certain intrest. The terroist attacks on the United States and the city of New York stand out in my mind as a moment I'd love to change. Nothing brought more pain and misery to people in North America and all over the world then watching those planes crash into the twin towers killing thousands of innocent people. I vaguely remember that day. But the memory of seeing every single T.V. flashing the CNN news breaking news update. This most defintly signified that this was a historic moment that would haunt the nation of the United States for a while. I've only been alive for 17 years. So I dont have much background on the hitler saga, or the world wars. But to witness 9/11, and think that children in the United States would have to ask there mothers what time is daddy coming home. Only to have the mere response of there sobbing mother "Daddy's not coming home". Sickens me beyond belief. Sometimes you have to put yourself in the shoes of the victims. My heart goes out to all the innocent people killed, and the families who didnt expect to lose family members after saying "have a good day at work dad" only to be left in shock and disbelief. I dont know much I could have done at the time. If only I could put myself in the posistion of a customs officer and relize that these suspicious taliban freaks were up no good. To have the power to pull them beside and prevent them from ever bording the plane. This suicide attack perhaps would of never occured.