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Mar. 12th, 2006 @ 02:16 am I've moved
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Hey all. So, I've decided to hop onto the blogspot bandwagon. LJ's been good to me lo' these many years, no denying that. I'll keep reading all your LJs so don't go unfriending me or nothing. But, if you're looking for it, my new blog is at

http://chris-harwood.blogspot.com/

See you there!
Mar. 6th, 2006 @ 06:23 pm I just did a transplant...
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ph3@r my m00d:: contemplativecontemplative
I'm listening to: : Waterdeep - My God Has Come to Save Me
...used a knife and everything.

One of my plants, Raul the Zebra Plant, needed a new home. So, I went out and bought a huge pot for him and some dirt and then went to the road and got some rocks and then went to the laundry room sink to do this thing. Oh, I think I might have clogged that sink with the little bits of gravel I didn't catch in time. That'll irritate someone, I'm sure, but maybe they'll forgive me. Back to my story. So, I fired the rocks and stuff into the pot and then some dirt and then I took Raul out of his original home. I was told by someone who knows better than I that I ought cut a little bit of his roots off around the outside of the root ball. So, I did. Hopefully, I didn't kill the dude.
Then, into his huge pot he went. Then lots of dirt. Lots. I might have picked a pot too big for him, but you know what; I stopped caring. I was nigh unto making a mess in the laundry room. All this work for a $5 plant named Raul.

Turns out I like the idea of gardening. It's very strange because I quite honestly hate having dirty hands, and I'm no great fan of yard work. But I've got these two plants (Ernest and the aforementioned Raul) and I want them to do well. I water them and have this plant food crap. I even when and got a spray bottle because some site said that they should be sprayed so they don't dry out. Who knew leaves dried out even with water going to the roots? Not me, apparently.

I'm pretty sure they're not going to die any time soon. At least, that's my hope. Cripes, if I'm this worried about plants, it's a fortunate thing I don't have kids. Kids are different, of course, because they let you know when they want something. Plants just sit there, looking green until it's too late. Even pets are easier than plants because you can see them being unhappy, read about how to keep your beloved pet from carking it, as specific pets have specific needs (my dog, for the record, hated grapefruit; many other animals, I am told, love it), but plants? Who knows? Ernest is green. That's all I've got to go on. At least I know Raul is a Zebra plant.

Right. Well, I suppose we'll all have to see what happens.
Mar. 6th, 2006 @ 02:04 am No Subject
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Two weeks ago, I weighed 216 lbs.
One week ago, I weighed 212 lbs.
This week, I weigh 209 lbs.

I am pleased. My goal is 190 by April 14th.
Feb. 26th, 2006 @ 02:08 pm No Subject
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ph3@r my m00d:: mellowmellow
It's been awhile since I last updated this thing and since I'm not really brief to begin with, this could become quite the large entry. So, with my apologies, let's dive right in.

( On the Federal Election )

( On being home for term break )

( On next year )

( On the Olympics and <b>The Loss</b> )

I think I'm done. Later!
Feb. 15th, 2006 @ 02:02 am Valentines Day
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ph3@r my m00d:: mellowmellow
I do not have a great history with this "holiday." I was usually the kid who was fortunate that everyone had to give a card to everyone I wouldn't have gotten too many. As I went through high school, I didn't have a girlfriend, so Valentines Day was just another annoying day when people would act dumber than usual (yeah, I was a little obnoxious in high school). When I had a girlfriend, I guess I noticed Valentines Day, but I preferred to do little things everyday rather than have the 14th of February be anything overtly special.
When I was dating Julie, I made a mistake one Valentines Day in not telling her that her surprise was coming on the Saturday following the 14th. You can actually read about this in my LJ's archives, if you're interested. My dad managed to save my bacon, so to speak, by sending me to Milwaukee for the weekend at his expense. Yeah. I was stunned, too. Somehow, all was forgiven by Julie when I was there and that was nice. I guess what I liked most about Valentines Day that year was not so much doing stuff, just being with her. Of course, our relationship, being long distance, was a little different than most and so being together was more awesome than it might be for most folk.

At the same time, I'm not really one of those people who is adamantly anti-Valentines Day. Oh, I think it's a stupid, made-up holiday and as I said, I don't really make a big deal about it, but I'm not willing to go so far as to curse its existence. If I was married, my wife might get flowers if they weren't too expensive. I'd cook something, likely. See, part of the problem is that flowers become profanely expensive around this time of year and so I'm unwilling to shell out all that extra money for something that will: 1) die; 2) lower in price shortly.

Anyway, I'm going to bed. I have more stuff to say, but I think I would prefer to sleep instead.

Oh, finally, I want to say this: I love being single. I have nothing against people who love being in a relationship because I've been one of those people too. But right now, singleness is definitely where I want to be. Sure, partly it's due to selfishness - I can do what I want when I want and with whomever I want - but I am also afforded the ability to make decisions about my life without having to consider too many other people. Do I work here next year? Do I move to Newfoundland and work there? Do I quit society altogether and be a wandering homeless preacher or something? I don't have to wonder what Madam X will think or how it will affect our future. I haven't apparently done a good enough job of thinking those things through thoroughly enough in the past. I'll happily avoid it, if I can.

Right! NOW it's bedtime.
Feb. 4th, 2006 @ 11:50 pm When theology attacks!
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ph3@r my m00d:: sleepysleepy
"Don't you wish you had it all?/Don't you deserve to have it all?/Kneel down and tell me what you need/
Fame and money all for you,I can make your every dream come true//"
--Alice Cooper, "Gimme"

I love Alice Cooper. I find his lyrics to be very well written and intentional. I enjoy his music as well. Some of his older stuff I don't like because the message isn't what his message is now. This is one of those songs I really enjoy because of the point it's trying to make, but also because I got hit in the head by a thought as I listened to it.

This song is sung from the perspective of Satan. He asks the listener those questions and then offers the deal: "Kneel down and tell me what you need." It's an interesting situation. Here's why I'm struck by this phrase in particular; I hear from people in my life that they just can't believe in a God that would have us live on our knees. There is the phrase that someone who is a Christian makes Jesus "Lord of their life," and does what He would want instead of what the Christian might want. This is such a foreign and horrifying notion to so many people, I think. That I would turn over my life to someone else and ask him to help me make decisions and to submit my will to his... it's almost crazy. It goes against our individualistic streaks to even consider such a notion.

And yet, as I look through the Bible, I find no situation where God requires us to be on our knees. Let me say that again: so far, nowhere do I see God demanding or even asking people to kneel or bow before Him. I see plenty of occasions there people come in contact with God in some way and do kneel or bow or even lie down "as if dead," but all of these are of their own free will, seemingly the intuitive response to coming into contact with something whose very nature evokes no other response.
Once in awhile, I come across something that seems to, without my fully realising it, cause me to respond in some way that is similar to the way others respond. A particularly beautiful poem, a brightly lit starry night, the Grand Canyon, a sacrificial gesture; all of these seem to have the same effect on me as they do on others. It's just something intrinsic to the natures of the event and to people. How much more intensely then would the effect of coming in contact with a being who is infinite in every good way cause someone to simply bow and adore that being?

Instead, people are told that they can "come boldly before the throne of grace," and speak to God as a loving father and friend. People can ask and can receive. You don't come boldly anywhere on your knees. People are told that they are dearly loved by God and that He wants a personal relationship. Oh, He is the Almighty and will be respected as such, but He does not demand it because He does not need to demand it. It is the unworthy that demand respect they do not deserve because those who are worthy of it never need to even ask.

By contrast, I see only Satan demanding that people kneel and bow before him. I see him making that demand of Christ when Satan is tempting Him; "bow and worship me and I will give the kingdoms of the world to you." I see him from the beginning trying to take what is God's beginning with His throne, moving on to people loved by God, to demanding respect he is not worthy to have. The ultimate usurper, Satan seems to be intent on enslaving people by demanding they bow and worship when he hasn't the right or ability to compare himself with the Almighty.

Oh, I don't at all apologise for the distinctly theological tone of this post. In fact, I hope to sparked something in you. Maybe you were provoked to think about this, maybe you were provoked to "unfriend" me, maybe you were provoked to ignore me or dismiss me. I want to hear your thoughts about this. I would love to, actually.
Jan. 31st, 2006 @ 05:03 pm I just got greased...
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ph3@r my m00d:: pleasedpleased
I like that for my title. It's interesting, it draws the reader into whatever I'm on the verge of rambling about. It also sounds kinda gross... but that's all part of its charm. Enough about the title, here is the manner in which I got greased.

I complained to Apple, as I mentioned, and today I received a note saying that I had been refunded my money! Oh, I was stunned. I mean... to actually get money out of Apple? Next I ought to see if I can part the Red Sea or something because I must be gained super powers of some sort. So, there we have it, this squeaky wheel finally got some grease. So, kids, let this be a lesson to you all: if you complain loudly enough and often enough, you'll get what you want. And if at first you don't get what you want, complain louder and to more people.

So, that was a good way to start the day. Work was, otherwise, pretty ordinary. Ordinary in a good way, of course. Meetings we had, things were discussed, the world was made a little better because of it. At least, that's what I think. Honestly.

I've been reading Chuck Norris' autobiography called Against All Odds, and I really like it. I mean, the writing isn't all that great and his narrative is a little disjointed. But it's Chuck Norris! He's had a pretty interesting life and, it's weird, I'm learning stuff from what he's saying. He talks a lot about discipline, especially since he's trained for so long in so many martial arts, and I find myself wanting that level of discipline. He had these goals and he just went after them doggedly. He talks about visualising success in various things and I'm like, "Yeah, okay there crazy man," but it worked for him. Anyway, it's a very interesting read and I didn't think it would be. There should be more details about stuff, but... well, can't have everything. I recommend it as a book worth getting from the library, or for $.99 but no more than that.

I haven't weighed in with my response to the recent federal election as of yet. I will, of that you can be assured. Heck, I also haven't weighed in with my reaction to Hamas getting elected in Palestine. That one's a much more complicated issue, I reckon. But, those are for another time. Now, I think I need either a nap or to read more about Chuck Norris.
Jan. 25th, 2006 @ 05:16 pm Maybe I'm a complainer....
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ph3@r my m00d:: cynicalcynical
I'm listening to: : Alice Cooper - Woman of Mass Destraction
Still, I've said before that complaining's not always bad, as long as you're respectful and willing to make the changes necessary to affect whatever it is you're unhappy about.

I wrote ( This letter to Apple. ) I don't anticipate ever hearing anything back from them. Then I figured I shouldn't stop with just a simple old email and I called them. I talked to this nice fellow (realising he is paid to be so) and he seemed to think my reasons for disliking Quicktime Pro were very good. And, because I'm pitifully on dialup, he said he'd make my request for me. So, hopefully I hear from Apple. Now, here is a summary of what they'll likely say: "Dear Sucker (also known as customer), Sorry to hear that you're dissatisfied with our product. Well, we're only sorry because we hate wasting our time reading sentiments such as yours, not because we empathise with your plight. You're not getting any money from us. You bought the software, too bad. We're Apple, chumpstain; we don't need your business. Suck it up, buttercup."

Maybe I'll be wrong. I would love to be wrong. I found a program that actually works (I was stunned, too!) and I would like to purchase it instead. However, as I am poor and not in the habit of donating money to multinational corporations, I can't afford to buy what will actually help me unless Apple refunds my money.

In all the years I worked in customer service, no customer ever annoyed me more than the one who refused to believe that I was unable to meet their requests, and I don't want to be that customer for anyone else. I don't understand why Apple couldn't refund my money, which leads me to believe that they just wouldn't. Maybe it would set a bad precedent, I don't know. I can say that I won't treat the employees with the disrespect I might feel for their company's idiotic policies. These are just people trying to make a buck, not the ones making the policy decisions.

I feel like a negative person when I have to complain about a product or service, and suspicious about my motives. Is this simply "buyer's remorse?" Is my dissatisfaction with the product my responsibility - ie: if I had done better research, wouldn't I have made a different decision and wouldn't be in this mess to begin with?

I'm a big believer in taking responsibility for one's actions and I try to live that out in my life. Complaining because I've purchased software that does not meet my needs feels like trying to escape responsibility I bear. Maybe it's why I'm so often tempted (and the perpetrator) of piracy of software. If I like it and it works, good, and I'll buy it. If I don't like it, I haven't spent my money. It would be nice if more customers were trustworthy enough that companies could make those options open to us all.
Jan. 24th, 2006 @ 06:53 pm No Subject
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I'm about to head off to choir, but I thought I would draw attention to my spiffy new format and colour scheme. If you're like me, however, you probably just read your friends page and don't notice. That's okay, though. I don't mind. One thing I WANT to do is change a couple of the colours, specifically the links on the left bar. Can't read them as it is.
Jan. 23rd, 2006 @ 01:53 am I thought I'd updated this thing...
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ph3@r my m00d:: nostalgicnostalgic
I'm listening to: : Shane Bernard - His Love Endures Forever
...but it seems I have not. So, what I'm going to do is this: I'm going to step into the Way-Back Machine and post something from the archives, and I'll give a little update about where each thing is today. Ready? Well, heeeeerrrrrrrre we go!

(Insert crazy red and yellow spiral in the background here)
March 18, 2003

I have no doubt that I will be forced to deal with American Immigration and Naturalisation Services (INS) in the future, especially given that I want to marry my American girlfriend. The US government tends to disapprove of people not getting visas and thus, INS is in my future. I have heard any number of horror stories of red tape and bureaucracy and idiocy. But I dealt with them today and if everything goes as well as today's conversation, then I do not anticipate I'll have any such horror stories. Here's what I learned today:
1) A marriage/fiance visa can be attained in one of two ways. The first, the gov't does not like. It involves me moving to the States and just living there for some time and then getting married and THEN getting the visa. That makes the red tape appear as the gov't tries to sort out the errors and whatnot. The second, however, makes the gov't happy. It involves the visa being applied for while I live in Canada and Julie lives in the States, before a marriage of any sort. This is a good thing. The red tape never rears its ugly head and everything goes smoothly.
2) A marriage/fiance visa is much more than it seems. If I do things the way that makes the gov't happy, a work permit is included in the visa attained. That means, for those of you keeping score, that I need not wait a year before looking for work. This makes me happy, as living off of one income for two people can get a little... tight.
Now, I'm certain I've got some of the specific details less than crystal clear. However, the essence is correct. Now to just figure out when everything should happen.

Easy to handle this one; Julie and I stopped dating and I never needed to get any of these possibilities looked into further. The reason we stopped dating was due to a couple of things, but distance and my being in school were the biggest factors. She's marrying a fellow named Todd (about whom I hear many good things) in April and, though I didn't get an invite (and totally would have gone, too!) I will wish them many happy years together. For the first time in my life, there are no hard feelings between an ex and I.

I'm going back to school. Masters of Arts with a specialised major of Student Development. That's my decision. Now to come up with the funds. Cheers for loans! Jeers for interest!
Well, after two years and a lot of money, I graduated with this very degree from Providence Seminary. I even had a pretty decent GPA of 3.7. I enjoyed getting this degree a good deal. I made some amazing friends. I learned a lot about myself and my own limitations but also about my own abilities. I learned a lot about God, too. I used this degree to get a job in Hepburn, SK, as a Residence Director and it is from that very place (well, my dorm room there) that I type this now. I have never regretted doing this and it is something of which I am proud.

Big news today. I'm certain everyone has heard the news about the decision of the UN Security Council and the following decision by the United States and Co. I'm not going to bother rehashing it. I will say that I am disappointed a more peaceful response could not be reached. I will also say that I have real concern for the world. No, I'm not worried that the US will run amok. I am VERY concerned about Saddam Hussein's comments that any aggression will result in a global war. This makes me wonder just how true his claims of having disarmed are. Jeers to Saddam Hussein and jeers to a lack of solidarity in the Security Council.

Right. Well, I'm not going to say much, here. He's on trial. Good and bad things are happening in Iraq.

May will feature three weddings in three weeks and my 24th birthday the week after. Too bad it's not the other way around, I wouldn't mind getting the birthday money in time to pay for the presents. The way this is going thus far, Colin and Liz will be getting Coke and potato chips.... poor Colin and Liz... this is what they get for planning theirs last. I suppose I should just be glad that there are no overlapping weddings. I do not like having to choose.

Ah, the infamous three weddings in three weeks. Here's a rundown of what's going on with these three couples. Jeremy and Nicole are in Edmonton and expecting their first child soon! They're a really cool couple and I have enjoyed hanging out with them the few opportunities I get. It was a pleasure to see their wedding take place and I've treasured having in Jeremy specifically a friend that remains such despite time and distance apart. Martin and Jen... aren't married anymore. I guess she woke up one day and decided she wasn't keen on being married, on Martin, or on God either and out the door she went. Martin and I still talk from time to time. He was divorced finally this past summer. McFly has always been someone whose company I have enjoyed and I look forward to laughing myself stupid(er) when we're together next. Jen... I have no ill will towards her, but she doesn't rank high on my list of favourite people. Finally, Colin and Liz. Well, they didn't get chips for a present, don't worry. They're also expecting their first child and are moving into a pretty nice house in Winnipeg. These two remain a pair of my closest friends and I look forward to many BBQs at their place. They might cheer for the wrong football team, but they are truly dear friends.

(insert some more red and yellow spiral thingy)

Okay, there you have it. A look back and an update. Now, I am off to bed for sleeping.