When In Rome...

...Orange Wednesdays

Third day...man

What happened? The morning was made up mainly of folding. Mark's dad motivated us by describing the process of assembling the order of service was like poker. We had coffee and laughs of a plenty. Then we ate some deep fried fingers and rushed downstairs before Mary got back. Because of all our hard work 'The Parents' took me, Rob and Matt to Tim Hortons.

The chili was good but it went right through me. Interestingly the toilet is lovingly referred to as Steve. I went to see Steve, right after James. All was dandy, until Steve exacted his revenge on me...I ran out of the toilet 'Emergency, the toilet is flooding.' Rob 'Fix it' Littler was the man to stop the water and the floor of the apartment had it's first clean...ever. Needs must.

I'm covered in so many bruises I must have had a good time whatever it is I was doing. I was sliding down another bloody hill, that's what I was doing. I have many bruises. Sliding down an icy bumpy hill on a thin vinyl disk sounded fun from the top was fun halfway down and caused laughter at the bottom but that doesn't solve my sitting problem. But, as the emo song we were listening to on the way to the slopes goes, "I'd rather feel pain, than nothing at all'. I disagree. On a scale of 1 to silly I disagree 10.

Proverbs from this week include 'When in Rome, Orange Wednesdays'

And the phrase of the week is 'I'm putting my fut down, on her face'

More to follow.

The Second...day

It was quite amusing yesterday, I have to say. It was, perhaps, the most ridiculous thing I've done in a long time. Get up at 7 (which my body clock told me was 12, and told Rob's body clock it was 7) breakfast at 10 (or 3) and etc. etc.

It snowed. It was good snow. Packing, not powdery, wet and good. We had an unscheduled snowball fight. It did seem to be the first port of call after breakfast, washing, sitting watching 'Danger! Something Something'. I got Rob in the groin, entirely by mistake, because I cannot throw accurately at all. Then Rob got crazy and started shoveling snow on Bethany. We were debating whether to start a fight with the kids in school across the road...they were behind railings so we were safe, but we decided against it after seeing their pinpoint accuracy against each other.

Here are some snowmen. We contemplate making a larger one dressing it in Mark's clothes passport and all, but we just didn't have time. Maybe today.









We were briefly shown Yorkdale, or 'The Dale of York' a 'small' shopping mall in the area of Yorkdale. I had some excellent Greek food from a fastfood place with kebab meat that tasted good without having to have two beers first. My coffee cup point at this point was just 2 cups.

I saw Downtown Torana; Toronto to those who have good accents, and found out it was a crazy crazy history laden city. Jacob (our tour guide for the day) showed us all the sights. While waiting for the Subway he told us things like, Toronto used to be nicknamed Hogtown because of it's pig exports, and there is an island 2 miles each way in the middle of 'Lake' which (was iced over and bubbles controlled the thickness - we watched for maybe 20 minutes) - the island - is made entirely of garbage. All the extra materials that came from building Downtown, like foundations for buildings and that kind of mess, was put onto a landfill, now owned by the government. And people live there. What is this place?

Jacob walked us through Chinatown to Kensington; Matt thought of buying a hat, but he couldn't get further than that. There's an amazing cheese shop in Kensington which is so good you walk in there looking for a type of cheese you like and they don't just show it to you they give a piece to try before you even say your definitely going to buy something. We bought Stilton and crackers for Mark and Jacob didn't buy his favourite because it just wasn't quite right.

After a quick regroup back at the pad we shot back out (with snow pants this time) and hit the slopes and spent a couple of hours throwing ourselves down natural ice slopes with vinyl under our asses and the attitude, that appeared to me, of trying to injure ourselves. Even though we'd all become seasoned pros, all except me that is who managed to dismount half way down every hill, Father Hardy stepped up and showed us all how it's done. He couldn't see because we took his glasses so I was well put to shame.

We headed out to Casey's for some nosh. We were seated by a waitress who was convinced none of us were English but just putting the accents on...crazy lady...and we watched the Maple Leafs lose on a shootout for the second time in two weeks.

Walking back was horrendous...so cold.

Today I'm on my second coffee and it's only 9am.

Thank you.

Day one and one half

I've started writing this at 7 in the morning. And I feel great...ish. It's snowing outside and its -1 Celsius outside. The snow outside sure does make everything look good. If I'd known I would have thought of that as part of my wedding 'costume'.

Kramer the cat is playing with a bell on a string and I'm typing with the lights off because (almost) everyone else is used to being 5 hours behind the real world. Matt's up as well, but he arrived yesterday so that's ok. I'll let him off.

Today I think we're going downtown. It sounds so funny, but apparently 'Downtown' is so large there are two Chinatowns (constantly at war with each other) Little Korea, Little Italy, and the longest road in the world with lots of 'crazy' shops on it. It doesn't stop in Toronto, though; it goes all the way to Boonieville. Which means a place where 'Boonie's' are, or, to you and me, nobody. You can drive along it for 11 hours, so it's not really something to do for a day. More like two weeks. I won't be.

Bethany's dad, Jesse, sure does tell a good story. I learnt about how he felt ignorant 20 years ago because he didn't realise the town official wanted a bribe, which meant he couldn't put all the windows in he wanted to in the apartment I'm staying in, ice fishing, and various other stories. He's Italian which makes the stories sound like they're from the old movies. Plus the stories themselves sound like they're from the movies as well. If I told them in my good British accent they wouldn't sound like that, though. I'm going to try to some work on that while over here.

Everything this side of the pond is so big. The cars are big, the lanes are wide, the houses just cover all sorts of land, the cooker is bigger than anything I've ever seen (about the same size as an industrial one in Britain...for 2 people?!), and then, obviously, Canadian character. They're quite a lot bigger.

Mark does seem very pleased to have a few of his favourite people with him in the week leading up to his wedding. Very pleased, indeed.

That's enough for this morning. It's all a bit disjointed but that was yesterday in a nutshell.

The Toronto...and it's crazy ways

About 4 hours ago I arrived in Canadia. It's a crazy place. I'm in awe of the fact that this sprawling city is so massive to drive around you need at least two days. Being driven around in a ridiculous 80s style American movie car is also incredible. It's the make 'Oldsmobile' Absolutely brilliant. I also just met a guy called Duncan is the most enthusastic man I ever met. 'Hello, I'm Toby' I said. He said 'Magnificent! Duncan. Fantastic!' I didn't know what to say. Spending 8 hours sitting on a plane does mean that I'm getting bored with writing this already.

The word of the week is Flamboyant

Faith

How many of us trust Jesus? Some of you may think of Jesus as a myth, or a fraud, perhaps a good person. Then there are those people who think God is a figment of imagination created by some to keep their own litte world spinning, as long as it doesn't bother anybody else. People with those views need to stop making excuses and start to take responsibility of their life; it's not a very long one and a decision about Jesus is rather important. I realise this may be intrusive, but I believe this is the most important decision you will ever make. Is Jesus who He said He was? No, then why has it affected millions and people who say they would never believe turn to it helplessly feeling it is the only way to save? Yes, then stop messing about an follow him!

I'm not going to explain the full process; it would take a lifetime in itself. Jesus died to save sinners. He died to take the punishment everybody else deserves. Now He is alive proving all His work was not in vain.

If the Christian faith is true, then all other religions are false. But if other religions remain, the Christian foundation must be used so that conflicts do not arise. It is the only faith that claims to be the only way while at the same time being the only faith that does not come to condemn others, but to love them. If it is true then why do those without the faith do good things; it doesn't help them in any way and they should seek satisfaction. If it is false, why do people do good things; this life is meaningless.

I'm not trying to persuade anyone, I'm trying to make you think.

I expect everytime I take a step for the ground to take my weight. I expect the sun to rise tomorrow. I expect Jesus to be coming soon. Do I trust with my whole heart? Only He knows, but I want to continue my life with Him, because without Him I would be empty, lost and with no hope of rescue. He found me, He saved me, He filled me, I did nothing, I deserve nothing from Him, but my faith in Him is reckoned to me a righteousness which gives me assurance in eternal life. I can't wait, but I want everyone there with me. It will be amazing. Fact. Don't mess about with delaying the decision, we are like dust. What's 80 years? We're like dreams, dreamt and forgotten. We're like grass, and who remembers one blade of grass on a lawn. Number your days. What's my point in all of this? Think, there's not long left. I'll be 40 before I know it. I have my final hand-ins soon, and it felt like I only got to Leeds a month ago. Have I really been here for 3 years? Was I really at high school for 5? Who cares about the little things, when the perspective needs to be the end, which we all know is coming. That will put your priorities in order. Ignoring death only means it surprises you more, but it doesn't need to.

Decision time

What did Hobbes say about writing lists?

Well one thing I'd add to that list is Hugh Grants floppy hair.

The word of the week this week is succubus - a scrumpet.

Revival - or 'Power Shower?'

Adrian's Blog: Spurgeon on Revival

There is much talk on revival. But the word revival implies something different to what we (Christians) mean. It is so true, that our 'revival' is coming, but what does the word really mean? The word revival literally means "an improvement in the condition or strength of something" (Oxford American Dictionary), but what do Christians mean? It becomes much more the idea of thousands of people coming to faith in Jesus Christ. Thousand of NEW people coming to faith. That's not the same. Improvement? REvive? This is a reawakening of something that has lain dormant, not a new faith, new believer joining a once dying church. Revival isn't a powerful enough word. Revival says that backslidden Christian will realise their mistake, the error of their ways and return to the family they belong. We need something so much more powerful. That's right...full of POWER. The Gospel is the power of God for the salvation of EVERYONE. That's everyone. Salvation is the greatest miracle, because God commands light to shine in a heart which is full of darkness. God commanded light to shine in the dark when I became a Christian, so a Revival of my heart would say I once was in the position I am now.

Let's lose the word. But keep the attitude.
"And now, at this time, we want to have the old truths restored to their places. The subtleties and the refinements of the preacher must be laid aside. We must give up the grand distinctions of the school-men, and all the lettered technicalities of men who have studied theology as a system, but have not felt the power of it in their hearts; and when the good old truth is once more preached by men whose lips are touched as with a live coal from off the altar, this shall be the instrument, in the hand of the Spirit, for bringing about a great and thorough revival of religion in the land." (Spurgeon; From Pyromaniacs)

What is the difference between a young professional and an OAP if they are both going to the same place? We all belong in the New Jerusalem, our happy home, not the burning sulphur so maybe the revival we need is one of where we all belong, not of one that is a lost and found faith. Let's lose the word but Keep The Attitude. God is the one who saves, and it's time for some of us to forget about words, and concentrate on Him who Saves.

I don't belong here.

I was all about sticking it to the man...Now I am the man...I don't think I can be the man

Famous words of Jack O'Neil. I've been spending the majority of my time watching science-fiction dramas; Heroes and Stargate SG-1. Why? Because I have nothing more important to do. Or I do, and find time in my busy schedule not to do them.

The word of the week is qua. I don't care to divulge what it means.


What I noticed on my way to University this morning was the two rainbows in the sky...hence the picture. What I didn't notice was the thumb in the bottom of the picture. God has a tendency of doing everything just right. At times He will be at the forefront of our lives leading us on into new ventures and complete ease at knowing He is by our side, at others He will step back, and look at how we do without His hand moving us in the right direction. We look back only for Him to reassure us that, regardless of whether we go left or right He'll be right behind us. He has faith in us, which many people miss, and all we have to do is act wanting to please Him and He will honour us because He loves us. Why do I say all this? Because in a year of choices, you want to make the right one. I graduate soon and I have no idea where I should be going (except of course heaven), but God definitely likes to keep me on my toes.

Back to the word of the week, qua means 'in the capacity of'. See if you can use it once this week. I dare you.

Knock Knock
Who's there?
Nobody
Nobody who?

Nobody who?

*Ramble, ramble*

104...

SUPPOSEDLY if you've seen over 85 films, you have no life. Mark the ones you've seen. There are 239 films on this list. Copy this list, go to your own facebook account, paste this as a note. Then, put x's next to the films you've seen, add them up, change the header adding your number, and click post at the bottom. Have fun.

(x) Rocky Horror Picture Show
(x) Grease
(x) Pirates of the Caribbean
(x) Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest
(x) Boondock Saints
(x) Fight Club
(x) Starsky and Hutch
(x) Neverending Story
( ) Blazing Saddles
(x) Airplane

Total: 9

(x) The Princess Bride
(x) AnchorMan
( ) Napoleon Dynamite
( ) Labyrinth
(x) Saw
( ) Saw II
( ) White Noise
( ) White Oleander
(x) Anger Management
( ) 50 First Dates
(x) The Princess Diaries
(x) The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement

Total so far: 15

( ) Scream
( ) Scream 2
( ) Scream 3
( ) Scary Movie
( ) Scary Movie 2
(x) Scary Movie 3
( ) Scary Movie 4
(x) American Pie
(x) American Pie 2
(x) American Wedding
( ) American Pie Band Camp

Total so far: 19

(x) Harry Potter 1
(x) Harry Potter 2
(x) Harry Potter 3
( ) Harry Potter 4
( ) Resident Evil 1
(x) Resident Evil 2
(x) The Wedding Singer
( ) Little Black Book
(x) The Village
( ) Lilo & Stitch

Total so far: 25

(x) Finding Nemo
( ) Finding Neverland
(x) Signs
(x) The Grinch
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning
( ) White Chicks
( ) Butterfly Effect
(x) 13 Going on 30
(x) I, Robot
(x) Robots

Total so far: 31

(x) Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
( ) Universal Soldier
(x) Lemony Snicket: A Series Of Unfortunate Events
( ) along Came Polly
(x) Deep Impact
( ) KingPin
( ) Never Been Kissed
(x) Meet The Parents
(x) Meet the Fockers
( ) Eight Crazy Nights
( ) Joe Dirt
(x) KING KONG

Total so far: 37

(x) A Cinderella Story
(x) The Terminal
( ) The Lizzie McGuire Movie
( ) Passport to Paris
(x) Dumb & Dumber
( ) Dumber & Dumberer
(x) Final Destination
(x) Final Destination 2
( ) Final Destination 3
( ) Halloween
(x) The Ring
( ) The Ring 2
( ) Surviving X-MAS
(x) Flubber

Total so far: 44

( ) Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle
( ) Practical Magic
( ) Chicago
( ) Ghost Ship
( ) From Hell
( ) Hellboy
(x) Secret Window
( ) I Am Sam
( ) The Whole Nine Yards
( ) The Whole Ten Yards

Total so far: 45

(x) The Day After Tomorrow
( ) Child's Play
( ) Seed of Chucky
( ) Bride of Chucky
( ) Ten Things I Hate About You
( ) Just Married
(x) Gothika
( ) Nightmare on Elm Street
( ) Sixteen Candles
( ) Remember the Titans
( ) Coach Carter
(x) The Grudge
( ) The Grudge 2
(x) The Mask
( ) Son Of The Mask

Total so far: 48

( ) Bad Boys
( ) Bad Boys 2
( ) Joy Ride
( ) Lucky Number Slevin
(x) Ocean's Eleven
( ) Ocean's Twelve
(x) Bourne Identity
(x) Bourne Supremecy
( ) Lone Star
( ) Bedazzled
(x) Predator I
( ) Predator II
( ) The Fog
(x) Ice Age
( ) Ice Age 2: The Meltdown
( ) Curious George

Total so far: 53

(x) Independence Day
( ) Cujo
( ) A Bronx Tale
( ) Darkness Falls
( ) Christine
(x) ET
( ) Children of the Corn
( ) My Bosses Daughter
( ) Maid in Manhattan
(x) War of the Worlds
(x) Rush Hour
( ) Rush Hour 2

Total so far: 57

( ) Best Bet
( ) How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
( ) She's All That
(x) Calendar Girls
( ) Sideways
(x) Mars Attacks
( ) Event Horizon
( ) Ever After
(x) Wizard of Oz
( ) Forrest Gump
( ) Big Trouble in Little China
(x) The Terminator
(x) The Terminator 2
( ) The Terminator 3

Total so far: 62

(x) X-Men
(x) X-2
(x) X-3
(x) Spider-Man
(x) Spider-Man 2
( ) Sky High
( ) Jeepers Creepers
( ) Jeepers Creepers 2
( ) Catch Me If You Can
(x) The Little Mermaid
(x) Freaky Friday
( ) Reign of Fire
( ) The Skulls
( ) Cruel Intentions
( ) Cruel Intentions 2
( ) The Hot Chick
(x) Shrek
(x) Shrek 2

Total so far: 70

( ) Swimfan
(x) Miracle on 34th street
(x) Old School
( ) The Notebook
( ) K-Pax
( ) Krippendorf's Tribe
( ) A Walk to Remember
( ) Ice Castles
( ) Boogeyman
( ) The 40-year-old Virgin

Total so far: 72

(x) Lord of the Rings Fellowship of the Ring
(x) Lord of the Rings The Two Towers
(x) Lord of the Rings Return Of the King
(x) Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
(x) Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
(x) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

Total so far: 78

(x) Baseketball
( ) Hostel
( ) Waiting for Guffman
( ) House of 1000 Corpses
( ) Devils Rejects
(x) Elf
( ) Highlander
( ) Mothman Prophecies
( ) American History X
( ) Three

Total so Far: 80

( ) The Jacket
(x) Kung Fu Hustle
( ) Shaolin Soccer
( ) Night Watch
(x) Monsters Inc.
(x) Titanic
(x) Monty Python and the Holy Grail
(x) Shaun Of the Dead
( ) Willard

Total so far: 85

( ) High Tension
( ) Club Dread
(x) Hulk
( ) Dawn Of the Dead
(x) Hook
(x) Chronicles Of Narnia The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
(x) 28 days later
( ) Orgazmo
( ) Phantasm
( ) Waterworld

Total so far: 89

(x) Kill Bill vol 1
(x) Kill Bill vol 2
( ) Mortal Kombat
( ) Wolf Creek
( ) Kingdom of Heaven
( ) the Hills Have Eyes
( ) I Spit on Your Grave aka the Day of the Woman
( ) The Last House on the Left
( ) Re-Animator
( ) Army of Darkness

Total so far: 91

(x) Star Wars Ep. I The Phantom Menace
(x) Star Wars Ep. II Attack of the Clones
(x) Star Wars Ep. III Revenge of the Sith
(x) Star Wars Ep. IV A New Hope
(x) Star Wars Ep. V The Empire Strikes Back
(x) Star Wars Ep. VI Return of the Jedi
( ) Ewoks Caravan Of Courage
( ) Ewoks The Battle For Endor

Total so far: 97

(x) The Matrix
(x) The Matrix Reloaded
(x) The Matrix Revolutions
(x) Animatrix
(x) Evil Dead
(x) Evil Dead 2
(x) Team America: World Police
( ) Red Dragon
( ) Silence of the Lambs
( ) Hannibal

Final mark.... 104... Which means this obviously is a lie. I bet everyone else gets over 100.