9:37 am sitting in class and have just been notified that as of 10:30 am a strike has been called for union members at my company. Even though I am not a union employee, I am expected to support the union and walk alongside them.
I will do no such thing.
The union has made threats to photograph all the scabs and post their information on their website under their "Hall of Shame". Whether this is just a scare tactic or fear mongering in play, this threat does not dissuade me from crossing the line.
I have to do what I have to do to take care of myself and to stand up for my own principles and beliefs. I do not pay union dues, and I do not receive union benefits. The union will not pay me if I walk yet I'm expected to give up everything to support their motives and agendas.
I understand their struggle and the importance of having support, but frankly, my reasons are specifically that... my reasons. I am not in a position to forgoe any pay. I have been out of work for the past 8 months, and have only been employed here for a mere 3 weeks, however the union expects me to walk with them in support of solidarity. But where will they be when I need help? I need to make ends meet and I have bills to pay... will they walk with me then? I think not.
At the end of the day... or the beginning should I say... We all have choices to make. I've made my choices in life, and my life is choice!
I will be back to document my journey. Good luck to everyone involved :o\
10 November 2011
14 January 2010
Auld Lang Syne
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? A question to which the answer is perfectly clear to me. 2009 effectively ended a particularly toxic friendship, and since doing so, I've accomplished so much more than I would have otherwise. From something as simple as driving across a state line to a little more substantial like getting completely out of debt, I accomplished many if not all of the goals I set out for 2009. Sure, some are bigger than others, but they are accomplishments all the same.
My year started off on Maui, then a few weeks later, the Martin Luther King Day weekend found me in Florida driving across the state border into Georgia. My first small goal accomplished, but still a great way to start off the year. An unexpected detour forced me to stop in Los Angeles, where I enjoyed a night on the piss in Hollywood and a late night breakfast with 2 friends I hadn't seen in ages.
For President's Day weekend in February, just 2 weeks or so after I returned from Los Angeles, I made a quick decision to take another trip, effectively accomplishing two more goals... meeting my dear friend Andrés, and my lifelong goal of visiting New York City. When I wasn't busy sightseeing in the Big Apple, I found myself chatting with an old friend in France, and a new friend in Scotland.
March, April, and May found me hosting friends from out of town, some of whom I met previously, and others whom I had the pleasure of meeting for the first time. One in particular left quite an impression on me and I fell in love with him as a friend the second we met. His name is Giovanni. Not only did we get along like a house on fire, but he also introduced me to some incredible music which I also immediately fell in love with. I didn't know it at the time, but he lit a fire under me to stop being afraid, stop making excuses and just do for me what I've neglected doing my entire life... and I've never looked back since.
The next big thing I wanted to accomplish was to go somewhere spectacular in June to celebrate my 30th birthday. It is a significant milestone, and I wanted to do something that was reflective of such. The big day was just 2 weeks away and I still didn't have any plans. I refused to spend my 30th home alone, or worse yet at work, so I decided to take a week off and visit some very special friends in New Zealand who I hadn't seen since 2007. Carlos and Toby spoiled me in Kaikoura, Hanmer Springs and Christchurch for a few days before I flew up to spend time with Jay and Simon in Auckland. I was extremely pleased with my decision to fly back to New Zealand and loved that I got to celebrate this milestone with people I love.
By July I was chatting and speaking to Martin in Scotland (the fella I mentioned previously while I was in NY) quite frequently. We were constantly pissing ourselves laughing and getting on like you would not believe. I'm not exactly sure how it all came about, but I ended up booking a weekend trip to spend time with this fascinating new friend. My trip to Glasgow ended up being a little longer than I originally anticipated, but was everything I knew it would be.
On my way to Glasgow, I had a long layover in Denver and was able to have breakfast with one of my greatest friends Jerrod... who happened to be there on my first stop I made back in 2006 when I started this adventurous travel behaviour I became so accustomed to. His mother, sister, and daughter flew out to Hawai'i in June and we had a terrific time in Waikiki... of course I was sad that I didn't have a chance to spend time with him as well, so this breakfast was extra sweet icing on the cake!
On my way back from Glasgow, I stopped off in Las Vegas. Naturally, I thought I would hit the mega bucks jackpot and be able to retire, but alas, no such luck. I did manage to win a couple hundred dollars, and somehow lost it all the last 15 minutes in the casino. At least I broke even, so not a total loss.
While in Glasgow, Martin treated me like a king and I was anxious to return the favour. He ended up flying out to Hawai'i just before his 27th birthday in September. His birthday landed on a Friday so we had a nice Thai dinner celebration with him. As a "surprise" (which I always seem to muck up and it never ends up being an actual surprise) I took him on a weekend trip to Kaua'i, the island I'm originally from. Watching his excitement from jumping in the pool was priceless, and other than a mix up of booking the wrong hotel, everything went off according to plan and we had a fantastic time.
Martin and I spent the next 3 months together and I can't think of anything that could have made it even the slightest bit better. From going to the cinema to just watching a film at home, I enjoyed every moment of everything we did. I was gutted to see him leave, but cherish the time we spent together. Martin has been incredibly supportive of me from day one and has been there every step of the way in changes I've made for a better me... and I will always be grateful. He's offered encouragement and is definitely adding fuel to the fire that Giovanni had lit months ago.
Fast forward to present day. I look back over the past year and notice all the love and support I have in my life and I am overwhelmed. I can't believe how lucky I am to have such beautiful people in my life. I sit here... stronger and more confident than ever, ready to accomplish even bigger and better goals for myself and my future. How can I not love being alive?
My year started off on Maui, then a few weeks later, the Martin Luther King Day weekend found me in Florida driving across the state border into Georgia. My first small goal accomplished, but still a great way to start off the year. An unexpected detour forced me to stop in Los Angeles, where I enjoyed a night on the piss in Hollywood and a late night breakfast with 2 friends I hadn't seen in ages.
For President's Day weekend in February, just 2 weeks or so after I returned from Los Angeles, I made a quick decision to take another trip, effectively accomplishing two more goals... meeting my dear friend Andrés, and my lifelong goal of visiting New York City. When I wasn't busy sightseeing in the Big Apple, I found myself chatting with an old friend in France, and a new friend in Scotland.
March, April, and May found me hosting friends from out of town, some of whom I met previously, and others whom I had the pleasure of meeting for the first time. One in particular left quite an impression on me and I fell in love with him as a friend the second we met. His name is Giovanni. Not only did we get along like a house on fire, but he also introduced me to some incredible music which I also immediately fell in love with. I didn't know it at the time, but he lit a fire under me to stop being afraid, stop making excuses and just do for me what I've neglected doing my entire life... and I've never looked back since.
The next big thing I wanted to accomplish was to go somewhere spectacular in June to celebrate my 30th birthday. It is a significant milestone, and I wanted to do something that was reflective of such. The big day was just 2 weeks away and I still didn't have any plans. I refused to spend my 30th home alone, or worse yet at work, so I decided to take a week off and visit some very special friends in New Zealand who I hadn't seen since 2007. Carlos and Toby spoiled me in Kaikoura, Hanmer Springs and Christchurch for a few days before I flew up to spend time with Jay and Simon in Auckland. I was extremely pleased with my decision to fly back to New Zealand and loved that I got to celebrate this milestone with people I love.
By July I was chatting and speaking to Martin in Scotland (the fella I mentioned previously while I was in NY) quite frequently. We were constantly pissing ourselves laughing and getting on like you would not believe. I'm not exactly sure how it all came about, but I ended up booking a weekend trip to spend time with this fascinating new friend. My trip to Glasgow ended up being a little longer than I originally anticipated, but was everything I knew it would be.
On my way to Glasgow, I had a long layover in Denver and was able to have breakfast with one of my greatest friends Jerrod... who happened to be there on my first stop I made back in 2006 when I started this adventurous travel behaviour I became so accustomed to. His mother, sister, and daughter flew out to Hawai'i in June and we had a terrific time in Waikiki... of course I was sad that I didn't have a chance to spend time with him as well, so this breakfast was extra sweet icing on the cake!
On my way back from Glasgow, I stopped off in Las Vegas. Naturally, I thought I would hit the mega bucks jackpot and be able to retire, but alas, no such luck. I did manage to win a couple hundred dollars, and somehow lost it all the last 15 minutes in the casino. At least I broke even, so not a total loss.
While in Glasgow, Martin treated me like a king and I was anxious to return the favour. He ended up flying out to Hawai'i just before his 27th birthday in September. His birthday landed on a Friday so we had a nice Thai dinner celebration with him. As a "surprise" (which I always seem to muck up and it never ends up being an actual surprise) I took him on a weekend trip to Kaua'i, the island I'm originally from. Watching his excitement from jumping in the pool was priceless, and other than a mix up of booking the wrong hotel, everything went off according to plan and we had a fantastic time.
Martin and I spent the next 3 months together and I can't think of anything that could have made it even the slightest bit better. From going to the cinema to just watching a film at home, I enjoyed every moment of everything we did. I was gutted to see him leave, but cherish the time we spent together. Martin has been incredibly supportive of me from day one and has been there every step of the way in changes I've made for a better me... and I will always be grateful. He's offered encouragement and is definitely adding fuel to the fire that Giovanni had lit months ago.
Fast forward to present day. I look back over the past year and notice all the love and support I have in my life and I am overwhelmed. I can't believe how lucky I am to have such beautiful people in my life. I sit here... stronger and more confident than ever, ready to accomplish even bigger and better goals for myself and my future. How can I not love being alive?
31 December 2009
Aloha 2009!
5 minutes until 2010 and i must admit, i'm a little sad to see 2009 come to an end. it was by far the most amazing year ever.
10 September 2009
Mutilation
23rd June, I'll remember this day.
Why did the doctor take me this way?
My mommy and daddy are right over there.
You better return me, they love me, I swear!
Where are we going? What's thru this door?
Huh? A Gomco clamp... What is that for?
I'm scared and confused, I just started life.
What is a scalpel? It looks like a knife!
There's clamping and pulling, I just felt a tug...
Where is my mommy? I need a hug.
There's cutting and slicing, I'm starting to bleed...
I'm crying so hard, I can hardly breath!
No anesthesia... just excruciating pain!
Am I in a hospital or a butcher shop?
Why don't you love me... what did I do?
I promise I'll be better, just give me a clue.
I'm covered in blood, my prepuce discarded.
I'm left unprotected and now broken hearted.
You allowed them to hurt me yet you were my voice.
I don't understand, I had no choice.
My mommy and daddy are right over there.
You better return me, they love me, I swear!
Where are we going? What's thru this door?
Huh? A Gomco clamp... What is that for?
I'm scared and confused, I just started life.
What is a scalpel? It looks like a knife!
There's clamping and pulling, I just felt a tug...
Where is my mommy? I need a hug.
There's cutting and slicing, I'm starting to bleed...
I'm crying so hard, I can hardly breath!
No anesthesia... just excruciating pain!
You're destroying my body and cutting my veins!
Ow mommy it hurts, please make them stop!!Am I in a hospital or a butcher shop?
Why don't you love me... what did I do?
I promise I'll be better, just give me a clue.
I'm covered in blood, my prepuce discarded.
I'm left unprotected and now broken hearted.
You allowed them to hurt me yet you were my voice.
I don't understand, I had no choice.
Savagely mutilated and forever scorned...
I rue the day that I was born.
19 August 2009
A Moment In Scotland
I seem to have no problems making friends around the world... in fact, I've championed doing so. In late January / early February I made yet another online connection with a fella named Martin in Glasgow... just another day in the life of Wika! Despite the extreme time difference between us (11 hours) we somehow managed to find the time to speak on the phone or chat online. As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, we grew to be very close and nurtured an extremely healthy and upbeat friendship.
One slow evening at my 2nd job found me browsing through online airfares to Scotland. I found a great deal on a return fare for a week and a half from the day I was looking online. Naturally, I booked it and decided to fly out to Glasgow for the weekend. (Why not right?!) The last time I was in the UK was over 10 years ago so I was quite excited. Although most of my excitement came from knowing that I was able to meet this amazing new friend who I grew to know so well.
After what seemed to be an eternity in the air, I found myself buzzing the doorbell to his flat. It was a tricky little device and left me a bit confused as to how it's meant to function. I assumed that once you press the button the person on the other end is meant to buzz you in. Alas, I saw a speaker box so I ended up pressing the button again to speak but was distracted when I saw a little camera looking at me. I giggled to myself because I had no idea what I was doing, but before I knew it, there he was opening the door and giving me a big hug.
It was interesting because we carry on for hours over the phone talking about everything and nothing... and I wondered if the same dynamic would exist in person. I've mentioned to him before meeting that I am more myself with him than anyone else and it still held true from the moment we met. But that's not to say that I wasn't nervous. My main focus the first moments in his flat was this big tree I could see just outside the window. It was an easy target to focus on rather than the butterflies that were in my stomach and the fact that my mind was going 180 miles a minute. Thankfully, it didn't take long to get comfortable and for the nervous energy to fade away.
Of course my wonderfully weird thought process took me on so many different tangents and I eventually started to daydream what it would be like to become familiar with this tree. I won't go into the specifics of it all but I will say that I notice details that would otherwise go unnoticed by most everyone else. And not to say that I don't enjoy siteseeing or typical tourist attractions, but I tend to remember and cherish special moments much more.
One of these special moments stemmed from an interesting observation by Martin. An ongoing joke between us is the style of music that I tend to find myself listening to... deep, dark, and sometimes even a bit dimented. I find a strange comfort in these types of songs and end up getting lost in the music. In response to this, Martin decided to show me the brighter side of music and played one song in particular for me... bruises by Chairlift.
I never heard the song before but found it incredibly charming and rather catchy. Randomly throughout my stay, Martin would sing the song to me and it never failed to bring a smile to my face. One evening he planned to show me a bit of the nightlife so we headed down to a local gay bar. It was a pretty quiet night, but that certainly didn't stop us from having a blast. We ended up making friends with the DJ who asked if we had a song, to which Martin replied bruises.
The song started to play and instantly put an enormous smile on my face. Martin took me by the hand, pulled me close and sang to me as we danced. I was in a trance... absolutely capitivated as I just stared into his baby blue eyes and smiled. Time seemed to pass in slow motion allowing me to savour every detail about that moment. The way our bodies moved together, the way he smiled as he sang to me, the way he looked at me... they made me feel incredible and sent me over the moon. My mind was racing while my body fluttered with excitement. I could only think of how wonderful he makes me feel and how much I love him and love having him in my life. At that very moment, the world could have been ending around us and I wouldn't have even noticed... or cared for that matter. Thus creating the absolute best moment ever in my life, and by far my most favourite.
What was meant to be a 3 day weekend getaway turned into nearly 2 weeks of absolute bliss. We had lots of yummy food and drinks and even managed to catch a flick at the world's tallest cinema. The city was incredible and the architecture simply breathtaking. We took the subway to get around and of course it reminded me of my trip to New York earlier in the year which was coincidentally right around the time I first started chatting with Martin.
I got a glimpse into Martin's daily routine and dare I say, I fit in quite nicely. Now it's my turn to return the favour and show him around my side of the world. White sandy beaches, tropical island breezes and drinks with little umbrellas wait to greet him... oh, and an eager Hawaiian as well.
One slow evening at my 2nd job found me browsing through online airfares to Scotland. I found a great deal on a return fare for a week and a half from the day I was looking online. Naturally, I booked it and decided to fly out to Glasgow for the weekend. (Why not right?!) The last time I was in the UK was over 10 years ago so I was quite excited. Although most of my excitement came from knowing that I was able to meet this amazing new friend who I grew to know so well.
After what seemed to be an eternity in the air, I found myself buzzing the doorbell to his flat. It was a tricky little device and left me a bit confused as to how it's meant to function. I assumed that once you press the button the person on the other end is meant to buzz you in. Alas, I saw a speaker box so I ended up pressing the button again to speak but was distracted when I saw a little camera looking at me. I giggled to myself because I had no idea what I was doing, but before I knew it, there he was opening the door and giving me a big hug.
It was interesting because we carry on for hours over the phone talking about everything and nothing... and I wondered if the same dynamic would exist in person. I've mentioned to him before meeting that I am more myself with him than anyone else and it still held true from the moment we met. But that's not to say that I wasn't nervous. My main focus the first moments in his flat was this big tree I could see just outside the window. It was an easy target to focus on rather than the butterflies that were in my stomach and the fact that my mind was going 180 miles a minute. Thankfully, it didn't take long to get comfortable and for the nervous energy to fade away.
Of course my wonderfully weird thought process took me on so many different tangents and I eventually started to daydream what it would be like to become familiar with this tree. I won't go into the specifics of it all but I will say that I notice details that would otherwise go unnoticed by most everyone else. And not to say that I don't enjoy siteseeing or typical tourist attractions, but I tend to remember and cherish special moments much more.
One of these special moments stemmed from an interesting observation by Martin. An ongoing joke between us is the style of music that I tend to find myself listening to... deep, dark, and sometimes even a bit dimented. I find a strange comfort in these types of songs and end up getting lost in the music. In response to this, Martin decided to show me the brighter side of music and played one song in particular for me... bruises by Chairlift.
I never heard the song before but found it incredibly charming and rather catchy. Randomly throughout my stay, Martin would sing the song to me and it never failed to bring a smile to my face. One evening he planned to show me a bit of the nightlife so we headed down to a local gay bar. It was a pretty quiet night, but that certainly didn't stop us from having a blast. We ended up making friends with the DJ who asked if we had a song, to which Martin replied bruises.
The song started to play and instantly put an enormous smile on my face. Martin took me by the hand, pulled me close and sang to me as we danced. I was in a trance... absolutely capitivated as I just stared into his baby blue eyes and smiled. Time seemed to pass in slow motion allowing me to savour every detail about that moment. The way our bodies moved together, the way he smiled as he sang to me, the way he looked at me... they made me feel incredible and sent me over the moon. My mind was racing while my body fluttered with excitement. I could only think of how wonderful he makes me feel and how much I love him and love having him in my life. At that very moment, the world could have been ending around us and I wouldn't have even noticed... or cared for that matter. Thus creating the absolute best moment ever in my life, and by far my most favourite.
What was meant to be a 3 day weekend getaway turned into nearly 2 weeks of absolute bliss. We had lots of yummy food and drinks and even managed to catch a flick at the world's tallest cinema. The city was incredible and the architecture simply breathtaking. We took the subway to get around and of course it reminded me of my trip to New York earlier in the year which was coincidentally right around the time I first started chatting with Martin.
I got a glimpse into Martin's daily routine and dare I say, I fit in quite nicely. Now it's my turn to return the favour and show him around my side of the world. White sandy beaches, tropical island breezes and drinks with little umbrellas wait to greet him... oh, and an eager Hawaiian as well.
28 July 2009
What if....
What if it truly doesn’t matter what I do but how I do it? What if the fulfillment of my own happiness is not dependent on finding a different way of living but really about accepting my life right now? What if my contribution to this world is merely to appreciate it as it is? What if there is no need to change or to better myself? What if the essence of who I am and always have been are enough? What if the question isn't, why am I not the man I really want to be?, but, why don't I want to be the man that really I am?
What if becoming who you truly are happens not through striving but by recognizing the people that offer you the encouragement you need to unfold? What if the task is simply to be who you already are in your essential nature? What if you knew that the impulse to react creates beauty in the world and will guide you every time you simply pay attention? How would this shape your stillness, your movement, your willingness to follow this impulse to just let go and dance?
What if becoming who you truly are happens not through striving but by recognizing the people that offer you the encouragement you need to unfold? What if the task is simply to be who you already are in your essential nature? What if you knew that the impulse to react creates beauty in the world and will guide you every time you simply pay attention? How would this shape your stillness, your movement, your willingness to follow this impulse to just let go and dance?
26 June 2009
Aotearoa
2 long years had passed since I'd been with you last... land of the long white cloud. I am greeted by an overwhelming joy before I can even see you. By the time I catch my first glimpse of your shores my heart is smiling and my mind is at ease... I'm coming home. From the stunning beauty of your snow-capped mountains to the sweet melodies of birds that fill your skies, you evoke an explosion of emotions.
I reached a milestone in my life... 30 years old this year, and was able to pass my time and celebrate my life with you. But alas our time together is short and leaving you is always the hardest thing I have to do. The only thing that makes leaving tolerable is knowing that we'll be together again.
Although thousands of miles of Pacific Ocean separates us, it seems as though you're never too far away... I always find my way back to you. My heart shall always have a special place reserved for you. I long to spend the rest of my days with you.
I reached a milestone in my life... 30 years old this year, and was able to pass my time and celebrate my life with you. But alas our time together is short and leaving you is always the hardest thing I have to do. The only thing that makes leaving tolerable is knowing that we'll be together again.
Although thousands of miles of Pacific Ocean separates us, it seems as though you're never too far away... I always find my way back to you. My heart shall always have a special place reserved for you. I long to spend the rest of my days with you.
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