Someday...

I want to visit and spend time in a castle like this.

Public Policies Seminar in Vancouver

This weekend was amazing. I flew with a group of other students to Vancouver this past Friday to participate in the "Explore Public Policy Issues" seminar organized by The Fraser Institute.

Night Around Town
Once we checked in, we went out separate ways. I was going to go with a portion of the group to the beach and then to a restaurant/pub. Just before getting into a cab, I backed out and decided to run upstairs to grab my umbrella. I wanted to explore and take photos of the area, eventually making my way to a coffee shop. As I was about to press the "up" button someone called my name. It was an old friend that I haven't seen since early September. He was there to see the Rolling Stones Concert but it got cancelled. He knew one of the students in my group and decided to visit him instead... I just happened to be there at the right time. So we went out to a sushi bar and had a few drinks. It felt so good being in a big city again; I love the openness, architecture and atmosphere. There are a few places I would like to visit again next time I go.

The Actual Seminar
The next morning my alarm went off, and I turned it off thinking I'd wake up a few minutes later like usual. Not the case. I almost slept through breakfast. After breakfast, there was a group picture and registration. Then the seminar began.

The first topic was "Gun Registration" followed the Rise of Western Canada's Economies, Immigration and Terrorism, The Future of Online Gaming, and Drugs. After each lecture there was a question answer session followed by group discussion. I learned a lot and had a great time. There are sides to those subjects that I didn't understand but through this seminar, I understand them better. I particularly enjoyed the subject of online gaming.

At the Airport
At the airport I bought this book called "The Attraction Factor" by Joe Vitale. He's in one of my favorite movies, "The Secret." It was after I bought the book, something else weird happened.

One of the guys in my travel group is in my Business Law class. We talked a lot about class after we arrived, during the ride to the hotel. Ironically enough, at the airport for the return flight I bumped into my Law Prof. That was weird.

Shortly after that we parted ways and I went through security. I have never had such an issue with metal detectors in my life. I fly regularly throughout the year around Canada and the States. Rings I never had to take off at any airport prior, small clips on my sweater (smaller than average button on a white dress shirt), my sandals and even places on me that I know for sure didn't have metal on me were setting off the detector. The lady looked puzzled and couldn't explain it so she just let me go.

About 35 minutes later, when I was telling the guy in my class about seeing our teacher, my prof showed up again just as I was about to say his name. Funky timing.

There is something awesome about flying at night... because of the altitude and the lack of atmosphere, it's much easier to watch the stars. Besides, I usually have the weirdest experiences when I fly at night.

the UK and creative endeavors

I went home a couple hours early yesterday. A welcomed opportunity. I've been putting in six day work weeks for a while now. Where did the hours go? I read my horoscope on google, the muse of this morning's (soon to be afternoon) blog.

Pisces: "Take a fresh look at where you find joy in your life. Even if you don't have time today for play, schedule enjoyable activities for the weekend. Create a special event with the children in your life. Although you still have work ahead, it will be easier to handle if you have some fun while you can."

Perfect timing... This weekend is busy with fun and creative endeavors. Yesterday after I left work I wondered around the mall, something I don't do often. There were tables of antiques and hidden finds for sale. After that I wondered into a small shop along my walk home. Inside I found a few furnishings that will be perfect for my new place. Afterwards, I spent at least hour browsing through the "previously loved books."

Speaking of which, I started reading a new book... "Interview with a Vampire." I've watched the movie a couple times before but never read the book. I'm also on the second audio book of the Sword of Truth series, "Stone of Tears." Listening to it reminds me of how much I have changed since then and helps me define more clearly the person I hope to become.

I started going through old pictures... pictures of my vacation in Scotland a few years ago. I miss it there. It's so different their way of life. My eyes must be tainted seeing as I was only there for three weeks and didn't stay in one city longer than two days with the exception of Manchester. Visiting and living with locals for a couple of days is so different than actually living with them.

There's that traveling side to me that I just can't shake... it's like a "the grass is greener on the other side" traveling complex. Only I have wings; my feet aren't bound to the earth and I want to see all that's wicked awesome. I know I want to live in the UK for a few years (late 20s, early 30s I suppose) but I've been toying with the idea of going sooner than later though I've been asking myself why. Life isn't bad here. The lack of strings here just make the idea more possible and attractive by the minute. Later on I might not be so lucky... Could you imagine going to Dublin for a weekend? Rome the next for next to nothing?

But like the beautiful mountains I see here everyday, would it start to loose its magic? Would I start to take advantage of its existence? A certain amount of loss can be expected...

But back to what I was talking about... this weekend's creative endeavors. I'm knitting this scarf that when you look directly at it, all you see is green and black stripes but when you hold it on an angle, you see alien heads. Tomorrow I think I will start a new portrait, maybe even do some photography. I haven't practiced drawing for a while now.

The sun is shining; theres a cool breeze. It's the perfect time for a walk. I hope everyone enjoys their weekend!