In the corner of some foreign field

CAUTION Heart-on-Sleeve

2009-07-07T05:00:22Z

This is undoubtedly the worst decision I've made in my whole life. I've left the man I love, to move to a place I can't stand being in, to do a job that I'm PAINFULLY overqualified for, at half the pay rate I deserve.

It's taking me hours to get to sleep each night because I miss Travis so much, and I've nearly had four freakouts from being in such open ground out here.

But if I go back now, I'll find Travis with his new boyfriend, and he'll think I'm too unstable to have as a long-term partner. And if I stay, I'm surely going to drive myself mad. So what do I do?

I want to give him time to experience other relationships, but there's a risk that he'll find someone better than me, and I'll never be able to settle down with him. So I resolved to spend a year out here, putting in my time, and building up some money.

But I just don't know if I can do it. I'm breaking already, and I've only been out here four days.

I wish some of my friends were online/awake... I need to talk, to say all this stuff, or just to have someone there while I'm crying.

Y'know, I had a ring in my hand and almost gave it to him the day I left, but didn't because I know he's not ready for that yet.

But he brushed the tears off my cheeks, and nobody's done that since 1996...

gunner772 @ 2009-03-23T19:55:00

2009-03-23T23:59:36Z

How is it that I can't remember my postal code, but I can remember a login and password for a website I only post to once a year?

So I'm just watching a kitchy little rom-com, and I came to a realization...

We're all waiting for Love to come bounding down the beach, with the sun setting, dramatic music playing, hair blowing in the wind, surf crashing on the sand, and a slight chill in the air. But it's not always like that.

Sometimes, Love just sits quietly beside you, and asks you what time it is.

gunner772 @ 2008-09-23T16:43:00

2008-09-23T23:47:20Z

Buie says:
omfg, women confuse me.
Why's the toaster in the cupboard?

Ryan says:
ummmm dunno

Buie says:
Toaster belongs on counter. 'cause it's hot. And full of crumbs. And you use it on the counter. It's where it belongs.

Ryan says:
lol

Buie says:
[weeps in confusion]

[googles to find which country's got the highest male:female ratio]

Hmm...
The Holy See.

Plus side: Few women, blokes in frocks...
Con side: Probably no liquor stores, incessant chanting
And they're probably not big on Hallowe'en, either.
But they ARE led by Emperor Palpatine... that's promising...

gunner772 @ 2008-07-08T01:33:00

2008-07-08T08:37:27Z

Oh, and for those of you who haven't been keeping track of me, I *DID* get that job in Halifax.

I worked for Air Canada Jazz from September to January of last year... well, you know what I mean. But then for various reasons, I quit and moved to Vancouver, where I'm working for a smallish airline.

If you're in the Vancouver area, stop in and see me. :D

Because my answers have changed in the last 3 years...

2008-07-08T08:30:33Z

Basics

Name = Buie
Piercings = Three
Tattoos = None yet
Height = 6'0"-ish
Shoe size = 10
Hair color = Anywhere from dark brown to dark red
Length = #1 on the sides and back
Siblings = Three - One of each

LAST...

Movie you rented = oh geez... I have no idea
Movie you bought = Skin Walkers (don't bother... it's crap)
Song you listened to = Gordon Lightfoot - Ghosts of Cape Horn
Song that was stuck in your head = Gordon Lightfoot - Marie Christine
CD you bought = Helium Vola
CD you listened to = Blue Man Group
Person you've called = Spencer, my boytoy in Nanaimo
Person that's called you = my roommate, Ryan
TV show you've watched = Tripping the Rift
Person you were thinking of = Schmidter

DO...

You have a bf or gf = No, but I've got a boytoy
You have a crush on someone = No
You wish you could live somewhere else = Constantly, and no matter where I happen to live at the time
You think about suicide = No
Others find you attractive = Yeah, but I wish they'd just let me dance
You want more piercings = Yes
You drink = Rarely
You do drugs = Not unless I have to
You smoke = No
You like cleaning = No
You like roller coasters = Meh
You write in cursive or print = Print, upper and lower caps, unless I'm in a major rush, then I just combo print/write, and I change languages more
You carry a donor card = Yep

FOR OR AGAINST...

Long distance relationships = Too much work
Using someone = Against, unless they're not of any other use
Killing people = Morally against, but from a soldier's mentality...
Teenage smoking = Against
Premarital sex = ALL FOR IT!
Driving drunk = Against
Gay/lesbian relationship = All for gay relationships, but I don't think I'd do well in a lesbian relationship
Soap operas = Against (this includes WWE, but not QAF... ok, I'm a hyppocrite)

FAVOURITE...

Food = Italian
Song = ::wumpscutt:: - wreath of barbs
Thing to talk about = Sex, aviation, diving
Sports = Diving
Drinks = Chocolate Milk, Drambuie, Cranberry Juice, Irish Delight
Clothes = My kilts and my zipper pants
Movies = Trick, Aliens, Yossi ve Jagger
Band/singer = Pink Floyd, Alice Cooper, Rammstein, Johnny Cash
New nerdy saying = Cheers

HAVE YOU...

Ever cried over a guy/girl = Yes
Ever lied to someone = Yes
Ever been in a fist fight = Yep

NUMBER...

Of times I have been in love? Twice
Of times I have had my heart broken? Once
Of hearts I have broken? = Unknown
Of girls I have kissed? = Um... ew!
Of boys I have kissed? = Oh, more than I can count
Of drugs taken illegally? = Two, neither by choice
Of people I would classify as true, could trust with my life type friends? = Excluding family: Let's see... all of dive team, all the divers I've trained, and pretty much every Tropican citizen, most of my cadets...
Of people I consider my enemies? = None
Of times my name has appeared in the newspaper? = Seven or eight
Of scars on my body? = Eight... probably more
Of things in my past that I regret? = One... not putting a Calgary Flames flag on Howard the Dolphin's transfer bin before shipping him to Florida (Stanley Cup Playoffs, in the year 1 BL (Before Lockout))

FAVORITE...

Disney movie = Pirates of the Caribbean
Scent = Burning Leaves
Word = Wonky
Nickname = Lately: Fixer, Trigger, Homoflauge
Guy name = Nate, Aleksandr, Nikolai
Girl name = Natalia
Eye color = Ice Blue, Jade green or Grey
color = Olive Drab (Army green)
Flower = Red Carnations
Piercing = Lower lip piercing looks cool (HAHAH - that was my answer from 3 years ago, and I've now got one!)
Actress = Sigourney Weaver, Jamie Lee Curtis
Actor = Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, Christian Campbell

DO YOU THINK YOU ARE...

Pretty = No
Funny = Usually
Hot = Somewhat
Friendly = Yes
Amusing = Yes
Ugly = No
Lovable = Not a word I associate with myself
Pessimistic = Often, but I use it to plan against failure
Optimistic = Often, by using my pessimism
Caring = Yes
Sweet = Yeah
Dorky = Sometimes
Spell your first name backwards: Nevik
The story behind your user name: My rank in the artillery, and the last 3 numbers of my service number
Are you straight? Absolutely not!
Where do you live? Mostly at work but sometimes at home
4 words that sum you up: Dedicated, military, Horny, Distracted

DESCRIBE YOUR...

Wallet: Pilot licence holder, almost always carried with me
Hairbrush: plastic, black, almost never used
Toothbrush: uuuh... it's white with green, I think
Jewelry worn daily: At least one piercing, bear claw necklace
Style: Military or beach
Room: Messy, but I'm moving again soon, so who cares?
Blanket: Goose down duvet... very, very snuggly, or a hand-made blanket that's a bit too small, that's got Star Wars material on it from 1977.
Coffee cup: Aluminium camping mug
Sunglasses: None right now
Shoes: Steel-toed, military style boots, but prefer to be barefoot
Handbag: None
Favorite top: None
what are you wearig now?: My glasses
Hair: regulation, but a bit longish
Make up: None

WHO or WHAT (was/is/are) ...

In my mouth : Teeth, gums, tongue, bacteria
In my head : Dreams of MiGs
Wishing: I could find a man
After this: Download porn, go to bed
Talking to: Schmidter
Eating: Nothing
If you could get away with it and murder anyone, who and for what reason?: Hmm... interesting question... I don't actually hate anyone enough to murder, so... nobody.
Person you wish you could see right now: Nate
Is next to you: A stack of aviation charts (maps) (Hahaha... again, my answer from 3 years ago, and after 2 moves across Canada, it's still accurate)
Something you're looking forward to in this up coming month: Flying to the Soo
Something that you are deathly afraid of?: Failing myself
Do you like candles: Yup
Do you like hot wax: Doesn't do anything for me.
Do you like incense: Some, yeah
Do you like the taste of blood: Not really
Do you believe in love: Yes
Do you believe in soul mates: m'dunno
Do you believe in love at first sight: Yes
Do you believe in forgiveness: Yes
Do you believe in God: uuuh... I believe in A god... of sorts... more of a force of nature, actually... so... No
If you could have any animal for a pet: Husky or an Esquimaux
What is the latest you've ever stayed up: 8 days
Ever been to Belgium?: Not yet
Can you eat with chopsticks: Yes
What's your favorite coin?: 20 kopeck piece from the Czech Rebublics
What are 4 cities you wouldn't mind relocating to?: Brisbane (Australia), Glasgow (Scotland... in theory), Victoria (Canada), or Winnipeg (Just Kidding)
What are some of your favorite pig out foods?: Chinese
Whats something that you wish people would understand?: Sense of Honour
What's something you wish you could understand better?: Civilians
Anyone you miss that you haven't seen in a long time?: Alex, Nate, Punk Rock Josh, Tom
Something you want to make happen for tomorrow?: Get laid

gunner772 @ 2007-11-23T22:07:00

2007-11-24T02:16:10Z

*rant beginning*

In fact, all these fucking "oh, woe is me, life's not fair" wankers can just get the fuck off my planet. Jesus Zombie Christ, there's nothing pisses me off more than that "it's not my fault that I can't stay in a relationship" or "it's society's fault that I burn things" attitude.

I mean, seriously, life's not fair. Get used to it. Fucking Liberal government changing the laws and shit to provide all kinds of handouts to people like that... women who pump out kids like clockwork so they can stay at home instead of (God forbid) go and work an honest day's fucking work.

And that's another thing... Women in the workplace. If they can squeeze a 15 cm baby's head out of a 10 cm hole in their bodies, they can fucking well pick up a hammer and start rebuilding their own goddamned city. Rosie the fucking Riveter would puke all over these little princesses.

*rant over*

Ok, granted, Rosie was probably the western world's biggest Bull Dyke, but that's beside the point.

gunner772 @ 2007-08-23T15:37:00

2007-08-23T21:40:13Z

Your Life (tm) is provided As-Is, with no warranty implied or stated. Your Life (tm) is a non-refundable item, and is returnable only if returned in the unopened packaging, to the womb from which it was provided (contact participating womb attendants for details). Your Life (tm) is exhcangeable, but this offer is only available in India and other locations where Reincarnation services are available.

Available upgrades for Your Life (tm) include Happiness (pat pend), Love (c), and Wealth (a registered trademark of the MicroSoft Corporation). For clients who are participating in Your Life (tm) in South-East Asia, the additional upgrade of "Enlightenment v2.3" is available at no cost.

Be aware that third-party add-ons, such as Meth, Alcohol, WoW, Divorce, and Heartbreak may conflict with the intent and normal operation of Your Life (tm). Although some of these effects are only temporary, many will cause conflict, and may prevent the use of some or all of the functions of Your Life (tm).

Your Life (tm) is a limited-time product, and the effects of use vary from client to client. Some clients have purchased or installed the "Easy Way Out" package, but this is not recommended, as operation of Your Life (tm) usually cannot be continued after that point.

Your Life (tm) is designed to last you a lifetime, and with proper care and maintenance of the Corpus Mortalis (provided free of charge with the Your Life (tm) package), it will give you approximately 73 to 78 years of useful entertainment. Some users have reported great success long after this point, up to and including 120 years.

Thank you for your interest in Your Life (tm). If you have any questions about Your Life (tm), its operation, or what to do after Your Life (tm) has expired, contact one of our representatives, conveniently located at any temple, mosque, church, or oak grove.

***CAUTION*** Avoid dealing with "freelance" Your Life (tm) representatives. They are easily identified by their wildly outrageous service fees (including souls, blood, etc), and by the vast array of firepower in their offices, belief that aliens are hiding behind comets, or by Kool-Aid that tastes of almonds.

gunner772 @ 2007-08-16T00:58:00

2007-08-16T07:04:30Z

LJ: Hello gunner772. Welcome back. It's been 50 weeks since your last post.

Me: Uuuh... (checks under the desk, and behind the monitor) Uuh... thank you, HAL.

I'd say I'm sorry that I haven't posted in almost a year, but that would be a lie. I'm on facebook, nexopia, okcupid, gay411, plentyoffish and probably more sites, plus I'm on MSN almost every day, although I'm usually "Show as Offline" when I'm there. Don't believe me? Send me a message some time.

So. Ummm... yeah. Might have a job in Halifax. I find out (hopefully) by Friday, so I can get on with planning my life. If I get the job, I pack up and move, find a house, change over my ID, etc., in order to start in Hfx in mid-September. If I *DON'T* get the job, I find a better paying job here in Edmonton... which shouldn't be hard. I'm getting McDonald's shift manager pay for a licenced, upper management position. It's horseshit.

I'm sketching out with stress about this whole "where will I be living" thing... it's been getting worse for a month now, and now I'm in the last two days (I hope) of stress. If I'm really lucky, they'll call me tomorrow and say "Be here by ___________."

gunner772 @ 2006-08-24T01:30:00

2006-08-24T07:34:06Z

The List is now 52 names long.

Why, Andrew?

Why?

gunner772 @ 2006-04-18T10:39:00

2006-04-18T16:44:21Z

Hello all my friends
I'm alive and doing well
You like my haiku?

Bad shit happens to good people

2006-03-29T16:20:59Z

OK, so. My grandfather passed away yesterday afternoon. If any of you know my family, please call my mom and offer your condolances. Thanks.

Second, although technically first, I now know what an acid (LSD) trip feels like. Now, don't go freaking out that I'm turning into a druggie... it was involuntary. Someone laced my drink at the bar with it. It wasn't objectionable... it was kinda like the feeling of being underwater... but I won't be looking to drop it again.

Third, Steve gave me his flu yesterday. Luckily, I recover quickly from the flu and, other than a really bad night last night, I'm recovered now.

Other than the list above, things are going ok. Not great, but not bad in any way. I'm getting my debts paid off, and I've got a loyal following out here now... both cadets and friends. My cadets (not the officers, not the staff) bought me a car... I've just gotta get insurance and a battery and I can drive again. My friends/co-workers at the Flight Centre are starting to understand how often I'm plotting (I breathe = I plot), and how often my plotting pays off. Also, we've been hanging out as a group of pilots and friends. It's great. :D

Anyhow, must go have a nice, long, shower.

Cheers.

gunner772 @ 2006-03-05T22:00:00

2006-03-06T05:16:30Z

Your Pain is great
of that there is no doubt
It is Whole, and Consuming
and will tear you apart

if you let it.

Your Pain is all
you can think of right now
It's your Alpha
and your Omega

but it is yours.

I have my own Pain
and though it is lesser than yours
It is mine
and right now, I'm sorry

My Pain
is more important
to me
right now
than your pain is.

gunner772 @ 2006-03-04T21:22:00

2006-03-05T04:30:57Z

OK. I've been wrestling with this for a while, and it's time I got something off my chest. I'm sick and tired of the f*cking menace to society that's just wandering around like they own the place. On the bus, on the streets, in the malls... even when they're just hanging out, they're causing people to get stressed out, and they don't even know why. It amazes me that people can just walk by and let these... [with disdain] THINGS slowly move in and take over. "But," you might say "I've never seen them." Of course you have, you just never noticed. Look around you! These penguins are everywhere! Waddling about (no offence to my friends named "Waddell"), looking all cute and innocent. WATCH THE TV! They've taken over a major telecommunication company in Canada! FOR GODS' SAKES, WATCH THE TELUS COMMERCIALS!

Anyhow, enough about the fucking penguins.

I'd like everyone to welcome Warrant Officer Maitland to my lj, and to the inside joke. Maitland, remember all the gay jokes that Eddie and Pister tell when I'm around, and nobody knows why the three of us laugh so much? It's 'cause [whispers] I'm gay.

That is all.

Stupid penguins.

I'm drunk

2006-03-03T06:08:58Z

OK, now... with THAT out of the way, let me relate to you a conversation I had with the recruiter this morning.

Pencil-Necked-Desk-Jockey: "Hello, Bonjour, Can I help you?"

Me (friendly): Yes, I'd like to get my file, as I intend to enlist in the 15 Field Ambulance."

PNDJ: OK, what's your name?

Me: Buie. B-U-I-E

PNDJ: (typing, slowly)

Me: ...I-E.

PNDJ: OK, let me go get your file.

(5 minutes pass)

PNDJ: I can't find your file. Where did you start it?

Me: Here.

(10 minutes pass)

PNDJ: Do you know your file number?

Me: (I give it to him)

(20 minutes pass)

PNDJ: I still can't find it. How long ago did you apply?

Me (aggrivated): I started 19 months ago, and you guys randomly closed it last month.

PNDJ: Oh... let me keep trying.

(10 more minutes)

PNDJ: I found it! Somebody filed it under your last name!

Master Warrant Officer Keever: How are you, Mr. Buie?

Me (through gritted teeth): fine

MWO Keever (to the Air Force 2nd Lieutenant who's been "helping" me): Uuuh, sir, can you check on the status of those CF-51s?

PNDJ: Sure, Warrant. Where are they?

MWO K: Just ask the Sargeant in the back. She'll help you.

PNDJ: Sure Warrant. (leaves)

MWO K: Anything else we can get for you, Mr. Buie?

Me (gritted teeth): no Sir

MWO K: OK. Take a deep breath, and enjoy the rest of your day. See you next week.

Me (gritted teeth): thank you, Sir.

Yup. I almost ended up with Air Force 2nd Lieutenant all over my boots.

Other than that, my day went very well, and one of the instructors brought me out and got me drunk. :)

gunner772 @ 2006-02-15T08:30:00

2006-02-15T15:30:44Z

I aintn't dead yet.

More info to follow.

gunner772 @ 2006-01-25T10:46:00

2006-01-25T17:55:33Z

I can't remember if I cried when I read about the big French guy
but something touched me deep inside
the day
Lemieux retired

bye, bye French Canadian guy...

We've gone blue

2006-01-24T06:56:39Z

What have you people done?

WARNING! HERESY FOLLOWS!

2006-01-18T08:27:24Z

Under the topic of "Deliver Me From Evil"... or was that "Delivery From Evil"... I keep forgetting... anyhow, I got this in one of the *ahem* adult-oriented e-mails that I subscribe to. (Sorry Harmony, but you've grown past the point of needing a Harmony-Warning for that info).

Dear President Bush,

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's law. I have learned a great deal from you and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate. I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God's Laws and how to follow them:

1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not to Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?

3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev. 15:19-24). The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev. 1:9). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states that he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?

6. A friend of mine feels that, even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev. 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there "degrees" of abomination?

7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here?

8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?

9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them (Lev. 24:10-16)? Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws (Lev. 20:14)?

I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I am confident you can help.

Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.

Madrox

Yeah... I figured you'd all get a kick out of that.

gunner772 @ 2006-01-06T01:08:00

2006-01-06T06:16:29Z

OK. A long-overdue update.

a) Had to cancel my booked flight to the Soo because of freezing rain around Lake Superior. The Cessna just can't deal with that weather.

b) Took Air Canada/Jazz here instead.

c) Made it safely, arriving a few hours after the aforementioned freezing rain turned to rain.

d) Totally surprised some of my former cadets when they answered the door and saw me staning there. :)

e) Had an hour and a half hot-tub out at my buddy's camp... under the cedar trees... cold meltwater dripping on our heads as we soaked in the 104ºF water...listening to the... well... to the hot-tub jets and water dripping. And the occasional squirrel chirping. Oh, and fuck that, T. I'm not retiring to the Soo. St. Joe's Island, maybe. :)

f) dj_spanky ... thanks very much for the birthday wishes... If I knew when yours was, I'd return them. But I don't. So... happy belated/early/current birthday. :)

g) Shortly after I got here, I found out my grandmother in BC died in her sleep. I'll miss her very much. (I'm trying to figure out what to say to my grandfather in a sympathy card... very difficult... maybe if I was a bit gayer, I'd be able to express my emotions better). I'm ok, I've been ready for this for months, but my mom's well... not. At least the whole family was in town together for this one.

h) I've been told that publishing my whole "The List" is getting a bit depressing. In light of that, when I make an addition to it, I'll just make mention of the addition on here. I've got The whole List carved at home anyhow.

i) miss you all... except you (pointing... you know who you are) I don't miss you at all. Bastard. Give me a call. :P

gunner772 @ 2005-12-18T21:59:00

2005-12-19T04:58:00Z

HI! I'M REDICULOUSLY EXCITED!

Thought you might like to know that I've finished my night endorsement. 3.3 hour flight from here to Vegreville, to Wainright, to Red Deer, and back. Got to fly through Terminal's airspace, and chat with some West Jet pilots in flight. My navigation was perfect (because the wind was exactly what it was forecast to be), and with the almost-full moon, the scenery was great.

I handled the radio well (always a small concern of mine... I tend to get tongue tied), even in Terminal's airspace. My cruise descents were bang on the money, and when City Centre Tower cleared me to the approach, I adjusted my power exactly right to descend 1,800 feet in 10 miles, putting me exactly where I wanted to be when I turned base.

Then I landed the plane flat.

Then I landed it flat again.

And again.

But this time it stayed on the ground, and I STILL taxied off the runway at the first taxiway, making it less than 1,000' of rollout (which is good).

I am SO pumped right now!

gunner772 @ 2005-12-18T13:05:00

2005-12-18T20:27:47Z

OK. I know I've been silent lately, but I haven't really had much to say and, unlike politicians, if I've got nothing to say, I'll say nothing.

And speaking of politics, does anyone have any idea what the parties up here are using for their campaigns? All I'm getting from the news is this:

Liberals (Paul Martin) - the Liberals were involved in a sponsorship scandal, and gave homosexuals the right to get married

Conservatives (Stephen Harper) - Will definitely try to avoid denying the refusal of the denial of the right of homosexuals to get married or not in a church, mosque, temple, or other place of worship, recognized or not, but without invoking the notwithstanding clause (subsection 33(1), Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982)) during a free vote in the parliament.

New Democrats (Jack Layton) - Most charismatic politician in Ottawa.

Bloc Quebecois (Gilles Duceppe) - His party is getting more seats in Quebec because nobody wants to vote Liberal.

Green Party (Jim Harris) - Nobody knows this guy's name or face, but he's not in any of the other parties.

Now, like most (maybe even all) of you... well, the Canadians, anyhow... who read this, I've grown up under a Liberal government almost all my life. They've torn apart the military, health care, and education. They've padded their own pockets with laundered money. They have kept us out of an unjust war, yet spread our public service (including police, fire, ambulance, and military) so thin that they are nigh upon ineffective. I just can't justify myself voting Liberal.

The Conservatives have a very well shaped history of homophobia, so to avoid losing the rights that we've so recently received (even if I do rant against them sometimes), I immediately consider not voting Conservative. And then with a thoroughly confusing, backtracking, and double-speaking campaign platform that's focussed entirely one one small issue, they're showing me that they have absolutely no plan for their Prime Ministership. Why do I get the feeling that Harper would wake up one day from the "Campaign Dream" and realize he's Prime Minister, with absolutely no idea of what to do? No vote for you!

The New Democrats... umm... yeah... are they still around? Apparently so. But consider this... their candidate in BC (a traditionally NDP province) is on record as urging people who usually vote NDP "don't vote Conservative just to get the Liberals out of power..." Umm... shouldn't you be urging them to vote YOUR party in instead of begging them not to vote for the lesser of two... well... I just won't go there.

As for the Bloc -- hmm... the idea of voting for a party running a campaign to withdraw from the country, for leadership of the country just seems wrong somehow... can't quite put my finger on it. Oh well, I live in Alberta... we're pretty close behind them on this whole "we can do without Ontario" kick anyhow. And besides, nobody in this whole province speaks French anyhow, so sure as hell there'll be no Bloc candidates here to vote for regardless.

And finally, we come to the Green Party. Sssooooo... you're called "The Green Party", and your platform is... what, exactly? They got just over 1/2 million votes in the last election. Oh, and you're a reformed Conservative. What was that we were taught about "The Devil you know, or the Devil you don't?"

So... my choices: the scandal, the homophobes, the meek, the separatists, or the unknown.

I think I'm going to vote for Alice Cooper this year. I heard that he wants to be Elected.

Oh, and on a side note, I'm planning of flying to the Soo in early January.

gunner772 @ 2005-11-25T00:14:00

2005-11-25T07:28:05Z

Hey.

OK, it's been about forever since I updated this thing. I'm sorry.

Work's been...insane. All those new students we've got? Yeah... when I was signing them all up, I forgot something.

They can only fly during daylight hours... and daylight hours here, in the winter, are from 8 am to 5pm. Flights are booked in 2 hour blocks, and we've got 4 main training planes. Basically, this means that my planes are booked solid from sunrise to sunset... for the next two weeks...

On the plus side, I'm earning my night rating, which will allow me to *DUH* fly at night, when there's far less competition for the planes.

In my personal life... ummm... yeah. I get home, play video games for a bit (usually Flight Sim, to practice my instrument work), or watch movies or Red vs Blue (www.redvsblue.com I'm too lazy to make this an RTF entry). Except to go see the latest Harry Potter flick, I haven't been out of the house since I brought my str8 friend to the baths.

In news from Ontario, my dad's been laid up hardcore (another reason I've been stressed--should your deltoid actually feel like it's being burned by ice?) with a slipped disc. It's the same problem I had when I was 17... and yeah, he needs surgery for it. For most of the last three weeks or so, I've been on short notice that I might have to fly home the next day to help out. So very stressful.

Oh, and also very stressful: GMAC is taking their car back from me. I'm going to miss the freedom of a car, but I won't miss the payments. My credit rating is shot now, and I have no idea if I'm gonna end up in court over this or not, but it's over now.

I wish I had enough energy right now to be witty or even goofy (but not Goofy... he's a registered trademark of the Disney Corporation), but I have to go to ground now, as I work in about 7 hours.

Rest assured that things will work out ok.

G'night, all.

gunner772 @ 2005-11-09T23:14:00

2005-11-10T06:23:54Z

OK... A new game to play... List out 5 of your friends, and what song reminds you of them every time you hear it.

1. Toaz (Hockey Star) - Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here (the only other TRUE Pink Floyd fan I know, and he plays the song well)
2. Tyler (Minister of Cheeky Monkeys) - Was, Not Was - Walk The Dinosaur (No idea why)
3. Ash - RHPS - Time Warp (It's just a jump to the left)
4. Amanada - Dierdre Flint - The Boob Fairie (If you haven't heard it, listen to it.)
5. Alex (My brother) - Poison - Every Rose Has Its Thorn (Private memory that I may share some day)

And for the extra credit:

6. Scuba André and Katie 80 - Arrogant Worms - Canada's Really Big (All I've got to say is... "We've barely got an army")
7. Punk Rock Josh - Bad Religion - Recepie for Hate (Thanks Josh, still have the CD... and Mittens)
8. Josh (my xbf) - Elton John - Tiny Dancer (He always sung it at Karaoke)
9. My Mom - Irish Traditional - Tura Lura Lura (vague, hazy memories)
10. Mr. MacKinnon (former principal) - Traditional - My Grandfather's Clock

gunner772 @ 2005-11-09T23:00:00

2005-11-10T06:09:29Z

OK. Quick update before I lose the rant I've got prepared.

A week of bad weather has kept our planes on the ground... we had to cancel almost 80 bookings since last Monday afternoon. Well, the weather broke yesterday at 1pm, and since then, we've put 22 flights in the air... our usual daily average is between 8 and 10 flights.

Now, on to my rant.

The FAA is instituting a program, wherein for a fee ($79.99 for the initial testing project) and a background check, you can be designated as a "frequent passenger". These "Frequent Passengers" will be subject to a reduced security check before boarding planes, and may have other benefits extended to them, such as being allowed to "keep their shoes and jackets on" during security screening.

How do YOU feel about this? Well wait... there's more.

Doing this will allow those passengers greater freedom, while "freeing up screeners to focus on other passengers."

Sound like a social caste to you yet? But wait, my story gets better...

"There will be occasional random pat-downs to make sure terrorists do not try to beat the system..."

Occasional random pat-downs, Ladies and Gentlemen... that's a description of my last date, not a national security measure.

(checking my watch)

How much longer until the US collapses under the weight of its own bureaucracy? (Thinking of Ancient Rome, and waiting patiently)...

Stolen from half my friends...

2005-10-24T05:04:46Z

"Leave one memory of you and me together. It doesn't matter if I know you a little or a lot, anything you remember! Next, post this in your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you."