Before I Blink And Miss It ...

I figure, everyone has one.. why not start one now?  It will definitely be something that will never be "finished"  I'll always be adding to it.  So I suppose this will be my unofficial, official bucket list.

1. Set foot in each Continent (Australia, North America, South America, Asia, Europe, Africa, Antarctica.)
2. Volunteer more
3. Donate more
4. Hike Machu Picchu
5. Hike Hawaii's "Stairway to Heaven" (Ha'iku stairs)
6. See some of the "Wonders of the World" (Great Barrier Reef, Aurora Borealis, Great Wall of China, Taj Mahal, Stonehenge, Colosseum, Great Pyramid of Giza)
7. Learn how to Scuba Dive
8. Get back to a "healthy" weight
9. Skydive
10. Go on a long road trip
11. Fly in a helicopter
12. Fly a plane
13. Travel to a third world country
14. Go on an African Safari

Can't think of anything else.. will add to it as I think of it.

Long distance..

I just returned from my trip to Calgary.  Spent the last 10 days at Lindsey's place.  Despite all the traveling I've done in the past, this was one of my most memorable trips.  When I think about it, we didn't do "tons" of stuff... lots of relaxing, food shopping (I think we went to Superstore like 5 times within a week?),  and just general shenanigans.

I finally met the family, it was a pretty big deal.  Lindsey is close with her family and holds them close to her heart.  Before meeting them I'd have days of being anxious, nervous, worried, calm, comfortable etc. etc.  I wanted to make sure they liked me, and in a way, "approved" of me dating their daughter.  Long distance can be tough enough, I could just imagine how much more difficult it could be if the parents didn't have a good outlook on the boy!

But, all went well and we had a great time.  Was even able to watch her brother play soccer twice... how I miss playing.  My ankle better heal up quick.. I want to play!

As I said, I had an amazing time.  Despite Calgary being just a short flight, it's quickly become one of my favorite cities to be in.  The nights where I'd go out to the car to get it warmed up and be outside in the cool, crisp air while looking up at the clear night sky and seeing all the stars.. it's simply breathtaking.  Not to mention driving along the highway and seeing the rocky mountains in the distance.  A smooth, flat landscape and then a huge array of snow capped mountains... They always say that Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.. let me tell you.. that sight right there took my breath away.

It's not always the destination that makes for a memorable experience... it's also the company that you're with.

Whether we're out drinking at a bar, eating a nice meal, or just laying on the couch watching tv.. I was enjoying every moment spent with her.

Long distance relationships aren't easy.  Relationships aren't easy to begin with, throwing in distance just adds to the difficulty of things.  Both Linds and I had our bouts with long distance relationships, and we both kind of had the mentality that we wouldn't put ourselves in that position again... except if it was with each other.  We had the type of friendship where we grew up together, not in the sense that many would think.. I guess you could say we indirectly grew up together, either way, she has always been a major part of my life, and has always been my best friend.

We're both hard working individuals, determined, know what we want in life.  I'll admit, she's much more of a hard worker than I am.. that girl busts her butt!  What is 427 or so miles?  If you think about it.. not much.  We both do our best to see each other as much as possible, and will continue to do so.  Time seems to fly by when we're together, and go at a snails pace when we're not.. figures!  The good thing about being somewhat close to each other, is that it's not a huge issue to jump on a plane last minute and fly over for a weekend.  We're both the type of individuals who don't give up, and will fight towards achieving what we want in life.  Something which is definitely needed for long distance relationships.

There's something about Calgary.. There's something about her.. I can't put my finger on what it is.. but whatever it is .. it feels good.

On my way...

I can be quite the procrastinator at times.  But then again, who isn't?

I *finally* went and got my First Aid Level 1 done last month.  Just a quick 1 day course outlining the simple things:  CPR/AED, Wounds, etc.  Easy peasy.  Scored 100% on the test.  Now I'm certified for the next three years.

I come to think about it, why did it take me so long to go and do this 1 course? It was 8 hours, that's it.  Painless.  Granted, I did get certified while in high school but that expired a long time ago. 

So, I've started the process of getting my qualifications to become a volunteer firefighter in order.  All that is left is for me to go and get my air brakes (2 day course, so hopefully not too intense).  Once I'm done that, all that is left is for me to put in my resume when they're asking and hopefully with a few strings pulled, I can start my volunteer firefighter career.

I still need to volunteer more, though.  That's something I need to look into.  Volunteer hours are quite important so hopefully that doesn't bring me down too much if I don't have as many hours as the other applicants.

I signed up to get my First Aid Level 3.  The course isn't till January 30... and thank goodness for that.  Got my books today for the reading.  I'm looking at over 500 pages that need to be read before the class begins.  I have no problem with reading, and I'm sure I'll find most of the information quite interesting.  The issue is remembering it all, and making sure I remember it all for when the course happens.

10 day course, 2 weeks, Mon-Fri, 8 hours a day.  Lots of hands on stuff, or so I'm told.  But it's pretty much the best kind of training you can get short of going to school to become a paramedic.

I'll have a few days in Calgary to do some reading while Lindsey is at work, so we will see how that goes.  Chances are she will find me passed out with a giant book on my chest when she gets home from work, though.

The Dilemma...

I don't know if it's so much as a dilemma, or just me being uncertain about my future or the direction that I want my future to go into.

Right now, I'm working for my dad's company.  We export different types of agricultural commodities from the states over to Asia (mostly Japan as of right now).  I guess you could call me the export manager, I'm in charge of all the logistics, making sure everything goes out in time and hope that there are no issues.   It gives me the opportunity to travel to different countries and I do get to learn a lot in the business field as well as get to experience different cultures and how people live in different parts of the world.  It's something that I would have never been able to go and see through my own eyes if I didn't start to help out my dad.  This job has a lot of potential in it, potential to expand our markets, potential to make a boat load of cash, too.  But I don't know if this is where my passion is.  People always say that you have to find a job that you love doing.  One that you wake up in the morning and don't dread going into.  It's not that I don't enjoy my job, it's just I never envisioned myself being the 9-5 type of guy.  I have the opportunity to continue with the business and make it however successful I want it to be.  Dad already said that, although he does want to retire soon, he will still help out however possible whenever I need it.  That helps out quite a bit, I know the buying/marketing side of it, but still have to learn about the selling/negotiating part.  I mean, I do have one client that I deal with specifically and sell product to, but I still get quite a bit of help when doing so.   I was told that if I wanted to take over the company, I have to be prepared for long hours, and a lot of stress.  It's the type of career that you have to plan your own future with, you're using your own money, your own collateral and saving up for retirement on your own.   When I was younger, Dad was working long hours.  He would have to be downtown at work by 6am and it wouldn't be uncommon for him to be there till 9-10pm.  I didn't see my dad much growing up.  It was basically just the weekends that I was able to see him.  He also traveled a lot, would travel for 2-3 weeks and be home for 1 before having to go out again.  My mom had quite a burden, dealing with myself and my sister on her own basically.  She did a damn good job.  I turned out alright (despite being dropped on my head as a baby)

Ok, so I got a little off topic there, my bad.

Right now, my heart is telling me that I need to pursue the fire department still.  I'm the type of individual who helps people.  I care about those around me and will do anything I can to brighten up someones day.  I'm currently in the process of getting all the requirements needed to start volunteering.  I figure that will give me the best inclination as to whether it is something I do enjoy and whether it is something I can handle.  I know that it is a tough job, not just physically, but also emotionally and mentally.  I feel like I am able to handle it, but perhaps I don't know how bad it can be.  Helping out the community is always a plus as well.  As I think about it now...  Just the thought/idea of being in the middle of something and then having to drop what I'm doing to jump onto a truck and go help someone.. it makes me smile.  I think a lot of people who want to get into the fire department is just because of the title it holds.  Firefighters are often called Heroes.  I don't want to be a hero.  I want to be me.  I don't want to go into the fire department to be glorified, think myself better of others.  I want to do it because of the feeling I get inside when I help people.

So yeah, that's the predicament I'm in.   Do I follow my dads footsteps and continue/expand the business?  I'll be financially secure for myself and a family.  But I may not have the drive/passion as I would in the fire department.  The FD is a more self fulfilling career, but obviously there is a pay decrease and it is much more dangerous.  I wish there was a clear answer and I knew what the right answer is.  But I guess a lot of people wish that for a lot of different things.

It will come to me, maybe I'll be able to adjust it so I can do both.  Fire Department is 3 days on and 3 days off.  So that's always a possibility!