Monday November 22, 2010. 15:30
Hurray for poopy diapers!

There's nothing like a month of a child's constipation to add a parent's joy to a weekend of many poopy diapers. I think I see a light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak. ;-)

Posted By: Trevor

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Monday November 8, 2010. 14:40
No Need To Press Harder!

I would like to state that if your touch screen mobile phone doesn't display the character that you thought you pressed, I’m sorry to say that pressing it harder likely won’t be any more effective. I just thought I better tell you this before you put your finger through your phone. See how helpful I am?

Posted By: Trevor

1 comments

Sunday October 31, 2010. 21:43
LOL Twice Tomorrow

I just wrote out a cheque dated tomorrow and realized, as many of you will, that the date is 101101. I thought it was funny. I laughed out loud. Twice.

Posted By: Trevor

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Saturday October 30, 2010. 23:21
The Boy In The Mirror Before Me. The Father Of The Daughter Down The Hall.

As I stood in front of the mirror brushing my teeth this night, I caught a glimpse of myself, and upon a second glance, made eye contact with my reflection. And it dawned on me that the boy standing there opposite me is someone’s father. That there is a sweet little girl asleep in her bed who looks upon that face everyday and sees a protector, someone to put her whole trust in, someone who will never do her harm. Someone that will raise her, care for her, nurture her, and see her safely and successfully into her future. She sees the face of a man she can call Daddy, who she can rely on to protect her from the world.

And this realization, over three years into her life, completely floored me. Because hiding behind that face, hidden from her sight and understanding, is a boy, struggling with sin, fighting to understand himself, hardly able to navigate the roads and rivers that life throws at him, barely managing to get through the simplest of challenges that faces him day by day, toiling continuously to make ends meet, and barely making life inch by inch on the knowledge that there is something bigger out there. That Jesus looked across that plane we call time and saw me here, felt my pain, understood my struggles, and bought my life with his death.

So, as my reflection finished piercing my heart with it’s juvenile gaze, and I resumed the motions of cleaning my teeth, I was convicted of how my life, my parenting, reflected the knowledge I have of the sacrifice Christ made for me. And I realized that that three year old, who spent the day today crying out to me to relieve her upset stomach pains, is unknowingly relying on me to model what a recipient of Jesus’ love and forgiveness should be. So here I go.

It should be enough, I know, that Jesus died for me. And it should be sufficient, I understand, that God created me and is worthy of my obedience. But today, as I looked myself square in my eyes, straight into my heart, I realized that my daughter, who is under God’s constant care, and who I am privileged enough to be chosen to love and be loved by, is also a tool with which the Lord is using to get my attention, and to cause me to readjust my life to be closer aligned with my Heavenly Father.

So if you pray, please pray that I will have the strength to fulfill my daughter’s unknown need as sufficiently as humanly possible, and that my life and behaviours will be an example to her as to how to become closer to God. And whether you pray or not, please help me to remain accountable to this task that my reflection has reminded me that I have.

Posted By: Trevor

2 comments

Tuesday October 12, 2010. 08:10
Life's Smaller Challenges

Have you noticed that it is far more difficult to discreetly connect one rogue button then it is to simply top up your zipper fly? I have.

Posted By: Trevor

1 comments

Sunday October 10, 2010. 15:16
Sherlock Holmes, Robin Hood, And What This Is All About...

This blog page is used for many things.  It's used for your entertainment, it's used for me to offer some tips and maybe a bit of advice on things I know very little about, and it's used for me to jot down crazy ideas that pass through my mind before they're lost forever.  But largely, it's also used as a way for me to look back over the past few years, and remember the things I've done, both small and large, and maybe even how I've done them.

In case you haven't noticed, one of those small things that's fun for me to look back on is the list of movies I've gone out to see.  This year so far, I've gone to two.  Wow.  They included "Sherlock Holmes" back on February 15th, and the new "Robin Hood" on May 20th.  Sherlock Holmes interested me, of course, because we have something great in common.  He's really smart, and I can usually outsmart my 3 year old. See?  Of course. It was also really cool to be able to visit London shortly after, of course recognizing many of the landmaks.

Robin Hood was a must see for a couple reasons.  The first would simply be I've always been a Robin Hood fan.  The other (also the reason I first heard of this movie long before it was advertised) is thatAlan Doyle of Great Big Sea playedAllan A'Dayle of The Merry Men. And did very well, I would say.  I really liked how they turned things around a bit from Disney's version, but still kept the Robin Hood basics.  Great ideas!

Both great movies, and both, of course, to be added to my collection in the near future.  Stay tuned!

Posted By: Trevor

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Tuesday September 28, 2010. 22:32
Hockey Pools

I think hockey pools have their pro's and con's. The players would definitely experience less injuries, but I think the pace of the game would go way down, playing in a hockey pool.

;)

Posted By: Trevor

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Thursday September 2, 2010. 22:15
For Those Of You Needing To Know Your IQ, Or How To Pick Up Women

The other day when I was waiting in the car for Mandi, I heard her phone go off. I thought it would be nice of me to answer it, or at least see who was calling. Apparently I don’t know all of her ringtones and alerts, as it was just a text message. I did notice that the number it came from wasn’t an ordinary number (55155), so I decided to snoop. The message was a very informative message, teaching me a new pick up line and encouraging me to use it (or rather, for Mandi to use). Wow, so helpful! Sorry, I forget what it was. But if I remembered, I would have to charge you all before teaching it to you, in order to recover the fees that we paid.

Yes, unfortunately we later received the bill for these daily “Premium Messages”, at $2 a piece. Now, I decided to write about this not to complain to you at how hard done by I am at having to pay these extra fees (happily I caught this after only 8 messages), or even to point out that my wife is a wee bit gullible, but to hopefully help you avoid similar charges and headaches (and that awkward and delicate conversation during which you try to educate her without making her feel stupid).

I’ll start with my vague resume. I have been working in Mobile phone sales in Canada since August 2000, and have decided to work specifically with a Telus Mobility dealer, as I have found that they have great coverage, they are the easiest to deal with, and in the long run have the best overall rates. (I’m not getting paid for saying this just so you know).

On my Telus Mobility invoice (which I check online of course, to save the environment – and save the new $2/month paper-bill fee Telus is now charging), the charges appeared under “Data & Other Services”, labeled as “Premium Message”. Make sure you check that on every bill, just in case. I’ve talked to a lot of people who catch these charges months later, and have already paid for them, sometimes over $60 a month. Hard for me to believe, as when my bill is $5 over normal, I’m frantically logging in to see where I went wrong!

If you’re not sure what to watch out for, just remember never to give your phone number to a computer program. Some of the common sites that send out unwanted premium messages I’ve listed below for your viewing pleasure. And if you’ve already unwillingly subscribed, watch out for text messages from any short or other abnormal number (I’ve listed a few common ones below). When you see one, send your own message back saying “STOP” or “STOP ALL”. You should receive a confirmation within minutes, but it could take up to 48 hours. If you don’t get a response, chances are you’re still a premium member. In that case call your mobile phone provider and chat with them.

One site to watch out for in particular though, as a young guy who I recently met recently discovered (he also discovered over $200.00 in data charges in the first 3 days of his new phone ownership) is, of course Facebook. In this case, though, simply ensuring you have the correct data plan on your account will help curb those fantastic fees.

I normally don’t read Mandi’s messages, but this time I’m glad I did, and only 8 days in. I would have been a little more annoyed had it gone on until we received our bill! She didn’t get the IQ test results at that time, but they showed up on our invoice. I’m sad to say she failed.


FYI:
The most common sites I’ve come across that offer Premium Message services, and common numbers their messages come from are:

• mylovereadings.com (from 33777)
• myluvcrush.ca (from 33444)
• ca.yourdestinyrevealed.com/saltar (from 89474)
• wixawin.com (from 88588)
• YourFlirtAlerts.com
• ChallengeIQ.com
• Winicane.com

• 55155 (on your – and my ebill as “mt_impa55155”, $2.00/msg)
• 33335 (on your ebill as "mt_mqb33335”, $5.00/msg)
• 33456 (on your ebill as "mt_impa33456”, $2.00/msg)
• 78288 (on your ebill as "mt_myth78288")
• 63232 (on your ebill as "Music Subscription")
• 77277
• 74656
• 55655 (or 55655000)
• 47941
• 80800 (on your ebill as "mt_mqb80800", $5.00/msg)
• 20200 (on your ebill as "mt_mqb20200", $2.00/msg)
• 30333 (on your ebill as "mt_myth30333cd5", $5.00/msg)
• 22888 (on your ebill as "mt_mqb22888", $5.00/msg)
• 84040 (on your ebill as "mt_impa84040", $2.00/msg)
• dada_1000dollar_subscription, $10.00/month music subscription
  • You may receive texts from 95555 or 75555.  If you do, reply "STOP" to that number
  • I have read that you can cancel subscriptions to "dada" services by calling 1-888-214-0381 or visiting "http://us.mobi.dada.net/mail_us.php"
• jamster_1000subscription, $10.00/month music subscription
  • You may receive texts from 95555 or 75555.  If you do, reply "STOP" to that number
  • I have read that you can cancel subscriptions to these services by calling Jamster at 866-856-5267 or emailing your cell phone number (in the email body) to "info@jamster.com" and indicate what services you want to unsubscribe from
• If charges from ESPN Pro Rodeo ("ESPN Pro RodeoOUT", $2.00/month) appear on your bill, try contacting ESPN APP's at 1-888-549-3776.

• text hello to ###### to receive updates… (etc.)

3. Description of Service. By submitting your mobile telephone number and other registration information on the Site, you agree to subscribe to our periodical fun facts. This service is available to supported mobile phones and will periodically send mobile phone text alerts to your phone related to your subscription from our collection of content including:: flirting tips, horoscopes, joke of the day, quote of the day, and fun facts.

Posted By: Trevor

13055 comments

Friday August 27, 2010. 22:47
Like Axe-Murdering Hotties

Ok, I’ll admit it. There are a lot of things in life that I don’t understand. I understand how we get a crescent moon, but the waxing and waning gibbous phases baffle me. I can watch a football or baseball game without the slightest question, but haven’t a clue what’s happening in rugby or cricket. I watch in amazement as my cat pulls open a door that I thought was closed to get outside, but spends 20 minutes navigating his way through the window blind pull-chain. I can drive a stick shift with ease, but have no clue how to change the calendar to eliminate a leap year (ok, not related, but really, they’d have to change a lot of things!). Yet most of these gaps in my knowledge could be bridged by spending a few minutes on Google, and even Bing, if necessary. But one thing I don’t think I’ll ever understand is the mind boggling attraction women have with shopping for footwear. What a phenomenon. It kind of reminds me of one of those black and white horror movies. The one’s where the babe is fascinated with chopping people to bits. With axes and such. Wow.
Yeah, I’m in need of new boots. But unlike the horror film hotties, killing for the sheer pleasure of it, I have a hidden issue striking fear deep inside when the thought of shoe shopping comes up. It’s called “extra wide feet”. So here’s the scoop. I’m slowly but surely pointing my life in the direction of EMS. So far, from the ankles up, I mostly look the part. And recently after finding a perfect fit boot for my left foot (“Haix Airpower”, at the Red Deer “Rocky Mountain Phoenix” emergency equipment center), I thought I had the issue beat. But, no, says my right foot, this boot just won’t do. But wait, it comes in extra wide! So I took back my “Wide” boots and waited for the XW’s to come in. Did they fit? Half of them did. But still, the crushing of my right small toe just won’t do. So this weekend (tomorrow), is shoe shopping in Edmonton. I’m sure I’ll have nightmares about it tonight.
So, if tomorrow evening in Red Deer, strange things happen around town, assume that my excursions went poorly, and I was driven mad at the thought of another minute spent looking. Did I tell you the shoes I wear to work I bought 4 years ago, and have had fixed 3 times instead of buying new ones? I only hope Rocky Mountain Phoenix will be gentle with me when I go back in with my boots, again. EMS footwear is not cheap, I’m telling you!
Ps: maybe a metatarsectomy would be less painful? Hmm.

Posted By: Trevor

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Monday August 23, 2010. 20:37
If The Dead Could Laugh At Us

I wonder if it was all a cruel joke on parents everywhere when Alan decided to name his main character. Tonight, as I sat down to enjoy supper with my 3 Year old daughter and Mandi, my wife, the first thing Nichole and I had to do was “guess what’s in the Goulash”. We quickly picked out the obvious; peppers, chicken, mushrooms. But one item kept us guessing. Mandi cleared up our confusion though. Pooh. That was the mystery item. Oh, and Tigger too. But not only did we have Pooh for supper, it’s everywhere. One night I heard Mandi reading Nichole a book on opposites. “Pooh goes in the pool, Piglet gets out of the pool”. “Pooh is big, Piglet is small”. I actually had to pause and think this through before carrying on. I remember back when a friend of Mandi’s was showing us the nursery she had decorated for her coming daughter. Being the considerate one I am, I of course tried not to listen in on things not of my business. But when I heard from the baby’s room “… and I put pooh all over the walls…”, they had my full attention! Of course I ran in to check out this phenomenon, to realize that really it was that age old joke again. Alan Alexander Milne would be laughing in his grave, I’m sure. None the less, I did enjoy my bowl of Pooh.

Posted By: Trevor

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Saturday August 21, 2010. 09:21
My Journey Through The Unknown

Do you ever get so focused on getting somewhere that you don’t really know how you’re getting there? It happened to me the other day. I realized what I needed and where I needed to go, and because I was happy to have come across this knowledge, I headed there without further delay. As I walked, I neglected to acknowledge my route, until a short while later something in me caused me take stock of my surroundings. That’s when I realized where my route had taken me. That’s when it dawned on me where I was. And that’s when I realized I was where I really didn’t want to be. I tried not to make a scene. I knew I looked out of place, but I tried to maintain my composure, and quickly and discreetly scanned my surroundings for an exit, a way out that would take me past as few people as possible. I found my escape, and made my way purposefully, trying not to look panicked. I’m sure it seemed to take longer than it did, but I was happy to finally be in familiar territory once again. Next time, I’ll be sure to pay better attention, avoiding at all costs the women’s underwear department in Wal-Mart.

Posted By: Trevor

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Monday April 26, 2010. 14:37
Trying To Screw The Lid On My Water Bottle

My water bottle is not round. It's oval shaped (width-wise). My lid has an off-center hole through which I suck water. I can never get the lid on so that the hole faces the right direction. This is why there is water on my pants.

Posted By: Trevor

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Tuesday February 9, 2010. 14:42
EuroTrip 2010

Our flights are booked, and I'm ready to go! Only 128 more days. Talk about anticipation, geeze! Anyone have any good advice about how to spend 2 weeks in Europe? So far we'll be spending a couple days in the UK before flying to Rome, and after a few days there we plan to head through Florence & Pisa and (based on Toni's advice :] ) spend at least a night in Cinque Terre. From there we'll head to Venice and spend 2 or 3 days checking out the sights before heading north to the famous German Neuschwanstein Castle. And on the way from there to Amsterdam, we thought we'd stop and check out the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Before I head back home from The Netherlands, I'll drop Mandi off with her mission group and leave her to enjoy a couple weeks in Belgium while I come back to work and school. Any thing I shouldn't miss along the way? Let me know!

Oh, check out the map (so far).

Posted By: Trevor

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