Two whole weeks. . . and I'm still not done midterms!  Five down; four to go.  I'm sure you're probably thinking, "why the heck do you have so many midterms?!"  Well, one class has 3 midterms, another has 2, and French has 4 chapter tests which are worth just as much as most midterms.  So, basically I started exams 3 weeks ago, and I'll be finished 2 weeks from now. . . just in time for finals.  I've still been working hard at Radio Shack, as well.  I did receive my first paycheck, so I now say for sure that I have a real job.  Being used to engineering co-op jobs, the check seemed rather small.  I guess I am working half the hours at half the wage, so it all makes sense and it still definitely helps. 

Haven't done much else during the last two weeks.  Found some time between work last weekend to go to Summerfest on Saturday night.  On Saturday evening Mr. Ku had a very successful BYOBB (the extra 'B' is for 'Beef') BBQ before the actual event at Fed Hall.  The weather did not cooperate and it rained on and off all day, but it actually didn't put any damper on the party.  You can, of course, check out my photos of the all action in my Photo Gallery.  The good times continued at Summerfest itself, the place was packed with a sell-out crowd of around 1200 people.  Almost everyone from the pre-party was able to get in via the VIP line as well; a very nice bonus since the line-up was huge.  All-in-all it was a great night, possibly the best of the 3 Summerfests I've been to since I made the journey to Waterloo (2000 was pretty good too).

The new Our Lady Peace album, Gravity, was released yesterday - of course, I picked it up.  Actually, I'm listening to it right now.  I'm very happy to report that this album is truly excellent.  Usually when I first listen to a new album from a favourite group/artist it takes a few listens before it sinks in and I really enjoy it, but with this new disk I immediately embraced it during my first listen.  The reason may likely be that this album is extremely polished.  Being OLP's fifth album, it definitely demonstrates the increasing maturity and growth of the group.  Produced by Bob Rock, famous for his work with Metallica and Aerosmith, this album should hopefully propel OLP even further into the 'main stream'.

It's been a while, huh?  Oh well, it's not like anybody actually reads this? (Except for you Derek)  Anyway, I guess I wasn't lying when I guessed I was going to be busy.  I haven't actually prepared a meal myself in over a week, that's how long it's been since I had run out of groceries and not gotten around to buying more -  I think I'll go tomorrow though.  School is going fairly well.  I already had several exams and assignments, along with a couple midterms that I'm confident about; I haven't been able to say that in more than 3 years (since high school).  The engineering drama production seems to be coming along well, it's becoming more funny every time we rehearse it.  Work is good too; not too hard, not too easy either.  I do miss my weekends, even though I'm sure I would end up doing nothing during the day anyhow.  Work will be even better once I get a pay-check (should get one this Friday, I think), especially since I bought a digital camera already!  I'm sure you all noticed the recent additions to my photo gallery.  If you haven't, tell me what you're waiting for?!  I've got some photos of Waterloo campus, my current place of residence, Emily's birthday party, and a few miscellaneous shots from wing night at Johnny Fiasco's.  The camera I decided on getting, after much research and procrastination, is the Pentax Optio 230.  So far it seem great.  It's got lots of nice features like the flip out LCD, night mode, ISO selection, movie mode, countdown timer, and controls for exposure, saturation, sharpness, white balance, manual focus, and more. . .  I'm not much of a photographer so what I like the most about it is that it is small and the batteries actually last quite long.

Hello all!  I hope everyone had an enjoyable long weekend?  Thanks to my friend Andrea Kilfeather, who actually came to visit me in Waterloo (Crazy huh, someone actually offering to come to Waterloo?  Naive she was about how boring Waterloo weekends are.  I did warn her; she knows now.), my weekend was much better than anticipated.  One of our more exciting events involved a trip to the Mennonite village of St. Jacobs.  Basically it's one street just outside of Waterloo, with a bunch of old-fashioned shops that sell useless souvenirs.  I bought a cherry pie; it was quite delicious.  During the summer months it hosts a large farmer's market, as well as a flea market.  I've never been to either, but they're supposed to be quiet popular.  Interestingly enough, there is also an outlet mall in St. Jacobs.  We did a little shopping there, I was even inclined to purchase a few items!  The LEGO store was cool too - if only I had a digital camera. . .

Well, today I actually put in time at Radio Shack!  So I think this means I really have a job!  Yay!  I'm even scheduled to work this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.  This week is an inventory week, so I'll be working long hours, but normally I can expect 15-20 hours a week.  This will indeed make my life busy, but maybe I'll finally be able to afford that digital camera (not to mention tuition and rent)?  Now I've got: class, work, drama, and residence council.  I also realized that I already have midterms starting next week!!  Damn, they sure snuck up fast!  Also, I've got a plethora of quizzes and assignments on the horizon, including two this week!  Anyway, no more helicopter game for me - I'm retiring with a high score is 2090.  It's time to get my ass in gear!  See ya, and GO LEAFS GO!

One day since my last update!  I work too hard, I know.  Well, I just returned from witnessing Star Wars: Episode II, Attack of the Clones.  Enjoyable, this movie was.  Sorry, Yoda's backwards sentence structure is contagious, I will do my best to refrain from adopting it.  I even got to experience the movie in pure digital splendour.  Waterloo actually has one of only five DLP (digital light projector) equipped theatres in Canada!  Isn't that crazy, lil' ol' Waterloo.  But yes, I thought the movie was pretty good; much better than The Phantom Menace.  The reason why is simple: Attack of the Clones (no matter how retarded the name still sounds) has familiar characters as well as familiar score from Episodes IV through VI.  It reminds me of the original Star Wars series, which was good, therefore this movie is also good.  If you liked the original Episodes IV through VI, I believe you will have fun seeing Episode II. . . no matter how bored you were while watching (or sleeping through) Episode I.  So basically, I recommend it.

Guess what?!  Last Tuesday I had a job interview with a local Radio Shack.  I thought the interview had gone well, but I hadn't heard from them in over a week - until today.  I got a call around 8:30 (while just on my way to the movie). I am to go in on Tuesday for somewhat of an orientation.  Cool, huh.  But this time, I'm not going to jump to conclusions and think that I've actually got a job.  You all know what became of the last two jobs I thought I'd gotten.  I'm actually going to wait until I work at least one hour before considering myself employed.  The job does sound pretty good, so I am really hoping things go right this time.  Wish me luck!  Good night.

I have the worst luck with jobs lately!!  I told you before how I had gotten laid-off from a job before even starting; well the same happened again with the job I was supposed to have at the Cove!!  I knew it was bad news when the manager wasn't there on Monday.  I don't understand these companies??  They put up a help wanted ad, take applications, perform interviews, hire me, and then before I'm about to start they say: "Oh sorry, we realized we can't actually hire anyone right now."  Is it just me or shouldn't they have figured that out before putting up the want ad in the first place?!?  Sheesh. . . so now I'm jobless again.  Does anyone out there have any connections that can get me a real job?  Somewhere that will actually allow me to start after giving me the job?  I guess I have to keep looking. . .

Had my first drama practice today, it went pretty well.  As you know, I'm playing Rodney in the play 'Seven Stories'.  I will now acknowledge the name 'Rod', if any of you care to address me as so.  After reading through the play for the first time, I guarantee you all will have a good laugh when you DO attend the show this July (still figuring out the specific dates).  You may even think a little bit, the story is definitely interesting. . .  quite weird actually.  Throughout the play my character relentlessly tries to kill his wife; that's all I'm saying.

Well, I've got tickets to see Star Wars tomorrow.  I'm not a super-fan or anything, I'm just hoping to be entertained.  I shall let you know whether I am successfully entertained or not.  As for the remainder of my May long weekend?  No plans.  Pretty sad, huh.  I'm still hoping something materializes between now and then.  Otherwise, I'll just have to think back to the days of Willstock, pouring 48 beer down the toilet in prison, Onanole (on a nole), and of course 'The Gambler' (silence please).  Please let me know if anything is going on!!  Later.

I'm back, and only three days later!  What new and exciting things did I experience on the weekend?  Well, nothing too new, but I guess I can say it was a somewhat exciting weekend (relative to most of my weekends).  Friday night I had dinner with friends at the Mongolian Grill, the all-you-can-eat, create-your-own stir-fry/fajitas extravaganza (now that's a lot of hyphens)!  It was good, as usual. . . and I ate way too much, as usual.  After dinner I watched Ocean's Eleven.  I recommend it to all, it's a fun movie.  It really portrays organized crime as an exciting, enjoyable and lucrative career!

Saturday at Canada's Wonderland was good.  The rain held off until after we had left, and line lengths averaged around 40 minutes (for those of you who haven't been to Wonderland, yes, this is actually good)!  I didn't get to go on the White Water Canyon raft ride, my friends are a bunch of babies who are scared of a little water.  Later, during dinner, I actually witnessed someone solve a Rubik's Cube - without ripping off and switching the stickers!  Yes, Derek Ku amazed everyone by effortlessly solving it twice, taking a mere three minutes each time!  Derek, you should really consider starting your own touring show - solving the worlds problems through understanding the mystery of Rubik's Cube.  Even after a full day at Wonderland, I still made it back to Waterloo in time to attend a good ol' keg party.  There I caught up with some friends from Engineering and many more from my residence days in Village 1.

Of course, I slept in on Sunday.  Did some laundry, some homework, and spent way too much time playing this addictive little helicopter game (I was introduced to this game via Derek's site, damn him for making me waste my time away).  My high score is 1520, try beat it if you can!  I had an enjoyable dinner at Zeke's in Kitchener for my new friend Jenny's birthday.  As promised, the ribs were great.  After, I attended a brief residence council meeting.  I am a the floor representative in my building this term. . . yes, it is a very hard job.

Last fall I was the 'One Armed Man' in the Engineering Drama Production.  On Thursday I auditioned for a role in this summer's production; today I discovered that I got cast again!!  I will play a character named Rodney in the play Seven Stories!  That's all I know so far, I will get to read the play at the first practice on Wednesday.  I'm certain it will be a blast again.  Anyone who's around Waterloo this summer, you must come and see it.  I think the show will be during the second weekend in July, I'll let you know when I find out for sure.  You might be wondering how was my first day of working at the Cove went?  Well I showed up after class today, as I was scheduled to, and they told me to stop by sometime tomorrow.  Apparently the manager is sick today, so my orientation will have to wait until tomorrow.  Hopefully, everything still works out well.  Bye for now.

So, what's new with me?  Hmm. . . I just finished the first week of classes of my fifth term at the University of Waterloo (not counting the four work terms I've done so far).  Sometimes I really do wonder if I'm ever going to be finished here; oh well only XX many years left.  This summer I'm taking two economics courses, accounting, philosophy, and French.  Economics seems pretty good so far, the professor for one of the courses is amazing!  The first three hour lecture actually just flew by.  So far Accounting is pretty straight forward, though slightly boring.  Philosophy could be interesting if the professor were not as dull, I'm not particularly looking forward to writing essays either.  And how about French you ask?  Not Good.  It's about as bad as Calculus 4, the professor speaks French the entire time and I really don't know what's going on!  Had my first quiz today, the questions were in French too - I might have passed.  I haven't seen French since grade 11, that would be 1997/1998, like I remember anything from four years ago!

Besides school, I've got a part time job for the summer and fall.  That is, if I don't get laid-off before even starting like the with last job I thought I had!  The job is working at the Campus Cove, it's the student run arcade here at the University of Waterloo.  I'm supposed to start Monday.  It should be an alright job, possibly a little boring - maybe I can get some reading done there.  The hours aren't the best, evenings from 5:00pm to 1:00am, but I can't complain.  I need money.  Maybe now I can actually sort of justify buying a digital camera.  The conventional camera I have now isn't very good, and with a digital camera I could actually frequently update my online Photo Gallery!!

I'm living in Wellesley Court (an upper-year apartment style residence) again this term, as I did in Fall 2001.  It's nice, since it is across the street from campus and is newly renovated.  I'm in a three bedroom suite this time.  It's actually one of the handicapped persons suites (no jokes please).  That means everything is a little bit bigger (except for my room), and I've got my own back door into the court!  All I'd need is a barbeque and I'd really be set!

Tomorrow I'm off to Canada's Wonderland, should be a good time.  One forecast says rain, another says sunshine.  I sure hope the latter is correct.  I'll let you know.  Later.