40 days and 40 nights

Hey everybody,

How have things been? It has been quite some time since I updated, perhaps I have been keeping myself busy with work, studies, e-mails, family, friends, travel...sheesh, you'd think I'd have time! :D

In summer I was able to go to Sweden and learn some more Swedish and Swedish history. I studied Uppsala, though I also got to go on some field trips to different places, mostly nearby (Stockholm, Falun, Gamla Uppsala, etc.)... I also visited a friend in Gothenburg! It was nice finally meeting her after over five years of a somewhat on-and-off-again friendship! :)

I then came back, though a sad event happened soon after I came back. Sadly, my grandfather passed, due to many things, though mainly cancer. There has been a noticeable emptiness in the house, though we try to think of all the good times with my grandfather and grandmother. May they both live better, wherever they may be.

A few weeks ago I went on a scientific cruise, attending neuroscience, physics, and some other kind of lectures. It was about a cruise ship, which seems unbelievable to people, but it did happen, haha. I did have a bit of free time to explore some cities, though I mainly spent my time at the lectures (as well as eating and exercising). I was also able to meet a friend in Valencia! :D

So now I'm back at work, trying to prepare for future studies, and keeping in contact with people here and around the world! :) Hopefully, it is definitely time to give an update concerning my goals:

I had a taste of my BIG goal when I went to Sweden and then went on the cruise and was away for a while on my own. Although this goal "required" a longer period of time, I think that this was close enough. As the due date is quite close, I'll say that I completed this goes satisfactorily, but not excellently. :P

My first SMALL goal was about achieving about a 90% average in French, German, Swedish, and Japanese...through online or in-person tests and have a sort of ease in the languages. My Swedish has definitely improved and my goals has been pretty much reached. I still need to improve a good deal, but I give a satisfactory for Swedish. French, German, and Japanese I need to work on. I have taken some French and German quizzes and have received good marks, though I need to practice on my writing. Japanese I need to definitely practice more. So, I will continue to January and let you know where I am at then.

My second goal was to be more social with people my age in "real life". Well, when I have been in Europe I did do that. Here in Brockville, I am sort of in the old routine with work, studies, and spending time with family, so I'll say that I have made an improvement. It is satisfactory.

My third goal...kinda non-existent. I need to work on it! The same with my fourth and fifth. I seem to not be able to get in the kitchen and cook a meal, which is a shame. And of course, my fifth goal is to keep up this blog, which has been quite...badly kept up, haha.

Yeah, so I'd say that I've completed the more complex goals, but still need to work on the others. I think most of my goals for 2011 will be an extension of this goal.

And there we have it!

Take care,

"Dr." John

TBC...

Hey everybody! I know this blog needs to be updated and I will...hopefully sometime this week! Lots happened this summer and I'll tell you guys about it soon! :)

Ha det bra!

John

Eternal Love

Dear everybody,

How have you been? At this moment I am thinking about love. Most people will have some form of love in their lives, perhaps parental love, brotherly/sisterly love, and so on. However, the love I am thinking of is one that is not "by default", but the kind that is...the one that has always been there, yet we may search for it all our lives.
I got reminded of it by seeing Prince of Persia and just now, Latter Days. It is the sort of love that makes you feel like it always was meant to be this way, and that the separation of time and space was merely a way to rediscover it again. Although the mind and spirit of the person is really the deciding factor, perhaps the physical side of things is like a cue.
Maybe in this world we go after people that we hope are our, reasonably enough, soulmates. Who we knew were out there, so we decided to try building relationships yet perhaps felt there was something lacking. I have thought that if I were to be in a long-term relationship, I would simply not settle for someone who was "good enough", but that person who I would feel that electricity with simply by a handshake or first sight. It would be as if "infinibytes" would be exchanged...because, well, everything was leading to this reunion.
We tend to dwell on past traumas, past triumphs, etc., maybe because that ultimate connection is just out of our reach. It would be like reading about a certain country you'd like to visit, but once you put that book down or minimize the webpage, well, it would no longer exist...you'd be back in your own world. So you would enjoy what was provided...hopefully a good family (or at least some decent family members), friends, acquaintances, good health, and hopefully much more.
Where is that True, Eternal Love? Where is that individual that, when you are in the presence of, it is like everything is concentrated into that moment of love? Where is that person, who would bring the best out of you, the One who would "allow" you to be more compassionate, loving, hopeful, and all that good stuff?
I can only hope everyone this love. I feel as though I have this feeling, though there is no one physically there. I have dreamt of such a person, though maybe the future has in store that person...in person. (No pun intended.) I think it is good to hope, because there is so much to experience.
It could be that this love is like a reminder of an understanding we are all connected to...as if it cracks open the door to the Limitless. Maybe that is a good thought. Eternal love is like re-establishing a connection with Eternity itself. Sometimes, we simply need the right individual to open the door to...that which cannot be accurately described in words.

May everyone reconnect,

John

Birdday Lurv

Dear everybody,

How is everybody? I hope you had a wonderful day! My day went not too badly, had a nice time with my family and went for a bit to the States. There is a place not too far from here called Ogdensburg and it appears that people enjoy going to that area. However, when we went, we were seriously wondering what there was to actually do there?! So we asked a lady and, well, she admitted there was not much to do at all. Then we asked a guy at a recruitment building and he, and this will be forever in my mind, said: "Not a f***ing thing!" My sister, as lady-like as she is, asked what he said and so he then said: "Not a thing!" God Bless America, haha. We ended up eating at a restaurant that more or less did not make anything themselves, but used "quality ingredients", headed back over the border (holy crap "Brockvegas" seems oddly amazing after going to Ogdensburg), and then rented a DVD called "Extract". No late-night partying for me...I have to get up "early" (well, I like to get a good sleep) to work.
My goals are progressing more and more. I think now a trip to Sweden will be taking place in the summer. Still have to sort out some things, though this will not be a "long long" trip, only for about a month. So, my "BIG" goal is "half-checked". I will travel more not too long after, so then I can fully check it.
I got a great book from my Aussie friend that teaches you cooking techniques and of course how to make various dishes. So I really should get in the kitchen and cook up a storm. My language knowledge is improving...I think the only problem for me is that I tend to focus on other things, like helping others with English or just trying to answer e-mails, exercise, etc., that I simply put off reading. I need to take more time to read! Anyway, it is getting better! Social-wise, I am talking to others more, in a manner of speaking. I mean, I have no problem talking to customers at work, random neighbours, or strangers looking for pen pals, though friends around my age, "in real life"...is a bit difficult for me. I can make acquaintances and so on, but I find the general interests and maturity level incompatible with my own. However, I am talking more to others, though online, who have not requested "pen pals", so it is great that they, at least for the moment, feel like I am interesting enough to keep replying!
Oh God, that book I have been slacking on. And this blog a bit too! I am working a bit more, so I need to be reminded that I should update this, read, and type on the weekend! All right, I hope to hear from you guys and girls! Feel free to read my older posts, as the newer ones from this year may be a little more focused on regular things, rather than the philosophical topics I tend to enjoy writing about. I will do moreso next time!

Tack för läsning!

John

Kalends

Hey everybody,

How are things? Ok, so it's been a busy time. Easter, Vaters Geburtstag, work, usw. So, here I am updating on the progress of my goals. Been reading more German and I'm finally getting some of the noun cases in my brain. So there is some progress there! The BIG goal is still in the works. Maybe I'll cook an Indian dish soon...maybe for my birthday, haha. Oh God, need to start typing more for book. Social-wise, well, it's sort of the same in some ways, but not really in others. What I do is talk to people over Skype often enough, so I feel like I'm more or less meeting friends. I don't know what it is, lol, but I make friends (who are my age) very easily who are not in my area. Maybe it is because most of the people here are local and I am more of an international kind of guy. So I think that as I talk to more people "live", it is progress!

My friend Jan made me this calendar over a year ago and I thought I would share some of the photos with you. There will be some months missing, because "the innocent" will be protected, haha!

Ciao!

John

Monat

Hey everybody! How are things going where you are? It appears that a month has passed like a laxative through one's body. Is it me, or does time seem to pass quicker rather than slower? It is the long hours that seem to pass by at light speed and then it is certain moments that seem to last forever.
My question for this entry is: What would you say time is physically, mentally, and metaphysically?

I will definitely type sometime in the next week and inform you about the progression of my goals. For now, though, I should hit the sack (or move it aside).

Take care,

John

Blague

Bongiu! How are you? All right, time for an update! I think that my goal to travel and study in Europe or the States is making good progress. I should know within the next 4-5 months the where, what, and whens. I need to focus on my languages, so tomorrow I'll definitely take some time to go over them. Social aspect...actually, it has been improving over the last year, I just didn't realize it. Book...I'm thinking of new ideas, but I'll try to start typing away next week. Foreign food...well, I have a book, so now it's time to cook! And the blog is, well, as it is.
I've been doing some early spring-cleaning and wondered what clutter you need to clean out (figuratively and literally speaking)?

Saudade!

John

More survey!

001. What is Your Name? John
002. How old are you? 22
003. What is the link to your website, blog, or myspace? :P
Basic Info......
004. Eye color? Dark brown
005. Hair color? Dark brown, though people say black.
006. Height? 5'10"...178 cm
Favorites.....
007. Country? Crap, no idea. I should say Canada, but it could be any...
008. Food? Foreign
009. Movie? Too many, but how about LOTRs
010. Drink? Water, fruit juices, and for soft drinks probably ginger ale or rootbeer
011. Animal? Snow leopard, squid, or Siberian husky
012. Color? Depends, mostly red and black, but various combos and shades.
013. Song? Too many, but how about Together Again
014. Sport? Either a martial art or probably A.R./rugby
015. Jewel? A really rare one...:P
016. Subject? Philosophy...it includes everything.
Stuff......
017. Best thing that happened to you in the last few years? Got to travel and learn.
018. Do you want to get married? Sure...if I find the right person.
019. Kids? Not sure, but wouldn't that be interesting, lol.
020. Best place to go on a date? Wherever we have the best time.
021. What is your dream? To travel, learn what I can, help make the world a better place and experience the mysteries of the Universe (like travelling into outer space).
022. What do you want to do when you grow up? When I grow up, well, something interesting. Probably involving many cultures, space, science, and philosophy.
023. Play an instrument? Not yet.
024. Ever danced barefoot in the rain? I think I have, but not recently. I'd like to, though...:)
Friends....
025. Friend you have known the longest? Pen friend is probably Vicky. Since I've moved almost every 5 years, a really good friend doesn't exist.
026. Best friend(s)? Yeah, this is what I mean. He (or she?) is probably out there! The closest I have is probably Jan, a friend from Italy...:)
027. Friend that makes you laugh the most? Johannes, Camilla, Marcus...
028. Friend who you can talk to anything about? I think Jan, though we've known each other only for a few years.
029. Friend with the best personality? Difficult to say, everyone is decent.
030. Last friend to call you? Well, I call them because they live elsewhere.
031. Last friend to talk to you? Camilla, today.
032. Last friend you hung out with? Jan...:P
033. Last friend you went to a movie with? Well, a co-worker who's more of a family friend...:)
034. Last friend to make you laugh? Camilla...because we talked today! :P
035. Most memorable experience with a friend? It was nice just going with Jan by the water in Trieste, watching the ship sail. With Istok, we had fun with his friends playing basketball and Playstation. It was also nice to meet Paul, Jana, and make a new friend (well, almost two years ago now!) with Camilla.
036. Anything you plan to do with friends when you get older? Meet them again, lol. And probably travel with them. Honestly, I think most of my friends are yet to come.
037. Any trips planned with friends? Possibly...
Opinions/ Thoughts
038. Abortion? If it will kill or severely harm a woman to deliver the child, then yes.
039. Gay rights? Only as long as the rights are not abused, just like with any other "minority". My main beef with all special-interest groups are that they tend to surpress the "average" person. We should all be equal, not trying to knock this or that person down.
040. Violence in the media? What violence?
041. Michael Jackson? Poor guy.
042. AIDS? Two or less partners in a lifetime, if possible.
Travels
043. Ever travelled anywhere? Yes, from my room to the bathroom, lol. I've been to Europe and the States so far! (Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Slovenia, Italy, Chicago, New York, Hawaii...)
044. What country do you want to visit? Countries! Sweden, Ireland, Egypt, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, more of the States and Canada, and probably everywhere else!


I'll probably find another survey!

John

To pen pals, friends, and everyone else!

Gruezi! How are things? This post will be an introduction to the author...me. Whether you know me or don't know me, this should help you understand me. If you have a blog or page of your own, I'd like to also see it! So here we go...

001. What is Your Name? John
002. How old are you? 22
003. What is the link to your website, blog, or myspace? Duhz, lol.
004. How tall are you? About 5'10" (about 178 cm)
005. How much do you weigh? Oh wow, it's more than people think! ;)
006. Do you have a girlfriend? No...:P
007. Do you share your bedroom with anyone? Thank God no.
008. Where do you live? Currently in a town called Brockville.
009. Eye color: Dark Brown
010. Any Tatoos/Piercings? Nope
Your Perfect Date: A travel adventure, have fun, eat something good, watch a movie, just be comfortable with each other.
011. Age: Preferably around my age...I think it's a little odd to want someone much older or younger (over 4 years either way).
012. Her Body characteristics? Natural hair colour, athletic, hopefully beautiful.
013. Where would you go? Wherever!
014. Would you kiss on the first date? It depends how we both feel.
015. What about going farther than a kiss? I'm more of a long-term person, so I wouldn't want to go that far...it shouldn't feel like a fling.
Which do you prefer?
016. Pizza or pasta? No idea.
017. Girls or Video Games? Depends the situation...;P
018. Briefs or Boxers? Boxer briefs
019. Abercrombie and Fitch or Urban Outfitters? Don't really wear either, but it seems like the models of these brands don't wear that much either, anyway...:P
020. Be Rich or Be Happy? Well, I'm always happy in spirit, though could be sad in body. So, how about no money anymore and everyone could be happy because they could have all of what they needed?
021. Shower or a Bath? Shower, though I don't really take baths so who knows.
022. Gym or music? It depends...I don't go to a gym, but workout at home or jog/run outside. Preferably both exercise and some music.
023. Family or friends? Some family, some friends...:P
024. Kiss or hug? In general a hug.
025. Drugs or alcohol or none? None.
Have you ever?
026. Failed a class? I don't think so.
027. Ran away from home? No...should I? :P
028. Cursed at your parents? Maybe in another language?
029. Taken a dare too far? what was the dare? No...
030. Mooned Someone? When? No, lol.
031. Made out? Not exactly.
032. Had a sexual experience with the same sex? What was it? I'll let you know if it happens, LOL.
Your Favorite:
033. TV Show: Too many, but Family Guy makes me laugh!
034. Clothes Brand: :P
035. School subject: Geography in primary school and afterwards I think languages, then it'll be a whole slew of things.
036. Music Artist:
Other...
037. What sports do you play? None that are organized. I prefer leisure/for fun, but in the future who knows. What I do for exercise is jog/run, aerobics, and lift weights. I'd like to try rugby, Aussie Rules, snowboarding, and more martial arts. Everything else mostly just for fun with friends.
038. Body type (slim/medium/athletic/other) Between medium and athletic.
039. Whats on your dresser? Bunch of crapola.
040. Do you have hair on your armpits? Well, yes. I know it's trendy to shave, but until I become a male model/porn/acting star, it's unnecessary.
041. Do you have any siblings? How old are they? Yes, my sister, 25.
042. What do you wear to bed? Undergarments, lol.
043. How old were you when you first had Sex? Who knows?
044. Do you believe in ghosts? Well, I've seen one, but I don't know if I "believe" in them as others do. I don't think it's logical that there are Earthbound spirits, but I'd say it's possible, if we're to hypothetically say they exist, that beings could choose to visit this dimension.
045. Do you have your own pc? Laptop, yes.
046. What do you do for fun? Talk to friends here or around the world, go see a movie, jog/run, go for a walk, learn something from people/book/Net.


I think I'll do the same for the next blog!

More to come!

John

Vrijheid

Dear everyone,

It's been two weeks since I last wrote, maybe I'm falling off the bandwagon. I've been learning a bit more about relationships. As I have been writing to people around the world, I have tried to understand different cultures and so on. What I have learned is that other people aren't only different in experience, but they are different on a basic level. I may have simply gone for the cultural and general experience, but people react differently and obviously simply choose differently. One challenge I have faced is understanding others' logic. It is when being straightforward with others that they finally give an explanation for their actions. The explanation is understandable, but it is as if their view of the relationship (friendship) is different than mine. I take friendships, be it with people I've met or never met (pen friends), very seriously. I take it seriously because someone has taken time to talk/write/type to me and I would think that they would prefer someone who is consistent and at least appears interested in their life, etc.
What I have discovered, concerning this aspect, is that they take things differently. It's as if being in contact with someone else is more like an on-again-off-again curiosity. So, sometimes they'll be interested, others times, not so much. I think much of it has to do with the degree of concentration, because, especially for pen friends, it's not what they're used to in real life. There is more varied stimulation in real life, but with pen friends, you really need to think and talk about the person within, which is very "mind-consuming".
So, for those who read this, are you someone who can handle simply conversing with typed/written words? Could you remain interested by this kind of communication?

Thanks!

John

Una semana despues

Hallo da! Well, it's been a week since the official start date of the goals and it's time for an update! How does a week just fly by? Anyway, I have been looking over work programs overseas that are available to Canadians (of course many are not only for Canadians...) and it seems like it would definitely be possible to try one. So, the BIG goal (work/study/live in Europe/America for at least a couple of months) could be all set up within the next few months. Of course, there are other options but they involve my current studies and I'm waiting for results.

As for the SMALL goals. I got a multilingual book from the library today, but I have also been reading up on French. This week I'll go over the other languages as well. The social goal is a bit off, as I've been a bit sick (and that ties in with the cooking goal), but I feel like it's basically gone so maybe next week I'll go forth. Haven't really added anything to books-in-the-making, but I will try to find some time soon! As for the last goal, I think I'm doing not too bad! I just have to remember to keep on updating this blog!

I have five main questions for anyone out there, that may catch you off guard. The first is: What is God (to you)? I'm asking for a detailed definition. Atheists, agnostics, believers, and others are all welcome! I'd like to know what you think/believe God is, so that I can understand what others have placed in their minds.

What God is to me is something I have not thought of in detail. "The Creator of the Universe" seems to be a very simplified answer. I think in all religions that is more or less the case, though. The details and history are different enough, but if we were to say "What was God before humans?", maybe it could not really be answered well. It reminds me of what scientists try to theorize existed "before" the Big Bang. Some say nothing existed, because the Big Bang was the beginning of time, space, and matter/energy. Others feel that there is a multiverse that we are simply not aware of or that the Universe is in endless cycles of Big Bangs and Big Crunches.

I don't know if any religion says what God was before the Universe, if there's anything outside the Universe, and so on. "Heavens" and "Hells" are generally located in parts of the Universe or at least not considered separated from "Creation". And so, my second question is: What was God before the Universe existed?

Although believers fight over their own versions of what God and Life is all about, I wonder why atheists and agnostics are turned off by the concept of God. And the third question is: What is God to them? Maybe the God they know is the one a certain sect of Christianity/Islam/Judaism has impressed upon them (or Hinduism, Animism, and so on). However, there are questions about God that are hidden. I think that even for all of these monotheistic religions, one must ask this fourth question (though the questions that follow in this paragraph are part of this fourth question): Could God be female (in reference to the Abrahamic religions)? Of course, God is portrayed as a male. However, does that actually make sense? Would an omnipotent and omniscient being have a sex? Could God not be whatever sex, creature, or inanimate object he wished? Is it logical to say that God is limited to a gender/sex, when God has no limits?

I don't think people usually discuss this, but I find it peculiar. God must be more than what "sacred books" or "oral traditions" have made him/her/it/them out to be. And if so, that brings be to my fifth question: If God is more than what we have come to known him/her/it/them to be, then why is everyone even trying to define God? God could, by definition (omnipotent being), do whatever he/she/it/they wish(es), so if he/she/it/they changed the Ultimate Plan, then who would even know? And how could we do anything about it, if we did know? Would there be protests? That would just be odd, wouldn't it?

New Year, New You!

Hey everyone! How are things with you? It seems like I've taken almost a year to write a new blog, perhaps because "life got in the way". Well, here is a good a place as any to start anew. I have made goals/resolutions for this year, which should last at least for another seven years. The plan is to complete one BIG goal and five SMALL goals each year. And here they are:

BIG

1. Live, study and work in Europe and/or The US for at least a couple of months.

SMALL

1. Retrain myself to become closer to fluency in French, German, Swedish and Japanese (my test will be to receive at least a 90% average on general online/in person tests and be able to speak to all speakers with ease).

2. I think that I'm not antisocial, for I talk to people in real life (well, all the time at my job), though it seems like I get along more with those who are older than me. My online social life seems to be better, concerning with those closer to my age, so my second "SMALL" goal should be to make some friends closer to my age that I frequently hang out with.

3. Write the draft of a book (I've been interested in writing various kinds of books).

4. Learn how to cook foreign food! (Or any somewhat complex meal)

5. Write a blog about these adventures!

I would like to challenge everyone who reads this to do amazing things---things they have wanted to do but haven't had the guts to do! I suggest safety first, of course, but as long as it's not life-risking behaviour, then go for it! (Unless, of course, you live in a country that has some form of oppression, I'd probably say that risking your life for freedom is worthwhile.)

I'd like to hear from all of you! I'll definitely check comments!

Thanks!

John