Untitled

I noticed my car had a completely deflated tire has as I pulled out of my parking spot at the train station yesterday. It reminded me of an incident where I didn't stop to help a friend, who I barely knew at the time, change her flat tire.

I paused for a moment to recall the moment, and with a coy grin , I made quick work of the tire and continued home under the warm fluorescent glow of the street lamps.

Write letters

I've had the inkling to write a letter to: The Ministry of Transporation; before doing this, I will need to verse myself on current policies and statistics.

Why?
1) There are too many bad drivers on the road
2) I have to pay too much insurance because I'm a 'high risk' driver, when infact, I am surrounded by them.
3) Request/suggest policy changes.

Timeline?
Late December, early January.

Euphoria...

I had an overwhelming sense of euphoria today after a very productive and collaborative meeting. It has been so long go that I felt such a sense of accomplishment; I was at peace.

Given the opportunity to succeed, I have been equipped with previous experiences to know how to shine long and bright.

... reflective thoughts...

The next step is to create the opportunities for myself.

Dotting the 'I's an crossing the 'T's...

After talking to some friends today, I am feeling like the proverbial bag has been pulled over my head.

... long silence (actually, long silent screams) ...

I'm feeling like a criminal, however, since I have not been provided an attorney, I know I am not.

Sometimes, flowery words only serve to hide the tangled weeds below it. Seems that obsfucation is the norm these days. Time to use my poker face outside of the casinos.

I guess I should seek proper advice next time. I will start looking now.

Aware of the Unaware

The premise for this post is something that has been on my mind for quite awhile now, some recent events have spurred my literary energies.

In a society where globalization and efficiency has been key to modern day success, I feel that as individuals, we are losing touch with the immediate environment; we are unaware of our surroundings. I first became aware of the unaware when I became a motorcyclist. This adrenaline-inducing form of transportation had heightened my awareness of absent minded drivers. Shoulder checks, signalling indicators, and mirrors were distant memories of drivers education lessons. Road safety was now achieved by buying larger and larger vehicles that provided even greater protection for the eventual accident. I had been forgotten, banished into blind spots, and cruelly classified as reckless youth. I recall one incident that was so jarring that I had attempted to file a police report. Unfortunately, I had not been able to memorize the full license plate, description of the driver, all the while avoiding what may have been a fatal accident. I was also kindly told that only multiple complaints against the drive would result in written citation. By indulging in my interest in motorcycles, I have taken on the responsibility of paying increasingly expensive insurance, while receiving no effective support for making my environment safer.

During my Sunday afternoon walk this weekend, I became aware of the unaware for our environment. A passing vehicle had conveniently ejected a plastic water bottle from the sunroof. Was this driver unaware of what he was doing, or was it simply not important? Perhaps we only need to be aware of the cleanliness of our immediate surroundings? The world will take care of itself. Right. I came across this article and was amazed at what it suggested; a temporary solution to cool the earth by a few degrees to slow the effects of global warming. Has the world gone mad? While Robert Angel may be decorated with multiple concepts and practical solutions, I am very uneasy with solving earthbound problems with 'sun shade' that could potentially cast the planet into an ice age.

As I approached the supermarket, the destination of my Sunday walk, I was reminded to be aware of the unaware again. I was walking through an empty parking lot towards the supermarket when a minivan started heading in my immediate direction. I became aware of the following: 1) the driver was preoccupied with talking to his passenger, and 2) the driver had not committed to parking, or driving in a particular direction. It turns out that the driver was making a large circular turn so that he could drop off his passenger at a storefront. What a courteous act; if only you would have seen that you were driving right towards me even as I tried to avoid you. I'm glad that you had recognized your error has when you saw my confused gesture.

Are you surrounded by the unaware? Carry on with your daily life aware that you are interacting with the absent-minded, knowing that you may have to compensate for them. Have an nice day.

The Runner Phenomena

Commuting via GO Train to and from my current workplace has become a necessary part of my life now, and I have embraced it with open arms. Personal commitment to a balanced lifestyle and the predictability of the train schedule has rewarded me with time to explore create avenues. As a commuter on public transit, courtesy and tolerance ensures a smooth ride. On the eve of October 31, 2006, I came to the realization that I have not accustomed myself with all the rituals and idiosyncrasies of the modern commuter. The events unfolded as follows.
As the train that departed from Union at 4:50pm slowed to an eventual stop at my station, I had observed that fellow commuters who were fortunate enough to be sitting had risen and formed a gradual crowd in the aisle. I was among the seat-privileged and stood up to signify that I was preparing to depart. The train was now at a complete stop and I waited patiently for my turn to disembark. After what appeared to be a relatively long period, I noticed that people who were in the aisles and lined up at the doors in my cart were not moving, while, outside, there were obvious signs that people had in fact left the train. Then my heart sank; the announcer came on and announced that the doors will be closing. As I found out, it is not proper etiquette to ask for the door to be held open.

I rode the train to the next stop and realized what had happened. People had prepared to line up to depart the train one stop ahead. I was also caught in the 'Runner Phenomena', as later explained to be E.C. The Runner Phenomena occurs when the still-life commuters that I have encountered in my preparation to exit the train suddenly accelerate to an unexpected rate of movement as they disperse to bus stops and awaiting cars.

I must admit that I was very upset to have missed my stop, but after walking for an hour back to my station to collect my car, I was at peace again. The way in which our society interacts with strangers has changed over the years. Are we becoming too focused on the routines of our daily lives to interact with our fellow persons? I wonder if similarities can be drawn to issues and current events on a global level what can be learned from this.