Tuesday, May 30, 2006

New Gym

I'm looking for a new gym. I like the Redeemer gym, but a 40 minute (or more if there's traffic) is just a bit too much, especially when gas is $1/litre. Plus I like working out in the morning, and Redeemer's gym doesn't open at 5 am. I'm considering the following:

Premier Fiteness
Family Fitness Centres
Watson's Fitness Centre

Any suggestions? Or would my money be better spent buying my own free weight set?

Thursday, May 25, 2006

Happy Just to be . . .

I've discovered I'm happy just to be. This is not to say there is not room for personal improvement (there's always lots of room for that). It's more a statement of living in the moment. It's like hanging out with friends: you don't always have to be doing something, following a scheduled plan of events. Just "be." It's the simple joy of just enjoying where you are, making the best of what is. It's enjoying the company of those around you.

So my advice to you: just "be."

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

In Defence of Redeemer Security

Ok, I’ll first admit that Redeemer Security can sometimes be sketchy, but I think it gets more of a bad reputation than it deserves. I’m going to speak out on behalf of Redeemer Security, partly because I worked on it for three years and understand some of their struggles, but also because I believe Redeemer is better off with it than without it.


First, we need to separate Redeemer Security from administration (or more specifically Ancillary Services). Security has always been an "add on" job with Redeemer. There was Maintenance and Security (when headed by Al de Roo), Ancillary Services and Security (when headed by . . . lets just say it begins with “D” and ends with “oreen”) and there was Physical Plant and Maintenance and Security (when headed by the notorious what’s-his-name). Redeemer always tacked it on to something else, and was headed by somebody that had no experience in security whatsoever. And the dreaded speed-mountain was an act of Physical Plant and Maintenance, not Security.


The Commissionaires has greatly helped because they’ve been doing contract security for many years, and on sites far more difficult than Redeemer. The downside is the loss of the student “Chief;” I think this made security more approachable and down to earth with the students. It was easier to effect change when the person in charge was directly involved. The Commissionaires have provided some much needed training to the student officers and have provided important professional support to the student officers. Also, they have given the officers a stronger voice to Redeemer administration than any student could. We all know how well Redeemer listens to its students.


And to the Security Officers themselves (formerly called Guards and was changed because of some legal technicality). Most of us are generally good guys, and not as stupid as we’re made out to be. We made it through University just like the rest of you. We’re charged with the task of enforcing Redeemer’s rules, whether we agree with them or not. If you were given a ticket because you parked in a fire zone, who’s fault is that really? If you were reprimanded because you blew right through a stop sign, is it really security’s fault? Generally stop signs are put in place for a reason and expected to be followed. Parking guidelines are laid out in the Student handbook (which we all signed acknowledging we had read and understood it). And for visitors passes, they’re readily available. I had even hand delivered them to the visitor saving them a trip to the office.


One downside has always been summer security. This position used to be headed by the student Chief and supplemented by other student officers that had worked during the year. With the elimination of the student head, this policy fell by the side. Consequently it is often staffed by students that are unaware of Redeemer policy and really have not had sufficient training to do the job properly.


We’re really not a bunch of bad guys, and as probably as much as you don’t like getting a ticket, we don’t like being yelled at for simply doing our job. If you have an issue with something, make sure your complaint is directed to the person that can effect change. Redeemer Security is not responsibly for the policy of all dorm doors having to be self locking. Redeemer Security is also not responsible for the speed-mountain.


So lets work together on this and approach our difficulties with an attitude of understanding. If you’ve had a problem with security, approach the officer or the commissionaire calmly and express your opinion. Getting angry and worked up serves no ones interests; do not make it an emotional issue. You’ll likely find that you’re able openly express your opinion and either come to a common solution, or at least understand why Security has taken the action it has. This would be better for all parties involved, and more likely to effect change.

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

My New Toy

Except it's the m240, not M200.

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Fun things to do with cats

Thanks to BVO for originally posting this; I was just reminded of it by CBC Radio.
Check out www.stuffonmycat.com. Maybe I'm a bit twisted because I like tormenting cats, or I'm really bored because our computers are down, but this was just too fun to pass up.

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

To Read and Not Understand?

This is a remnant of studying in university, but I realized I have the ability to read and not actually retain any of it (ok, so this is nothing new, but as those of you who know me well, I tend to repeat stories a lot). I can somehow read whole pages and while my eyes are scanning the words, my mind can be in a totally different place. It's an odd sensation when you really think about it. Five minutes later you wonder where the last five minutes went, and that you're reading the same paragraph for the 7th time.
Maybe it has to do with my short attention span? Hey look! That dog has a puffy tail!

Monday, May 01, 2006

Woot for Banked Vacation Time!

Since I have too much vacation time saved up, I have to use it. So in May I get to take every Friday off . . .except for the first one . . . and the Friday after the long weekend. But woot for 4 consecutive short work weeks!Woot!