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Oh, how I love you, Toronto! <3

Oh, What a Year!

Reflections: A Year in (Brief) Review

1st year done, second year to come...

I woke up this morning to a grey, ominous sky casting over the sleepy suburban neighborhood outside my bedroom window. What shadows and darkness for a morning sky would hopefully not be a foreshadowing of things to come in this brand new school year. This morning was my trip back to Waterloo. It would be the first of many commutes to come as I embrace the dull visuals of rolling fields and the familiar urban landscape that would too often be painting over my windshield. Looking out into the overcast, a wave of nostalgia hit me as I realized the significance of the occasion. Today marked a full year since I moved into UW Place, Eby Hall 2/3 with my roomies, Kysen and George.  Oh, how it feels like it was only yesterday when we came out of high school as brand new froshies, apprehensive yet excited at what the new future holds for us at Waterloo. Now, a year has past. And what a year it has been...

Can you believe it, we are heading into the second year of our university! Frosh week felt like light years ago! I remember the moment I first arrived at UWP, moving in my stuff. As I reached out for the doorknob, a tingle of anticipation excited me of the journey to come. I opened my door, and found that I got placed into a small room the size of a prison cell. Maybe smaller. Nevertheless, it was my room, in which I had grown into loving the tight, but comfortable space; and home was what I had called it for 8 months of my university life. It was certainly to be full of adventures to come, as I was to room with two of my closest friends from high school! It was very special indeed, a day I had previsioned for many days, and even years. It all traces back to a bored day in grade 7 french class. My best friend Kysen and I had written yes and no on the sides of an eraser. We began to toss the "magic" eraser and asked it questions. Evidently, after tossing the eraser on the first try, it had predicted six years earlier that Kysen and I were to go to the same university, Waterloo, be best friends in university, AND be roomies.

(L to R) George, me, Kysen

Indeed, there I was, that first day of rez, an outcome of the unbelievable predictions of eraser flipping by two bored junior high kids! Life was going to be good. During orientation week, we were like hyper bulls, craving for the crazy excitement of this new environment, with only nightfall keeping us from jumping over the pen to get out there and explore further. What would university life be like, we kept asking? I think social and media influences really depicts college life in a stereotypical way. It was after the third day that a tinge of fear and regret swept over me. After three days, college life wasn't all it appeared to me. The lost of the leash and newfound freedom was quickly going out of control all around. I had heard and seen stories of raves and parties, drunk people puking, and an overall euphoric atmosphere that was pushing the limits of the order of society. Even I had caved in, looking door to door for parties with my friends, only to be denied.

~knocks on door~
* Boy opens, glares at us
Boy: (reeking of beer) Hey guys, there are some Asian boys outside, what should we do with them?
*inaudible responses from inside
~Boy slams door~

At that point university appeared to be a wild experience, full of lawlessness and yes, drunkenness. Those first couple of weeks were accompanied by slight loneliness and days of missing home. However, brighter days were indeed ahead, and to tell you all the crazy stories in one blog would be unfair to your eyes and my poor fingers. But all I can say is, with my first year finished and under my belt, a look back certainly highlights many of the good, the funny and the not so good that happened! So much had happened this year! I met the coolest neighbours in Eby 207, had some great fun rez events with my floormates, Frosh Cell, DG, CCF (oh the benefits of being a frosh! i sure miss them!), finding a home at Creekside, exploring Waterloo, and especially growing spiritually.

With the fun, also came the hardships: watching my academics plunge, relationship heartbreaks, arguments with my roomies, my health, trying to support a friend on drugs and family.

Many of these items had hurted me physically, emotionally and spiritually, but it is through learning from these hardships that we become a better person.

Maybe the biggest lesson I've learn is that love can hurt. Loving someone is also very hard. I also can't love someone if I don't love God, because God is love. What it means to be the man in a relationship is probably one of the hardest to do (properly) and especially one that glorifies God. It can certainly pack a sting. Moving on from it, I think boys, though mucho on the outside, may take even longer to heal and are actually quite sensitive beings on the inside. That's just one of the many things I've learned and am still learning to become a better person.

Emotions often get the better of me. And often, I tend to worry a lot. I think it comes from my meticulous side that is always so detail-oriented. I was thinking and analyzing. Over-thinking often leads to worrying. This year, I hope to do less of that and rejoice. Like in Matthew 6:25 onwards says, do not worry about your life, for the Father will take care of you. Can anyone of you add one hour to your life by worrying?" I have to fully understand that, as much as I love to be in control of things, I can't and I am not, and sometimes, I need to be still and submit to him, fully.  

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:33b-34

Maturing takes time. It certainly requires patience. It also requires perseverance. As the second year quickly dawns upon us, I sincerely hope that my maturity will continue to be nurtured by God, and that no matter what happens, my faith will stand upon a solid foundation, unwavering in the second year storms ahead.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."Proverbs 3:5-6

In Memory of Jack...

It is with great sadness that the nation has learned of the sudden passing of the Honourable Jack Layton this morning. In many ways, Jack Layton has touched the hearts and lives of many Canadians, whether they know him personally or not. This year, it was strange not seeing Jack Layton going onto the streets to personally chat with people on the Danforth for the annual festival in Greektown, his riding. His presence was greatly missed. Every year, I see him heartily greet and shake hands with dozens of Canadians, welcoming them with the genuine warmth of his trademark smile and enthusiasm. Jack is one-of-a-kind, a rare breed in the world of politics, as he displays genuine passion and determination to work hard for the people. Politicians often forget that, that they are representing the people. He fought for the little guys that society often neglects, bringing awareness to issues such as homelessness, AIDS and environmentalism. Whether you agree with his party's policy or not, you cannot not like the guy. He is a leader with an exceptional drive and passion, working and fighting hard for the lower income Canadians.

Having followed politics actively since 2003, I've watched his leadership emerge from when it started. He is such an honest, determined man with a great vision to better Canada that he will be sorely missed in parliament.  Jack appears to be such a down-to-earth, friendly type of guy who demonstrates such genuineness  in character to help other Canadians and is so trustworthy and civilized, qualities that are hard to come by in politicians today. With all the mud slinging across the party floors, Jack never engages in such attacks and is certainly a class act in all aspects. He never attacks personally and is full of respect for all, friend or foe.

When the NDP swept the country with a wave of orange crush earlier this year, you couldn't help but be happy for him, a man full of energy and direction for Canada, especially after a tough year of fighting prostate cancer and a hip fracture. 

It was really unexpected and sad when he announced that he was battling a second cancer, and in his announcement, he looked thin and he sounded raspy. It was a shock to see him in such a condition and I think we all really wished him the best in his recovery and expected to see him back healthy, going at it again in fighting for the people in Ottawa. Sadly, this will never come into reality....

Jack reminds me of an Atticus quote from To Kill a Mockingbird:

" I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand.  It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what.  You rarely win, but sometimes you do." 

Jack Layton truly displayed true courage, and even as he faced an uphill battle, he stilled faced life with a smile and optimism.

I can only imagine what Canada would look like if NDP came into power under Jack Layton as prime minister. As a leader, I've always admired his fire, passion and determination that drives him forward, yet they are all so gracefully tied together by his civility and humbleness. I used to think that if we had a presidential system, I would've picked him as leader. I've never really warmed to the idea of an ndp government, as I believed that a left wing agenda would bankrupt the country and lead it into despair. However, maybe all we needed was a man like Jack to pull it off. A man that fights for social rights and environmentalism. Two of the things I take heart of. How different would Canada have been if we've given him the chance for change?

It is a sad loss for his family and this country. He has inspired so many Canadians and especially the youths to stand up for their country and be active in shaping this country. In his last words to all Canadians, Jack displays the character that we all love in him:

"My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world."

Rest in peace, bon Jack.

Homelessless May Finally Disappear...for the wrong reasons.

Taken from CityNews, August 10, 2011

Coun. Giorgio Mammoliti believes the best way to deal with the homeless is transitional housing.  He just doesn't think the city should pay for it.  In the meantime, he wants all homeless people to be removed from Toronto's streets and placed in hospitals until the federal or provincial governments fork over the cash to house them. 

"It is a huge problem and this administration knows it's a huge problem - a problem we can't afford," Mammoliti told CityNews on Tuesday.

"We do need to take them off the streets and we need to do it forcefully."

"I would rather use police resources and actually take them off the streets and put them in the hospitals, and continue to put them in the hospitals until the province recognizes it's best to give the municipalities the money that they need to be able to deal with this long term - which is resources and housing."

"Jail is not the place to put them because it costs us $3000/day per person."


----

Now, before I proceed to lashing out at this article, I would like to make it clear that I am not a radical left-wing socialist.  But this is another outrageous idea that will continue to wreak havoc in this great city that we love! First, the city suggests to set up a special district for prostitution, now it decides to clean the streets of homeless and treat them like trash. literally. Councillor Mammoliti says that homelessness is a huge problem and is a problem that we can't afford. On the contrary, it is such attitude that creates a negative stigma in society, in which it spurs society to ostracize the homeless. Homelessness is not a problem. If most of these people have a choice, do you think they would like to live out on the streets, not knowing if they might see another day? Indeed, homelessness is NOT the problem. In fact, rounding up the homeless like a herd of cattles and locking them up in hospitals will not be beneficial, and by the way, it is a step backwards for the city. In the 1980s, when the government released the people from mental hospitals after realizing they do not get better being locked up in psychiatric wards and can be integrated back into society. However, at the time, they had no sufficient plan and resources to help them, and therefore many of them ended up on the streets to fend for themselves.

According to a recent City of Toronto's report, at least 2/3 of the homeless suffer from some sort of psychological disorder. Now by locking them up in hospitals, or even jails would definitely not have a positive outcome. Instead of targeting homelessness as a problem, these people needs to be treated with love and compassion, and the problems CAUSING homelessness needs to be tackled. The city cannot expect them to find a job, get a house and voila, the issue's gone. Each and every individual on the streets has a different story. Whether it's drugs and alcohol, domestic abuse, job loss, or other reasons, what the city needs to invest in are the social programs that offer assistance to them. In addition, many homeless people are victims are situations and conditions, like rising house market prices, high unemployment rates, sluggish economy, family violence and have fallen into them not because they want to. These issues may be harder to improve on in the short term, but the city can invest in job training programs and counselling that will help these people have a chance to get back on the right track. 

Some of these people are hooked on alcohol and drugs to provide them with relief from reality or are dealing with addictions and the government should look at how we can treat and offer the support ready that they need if they choose to take it.  By providing them with the proper resources and guidance many of them need to re-integrate as productive citizens of this city. It will be costly, but it will be a step in the right direction.  But throwing these people into the hospital and expecting this "problem" to fix itself is not gonna happen. 

Any thoughts?




Also, for more on my view on homelessness, please take a look at my three part series from February 2011.

Rocket!

--3:30pm, August 6, 2011, Bloor-Yonge platform, Toronto, ON.

(On my way back from the Taste of the Danforth)

As I waited for the northbound train to roll into the station, I noticed a pair of boys talking loudly and making a huge commotion as they wait. "Probably drunk from Beerfest," I thought. I looked up at the screen and it informed me that the next train will arrive in 4 minutes. I went on to stare pointlessly at nothing as I waited. As the seconds ticked on, a distant orange glow could be seen coming closer through the tunnel. There was a strange hue to the incoming train that seemed out of the ordinary. As passengers leaned out for a better view, I couldn't help but grin. So we meet again, I thought.

As the object became more distinct, one of the drunk guy yelled and motioned his hand in a circle, " HEY EVERYBODY, IT'S A NEW TRAIN!!!!" Many passengers turned their attention to the tunnel. There it was, shooting out like a rocket, the newly minted, Toronto Rocket, with its sleek design at the front and a shiny stainless steel shell all around, its orange headlights glowing like a ball of fire. As the train rolled into the station,it was greeted by outrageous applause and loud cheering, and there was a sense of excitement as everybody chattered about their upcoming journey. As the doors opened to allow access onto the new train, it was bound to be an adventure and a moment worth to be cherished in photo, via smartphones, of course! :)

Source: Urban Toronto

Never have I encountered such excitement about taking public transit in Toronto. It certainly brought a little joy to everyone's day! People are buzzing about taking the new subway all over the internet. The new trains are smooth, quiet and comfy. It has put the "Rocket" back into "riding the rocket". As I entered the doors, I was immediately greeted by a glowing map. I couldn't help but smile :)

Word of God Speak.

Word of God Speak
Would You pour down like rain 
Washing my eyes to see Your majesty   
To be still and know that You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest 
In Your holiness, Word of God speak

Outrageous politics.

Recently, Toronto Councillor Georgio Mammoliti repping York West, ward 15 (including jane+finch area) suggested closing and reducing various city services, including closing the 3 'rarely' used libraries in his ward because it's a waste of money. Yet he suggests to open a Red Light District on Centre Island and invite strippers and prostitutes to operate their "business" beside a family-friendly park.

How can you not support the operation of an essential city service that provides access to books, children's and teens program and the internet and as a meeting space for a community made of mostly lower to middle income households? Yes circulation at these 3 libraries are lower than most, but they still come at a rate of a few tens of thousands a year. I wouldn't say the use of thousands of Canadians count as rarely.

Now, libraries educate people and help the country advance and innovate. Red light Districts, attract pedos and sex criminals to lurk in the city, and may have unpleasant consequences.

Councillor, your attitude at times when speaking to the public is atrocious and disrespectful, with no regards to democracy, as you tried to shut down the marathon meeting several times because people made comments that did not favour you. and No, I am not a left-wing hippie, if anything I support the moderate right. But as a representative of the people, you should listen to the people, and the majority of the people would much rather have books than prostitutes.