the screaming pages
General
Places to Go
This page layout is based off of the Ruthsarian Skidoo Layout. All compliments should be routed to the skidoo-master.
You'll note the colours didn't change from the template to the end result..I blame it all on the template using colours I love!
you are my sunshine
Occasionally people wander into our lives and impact in on us in such a way that we can never conceive of a time without their unconditional friendship and support.
Quite a few years ago, a family member suggested to me that rejection build's character. Me, I believe that while "what doesn't kill me will make me stronger", rejection is a shoddy blanket which can never hope to encompass a persons dreams, desires, hopes and fears. in my mind, the cornerstone to a healthy mind, self esteem and love, has always been true friendship.
The individuals listed here are much more to me than casual acquaintances. Accepting me despite all my mistakes and flaws, I rarely remember to tell them how important they are in my life. In the past dozen or so years they have cared for me, nurtured my many psychosis, stood by me when i felt my world was crumbling at my feet, and helped me to grow into a whole person. for that i thank them.
My father once told me that you can count your true friends on one hand. Many people may wander in and out of your life - but few will be there for you through everything (knowing everything and still accepting you). I can only hope that they are equally proud of my role in their lives.
Alex L - Alex has played many roles as easily as he plays v:tm..mentor, confessor, character builder, confidant, and kickin' dj firetruck. Blood may be thicker than water, but when frozen solid and gelled, water displays remarkable tenacity and strength. I'm not alway the best person to be around (ie: that psychosis I warned you about), but Alex has the best ears in the business... not to mention the fact that he always offers the best, softest tissues and much needed hugs.
On the road to self discovery, it's best never to travel alone. Luckily for me, I've the world's best travelling companion. Though I've often forgotten to tell him, he's priceless. *dusting off the pedastal* ergo, I'm using this page as a giant advertisement in order to shatter his image as a cold uncaring bastard and promote his wonderful side ;)
I love Alex, because he has taught me to love myself. for that I shall be eternally greatful. Alex's wife, Amanda - an amazing writer in her own right - has captured a gem!
Topher Christiansen - Toph and I first met in Indiana in Feb of 95. Amazingly enough, he drove 3 hours from Ohio to meet me (and chauffer me to Toledo *grin*). We hit it off immediately and have been close friends ever since.
Sharing common interests in music, philosophy, and a twisted sense of humour, Toph and I are like 2 peas in a pod. he's the type of friend who's like family - the one you'd do anything for...
In August of 96, Toph finally made it to fred'town for a visit and it was wonderful to have a chance to spend a week with him again. It also gave Toph his first introduction to Drew. I hadn't realized until we'd seen each other again how much I had missed having him close by to talk to at 4am.
And of course, who can forget the infamous road trip we took together in april of 97 ;) poor Toph was sober driver that trip *sheepish grin*. Drew is forever grateful for your help cleaning the car that weekend.
Partners in crime - and English papers - Toph's pics are an excellent example of what happens when two warped and twisted minds are thrown together *evil grin* If you've never had the pleasure of meeting him, you've missed out in life.
Chris Eleveld - I can't have a list of people I really care about and who have made a big impact in my life without including Chris. Anyone who has ever havened knows Chris as "The Insane Hermit", but there's nothing insane about this sweet, sensitive soul who has continually kept in touch as we've drifted away from havening and into the scarey real world.
Chris is actually the only person on this list who doesn't know Drew personally, but they've definitely heard alot about each other. Someday I need to work on getting all of us together.
Gin Kennedy - Gin doesn't have an online presence yet - something I definitely need to work on - but she's been one of my closest friends for the past 8 years. I first met Gin when she landed smack dab in the middle of the FedEx project as a new hire. For some odd reason, we'd both been stuck working the evil midshift. A fellow maritimer, Gin gathered us into her family immediately and has been a constant source of support and love for a very long time.
We've been through alot together. So much so that's there's no way I could list it all here. From late night coffee meetings to ranting about managers and changes at work to drips through Alberta to rescue "curious" children, we've pretty much seen and done it all together in recent years. Gin's someone I'm proud to call an older sister - even if she's occassionally mistaken for being my mom!
Jon & Ashley - In the "wow!, small world" category we have Jon & Ash. These two met on Opium Den months after I stopped havening regularly but we didn't meet them until they moved into the PMQ next door. At the time John was a Private in the CAF. Since then we've both moved on to our own homes, but we spend copious amounts of time together. We share puppy-sitting duties when we head out of town, BBQs and TV sessions when the Oilers are on a roll.