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Monday, April 25, 2011

Victory!!!

Here is a few thoughts to start;

- I was too busy to post yesterday on account of Easter, my apologies. As of last week, screw you.

- I think I have trench foot

- Any of you single awesome women want to go see Sweeny Todd? I want to see it, but have no one to go with.

-The JDRF emailed me back, expressing that they had concern for my issue, I had a brief response back and they still haven't got back to me. Dicks.

-Does anyone remember having to colour maps or title pages as ACTUAL homework? And it would take forever? And the lines always were in opposing directions because it was IMPOSSIBLE to make it perfect without colouring in a different direction at least once. Awful.

I am reeeaallly tired man. I worked for the first time today in 2 months. As many of you know I just finished school, so thats why I was freeloading it for a bit, and work kicked my ASS today. As a result, this is gonna be short(ish I hope) and awesome. I haven't really accomplished alot in my life, when you really look at the grand scheme of things. I don't mean that necessarily in a bad way either because not many people have by the age of 23, and if you try to compare yourself to the people who have, you're setting yourself up for failure. Sorry. But I mean really, I have traveled a handful of times and thats about it. I don't have a house, a wife, a girlfriend, or a kid. I never did write a book, and I am still only a mediocre xbox player. I am not a professional athlete, and I don't own my own business, (again not saying that ANY of these things really constitute being an able, capable human being cuz life is what you make of it to make you happy anyways right?) But, I have accomplished something.

I am finished school, and after working out a few kinks, I am going to be a Journeyman Carpenter. Like, FUCKING OFFICIALLY, ON PAPER, I DID IT, and WHAT a great feeling. It is the only thing I have accomplished in my short time on this Earth, that has meaning. Like, I DID it. Nobody nominated me, nobody handed it to me, nobody appointed me, or any of the rest, I attained it. And what a great feeling it really is to possess a skill that many people either can't do, or have no desire to do, but that in many circumstances is an incredibly important attribute. I can built stuff, and fix stuff. Its literally what I do. People like us (well the good ones anyways) build quality homes, offices, decks, fences, sheds, spice racks, you name it. Not just Carpenters either, there is many skilled trades that make the places that you enjoy, enjoyable. Don't ever forget that the next time you see some dirty sore old man, or young man working for what might eventually benefit you one day, like the road you drive on or "right there in that building behind you" (hah movie quotes).

Nobody else has to tell me, and if you do then thanks but congratulations to me. People complain about how working in construction is like living in the 70's because its so dated how we get treated, how we work in the mud, in the rain, in the snow, in the cold. I know I complain sometimes, but what I got to say? The Marines ain't the only strong, proud and few in this world.

Now if you will excuse me, I am exhausted from work.

Friday, April 15, 2011

So I Said...

Here is a letter I wrote to the JDRF earlier this week, just thought I might share it with you all before Sunday comes up, as its directly related.

To whom it may concern,

My name is Craig Swanberg, and I am 23 years old. I was just recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as of January 26, 2011. Fortunately enough, I have been quite lucky with my situation so far, as my benefit coverage through work has paid for my Diabetes supplies thus far, however I have come across quite a rude awakening.

I made a routine trip to the pharmacy earlier today to pick up my much required supplies, and upon returning to pick them up I was told that my benefits through work were no longer active. The reason being is that I am currently training as an Apprentice Carpenter, and as such am required to take two months off of work to attend technical training in between an otherwise regular year of work. The company who manages our benefits informed me that I was short on my hour bank to receive coverage for the months of April and May, and possibly carrying into June, as I hadn't acquired a sufficient amount of documented hours to continue my benefits. As a result I was stuck with the bill of paying for my supplies out of pocket, due to the fact that I have no insurance to supplement my benefits, or otherwise, which, as you may know is quite a pricey amount of money for the supplies required for the disease.

It is my understanding that Alberta Health Care does not cover prescriptions for any medication, which I find as quite an inconvenience for someone whom may not have benefits through work, or insurance especially when it pertains to quite expensive required medical supplies. Lucky enough for me, I am able to afford to pay for my supplies for a few months until my benefits do become available to me, as I will be returning to work in a couple of weeks, and will hopefully be receiving benefits within a couple of months, if not sooner to cover my medical costs, but I can't help but wonder what happens to the people who don't have the luxuries that I have available to me in regards to paying for medical supplies.

The reason for my letter is I am curious to know if the JDRF, or any association affiliated with Diabetes research has anything in place to somehow supplement people who struggle to pay for their diabetic supplies, or those who are not covered by insurance. Is there any way that someone is able to sponsor a family who is unable to easily obtain the required medical supplies, or at least contribute to the cost of these supplies? We have a Canadian Food Bank that is able to take donations of food and money to supply hungry families with at least some food, and also organizations that allow people to sponsor children all over the world, to give them at least some hope of eating and possibly getting an education. If there is no funding for the Diabetic community, is it possible that there could be? While research for a cure is an important issue, the idea of having people struggling to have to obtain medical supplies is also quite a serious, pressing issue that I can't help but think effects many people across the Diabetic community.

Please don't take this letter as an attempt to slander the efforts of the JDRF or the Canadian Diabetes Association, as that is not my motive. I am just curious to know if such types of funding are available, and if not are they plausible? Is there a way to introduce a program to make an already difficult condition easier for some people? If you could please return an email addressing my concerns as a member of the Diabetic community at your convince, it would be much appreciated.

Sincerely,
Craig Swanberg

I would just like to point out that the JDRF did not return my email as of yet. It was sent on Wednesday of this week, and no reply has been issued.


Little do they know as well, I am now making the issue public, well as public as possible for now.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Hockey Talk (the TUESDAY session)

I received several angry comments about not posting on Sunday, so my apologies but what PASSION! I am glad that people are enjoying reading this so far. I was busy watching baseball and cricket, as well didn't have much to write about, so I slacked off. This post will be the make up for Sunday, as well there will be another new Sunday Session this weekend. Promise.

This was a topic that was texted to me by someone whom will remain anonymous. I know who it was, but I don't think that names of suggestions are appropriate, however, I also don't want to claim credibility.

People who know me should know that I don't particularly enjoy, or care about hockey. I never played when I was a kid, I don't have a team, I don't know anything about the sport at all really. I don't see the attraction to it, its just not for me. Along with that, I don't like small talk. "Did it stop raining outside? Maybe it will FINALLY get sunny out." Shut up, seriously you can CLEARLY see outside to see if its raining or not, you know better, don't ask me just because we happen to be waiting in the same line to buy groceries or whatever situation you might find yourself in. This post is about one of the worst, horribly misused bit of small talk to exist. Hockey talk.

Now, I am not slandering the sport of hockey. I don't care about whether or not its a good sport, or who likes or doesn't like it. I am not arguing for it, nor against it as a sport. I also don't care if its "Canada's" game or a part of our heritage or not. I don't care for it, and I am not going to let my personal feelings get in the way of what this post is actually about. When I go to a hockey game, I don't really do it for my enjoyment. Yeah sure, I like to drink beer and sit around and shoot the shit as much as the next guy, but if I am going to a game it is usually with my Dad and Brother or a few of my friends and I am going for THEIR benefit. I want to spend time with the people I go to games with, thats why I go, not because I care about who's playing. Its a trade off, if you want to spend time with people (like me my dad and brother) then sometimes you have to do something that you wouldn't necessarily do yourself. Not to say its a chore for me to go to the hockey game, or that I resent having to go. Its just something I don't invest any time in unless I have to.

So point made, I don't like hockey. But it Canada, why is it that there is this expectation to just small talk, or "hockey talk" with strangers, or at work or wherever. Like for me that asshole at work who comes in, and hes a Vancouver fan (woooo...) and he says to ME "Oh yeah so Calgary had their hands full last night hey?" And I just want to say "Hands full? What was there a fire or something? Did the police have a big drug bust? I don't understand what you're talking about." They would of course come back with something like "Oh no I mean the game! THE GAAAMMEE!!! You know? We beat Calgary's ASS! Vancouver woo goo!! Yeah.. blah blah blah". This is where I start ignoring him because I don't fucking WATCH hockey and I don't CARE about hockey. Here is why it drives me nuts.

1. Believe it or not, NOT EVERYONE WATCHES HOCKEY!! Yeah I get it, its a big deal in Canada, people love their hockey, but why am I expected to know about it? The asshole you chit chat with at the bar, always brings up hockey, pulls out hockey stats, names, players, coaches whatever. Who cares? The worst part about it is if you say "Oh I don't watch hockey." You're SHUNNED! Its like you just told the person you committed murder. I hate having to pretend to strangers that I actually give a shit about how the Flames are doing. I don't even ever know what place they are in!! The expectation that everybody watches hockey is a stupid stereotype of the Canadian population. Even if the majority watches hockey, not everyone does, and the expectation that everyone upholds that you do is a fucking joke.

2. I hate it when people refer to their team as "we" or "us". Oh really you played for the New York Rangers this last season? Were you a RIGHT WING FOR THE CALGARY FLAMES! NO WAY I MUST HAVE MISSED YOU!! Actually, the TEAM won last night. The TEAM of professional players went on the ice and played hockey, and would have if you watched the game, supported them or otherwise. There is no WE making it to the playoffs. The CANADIANS made it to the playoffs, YOU had nothing to do with it, so shut the FUCK up.

Now don't take this the wrong way. If someone says "hey wanna come over for the hockey game?" and I say "Yes" and I get there and people are talking about hockey, that is fair game. I have several friends whom are brothers (lol guess whooo!!!) and they really enjoy their hockey, and they know their hockey. One of the things they like to do MOST is watch hockey and talk about hockey, and that's fine. If I am around them I know they are gonna most likely be talking hockey because thats what they like, and thats what they do. I don't care if people talk about hockey, I do care about how it has become a standard ice breaker for a Canadian conversation piece. If you wanna sit around and talk hockey while watching the game, and I am there to hear it, I knew damn well what I was getting myself into before I showed up at the door, so tough luck for me. Its all the extra random bullshit and nonsense that comes along with the sport and living in this country that quite frankly I have had enough of. The unfortunate thing is there is no escape.

So the next time you try to talk hockey with someone and they say "I don't watch that sport" don't say something stupid like "Are you even FROM Canada?" or look at them like they have three heads. Maybe try a different conversation piece, cuz there is plenty of people out there who would like to talk about something other than the fucking post season.

Swanny

Sunday, April 3, 2011

That Ol Euphoric Feeling

I would just like to say I am highly upset that the Chicago Cubs fans have been ranked number 1 as most annoying fans on www.spike.com. Even though who really gives a SHIT what Spike TV has to say about ANYTHING as they are morons, there is way worse sports clubs out there with worse/more annoying fans (I FEEL) than the Chicago Cubs, for example, Calgary Flames bandwagon jumping Mikka Kipursoff (sp?) fans. Fuck. Right. Off.

Anyways to buisness. I was just at Sobeys about half an hour ago and I couldn't wait to get inside and talk to my friend Kurstyn about Slayer coming to Calgary. When I did run into him in the meat department I was so stoked to share my excitement about the fact that I was going, and we started to discuss what we thought they would play, what we wanted them to etc. On my way home I started to think how unbelievable it really is to be able to make music that people are more than willing to be physically involved in. I mean, what actually physically compels someone to run full on into a circle pit and run around as fast as you possibly can throwing your fists forward? Why is it at hardcore shows people cram into tiny pits and quite literally spin and kick, punch and full on haymaker crowd kill people knowing that just inches away someone else is doing the same thing, or that someone at any minute could kick them in the side or back as hard as they can to get them out of the way so they can have their chance in the pit? How is it that musicians have the ability to make music so powerful that people want to jump onto each other and try and grab the microphone from the singer, or try and run across peoples heads?

I was thinking about all this, and it amazes me that music has such an ability to move people very literally into extremely dangerous situations. I am sure I am not the only one who gets this either, that feeling right in your gut just before you start to throw a windmill and barrel across a pit into a pile of innocent bystanders. Or when you're the guy holding onto a piece of the roof beam or rafters, or light support on top of a pile of bodies screaming lyrics at the top of your lungs at the band on stage. Or when you get on a stage that is elevated just above head height and you stage dive head first back into the crowd. When I saw Every Time I Die in Perth Australia, on my second or third time stage diving, there was a split in the crowd and I fell straight on my right shoulder and hit my head on the ground because I jumped clean over the people standing in the front row. When I saw Madball at Republik last summer I saw a guy run from one side of the stage to the other and jump about 8 feet horizontal and land flat face first on the ground behind a crowd of people. I just don't understand what compels us to participate in these dangerous ass activities, and its a question that will never have an answer. However, for a musician, what a feeling it must be to be able to make people build up enough emotion, enough passion, or enough faith in your music to put themselves on the firing line like that for you. I just give many thanks to all the artists I have listened to in the years for everything you have given me, even though you don't realize it. You are always there to remind me of some of the best days of my life. Music is the air I breathe.

-Swanny