Sunday, June 26, 2005
ONCE WERE WARRIORS
Based on the recommendation by one of my supporters, I watched the movie "Once Were Warriors", a movie made in 1994 set in urban Auckland, New Zealand. It's a "reality" story, dealing with issues of alcohol-induced family abuse, gangs, drugs and poverty housing. Though it was fiction, I believe that it captures the reality of many families that are caught in the poverty cycle, where the many mouths to feed are reliant on instable income streams. And not only for families in urban New Zealand, but anywhere. What was touching was the emancipation of this one family through the return to its Maori (the indigenous people group in New Zealand) roots. I highly recommend this movie (it has some familiar faces, like Jango Fett from Attack Of The Clones).
Friday, June 24, 2005
HELP!! INPUT REQUESTED - READ TO END OF ENTRY!!
This week's triathlon clinic focused on biking. It was great hearing from a seasoned triathlete/road cyclist about technique and tips for tackling the longest part of any triathlon race. We actually went out afterwards to the Leslie Street spit to practice some of the techniques that he presented. This proved to be devastating in 2 respects:
1. They let me try out a triathlon road bike. The bike that I've been training on is a hybrid commuter bike that I purchased back in 1991. Recently, I had it tuned up and was told that they weren't going to clean my drivetrain because it was basically held together by dirt and grime and not much else! Now I'm spoiled because I realize how much more comfortable (and faster) a triathlon road bike is! I was quick to adapt to the brake lever shifters and the aerobar. Hmmm. Maybe a self-gift for an upcoming birthday?
2. At about the same time that I bought my hybrid bike over a decade ago, I had also purchased a helmet which I still use today. Seeing everyone else's helmet, I suddenly realized how ridiculous my helmet looks. This helmet is like a watermelon cut in half with straps on it! Usually, things of vain nature don't bother me, but for some reason, I felt very out of place with this Fisher-Price-isque helmet! Maybe a consolation self-gift for an upcoming birthday?
One of the tips that was given to us was the technique for riders (particularly male riders) to shave their legs. Aside from some aerodynamic advantages, the main reason for doing this is because of the potential for falling during any race. If you fall and you have hair on your legs, what would normally be a minor scrape could turn into a huge gash as skin is literally ripped right off, as the hairs would catch onto the pavement like velcro. I have never shaved my legs, so am clueless as to what 'technique' is the most effective (and hopefully pain free). IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS, PLEASE POST A COMMENT OR EMAIL ME (MORE DISCREET)! Your experiences/input is much appreciated!
1. They let me try out a triathlon road bike. The bike that I've been training on is a hybrid commuter bike that I purchased back in 1991. Recently, I had it tuned up and was told that they weren't going to clean my drivetrain because it was basically held together by dirt and grime and not much else! Now I'm spoiled because I realize how much more comfortable (and faster) a triathlon road bike is! I was quick to adapt to the brake lever shifters and the aerobar. Hmmm. Maybe a self-gift for an upcoming birthday?
2. At about the same time that I bought my hybrid bike over a decade ago, I had also purchased a helmet which I still use today. Seeing everyone else's helmet, I suddenly realized how ridiculous my helmet looks. This helmet is like a watermelon cut in half with straps on it! Usually, things of vain nature don't bother me, but for some reason, I felt very out of place with this Fisher-Price-isque helmet! Maybe a consolation self-gift for an upcoming birthday?
One of the tips that was given to us was the technique for riders (particularly male riders) to shave their legs. Aside from some aerodynamic advantages, the main reason for doing this is because of the potential for falling during any race. If you fall and you have hair on your legs, what would normally be a minor scrape could turn into a huge gash as skin is literally ripped right off, as the hairs would catch onto the pavement like velcro. I have never shaved my legs, so am clueless as to what 'technique' is the most effective (and hopefully pain free). IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS, PLEASE POST A COMMENT OR EMAIL ME (MORE DISCREET)! Your experiences/input is much appreciated!
GENUINE AIR OF GENEROSITY
I was at the end of a bike ride the other night when I noticed that my tires were a little flat. So, I decided to ride up to a nearby gas station to fill them up. There was already a car parked near the air machine when I pulled up. The driver saw me and walked over to me, hose in tow. He said that the air had already been paid for (it wasn't one of those free machines) and that I should fill up while the machine was still running. I proceeded to fill both tires up. I noticed that he was still standing there when it occurred to me that he may not have finished filling his tires, and he confirmed this when I asked him!
Imagine that, someone offering me air that they had paid for, even before he was done! What an encouraging show of generosity from a complete stranger.
Saturday, June 18, 2005
OYEH! SCARBOROUGH BLITZ BUILD ON!
With over 500,000 households in Toronto (that's a quarter of the city's population) living under the poverty line and over 71,000 families on the waiting list for city subsidized housing, Habitat's current objective of placing 40 families in a decent home that they can call their OWN in Scarborough is a good first step. It's a baby step, given the overwhelming numbers. Yet, arriving at the first day of the 2005 Blitz Build, the spirit was one of courage and hope. The day was kicked off by city councillor Raymond Cho and we were encouraged at midday by the Honourable Judy Sgro. A chorus of hammering nails and descanting circular saws set the backdrop for a day of framing. One by one, the walls were completed and erected to an exuberant shout of "OYEH!" by the volunteers. The weather was cooperative, providing a steady breeze to cool off our tired bodies, encouraging us to hammer some more. It was amazing to see people from all walks of life giving of their time and their love to people they had not yet met. This was just the first day! If you are interested in helping out, please visit the Toronto Habitat site to find out how you can join...
Thursday, June 16, 2005
TRIATHLON CLINIC STARTED
I went to my first "Beginner's Triathlon" clinic yesterday. It was very encouraging to meet with others who've had little or no triathlon experience. Most, like me, share a common fear of swimming in the open water. I'm so glad that they are dedicating one night to this topic where we will swim in the lake with a wetsuit. It felt more like a support group than anything else! We concluded the evening by going for a 30 minute run along the boardwalk. Running by the water is much more enjoyable (sight-wise and breathing-wise) than the car/smog filled streets of North York!
I've also discovered that there is a community swimming pool in Mississauga that has "lane wave swim" - an indoor pool that simulates open water waves!! You will find me at the Terry Fox Memorials Aquatics Centre on Fridays from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
I've also discovered that there is a community swimming pool in Mississauga that has "lane wave swim" - an indoor pool that simulates open water waves!! You will find me at the Terry Fox Memorials Aquatics Centre on Fridays from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday, June 10, 2005
TARGET REACHED!! THANK YOU!!!
How lucky do I feel to be part of a community that cares and is willing to show their care through actions?! Not only has my community encouraged me through constant well wishes, electronically and in person, but people have also committed their own resources for this cause. I am please to announce that you, as much beloved community, has helped me reach my financial target of $1,800!! Amazing! Words cannot describe the joy I have knowing that so many of you are so willing to take part on this trip with me. THANK YOU.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
ALL BUGGED OUT
There are certain elements that you find in the country side that don't exist in the city. I went for a ride last night up to Georgetown, taking in the nice scenery and the fresh air. The sky was a little over cast and I started hearing pitter-patter against my helmet. I thought that it was the start of a rain shower, but I was wrong. It was swarms of bugs hitting my helmet as I rode through their congregations! That's when they started flying in my nose, my mouth, my ears and even my eyes! I gave up trying to spit them out after a while...
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
FROM CAISSONS TO GABLES
Wow! I feel like there is so much to learn about building a house. The workshop that Habitat hosted yesterday focused on building nomenclature. Now it's just a matter of remembering all this while at a build! CLICK HERE if you want to see the "lecture notes".
Monday, June 06, 2005
FINANCIAL SUPPORT - UPDATE
Through your generous donations, $1,631.56 has been raised so far!!! I AM SO ENCOURAGED BY YOUR WILLINGNESS TO SUPPORT ME! My goal is $1,800 so that's only 34 shares remaining. THANK YOU! There is only about a week left before I need to send in the $1,800 to Habitat.
What do I mean by "shares"? CLICK HERE
How much actual time left before the deadline? CLICK HERE
Boy, I guess a lot of people really want to see me go through the rigour of the triathlon! To see how my training is going so far, CLICK HERE
What do I mean by "shares"? CLICK HERE
How much actual time left before the deadline? CLICK HERE
Boy, I guess a lot of people really want to see me go through the rigour of the triathlon! To see how my training is going so far, CLICK HERE
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
PRESENTATIONS
I'm glad that I've been given some opportunities to formally share about my trip to New Zealand. For my small group, I was tasked with preparing a New Zealand dinner and giving a presentation. The dinner (Leek and Potato Soup with Oysters, Lamb Hotpot, and Cranberry Bread and Butter Pudding) was well enjoyed. Click here for the slides to my presentation (just "open" it and use your "Page Down" key to scroll through the slides).
I also had a chance to share about this trip at last weekend's service. Since the theme right now is about partnerships in ministry, it was fitting for people who are serving this summer to share about their ministries. Many people came up to me afterwards either to ask more about Habitat and my trip, or to share with me their experiences with Habitat.
I also had a chance to share about this trip at last weekend's service. Since the theme right now is about partnerships in ministry, it was fitting for people who are serving this summer to share about their ministries. Many people came up to me afterwards either to ask more about Habitat and my trip, or to share with me their experiences with Habitat.
