Dear Diane,
Katelyn called me this morning to let me know that our friend Arlan Asham was killed in a car accident on the Delta highway last night. I know how close him and Harley were having worked together at PCI and I just want to pass on my condolences. I'm in total shock right now and really can't come to terms with what this means.
Arlan was a great guy. I remember back when I first met him, when he was going to yellowquill with Katelyn. I've always been an over protective brother, always suspicious of guys that hung around my sisters, but when it came to Arlan I saw that he was exactly the same way when it came to Katelyn. I knew I could trust him with my sister and that he would always be there to protect her and look out for her, and for the past 6 years that's exactly what he's done.
Arlan and I actually started hanging out together in the past year or so. I'd always thought of him as a little brother, but recently he'd become a true friend. Being this far away from home is tough at times like this because all I want to do is grab my sister, hug her and tell her that no matter how hard it is right now, Arlan is in a better place and life does go on.
There seems to be too much young death in the world these days. I lost one of my best friends, Garreth McDonald, in a car accident in November and to add Arlan to this list saddens me more than I ever thought possible. Arlan, I'm going to miss you so much, and to all the people out there that knew and loved the guy, I hope that we'll remember how much joy he brought to our lives and remember the good times. Rest In Peace, my friend.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
The Weekend
Dear Diane,
It's been a few days since I've updated you, and I'm sure you're starting to feel out of the loop... So let's get you up to date on the goings on of 4Shaw the law student.
I went through a difficult decision on Thursday about what I was going to do for the weekend. Long ago I had told Alex(my cousin) that I would come up to Des Moines for the first weekend after orientation because that would be the weekend that I had the least to do for, and the most time to hang out since I also had Friday off. At the last minute I started getting cold feet about going because of all the stuff I had to do, which consisted of approximately 200 pages of reading. In the end I chose to hold true to my word and head up to Des Moines, books in hand, right after my pro-bono seminar on Thursday. The seminar ended at 1PM and I was in the car by 1:15.
Alex is a student at Drake Law and, like me, is a 1L. Thursday night was a mixer on a patio just off campus for his 1L class as they finished up orientation. When I got there, I felt a strange feeling that I didn't expect; I felt like I didn't belong. For years I have always felt at home in the state of Iowa and I always assumed that Drake would be where I got my JD from. But Thursday night I felt out of place for the first time there. I knew that I'd made the right choice moving to Tulsa and I was more secure in my choice of law school than I had ever been.
Friday was the main event of the weekend...the Beer Pong Tournament in Ames at Iowa State. I went out in the first round. Even though I was out of the tourny early, it was still a great time and for the 9th consecutive night I drank but never even approached the now legendary "4Shaw Drunk". Mrs. Cardinal, it think you understand that is your name becomes an adjective for intoxication, you should probably take a step back from partying. I'm glad I've learned my lessons.
Saturday morning was my proudest moment; I left Des Moines early for the first time in my life. Like I said before, Iowa is like my second home, and for me to walk away from it because I had too much studying to do is probably the most surprising move of this entire experience so far. Lil'4Shaw is growing up.
On the way home, Lazurus suprised me again. For the past year or so, my old '98 Contour has been getting horrible fuel economy. I was actually considering getting rid of the old girl as the cost of gas went through the roof. But with all the driving I've been doing, something changed in Lazurus and she's getting better miles per gallon than I've ever seen. On the way home yesterday I went 661 Kms(around 425 miles) on my 42 litre tank, which is around 150 Kms over my average tank. At this point Lazurus is like Rocky at the end of a training montage.
Last night I got lost again. Tulsa's street grid is like a funhouse mirror. In some spots is is a perfect grid that can be navigated with ease, but at the drop of a hat, it can change, becoming distorted and winding, streets narrow and go in all different directions. Streets that once ran parallel to each other now intersect, and before you know it, you're on the other side of the city and you have no idea how to get back. That happened to me last night trying to find the apartment of one of my fellow 1Ls. Note to self: 71st St is not to be trusted as a way of getting anywhere.
Well, I think it's been enough of an update and I should probably hit the books. Tomorrow is the beginning of the real deal and I still have to brush up on my Torts.
Later Mrs. C
It's been a few days since I've updated you, and I'm sure you're starting to feel out of the loop... So let's get you up to date on the goings on of 4Shaw the law student.
I went through a difficult decision on Thursday about what I was going to do for the weekend. Long ago I had told Alex(my cousin) that I would come up to Des Moines for the first weekend after orientation because that would be the weekend that I had the least to do for, and the most time to hang out since I also had Friday off. At the last minute I started getting cold feet about going because of all the stuff I had to do, which consisted of approximately 200 pages of reading. In the end I chose to hold true to my word and head up to Des Moines, books in hand, right after my pro-bono seminar on Thursday. The seminar ended at 1PM and I was in the car by 1:15.
Alex is a student at Drake Law and, like me, is a 1L. Thursday night was a mixer on a patio just off campus for his 1L class as they finished up orientation. When I got there, I felt a strange feeling that I didn't expect; I felt like I didn't belong. For years I have always felt at home in the state of Iowa and I always assumed that Drake would be where I got my JD from. But Thursday night I felt out of place for the first time there. I knew that I'd made the right choice moving to Tulsa and I was more secure in my choice of law school than I had ever been.
Friday was the main event of the weekend...the Beer Pong Tournament in Ames at Iowa State. I went out in the first round. Even though I was out of the tourny early, it was still a great time and for the 9th consecutive night I drank but never even approached the now legendary "4Shaw Drunk". Mrs. Cardinal, it think you understand that is your name becomes an adjective for intoxication, you should probably take a step back from partying. I'm glad I've learned my lessons.
Saturday morning was my proudest moment; I left Des Moines early for the first time in my life. Like I said before, Iowa is like my second home, and for me to walk away from it because I had too much studying to do is probably the most surprising move of this entire experience so far. Lil'4Shaw is growing up.
On the way home, Lazurus suprised me again. For the past year or so, my old '98 Contour has been getting horrible fuel economy. I was actually considering getting rid of the old girl as the cost of gas went through the roof. But with all the driving I've been doing, something changed in Lazurus and she's getting better miles per gallon than I've ever seen. On the way home yesterday I went 661 Kms(around 425 miles) on my 42 litre tank, which is around 150 Kms over my average tank. At this point Lazurus is like Rocky at the end of a training montage.
Last night I got lost again. Tulsa's street grid is like a funhouse mirror. In some spots is is a perfect grid that can be navigated with ease, but at the drop of a hat, it can change, becoming distorted and winding, streets narrow and go in all different directions. Streets that once ran parallel to each other now intersect, and before you know it, you're on the other side of the city and you have no idea how to get back. That happened to me last night trying to find the apartment of one of my fellow 1Ls. Note to self: 71st St is not to be trusted as a way of getting anywhere.
Well, I think it's been enough of an update and I should probably hit the books. Tomorrow is the beginning of the real deal and I still have to brush up on my Torts.
Later Mrs. C
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
The Keynote
Dear Diane,
Tonight we had the keynote address of our orientation. It was delivered by Judge David Lewis, which was exactly what it was supposed to be; inspirational. He told us stories about his path to where he is today, and how it's a lifelong adventure. He urged us to become immersed in the profession of law and to take every opportunity to gain knowledge from our classmates and peers. He also challenged us to be the best we can be and read us this poem:
Be The Best
By Douglas Malloch
If you can't be the pine at the top of the hill
Be the scrub in the valley, but be
The best little scrub on the side of the hill
Be a bush if you can't be a tree
If you can't be a bush be a bit of the grass
Doing something for somebody's sake
If you can't be a muskie try being a bass
But be the liveliest bass in the lake
We can't all be captains, some have to be crew
There is something for all of us here
There is big work and little for people to do
And the task we must do is near
So if you can't be a highway then be a great trail
If you can't be a sun be a star
It isn't by size that you win or you fail
Be the best at whatever you are
This poem spoke to me and was the most important thing I will take away from Judge Lewis' address. It meant so much to me that I tracked him down at the reception to find out the name of the peom, which he gave to me. I felt honoured.
At times I have sat on the sidelines and waited for things to come my way, but today I feel like I am on the right path. I have an opportunity right now in front of me to be the best I can be, and that's exactly what I'm going to do.
Mrs. Cardinal, I swear to you, I'm going to make you proud.
Tonight we had the keynote address of our orientation. It was delivered by Judge David Lewis, which was exactly what it was supposed to be; inspirational. He told us stories about his path to where he is today, and how it's a lifelong adventure. He urged us to become immersed in the profession of law and to take every opportunity to gain knowledge from our classmates and peers. He also challenged us to be the best we can be and read us this poem:
Be The Best
By Douglas Malloch
If you can't be the pine at the top of the hill
Be the scrub in the valley, but be
The best little scrub on the side of the hill
Be a bush if you can't be a tree
If you can't be a bush be a bit of the grass
Doing something for somebody's sake
If you can't be a muskie try being a bass
But be the liveliest bass in the lake
We can't all be captains, some have to be crew
There is something for all of us here
There is big work and little for people to do
And the task we must do is near
So if you can't be a highway then be a great trail
If you can't be a sun be a star
It isn't by size that you win or you fail
Be the best at whatever you are
This poem spoke to me and was the most important thing I will take away from Judge Lewis' address. It meant so much to me that I tracked him down at the reception to find out the name of the peom, which he gave to me. I felt honoured.
At times I have sat on the sidelines and waited for things to come my way, but today I feel like I am on the right path. I have an opportunity right now in front of me to be the best I can be, and that's exactly what I'm going to do.
Mrs. Cardinal, I swear to you, I'm going to make you proud.
Thoughts on Tulsa
Dear Diane,
Tulsa is great city, but there are some interesting things I've noticed as a Canadian here in the Southern Midwest. Before I got here, I was tolf how friendly everybody is here, which is true in social situations, but just when you come across individuals on the street, no one is too talkative. I've always been a person who will acknowledge someone's presence when I pass a person on the street, but even when there's no one around, people seem to just keep their heads down and ignore others. It's a little odd to me, but maybe I'm just overly friendly.
The city is very easy to get around. The streets are on a grid that sees the East/West streets numbered from North to South, and the North/South streets with names after places like Universities(Harvard, Yale) and cities. The city named streets tend to bunch together by state, and are easy to find when you know where a geographically similar street is located. Trying to find the Grey Snail on Peoria, I knew I was getting close when I saw street names like Rockford and Racine. Makes things easier, but like I leaned last night, you can still get lost and end up on the other side of the city(eg. finding the street you're looking for after 2o minutes of looking, but being in the 8000 block when the address you're looking for is 2640).
But anywho, it's time to get back to class. I'll update you later.
Tulsa is great city, but there are some interesting things I've noticed as a Canadian here in the Southern Midwest. Before I got here, I was tolf how friendly everybody is here, which is true in social situations, but just when you come across individuals on the street, no one is too talkative. I've always been a person who will acknowledge someone's presence when I pass a person on the street, but even when there's no one around, people seem to just keep their heads down and ignore others. It's a little odd to me, but maybe I'm just overly friendly.
The city is very easy to get around. The streets are on a grid that sees the East/West streets numbered from North to South, and the North/South streets with names after places like Universities(Harvard, Yale) and cities. The city named streets tend to bunch together by state, and are easy to find when you know where a geographically similar street is located. Trying to find the Grey Snail on Peoria, I knew I was getting close when I saw street names like Rockford and Racine. Makes things easier, but like I leaned last night, you can still get lost and end up on the other side of the city(eg. finding the street you're looking for after 2o minutes of looking, but being in the 8000 block when the address you're looking for is 2640).
But anywho, it's time to get back to class. I'll update you later.
Monday, August 18, 2008
First Day Jitters
Dear Diane,
The day finally came! My first day of Orientation at TU. I have to say, it's an experience. Got my new ID Card, and parking pass and headed off to class. The law calls is 140 strong, and "the most qualified first year class in the history of the University of Tulsa". Sweet.
The day was pretty much without incedent, but during our introduction to stare decisis, one fine student of advancing years(AKA Oldie McOlderson) says to the professor that she should have had us write a brief on a case before we got there, which brought the eye daggers from the rest of the class. This is the first day buddy...slow down! You're like that one guy who sprints to the front of the Boston Marathon just so he could say that he was in the lead.
Other than that, I really don't have much else. Much like Winnipeg, Tulsa has it's fair share of Sketchy people, like the Tatoo'd shirtless guy walking his 4 year old faux-hawked son into the Qwik Trip to get some smokes...Class. But other observations are going to have to wait for another day. I just wanted to check in and keep current.
You Stay Classy, Mrs. Cardinal
The day finally came! My first day of Orientation at TU. I have to say, it's an experience. Got my new ID Card, and parking pass and headed off to class. The law calls is 140 strong, and "the most qualified first year class in the history of the University of Tulsa". Sweet.
The day was pretty much without incedent, but during our introduction to stare decisis, one fine student of advancing years(AKA Oldie McOlderson) says to the professor that she should have had us write a brief on a case before we got there, which brought the eye daggers from the rest of the class. This is the first day buddy...slow down! You're like that one guy who sprints to the front of the Boston Marathon just so he could say that he was in the lead.
Other than that, I really don't have much else. Much like Winnipeg, Tulsa has it's fair share of Sketchy people, like the Tatoo'd shirtless guy walking his 4 year old faux-hawked son into the Qwik Trip to get some smokes...Class. But other observations are going to have to wait for another day. I just wanted to check in and keep current.
You Stay Classy, Mrs. Cardinal
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Interesting times on the Central Plains
Dear Diane,
I hear that today there's going to be a sod turning in your neck of the woods. With that symbolic spade of dirt we are set to enter a new phase in the move towards Portage la Prairie getting our much needed and deserved multiplex. But really, how much closer are we than we were at the beginning of the year?
I want to start out by saying how much I respect and admire the work done by Brian Gilbert, Warren Neufuld and especially Jeff Bereza, without whom this project would have collapsed long ago. They have worked tirelessly on this and deserve all the praise in the world for what they have accomplished. Like a vocal minority of Portagers, my opposition lies in the placement of the multiplex. Spending my teenaged years on Crescent lake gave me an appreciation for the natural beauty of the lake and an understanding of the enjoyment that residents of Portage la Prairie get from it. In the past few months I've been disturbed by the look of the lake due mainly to the stagnation of water that came with the completion of the causeway. I know the bridge is old and needs to be replaced, but the standards to which this causeway was built is simply as a stopgap measure to get heavy machinery to the island to work on the multiplex. It's hard to fathom why we would be willing to sacrifice one of our most recognizable landmarks to build a facility that will bring ZERO economic spinoffs to the immediate area. The moratorium on development on the island makes sure of that. It would be much better for Portage la Prairie if we were building this on the East or West ends of town, where it would be likely that we would see businesses pop up to cater the the new clientele for our shiney new multiplex
That said, I've long believed that the planned placement of the multiplex on the island has alot to do with the split of funding between the City and Rural Municipality and the need for the RM to get something out of the deal other than the use of the facilities. The ownership of the facility and the rental of it by the City at least covers a bit of the enormous costs to the RM, but it's of little consequence to a Farmer near St. Ambrose that there's a swimming pool that he could use(for a nominal fee) 40 miles away as he watches his property taxes soar. But regardless, on another site, the cost to the RM are bigger and probably impossible to sell to an already bitter electorate. Without the RM ownership, there's no way this multiplex is this far along.
Diane, this whole thing is a bigger mess than anyone tossing the dirt tomorrow wants to admit. Federal and Provincial Funding -although promised- could still be a long way off; We're lopping pieces off the building like we're field surgeons at gettysburg; Funding is fragile; The Environment is suffering; and worst of all, people who were huge supporters of this iniative are turning against the idea of the multiplex entirely. It's very disappointing to see, especially knowing how much work has been put in by so many great and loyal Portagers.
This project is so much larger in importance and size than Splash Island, but the multiplex stands in the long shadow cast by the last cookie cutter solution to Portage's recreation deficit. If this isn't done properly, it might be the end of big ticket projects in the region. This project is a labour of love and to see it shelved at this stage would be horrible, but to see it go ahead, bugs and all, would be an absolute tragedy.
I hear that today there's going to be a sod turning in your neck of the woods. With that symbolic spade of dirt we are set to enter a new phase in the move towards Portage la Prairie getting our much needed and deserved multiplex. But really, how much closer are we than we were at the beginning of the year?
I want to start out by saying how much I respect and admire the work done by Brian Gilbert, Warren Neufuld and especially Jeff Bereza, without whom this project would have collapsed long ago. They have worked tirelessly on this and deserve all the praise in the world for what they have accomplished. Like a vocal minority of Portagers, my opposition lies in the placement of the multiplex. Spending my teenaged years on Crescent lake gave me an appreciation for the natural beauty of the lake and an understanding of the enjoyment that residents of Portage la Prairie get from it. In the past few months I've been disturbed by the look of the lake due mainly to the stagnation of water that came with the completion of the causeway. I know the bridge is old and needs to be replaced, but the standards to which this causeway was built is simply as a stopgap measure to get heavy machinery to the island to work on the multiplex. It's hard to fathom why we would be willing to sacrifice one of our most recognizable landmarks to build a facility that will bring ZERO economic spinoffs to the immediate area. The moratorium on development on the island makes sure of that. It would be much better for Portage la Prairie if we were building this on the East or West ends of town, where it would be likely that we would see businesses pop up to cater the the new clientele for our shiney new multiplex
That said, I've long believed that the planned placement of the multiplex on the island has alot to do with the split of funding between the City and Rural Municipality and the need for the RM to get something out of the deal other than the use of the facilities. The ownership of the facility and the rental of it by the City at least covers a bit of the enormous costs to the RM, but it's of little consequence to a Farmer near St. Ambrose that there's a swimming pool that he could use(for a nominal fee) 40 miles away as he watches his property taxes soar. But regardless, on another site, the cost to the RM are bigger and probably impossible to sell to an already bitter electorate. Without the RM ownership, there's no way this multiplex is this far along.
Diane, this whole thing is a bigger mess than anyone tossing the dirt tomorrow wants to admit. Federal and Provincial Funding -although promised- could still be a long way off; We're lopping pieces off the building like we're field surgeons at gettysburg; Funding is fragile; The Environment is suffering; and worst of all, people who were huge supporters of this iniative are turning against the idea of the multiplex entirely. It's very disappointing to see, especially knowing how much work has been put in by so many great and loyal Portagers.
This project is so much larger in importance and size than Splash Island, but the multiplex stands in the long shadow cast by the last cookie cutter solution to Portage's recreation deficit. If this isn't done properly, it might be the end of big ticket projects in the region. This project is a labour of love and to see it shelved at this stage would be horrible, but to see it go ahead, bugs and all, would be an absolute tragedy.
First Impressions
Dear Diane,
I arrived in Tulsa yesterday around 11:30 AM. As I drove down I-44, I had to smile; Oklahoma looks so much like Manitoba. It was incredible, actually. 1,100 miles from home and I felt like I was driving between Winnipeg and Brandon.
Campus is nice, but the residence apartments are so much better than I expected. I'm living in a 2 bedroom with a 2nd year law student that won't be here until next week, so I have the place to myself for a while. I'm on the 3rd floor with a balcony overlooking the pool. Niiice.
Once I got settled in, I headed down to McNellies Pub for a few drinks with the incoming law class. The place boasts the largest Beer list in Tulsa at over 300 varieties, so imagine my surprise when I couldn't get a Keith's. Go figure.
Met some great people and made a few new friends. The night ended at a place called 'The Grey Snail', which was pretty packed. I can see myself going back to both places.
No great stories yet, but when it happens(and you know it will), you'll hear about it.
I arrived in Tulsa yesterday around 11:30 AM. As I drove down I-44, I had to smile; Oklahoma looks so much like Manitoba. It was incredible, actually. 1,100 miles from home and I felt like I was driving between Winnipeg and Brandon.
Campus is nice, but the residence apartments are so much better than I expected. I'm living in a 2 bedroom with a 2nd year law student that won't be here until next week, so I have the place to myself for a while. I'm on the 3rd floor with a balcony overlooking the pool. Niiice.
Once I got settled in, I headed down to McNellies Pub for a few drinks with the incoming law class. The place boasts the largest Beer list in Tulsa at over 300 varieties, so imagine my surprise when I couldn't get a Keith's. Go figure.
Met some great people and made a few new friends. The night ended at a place called 'The Grey Snail', which was pretty packed. I can see myself going back to both places.
No great stories yet, but when it happens(and you know it will), you'll hear about it.
In the beginning...
Dear Diane,
Once, long ago, we were sitting around, having a few drinks with your 84 year old son, Harley, when he was asked how he liked something. His answer? "It's nothing to write home about". I disagree, but out of that moment comes the idea for this blog.
I've moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to go to law school and I've decided to keep you up to date on the goings on around Tulsa, my thoughts on the US Presidential Election, the Manitoba political scene, sporting news, and other random musings. Most of the time I'll keep it short and sweet, but I'm sure there's a few things that will get a long rant out of me.
Once, long ago, we were sitting around, having a few drinks with your 84 year old son, Harley, when he was asked how he liked something. His answer? "It's nothing to write home about". I disagree, but out of that moment comes the idea for this blog.
I've moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to go to law school and I've decided to keep you up to date on the goings on around Tulsa, my thoughts on the US Presidential Election, the Manitoba political scene, sporting news, and other random musings. Most of the time I'll keep it short and sweet, but I'm sure there's a few things that will get a long rant out of me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)