Donating Blood

Quite possibly one of the most easiest, yet most important ways of saving a life here on Earth is donating blood! It only takes a minute and you can save up to 3 lives with one donation!

I remember my first donation, and it was pleasant and easy! Don't be afraid! It's such an amazing experience and is even better with friends like I did!

Check out Canada Blood Donation here: blood.ca

My Life as a College Student: Simplified

Yup, College is already a month in, but it feels like I have been here forever. Morning commutes up the Highway 400 are not as bad as I had previously thought, although that is bound to change when Winter comes around!

College itself is easy. While it may not be a challenging as I had hoped, I have found comfort in the friends and experiences I have had. As well as keeping me busy when I am not on one of my four day weekends, College is so far deemed an "okay" experience. More to come in the future!

The Art of Creativity and Expression

There really is no right or wrong way when it comes to the artist expression of the human spirit. In my own personal experience, it is one of my favourite things to do! Everyone has their own means of expression; through music, poetry, painting, drawing, writing... The list goes forever onward.

While expressing your creative side may seem like one of the easiest things to do, I believe it is actually one of the most hardest. The hardest part is starting. That's it. You can say to yourself "I am going to write a book" all day, and sit at that table with your notepad or laptop. However, you need to start. Inspiration comes and goes in mysterious ways. While you feel you want to write, you cannot arrange your chaotic, ever changing thoughts. You feel inspired to spill a world onto a piece of paper, but cannot command the first strokes of your pencil. Starting is always the hardest part, but when you start, it is hard to stop.

After "breaching the wall" of starting your creativity vomit, it then flows freely from you to your work. One must be sure that they do not create the habit of failure (continuos quitting because lack of starting) Just start. Even if you are drawing lines, or writing the same musical note over and over, just start. You might be surprised in what your work mutates into.

As I write this, I attempt to try and get rid of my own starting issues; my "writers block / artistic block". I will keep going till I do, and I hope that you will do the same.

So Much out of Nothing

So much is happening, yet at the same time, nothing is happening at all. Life really does work in strange, and sometimes mysterious, indirect ways.

From nothing comes something. The something coming in many forms: an idea, act, thought, feeling, person, place, object, the list goes on...

Life continues on, yet feels like time is at a stand still. Motionless. What is this otherworldly magic of time moving while still?

We hope for the future, yet must live the present. the future is forever changing; being affected by our actions in the present. You create the road, for there will be no road without you. You can make something out of nothing.

College!

Oh! How fast time does go!

I have now begun a new chapter in my life. College feels weird. While it still may be only the first week or so, I hope that I have made the right choice. Not knowing where I want to be in my future for a career, I feel some pressure from the future, yet I must remember to live in the present and live my life.

I hope college is the challenge, as well as the amazing time I thought it will be. There is only one way to find out on this stepping stone to University, and the future.

Flying friends and family

While my life in the world in aviation is only beginning, I can safely say that one of the most joyous and heartfelt experiences is taking friends and family flying. Sharing the gift of flight is a remarkable feeling, and never grows old. Every flight is different and unique in its own way. The best part is that is is ALWAYS fun to do. Letting someone fly for a bit, to even doing a few "exciting" aerial manoeuvres keeps the heart, as well as human spirit going at a fast pace. In a way, this is also how my story in aviation took off. Flights bought by my parents and those given to me through Air Cadets brought me the goal to pursue my pilots licence, and that I did. I learned that if you want something, go for it. Dream big, you deserve it! And this experience through flight, I can share, and prove to others that anything is possible.

19

For many days now, I have passed another birthday on my journey of life. While it felt like any normal year, it somehow felt different in my heart. While I still had a few friends over like every other year, this is my last birthday before post-secondary education. This is a big step in my life, for the next chapter in my life is here. While it is also the first birthday I spent at home (been with cadets every other year) and this is my first year that I can now legally drink, I still feel somewhat confused and disoriented. Such feeling are to be expected, due to the nature of the changes that are happening and will happen in a short time. Growing up, I now have to budget my time. Friends here, a LOT of work there, school, workout, shooting films, flying, traveling, etc... The list goes on.

While I may have mixed feelings about my future right now, I know I must move on from the past filled with good times, bad times, broken hearts and adventures had. Time to continue moving down the road we call life.

The human heart is very confusing (Part 2 of 2) closure

It feels nice to have closure, 
to have been able to talk to you,
for us to be able to both share our feelings,
on a wonderful walk with me and you.

Both of us spoke many words and stories,
no tears shed, just honest opinions and thoughts on relationships and life,
too much going on then and needed rest,
fine a while ago but now off to university and life and the known of the unknown.

No more thinking what-ifs,
I can move on and let you live you life,
find my own path,
you go to the sun.

Thank you for being an amazing friend,
we will always be,
see you around,
My feelings can now go as I move on with closure, to the dawn of tomorrow.  

Done Highschool forever! AGAIN!

Well, the victory lap is finally over. While the first half was for Physics and Comm tech courses, the second semester was an easy Leadership and Writers Craft kind of time. While I may not miss the courses themselves, I will miss the regular outings with friends and what not. Haha, I guess I will be seeing them more often over the summer, though! :^D

It was worth it taking a victory lap, ESCECIALLY meeting some awesome people and making some good memories. Although I have to say, I am finally glad that school is done once again. Time to move onto greater things. Good bye, Innisdale... Again!

The human heart is very confusing (Part 1 of 2) Before

I see you with my eyes, yet feel you with my heart,
The emotions that describe you cannot become words,
for if they did, they would not be able to describe you,
because there are no words to describe how brilliant you truly are.

I first met you a while back, shy and new in my life,
A flame newly lit,
yet still burning,
Was this love? Then, I just never knew.

Over time, the sands eroded the confusion and showed the truth,
I fell in love with you,
all of you,
the good of all that was and remains to be you.

There you were in my life every day,
the reason I went to events was to be with you even it was for a few seconds,
it was worth every second,
I love you.

The question remained though,
do you love me too?
We've spent so much time together telling stories and I have gotten to know you,
and you gotten to know me.

Do you share the same feelings?
I really cannot tell,
Are these hangouts and smiles genuine,
Or are you with another one of the guys?

I work so hard, yet none at all,
I should reveal my feelings,
yet past mistakes raise the stakes,
the grueling feeling of failure.

I want to ask you out so much,
yet will thou say yea or neh?
My friends and yours support me,
but is there another player in the Frey?

I don't want to hurt you,
did I ever before? 
I want this friendship to last forever,
so could it be more?

Only honesty will tell, let the game come to the end,
I want to say what I have to say, and  let you listen like you always do,
so let us go for a walk,
the human heart is confusing.

Stories and advice from a Submarine Commander (to me)

Sometimes, we find advice and knowledge in ways we do not necessarily expect. One night at work, I found this very scenario to be the case. When I worked at my workplace before as a seasonal, there was a nice, yet firm gentlemen who told me to get "out of this workplace" I often wondered why. Of course, I wasn't going to work there forever, I just needed money for my first year of post-secondary school and of course, the teenage lifestyle. However, a few nights ago, I learned why he gave the advice, and the heart behind the story.

He was a lot like me when he was in his youth. Yet instead of being in cadets, he was in the reserves at the age of only 17. He wanted to be a submarine Commander, this was his goal in life. After trying to get into RMC (he couldn't get in because of math, I have the same problems with numbers as he does) He did direct entry into the Canadian Navy. With the Cold War being at its height in the 80's, it seemed as if he were to get action soon. He was very close to becoming an officer until he quit the Navy to be with his new girlfriend. (she left him after a little while) After being heartbroken by his sweetheart, he couldn't return to the Navy for other reasons and so he got into retail. This is when he joined the company I work at many, many years ago, and has remained since to support mortgage, family and life.

It really is a sad story to hear. One losing their dreams and not being able to follow their path throughout life. Quitting the Navy is a choice he regrets to this day, and tries his damn hardest to make sure no one makes the same mistake. "Focus" is the word he used when describing me his story. Focus on your goals and dreams. He loved that I am taking Aviation Management, due to  the area of business where I can start my own company and follow my bliss.  He knew that I was an Air Cadet for 7 years and believes I have shown leadership skills and aptitude for following my heart and achieving my goals. I feel happy to know that he is starting to follow his own new path of the arts and self-expression. But I am internally grateful for the gift that he reminded me about: focus.

Surrounded by Awesome People

I really am. All around, I see future doctors, pilots, writers, artists, astronauts, politicians, environmentalists and more. The world of tomorrow, here in the friends and peers of today. I am so very lucky to be surrounded by such great people. I have friends over in Ghana, saving the world to people in the Canadian forces protecting Canada and the world. I am surrounded by amazing people.

We really have to remember to take a step back and remind ourselves how lucky we are to have the special people in our lives and remember to never take them for granted. However, while realizing how amazing others our, one must remember to also be amazed by him or herself.

Sometimes, we need to learn from our friends and peers

Social skills are VERY important to have, especially in today's modern technologically advanced world. yet, we must remember to get rid of the screens every now and again and return to face-to-face so we remember what the 'real' social world is. When with our friends, we can learn a lot about others, interactions with other people, problem solving and even ourselves! Friends are friends because they obviously like you back as well, and accept who you really are. Therefor, meeting and hanging out with friends shouldn't be a hassle, but it is when conflict, or asking others different questions when one starts to see the results of interaction.

What I am trying to say is remember to look at people from not just yours, but also their perspective. Use empathy before you judge someone. Accept constructive criticism and suggestions from others, but remember to pay attention to how others react in other situations. I am a 'person watcher' who likes to see how people react to situations, and I feel as if by watching others, I am more socially aware of the world around me.

Screw it, just frigging do it

Sometimes in life, there are those moments when you ask yourself "why am I not doing this" or "I want to do this, but I am just not" or "I wish I could do this idea or goal" or "I wish I could be doing this or that." Sometimes, you just have to stop thinking and just GO! Take a leap of faith, try something new and just do it!

That is my life advice for the day.. Now get off your computer (or whatever device you are on) and go do something fun that you've always wanted to do! Go skydive, start that workout or talk to that 'person' GO!!! :^D

I love my family!

Chilling with the cousins down in Oakville

I love my family. I am so lucky that I have such a caring, loving, diverse and adventures bunch of pals to share life with. It really is remarkable how amazing everyone is. All beautiful and unique in their own, brilliant way. From the more "elder" side of the spectrum to the "youngling" side, our family is very strong, and is full of love for each other, as well as a love for making the world a better place. From building schools in Africa, to serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, to helping  the community, to raising special dogs to help the challenged, my family is a 'super family.'

They are also all very gifted. From athletes, to travelers, to those who are bilingual in French and English, and those who can speak Klingon, they are all fantastic. I am surprised every time, and I am honored by their presence, as well as smiles.They make life fun, and can make any day a sunny one.

Thanks, everyone! Rock on! ;^)

The Road to becoming a famous Youtuber - 1

This year, I am finally starting my goal of creating a successful Youtube brand, and learning to master the basics of the industry. For the name of the channel, I wound up choosing "Supersonicclank." The username that I created around 2009 for my first time playing Battlefield 2 online.

While I am still working on most of the admin, art and paperwork side of things, I am, however, pleased to announced that the main focus will be on gaming, tutorials and a few other snippets. A VLOG channel may be started down the line, but I've always wanted to do one!

I will share more updates as they come, but I can forward you to the new beta of supersonicclank.weebly.com  to get a more clearer understanding of what's going on! Cheers!

My very own workout plan

I am fortunate enough to have a friend that is going into nursing, so I had her help me develop a workout plan for me! It is just a reminder to myself how lucky I really am to have amazing and talented friends. I am very excited to start it, and we are both possibly going to be working in the same gym so she can show me the ropes.

The Many Wonderful Perks of Being Single

If you want to date me, please refrain from reading this blog ;^)

Hmm, Single while everyone else has a partner? Don't sweat it! (Pic by me)

Yes, I know, it's shocking. Perks of being single? What? Why? Well, for a long time, I've been moaning and groaning on both the past and the present about relationships and how they look so awesome, and I've wanted to experience one and all that. I finally took a step back and took a look at my situation. One day (hopefully) I will find that first true love person, and everything will sort its self out. Until then, guess what? i'm single. So why be sad about the cards your dealt? Sometimes, you just have to suck it up and 'deal' with it (Card pun, tee hee) So I looked at all the perks of being single, and it made life a little easier for me.

1. You can hang out with whoever you want: Since I don't have a girlfriend, I can hangout with any girl or guy I want without being questioned about 'loyalty.' I'm honestly an honest person, but I can live without all that drama of being 'taken.'
2. You still have Money: They say having another half is healthy for your soul, but disastrous for your pocket book. After every holiday, birthday etc... I've had friend groaning because they are spending so much money taking their boyfriend or girlfriend out. Luckily  I don't have to worry about it, and can save money for university, flying and single, anti-social things. 
3. Dreams of 'that' person: Since I'm single, I don't know what my future will be like! Will i meet someone in a coffee shop? In an airport? On the moon? Who knows! I can have hope of meeting that 'right' person to be with. 
4. Me time: While it can sometimes feel like a curse, having a lot of 'me' time feels great. You can sit, read, write, run and many other things whenever your life dictates, and you are free to do so instead of having to look after another person. 
5. Maturity: While dating seems to be apart of growing up, luckily  I've missed most of the drama and heartbreak that comes with 'young love.' Even if I have NEVER been in a relationship, I am always the friend who is counselling others about their relationships. I feel as if I have learned a LOT from being on the outside, and feel more mature about it.
6. Closer to friends: Without that other force in your life tearing you away, you can spend more times with friends! While it may feel like your stuck in the friend zones of all the girls you know, it still feels nice to be able to get close to everyone when being single. 
7. Personal development: This should be your top priority regardless of your relationship status, but being single means that you really only have one person to worry about: YOU!
8. Live your life: You have no tie downs! Let your wings soar! 

Dear mini-me (Contest entry for StudentAwards.com)

For a scholarship last month, I entered a contest for a scholarship. The rules were simple: Write to your younger self about if you could do it all again, what would you change? Here is my entry:

If I could do it over again (through the magical Student Awards Time Machine), I would tell my younger self that it is OK to fail.

Life is meant to be enjoyed, so have fun. Don’t be living a life of fear in feeling that if you try something and you don’t succeed, you are a failure. This is not true. Life is about making mistakes and learning from them. If you don't succeed the first time, its OK! Try again, and again until you get it, alright?

You failed to get into the Air Cadet Glider camp TWICE, but the third time, you didn't get in again, but you got a special scholarship to York Soaring because you are such an amazing person! This also goes for asking "you-know-who" out to prom. Now being in a victory lap, it my greatest regret not asking her out. Just be yourself and ASK! It's OK if you fail, at least you tried and gave it your best shot! At least you KNOW.

You can only live your life once, alright, buddy. I want you to enjoy it to the max, so its OK to take risks with a possible outcome of failure. Imagine if Neil Armstrong never went to the moon because he was afraid of the mission failing! (which was a major possibility)

Never give up on your dreams, Henry. Never say no to them, just live your life.


With love from your future self,

Henry

Why I Am So Nice

Sometimes, I look at myself in the mirror and wonder: Why am I so nice to people? It is a simple question that I cannot find a simple answer to. I've been thinking (probably too much) lately on the answer to why. Here are a few of my many thoughts:

As a friend, I've always helped those closest to me. The assistance may take the form of 'counselling' to helping get ready for a job interview, to teaching a topic to someone, to helping them with relationships, confidence and even goal setting. While I might not be repaid, I still give it my 110% when helping. I think I do it for a few reasons.

1. That what friends do! I care, and love my friends. I WANT to see them succeed in life, and will try my darnest to give them the tools to do so. While the pen is in their hands, I can still give them a pretty darn good pen to write with.

2. Personal feelings: I guess besides just feeling like a good Samaritan  I guess I also have that 'feeling' that I should do it.

3. What am I doing? Sometimes  I forget about myself and can throw myself under a bus for others (hopefully not literally!) But why? Why help someone that might not repay, or even WANT to stay in my life? I guess its just I love people... The worst feeling is feeling alone, and I guess I don't want people to leave me. Probably one of my biggest traits about me is integrity. I want the truth, and honesty to win in all situations. I want people to stay in my life, because they are beautiful, smart and caring people too.

4. Its my way of saying I love it that you are in my life: Just like many other humans, I want to be able to show how much people mean to me. While everyone has their own way of showing this, I feel as if my 'good deeds' are my way of showing these feelings.

I guess this is the reason why sometimes I can appear 'too nice' or become 'instantly friend zoned ' While it really sucks a lot of the time, I shouldn't change who I am for another person, but I will admit, sometimes it is hard.