Muskoka, my friends.

This past weekend a few of us buddies from Laurier made a bit of a spontaneous trip up to the

cottage to visit Mike Dwyer and Alex Kellermann working in Muskoka. It was the life. Granted, their typical day would be a little bit different waking up a 6 and working like dogs, but the weekend, the beautiful weather, the few beers, the lounging on the boathouse balcony- it can't get much better.

I bussed to Mississauga, met up with a good friend Hussein and we were off. Cruising to Toby TechRhymes (koodos if you know who that is) and revelling in the anticipation of a weekend with no responsibility. The weekend was the definition of leisure with a little taste of luxury on the side. I say this because the Dwyer's cottage isn't exactly what you'd call standard...

With enough beds to comfortably sleep about 27, a personal putting green, a boat house on a lake Rosseau and inside it- 3 speed boats (all for different occasions of course) not to mention the cottage was decked with just about every classic cottage furnishing you could want. Dwyer's old man, Kdawg came up for the morning bringing our buddy Miller, and he also dropped off some crucial necessities- like our dinner. 80 dollars worth of 1.5 inch New York striploin steak... I don't mind if I do. so we Q'd those up, cracked a cold one and relaxed. Heres some applicable words of wisdom: when life is good- Love It. the weekend was fantastic, I also learned a new game called Golfy that invovles golf, beer, and consequently- fun. Now however, I am a working man, and it will likely not be until the Muskoka open until I get to go back- so I patiently await that day. So thats the end of that, but not quite the end of the story...

The ride back was a bit of an adventure itself, Husse drove Miller and I home, or a least miller home, and me to the bus stop- almost. I for some reason convinced myself that the bus left at 5 (which ended up being false) so at about 4:50, when we missed the Dixie exit, It's safe to say I was a little bit stressed. I spotted the bus pick up location from the Highway, and in a moment of impulse Husse obliged to pull over on the shoulder of the highway, i grabbed my things, hoped out, yelled bye at him and started to sprint. Off of the highway, over the vehicle barrier, jumping the chain fence and kept on sprinting.

So you can see here friends, in this photo that looks as if it was recovered from some serious COPS footage. What appears to be a convict trying to elude the strong arm of the law, is simply in fact a harmless guy just trying to not miss a bus....which he made in time!

as it arrived only about 2 and a quarter hours later...

Dont Veto your Vote

Today, was the first time Jeremy and I got to vote as Canadian citizens in the Federal election. It was easy, neat, and a satisfying experience.

For me, my voting location was Pine Grove, which happens to be my old elementary school. It was place that I associate with my childhood, carefree days where the halls seem big and 15 minute recess lasted forever. Today, almost paradoxically, I was back in the building for the first time in years, on a short 15 minute break from my employment search. It donned on me as I was standing in the same gym that I used to make fart noises with my armpits- I am here now a voting adult.

the process was cool, I registered myself, they confirmed my citizenship, handed me my ballot, and I voted. Simple as that, and just the way Calvin (our teacher) explained it in the good old days of civics class.

Plus, Old people will look at you with respect. One lady even gave me some sweets. That was nice too.

All in all: good experience, and worth the 15 minutes. If you haven't voted yet, hop online read the platforms and go vote you likely wont regret it.

Easter Stories

After both coming back to Waterloo from a wonderful Easter, both Jamie and I have some family filled stories that we would like to share with you. We hope that your respective Easter Weekends were blessed as well!

Jeremy and the Elusive Risk Egg
Once upon a time, Jeremy and his cousins would have Easter egg hunts at their Oma and Opas during Easter. Big surprise. However, as the grandchildren got older, the treasures found in the backyard looked less like chocolate and more like loonies and toonies inside plastic eggs. This was welcomed by the children as a few extra coins for coffee or laundry are always appreciated. One Easter, Jeremy, being the imaginitive and fun character that he is, made a fun suggestion that was co-created and supported by his older cousin Robin. This was the suggestion of the implementation of the Risk Egg. Every year, everyone would dump their bounty into the middle and all of the goodies would be divided evenly. While when the kids were younger, this was a nice way for them to learn to share, however, Jeremy's new knowledge from university kept telling him that this was somehow communism. Hadn't we worked so hard to change the system? How could he let this happen. So Jer and Robin suggested that before we cracked open all the eggs, each grandchild would take 3 risk eggs (we all would end up getting around 10, so this was hardly a sacrifice). The idea had some serious opposition, especially from Jeremy's sister Emily, however, his persuasive nature and Robins gentle words ushered in a new era of The Enns Family Easter Egg Hunt. (I always benefited from the risk eggs due to my excellent selecting abilities)

Although the new era was flourishing, this past year, Robin was in Holland at school and I was asleep at the switch. Before I knew it, all the eggs were opened and the chance of the Risk Egg was crushed. I was bummed. However, upon counting the number of Eggs collected, it appeared as though 2 were still out in the Wilderness. Also, this year the Easter bunny had put a few 5 dollar bills in a few of the Eggs. Two $5 bills were missing. The Risk Eggs had returned. Anyone brave enough to hunt would find a reward far greater than the risk. So, naturally, as I was helping Opa do a few things outside, he was sharing with me where the Easter Bunny had hid everything (Opa and the Easter bunny are good friends you see). Making a long story short, the risk of climbing ladders and tables for Opa turned into the greatest reward of the day. Not only a crisp $5 bill, but a chance just to hang out with Opa, a man who has been a huge insipration and source of wisdom for my life.

So that my friends, is the story of the Elusive Risk Egg. Not quite elusive enough for this champion Easter Egg Hunter.

Jamie and the Un-Eluded Kids.

After reading about Jeremy's fantastic Easter I was so happy to hear that he also, had an excellent time with the family. Mine was great too, Greek feast by the hands of the infamous Yaya, and a great time spent with the cousins. Only my time with the cousins, was slightly more... how you say... energized.

let me explain.

Imagine the Easter bunny and the Energizer bunny made a baby that laid an egg, and out of that chocolate egg hatched a supercharged hyper active bunny. Eventually, this hyper active bunny lays its own border-line plutonic chocolate eggs. It would have been this chocolate that my two cousins were chomping on all day.

And i'm afraid that by the time I arrived, it was already too late.

These are the two suspects: Ethan (7) and Maya (5)

Before you fall victim to their cuteness, be warned. that look in their eyes isn't merely child-like content. No, it is careful and strategic planning. The plan? To exhaust every last ounce of energy from their big cousins Jamie and Michael.

(Note: clearly they have been scheming for months as it appears to christmas)

We arrived to them playing in the backyard. I was greeted by a 7 year old sprinting jump hug and a shirt pull from maya. This is when i knew- The festivities had begun.

Dodgeball was the first game, followed by Tag (which is literally non-stop running in case your memory is foggy) then basketball, and skate boarding. after that, the game was running. literally, Running. ...in circles. I was truly astonished. As soon as it was time for playing blocks, My heart leaped at the possibility of a stationary activity. How could I have been so naive!?

while I admit an hour of uninterrupted couch lying would be a fools dream in that house. I allowed myself to dream.

I snuck down to the couch in the basement and shut my eyes...

...approximately 13.5 seconds later...

JAAAAMMMIEEEE! lets play Blocks! then the sound of the entire tub of blocks being poured out, half on to the ground, half on to me.

apparently blocks are only fun if at least some part of your body is sitting, resting, or leaning on your older cousin. still, I could not help think,at least we are not running.

we played blocks, hung out and actually talked (which is a surprisingly rewarding experience to sustain dialogue with a five and seven year old) these days ethan's into science, and maya is still all about princesses.

Then don't ask me how, but all of a sudden, a tickle/wrestle fight broke out. I'm not one to point fingers, but Im going to have to blame the kids. After all, they set the rules; Eth and Maya was allowed to attack, i was allowed only to defend. "I could fake hit, but only for fake". This presented a very difficult fight for me, especially considering it was two vs. one, and they were employing all the classic tactical tickling manoeuvres, getting me under the arms, and under the chin. They were good.

My only saving grace was that one divine word in times like these. just as I was about to go down howling, I summoned all of my strength and yelled "T". They stopped immediately. God bless the kid who invented timeouts. With this technique at my disposal for the rest of the day, I made it through the entire Easter with the kids able to love every minute.

Thinking back, man i really love those kids. and if i wasn't run to exhaustion I would't be the same.

And to the family, please next year- let's give them coins, and spare the chocolate. Besides risk eggs sound way too fun.

Happy Easter friends.

trail blazin

As we were driving back from value, (all in our new tanks that we just traded some coins for) we were in jers car talking about the weather. I said, "man it's a really nice day out, we should go for a hike or something" without hesitation, Jer turned on his internal GPS and headed for the Niagara Gorge. No excuses and no debate. it was a good idea, so obviously we were going to do it.

We stopped at the Grantis residence for some snacks and after mentioning our excursion to Sue, she had us so loaded up with food. Our snack stash ended up being more of a hibernation worthy, long term survival pack. And i gotta say; Not hating it.

we drove down to the gorge and got on the trail, and then as quickly as we could, got off the trail. The "trail closed" sign, was more of a welcome than a warning and it only led us to some cooler spots:

we chilled in some neat caves...

then we encountered some danger...

Im no snake expert, but i think its pretty obvious that this snake that we found in southern ontario is part of the Black Mamba family. likely one of the most dangerous in the world due to its un-characteristic environment. Probably sustaining itself on tourists that come to visit the falls, I had my back turned to it can only imagine that it was likely about to strike, just as Jer caught it, saving me from certain danger and immediate paralysis.

the snake measured anywhere between: 2 and 20 ft! it was too squirmy to be exact.

then climbed out to some rapids...

And of course, again cheated certain death by not falling in.

Lastly, and most importantly, relating to the post previous, we found true happiness in unemployment.

Job Search.

Well, with the last of my exams complete, school is now done, and summer has begun. However great this feeling is, its a little different than elementary school days when the beginning of summer marks the end of any commitments (even as limited as commitment was for an elementary school kid)

while yes i LOVE coming home, chowin down on Sue's food again, and seeing great friends. This year, without a job lined up, things are a little different.

Big corporate CEOs did not coming knocking on my door like i had hoped, and with a years worth of business school under my belt, it appears as though i am no better off than before. (with the notable exception to the obvious fact that knowledge is power and i quenched a thirst for learning)

Please consider the fact that a quarter of an undergrad business degree doesn't quite come with an instant career path. Plus the fact that i could seriously use some extra dough for the summer. Now toss in the fact that we plan to extravagantly depart from ontario for a good chunk outta the later part of the summer. (more info soon) And you will find yourself in my predicament.

in need of a job,

unable to commit,

kind of getting stressed.

ive spent days now getting my self together, fine-tuning the resume, and getting it out there. meeting people, shaking hands, flirting with women much to old to be flirting with, and now coming quickly to the realization: Beggars cant be choosers. but if only, SOMEONE WOULD JUST HOOK A BROTHA UP.

its been a good experience though. and as sort of a first for me- being in this desperate situation, i'd say ive learned a few things. ill probably end up back at subway. Which if you heard at least 1 of my 10 favourite Subway Stories you'll remember how dearly, yet unexplainably- I love the place. The only reason i ruled it out this year is because it just didn't bring home the bacon in the way i would have hoped for this summer. but then again... there was free bacon. so it all really evens out.

lastly ill briefly mention, that with the onset of summer, it was time for jer and i to hit VV and pick up some classic tanks for summer wear. So along with Wilm, Jer met up with me on my job search at a subway - we grabbed a bite and headed down to value.

we found some stellar apparel, but i guess i was still in hunting mode so i started talking with the manager. lets just say she basically begged me to work there (even tho that's not exactly true...lets say that) regardless, im also submitting my application there and can only think that knowing the kind of person i am, and the way my brain works, only good things will come from that.

I wont even mention that we all squeezed into a single change room to try on our new sun gear, and ill leave out the sideways looks we got as we exited the 4 ft by 4 ft box- one after another, after another. but lets just say it was a great day, and i felt pretty good for a guy who still remains unemployed..

Goal #4.

Before this will make sense to you. Just quickly check out the list that i recently found. it was made at the beginning of the year, as i reluctantly obliged to scribbling down a list of goals for the year. As i mentioned; I'm so glad i did.

so. Goal #4. Win a championship.

ill be honest. i have heaps of great memories from this year. and near the top, right up there in between my birthday and st. patty day, sits RAC basketball.

Add to it that I got to play some great basketball all with some now great friends from my building.

making a long story short, the season gave me something to look forward to with some friends every thursday night, (not to mention all the saved thursday bar money)

Since the first day of a gym full for team tryouts it was clear the guys in my building could play. BUT, so could the guys from Bricker Residence.

Too many times would I walk through the concourse or overhear whispers in the library: first years were under this impression that the high-flying, dunk-a-licous, swagged out Bricker team had the title in the bag.

Well, Not if this wiry white kid had anything to say about it. in our first meeting we sadly lost a tight game by 1. In our second meeting we took them by single digits.

heading into playoffs. Little house was ranked #1, and Bricker #2. it was only tooo perfect that we met in the finals. If you know me- you know I love basketball. If you know me you know I live to be competitive. And if you really know me- you know I love to try to impress crowds.

Well the final game had all that. the game was fantastic. the crowd was full. many friends came to show support. Jer was avidly cheering, lifting his shirt in jubilation, exposing a very pasty- NO, creamy stomach which only urged me and my boys to push on for the victory, terribly close the whole way. Now, i would give the play by play, but lets be serious, I'm the only one who even cares...

so all you need to know. Little House brought home the Cup. and it made me very, very happy. Goal number 4? Check.

A scrap of paper

Flash back to the beginning of the year. First year at Laurier,

It seems as if it was SO long ago, yet also as if it was just yesterday. im sure you know the phenomenon i'm talking about. Just think back to any great memory in your life. and you'll know what im talking about.

Specifically, Im reminded of a time during the first month of school. After being hired as an SLP (student leadership position- jer was one too in his first year) i was chosen to be on the Residence Athletic Council, known as RAC to most. During our first meeting as we were just all getting to know each other, we were asked to write down a brief list of goals for our year.

Recently, i just found this list in a pile of random papers.

Goals

Goal #1. dont flunk out of BBA.

Goal #2. DONT FLUNK OUT OF BBA.

Goal #3. see if cute girls like me.

Goal #4. Play lots of basketball and WIN the RAC hampionship

Goal #5. Have lots of friends.

Goal #6. Get away with some mild shenanigans.

and if you can recall back to the post Live The Dream, it will make sense this meeting occurd shortly after the discovery of "the letter", so the last and final goal, which somwhat emcompasses them all was:

Goal #7. Live the Dream.

so after finding these seven scribbled and sloppy goals jotted down on a piece of scrap paper in my room, i couldnt help imagining how useless of an exercise i probably thought it was to write out personal goals for the year.

due to my lackluster sribbles and complete disregard for this list, which only BY CHANCE turned up, this evidence only corfirms my suspisions. i probably did think it was stupid to do something like this. But, reading it now- im way to glad that i did.

goals #1-2, surpassed beyond my expectations. while #'s 4-7 not only were accomplished, but done with style along side some fantastic friends.

now, there is that phenomenon again, it's really only been about 8 months since i've met most of these people. but it feels as if we've been friends for years. you know what i mean?

and you know who you are.

My Final Duty Shift

As many of you know, I have been a don in residence this past year. There have been many good times with my floor. Snow tubing, cookie decorating, Mandarin dinners, Pizza dinners, Operation Christmas Child, the list goes on.

Well today I had my last duty shift, where I patrol the halls with my menacing DUTY DON vest. This has been a time for me to reflect on the past year. The good times and the bad. While the nitty gritty of some of my experiences is confidential, I have come out with some amazing stories and some even better friends. Also, throughout this year, you, yes you, the one reading this, have become my friend too. I love the fact that you come to read this blog and because of this, I feel that I need to right a wrong that has been done to you. During all this reflecting tonight, I realized that something you read on this blog was a lie. While it was only a very small white lie, a fib some may say, it was still uncalled for. Read back to One Stud Lookin' For a Valentine. You would remember from this post that I told you that I baked the cookies that sat so fresh on that plate. This was a lie. My roomate baked them. Alex, the one I mentioned in another post entitled, Roomies. I should not have taken credit for his wonderful bakesmanship. Thankfully, he has forgiven me.

Now I ask too, for your forgiveness. I usually like to go above and beyond to right the wrongs I have committed. That is why tonight. For the first time ever. I. Jeremy Enns. Baked Banana Bread. (now there's a nice alliteration for all you poets out there) Yes Mother. Yes Oma. I know you may be reading this and it is true, fresh banana bread.

I did this for you. Yes, while it will mostly be me and a select few enjoying my favourite baked good, you can now rest assured that the online profile you read back on Valentines Day is accurate. (also, I'm still single by the way, not one got back to me.. surprise surprise) My last duty shift has been a good time for me to reflect on the year past. Hopefully you aren't mad at me.

ps. thanks again to Alex who saved the day and took it out of the oven while I was dealing with a situation. Thanks to him, my first attempt turned out delicious!

The End is Near

While this title may make one think that I am speaking about the end of time, relax. However, this is something that is still very important: EXAMS ARE ALMOST OVER!

I'm sure that many of you may have noticed the severe lack of witty and (hopefully) enjoyable reading material that Jamie and I love to post on this blog. For this, we are deeply sorry. It saddens us as much as it does you. However, there is much hope. Jamie is working on some killer posts for his successes of this past year and once exams are over, we will be revealing some exciting summer plans!

Please hang in there and if you have been using this blog as something to read for study-breaks, we apologize. For everyone finishing up their semesters, hold on to the hope of the summer. It's almost here...

REZ RUMBLE

As it turns out the madness in my march did include its healthy dose of basketball. On monday my Intramural team made an unexpected run to the finals where we lost a hard fought game to finsih 2nd overall in our division. Not to shabby for a bunch a' throw together first years.

more significantly, on Sunday RAC hosted Rez Rumble. If you are not familiar, this year i have dedicated some serious time as a member of the Residence Athletic Council (RAC) and its been a blast. REZ RUMBLE is potentially one of our biggest events aside from our

weekly leagues. what it is, is a charity student-don basketball game. To get to participate i got to raise money for the chairty Right to Play and thank to Little House I raised almost 300. our overall goal for the 14 residences was $2500. we exceeded that and raised almost 400 bones! the game was a blast. it was East vs. West All Star style. with the campus split down the middle to divide the teams. little House falls on the east side and we were donning the blue jerseys. we did our best to fill the bleachers and a lot of students and dons came out to support the charity game. at halftime we had a dunk comp, and prior to we presented the charities with the much neccessary novelty sized cheques of course...

This snap is a pic of most of the players and coaches. it was one of the highlights of the year for me. especially as part of my RAC memory. that was a great day. and Laurier did some great stuff for two great charities, Right to Play and Bracelet of Hope.

we won by 1. sick game.

Ice Ice Baby.

This year Jer and I applied to be Ice-Breakers during O-week next year. The role of a Breaker is basically to ensure that your designated floor of first years have to best time possible, and feel extremely welcomed to Laurier during the Orientation Week. My breakers, Pat kate and richa this year were unreal and im stoked to do the same next year along side Jer.

This application process for ice breaking is surprisingly rigorous as the position is quite popular. i believe there is approx. 200 ice breakers each year and this year over 800 Applied!

first you submit an online application

>> then if thats accepted you make the interview stage.

after the interview. is perhaps the most memorable part of all applicants. THE CREATIVE.

if you havent seen our creative yet. (facebook circulates quite well) this is what we threw together.

click here to CHECK IT OUT

Roomies

I have had a sweet time with my roommates this year. Many of you know that I am a don/ RA in a residence here at Wilfrid Laurier University. I am in an apartment style residence which means that at the beginning of the year I am placed with 2 random first year students. I could not have had better luck. Kevin, Alex and I have had a really sweet year and have been up to all kinds of crazy antics since day 1. We got along great and shared the responsibilities of running a household. I would say we kept the place pretty neat and tidy, providing our many friends with a homey and inviting atmosphere. Meals are always provided for our guests, what is ours is yours, so if you haven't come by yet this year, I would get on that. This post is a tribute to my roommates. Here are a few highlights of the year.

Rocky
I came home one night to find a new pet in my room. (One of the many pranks played on me. I guess that is what I get for leaving my door open more often than not) Kevin got me a pet rock, appropriately named Rocky. We had a great time hanging out with him, although cuddling with him would provide bruises and scrapes. Sadly, he stopped eating and died. We gave him a proper burial by dropping him down the garbage chute from the 14th floor.



Settlers

If you have not experienced the board game Settlers, well I feel bad for you. If you were to come to our house on any given evening, there is a good possibility a game of Settlers will be in progress or about to start. This is a game that is comparable to Risk but without the violence and like monopoly without the 6hr play time. Its usually the perfect way to relax after a long day of business lectures, although the game can get pretty heated. It's a game of trading, stealing, alliances and enemies. It brings out the best and worst in us all. I have been known to be fairly ruthless at times. Here is a picture of my settlements during my most recent win.

Ruthlessness=Victory.

Nerf Wars
More times that I can count on my fingers and toes combined, I have been ambushed. By who you may ask? I would ask a different question. BY WHAT!? There are times when my roommates turn into something straight out of a modern war movie. It is times like these where I will be enjoying a meal and an episode of The Office and without warning be bombarded by a hail of Nerf darts. While some may call it childish to run around with goggles and plastic guns, I would refer to it as childish. Wait what? Oops! However, I must admit, I have joined in on the battles on occasion and it is a good time. I'm pretty skilled with a Nerf gun.


Alex's Cooking
My roomate Alex is a master chef. The best part: Kevin and I reap the rewards of being the ones who are around at dinner time. Whether he is baking pumpkin pie, apple cookies, making his famous pasta or tuna burgers, there has never been a time where Kev and I have gone hungry. Thanks Alex, for your expertise in the kitchen.

So boys, here's to you! Thanks for a solid year. I hope there are more good times to come as we still have a few more years here at Laurier! For the rest of you, if you haven't had a chance to meet these two goons, come on by. I'm sure you will be embraced with a plate of food, a few darts in the face and of course a good time.

The Madness of March.

flashback to this time 2 years ago. My entire life at this moment would be spent on the couch wearing sweatpants with Doritos cheese on my fingers, dishes unwashed in the sink- and my brother and dad right beside me.

This behaviour was totally justified because this time is the year that even my mom can understand: MARCH MADNESS PREVAILS.

last year during the tournament, I was in Australia, so things were a little bit different and most of the basketball talk happened over skype. however, it is safe to say that this year i have experienced the most madness of anytime during my life. school is winding down- meaning the work load before exams is winding up. summer is approaching which only means the job search intensifies. (which reminds me: To all you CEOs reading, i've decided the only way to make this fair is for you all to pick a number between one and a thousand. and i work for whoever gets it right on.)

k great job search is now off the To-Do, but still much madness remains.

like the madness of St. Patty's- i swear i saw that leprechaun. plus interacting with drunk "irish" people the entire day was quite an experience.

the Madness of school (30 page business reports, business presentations, labs, and not the slightest will to do any of it.)

And how could the madness of basketball that brings my old man to washington to watch the games, not help to exasperate my desire to do nothing but watch basketball.

its really quite maddening- but im lovin every minute of it.

My Flourishing Modelling Career

For our avid followers, you would know that since the humble beginnings of this blog I have revamped my modelling portfolio and rekindled my love for the camera. Ever since working with Dylan Hamm a few months ago, my phone has been ringing off the hook for various shoots, ads and commercials. While initially I was a little skeptical when Rolling Stone magazine left voicemail after voicemail and email after email, I finally decided to call them back and told them that I could give them the shoot of my band that they so desperately wanted. I gave them a little interview too. Thankfully when I got to their head office, I found out that Dylan just got hired and I got to be on his first cover. Not too shabby.

There's nothing quite like it.

Lately schools been pretty busy. Ive been working pretty hard, and its seems these days, the more i work- the more i procrastinate. they sort of go hand in hand really. My life has become two modes. work mode. vs. procrastinate mode.

the constant battle rages.

if it wasn't for my 30 page business report due;

my room wouldn't be nearly this clean.

if it wasn't for my economics midterm;

i would never have bothered to listen to Josh Earls and his infamous 9/4/11 predication of future economic crisis. (clearly based on his wealth of economic knowledge from EC 140)

if it wasn't for daily lab readings;

i wouldn't be nearly as practiced at writing my signature.

To anyone who has ever learned paper origami, that cool pen-finger-spin trick, Rubic's Cube or Sudoku;

you already know my dear friend procrastination.

but most importantly, if it wasn't for hard work mode;

the things we do wouldn't quite have the same appeal, and we would all just be spending our time aimlessly doing semi-cool stuff.

and at this exact moment writing on this blog is my semi-cool thing. so if reading it is yours because you otherwise should be reading textbooks, writing essays or thinking... cheers to you!

And

Cheers, to procrastination:

The instant gratification of delaying Suck.

Do's and Dont's of Bolivia

Here are a few of the more exciting pictures from my trip. I will also share a short story with each one.
Do: Let the little ones carry you around in return for carrying them around all week.
Do: Become good friends with the bus driver, who not only inspired me to become a world class RV driver, but also stopped at a random sketchy car markets so that I could get awesome accessories for our RV.
Don't: Don't walk through the market with your purse at your side. An old woman will slice it open and root through it before you can even realize what has happened.
Do: Dance with the Bolivians on a Friday night. They know what's good. However, watch out for when they surround you in the middle of the circle, you will be required to show off your dance moves. I didn't know any, and I'm pretty sure I was the focus of their laughter. Nevertheless, good times.
Do: Eat a giant pizza. While this may not be quite as delicious as Twice the Deal or Pico's Pizza, sharing a giant pizza with great friends=great times.
Do or Don't: Get something pierced in Bolivia. This one is really up to you, I mean I think most people would opt for Don't in this situation, but I like to live life on the edge. Who knows how many stories that needle could tell!
Don't: Don't get caught napping while you are supposed to be painting. I mean, this is just common sense. I tried to hide behind the couches but still got caught. My punishment: had to go play tag for 20 minutes, and let me tell you, that is most likely why I needed to take this nap in the first place.
Don't: Don't get too close to the black widows on the bus. I think they are poisonous or something?
Do: Eat the chips that they put out at the gas station to advertise for the Crispy Chips that is attached to the station. They are delicious, fresh-ish and best of all: free.
Do: Let your friends give you a new hair-do. Everyone will laugh at how cool you look, and some may even call you Princess Leia. Isn't it everyone's dream to be a princess?


This will conclude my posts about Bolivia. If you want to hear more, or see some more pictures, feel free to contact me in person. Sadly, I did not get to experience the Cholitas. They are in a different city. However, Tyson did say that if there was a league in Cochabamba, he would take groups there in a heart beat. I guess I will just have to go back someday. After all, it still remains on the bucket list. This trip was a huge blessing. Made some lifelong friends and memories. Best of all, I learned a ton about myself, the way the world works and possibly some things I want for my future.

Our Work Projects

I thought you guys would like to know a little bit more about what I was actually doing in Bolivia so this post is dedicated to showing you some of the things that we actually got done. This is moreso for interest sake rather than humour factor. We actually got a lot done. The first few days were a little frustrating as we were working on Bolivian time. What does this mean? Well, for one, expect everything at least a day late. The wood for the laundry room came 2 days late so we ended up cutting a bunch of grass with this mini electric mower. Picture a months worth of grass during the rainy times. Anyway, once the materials got there, we had a lot of fun drilling into the Brazil nut wood. Rock solid stuff. Many drill bits were lost during the battle. Also, another thing I realized is that people tell you what you want to hear. Not what is realistic. Which I have found is really annoying. Telling me what I want to hear and then not coming through is just doesn't make sense because I would have been fine if you just told me that you would be late. Well that's how it works in Bolivia. Here are some pics.

Carpenters Tom and Jerry with the Architect Manuel, infamous for their 3 hour lunch breaks and broken promises.
Me painting at the girls home. Wow that looks great!
Before we arrived.
What we got done during one week. While it may not look like much to the naked eye, we worked really hard and I'm even surprised we got this done with the number of setbacks and frustrations. Well, shes solid and hopefully will have a roof and paint by the time the second half of our team comes back this Monday.

It was really great giving back to these homes. The kids who live at these places are actually the best. My favourite part of the trip was hanging out with them and just feeling the love. I miss it already.

A Hike

It is most likely not a surprise to many people that I love the outdoors. The first Saturday we were in Bolivia, we had the opportunity to go for a hike in the backyard of the guesthouse we were staying at. AKA, miles and miles and miles of mountain trails. Needless to say, I was loving life. Just being out in the mountains was so refreshing. Green all around, fresh air, the sound of the river flowing and the warm breeze. Just thinking about it makes me want to be back. It was a good hike and I'm glad we did that instead of lounging around in the hammocks all afternoon (also a way I spent lots of time star gazing and such). Anyway, here is a pic of some of the scenery.

After this, we went to the girls home to set up for Carla's birthday party. It was her 15th which is a huge deal in Bolivia. Essentially it is a coming of age ceremony. It was so great for me to see how much of a big deal they made it. In a house of 22 girls, I could see a lot of these parties happening. Still, no expenses were spared. Cakes, food, decorations and a hired DJ with a big ol' sound system. It was super fun just dancing around with all the kids, having a good time. When it was time for the ceremony, her 15 friends each grabbed their dates to get ready for the ceremony. There are 15 couples that are a part of it, each representing one year of her life. Well, turns out, they were short on guys. Also turns out that I am a guy. When they asked me to be a part of the ceremony I could not have felt more special. I had been in the country less than 24 hours and got to be part of this special event. Us Enns' have a way of getting into places were we are usually not supposed to be. Oh, some of you smarter readers may have caught on that there were 15 couples. Yes I did get to have a date. I even got asked out. Not hatin' that. Sarah is a volunteer working with the foundation during her year after high school. She is a cool cat and it was nice to make a new friend who knew the ropes a little bit more than I did. I had a really great first Saturday night in Bolivia, waltzing away. Here is a little pic of the party crew.

Udder: It's whats fer dinner.

There is a Bolivian folk legend that has translated into the ultimate national food dish. Once upon a time, there was a man. This man had some friends. They liked to drink. One Friday night, while the kids were sleeping, he came home with his friends and took over the living room to play some Cotcha (Bolivian Yahtzee). While the poor wife was trying keep the children asleep, she heard her husband yell, "HEY WOMAN, WE ARE HUNGRY, MAKE US SOME FOOD!" In a slight rage, she went to the fridge and threw all sorts of leftovers onto a plate. There was some steak, some fries, a variety of veggies, cheese, chicken, and to spite them, cow udder and intestines. She tossed it in front of them and said, "If you guys are macho enough you will eat this." Well turns out, they absolutely loved it. Not exactly what she was expecting when trying to stick it to this chauvinistic group of drunks.
Anyway, this is a short story depicting how the national dish came about. I had the opportunity to experience it. Rusty (the guy who owned our guesthouse) was in charge of picking the places where we ate. Early in the trip, he took us to eat some Pikay Macho. Let me tell you, it was delicious. Just a mountain of awesome. I am proud to admit that my favourite part was the intestines. Tasted just like bacon, but chewier. On the flip side, I'm pretty sure I ate a little too much of it, and my digestive system wasn't too pleased with me for the following 48hrs. Enough said.

Airport Adventure

Hello my friends. I am sure that many of you may be a little ticked at me considering I did not post one time while I was in Bolivia. First of all- sorry. but more importantly, its Jamie's fault that he doesnt check his emails. ...not even from dear friends in Bolivia. However I am now home and will write a bunch of posts about my time in Bolivia. I will try to write a bunch of stories for you guys. The good part about this is now you get all the pictures.

this first on is: Airport Adventure.
So although I have already spent almost a day here I'm going to start from the beginning. What sort of adventure begins without airport drama? After our team got to the airport, we started to check in. Instant issues. Since we were flying through brazil, we needed visas in order to re check our baggage because we were switching airlines from air Canada to aero sur. It takes 10 days to get a visa. So what did we do? Naturally got into a team huddle and prayed. It did not take us long to see the power of prayer in action as the manager came down and signed some special forms for each of us 11 travellers. We were on our way! The first flight was pretty long but we all slept, or tried to. Our stop in brazil was for almost 6 hours which was a nuisance. We passed the time by playing Euchre, Never Have I Ever and by trying to figure out if that darn woman in front of us at the waiting gate had a shirt on. From where we sat it appeared that she didn't, and we weren't sure about cultural norms in Brazil. It was pretty hot, so I decided I maybe wanted to take me shirt off but right before I acted on my thoughts she stood up which revealed she was wearing some tube top thing. Anyway, the next few flights were shorter but we were super tired by the end. Oh, quickly. Food on the plane was pretty good. Dinner was a nice pasta but breakfast was another story. One attendant was saying hot cereal and after I said sure! ( better than airplane eggs) another attendant said what I got was called bread pudding. Anyway, I just ended up calling it moist mystery mush and choked it down. Then on the next plane I ate what I called a mystery meat sandwhich. Some called it roast beef but last time I checked I don't know of a meat that has a grey hue. Anyway we hopped off in Cochabamba and the air was cool. We were greeted by Tyson and Carolina. These are the folks that are taking us around for the week. Honestly, coolest. Couple. Ever. I will prob talk about them a lot and just so you can get a visual, picture tall, lip ring, mphwak and glasses with a wife who has dreads. Fabulous dreads. I'm stoked to get to know them. We then took the midnight ride to our guest home(after 24 hours of travel) and let me tell you. Unreal location. Right at the base of the mountains. Food on the table. Smiles all around. Life is good and we will be well taken care of. Today we visited the homes we will be working at butthats for another post.

Till next time- jeremy

Mystery Mush

Public display of Nudity?

The Bolivian Cholitas

Well dear friends, today I leave for Bolivia! At about 22:00 I will be taking off from Pearson International on my way to Cochabamba, Bolivia. As I'm sure you can all assume, I am pretty stoked. I have been excited for new experiences, new friends and a new view on life (it's tough to come back from trips like this the same person). Another thing I have been more recently excited for, is something that my dad found while flipping through the pages of an old National Geographic.

Yes. What you are looking at is real life. This is a superb candid from a Bolivian Underground Womens Wrestling League. The women who wrestle in this league are called Cholitas. After some research on the National Geographic website, I quickly learned that these women do not mess around. Let me quote the article...

"Watch out!" the entire audience shrieks. Yolanda has been celebrating her victory, but Claudina, as proof of her evil nature, is about to lunge at her from behind. Yolanda spins too late; Claudina knocks her flat and clambers like a crazy person onto the ropes. "I'm the prettiest!" she yells at the audience. "You're all ugly! I'm the one the gringos have come to see!"

Now that is what I call entertainment! Well let me tell you Claudina, I have just added something to my bucket list. I am the gringo that is coming to see you. Hopefully I can find one of these wrestling rings on a Friday night. Who knows? Perhaps the people that I will be staying with know where I can find these people. All I know is that I want to be there. I want to be one of the cheering fans. This isn't any fake WWE stuff, this is womens Bolivian wrestling at it's finest and I want to experience it first hand. Next time you guys hear from me, it will be from the mountains of Bolivia!
P.S. I would be too down to find an outdoor practice ring and meet some of the local wrestling celebrities. Wish me luck.

Other Stud: Found a Valentine.

Previously Jeremy wrote about his endeavors to find his true love on a day like today. (see: One Stud Lookin' for a Valentine) And not in anyway am I intending to crush his dreams or make him feel any more hopeless in his quest. However, in response to Jeremy's post regarding valentines day: Even I have found a valentine.

There is someone I've been wanting to introduce to you all for a while now; and finally, the time is perfect. Meet Bozena (pronounced: Bo-jena)

Weve been friends for some time now, I met her at the Pasta station in the Dinning Hall, where she works every monday to friday, from 11-7. it started off really quite casual, i'd say hi and ask her how she is doing as she'd make my lunch everyday. Eventually we became acquaintances and she'd sneak me double scoops of chicken or bacon in my pasta... and you can obviously understand how that escalated our relationship.

Recently, she left for 3 weeks to visit family and Poland, and I cant even explain to you how difficult it was on me. my food lost all its taste, i stopped going to classes, i barely even got out of bed. But, shes back now and were back to our old ways. over the months, I've developed some nicknames for my girl Bozena, I like to call her Bo-geegee or Bonanza. I used to call her Bon Jovi, but she hated that so i agreed to stop even though that was one of my favourites. We've have some good times, me and Bozena. Usually when i see her i say "Hi how are you...Make me a Pasta Woman! on-lookers are always shocked by my rudeness but we just laugh because we know the special bond we have. (one time her co-worker, so shocked at my offensiveness, even tried to kick me out of line, untill Bozena had to intervene and explain the joke infront of everyone)

she's a real joker too. one time she told me they were eliminating the Pasta bar from the menu. - Shocked and enraged I asked her why in the world they would get rid of my favourite meal station!? she told me they were switching to only selling popsicles... and with her thick polish accent and innocent smile. it was some time untill i realized she was pulling my leg. we still laugh about that one... Even when im not getting pasta, i like to stop by and say hi to Bo-geegee. And one time when i had gotten a salad instead, she asked me why i did. i told her i just wanted a change. she shook her head, told me i made the wrong choice. when i asked her why, she said one word: cockroaches. and walked away.

it's a good thing we have. i see her every monday to friday - so she know's i committed. and She's a fantastic cook, and she knows that important to me. so if your even in the Laurier dining hall, and you happen to see my lady. be nice, say hi. and make her day.

maybe even drop my name and you may find yourself with some extra cheese on your pasta.

One Stud Lookin' for a Valentine

Ok ladies. I know you all know what day is coming up on Monday. So for you males who are totally oblivious to the upcoming holiday, get it together. There are nice young ladies looking to be wooed. Yes my friends: Valentines Day is fast approaching. While I am not usually one to get crazy involved in meaningless events held by society to create revenue on useless occasions during the off season, this year is going to be different. I am tired of waiting eagerly for the 14th to arrive just to have my dreams crushed and my heart broken. This year I am posting, on this blog, a personal profile, pictures included, so all of you ladies can take a look-see and maybe have the best Valentines day of your 17-24 year long life.

Name: Jeremy Enns
Age: 19.5
Height: 6 Feet Tall
Body Type: Slender
Favourite TV Shows: Greys Anatomy, The Hills
Favourite thing to do: Long walks on the beach obviously.
Special Skills: Can put hair into a bigger pony tail than most girls.

Ladies. Take a look at the picture. Now back to the text. Is this the kind of man you are looking for? Cause he can be your Valentine. Do you like a man who is smart? Look at those glasses. They scream "I like to study!" Do you like a man who knows how to work hard? Look at those work boots. That is real dirt you are gazing upon. Those bad boys aren't for style. They are for real. Now that you know this is someone who can bring home the bacon, what happens when he does come home? Is that a plate of freshly baked cookies? Yes. Obviously made just for you. Not only that, but how about a personal drum solo to the Phil Collins song In The Air Tonight. No doubt. All of this and we haven't even addressed his attire. Laurier shorts translates to someone who is highly athletic. Tuxedo t-shirt: do I need to post the urban dictionary definition?

Definition to urban culture : Typically a black t-shirt with a white tuxedo printed on the front, giving the illusion that the person is wearing a tuxedo.
They are usually awesome.

"Is that guy wearing a tuxedo t-shirt?"
"Yeah. He's probably awesome."

I couldn't have said that better myself. So that is pretty much everything you need to know about your Valentine for this year. I guess I will just wait for the phone to ring now, should be flyin' off the hook any second... Oh just one more thing. On Monday the 14th I have to be on duty in my residence seeing as I am a don and all. So just expect a quiet night in, and uh, maybe I will have to leave for extended periods of time to deal with student issues and keep the building in order. But you obviously just read my online profile, so you wont mind... right? Just leave a comment, on this blog, with your name and number and I will be sure to get back to you within 24 hours. Love you! (too soon? Ok, I guess I just like you a lot.)

oh no mojo.

During my exam today, i was feeling real good. I had my Mojo going, pay off for the week of studying and im whippin out answers. Half way through Laura Allan (121 proff) walked in to my exam room and we made eye contact. I was feelin so good I guess I winked at her. she winked back. before i even realized what i had done, she was already out the door. walking away. Probably asking herself why she just shot a wink back to a first year...writing an exam....that she wrote.

either way. confidence boost.

i think i did well on my exam.

Sieze, Hold and Embrace Success

not since rhyming roses with violets can I remember writting a poem. Nor do i think ive ever even cared the slightest to do so. But recently i felt inspired.

If you know me well, or if you've ever even just had that slightest conversation with me, I'll admit, I probably tried to convince you that I am going to be successful. Yesterday I was chatting with Murray, Leah and Wendy about the topic. Which cause me to Just now, daydream about it. And I had some thoughts. About how to define it, and how its completely different to everybody. How to achieve it? so then i started to write.

Embrace Success

Purpose, ambition and success are all cut from the same cloth.

It’s a rag that cleans the dirt of hard work; and wipes the sweat off your brow.

Its free, but priceless. It’s nothing spectacular, but very special.

At one point or another in everybody's lifetime you’re given the chance to feel it.

So Seize it.

Sometimes it fits like a glove. But usually it’s baggy, goofy, and doesn’t quite fit.

RELAX. you’ll grow into it.

It was after all, made for you. And you for it.

So when it feels like a blindfold, trust in it. Trust in yourself.

Its intangible, but you'll know when you feel it

So Hold it.

Eventually it will fit you perfectly, and that’s when you will realize;

This success that appeared to be given to you

Was actually constructed by you.

You were given the ability. Just Live it the same way He did;

Purposefully, ambitiously and successfully.

So embrace it.

Because it's how you embrace it that determines everything.

not the usual funny random stories we often write about on our blog. but i finished this poem, and thought i'd share. enjoy success.

Cheers, Jamie.