Why I Write

BY: CHRISTIAN HOLMES (@HOLMESYWRITES)

Check out my columns on Last Word On Hockey/Last Word On Sports

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." —Dr. Seuss

Why do I write? Well it’s a long story. Let me try to explain.

I’ve always been interested in storytelling. Call me a nerd but I’ve always liked reading. I find how authors use their words to be interesting. I think it’s cool to see someone like Stephen King or George Martin differentiate themselves with their writing styles. You can honestly learn a lot from “book reading”. Being “book learnt” is enlightening. Of course, there’s many ways a person can get “learnt”, and every which way is enlightening. Well maybe not through a crack pipe, but besides that everything is good.

Honestly, it’s freaking interesting to read and learn new things. I always liked to say that you can learn a lot about yourself from others. This is so true when it comes to writing. And when I talk about writing, it’s not just novels or peer reviewed studies. I’m talking about lyrics to songs, poems, blogs, comics and anything where a person can string some words together and make those words mean something.

I’ve always been inspired by writers that can make me laugh. Whether that’s songwriters like Fat Mike from NOFX or Tom DeLonge and Mark Hoppus from Blink 182 (or Mark from Blink 182 and Tom from Angels & Airwaves. Seems like Tom let his love for ETs spread like fire. Somedays I think his head went “To The Stars”). Anyways, I could probably name some authors but right now I’m at a loss for them. The only one I can think of right now is Don Cherry. I’ve read all his books. I’ve probably watched all the Rock ‘Em, Sock ‘Ems. I know with some of his books Ron MacLean helps him put his thoughts into words, but the thing I love about Grapes is that his personality really shines in his writing. I think that is awesome. He’s hard hitting, truth speaking, thought provoking, and downright entertaining! He’s not afraid to go on Coach’s Corner and speak his mind about anything. It takes balls to do what Grapes has been doing on Coach’s Corner for years! Like being an advocate for fighting in a society that is ruled by soccer moms that always ask to speak to your manager over a little technical error, and PC Principals that run off to their safe spaces when they get into a disagreement about the importance of Christopher Columbus in the world's history. The things Grapes says can get him in a lot of hot water with fans, the media, and at times, even his bosses. But he keeps talking and saying what needs to be said. And let me tell ya, that’s why many of us Canadians, like myself, love Grapes! He’s inspiring. In my opinion, yes he’s screwed up in the past saying things, but regardless, Grapes is a true class act and I think we should all aspire to be a little like him.

That’s why back when I was a little guy and people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I always use to say, “Whatever Don Cherry is. That’s what I want to be!” I know it sounds cliche, but let me tell you something… it’s not just true… ITS DAMN TRUE that I wanted to be like him! I always wanted to build myself up to the point where I could say whatever the hell I wanted to say, how I wanted to say it, without having to think twice, and by doing so, building an audience that will listen to it. I wanted to have a voice that didn’t blend in with the crowd. I wanted to have a voice that stood out from the crowd. I didn’t want to turn into another Joe Blow that gets his kicks from staying up all night writing songs about the people that he thinks are gay. I couldn’t stand to be that guy. I wanted to be one of the quiet guys that when he does speak, people listen.

For the most part, over the years, I think that has helped form my writing style. I try to keep things “real”. Breaking the fourth wall is one of my specialties. I find more and more, when I read my blogs, that they sound more like me cutting a bomb ass wrestling promo more than me just writing. And I take pride in that, because if the people that read my work can find a way to invest themselves into what I’m writing about on that given day, I did my job right. My job is to entertain. My job is to be thought provoking. My job is to be the silver lining in this thing we call “life”. If that means scrambling some words together to make my readers laugh or to make my readers smile, so be it. After all, I think my writing persona is a lot like conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. Okay, well I’m not fear mongering, but I do see my writing as being animated, straight shooting, funny, outrageous, and thought provoking. Although, I’m not screaming, “THE FRIGGIN’ GOVERNMENT IS PUTTING CHEMICALS IN THE WATER TO TURN THE FREAKING FROGS GAY!” I don’t use phrases like “I’m telling you folks”, but I do like to rant and I do think I can do a great job at it. And if ya rant well, in the entertainment business that equals money, laughs, and smiles! All in a day’s work, right? Besides, it’s never too early to spout, “What’s the story morning glory?” Because, after all, everybody wants to spend another sunny afternoon walking to the sounds of their favourite tunes. So, I thought, “Hey why can’t I be the voice of everybody’s favourite news?”

That’s why I’m going to school to become a journalist. And maybe with a little luck, one day become a motivational speaker. Over the past few years, I’ve learned that good writing doesn’t just come from a sound mind that knows how to work their way around a keyboard. It comes from experience. Talking to people. Being put into new situations. Learning more about yourself. Learning more about the world. You have to look outside of your realm of consciousness and breathe in the air of obscurity and the unknown. That is how you become a better writer. Quite frankly, that is one of the main reasons why I write. You never know what’s waiting out beyond your door, because the world is meant to be a place for you to explore. Put it this way, if you already think you’re in Heaven, why not live it up a little? Mingle with the angels. Make a new friend. Sport a new trend. Offend a loose end.

So why do I write? I write because I love to. I write to make people’s days better. I write because it’s my gig. I write, because maybe, if writing can help me out in my journey of self-discovery maybe it can help somebody out in theirs. I write because Fuq Boi Fashions can only support so many people. I write because it’s my passion, and it’s something that I plan to dedicate my life to. Life is too short to last long, so why not spend it doing what I love? Why not make people laugh, smile, and feel entertained? After all, no matter what, life's a lesson, why wait to learn it when I'm through?

Chasing Out The Darkness - An Important Talk About Mental Health

BY: CHRISTIAN HOLMES (@HOLMESYWRITES)

“If they say

Who cares if one more light goes out?

In a sky of a million stars

It flickers, flickers

Who cares when someone's time runs out?

If a moment is all we are

We're quicker, quicker

Who cares if one more light goes out?

Well, I do." 

One More Light by Linkin Park 

On Friday, October 27, 2017, at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California, Linkin Park - along with a string of ‘friends’ featuring Blink 182, Deryck Whibley from Sum 41, Matt Shadows from Avenged Sevenfold, and many more - paid tribute to the late and great lead singer of Linkin Park, Chester Bennington. The concert was held to cover Bennington’s songs and raise awareness for mental health.

Throughout the show, Chester’s bandmate and close friend, Mike Shinoda, told stories about Chester and constantly reminded the audience that Chester would have loved what they were doing by putting on a tribute concert in memory of him and gathering the greatest musicians that music has to offer to celebrate Bennington’s life would truly #MakeChesterProud. That hashtag, along with the #FuckDepression, was trending on Twitter throughout the night.

The concert itself was raw, emotional, heartwarming, and heartbreaking. In other aspects, it was beautiful. A great example of that would be when the band put out a microphone stand and started playing “Numb”. The crowd at the Hollywood Bowl all joined in to sing the hit song. It was one of those moments where a person’s race, sexual orientation, creed and all the other things that can separate a person from another, was put on the back burner and for a moment in time, everyone could join together in a common cause, and pay homage to their hero, in many cases, their inspiration to keep on keeping on in this thing we call ‘life’, Chester Bennington.

It is abundantly clear that Chester had a major influence on many of the musicians performing on that very stage. It was uttered throughout the show, on stage, and on social media, that Chester will be missed. It’s hard to deny otherwise. Chester was a true class act. He was somebody that preached unity and gave desperate people a reason to keep trying. Not to give up. Even when life throws you curveballs.

If you are not in the know of what happened to Bennington… On July 20, 2017, Chester Bennington tragically took his own life. Bennington has had a troubled past with addictions to drugs and alcohol. Not to mention, Bennington suffered from depression. Two months before Chester ended his own life, in May his close friend, Chris Cornell, best known for being the lead singer of Soundgarden, Audioslave, and Temple of The Dog, tragically took his own life. Leaving many people shocked and speechless. Much like when Chester passed.

…

I know what you’re thinking, “Oh it’s just another sad rockstar that took his own life.” You see, that very thought is the biggest problem with suicide in our society. I know not everyone thinks that way, but for the vast majority of people that have not been to suicide awareness rallies or that have not been educated about mental health problems, it’s their exact thoughts. The biggest problem with saying “Oh it’s just another sad rockstar that took his own life”, is that not only does it further stigmatize the topic of mental health, but it also makes it so people that aren’t rock stars and just average joes hard to get help with the mental health problems they may be suffering from. It’s hard for someone to come out in today’s society and say that they’re suffering from depression or anxiety or bipolar disorder or suicidal thoughts because if they do, they are afraid of being viewed as weak or mentally unfit. They’re afraid that people will just look at them and prematurely judge them. By saying that, people with mental health problems think that they’re alone.

And it doesn’t help that today’s media, in my opinion, seems to glamorize suicide. It’s sad that for people who are suffering from mental health problems and are contemplating taking their own life, that they can turn on the TV or read something on the internet that glamorizes suicide. That says to them, “Hey, people will understand. Your pain will be gone,” because for realists, like myself, we know that the pain will only be transferred onto the loved ones of the victim.

For anyone that is suffering and thinking about taking their own lives or someone who has contemplated that in the past, look at the media reporting on suicide from this perspective. For the press corps, when a person kills themselves, it’s catchy and it’s trendy to say something like, “The deceased felt like this was the only way out. It was the only way they could escape their problems.” It’s easier for the reader to sympathize and it draws the person more emotionally into the story. It sells paper, gets reads, and get views. Lately, as suicide and mental health awareness campaigns have gained traction and more people have been getting educated on these problems, the less and less you see of these stories. Which don’t get me wrong, that’s good, because more publications are encouraging people to get help and saying that they are not alone. That is all great and in the long run, it’ll go a long way in demystifying mental health issues, but the problem that remains is that many people still feel, because of society’s past messages on mental health problems, that suicide is the only way out. When, in reality, it isn’t.

Think about it this way. If you make the choice to escape your problems, to free yourself of your burdens - you may be freeing yourself of these problems, but you’re just passing the burden onto someone else. You’re passing it onto the people that care for and love you. Whether it’s  your friends, family, co-workers, peers or acquaintances. That’s why, in my opinion, you owe it not only to yourself but to all the people that care about you and love you, to get help with whatever problems you are facing. I can understand that it is hard to speak about these problems. That it’s hard to come out and say that you’re suffering these problems. I get that but remember that talking about your mental health problems is the best way to relieve them. That is the first step to getting help is opening up to someone, whoever that may be.

If you’re afraid of people viewing you as being weak or unstable because you came out and asked for help, look at it this way: if I broke my arm playing football, what would my first reaction be? Probably to get help, because duh I broke my freaking arm. Would people view me as being weak for asking for help and getting treatment for my broken arm? Hell no, because it’s just common sense that if you break a bone, you go to the hospital and put your Ontario health card to use. If you tried to neglect your broken arm and not go to the hospital, what would your family and friends be doing? They’d be saying, “Bro, what the heck are you waiting for? Get your ass to the hospital!” They wouldn’t stigmatize your injury. And this is the way we have to start treating mental health. We have to create an environment where somebody can come out and talk about their mental health like they talk about their physical health. Until that day comes people will still keep these things to themselves and suffer alone. Which is sad because no one should ever, I say this sincerely, ever have to suffer alone. In a way, we’re all in this together.

I think the biggest thing people who are suffering should know is that they are not alone. There are many resources available to them. Suicide is not the answer. It sucks that many people have ended their lives because they thought that it was, but I think we owe it to those people that are one step from the edge, to show them that we’re there for them and that there are plenty of people who are there to talk to them. They shouldn’t have to suffer alone, nor should they have to project this idea to themselves that they are weak because they suffer from these issues. I think a good way to look at it is you are #SickNotWeak.

Speaking of #SickNotWeak, it is a great resource for people who are suffering. They have people that you can talk to for free on their website, and they are there for you 24/7. It was started by for host of Off The Record on TSN, Michael Landsberg, who suffers from depression. By no means is this a medical institution, but it’s a great resource nonetheless. If you are suffering please check this website out.

To conclude, for the people who are not suffering from any mental health problems, but want to end the stigma to mental health. Just don’t stigmatize it. Make yourself available to the ones that need help. Let them know that they are not alone. Go to the mental health rallies. Raise awareness. Be the bringer of change. For those who are suffering, get help. Talk to someone. Do not suffer alone. You are not weak because you are suffering. You are strong because it takes strength to get help. It takes strength to keep fighting the fight. But in the end, it worth the while to stay the course and fight the fight because life is truly beautiful. Life is worth living. Don’t ever think differently.

Why Georges "Rush" St-Pierre is The G.O.A.T.

BY: CHRISTIAN HOLMES (@HOLMESYWRITES)

Check out my columns on Last Word On Hockey/Last Word On Sports

GSP's post fight interview with Joe Rogan, after he beat Michael Bisping for the Middleweight title during the main event of the evening at UFC 217

“The road to athletic greatness is not marked by perfection, but by the ability to constantly overcome adversity and failure.” - Nike

What does it mean to be the greatest? Does it mean that one has to be the biggest, fastest, and strongest person in their respective sport? Does it mean that an athlete has to have all the best stats, beat all the unbeatable records, and remain in their prime physique forever? ‘Actions speak louder than words’, they say. In the sporting industry, actions do not necessarily speak louder than words. With the emergence of the use of analytics in many of the major sports today, a player or an athlete doesn’t have to be perfect, but as long as the athlete can do the little things right and can slightly distinguish themselves from the rest of the pack, the athlete will make themselves valuable to their employers. It’s very seldom is sports today that you see a “complete player or athlete” that can do it all, and then do some more. That’s what makes players and athletes like Sidney Crosby, Bryce Harper, and Mike Trout, (as much as I hate to say it) Tom Brady, LeBron James, Usain Bolt, and Lionel Messi, so special. They do not only excel at their sport, but they’re the best players in their sport today. They’re the players that every kid watching them play wants to be like. They’re the ones the bring intrigue to their respective sports. They make names for themselves. Maybe they’re not the greatest of all time just yet, but they’re sure as hell on track to sporting the label.

If one takes the time to look at the legends of the sports they love, that person will notice that the “GOATs” of those sports all share three common traits: heart, determination, and resiliency. Wayne Gretzky was not the biggest guy on the ice, but he played with heart and determination. If the opponent gave Gretzky an opportunity to set someone up or score a goal, he sure as hell did it. Look at Wayne now, “Gretz” is considered by many to be the best hockey player to ever lace up the skates. Skill can only get a player so far. Heart, determination, and resiliency are what it truly takes for a player to reach the pinnacle of their sport. That’s what it takes for a player to be put on the Mount Rushmore of the greatest of all-time. Bring in Canadian mixed martial artist and two-time UFC Welterweight Champion and current UFC Middleweight Champion, Georges “Rush” St. Pierre.

The sport of mixed martial arts has seen many great fighters take the rails over the years. MMA has many legends and heroes like Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell, Fedor Emelianenko, Royce Gracie, Wanderlei Silva, Anderson Silva, Dan Henderson, Matt Hughes and even the loveable and confident fighting Irishman Conor ‘fooking’ McGregor, just to name a few. Since, in the grand scheme of things, MMA is relatively a younger sport, one of the fastest growing sports in the world, the sport doesn’t have many true GOATs, at least that’s up until now.

In my honest and somewhat humble opinion, after Georges ‘Rush’ St. Pierre’s UFC Middleweight title-winning submission victory over Michael Bisping at UFC 217 in Madison Square Garden, GSP solidified his spot as the greatest mixed martial artist of all-time. No questions asked.

St. Pierre has a resumé that little to no one can touch. GSP has beaten some of the best welterweights of all time. Get this, not only did Georges St. Pierre beat greats like “The Prodigy” BJ Penn, Matt Hughes, and Carlos Condit, he has also beaten the lights of Nick Diaz, Johny Hendricks, and Josh Koscheck. That’s an impressive resumé. Not to mention, GSP successfully defended his welterweight title nine times before taking a four-year hiatus from the sport to rest and train. What did GSP do when he got back into the sport? He moved up to the 185ib Middleweight division and beat Michael Bisping for the Middleweight title. All in a day’s work.

And, yes, GSP’s record is 26-2. That means he lost twice. Those losses coming to Matt Hughes at UFC 50 and Matt Serra at UFC 69. The first time GSP lost was to Matt Hughes. At the time, GSP was an up and coming fighter. Matt Hughes was somewhat of a gritty and successful veteran at that time. No excuses, Matt Hughes simply beat GSP. Hughes was the better fighter. Now most fighters after suffering their first loss of their career would lower their expectations for what’s to come in the future. They get brought back down to Earth. They know they’re not invincible and they fight like that for the rest of their career. Not GSP. He trained hard, he went the extra mile, won a couple fights, and got another crack at Matt Hughes. What does GSP do? He beats Matt Hughes and becomes the new Undisputed UFC Welterweight Champion of the World.

When Welterweight Champion GSP got knocked out by Matt Serra at UFC 69 for his second career loss, which was considered to be the biggest upset in MMA history, what did Georges do after the loss? No, he didn’t go off into isolation and give himself pitty. He went back to the gym and trained. He focused on his weaknesses and he improved himself to the point where he earned himself another title shot. When he got another shot at Matt Serra at UFC 83, he proved that his loss was a kick in the fanny pack, knocked out Serra in the second round, and he went on to successfully defend his title nine consecutive times.

The thing that makes GSP so great is his outstanding heart, determination, and resiliency. Georges won’t go into press conferences saying that he’s going to do this and do that, he always said that he was going to let his talking be done in the octagon. Yeah, as Michael Bisping said in the buildup leading up to UFC 217, GSP is predictable; left jab, right jab, and then a takedown, but what makes GSP a true GOAT is the fact that his opponents know what’s coming for them, but they can’t stop it, because GSP’s skill and technique is that damn great. It’s just like the pitcher Walter “The Big Train” Johnson’s fastball, the hitter knew when the count was 3-2 that the fastball was coming middle in, yet there was nothing they could do to hit it, because “The Big Train’s” fastball was that damn good. Simply put, simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.

Everyone likes to talk about what Georges has done in the sport and the impact he has had on the sport, but no one really seems to take about his cultural significance. Georges brought a whole new demographic to come and watch the sport. He put Canadian MMA on the map. Georges St. Pierre is hands down by far the biggest reason why Canada is one of the UFC’s most profitable markets. And that is proven when UFC 217’s pay-per-view buys topped one of the biggest pay-per-view events in all of combat sports history, that being Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor. That stat alone proves how important GSP is in the Canadian market. Not only has Georges influenced many Canadians to watch the sport, he also influenced many past, present, and future Canadian mixed martial artists to partake in the sport. Who can only do that? The GOAT, the greatest of all-time!

Who is the GOAT? Who is the greatest mixed martial artist of all-time? There’s only one answer and that answer is .. GEORGES “RUSH” ST. PIERRE!

A Silver-Lining To The Ontario College Strike

BY: CHRISTIAN HOLMES (@HolmesyWrites)

Tick tock. Tick tock. The shit clock is ticking! 

As you may already know (if you don’t live under a rock and don’t know who Kurt Cobain is), all colleges in Ontario will be going on strike as of Monday, October 16, if a deal is not reached by 11:59pm on Sunday, October 15. That means all classes will NOT be operating and faculty will begin marching in the beloved picket lines. Leaving many students, like myself, shit out of luck for class instruction. Of course, this strike may not even happen, but I wouldn’t be that optimistic about believing that. Both sides are far apart and from what I’ve been gathering, the two sides are not talking at the moment. So, to be blunt, don’t expect to be at school this week unless you’re planning on blasting Rage Against The Machine’s Take The Power Back and protesting the faculty strike.

So what’s the point of this post, you may ask? Good question! The point of this post is to find a silver-lining in this shit storm of a situation.

I know what you’re thinking… “Lard blue thunder jumping b’jesus b’y, this is absolute horseshit being served to us on a tin plater! They already make six figures a year! Why in the hell do they need to strike to get more money? Like a strike? C’mon man, really? It makes no sense! Stay together for the children! ” Believe me, I’m thinking the same way as most of you are. As the Newfie saying goes, “It sucks the big kaboonas!” I'm not thrilled that this strike is happening, especially in my first year, but it is what it is. What can you do? It’s the way she goes! Sometimes she goes. Sometimes she doesn’t. It’s the fucking way she goes! It’s out of my circle of control. So I just got to live with it. In a way, we all do.

Let’s be real, no matter how much we whine, cry, and bitch, nothing is going to change. Both sides are worried about that five letter word that keeps the read hot girls dancing on through the night, money. The union could care less about how this strike affects us, students, because at the of the day, most of us NEED this education, so it’s not like we’re going to leave and go elsewhere. Where else can we go? These colleges got the monopoly on post-secondary education. We can make petitions asking to get our money back and protest the strike, but why stress over something we can’t control as students? I doubt the colleges will actually give us back $30 a day per each day the strike lingers on. It would be nice, but I doubt it’ll actually happen.

Is it true that it’s hard to find a sunset in the eye of a storm? No! Really, it isn’t. Don’t get me wrong, this strike sucks for the students that are buried in debt to the point where they can’t cast a shadow. This strike sucks for everyone. All parties involved, But we, as students, still have a lot to be thankful for in our lives. And that’s a fact, Jack! A cliche as it sounds, the truth couldn’t be clearer.

For starters, we’re freaking lucky to live in a first world country like Canada where education is actually encouraged. There are some children in third world countries that are slaves to factory owners for most of their lives. They never get to go to school. We’re lucky we actually can attain an education. We’re lucky to live in a country where we don’t have to worry about rebels invading our cities. We’re lucky to live in a country where ninety percent of its citizens don’t have to worry where their next meal is coming from. We’re lucky to live in a country where we can practice free speech. We’re lucky to live in a country where we can practice our religious beliefs freely. We’re lucky to be in a situation where we don’t have to worry about what our government is going to do next to depopulate us. We’re lucky to live in a country that celebrates our differences rather than punishes them.  

You see, we got a lot to be happy about. Yes, we all have our own individual struggles. We all have things that bring us down, but we also have things that bring us up. Everyone has something to be happy for. Everyone has something to latch onto, even if they think they don’t. The fact that we can wake up with a roof over our heads, have food on the table, and drink clean drinking water, is a blessing all in its own.

Over the past few days, I’ve have had some time to have a little self-reflection. Over the past month or so, I have had the opportunity to meet a lot of new people and learn about their backgrounds. Let me say some are better than others. Some had a good life. Some had a bad life. I find most stories of people overcoming their bad backgrounds to get to where they are today to be truly inspiring. The reason why I say that is because sometimes I have a habit of dwelling on all the cons in my life and in my past. In a way, I think we all have this problem. But when I hear of these background stories, I really learn to appreciate how good I have had (and still have) it in my life today.

I have the tendency to complain about this and about that. I complain about my disability and the ‘hardships’ in my life. But then I hear these stories of these kids having trouble growing up in abusive households and living with neglective parents. I hear these stories and think to myself how lucky I really was to come home after a long day of school to see my parents happy that I was home. I was lucky my weeknights consisted of watching sports and hanging out with my friends. Some kids weren’t as lucky. Some kids didn’t get the experience I got. And I think, each day, I learn how lucky I truly am.

So, when we all fret about this strike on Monday, I think instead of fretting, we should start thinking about all the things we have to be thankful for in our lives. That may differ for each person, but the nonetheless, we all have something to be thankful for.

After all, this strike is going to happen whether we like it or not. Of course, it sucks that it’s before mid-terms, but eh, what can you do?

And to be fair, in the end, it’s hard to be mad at the faculty for wanting to get as much money as they can. If we were in the same position, we’d probably do the same thing, and let’s not bullshit ourselves on that. In no way am I saying I agree with the strike, but why be angry over someone trying to do better for themselves?

So to finish this off. I know I may sound like a junkie preaching to the choir. A lot of kids are pissed off about this strike. College isn’t cheap and it’s not fair that us students have to suffer just because our faculty wants more change in their pockets. As easy as it is to get mad and cranky about this situation, I encourage you to take a look on the bright side. We all have lives worth living. We are blessed with so many things that we take for granted each day. So why should we let a strike be the end of the world for us? You gotta love what you got.

Sometimes we have to learn not to look back in anger. Yes, there may be no sanctuary. Maybe there’s no grace as well, but we must learn to look back in awe for all the blessing in our lives.

So Sally can wait. She knows it’s too late as she’s walking on by. Her soul slides away, but don’t look back in anger, but don’t look back in anger… I encourage you to say.

College So Far: Stories From Da Lake

BY: CHRISTIAN HOLMES (@HOLMESYWRITES)

Well friends, it's been awhile. I'm upset at myself for not posting more to this blog in the last month or so. I had a good thing going here! I've more or les have just sat on this bucket of gold. My workload has not really given me the opportunity to keep up with this endeavour. I guess I can't turn tin cans into gold every day? Yeah, yeah, I know… I'm full of myself. Or am I not? That's for you to decide - not me. But as I have quickly learned in the past few weeks… confidence is key! At least, that's what my professors say, and they're journalists working for the top news outlets in the business!

So where do I start? Fuck it, let's start with move-in day. It's only logical, right? Move-in day was more or less a shit show. There was a lot of stuff being moved in and out of my room. Not to mention, it was an early wake up call for my family and I. We literally had to leave at 7:00 am on the Sunday morning after the Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor boxing match. I had a really hard time making it out of my bed. I think I had tea bags. Luckily, I had energy to get stuff going! Getting moved-in wasn't totally hard. It was actually pretty easy. It was mostly because I wasn't doing much work. My parents wanted to make sure things were done ‘right’. After that was all done, it was time for the goodbyes. The goodbyes weren't too hard. They sucked but all parties involved knew I would be coming home sooner rather than later.

After my family left, I went out on the prowl and started mingling with people on my floor. I made a lot of friends doing that. Everyone on my floor seems to be pretty cool. We all have similar interests. So it made things easier for us to connect and build friendships. Then I took a leap of faith and started making friends with people on different floors. The next thing I know, I have 40 some odd new numbers on my phone and countless new friends/followers on social media. That was pretty awesome. I wasn't expecting that. At that moment, I knew I made the right choice by going to college at Humber and moving into residence. The RAs reaffirmed that thought with their positive attitudes and helpfulness. The parties were nice too. The parties were very nice actually. But for the sake of my sanity, I'll keep the partying stories for another day.

Anyways, boy do I have a good story (which ends with a good piece of advice) to tell you all before I get into how my first few weeks of classes went. For specific purposes, I'm not going to mention any names. Anyhow, you know how you always got that one college kid that comes back to his old high school for a couple hours and always ends up saying something like, “There are some pretty crazy women in college,” to his minor niner friends? Well, children, that guy is not lying. I can testify to that. There's always that one chick that seems really nice and innocent and shy, but once you start talking to her more, she starts telling you her life story and how she hates everyone that has a penis, a soul and a life to spare. The next thing ya know, she's talking about her fetishes and how she thinks that The Butterfly Effect is an accurate reflection of her life. But than the next day she wants to go to karaoke and sing a song about a rapper talking about his penis. Gentlemen, that's when you know she be cray cray. At that moment, there are two things you can do: 1) Stop listening to your pecker and distance yourself from her for a few days or 2) go to her house the next day and watch Step Brothers. Choose wisely. Choose very, very wisely. There's only so much crazy you can take. Oh ya, if you go to her house and watch Step Brothers, make sure she is not bi-polar, and hope that the next day you won't have to get a no contact order. That's just a piece of advice. ;)

All joking aside, it never hurts to have a crazy person in your life. Just for the love of all things good, if they display signs that they need help, make sure they seek out that help. You can always lend an ear to them and listen to their problems, but just remember motherfuckers, EVEN DR. PHIL SENDS THEM TO THE PROS! Crazy people can make your life a hell of a lot more interesting! And they can also scare the shit out of you too! I guess if you're constipated, it all works out in the end.

Getting back on track, my first few weeks of classes were awesome! Journalism school (aka j-school) is something else! All my professors work in the field. They know what they're doing! Hell, most of them could be my boss one day! They're all really nice and they're great teachers! The unfortunate thing is that they make ya step outside of your comfort zone. Pretty soon, I'm going to have to interview some very intellectual journalists. That is kind of scary, because it's an interview and it's a whole new ballgame. I sometimes feel that I can't have a conversation worthwhile with them, but fuck it, I'm going to try anyway. I guess another thing about j-school is that there is a lot of work involved. I'm either in class or working. This is the first day that I've actually gotten time to myself to do something I want to do. So I thought I may as well take advantage of it!

To finish this off, I just want to say I'm really enjoying college. I love living by the lake. I love being able to fend for myself. It's a new feeling of independence. I miss home, although I went back for a weekend to watch week one of NFL football on my dad's 65 inch TV. I'm looking forward to my future classes. I love the friends I've made, even the crazy one. I miss everyone at home. I live the fact that my roommate is from Guelph and we know a lot of the same people. That's pretty dope.

Anyways this is where I say goodbye.

Until next time, keep your stick on the ice!

;)

There Is A Light That Never Goes Out - A Goal Worth Setting

BY: CHRISTIAN HOLMES (@HOLMESYWRITES)

College is the time for an adventure. That's why I'm going to queue in The Adventure!

You know what, I guess we're spouse to grow up at some point, right? Going away to college is the first step of that for me. I'm nervous, but I'm freaking excited too! I'll be living on my own for the first time! Who would've thought I would've been in this position sixteen to seventeen years ago? I was spouse to be a vegetable, who could only communicate by sign language. The ‘professionals’ said I wouldn't be able to perform well in a normal school environment. Guess what's up right now, pros? I'm a walking and talking son of a gun, who's going to college! I graduated high school as an honours student. I can ride a bike. I can converse at a high level. How ‘bout that? What are you going to say now? Probably nothing! Want to know why? ‘Cause you got nothing on this real mofo! As one of my favourite mixed martial artists Nate Diaz would say, “That's what's up, motherfuckers”.

I'm not in this position by chance… I'm here, because I had the heart and determination to overcome my disability. I chose not to let my disability define me. I define my disability! Moebius Syndrome is my bitch! And I wouldn't have it any other way! Barriers are made to be broken and that's what I did and that's what I will continue to do! It wasn't easy. I still have some barriers to break, but honestly, don't we all? The fact that I made it this far, to me, is incredible! To me, it's inspiring. It's what keeps me going. If I beat all these odds, why can't I beat more? Why can't I get a college education? Why can't I get a good job that I enjoy doing? Why can't I start up a family? My past motivates my future, if that makes sense? That's why I'm putting my best foot forward and journeying onto the next step in my life! Bring it on college! Let's make some years to remember, and some friendships that last a lifetime!

Obviously, I have mixed emotions about leaving home. I'm happy but I'm sad. I'm nervous but I'm excited. I want to leave, because I want to become more independent and learn more about myself mentally, physically, and spiritually. But I don't want to leave, because wasn't that what high school was for? Than the realization that high school wasn't really for that completely, kicks in. Honestly, I know for a fact I'll be great on my own. Contrary to my own popular beliefs, I will not become anorexic by Christmas. I'll probably be a little bit skinnier, but that will be because I’ll be taking the 150 for a ride on the incline and doing quedo pumps at the gym. I'll have to come out of my shell, but that's alright. Maybe by doing so, I'll meet that significant other. For sure, I'll learn more about myself. I'm honestly looking forward to it all!

But there's a lot of stuff I'm going to miss about being at home. I'm going to miss having my huge sound system that I can blare music on for hours. I'm going to miss watching the games with the old man. I'm going to miss the trails. I'm going to miss sitting out in my backyard playing my guitar. I'm going to miss my friends. I'm going to miss my mom and my dad. Grandparents. Aunts and uncles. Hell, I'll even miss my neighbours. But, I know I'll get to go back to my home life whenever I choose. I'm just a Go-Train ride away from saying, “Surprise, surprise, motherfuckers! THE KING IS BACK!” Credits to my homeboy, Conor McGregor for that GLORIOUS quote.

I have to embrace change, because change is inevitable! So why fight it? After all, isn't change a good thing? Nobody wants to live with their parents their whole life. Good luck trying to find love from a significant other. She or he, would be like, “Ah hell naw, I ain't putting up with yo parents unless they rich or super famous!”

So I had to take some time to myself and say, “This is going to happen, if you like it or not. You're going to college. Yes, you're leaving home for an extended period of time. Yes, life may suck a bit at first, but suck it up buttercup. ‘Cause once you do, you'll be a happy sun of a bitch in no time!” After saying all that to myself, I thought, “Why not set a few goals for the next couple of years? Something to keep ya going b’y?” So that's why I'm setting a couple public goals to make my venture away from home a meaningful one. And my venture back home for the summer all the more meaningful.

My first goal that I have for my first year at Humber, is to start doing some motivational speaking around the campus. I want to get my story out there. I really have no idea how to go about doing such a thing, but I'm going to put my best foot forward. I always loved public speaking, but I never really got an opportunity to do that much in high school. I was ALMOST the valedictorian, but unfortunately I didn't get that honour (I came heartbreakingly close though). I got to read a prayer instead. YAY. But in Humber, I plan to start speaking, some way, some how. Every legend needs his or her start! And that's how I plan to make mine! Plus, it's a way for me to come out of my shelf, start openly talking about my disability, and seeing what people are interested in about me. That’ll make my venture next summer a little bit easier.

So what is my venture for next summer, you may ask? The way I'm seeing things now, it's time for me to go out into the world and start inspiring people with my story! My plan is to start working on a biography/memoir of my life next summer during my four month holiday/break from school.  Hopefully I can manage to get my book published. Maybe even make a bit of money off it (although, that's not why I would be doing it). I hope that this book that I plan to write can inspire people to reach for the stars, and do big things themselves! Maybe, if I'm super duper lucky, I could get Tom DeLonge to write a soundtrack for it, under his band Angels & Airwaves. You can only dream, right? But even if someone like Tie Domi or even Carey Price read it and gave it a shout out, that'd be dope too. That would make writing the book worthwhile. Plus, in a way, I think a lot of people after reading it could gain a new appreciation for life. So, that's basically my plan for next summer. Obviously, I'm going to start doing some research on all my prognoses now. Maybe slap a few interviews down here and there. I think the first step would be finding a devoted editor that could make sure everything is on point. I want people to read my book and think I'm a sophisticated intellectual. I don't want to be viewed as a 21st century digital boy.  Anyways, the goal is to become a published author by 2019.

So what is the total idea for the book? My biggest wish is for the book to be an honest tell-all story about my life from my birth until now. I want to talk about all the relationships I have formed. I want to talk about how important my family was and still is to me. I want to talk about all the hardships I've been through with my disability. I want to talk about all the ups and downs. Most importantly, I want to talk about how I, with the help of many others, rose above it all, and built myself into the man I am today. I want to discuss topics that I don't usually discuss. I just want to lay it all out on the line. I want to take all the information I have learned so far in college, and apply it to write a masterpiece amongst masterpieces. I want to take all the wisdom I have gathered throughout my life and let it bleed out on every page. I want to talk about the things I love. I want to talk about the things that kept me going. I want to talk about the things that make me, me.

There Is A Light That Never Goes Out in me, and that is my will to keep on living and trying to make it big! I always have hope. I never have lost my will to keep on keepin’ on and reaching for the stars. That's why the working title for my book is exactly that - There Is A Light That Never Goes Out

Besides, that I just want to enjoy my time away from home. It's going to be fun. It's going to be a big time of self discovery. Hopefully that doesn't mean that I'll start favouring dreadful EDM music over my current musical preferences. I hope to meet people that don't think it's boring to listen to rock n’ roll and chat about life. I just hope to meet fuckers that are like me. Which I'm sure I will. And if it's not too much to ask, can I please meet that special someone? (Like having girlfriends in high school is great, but let's be honest, most of those relationships are superficial. There's very few high school relationships that are ‘real’. It's more so puppy love and kinky stuff, if ya know what I mean? ;). Nonetheless, I just want to have the time of my life!

So, to finish this off, I just want to say to everybody that may be sad to see me go, that I'll be back sooner than you know it! I am no longer sad that I'm leaving my home. I have just learned to accept it. I'm planning for my future, and I'm finding positive things to keep myself occupied during my time at Humber! I look forward to my time there! I hope to make plenty of friends, kick some ass, go to the Toronto Maple Leafs opening night hockey party at Maple Leafs square, and maintain a high grade average!

To the youngins that are going off to college, like me, for the first time. I hope you guys have the time of your life! I hope you all kick ass doing whatever you choose to do!

Thank you to all the people that have kept me in good spirits over the years. I hope to repay you guys and gals back by making it big, and living my life to the fullest.

May God bless you all!

Peace, I'm out!

Going Away To College

BY: CHRISTIAN HOLMES (@HOLMESYWRITES)

Que in Going Away To College

Okay, I'm going to say this… I'm not an American Pie, but if Stifler's mom phoned, it doesn't mean I wouldn't answer.

Anyways, in less than a week, I take off for Humber College in Toronto! To be honest, I'm a bit nervous about things. Leaving the ness is never an easy thing for a kid like me that has called Fergus my home for my entire eighteen year life. It's crazy to think that I'm going from small town life to rolling in the six in my metaphorical Impala. It's a HUGE change. I'm not complaining or anything, but it's just like, “Oh shit, fam! This shit is actually going to go down”. It's just like Slash getting back with Axl Rose in Guns N’ Roses, I know it was bound to happen, but when it happens, it's hard to believe. I'm going to miss everything being in walking distance. I'm going to miss the trails and all the beautiful sites around Fergus. Hey, at least I'll be close to the Air Canada Centre and Rogers Centre.

To be honest, I'm looking forward to leaving Fergus and making Toronto my home away from home. There's so much to do in Toronto. Obviously, I'm there to study and trust me, studying comes first, but that doesn't mean I can't take in the city. There's sights to see. There's no way I'm living in Toronto and not seeing a Toronto Marlies game. Plus, I guess there's other things to do in Toronto rather than just going to sporting events. As the trendies like to say, “it's going to be lit!”

But then I take a step back and realize how much shit I've been through to make it here. To put myself in a position where college is actually an attainable idea. It's fair to say there were a lot of obstacles to overcome. My health being one of the biggest ones. It's crazy to think after all the time I've missed at school due to multiple illnesses and stuff along those lines that I (A) never failed a year, (B) passed high school as an honours student and © made into college on my first try WITHOUT being rejected acceptance to my program. Like, to me, I'm proud of that. I put a lot of time and effort into making sure that I passed all my classes. That I did what I had to do, although I had to push myself really hard to do a lot of the work because I was in physical agony and pain dealing with my chronic headaches and various other infections. I'm very grateful and lucky to have a great support group to thank for that. I would be screwed without them.

So that's why when I go to college, I really want to maintain my grades, and keep the good work up. Like what motherfucker would slack off in college after being through what I've been through? It wouldn't make sense for me to do something like that. Honestly, I want to do the exact opposite and put the petal to the metal and get that education. I really want to make a great impression and be that guy you want to have in your groups because you know he's going to put out (not in a sexual way). That's what I aspire to do. I want to kick some serious ass and avoid smoking dat grass!

I'm curious to see what the future holds for me at college. I've been told so much good stuff is going to happen throughout college. It's got me excited that's one thing for sure. Obviously, I'm going to have to be way more independent than I'm use to being. I'm not saying I'm a really dependent person now, but I'm always use to having my parents around to assist me when I need help, but now that won't always be the case. And with my disability, that tends to make me a wee bit nervous. I know how to deal with most situations, but there's always that one situation that pops up where I'm like, “What do I do here, mom/dad?” So, I'm going to have to figure that shit out for myself for once. Scary but not too scary. Hell, it's probably more scary for my mom and my dad than it is for me. I know they worry about stuff like that. But eventually my balls gotta drop and I’ve gotta learn to cope with my disability because I know my mom and dad won't always be there to help me out when I need it. Besides, I've always had the tendency to be a go-getter. I guess that's what I got to do now AND FOREVER! Yay, right? I guess only the future will tell!

In all seriousness, I'm looking forward to making new friends and going on new adventures. Apparently, the Lakeshore campus is ‘haunted’, so that'll make for one hell of a ghost walk. I'm really looking forward to making a new club or joining a club. I'm looking forward to getting involved in the school community and putting myself out there. That is one of the things I regret doing in high school is not getting involved as much. So I wish to not do that in college. I want to live life to the fullest before I have to start paying bills and telling my wife to take chill pills! College is a time where you get to enjoy the last bit of your youth before you need to grow up and move out. Gotta make it worthwhile!

To be honest, time is flying by way too fast! I remember graduating elementary school, and that feels like it was yesterday. Now I'm a high school graduate! Where did those four years go? It's almost scary in a way, because it just seems so fast. One moment I'm going to my first Homecoming dance, the next I'm going to my freaking prom. It's amazing to think how fast time is flying. For Pete sakes, I remember standing in the halls in grade nine, and making jokes how I liked my women like my Kool-Aid, sweet and they go down easy. It's like Jesus Christ, where has the time went? The next thing you know, I'll be graduating college and going off into the workforce. Let that sink in for a moment. It gets me so sentimental, and reminds me why I need to live in the moment and stop worrying about the future! My life is passing me by a lot faster then I can anticipate for. God, I sound like a grandparent now. I guess that's why Blink 182 said life's too short to last long?

Obviously, I'm going to miss my home and all the things that I enjoy doing in my castle, but I look forward to becoming the king of Humber and ruling over the peasants, which would be my school work. I know and understand college is going to be a huge change, but I'm looking forward to it! I'm looking forward to becoming more independent and hopefully not becoming anorexic when my meal plan runs out. I'm happy to be where I am. I know I'm super lucky to be in college. I owe it to myself and my family to keep kicking ass and get my education. So one day I can do something special with my life.

I have a feeling that I'm going to be a published author sooner rather than later. Maybe I'll write the story of my life? Or maybe I'll be the next Don Cherry? Who knows? But there's one thing I know for sure, I’M FUCKING PUMPED FOR THE FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS. CONOR MCGREGOR FIGHT! Be sure to check out my MayMac blog! I'll be making a few post in between today and Saturday. My prediction for the fight will be out on Friday!

Anyways, to cap this off, I just want to say a special thank you to all the people that helped me get to this point in my life. Whether it's my mom, my dad, my grandma, or my step dad Paul, I owe a lot to you guys. I owe a lot to my teachers and EAs and the guidance counsellors that worked with me to make sure I had all the tools I needed to succeed. I wouldn't be where I am today without you guys. And I am truly blessed to have you all in my life.

To the ones that read this till the end, thank you and God bless you all. You're the bomb!

Peace, I'm out.