Off topic: Pay it Forward

No, not that.

This blog post is about real life. This afternoon I was on my way to school and I made a quick stop at the Tim Hortons on Henderson Highway. I ordered my usual, large double-double and got my toonie ready to pay. When I got to the window and offered my toonie to the cashier she shook her head and waved her hand in front of her chest.

"No, no - it's ok", she said.

I looked at her, thoroughly confused.

"No, I ordered a large double-double", I said.

She smiled.

"That woman pay for you", she replied, as she pointed at a blue SUV that was just pulling away from the drive-thru.

Needless to say, I couldn't help but smile. What a nice thing to do. CBC Radio had a feature story a few months ago about people in Winnipeg 'Paying it Forward'. I hadn't really given it a second thought - until now.

I fully intend to 'Pay it Forward' the very next opportunity I get. I challenge you to do the same.

Trip to Minneapolis!

Over reading week, my girlfriend and I had an awesome time in Minneapolis. We stayed at The Millennium Hotel and Suites on Nicollet Mall, which was very nice. The second night we were there Liza made the mistake of ordering a cosmo, which came to around $12, while my beer was a meager $6.50. After that, we decided to employ some creativity.

We checked out the Mall of America, but both agreed that one day was enough. I talked to a nice lady from ChildFund International who told me I should become a sponsor. When she saw my hesitation, she asked what was stopping me. When I told her books and tuition, car insurance, rent, rising gas prices... she didn't bat an eye. When I told her I was from Canada she said I couldn't do it anyway because they only accepted Americans.

Badass.

Leggo Land was pretty cool. We even checked out the Minneapolis Institute of the Arts, which was awesome - though pictures were obviously frowned upon. Liza was really glad I was there to help her pick out new boots, though.

Alas, all good things must come to an end. After driving the entire way, Liza felt bad and wanted to drive. I begrudgingly accepted, hoping to get some sleep (and I felt terrible after drinking three energy drinks and eating beef jerky, chips, and chocolate). It was snowing a little bit, but I wasn't worried as Liza loves to drive cautiously because safety is her utmost concern. I was awoken from a half-sleep by "AARON OH MY GOD!" Liza had to make a turn on an exit ramp was worried about changing lanes. She was very stressed at the time but we had a good laugh after.

Remember first semester?

Going through my camera today, I found a bunch of old pictures from first semester that I never used in my brochure. It's hard to believe Mark Schram used to have hair. Here's a few that I never used.

Charming.

Gorgeous.

teezee

T Pro V

A hairier version of Mark Schram.

Bettina and Priya hard at work.

Joey teaches Tanner to read.

Bri guy.

Tanner pretends he can read.

Priya works it!

Excited for InDesign!

What do I do with my hands?

Two crazy dudes.

Off topic: Matt Williams, you were right.

I'm a big enough man to admit when I'm wrong.

Last night Matt and I were having a civilized discussion about who knew John C. Reilly better. I casually threw it in Matt's face that he hadn't seen Step Brothers and he politely mentioned that if I hadn't seen Dr. Steve Brule, I shouldn't be speaking.

After more beer and delightful, quiet discussion, my gorgeous girlfriend and I departed from Carlos and Murphy's.

We arrived at home and enjoyed some comedy from Steve Carell and the gang from The Office.

I awoke to find a text from Matthew on my phone (or in it, if you think about it).

"Dr. Steve Brule.. youtube"

Short, to the point. I looked it up. Hilarious. Don't believe me? When have I lied to you? Shut up.






You were right Matt, cheers buddy.