Musings Of A Wop

Dunsky.

2011-06-02T14:43:00.004-07:00

This is my goodbye to everyone on here.

I no longer care to write about what I'm feeling or thinking.

I'm going back to the way it used to be.

I'm going to look out for number 1, and keep my feelings to myself.

I never was good at opening up,

and I gave it a shot for a few years,

and I can say with honesty nothing good has come of it.

As for this blog, I basically never post anymore,

so I'm going to let this slowly die an honourable and dignified death.

Best wishes to all of you out there.

Fuckitol.

2011-05-04T17:25:00.000-07:00

Where?

2011-03-22T16:28:00.000-07:00

Bachelor Meal Time.

2011-03-21T18:53:00.005-07:00

Tonight was one of those rare nights when I was in the mood for something other than garbage food.

So in true bachelor form I took the three first ingredients I saw in the fridge:
1 red onion
1 can of tuna
feta cheese

I sliced up about a quarter of the onion and sauteed it in olive oil until it was just starting to show some browning.
I then sprinkled on a generous dose of garlic powder.

Add in some ground up feta cheese for about 15 seconds,
and then take it off the oven.

Throw it all into a bowl of waiting tuna,
and voila:
Dinner.

And to my surprise it tastes pretty damn good.

.......

If you know, youre single and can live with the easiest route to "food."

Woof.

2011-02-28T18:09:00.004-08:00

Dog?

Dog.

Puppy?

Puppy.

Now?

Now.

Year One.

2011-02-21T07:00:00.004-08:00

I made it.

One year ago today I took the biggest step of my life.

And in this past year I've learned many a thing about myself.

Some good.

Some not.

The one most important thing I learned though:

I can do whatever I set my mind to.

Bring it.

**********

Officially not a single load of laundry fucked up.

Suck it Pat.

Going Nowhere Fast.

2011-02-04T20:30:00.006-08:00

You ever get the feeling that no matter how hard you try,
you're only going backwards?

That no matter how much effort you put into that one step forward,
you go three in the opposite direction?

If so,
we have much to discuss you and I.

It's funny how when you're younger you think,
"Oh I'll have it all figured out by then."

The fucked up thing is,
the further along I get,
the less sure I am about anything I'm doing.

Where does the time go?
When the hell do the blood, sweat and tears result in something tangible?

I'm fucking sick and tired of sacrificing my youth,
for a future that seems less real with each passing day.

For the love of God,
give me something to hold on to.

Ain't No Rest For The Wicked.

2011-02-02T18:56:00.000-08:00

Aint that the truth.

Rearview Mirror.

2011-01-26T17:46:00.003-08:00

Looking back.....

.......

It still hurts.

Plunge.

2011-01-20T18:36:00.003-08:00

Incredible.

Confidence.

Deflating.

Beginning.

Agression.

Assertion.

Blank.

Come Again?

2011-01-06T23:16:00.005-08:00

I'll be blunt:
Does love at first sight exist?
Being a pessimist and skeptic, I'm inclined to say no.

But my heart, AND my brain are telling me yes right now.
And true to form this feeling is being directed at someone who leaves this city in 45 hours.
Go fucking figure.

Being the selfish dick that I am, I don't get this feeling often, if at all.
And yet here it is.
Sending my brain whirling.
My stomach fluttering.
My heart pounding faster.

Sigh.

A New Year. A New Beginning.

2011-01-02T18:11:00.008-08:00

I decided during the week I wanted to hike up to Eaton Lake.
I enlisted the company of my brother Mauro.

We left home at 5:30 this morning,
and started hiking at 8.

For it being Januray 2,
I'm pretty happy to have gotten out into the back country.

While we ultimately didn't reach the lake,
due to deep snow and a sketchy snow covered log "bridge" over a creek,
I still got loads of amazing shots from the area.

It seems I've also discovered a new editing trick.
Hope you all enjoy the shots as I post.

Cheers to a Happy New Year!

Classic.

2010-12-29T19:51:00.003-08:00

What Are We Becoming?

2010-12-24T14:59:00.003-08:00

There is so much about this commercial that pisses me off.
Lets start with her comment of "only $100."
Since when is $100 followed by the word only.
Especially for a pair of jeans?
Are they the world's greatest pair of fucking jeans?
I highly doubt it.

Now let's assume this girl is say, 12 years old.
When I was 12, $10 was a big wad of cash.
$100 was like being a millionaire.
Yet to her, pfffft, $100?
Petty cash.
$100, to me, is still now a large chunk of change, that really needs validation to spend.

The next part is her attitude to wearing a second-hand pair of jeans.
The disgrace, shock and horror of it all!
Imagine, having to wear a perfectly good pair of jeans, with no defects whatsoever, that have been worn by one other person!
Blasphemy I say!!!
I can remember wearing clothes that were worn by no less than 5 of my cousins before they got passed down to me, before being passed on to my brother.
But no, not this girl.
What was her mother thinking when she washed that stain out?
Doesn't she know the economy needs stimulating?

Now I'm fully aware I have aimed this rant at that little girl.
I'm equally aware she's reading a script.
But what does it say when marketers are targeting a young audience with this type of attitude towards consumerism?
What kind of pretentious, greedy and morally corrupt generation are we raising?

It's this kind of shit that really makes me feel sorry for humanity heading forward.

Broken.

2010-12-21T21:34:00.005-08:00

It doesn't matter to me that I'm somewhat drunk as I write this.
It doesn't matter to me that someone might be reading this.

I feel broken.
Like the best of me is lost.
Gone for no one to find.
Embrace.
Love.

Fucking broken.

FB = Fucking Bye!

2010-12-19T10:33:00.005-08:00

My grasp on dates is a little fuzzy,
but I think it has now been 9 days.
I made the decision to deactivate my FB account.

And while, yes, I have gone through the expected withdrawal symptoms
(e.g: wondering whats happening that I dont know about, even though it doesn't concern me),
I am slowly pushing past it.
I find myself actively pursuing social interactions that don't happen in front of a screen.
For the first time in months I went and took photos yesterday,
and am going again today.
Ditto next weekend on Sunday and Monday.

Deleting Facebook may turn out to be one of the smartest decisions I ever made.

Clueless.

2010-12-07T20:08:00.005-08:00

These days are as troubling as any I've experienced.
Work is as stressful as ever, if not more so.
Just when I thought my learning curve was beginning to level out,
new twists and turns, curves and bends are in front of me.

And it's not that I'm afraid of the possibilities and responsibilities that await me.
I've learned I can handle most anything put in front of me.
My drive and determination will see me through even the toughest of spots.

No, what my problem is right now, is trying to figure out exactly what I want.
Do I want to end up like an uncle who has absolutely no life outside of work?
Worse yet, end up with no life and no family of my own?
Fuck no.

Do I want to give up control of something with such astounding potential to generate for the future because I don't want the burden?
Hell no.

So how the hell do I find the middle ground?
For someone who has never been good at balance,
how do I achieve it?
I haven't been out to take pictures in forever.
And it makes me feel ill.
To know that I devote so much time and energy to a job I love,
but that takes away from my ability to lead a truly fulfilled life.

Without my constant attention time and money will be wasted,
and I lose sleep knowing that.
Yet I feel just as physically ill not being able to have any time to myself.

How do I approach the road ahead?
With so many variables,
I simply don't know which way I want to go.
Today can be one way, tomorrow another.

For as great as it is to have so many doors open to you,
it only provides constant mental fatigue.

I was born into a tough family.
I have been forged in the crucible of the construction industry.

Yet even I am starting to crack.

Down To One.

2010-11-02T20:03:00.002-07:00

Far as I'm concerned,

there is only one.

One.

Done And Done.

2010-10-23T15:38:00.004-07:00

With such an appalling track record following me,

I have decided I'm finished.

Most of you

(if anyone is still left here)

will read this, and say I'm being melodramatic.

I assure you this is not the case.

I'm done with dating.

I only seem to cause more hurt and anger than anything else.

So fuck it.

I'm done.

Change Of Scenery.

2010-10-05T18:06:00.003-07:00

In two weeks time it will be exactly one year since I came back from my 1 month hunting sojourn.

In that one year I have not taken any time off work.

None whatsoever.

And I can feel it catching up to me.

All the stress from the job site follows me home.

My ability to leave work at work is cracking.

I need a vacation.

Best Of The Best.

2010-09-19T13:19:00.003-07:00

Apparently this shot here made Explore's "Most Interesting Shots" page.

Not too damn shabby!

Appreciation.

2010-09-08T18:14:00.005-07:00

I work in a cut-throat industry.

It comes with a "what have you done for me lately" approach.

Developers, general contractors, supervisors all abide by this philosophy.

To show appreciation is to lose control and power.

It's a sign of weakness and emotion.

In 7+ years I have only heard the words "thank you" a few times.

And they weren't always genuine.

Today I received a forwarded email from my dad, that came from one of the owners of the general contrator we are working for at the Richmond Automall.

We are building the new Open Road Lexus dealership.

It read:

"Just wanted to let you know that your making us look good out there…..thanks."

A simple message.

But one that comes with such power for me.

I busted my ass, as did my guys, putting that building together on a very very tight schedule.

For an owner to say that means the world to me.

Because it is exceedingly rare to feel appreciated in this business.

And for once I do.

Revival.

2010-09-05T09:11:00.006-07:00

Like the sun setting on a finished day.

It's story long since drawn to a close.

The final chapter read and played out.

The characters voices silenced forever.

The end.

Yet the sun will rise anew.
A story just waiting to be written.

Fogged in, the characters cannot see far ahead.

But the sun is ready to light the pages.

Once upon a time...

Direction.

2010-08-22T10:55:00.004-07:00

I've noticed a lot of people seem to have themes to their blogs lately.
It made me realize mine is no different.
I seem to go on about photography lately.
Which is fitting I suppose.

So this morning I finally made the trip I'd been wanting to make out to Bridal Veil Falls.
I'd seen shots a while back and really wanted to go.
I'm telling you these falls are incredible.
They'll take your breath away, almost literally.
I recommend everyone make the drive out there.
I know it's in Chilliwack, but they're so worth it.

Stay tuned to my Flickr for more.

The Cure.

2010-08-08T17:28:00.004-07:00

I have discovered a hangover cure.

It's better than greasy food (though not more delicious).

I got up this morning after the party we had here last night with a pretty good hangover.

Surprising since I didn't think I was that drunk.

So I got off my ass and went hiking at Buntzen Lake.

And hiked up to Swan Falls.

I knew we were having a dry summer,

but my God the water was damned low!

Either way, the fog and mist gave the shots an awesome mood.

More to come on Flikr.

Beautiful British Columbia.

2010-08-02T08:49:00.003-07:00

Happy British Columbia Day.

The Best Place On Earth.

Quality Over Quantity.

2010-07-25T08:35:00.005-07:00

It seems to be a spreading epidemic.
Infiltrating our daily lives like a virus.
The need to do, have and see more.
We value quantity over quality.
It's rather sad to know this and still fall victim to it.

For the longest time I took this approach to my photography.
More must mean better right?
I couldn't have been more wrong.
It took me almost 2 years to shake the habit.
And now that I have my learning curve is taking off.

Where before I would rush a single shot to move on to the next one,
I now spend 10-15 minutes taking multiple shots of the same scene.
The difference it has made is astounding.
In 2 years I didn't see a single bit of growth.
And now in 4 months the quality of my images has shot straight up.

It's exciting to see this growth.
And it's now starting to spread into my daily life.
Its a very satisfying feeling to say the least.

From now on its all about quality.
Quantity is a thing of the past.

Break Down The Walls.

2010-07-11T08:56:00.006-07:00

Did the Grouse Grind for the first time today.
I rolled into the parking lot at 6:50.
It was packed.
Apparently Chad, I'm not the only fucked-in-the-head person in Vancouver.
Suck it.

Hit the trail at precisely 7:00.
Stopped 3 times for less than 20 seconds up to the 1/4 mark.
From there I didn't stop again until the 3/4 mark.
I kept a pace that had me inhaling and exhaling for 3 seconds at a time.
So a very do-able pace.
Stopped 2 more times from 3/4 to the finish.
7:55 I walked off the trail.

Not bad considering I thought I was way more out of shape than that.
I passed more people than I was passed by.

It's all part of the process of me breaking down the walls that hold me back.

No more waiting for someone or something to find me.

Now I'm going after life.

See The Light?

2010-07-07T17:33:00.007-07:00

It's hell of a world we live in.
Anyone who says otherwise is a liar.
Or just incredibly dumb.

Life comes at you at 100 miles an hour.
And you need to have atleast some ability to make choices.
If you can't, you're lost.

Lost in the dust of the crowd ahead.
Lost in your own failures and broken dreams.
Simply lost.

At some point you need to take a stand.
Choose to believe in who you are, and what you stand for.
And know that no one can take that away from you.

The choice is yours alone.
To do what is right by you.

But you need to decide.

Parting Is Such Shitty Sorrow.

2010-06-22T17:27:00.005-07:00

The last 5 weeks have been great.

The family of 6 had been reunited.

With 1 special new addition.

And today reality has set back in.

Ciao Sabrina.

Ciao Alex.

James And Dolores- June 19, 2010.

2010-06-20T20:45:00.007-07:00

A smattering of some of the better shots:

Wedding Magic.

2010-06-09T21:07:00.006-07:00

So my cousin Dolores has asked me to be a photographer for their wedding.

And I couldn't be more honoured.

The only problem is when it comes to shooting nautral scenes,

I can hold my own.

Shooting people... well let's just say I'm not exactly well practiced.

So I looked back at the photos I took at a wedding last year.

And I have to admit I didn't do too badly.

Maybe it's just the pressure of knowing the shots aren't just for myself.

But, I think I'll do ok.

Good Times Roll.

2010-06-07T16:56:00.005-07:00

Scored this awesome shot with Pat on our way to the lower falls of Gold Creek.

Pretty damn rad.

Just want to say this past weekend rocked.

A single guy who works too much could not ask for a better or more enjoyable group of friends.

Thanks guys.

Van Dusen Botanical Gardens.

2010-05-30T20:22:00.004-07:00

I took my sisters and nephew Alex to Van Dusen Botanical Gardens today.

That is seriously a gorgeous place to spend a day.

In only a short time in which I hurried through so as not to get Alex cranky,

I still managed to get some awesome shots.

Needless to say I will be going back when I can go through slowly at my leisure.

I'll be posting the shots onto my flickr page one by one over time.

I pretty happy that I can say I can see steady improvement in my photos.

If anyone has any critiques for me though, please lay it on me.

I'm far from a professional, and any advice is constructive.

Hope you enjoy.

New Beginnings.

2010-05-24T08:14:00.002-07:00

May 22nd, 2010.

The Night That Wasn't.

Play The Game.

2010-05-19T19:03:00.008-07:00

There are times when you think you have it under control.

That you've finally beat it.

Won.

And then it rears it's ugly head.

Revealing once more why you can't let your guard down.

Take a moments pause.

I lost.

For The Record.

2010-05-13T20:29:00.005-07:00

Ok, I feel the need to share.

I just finished talking to an ex of mine.
We were never too serious, but she was a nice girl.
Apparently she's getting another tattoo.
........

"When the hell did you get the first one?"
"A few years ago."

Now I don't know why.
I don't care to sit there and figure out why either.
But for whatever reason,
I don't find ink on girls to be attractive.

Those of you who know me are probably asking yourselves,
"But Dario, didn't Marlee have ink?"
Yes she did.
But it worked, and after time I got used to it.

Seriously, you want to lose my attention?
Have ink done.

See ya.

Ugh.

2010-04-29T20:36:00.002-07:00

Ugh.

Dos.

2010-04-27T19:18:00.005-07:00

So as I was taking care of some morning business I realized something.
It may or may not shock some of you,
I know personally, I was flabbergasted.
(Great word I know)

Its been 2 months since I moved out.
In that time I have used exactly 3 rolls of toilet paper.
Talk about pinching every.......

Penny.

Bet you didn't see that one coming.

Moving In The Right Direction.

2010-04-20T19:28:00.004-07:00

It seems I have recaptured my drive for photography.

I went through a spell when I didn't really want to try anymore.

But the only way to get better is to study and try new things.

And if last weeks shots are any indication,

I'm getting better.

Oblivious.

2010-04-07T19:41:00.003-07:00

If the modern sports era has taught us nothing,

it is that cheating in sports abounds.

Most of the time it requires blood tests.

Some times not (looking at you Barry Bonds).

But how can you not question tennis' Williams sisters?

If Caster Semenya had to undergo gender testing,

I'm saying so should Venus.

It's all too obvious what her name rhymes with.

A Man's Gotta Do...

2010-04-03T08:19:00.005-07:00

I have never been one to expose myself to vulnerability.
To open up voluntarily, and speak whats on my mind.
I've struggled for years with the concept of sharing my burden.
Thinking somehow I was the only one capable of bearing its load.

I know I shot myself in the foot years ago when I refused to be bold.
My timid affections too unnoticeable to make a difference.
And while it all worked out for the best, I learned a tough but valuable lesson.
I fought like hell to force myself to acknowledge it, because God knows I didn't want to.

For better or worse, this time around I wasn't going to let myself live with regret.
I will not make that error twice in a lifetime.
I said enough is enough, and stepped into the ring with both feet firmly planted.

I made my stand.
I pulled no punches and gave it everything I had.

And I thought it would set me free.
I convinced myself that speaking openly and honestly would cure me.
Rid me of all this pent up emotion, coursing its way through my body.
I couldn't be more wrong.

It only seems to grow stronger.
And while my head is begging to be listened to,
to be heard and recognized, my heart won't let it.
My heart seems bent on pushing me forward, to not abandon this path.

And how can I not listen?
For once I feel as if I am being rational, sane and balanced.
Like I'm doing things right.
Amid this jungle of thoughts, emotions, fears and obstacles I know I can see a truth.

I'm not going to give up.
Not without a fight.

Not this time.

Proverb.

2010-03-30T18:24:00.005-07:00

Happened upon this one a few days ago.

Not that its new by any means.

Just fitting.

"Don't make someone a priority,

if they are only making you an option."

Some Days.

2010-03-26T17:12:00.003-07:00

Today was just one of those days.

I might be big and strong.

But even I need a hug sometimes.

So Far, So Good.

2010-03-21T10:36:00.004-07:00

It has officially been 1 month.

31 days of living completely independantly.

And I'm thriving.

I don't have anyone nagging me,

yelling at me,

or telling me what to do.

I have actually been cooking real meals,

not frozen in a box crap.

Pat, I havent fucked up any laundry yet.

Danielle, the house is actually warm.

And Chad, I am most certainly not doomed...

Atleast so long as there is beer in the fridge.

I am proud of the way I have handled the unknown.

Let Sleeping Dogs Lay.

2010-03-13T15:23:00.004-08:00

It's time to stop searching in vain for what I feel is missing.

And start living for what I know I have.

Hahaha.... Hahahaha.

2010-03-11T16:57:00.003-08:00

Hahahahahahaha

hahahahahahahaha

ahhahahahahaha

ahahahahahahahaha

hahahahahaha

hahahaha

hahahahahahahahahah

hahahahah

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah

...................

Dont ask.

Thanks Shaz!!

Ready Or Not.

2010-02-18T19:58:00.003-08:00

This is it.

The long wait is over.

I might be making a bigger deal of it than it really is.

I couldn't care less though.

Tomorrow is the day.

I'm on my own.

Go Time.

2010-02-17T17:54:00.004-08:00

Yesterday was a proud day for me.

Me and my guys accomplished a record setter for our young crew.

600 cubic meters of concrete poured into a suspended slab.

The single largest suspended slab I have ever formed.

I was worried sick something might go wrong.

With that much concrete, even the smallest mistake could be catastrophic.

But we made it.

Yesterday put a feather in my cap.

Go Team Brenta.

I Will Not Bow.

2010-02-10T19:09:00.007-08:00

I will not bow.

I will not break.

I will shut the world away.

I will not fall.

I will not fade.

I will take your breath away.

Second best won't cut it anymore.

7 Days

Hidden Gems.

2010-02-07T20:48:00.003-08:00

Starting tomorrow night I will take up inner city hiking.

Which is to say Im going to find a steep hill and "hike" it.

Which is a nice way to get myself in shape for what I hope is a summer full of weekend hikes.

Hope being the operative word.

9 days.

Duuuuuur.

2010-02-02T19:42:00.004-08:00

For those of you not in the know

This take a tremendous amount of skill-lacking to pull off.

14 days.

Cathedral Grove.

2010-01-29T05:39:00.007-08:00

Inspired by Keira-Anne 's post,
And Krista's recent pics from the Island,
I'll be making a trip there.

Probably not this weekend,
since I'll be working,
but hopefully next.

Should make for some excellent photo ops.

Boxed In.

2010-01-24T19:57:00.006-08:00

I'm in a room.
It has 4 walls.
A floor.
A ceiling.

The paint is a depressing beige.
There are no pictures.
Nothing of interest to look at.
But it is very cluttered.
So cluttered in fact I cant move.

My life,
my entire 24 years of being,
has been packed away into boxes.

It's odd how I feel like the rope around my neck has tightened ever so slightly more.
Right before I find freedom, no less.

What's even stranger is how calm I find myself.
I feel like I should be more tense and on edge.
More worried about the unexpected.
After all it's what I've always done.
When faced with a situation full of unknowns,
I pull back and remove myself from any possible disasters.

And now?
Now I stand on the edge of a proverbial abyss.
Not knowing how the future will play out.

Will I fail?
Can I do what I have to to survive?
Will I crack under the pressure?

Or will I succeed?
Can I push beyond the limitations I've stalled at previously?
Will I find a sense of responsibility, maturity?

I don't know.
But the abyss before me doesn't scare me.
For once, its comforting.

23 days.

Scientific Proof.

2010-01-23T15:31:00.004-08:00

A mathematic formula that proves what we always suspected:

Can't live with 'em.

Can't live without 'em.

Beat Her Tonight.

2010-01-19T18:08:00.004-08:00

That was the subject title of an email in my junk...
Yeah.

I'm pretty choked right now.
Where the hell is winter?

Where is the cold,
and snow,
and ice,
and, and, and....

WINTER?!

This is depressing.
15 degrees?
What the fuck is that?
I've been walking around in t-shirts all day.

I cry shenanigans.
SHENANIGANS!!!

28 giorni.

Bring It.

2010-01-17T18:51:00.004-08:00

So the countdown has begun.

And I find myself in an advantageous situation.

We all know I'm lazy.

We all know I procrastinate.

If something can be done tomorrow,

it no doubt will be.

But when push comes to shove,

and it has to be NOW,

I come through in the clutch.

I was told I had one month 2 days ago.

2 days and $400 later,

I've proven I can take charge before tomorrow.

Dario has his game face on.

Do you?

30 days.

Barren Walls.

2010-01-13T18:46:00.006-08:00

My room as I know it is gone.
The walls are an endless prairie plain of emptiness.

For a short time longer I can call it my room.
In a matter of weeks it will cease to be mine.

This one small space,
which since the day I was born has been my fortress,
reduced to another empty room in my parents house.

It already feels less like home.

Part of me is terrified for the journey about to begin.
But a bigger part is ecstatic.

These bare walls are my sign.
Its time to move on.

Too Little, Too Late.

2010-01-11T18:08:00.003-08:00

Where was this when I needed it?

Where?

Tribute To A Fallen Friend.

2009-12-21T19:47:00.001-08:00

I have a lump in my throat watching this.
People die every day.
Its a fact of life.
But not everyone has the opportunity to show a tribute the way a professional athlete can.
With that many people, all watching, their eyes on you and you alone.
To pay a small homage, and have it go so far, its an amazing thing.

This one from a guy everyone saw as a clown.
A joke around the league.
Chad Johnson.
Well done.

R.I.P Chris Henry.

Luge Is For Lugers.

2009-12-13T19:17:00.004-08:00

Bold statement upcoming:
Melissa Hollingsworth is Canada's hottest athlete.

Thats right,
you heard it here first.

She's gorgeous and wears skin tight clothing.
What more could a guy ask for?

Merry Fucking Chrsitmas Indeed.

2009-12-12T13:10:00.002-08:00

Fuck Christmas lights.
Fuck the wiring that powers them.
Fuck the lightbulbs that light them.
Fuck the plugs that pull the electricity into them.

They are the stupidest part of the season.
I will never own them.
I will never hang them.
I will never spend another second of my life,
or drop of my blood fucking with them.

I hope the man who came up with the notion of them,
is rotting not only in his grave,
but in hell too.

FUCK THE LIGHTS.

You Tell 'Em Garrison.

2009-12-12T13:08:00.001-08:00

Keep On The Brighter Side.

2009-12-10T18:03:00.004-08:00

If there is one thing I'm glad for,

it's my amazing immune system.

However, the rare times I do get sick,

I can still find those positives.

Positives like:

It's an adventure every time you blow your nose.

Forrest Gump would be proud.

"Life is like a sick man's nose: you never know what you're gonna get."

Anyone Up There?

2009-12-09T18:57:00.006-08:00

If any of the deities are listening,

God

Allah

Buddah

Thor

Shiva

ANYONE

Please...

LET IT SNOW.

Why?

2009-12-08T17:25:00.003-08:00

Because I'm Dario.

The Good Life.

2009-12-06T08:57:00.004-08:00

We all know one picture is worth a thousand words.
Probably even more.
And while this one is missing one person,
(until he gets super-imposed),
I can only think of one right now:
Happiness.

Without a doubt the best group of friends a person could have.

For the rest of the nights love making go here.

A Little Something Something.

2009-12-04T22:50:00.003-08:00

This year I'm going to be different.

I don't know why it's in my head.

But I'm in high spirits.

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Simply because you won't see it coming.

Quotes.

2009-12-04T05:14:00.004-08:00

From Futurama:
Season 2- Episode 9
Why Must I Be A Crustacean In Love?

"So you mean your species has to choose between a life with no sex and death?"

"Yes."

"Tough call."

Refreshing.

2009-12-03T05:52:00.010-08:00

Is it just me,
or is Christmas advertising way down this year?

I'm watching almost no tv these days,
so that could be a possible reason.

But it seems as though the maddening push by advertisers to "buy buy buy!" just hasnt manifested itself this year like it usually does.

I have to admit though,
that even if it is just me who hasn't noticed it,
it's extremely refreshing.

I might actually enjoy the Christmas season this year.

Stepping It Up A Notch: Vol.2

2009-12-01T17:12:00.004-08:00

Tips on saving money towards moving out.
Tip #2:

Want to save money on food?
Its painful, but worth it.

When sitting down for a nice hot meal,
don't wait for it to cool down.

Simply inhale it as fast as possible,
and burn your tongue.
Your appetite will be shot, and eating made impossible!

This tip on saving towards moving out brought to you by:

A cheap (and dumb) mother fucker.

A New Take.

2009-11-28T07:36:00.001-08:00

Fucking BRILLIANT.
Nearly pissed myself for Animals part.
HAHAHAHAHA

It's All Coming Back To Me Now.

2009-11-25T16:20:00.004-08:00

Sing the title to Celine Dion's melody

.......

Anyways.

Two days in a row of real work.

I mean physically exerting myself.

Its been 2 months since I last had to.

That's horrible.

Fuck am I tired.

Grizzly.

2009-11-23T15:36:00.004-08:00

This is the last known image of me clean shaven.

August 9th, 2008.

471 days.

A new personal record.

The Barney To My Ted.

2009-11-22T20:00:00.004-08:00

I need a new wing man STAT.

This dry spell is becoming epic.

In a bad way.

Say WHAT?

2009-11-19T05:20:00.004-08:00

Have people gone absolutely nuts?

Let me get this straight:

people are complaining about seeing laundry drying on a clothes line?

Because it looks too "trailer-trash?"

And are enforcing it with fines?

WHAT THE FUCK?!

When did this happen to our society?

When did we become a bunch of overly-sensitive fuck faces?

To have to pass laws taking power away from people trying to pass fines for air-drying laundry.

Are we not in the middle of an economic crisis?

Are we not wasting more enegery daily?

Is this planet not in enough of a fragile state?

WE CAN'T AIR DRY LAUNDRY?!

Im sorry but I just cannot wrap my head around this.

It infuriates me to even think about.

Whats next?

No leaving your 1992 Ford in the driveway?

Too redneck for some I suppose.

This is a slippery slope we're headed down.

If this is the kind of shit thats going to continue to happen,

then all hope is lost.

Common sense really is dead.

Quotes.

2009-11-17T15:58:00.002-08:00

From the movie Dodgeball:

"Well keep your chin up, there's someone out there for everybody."

"You think?"

"Absolutely.
You know in some cases, there's two somebodies for one person.
I like to call that the jackpot."

.....

That's the world I want to live in.

Still Kicking.

2009-11-15T20:31:00.001-08:00

Forget that 3/4 of the band are from a former christian rock band.
This song got me through some of the worst times of my life.
Now it'll see me through some of the most crucial.

Disillusioned.

2009-11-14T09:32:00.004-08:00

There is something that has been festering in my head.
And the more I think about it the more it aggravates me.

I fell in love with photography because a camera let me express myself how I wanted.
But a camera has its limitations.
I've learned a lot about how to work inside the confines of those limitations.
I'm no pro, but I do alright.

Im always on flickr looking at others' shots.
Im jealous, mad, upset that I can't make mine look like theirs.
Their colors, their clarity, their ability to capture it all.

All a fucking lie.
They don't take those shots with their cameras.
Sure they're great photographers, and they know their stuff.
But they doctor their shit up like I cannot believe.

Am I jealous because I don't know how to use photoshop?
Or because Im just not that good of a photographer?
Or is it because I refuse to falsify my shots?

Either way,
It irks me to no end knowing that the only reason their photos look so good,
is because they cheated.
It takes a lot of skill and knowledge to consistently turn out truly awe inspiring work without any major editing.
Im sure I could learn how to use photoshop.
But it would cheapen the creative process.
Take the integrity out of it.
And I will refuse it for as long as I can.

But holy fuck, am I jealous.

Ah-hah Sherlock, A Clue!

2009-11-13T14:15:00.004-08:00

An answer as to why I've been feeling invincible lately:

The best season of the year is finally here.

Lost.

2009-11-12T15:37:00.006-08:00

So I'm a wee bit confuzzled.
Maybe even unsure.
Why, do you ask?

I spent about 4 years of my life wanting nothing more than to be 23.
I don't even know why.
All's I do know is 23 was a magic number.

Having lived through the past year,
I can definately say it was a big year.
The highest of the highs,
the lowest of the lows.

Now I don't know what to do.
I'm 24.
What comes next?

Guess now I begin:
"The Great Wait For 28"
.....

I dunno.

Stepping It Up A Notch.

2009-11-11T15:11:00.004-08:00

Tips for saving money towards moving out:

Want to save money on toiletries?
Its simpler than you think.

When your night of party-going is over,
don't just wash the gel out of your hair.

Simply dampen your hair,
moisten the gel,
and re-style!

This tip on saving towards moving out brought to you by:

A cheap mother fucker.

Rock On... Bitcheees!

2009-11-11T08:44:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday me

Sentimental In My Own Way

2009-11-11T08:41:00.001-08:00

To our troops overseas.

In the hopes you will see home again.

"Every broken enemy will know,

That their opponent had to be invincible."

OK. Im Done.

2009-11-05T14:44:00.006-08:00

This is a notice to all:

Im done.

Fuck this drama.

Screw all the bullshit.

I want no part of it.

I thought we were all mature enough to handle it.

Apparently we are not.

If you need to say something to me regarding all this,

SAY IT.

Im not going to tip toe around anything anymore.

I've learned my lesson.

If at the end of the day we cant all move forward together,

Then Ill pick a new course.

This soap opera shit just isnt for me.

Back-Asswards.

2009-11-05T06:02:00.003-08:00

Isn't it funny how we as people can't seem to let ourselves be happy?
The more I look, listen and read,
the more I come to realize a lot of us shoot ourselves in the foot.
I'm a prime example.
For some fucking reason, every time I find myself in a good place,
I do something to blow it up.

I've read many blogs in the last few days,
mainly because I'm bored as shit.
I have picked out a common theme:
Unhappiness/ dissatisfaction.
Almost bordering on unfulfilment.

Are we that fickle?
Do we really require that much in our lives?
Why is it the simple pleasures are no longer enough?

I fall into that trap all too often.
I get too caught up in trying to keep pace with a society in fast forward.
I lose my perspective on the little things that bring a smile to my face.
At my core I am an extreme simpleton.
So all this hustle and bustle,
this need to constantly have more, do more, be more,
makes me miserable.

So my advice to myself, and anyone else who cares to listen is this:
Simplify.
Stop trying to keep up with everything else.
Put the gun down,
and let yourself enjoy life.

Pickled Tink.

2009-11-02T05:34:00.003-08:00

I finally did it.
I Served Notice To End Tenancy.
Yes, that deserved to be capitalized.
It's a big step towards my grandest of goals.

Ha.
Talk about an understatement.

In a maximum of four months, I'll be on my own.
It's been a very long time coming.
And while I know this won't be easy,
seeings as I'm a lazy ass too much of the time,
it is what I need.

I need to learn to take care of myself.
Or atleast learn if I can,
and how much I'm capable of.
I'll learn some much needed responsibility.

And I can throw my own parties for once.
Cause I won't lie, I feel like a moocher always going to other's houses.

Im the end though, my biggest need for this stems from a recent event.
This need for independancy fueled my breakup.
And to not go through with this would be evil.
Which isn't to say it's my main motivation.
Just one more reason to do it.

In four months,
you're all invited to the house warming.

DARIO'S FREE BABY!!!

Backstabber.

2009-10-31T15:16:00.003-07:00

My computer is a cheater.

A no good, dirty, low down, bottom feeding piece of shit.

A big bag of crap.

A backstabbing fuck face.

Completely blindsided me with Media Player on random:

Staind.

Asshole.

Quotes.

2009-10-21T18:08:00.003-07:00

From "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" :

"You don't need to put your P in a V"

"No I need to B my L on someone's T's."

"No in that case you need to B your L in a V and have a B-A-B-Y."

Follow The Leader.

2009-10-09T15:41:00.007-07:00

I was working out today,
watching the greatest work out movie ever:

And something struck me.
Leaders are not leaders anymore.

These days a "leader" sits back and commands from his high horse.
They don't get their hands dirty.
They barely strain a muscle.
Their apparent M.O is
"Do as I say, not as I do."

That is not a leader.
Not by a long shot.

A leader stands at the front line.
He does not ask or expect anything which he could not or would not do himself.
He fights side by side with his troops.
And when push comes to shove,
he backs down from no one.

That is the kind of leader I always have, and always will try to be.
I use actions, not words, to inspire.
I would gladly take to the first line of defence,
knowing full well I have a loyal and dedicated force behind me.

Actions will always speak louder than words.
The leader at the front lines will always inspire more than the one at the back.

Slaughter-Fest '09.

2009-09-20T19:15:00.004-07:00

I'm off on an odyssey.
The blood-letting of a lifetime.
One month.
Bullets, blood and bodies.
Everything I deem worthy, caught on camera for posterity.

This is going to be legen-
I hope no one's lactose intolerant-
DAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIRRRRRRRRRRRRRYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!

God Does Listen.

2009-09-08T05:42:00.004-07:00

Through the last eight months my dad was a broken record.
"What's wrong with you?"
"Why are you so mad/sad/grumpy?"
"You need to pray. God will listen."
I heard that one a lot.
My response.
"I won't pray because God has never once listened."
"You have to make your own luck, find your own breaks."

In those rare times when I do pray,

I dont ask for money, gifts or material possessions.
I ask for guidance.
In the month leading up to the end, I started praying.
I didnt know what else to do.
Id played every scenario over in my head a thousand times.
I was stuck with no answer.
It took me until a few days ago to open my eyes.
And I see that God was there.
He was listening.

I found the courage to do what I knew had to be done.
I had to tear open the heart of the person Id cared about more than any other.
And I thought in doing so, I would end any chance I had of finding happiness.
That karma would put me in my place.
And it has been just the opposite.
Its a miracle that lay dormant for five years.
Waiting for its time to manifest.
Waiting for me to go through my trials and tribulations.

I prayed for courage and strength.
I prayed Id find happiness.
I prayed that I would find my path.
And in turn, stay true to it.
I prayed for a sign that the hardship meant something.
I found it all.
He worked it in His own way.
Made it hard to see on the surface.
And it makes it that much more special.

God does listen.

Viva Forever.

2009-08-19T18:41:00.001-07:00

I know you'll laugh.
Call me a pansy.
Probably worse.
But I have my reasons.
And not the obvious ones you're thinking.

Ciao Luca.
I'll see you again one day.

360 Degrees A Full Circle Makes.

2009-08-14T17:45:00.004-07:00

It is astonishing sometimes,
How no matter how many loops, twists, turns, forks, bends, jumps, dips and zig-zags life makes,
It eventually comes full circle.
I find myself in such a place now.
And as wierd as it is,
Im happy.
Surprisingly so.
I don't tend to believe in fate,
But I'm struggling right now to dis-believe it.
I guess some things do happen for a reason.

Como Lake.

2009-08-09T17:53:00.003-07:00

I'm pretty sure it looks even better on a nice day,
but two good HDR's on a day like today isn't bad.

I = Suck.

2009-08-05T17:02:00.003-07:00

Looking for the world's #1, top of the food chain asshole?

Look no further.

You've found him.

It doesn't matter to me whether you agree.

It's how I feel.

How else do you feel about a change of heart that leaves the person you love more than any other in ruin?

About feeling so selfsish, yet unable to alter what your heart truly desires.

I know it was my decision in the end.

My fault it ended.

I can accept that.

I just can't help but feel the way I do right now.

I suck.

Month Two.

2009-07-30T19:04:00.003-07:00

So month two is in the books.

And it was admittedly nowhere near as good as month one.

Like as in another galaxy.

I can probably count my work outs on two hands.

Yeah, that bad.

But I end on a high note.

And start next month rededicated.

Fuck yeah!

Rejuvenation---> Rededication

2009-07-27T05:45:00.006-07:00

I have returned from a self-imposed hiatus.
I come back a stronger person.
Happy, well rested and inspired.
I have goals to achieve now.
Real ones that I have set out to reach.
And come hell or high water, I will get there.

1) I plan on moving out in 9 months and under.
Its about fucking time.
I'm 23 and own my own house.
I need to have my own space.
I need to have the independance I've yearned for for years.
I need to learn to be responsible for me,
Before I can say I know can be responsible for others.

2) Take 4-6 weeks off work, and drive around BC and photograph the hell out of it.
This will play out over a much longer period of time.
I need to buy a few more good lenses.
Those cost a lot of money.
I need to acrue a lot of accessories:
Batteries, remotes, CF cards, hoods, etc.
But to go any further without doing this will not go over well.
I love this province.
The good, the bad and everything in between.
I want to capture it in my own way.

I leave you now with a few photos from my week away:

Long Live Canada.

2009-07-01T08:09:00.003-07:00

Have fun celebrating for the greatest nation on earth.

Nowhere else are they as lucky as us.

To have the beauty and freedom we enjoy here.

Happy Canada Day.

100

2009-06-26T18:09:00.003-07:00

I want the voices to quiet down.

I want the nagging whispers to stop.

I want the fear to go away.

I want this rut to end.

I need something positive to grab on to.

Because this narrow ledge is crumbling.

And Im about to fall into a dark abyss.

P.S

After almost 3 years I have reached a milestone.

100 posts.

Too bad its kinda bittersweet at the moment.