Week 9: Flash Fiction



He was a good guy. All his life he had done nothing but try his best. Yes there were times when things went a tad bit off-track, but he was a hard worker, he worked hard. His eyes were golden brown and sometimes he would wear a smile that was the least bit fake. He worked hard his entire life. He wasn't a quitter, but knew when to end something that should not be. His young age and enthusiasm masked some of the sights his eyes had seen, and his personality gave no indication of experiences he had endured. Maybe a little flawed inside, but overall he was a good guy and he worked hard.

At a young age it was clear that he knew to use his head. Strict, but fair parents instilled in him an appreciation for good grades. This grew with him, he strived to excel in anything he involved himself with. He worked hard to achieve this excellence.

His parents would always tell him "Hard work pays off".

After elementary school he put himself on the honour role and didn't ever come off. He worked hard for this. Mainly, his work paid off. Things in his life went rather smoothly. His parents were pleased with his schooling and his life was on-track. Most importantly, he was happy with how he lived. Despite not wanting to admit it, he always tried his best to please his parents. After all, they had given him life, had they not?

"Yes mother, but I tried my best and that's all I can do" is what he would say anytime he felt something was not up-to-par. Being the fair people that they were, they accepted this. He appreciated their support as he always worked hard.

And his parents would always tell him "Hard work pays off".

When the time came he went off to university. Big plans were in his future, and he longed for the old-time prestige and good money of holding a university degree. All through these years of his life he worked tirelessly, striving for excellence in an environment no soul had prepared him for. His marks fell, quite unlike his attitude. Always enduring the way soldiers do, he pushed on, never losing sight of his ultimate goal.

"Nothing they can throw at me here is harder than anything I've done in training..." he told himself to ease the pain of his stressful life. Which was true, he had endured worse and could work harder still.

His parents were pleased with his attitude, "Hard work pays off" they reminded him.

The time came when his hard work paid off. He was to receive his degree. On the day of his convocation he was a happy man. His new degree insured him the success he was used to. He was excited to start his career.

The day after, he was still optimistic, and ready to start his "real life".

The second week after his convocation he handed out the last of his résumés. He remained hopeful.

The next month, he lied to his mother when she asked how his career hunt was going.

The year after, he moved out. Refusing to burden anymore the man and woman who had given him so much.

The second year he was still a hard working man. He had managed to keep himself fed and off of drugs.

The fifth year after his convocation, on the anniversary of the very day he had worked hard his whole life towards, they found him floating down the river.

The note found in his pocket read: HARD WORK PAYS OFF.

Week 8: Open Letter






Dear Mother Nature,



     Let me begin by thanking you for the wonderful job you've been doing. Things seem pretty harmonized, job well done. However, there is one issue we need to discuss: "Spring". Don't get me wrong I get the whole rebirth idea, new life, and whatnot. But, I mean please, give us something to do or enjoy other than months of rain. Summer is a beautiful warm season for swimming, adventuring, and countless outdoor activities. Fall is known for its beauty, with the many extraordinary colours. It is also hunting season. With Winter we get snow and ice, perfect for skating, snowboarding, snowshoeing and many winter activities. But what about Spring? What have we to do during this sometimes depressing rain-filled season? The snow is gone, ski hills shut down, it is too cold to do anything enjoyable outside. Frankly, I don't like it, and I want it changed. My proposal goes as follows: two extra months of winter and lots of snow, followed by a week or two of gradual warming (for snow melt) which will lead into the 20 degree sun of early Summer. If you could do this, I would be very appreciative. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Andrew R. King

Week 6: Spoof News Story

(This is a spoof news story playing off stereotypes and does in no way describe my view of events involved.)

Canada To Be 'Water Boy' Of Campaign Against ISIS

     It is no secret that the scale of Canada's Armed Forces does not match that of the United States, but Stephen Harper won't let that hold him back. With the reality our smaller Airforce and bickering cabinet Obama seeks to cut his losses and move forward in the campaign against ISIS without Canadian support. After hearing this, an upset Harper pleaded and cried to the Americans, begging them for more time to sort his mess. A tearful Harper said to reporters "But...but...I just want to help and be able to fight like the big boys!"

"...fight like the big boys"

     However, Obama stood fast in his urgency to move forward. Being given only 1 day to put forth Canada's stance on the campaign, Harper refused to sit on the sidelines like a young boy who hasn't quite made the team. Instead Harper has chosen to succumb to the opposition party, and play the "water boy" role in the campaign. "It's better than sidelining the whole event" stated Harper in a press release. 

     Canada has agreed to refill American food and water supplies while they bomb ISIS into obliteration, as well as send aid to refugees and civilians caught in the conflict. This decision has come much to the joy of President Obama who said "I can't believe they're done slowing us down and have decided to do something useful for once." It comes at no ones surprise that the aging CF-18 jets that Canada carries aren't up to par, leading the U.S. to adopt this view.

     ISIS, who have been challenging the world record for 'Most 21st Century Beheadings Without Major Consequence' have yet to comment on this latest development. Experts predict the conflict to be over by the time the U.S. control 30% of Iraqi oil reserves. Canada however, has agreed to receive none of these benefits for their role in the campaign. At least we won't look like wimps to the Americans.
   

October 6th 2014