this is where i hideout

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Today after work I saw a couple dogs roaming around without a leash. No big deal in Yellowknife.

Later, I went for a bike ride, and saw the same two dogs quite far away from where they were before, still no leash, and still with no owner in sight. So I decided to see if they were friendly. They were!

I got them to follow me right through downtown. Stopped to ask some strangers what I should do with them, and then following their advise took them to the RCMP, who were of course CLOSED.

So then we went down to the lake, and met a few other people, one of whom had a cell phone. She called the local radio station who did not answer. Then we tried the animal hospital as the dogs did have tags. Sure enough, the lady there said she would call the owners. Then she called back saying there was no answer. All the while the dogs are playing in the water like there's nothing wrong at all. So anyway, we get the owner's address, and I leave Nikki and Scott and their dog, and head toward my destination (which happens to be on my way home).

Sure enough, we arrive, and the girl who answered the door said they had been lost since this afternoon. She seemed pretty happy to see them. It sure made my night too!

If I ever have dogs, they'll be named Maddy and Belle, after these two.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

In other news, I recently purchased a piece of classic recording technology. The Tascam Portastudio 246 is a four-track tape recorder including a 6 channel mixer w/ sweepable EQ, VU meters, and pitch control. You have no idea how excited I am to record on this baby. Here she is:

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Here is a picture of two of my best friends. Simon came to visit Cam and I in Vancouver once upon a time, and this is on the hike up to Indian Arm Lookout at Deep Cove. I just got these developed now. Yikes...

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

I just want to bring to your attention that I am, in fact, the fourth strongest person in Toronto (or at least at this particular arcade), as confirmed by THIS:

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Instead of writing a blog post, I'm inclined to try and write a song.

Friday, September 28, 2007

I've resolved to go jogging. I haven't actually gone jogging yet, but I have resolved to. I'm also going to get an actual hair cut, from an actual person other than myself or a close relative. These are changing times. I also picked up a phone number off a poster advertising "Adult Pottery Lessons". It's in my neighborhood, and it might be an interesting way to meet people. Plus, I like pottery.

I wonder how long an apple can sit on your desk without getting moldy. It looks quite nice there beside the vanilla scented candle. I'll keep you posted.

I'm also feeling a new sense of purpose to keep this blog updated more regularly. Now that I'm far away again, with new places to explore, it might be nice for one or two people to read about me, however boring it may be. So there you have it. Goodnight.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

So walking home from the Dundas West Subway Station provides me with two options. The legal way, or the illegal way. The former consists of waiting for a bus to take me a short distance, and then about a 5 minute walk home. The latter is a simple 10 minute walk, taking a short cut through the Go Train tracks (which are fenced off, but someone has conveniently cut holes on both sides). Today I choose to take the illegal route. I crossed the tracks as usual, then something unusual caught my eye in the distance. It was a small, dark, furry animal in the bushes some 20 feet away. An uneasy feeling swelled in the pit of my stomach. And then I was chased down by what turned out to be a larger, black, dog.

I ran. I turned and ran as fast as I did at track and field days back in high school. But I was no match for the dog. It gained, and passed me, snarling as it went. I stopped in my tracks, deciding to face it like a man. Then I saw it's owner running toward it yelling, "Go to sleep, go to sleep!" She did not acknowledge my presence, no, just patted the dog and made it lie down on it's side. I actually swore at her. I didn't mean to, it just slipped out. Actually, I more or less swore in front of her. I said, "Fuck". And then I said nicely, "You should put that thing on a fuckin' leash." Then I said, "Fuck" a little louder as I walked away. She didn't say a word to me.

Some dog owners suck. I took Zena (one of the house dogs) for a walk one day, and I was very careful to keep her tight when someone walked past. If only people were more like me (this statement is only partially serious).

That is all. And I am feeling slightly better today.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

After an exceedingly long stretch of health, my fortunes turned yesterday. I felt it coming on the subway, increasingly so on the bus, and by the time I got to work I knew it would be a rough day. And it was. I went through almost 3/4 of a big box of kleenex. I mean, "Puffs", if we are to be brand specific. For those of you who are unaware, I am a "delivery representative" for a certain company whose name I won't mention. This means I drive around Toronto and visit various convenience stores, and provide them with product. Needless to say, the day was filled with much sneezing, and anguish.

I called in sick today. I haven't done that in forever, and I feel bad about it. But I know I'd feel worse if I was working. So I decided to update my blog. And drink tea, eat soup, and sleep.

I guess I could tell you folks about my move to Toronto. My brother Greg and I made the drive July 1, through Manitoba, stopping off to see Brendan in the Peg. Then through the beautiful lake of the woods, and my new favorite town, Kenora. We made it to Thunder Bay on the first night. I won't go on and on, but it was great fun, and we live in a great country.

I arrived at my new house by myself, after driving thru this megacity for the very first time. I was slightly nervous, but it was lessened because of the research done by my lovely Catherine. She figured it was a good house, so I believed her. And it is.

I had to live for two months in a small room right by the front door, with a crappy bed and not enough space, but now I've moved into the master bedroom on the second level. It's great. I lookout onto the street. Which means I can keep an eye on the crazy man with a cat. He likes to step outside fairly often and yell at the other crazy man who lives a few doors down. The neighborhood is called, "The Junction", which sounds cool, and actually is. It's not really trendy, but there seems to be a mix of all different kinds of people here, and I regularly pass people who I think would be good to talk to. Though I rarely do. Also, it's a 10 minute walk to the subway, which is very handy, as I take transit everywhere. Here's a view from my room:

Toronto isn't as daunting as it was originally thought to be. Yes, there are lots of people. Yes, there are a lot of businessy types on Bay Street. It is smoggy (this part is probably the worst part). If I was to compare it to Vancouver, I'd say it's not as pretty, but much, much nicer. The people here, at least the people I've run in to, have been really friendly. Much like Saskatoon people. I regularly have random conversations with people on the street while I'm working. There are too many things to do here. I do some things, but I like to stay in.

I end up spending a good amount of time on the bus. I'd say 20 hours a week on average. It takes an hour and a half to get to work, one way. This lends itself to lots of books being read, and lots of radio being listened to (on my new phone!). Though it sounds crappy, it is actually better than driving around in traffic. Rush hour here never ends. There are up to 16 lanes on Highway 401. The car, as a mode of transportation in this city at least, is not efficient, easy, or, well, anything. It just plain sucks. So I'm trying to come up with an alternative means of getting around. A scooter might work. Or some sort of jet-pack. Or a transporter, or course.

I haven't played my guitar much since April. I keep telling myself it's a phase. And it probably is.

Now, I'm going to phase myself down to the kitchen to get some more tea. And toast perhaps.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Mhmmm...ya, it didn't work. I'm computerless, but write me an email anyway. Or facebook, however much I hate it.

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Well, I acquired this new blog editor thing called ScribeFire, and I'm seeing if it works. If so, it should make for more frequent updates, as I don't have to log into Blogger to blog. Blogger annoys me.

I haven't been doing much lately. The ambition to start, not to mention finish projects is absent at this point in my life. I'm just waiting. Even if there was ambition, I'm not sure it would do any good. I pick up my guitar almost every day, and put it down not minutes later. Nothing seems to come out right. And you know what? I've decided that it's perfectly okay. These things happen when they happen, and it's refreshingly humbling to know that everything isn't up to me.

Shaw is toying with our cable at the moment, which means that I'm missing my daily dose of Voyager. I think my love for Star Trek comes from my love for exploring, something which I do much too little of. I'm excited to explore a big new city, and a big new province (with lots of new lakes and forests). "New", to me, that is.

I'm reading this really awesome book right now, called "The Time Traveler's Wife", by Audrey Niffenegger. Thanks Zach and Dana for exposing me. I'm about halfway through, and in love.

Friday, May 18, 2007

1. In My Head (1:25)
2. The Latest Plans (4:14)
3. Vanessa (3:56)
4. First in Command (3:04)
5. Stuart and James (2:08)
6. To the Future (2:16)
7. After the Action (2:17)
8. Fields of Green (2:57)
9. To Distant Lands (2:41)
10. Desert Sand (3:19)
11. Phonograph (3:33)
12. Fall In (1:24)
13. Train Wreck (2:34)
14. Heartstrings (4:55)
15. Cannot Stop (2:47)
16. Slowing Down (1:27)

A few of these songs are available in mp3 quality HERE.

I'm not sure yet what to do with is. Pressing CD's seems like such a waste of material, not to mention that it costs more than I have. I'm trying to find a way to sell the songs online, but so far everything I've found is not quite what I want. So for now, if anyone wants a CD, I'll make you a CDR in a slim jewel case, with a color insert and everything! Just send me an email:

matthutchings(at)hotmail(dot)com

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Dana, I also hate the way you have to sign into Blogger. Usually Firefox can remember passwords and logins to everything, but no, not Blogger. Bastards. Everyone else, check it:

the bars are back!!

Friday, March 02, 2007

It's one of those, "I have a million things to do yet I'm doing nothing" sort of days. I woke up at 12:30pm, laid in bed and talked on the phone for awhile, and then drank some chocolate milk. I checked all the websites that I could think of checking....and listened to some of my audio notes on my Sony IC Recorder ICD-B5. Not much good stuff on there.

Oh ya, and I might be going back to working days. I should hopefully find out thisause anything could happen. I've been getting really exhaused lately with this night schedule. Not to mention going crazy from endless amounts of time to think/staring at a dotted line for 12 hours every night. The dayshift would mean more work per say...but less hours, and a normal schedule. There's good and bad.

I have 2 paintings done in my head. I just need to start actually painting them.

In the same vein as my last couple...figured I might as well pick a style and go with it. I'm not sure if everyone has even seen the ones I'm done. Here they are, in horrible webcam quality:

(*click on image for larger view*)

Anyway. I need to do something. Laundry perhaps, my most hated of all the household chores. In fact, I enjoy every other one. Even cleaning the toilet is more fun than laundry.

Or maybe I'll just take a nap.....

Sunday, February 11, 2007

So I'm a few days late on this, but I wanted to start a tradition of watching the movie, Groundhog Day, on Groundhog Day.

If anyone feels like pretending that it's February 2nd all over again, let me know. It would be appropriate, and I'll host the movie night.

I just got back from a Dalmeny Fury hockey game, which they lost to Meadow Lake, 9-6. Sucks to lose, but I had a good time anyway.

Oh, and I have a tenor sax. I'm going to be an all-star on this thing in no time. We should start a jazz band. You and me.

Saturday, February 10, 2007

Ok....still on a Daniel Johnston kick. Here's some media:

my favorite lyrics from that song:

the best things in life are truly free
singing birds and laughing bees
you got me wrong, says he
the sun don't shine in your tv

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

So last night on CBC Radio Three, they did a special on the music of Daniel Johnston. I'm ashamed to say that I only recently discovered this man a few months ago while watching his DVD called the Devil and Daniel Johnston. You just have to listen to his music. He's one of the most inspiring songwriters I've come across. There is something about the music that is so open, honest and just in your face. He doesn't hide his soul from the world, however troubled it may be. He doesn't censor himself for fear of what people might think of him. It just all comes out as is. I wish that I could be like that.

In other news, it's freaking cold in my basement suite right now, as has been the custom for my entire stay thus far. If it's hot outside, the a/c is too high, if it's cold outside, the heat is too low. I'm doomed to shiver up and die down here.

I worked a 16 hour shift last night because my truck broke down in Regina, again. So I had 9 hours off and I'm going back to work another 12. And then another 8 off and another 12. Yikes. This has been a rough week. Time to make some dinner and hit the road, Jack.

Friday, February 02, 2007

Simon, I look forward to you coming home too! Can't wait to hear all about Africa. And Cameron, I'm glad I can be of some encouragement to you.....although you should really try to stop that habit of hanging onto the outside of trucks (maybe it was my truck??). And Windy, how are you? It's been a long time!

So I bought a webcam. I know......I'm a geek. But it was cheap, and now I can talk to distant friends with video! Here's a picture of me without any facial hair, and with my receding hairline:

Don't I look thoughtful? Oh ya, and Happy Groundhog Day!! My favorite holiday of the year.

And...I listened to an audio book last night called, "Tomorrow's God", by this Neale Donald Walsh guy (the Conversations with God dude). Annoying. That's all I have to say. I suppose there were a couple interesting bits, but his voice hurts my ears. And he's kind of crazy.

So I think I'm going to start making electronic dance music. Or maybe ambient electronic music. Or maybe ambient acoustic music. Or ambient electronic acoustic dance music. It's time for a change. I need to expand my horizons.

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Tonight, due to the deteriorating climatic situation out of doors, I have been restricted to my premises for the remainder of the evening. Thus, it was decided that an update shall be made to this, how do they say it, blog?

In the wee hours of the night which happened last, mine ears heard the sounds of a book called, "A History of God", by Karen Armstrong. Although I only made it through the first two discs, I am excited to complete the journey it's taking me on. As it turns out, I love history. Hated it in secondary school, but I suppose I am more mature now, or something. A more appropriate title would perhaps be, "A History of Religion". It's interesting to hear about how Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all sort of overlapped at points, and helped to influence each other. I've thought this for some time, but it seems even more apparent now, that maybe all these religions are attempts at understanding the same thing, and worship the same God. They just happened to be revealed to different cultures at different times, and in a way that each could understand. Thoughts on this?

Yesterday Shakey Wilson was hosting his weekly radio show, Tin Cans and Twine, and he made me almost piss my pants while driving. He was talking to his co-host, "Shoulder Crow", which I'm sure is only him talking in a different voice. Shoulder Crow was doing a bit of advertising for CFCR, and said, "CFCR, radio that takes you closer apart, radio that pulls the rug out from the middle of the stream..." and that's all I can remember, but that was enough. If you've ever met Shakey, and you could imagine him saying this in a high pitched shakey voice, you'd understand.

Yesterday I went out for coffee with a friend, and I have plans to see another tomorrow. In person! This real world thing is great. I figure that clubs were the earlier form of websites. Places where people got together to communicate. We should start a revival. COYP!

Saturday, January 06, 2007

HAHA!!!! 29, suckers. Finally. Oh, and everyone should listen to this: Girl from Ipanema: The Antonio Carlos Jobim Songbook. Awesome music. Thanks Cam.

Friday, January 05, 2007

New Personal Mini-Putt High Score = 30!!! Not quite Brendo, but close!

I really have to get some food now.

Well, today I deleted both my Myspace and Facebook accounts. Yipee!! One step closer to becoming a real person! There are only two pages you now need to know of. This is one. The other, is on NewMusicCanada:

http://radio3.cbc.ca/bands/MATT-HUTCHINGS/

I haven't figured out how to update that page yet......but I'm working on it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Something/someone needs to motivate me to finish this musical project that I'm so close to completion. I work, sleep, eat sometimes, and end up online, or in front of the TV when I should be recording. Maybe you want to come over and breath down my neck to force me into action. Or maybe I just need to learn how to self-motivate.

I need to get my car fixed cheaply. Anyone know a good, cheap mechanic in or around Saskatoon?

Saturday, December 23, 2006

This game is amazing. My best score so far is 32.

Mini Putt

Saturday, December 02, 2006

So....I've recorded a very short new song called, "In My Head?". Those interested can listen to it here: http://www.myspace.com/matthutchings.

Sunday, November 26, 2006

I remembered why I loved archery: shooting stuff at stuff. It's right up there next to throwing stuff at stuff. When I was tree planting and we had to hurry up and sit around for hours in the bush, that's what we'd do. Pick a fair sized rock a good distance away, and throw other rocks at it. That and shovel-tossing. But that's a different story.

So I completely forgot who I picked in our extended family Christmas box this year. It's gone. I can't find the little piece of paper, and there is no back up list. I'm screwed.

Do we have a new Liberal leader yet? What the hell is taking them so long? And what's up with Iraq? I heard that in October alone, 3700 Iraqi civilians died. That more than sucks. Whatever it is that they're trying to do over there, I don't think it's working.

And...I need someone to write lyrics for this song that I'm working on. I've just about given up. Even an idea would suffice.

I'm off to have a nap. Isn't that what Sunday afternoons are for?

Friday, November 24, 2006

I think I should re-name this blog to: Ponderings of a Truck Driver. Because I have lots of time to ponder. Anybody remember this song:?

Arch-arch-archery, it's the skill for me!
May we, may we, may we, may we, shoot and then retrieve?

I was trying to remember if there are other verses and I can't. And then I decided it would be a good idea to figure out how long it would take a piece of beef jerky to disolve in my mouth if I didn't chew on it. Answer = approximately 37 minutes.

If anyone happens to have a Rode NTK lying around that they're trying to get rid of....let me know. I want it, but not 'till January when I have money.

And....peppernuts. Gotta love 'em, and 'tis the season (pretty soon).

Thursday, November 23, 2006

So last night, I arrive in Regina, ready to unload my truck, when lo and behold, they key to the padlock that is securing the back door is missing! I searched and searched but to no avail. After calling my counterpart in Winnipeg to see if he remembered the key being on the ring when he left, I ended up calling for the services of Vic, the 24 hour locksmith.

First he tried picking the lock. Then he tried drilling out the lock with a cordless drill. Then he tried with a plug-in drill. Then he tried and succeeded with some sort of spinning saw-like machine. If you need to lock something up, get a commercial grade Master lock with weathershield.

So I was delayed by 2 hours last night. Luckily the roads were decent. It's supposed to be snowy tonight, but after this it's the weekend.

Everyone should go to Louis' on Saturday to see Zach play with Tuxedo Mask. They're opening for Tokyo Police Club, and it should be a good show.

Saturday, November 18, 2006

The tiger, the owl, the angel, and Astro Boy are all singing that this blog needs an update. If they were a shittier quartet, I might be able to ignore them, but their voices are so sweet.

My daily routine has shifted again. It keeps getting better with each change though, and I hope that life continues that trend. I am now a semi-official truck driver, though I don't have my 1A. So now I drive a 5 tonne truck from Saskatoon to Yorkton, to Regina, and back to Saskatoon 4 nights a week, starting around 8pm, and arriving home about twelve hours later. It's pretty sweet; my wage went up; and my work level went down. I just drive, and listen to books on tape, to music, and to my brain.

Speaking of my brain, it's been telling me that this is going to be a good year. These are a few things on the to do list:

- Finish an album, finally.
- Paint alot.
- Make an igloo and sleep in it.
- Camp for the majority of weekends this summer.
- Buy a new computer.
- Learn some jazz guitar.
- Start reading the Encyclopedia.
- Grow a bush beard.

*feel free to make additions to this list.

Saturday, October 07, 2006

I've had trouble sleeping the last two nights. To fix this problem, I put aluminum foil on my bedroom windows, in an attempt to keep out the light. It didn't work. I mean, the light stays more out than it did before, but I still can't sleep. I guess I should lay off the Dr. Pepper a few hours before bedtime.

It's raining today, which is perfect, because I didn't really feel like going outside anyway, and now I have a good excuse not to. On top of that, I need to clean my house. It's a disaster. I have no dishes. Or clothes. So I'm walking around hungry and naked...why do I let it get to this point?

I need to buy some canvas. But the new car needs some fixing, and I'm starting to think that it's going to suck up most of my income for the next few months. I got my GST cheque yesterday! I love those things. They've been taking money off them to pay off my income tax that I owed from last year, but now it's all done! Yipee!

That's all I got.

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

So, I'm back on the day shift, which is wonderful, and........I BOUGHT A CAR!!!!! Yes sir, a shiny blue 94 Ford Escort. It's my sister's old car and it's not to shabby. This means that I can go places! I can buy more groceries than I can carry home! I can take road trips! I can go camping! The possibilities here are practically endless.

I did actually just buy more groceries than I could carry. I have to start remembering before I get to the till that the first Tuesday of every month is Customer Appreciation Day at Safeway. That means I get 10% off! I marked this day on my calander for the next couple months as big ticket item days.

Does anyone want to go to the New Pornographers show with me? Immaculate Machine is accompanying them, and if you remember, that's who we played with on our little tour last November. It should be a pretty sweet show. The Odeon. On Monday, October 16th. Anyone?

Thursday, September 28, 2006

So I'm having a hell of a week. Literally. I'm doing the night shift at work, which involves leaving Saskatoon on a 5 ton truck at anywhere from 7pm-11pm, driving to Yorkton, switching trucks with a guy from Winnipeg, driving to Regina, unloading, driving to Saskatoon, and unloading. It ends up taking about 12-13 hours with no break. And I suck at staying up all night. Thank goodness for those energy drinks. At least I'm making overtime.

I'm feeling quite exhausted as I just got home from that shift. So I think I will go to bed. Toni you should send me your email. And Rylan I'll call you next week sometime. Cool. Later,

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Today I became a millionaire! Well, sort of. All I have to do is keep contributing to my RRSP at the rate I started on today, and I'll have ~ $1,693,000 by the time I'm 65. Thank you Mr. Berg.

So I'm off to be a truck driver this week. I'll let you know how it goes.

It is 1:30 in the morning and I'm eating a giant piece of German Chocolate Cake. The Safeway Lady said that the topping was made from coconut and walnut. Can you believe it? Two different types of nuts. Well let me tell you, that sold me. Rather, that sold the cake, to me. I bought the half one, and I should have bought the whole one. I also bought some dill pickles, ham, and cream cheese, for making these delightful little hampickles (pickles wrapped in ham spread with cream cheese).

I had a wonderful night. The company was fantastic, the food was awesome, and did I say the company was fantastic? I love my friends (ie: YOU).

Now that the cake is gone....I am moving on to Stoned Wheat Thins, my second love. You see, my place of work asked me to fill in for the night shift this week. So.....I am driving a big truck out to Yorkton, then to Regina, and then back to Saskatoon, every night this week. Yes, it is going to suck ass.

I seem to have a piece of cartilage in my nose that is not attached to anything. It has just been discovered. I hope that it re-attaches itself. Speaking of which, I got my health card the other day, finally. So now if I get sick I can actually go see a doctor. And.....I also got my benefits card from SunLife. So if I go to get prescriptions, or to the dentist, all I have to do is give them that card, and I only pay 20 percent for dental stuff, and nothing for drugs. Drugs for free! Yipee!

Tomorrow my family (the kids) are having a meeting with Dale Berg. Dale is a financial dude from Assante. He's going to give us the run down on investing and RRSP's. I'm hoping to get set up so money comes out of my account every week, and into the RRSP account. That way I won't have to think about it. Automacicity. That's the key to a stress free life.

I went out last night and ran into some people, who I ended up going to O'shea's with. And then some old dude with a white beard bought us all Heineken's for no apparent reason. There were 8 of us. That's $42 worth of beer. And then when we were leaving, he was coming outside for a smoke, and asked me if I wanted to share a joint with him. I declined, and then he asked if I had some matches. I didn't, but I gave him my lighter to use. He thanked me, turned around, and walked inside! I figured that he bought me a beer, so he could keep the lighter. Wierd though.