The Official Website & Blog of Paxton Allewell. Communications Specialist, Educator, Writer and Designer.
SHAD – Rose Garden (Official Video)
Jul 26th
I’ve heard this song “Rose Garden” a couple times on CBC Radio 2 and had to go find it online…very catchy stuff, cool that he’s Canadian too – raised in London, ON. More info on SHAD here >>
When You’re Smiling (The Whole World Smiles With You)
Jul 26th
Heard this song today…a great reminder to SMILE 
and LAUGH (HA HA)…
Feeling this song today…
Jul 22nd
I’m feeling this song today and thought I’d share it! If you listen to it, be sure to listen till the end. There’s a cool chanty dance beat at 4:09.
I find myself quite often looking for good yoga-type music and this is a good example of what I’m looking for. YouTube has some decent meditation/yoga songs, but there’s a lot not so great stuff too. Hit and miss. I’m probably going to end up buying some music on iTunes or at the music store, but I’m also on the hunt to put together a good YouTube playlist too… Enjoy!
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‘Facehunter’ Blogger in Toronto with The Society…
Jul 15th
I came across this upbeat video of Yvan Rodic – known to many as FACEHUNTER – who’s a popular fashion/photography blogger and author who was in Toronto for a special event. This is a great blogger success story. More info: facehunter.blogspot.com & www.thesocietyglobal.com
A couple recent videos
Jul 9th
A Brief Video Update En Route to Kelowna for my 10 Year High School Reunion…
Part 1 of 2 – The audio isn’t perfect – not sure why since it worked fine on facebook – sorry about that!
Recap Video of My 10 Year High School Reunion
Part 2 of 2
Exclusive Grad Interview # 7 with David Gibson…
Jun 30th
“Ladies and Gentlemen, teachers and fellow graduates of the year 2000″
With these wonderful words David Gibson, our Valedictorian, began his infamous graduation speech….a speech that made us laugh, made us proud, and helped us put our High School experience and “the rest of our lives” into perspective.
I’m pleased to inform you that David Gibson, MBSS’s orator extraordinaire, is the subject of this interview!
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If there are any of you still undecided if you’ll come, or if you’re still thinking about skipping that shift or work day to come to the reunion, just do it!
Look forward to seeing a bunch of you all on Friday and Saturday THIS week!
Cheers,
Paxton & The Organizing Committee
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INTERVIEW WITH DAVID GIBSON:
WILL YOU BE ATTENDING THE REUNION? IF NOT, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?
Yeah Megan Simon and Tyler Twerdun said they’d disown me if I don’t show, plus now that I know Mitch won’t be there and Dave Cunning will, added bonus ☺
WHERE ARE YOU LIVING AND WHAT ARE YOU UP TO THESE DAYS?
Freezing in Calgary, just killing time working for a bit until I move to San Diego. I did 4 years of college and 4 years of grad school, got a masters degree and found out I hated astrophysics so I quit my Phd in my 3rd year. So now I spend most of my time hanging out with my girlfriend and going on trips where I seem to get volunteered to do the bloody activities at the resort quite often. I’m the current champion of the “spin around a bat 10 times, drink 3 beers, swim across the pool, do 10 push ups and slam 2 more beers” game in Jamaica. Accepting all challengers haha.
MARRIED? KIDS?
Hahahahaha….hahaha….ha….no and hell no.
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU READ OVER YOUR VALEDICTORIAN SPEECH? PROBABLY BEEN AWHILE, RIGHT? IF YOU DON’T MIND, COULD YOU FIND IT AND GIVE US ONE QUOTE YOU STILL AGREE WITH AND ONE THAT YOU DON’T.
See here’s the kicker, I had brain surgery right after high school, so I legitimately remember next to nothing about the events of high school, including giving this speech. I CAN answer according to what people told me about it after the fact though.
AGREE WITH: We need to make a positive contribution to society.
DISAGREE WITH: Treadgold’s lectures took forever, I’ve seen much worse in grad school.
HAVE YOU CHANGED MUCH SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
Well, besides the receding hairline and ever-inflating waistline, I’m a little less outspoken and a little less high strung than I used to be. I had a pretty nasty temper back in the day but I’ve cooled off a bit over the years….but just a bit haha
ARE YOU STILL TOUCH WITH ANYONE FROM HIGH SCHOOL?
I really do have some of the best friends from high school so it made sense to keep in touch with them. I’ve known Tyler Twerdun, Jon Rowe and Dan Pinese since kindergarten. We continue to be close friends despite folks moving to various locations around the world. Greg Mackintosh was a close friend in high school but we became much closer after the fact. Megan Simon just wouldn’t leave me alone so yeah I’ve seen her lots too haha. Can never forget Dave Cunning either, he was always game to chase drunken me around Kelowna during my various vacations…..good times man haha. There’s been plenty of other folks I’ve spent time with here and there, they know who they are, but these guys have been around the most by far.
WHAT’S SOMETHING THAT YOU MISS ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL?
Simplicity of life. I found it much more enjoyable to think about the future and enjoy the various activities of my teen years than going through the various trials and tribulations of aging. I miss when the dream of being “a knight in shining armor” was still tangible.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY IN HIGH SCHOOL IF YOU COULD DO IT AGAIN?
I should have joined drama and choir when I had the chance. It was the only time in my life it was actually available to try and I fear I may have missed that boat. Oh, and cooking, cause I’ve had to live most of my 20s being able to only cook mac and cheese and peanut butter sandwiches. I may be absent from our 25 year reunion if I can’t change that hahaha.
IN HIGH SCHOOL, COULD YOU HAVE IMAGINED YOURSELF WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
A lot of things worked out exactly as planned coming out of high school, but there were a lot of ideas I had about my future that never transpired. Obviously, not a professional baseball player haha but more than that, not married, no kids, not in the city I thought I’d be in. But hey, that’s what our 30s are for right ☺
WHAT’S A SIGNIFICANT LIFE LESSON THAT YOU’VE LEARNED IN THE PAST 10 YEARS SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
Don’t try and force something on yourself. I found out that what I was studying in school didn’t give me any satisfaction and should have switched to something else much sooner than I did. After I quit my PhD (oh yeah, btw I went for a PhD and quit haha), I discovered there were a lot of things I was trying to force myself into, instead of accepting the fact that certain things weren’t going to work for me.
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN READING AND/OR WATCHING LATELY?
School killed recreational reading for me, so outside of quick glances at newspapers and various news websites, I stay out of reading. I’m a pretty hardcore tv/movie junkie, I watch a plethora of shows and enjoy watching a lot of movies. Lost (weak ending btw), CSI, Law and Order, Survivor, etc etc etc…it’s a pretty long list. Just recently saw Toy Story 3 as well, it was bloody awesome, definitely go see that ☺
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO ACCOMPLISHING IN THE FUTURE?
Living up to my own expectations. Out of high school I thought I knew what I wanted, but I found out later on in life I wanted something different, now I get to go get it ☺
ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SAY / SHARE?
I just want to thank all those ex classmates that I’ve ran into over the last 10 years. It was always educational and sometimes destructive (like the fact that I’ve run into Paul Atkin about 100 times since high school and I still have a hard time remembering what it is we did during those times….thanks for the drinks man lol).
Movie Recommendation: The Young Victoria
Jun 28th
The Young Victoria is not only a great movie, it’s a story of a Quebecois Director making it big
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Not too long ago I came across a compelling interview on the TV show Arts & Minds with a Director named Jean-Marc Vallée. Vallée – a well-spoken guy from Quebec – I learned, directed a successful French-Canadian movie called C.R.A.Z.Y and subsequently The Young Victoria – neither of which I had seen.
In the interview he discussed how he put all his energy into C.R.A.Z.Y and was a film he had to make. A defining career experience for him, which lead to the opportunity to direct The Young Victoria.
I watched C.R.A.Z.Y first (rented it from the library) and enjoyed it a lot. It’s a French speaking film about family love and adolescence, and it suited me very well because I want to be exposed to more French (culture). Watch the trailer here >>
Then, I followed it up with The Young Victoria which was just as fantastic. A wonderful (true) love story, great visuals, awesome score and useful historical references. They say period pieces rarely explore the behind the scenes life of Royals, so this film gives a more realistic and unique interpretation of what life would have been like for The Young Victoria (played by Emily Blunt), who became Queen at 18. Albert (played by Rupert Friend) was also a main character in the film. It was neat to see Prince Albert’s love and devotion portrayed for Victoria – a great example for men.
The Young Victoria is a great story and it’s also a story of a Quebecois Director making it big. i.e. Martin Scorsese and Sarah Derguson being Producers. I look forward to Vallée’s next film.
You can watch the Arts & Minds feature online here>>
The Young Victoria Trailer
An Interview with Jean-Marc Vallée
Emily Blunt & Rupert Friend: Uncut Interview
“Alberta is named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta (1848–1939), the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta)
Exclusive Grad Interview # 6 with Lara Soukoreff
Jun 26th
Lara Soukoreff
Hey MBSS BEARS,
The Reunion is now ONE week away! I personally can’t wait to come to K-Town for this once in a lifetime experience!
We’ve got a couple last interviews for you before the big day. This one is with Lara Soukoreff. There’s an updated photo of Lara poster on the event wall. Thanks Lara for sharing!
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The 10 Year Reunion Organizing Committee has been putting a lot of work into ‘organizing’ this thing, and we’re so happy that there’s a bunch of you already rsvp’d.
If you haven’t RSVP’d yet, but want to attend…we’ll still let you. But RSVP TODAY as time is running out…don’t miss out on the fun!
If for some reason you’re in the Kelowna area but can’t make the Saturday events, then consider joining a group of us for the Friday ( July 2) optional event. We’ll be meeting in the MBSS parking lot at 10:00 am to caravan down to the Penticton canal to float the day away, everyone is invited. We are hoping people will be able to bring their own rafts, we’ll tie together, and float in the sun.
Cheers,
Paxton & The Organizing Committee
P.S. Stay tuned for a few more messages with final event details, etc.
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INTERVIEW WITH LARA:
WILL YOU BE ATTENDING THE REUNION? IF NOT, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?
That’s a really good question… I’m trying to make it happen, but the whole “running a summer camp” complicates the matter!
WHERE ARE YOU LIVING AND WHAT ARE YOU UP TO THESE DAYS?
I’m currently working on the Sunshine Coast… For the rest of the year, I’m living in Calgs where I just finished my teaching degree. So, come fall, here’s hoping that I’m subbing some Jr High somewhere!
MARRIED? KIDS?
Some day… By 40. Maybe.
HAVE YOU CHANGED MUCH SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
Most definitely! I was pretty shy back in the day! I’ve definitely “come out of my shell” and worry less about how others see me. I’m pretty confident voicing my opinions, leading large group activities and taking charge!
ARE YOU STILL IN TOUCH WITH ANYONE FROM HIGH SCHOOL?
Yup! Kirsten (Rosberg) and I are still pretty tight… But that’s been in the works since grade 2! I also keep in touch with Kraft, Mayeda, Manda Kovatch (Carter), Jen Bonar (Sanger) and a handful of others.
WHAT’S SOMETHING THAT YOU MISS ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL?
To be honest, I don’t miss high school. Those 5 years hold a special place in my heart… And I’ve moved on!
WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY IN HIGH SCHOOL IF YOU COULD DO IT AGAIN?
A couple of things… Like most of us, I stayed within my core group of friends. I wish that I took the time to get to know others outside of that group, and more importantly, felt comfortable doing so! I took a lot of science classes… Loved them to pieces! Heck, I even went to the Physics Olympics and Cardboard Boat Building Contest! In hindsight, I would have taken more art classes… Like photography or art.
IN HIGH SCHOOL, COULD YOU HAVE IMAGINED YOURSELF WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
To be honest no. I thought I was going to be a Kines with my own clinic, treating figure skating injuries. Turns out, I’m much better suited to running summer camps, teaching tweens and being outdoors!
WHAT’S A SIGNIFICANT LIFE LESSON THAT YOU’VE LEARNED IN THE PAST 10 YEARS SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
That it’s okay to say “no”. I spent a lot of time doing what was expected or asked of me… Turns out that doesn’t always make me happy! At risk of sounding flaky, it’s about finding balance and not necessarily trying to be Super Girl in terms of getting things done!
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR TOP PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
Questions like this drive me bonkers! I’ve accumulated a lot of random “accomplishments” like being able to drive a small bus, working to get children and youth with diabetes active and outdoors, completing my teaching degree. More importantly, I’ve kept my independence, taken chances, made a few interesting decisions and figured out who I am and what I want to do.
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN READING / WATCHING / LISTENING TO LATELY?
Being at summer camp, my book choices are rather embarrassing… Vampire Diaries anyone?! And currently we’re watching a movie called Grizzly, which is a forest version of Jaws set in the ‘70s! Current faves on my iPod include: Matt Barber, Bon Iver, Dan Mangan, Make Your Exit, Metric and the Arkells.
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE FUTURE?
I’m excited to see what where I end up next and what adventures I may find along the way!
Exclusive Grad Interview # 5 with Mitch Pollock…
Jun 26th
Hey Kelownians,
To kick of this week we’ve got another exclusive Grad interview and it’s with Mitch Pollock. Check it out below!
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WILL YOU BE ATTENDING THE REUNION? IF NOT, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?
Can’t make the reunion as I’m doing a gulf islands camping trip. Will send Dave Cunning in my stead. Consider yourself committed to show up now Dave. (he really has no excuse)
WHERE ARE YOU LIVING AND WHAT ARE YOU UP TO THESE DAYS?
I’ve been living for 6 years in the west end in downtown Vancouver. Moved here after graduating from UVic with my BFA in theatre and have been a professional/struggling actor/musician ever since.
Took a couple lengthy backpacking adventures through Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Singapore which I wouldn’t trade for the world.
Right now I’m busy saving money for a second trip back to school, this time I’m going to BCIT for Broadcast Journalism, hopefully you’ll see me pestering some politician/hockey player in the near future. I also play Bass in the band Prisoners with fellow MBSS grad Neil Corbett and older alumni Tim Gunderson.
MARRIED? KIDS?
I fear the ultimate commitment and have no children that I know of, but I do have a lovely girlfriend.
HAVE YOU CHANGED MUCH SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
I hit puberty and grew about a foot immediately upon graduation, I am barely recognizable. I would like to think I’ve matured as one does, but I’m still an overzealous Flames fan.
ARE YOU STILL IN TOUCH WITH ANYONE FROM HIGH SCHOOL?
I’m neighbors with Ben Dixon and still keep in touch with my friend (and future reunion attendee) Dave Cunning, and, as mentioned above, play in a rock band with Neil.
WHAT’S SOMETHING THAT YOU MISS ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL?
The sweet sweet feeling of immortality.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY IN HIGH SCHOOL IF YOU COULD DO IT AGAIN?
Probably drop all the time I spent going to “Young Life” and maybe use that time to study Biology and Physics.
IN HIGH SCHOOL, COULD YOU HAVE IMAGINED YOURSELF WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I thought that I’d have a family by now, but was right on with imagining myself living in a big city, acting and playing music.
WHAT’S A SIGNIFICANT LIFE LESSON THAT YOU’VE LEARNED IN THE PAST 10 YEARS SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
I’m not always right. It’s a lesson that took a while to learn and still needs to be reiterated sometimes.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR TOP PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
Graduating University and doing professional theatre in Vancouver and all over British Columbia. I’ve recorded 4 albums with different groups, played with Prisoners, Like A Martyr, Colette Trudeau, Making Mischief and of course Never Ever More.
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN READING / WATCHING LATELY?
I just finished “Hitch-22″ Christopher Hitchen’s Memoir, am in the middle of an ever cheery book on the Holocaust “The Years of Extermination” by Saul Friedlander. I’m very addicted to live music of any kind and just returned from my 4th year at the Sasquatch Music Festival @ the Gorge, the greatest place on earth.
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE FUTURE?
Very excited to begin my career in Journalism and continue on with my current band Prisoners. Might be doing a show in Kelowna this summer so look out for facebook updates if you want to come check us out there or here in Vancouver! Also starting up a new website www.mitchellblack.com which should be up and running in the next month, will be full of live music reviews, Vancouver arts stories and various ranting and raving.
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Exclusive Grad Interview # 4 with Lesia Payne (Hickey)…
Jun 18th
Lesia Payne & Husband Chris
Hey Reunioners,
We’ve got one last interview for you this week. It’s will Lesia Payne, formerly Lesia Hickey. Do enjoy!
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Thanks to all the grads who’ve been sharing a little bit of their lives with us in this Q & A series. More to come over the next couple weeks. Have a great weekend! Don’t forget to RSVP…you still can!
All the best,
Paxton
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INTERVIEW:
WILL YOU BE ATTENDING THE REUNION? IF NOT, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?
I’m very sad to say that no, I won’t be attending. My uterus has other plans, unfortunately, like birthing…. Sigh. 
I’m 8 months pregnant and due on July 14th
WHERE ARE YOU LIVING AND WHAT ARE YOU UP TO THESE DAYS?
Saskatoon, SK, if you can believe it! After 9 years in Vancouver my husband, Chris, and I decided to move to Saskatoon last year so we could afford an actual home (not just a 500 square foot condo!) and raise a family. I have been successfully running my own web and software design and usability business (Lesia Design) since 2005 and am mostly working on the interaction design for iPhone applications this year. It’s great as I can work in my PJs and don’t have to deal with annoying co-workers!
MARRIED? KIDS?
Yes! Married for 2 years in July and kids, well no I guess not yet because medically I still have only a “fetus”. Though, when I’m playing whack-a-mole with his arms and legs poking out of my belly the word “fetus” doesn’t seem to do the strong little guy justice! 1 month to go and he officially becomes a real person! hah.
HAVE YOU CHANGED MUCH SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
Hmm. That would best be answered by one of my friends…. but… I think I’ve learned to “let go” of always over-achieving a little bit more than in High School. Maybe 10% decrease ;P I would also like to think I’m a better friend and girlfriend/wife as I’ve learned a lot about myself and relationships.
ARE YOU STILL TOUCH WITH ANYONE FROM HIGH SCHOOL?
I’m only regularly in touch with Amanda Kraft. I mentor her as her elder (inside joke as I’m 2 days older). Also, I keep in touch with some others via Facebook!
WHAT’S SOMETHING THAT YOU MISS ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL?
Choir. And, having a large group of friends. I’m happy now with smaller groups of closer friends but there’s something to be said about those awesome 30 person birthday parties I had with sooo many good friends.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY IN HIGH SCHOOL IF YOU COULD DO IT AGAIN?
I would have beaten Dan Hoy in Grade 11 Honours Physics AND hired a lawyer or something about my one C+ in gym class that cost me my “gold cord award”. Lol OK no in all seriousness …… I would have not been so self-conscious in grade 8 and 9.
IN HIGH SCHOOL, COULD YOU HAVE IMAGINED YOURSELF WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
Yes. I always wanted to be married some day and doing computer related multimedia. Though I thought I would have already been a millionaire but other than that ..
WHAT’S A SIGNIFICANT LIFE LESSON THAT YOU’VE LEARNED IN THE PAST 10 YEARS SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
Always be open minded about what you think you might want and what’s actually best for you regarding life choices and relationships with people. And along the same lines of thinking, never be afraid to take risks and be passionate.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR TOP PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
Graduating University with honours … being successful being my own boss… being good enough at what I do to be flown to San Francisco and put up in a sweet apartment. But on a less materialistic and more important note: finding that someone that I want to spend the rest of my life with; this brought so much peace, comfort, and sense of accomplishment
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN READING / WATCHING LATELY?
The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth ….. tons of other baby related books…….. and watching the final season of 24 this year as well as House, and Glee .. etc.
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE FUTURE?
Watching my son grow and the new kind of love and selflessness that I’m going to find in myself.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SAY / SHARE?
I’d love to hear from you guys and can’t wait to see pictures of the reunion. You can always get ahold of me too if you want at www.lesiadesign.com I’d love to hear from you!!!