tag:www.jon.schmidty.ca,2007://1 2007-09-07T19:25:53Z Movable Type 3.33 tag:www.jon.schmidty.ca,2007://1.164 2007-04-28T03:36:03Z 2007-09-07T19:25:53Z

So I guess people have probably stopped looking at this website, since well, Darlene and I are now faithfully updating www.jonanddarlene.schmidty.ca and facebook and all those other crazy social networking things have taken off. Maybe blogs are so yesterday,...

So I guess people have probably stopped looking at this website, since well, Darlene and I are now faithfully updating www.jonanddarlene.schmidty.ca and facebook and all those other crazy social networking things have taken off. Maybe blogs are so yesterday, well regardless I'm going still be updating this for my few faithfuls. As the above image indicates, Justin Wikerd and I are trying to raise some funds so we can compete in this crazy trail race in September. It's six days of pure pain, well that's how I see it. Justin decided that instead of producing pain for the shear fun of it that'd we would try to raise some money for a great cause while we're torturing our bodies and we are still young and fit (or some would say stupid). So if you're reading this and you haven't checked out www.insanityforhumanityrun.com do so because it's the coolest thing ever. Also do it to donate to this great cause. What cause--check out the website and you'll find out. Lastly, if you know of any companies that want to pay to plaster their logo over our t-shirts by all means let us know. We're looking for some corporate sponsorship for the event. Over and out, I'm off running. ]]> tag:www.jon.schmidty.ca,2006://1.159 2006-12-23T20:57:45Z 2006-12-23T21:08:36Z

So I had the vision of doing a short canoe animation for my final 3D modeling assignment and I finally completed it about a week ago. You can now view it in the graphic arts section of this site....

So I had the vision of doing a short canoe animation for my final 3D modeling assignment and I finally completed it about a week ago. You can now view it in the graphic arts section of this site. Most of the video was done in AutoDesk Viz 2007. After that I integrated some still images and a bit of photoshop work. I also integrated some video that I took in my bedroom using a digital camera, a bed sheet, a paddle and my hat. Following the video footage I had to use the choma key function in Ulead's Video Editor to extract the bed sheet background and place me in the canoe I had created. The project was tons of fun, but very time consuming. To make it totally professional I would've needed another 100 hours or so. Anyways, it was fun to integrate a Bruce Cockburn track on canoeing with some video of me canoeing and all the while overlayed on top of the 3D modeling work I did in VIZ. Enjoy :) ]]> tag:www.jon.schmidty.ca,2006://1.144 2006-11-24T03:11:01Z 2006-11-24T03:15:07Z

There's a new 3D modelling video in the graphics section so check it out. Don't forget to turn up your sound, because there's some dramatic music to set the scene. The animations were created in Autodesk Viz 2007, the model...

graphics section so check it out. Don't forget to turn up your sound, because there's some dramatic music to set the scene. The animations were created in Autodesk Viz 2007, the model was mostly created in ArchiCAD and the video was put together in Ulead's Video Editor. Scope it out and check back here later for more graphic arts. ]]> tag:www.jon.schmidty.ca,2006://1.143 2006-10-25T18:52:50Z 2006-10-25T18:59:28Z

So if you haven't caught up with my life, Darlene and I are now living in Calgary and I'm at the University of Calgary pursuing a Masters in Environmental Design - Planning. One of my electives this term is 3D...

graphic arts link. Check them out and give me some ideas for my next assignments. One of my aspirations is to do a 3D of my yellow canoe, perhaps also intergrating some animation. ]]> tag:www.jon.schmidty.ca,2006://1.96 2006-10-24T06:18:22Z 2006-10-24T06:22:14Z

So it appears as if my moveable type 3.2 was being hacked quite often. This unfortunate happening made me spend the time to upgrade to 3.3. Hopefully this will fight off the hackers for the time being. And since I...

www.jonanddarlene.schmidty.ca]]> tag:www.jon.schmidty.ca,2006://1.95 2006-07-21T07:22:35Z 2006-10-24T07:31:31Z

For now you can check out www.jonanddarlene.schmidty.ca for what's going on in my life....

www.jonanddarlene.schmidty.ca for what's going on in my life.]]> tag:www.jon.schmidty.ca,2006://1.94 2006-05-30T23:44:35Z 2006-10-24T05:46:05Z

On Sunday I completed my first marathon. Early in January I was poked a bit by my sister to run in this year's ING Ottawa Marathon. Sherri ran in it last year and was she trying to make it...

On Sunday I completed my first marathon. Early in January I was poked a bit by my sister to run in this year's ING Ottawa Marathon. Sherri ran in it last year and was she trying to make it a larger family event. Like many of the marathon runners, I set out in January with an 18 week training program. I began by running in snow, sleet, ice - everything that Canadian winter can throw at you. I stuck relatively close to my program and it all paid off with a good result on Sunday. I finished in 3 hrs 33 min, placing 520th overall and 50th in my age category. I reached my goal of finishing in under 3:45. I also achieved a little unspoken goal to myself of having the announcer say my name as I finished "Jonathan Schmidt from Baden..." The announcer's try to say everyone's name, but if you finish in a big group they aren't able to catch everyone's name. So I know it's trivial, but I was happy he announced my name. It was definitely a crazy weekend. My sister and Steve also completed the marathon. For my sister it was her second Ottawa Marathon and for Steve it was his first. Sherri had some difficulty with the heat, but much to her credit she perservered and completed it with Steve in just over 5 hrs. Congrats big sister for toughing it out and not dying :) All in all it was 42.2 km of running for Sherri, Steve and I. 10k of running for Mark and lots of support from Darlene and the Schmidt and Stutzman parents. Congrats Mark on your 10k finish. On Sunday we enjoyed a great feast of a picnic with the Stutzman & Schmidt families & friends. What a weekend! Praise God for health and strength and supportive family. Catch a glimpse of the weekend by browsing the pics link on the left.]]> tag:www.jon.schmidty.ca,2006://1.93 2006-05-15T20:26:29Z 2006-10-24T05:46:04Z

I, like many of you, am looking forward to the long weekend. I would like to go canoeing with Darlene's family, but we will only go canoeing if the weather cooperates. With today's long term and short term weather forecasts...

theweathernetwork.ca and post them here. Results (Date/Time & Forecast/High): 9:00am Mon May 15/06 - Sunny / 8 degrees / 0% p.o.p. 1:00pm Mon May 15/06 - Sunny / 14 degrees / 0% p.o.p. 7:00am Tues May 16/06 - Cloudy with showers / 13 degrees / 40% p.o.p. 4:00pm Tues May 16/06 - Cloudy with showers / 13 degrees / 40% p.o.p. 8:00am Wed May 17/06 - Cloudy with showers / 15 degrees / 40% p.o.p. 4:00pm Wed May 17/06 - Scattered showers / 15 degrees / 40% p.o.p. 9:00am Thu May 18/06 - Cloudy with showers / 18 degrees / 70% p.o.p. 9:00am Fri May 19/06 - Mainly sunny / 16 degrees / 10% p.o.p. 3:00pm Fri May 19/06 - Cloudy periods / 16 degrees / 0% p.o.p. (30% pop for AM)]]> tag:www.jon.schmidty.ca,2006://1.92 2006-04-25T16:09:42Z 2006-10-24T05:46:04Z

Honestly, I don't know how to respond to the Caledonia stand-off involving members of Six Nations. I wish I could go down there and stand alongside the members of Six Nations and say 'Despite all the racism you may be...

Honestly, I don't know how to respond to the Caledonia stand-off involving members of Six Nations. I wish I could go down there and stand alongside the members of Six Nations and say 'Despite all the racism you may be feeling, I'll stand with you.' But the voices gather: 'I'm too busy. I have to go to work. I'm moving in a few days. I'm busy." or "It's not my battle. They can stand on their own, why would they need me?" or "Well, even the elected officials from the Band Council aren't backing the standoff. I don't know enough about the issue to make a stand either way." I think what infuriates me most is the lack of understanding in the public and even the media to print quotes such as this "However, the Henning brothers told CBC.ca they have clear title to the land." The members from Six Nations ALSO believe they have clear title to the land, hence the standoff. The members from Six Nations don't really care if the Henning brothers think they have clear title to the land. They believe it is a nation to nation issue, that is between Canada and Six Nations. If I stole something and then sold it to someone the person I sold it to would be holding that item illegally, regardless of whether the transaction between him and I was legit. At least that's my infantile understanding of our laws and the issue at stake here. Developers who would like to build and make a profit on land under dispute between the Federal Government and First Nations groups in Canada should be very very cautious. They shouldn't claim 'They simply want to do business and don't want to be political' - a line that reveals their ignorance and desire for only profits. Being a developer in Canada is developing on land that we took,stole,confiscated or otherwise from the Aboriginal people of Canada. It is an inherent political exercise and it always has been. We desperately need greater understanding on the issues. We need to talk more, interact more and listen much much more. Along that note above, I had a wonderful time touring Stoney Point/Kettle Point F.N. last Friday with Darlene's Western University 'Teaching Aboriginal Students' class. It was very interesting to tour the school and see how the community is developing their young children to be their very best, to be proud of their heritage and to gently balance both the traditional and the modern. I wouldn't be surprised if some amazing Aboriginal leaders come from the Kettle Point education system in the future. Granted, they will have to overcome a hoard of racism and barriers within our larger society. Grab your hammer, let's break down the walls. Or better yet, grab a piece of the floor and sit and listen to an elder for an afternoon. tag:www.jon.schmidty.ca,2006://1.91 2006-04-20T04:09:04Z 2006-10-24T05:46:04Z

Chris and I went to the Leafs game last Saturday against Ottawa. For both of us it was our first Leafs game and it was a dandy! The Leafs beat Ottawa 5-1. Chris' dad generously gave Chris a couple...

Chris and I went to the Leafs game last Saturday against Ottawa. For both of us it was our first Leafs game and it was a dandy! The Leafs beat Ottawa 5-1. Chris' dad generously gave Chris a couple of tickets to the game for his birthday and I must have won the lottery, because I got to tag along. Our seats were great, 23 rows up at the one end of the arena. I enjoyed the atmosphere of the game, the crazy Leafs fans and all the cheering when the home team scored. It was a great memory that I'll always remember. I'll post some more pictures from the game soon, for now you can check out Chris in the picture above.]]> tag:www.jon.schmidty.ca,2006://1.90 2006-04-08T16:49:30Z 2006-10-24T05:46:04Z

Yesterday I received my acceptance to University of Calgary's Masters of Environmental Design (Planning) program. This is the last piece of the puzzle for the move out West. Now everything is in place, Darlene has a job, we have a...

www.jonanddarlene.schmidty.ca ]]> tag:www.jon.schmidty.ca,2006://1.89 2006-03-13T18:03:26Z 2006-10-24T05:46:04Z

My marathon training is coming along decently. Yesterday I did the long run for the week. The run ended up being 20km, 3km less than what was scheduled, but I completed the general idea, which is to get out for...

My marathon training is coming along decently. Yesterday I did the long run for the week. The run ended up being 20km, 3km less than what was scheduled, but I completed the general idea, which is to get out for a long run. I ran from our place in Kitchener to few country blocks away from my parents' place in Baden. Darlene provided the support vehicle :) complete with snacks and gatorade! This made the run much more bearable, since I could look forward to seeing Darlene every so often and refueling. Overall I'm about 7 weeks into training, with another 10 weeks to go. It's been nice to have consistent exercise and to re-learn some discipline in my life. tag:www.jon.schmidty.ca,2006://1.88 2006-02-27T15:45:21Z 2006-10-24T05:46:04Z

Are the Olympics about over-competitive fame greedy athletes, replicating the world's social inequities and willing to win at any cost? Or do the Olympics live up to the ideals of fair play, honesty and the best elements of the...

Are the Olympics about over-competitive fame greedy athletes, replicating the world's social inequities and willing to win at any cost? Or do the Olympics live up to the ideals of fair play, honesty and the best elements of the human spirit? I think the Olympics are one of the most inspirational events on this planet. Athletes from all countries giving forth their best efforts to succeed at their chosen sport. Joy, exhilaration, disappointment and the thrill of victory. While watching the Olympics I, perhaps just like you, wonder what it would be like to stand on the podium with a medal around your neck, the world watching you, the centre of attention - the champion. Whether you admit it or not, I think we all desire to be successful, to achieve greatness in sport or in life and the reason we watch the Olympics is to dream a little - that we too, with a little change in fate could've been that athlete standing there.
I've been thinking a lot about this inner desire for greatness and how it complements or contradicts my religious beliefs and Jesus' way where the last shall be first and the first shall be last. I've come to think that my (perhaps your) inner desire to achieve, to be famous or successful, is actually a desire to achieve meaning from what you do in life. We often associate someone who is successful (particularly in sports) as having done something meaningful. So, while most of us click away at our computers and search for meaning at our workplaces, the Olympics gives us a chance to live through our Canadian athletes what we don't always feel present in our own lives - which isn't success as much as it is meaning. The Olympics reveals to us the beauty and thrill that can come from decades of hard work and persistance. It really is a celebration of the human spirit - that what each of us does is meaningful, that the small daily tasks we complete are important to humanity and that we all should celebrate our accomplishments. This at least is the goal, I believe for all of us, that our daily actions of kindness, hard work, caring, patience, generosity and the like, actually mean something and will in the end result in something wonderful and in the end meaningful to the world. In the end I believe the Olympics portray to us, not specifically that winning is everything, but that the things we do in life can, in the end, result in something great and meaningful, not only to ourselves, but also to an entire country or the entire world. It has inspired me to love more deeply, pray more sincerely, be more generous, exhibit more patience and strive to reach my potential - knowing that what I do does matter, that it is meaningful and that it does make a difference.
imagine reality.]]> tag:www.jon.schmidty.ca,2006://1.87 2006-02-22T17:05:53Z 2006-10-24T05:46:04Z

After some encouragement from my sister and an innner desire to say "I've done it", I've signed up for the Ottawa Race Weekend Marathon. That's 42.2 km of running. I'm a few weeks into my training program and have...

After some encouragement from my sister and an innner desire to say "I've done it", I've signed up for the Ottawa Race Weekend Marathon. That's 42.2 km of running. I'm a few weeks into my training program and have moderately stuck to it thus far. Much of what I've read discourages people from beginning their running career with a marathon, but I've been told I'm in reasonable shape and if I stick to the program I'll be okay. My training has to pick up a bit, since I haven't fully completed a scheduled week of training yet. I've completed the long runs, but the flu and our anniversary meant that I've modified my program over the last few weeks. This week is going well and I'm encouraged by my times and how I've felt during and after the runs. This undertaking is sure to be a big committment, but Darlene is very supportive and if all goes smoothly I'll be in Ottawa in May. See you there!]]> tag:www.jon.schmidty.ca,2006://1.86 2006-01-20T20:16:55Z 2006-10-24T05:46:04Z

This winter I've found it very difficult to get active outside. The weather has been inconsistent, creating a permenant spring time feel, either slushy and mild or icy and cold. Over the Christmas holidays I took time to go out...

Get out - Get Active ]]>