Hey guys, my name is Tim and I’ve been living on Vancouver Island for about 3 and 1/2 years now. Originally from the other side Canada (Halifax, Nova Scotia) I knew that if I settled down somewhere else it’d have to be near the ocean as well. I didn’t come out here with the intention of finding a new home though, it was meant to be a 3 week reset for my mind and heart. After landing on these shores though I found more and more reasons to stay, and my reasons for going back slipped away. I’ve been keep myself busy since arriving; I met an incredible woman on the very first night and have been building a beautiful and loving relationship with her ever since. We recently just moved in together, and continue to help each other grow in the ways we never expected. I also managed to get a diploma from Camosun College specializing in Cyber Security and Network Technology. Going back to higher education for my third time finally paid off! and it was honestly the most rewarding experience I could have imagined. My instructors, courses, and schoolmates were all exceptional, and kept me wanting to push myself more everyday. Now I have the pleasure of working with and for a man who I can proudly call a proper mentor. I am his only employee and we do contract IT work for several locally owned hotels in Victoria. I get the opportunity to learn every day, and am compensated fairly. Having a career I’m proud of, that challenges me and lets me grow has to be one of the most fulfilling experiences I have ever had. I might even have the pleasure of building a local AI server soon too! I know tech isn’t for everyone, but I truly enjoy it, and for me it scratches that itch of boredom that I think most people can feel from time to time. I’m stoked to be joining this container with the rest of you, and am excited to partake and help build in the many interactions, reflections, challenges, ideas, and more that I am sure is to come. All the best, Tim Lighthall

I forgot to mention, I love short stories! Two of my favourite books have a ton of unique short stories in them. The Draco Tavern: A fella opens the first and most popular bar for aliens to visit when they come to visit earth. Each chapter is a different encounter between patrons, and brings you to scenarios you would never have imaged. Welcome to the Monkey House: Just as unique and sporadic as The Draco Tavern, but more earth bound, and ventures, into what we humans are doing to ourselves. These stories tend to lean on dark and scary possibilities, but not just to incite fear, more so to provoke thought, and encourage the reader to take control of their lives.