Reading Week #2 aka Sunday

Sunday began at 7:00am for me. You see, my friend Laura was auditioning for Canadian Idol and she didn't want to go by herself so I selflessly volunteered to skip church (uh oh) and keep her company. So we headed to West Edmonton Mall where we were ushered into a glass cage in which we were expected to await Laura's turn.
She just so happened to be the lovely number 10917.

Anyways... Waiting was pretty entertaining. At first I was just watching people. It was so interesting to see how everyone acts in stressful situations like this and watching people warm up and being amazed by some of the talent. Lots of people are very interesting looking to and it was quite entertaining to just watch and soak it all in. After that, as Laura got more and more nervous, we started playing speed. It was pretty fun. The camera men came and filmed us, which definitely made Laura excited. I wasn't, however, because I suck at speed and started sucking more when there was a camera beside me taking a shot of my side profile, my hand, and Laura. They could see my cards and how slow and terrible I was... I was a loser and, not so surprisingly, ended up losing the game. We also had to do this really lame thing where we had to sit there with a bunch of other people and clap while this annoying girl sang and we had to look happy and excited while I just felt like a poser. And then we had to do it with Ben Mulrooney.. if that's his name... and he doesn't seem like a very nice man. Yeah.. I felt dumb, but oh well. Then came more waiting and some swing dancing and some more singing. Here's me waiting... hahaha.

Laura finally got to go and sing. She sadly didn't make it, but we enjoyed ourselves and that's really all that matters.

After the whole Canadian Idol ordeal, I came back to rez and pretty much sat around for a while. I actually really like it when it's quiet. I was the only one there who was awake and I just hung out for a bit. Watched a bit of the olympics - men's hockey (come on boys!). And then seven of us headed to Laura Boskers house for dinner! SO GOOD! Her mother made potatoe's, pasta, apple sauce, pork chops, corn, and I'm pretty sure there was something else but I can't remember what. It was absolutely delicious! So good! And then we hung out with her parents for a bit (both of who are hilarious). We played slam-it uno too... SO MUCH FUN! It was a gong show. Man, it felt good to be in a home with a family, even if it wasn't mine. There is something about a happy home - any happy home - that just makes me so full of joy. It made me miss my family and appreciate them all the more. We played dutch bingo and found out that Laura's dad went to Dordt with one of my aunts and that he met my brother in California at a conference of some sort and yadda yadda yadda. I love dutch bingo! It's so exciting to see how we're all connected and how so-and-so knows so-and-so who's related to so-and-so until it eventually makes it to you.

When we came home from Laura's we sang Karaoke some more and then Laura, Curtis, Dave, and I hopped into Laura's car and I drove to Pizza Hut so we could get some free pizza from Laura's sister. We helped her do inventory for a bit and Laura showed off her talent by making us two large pizza's with tons of cheese and meet... and mushrooms on half of one for me and Deanna Lynn. So yummy! We drove them back to King's though and Dave and Curtis ate some in the car, thus provoking mine and Laura's rage. Haha. I couldn't eat because I was driving standard and I didn't want to get grease all over and Laura didn't eat because she didn't want to eat it without me. We finally got back to rez and ate our Pizza in Dave's room because there were a bunch of people in Laura and Britt's and we didn't have enough for everyone.

A bunch of the people in the other room were doing things that I dislike participating in so I stayed in Dave's room and hung out with Laura. Then I went into the other room to get the cord for the camera so I could put these lovely pictures on here and a bunch of the people were trying to offer me alcohol and they were asking me why I don't want to get drunk with them and such and so I turned to them and said, "Because I believe that getting drunk is a sin." I don't think they appreciated that too much, but I didn't feel like dancing around the issue and decided to take the blunt approach and tell it to them like it is. They then started asking where it says that in the Bible and I told them about our bodies being temples of the Holy Spirit and how we're supposed to honour God with our bodies. And they were saying that alcohol is a gift and I agreed, but if taken in excess then it was abusing it. Then one of them said that Jesus got drunk. And I said that, no I don't believe he did. But they were convinced that Christ got drunk. To make a long story short, I got out of there as quickly as possible.

I'm pretty sure the rest of the story doesn't need to be publically told, but they ended up doing some stupid and inconsiderate things and so I lost it on them! Reasoning with drunk people is like talking to an egocentric 3 year old who cannot make arguments for themselves and thinks that if someone else has done it then there is an open invitation for them to repeat it because it isn't bad or rude or absolutely revolting. I'm pretty sure I haven't been that angry in a while... a very long while. I was bawling and I threw my shoes at the wall and so I decided to go for a walk outside to calm myself down. So... today I have the gruesome task of cleaning a whole lot. I'm definitely not looking forward to it.

It frustrates me when I get mad. I hate it! But sometimes I feel as though there's nothing else to do. Talking doesn't always work so I thought I'd show them my raw emotion - my disgust, my sadness and, quite evidently, my anger. I wish I could be more Christ-like and I wish I knew how to show them that they are wrong and that they can't do the things they do! Why do people get drunk? What is so appealing about it and how can they try to defend it from a Christian perspective? Why would you intentionally get drunk?? I feel as though they don't respect me and my opinion though because I've never been drunk. I've only ever consumed on sip of alcohol (wine at ukranian christmas) and so they think that I don't have a valid argument. It is so discouraging and sad. Well... I'm going to go start cleaning. I'll post some pictures first.

Lonely Rez

Reading week has finally begun!!! Rez is so quiet though because everyone has gone home, but alas, I have volleyball every day this week in preparation for provincials next weekend. I would much rather go home, but I guess hanging out with Deanna all day will have to suffice. We've made some plans for this week. We're going to Barrhead with Christa and Marie on Monday night and then we're going to Latin Dance lessons and Karaoke on Tuesday night... and we're planning on going to Claire's house one day (to play with her puppy and eat... we don't even like Claire.. hahah I'm lying... we love Claire, but her puppy and food are the most appealing parts).
This morning I slept in till 9:00 and sat in bed for an hour or so before going across the hall to cuddle with Amber and talk to Laura. Laura was going to try out for Canadian Idol today and she was so nervous so we were trying to get her to practice in front of us. She adamantly refused, but eventually sang a little diddy with the computer.Oh man.. she was trying to convince one of us to go with her, but I had volleyball and Amber had to work. She was going to have to sit and wait alone so she packed some homework. We gave her a huge hug for good luck and then went to my room to talk for a bit. About 10 minutes or so later we see her walking back to her room so we called out and asked what she was doing. She told us that she wasn't going. Our mouths dropped and we ran into her room. I was almost crying and Amber was yelling at her and she was saying how there are good singers and then there are amazing singers and that she's only average and she won't make it anyway. So I sat there dumbfounded with my heart pounding and my throat constricting and Amber was yelling at her telling her to put her work back in her bag and to get back out there. We were ready to do anything to make that girl go sing because she has so much talent and she is so cute and we just love her and know she could make it and do so good. So we were desperately trying to convince her to go and then she started laughing at us and said that she was going and that Theresa volunteered to go with her so she was getting different work to do. We just about lost it! Oh man... We had our adrenaline rushing and we were getting so emotional and then it turned out she was just lying. I couldn't even believe it! It was hilarious, but it took forever for my heart to stop pounding. So... she eventually left Amber and I choked in her room.
Deanna and I went for breakfast at 11:30. So yummy! I love breakfast. Then we had volleyball. Warm-up was so fun. Deanna and I played our little game.... the "hit the ball back and forth and keep it bouncing because we're really only five year olds who are easy to entertain" game. Goodtimes. Hitting warm-up was fun too... aka I could actually hit today and wasn't hitting with my elbow. Umm.. Bench warming is actually quite entertaining too. Christa Preuss, Deanna Barwich and I wear our black hoodies and stand at the end of the bench cheering, talking, doing high kicks, dancing and generally just making fools of ourselves. We are the biggest losers I know, but we have so much fun so it doesn't matter. Then pepper during the time outs is a gong show! We're lucky if we get a rally of any sort.We lost...
Deanna is falling asleep per usual so I think I'll go jump on her...

He pretty much has the same birthday as Michael

Happy Birthday Justin! I love you!

More Team Fun

My team also decided to have a 'crazy hat day'. It was pretty fun... not as fun as dressing up, but what can you do?

Here's Deanna and I being goons... Pre-practice

Here's Mac's Artwork

Here's us all! Marie with the Sombrero, Ninja Ange, Christa Pruess, Claire McAlpine, me, Sheena, Deanna Lynn, Heather... and Lorraine, Oriana and Bailey up front.

Claire and Sheena

Claire, Ange the Ninja, me and Proyce

Christa and Claire McAlpine

Heather, Oriana, Christa and Bailey

Oriana Pysyk and I




Sheena, Claire, Christa, Oriana, Heather

Volleyball Fun

Our volleyball team had a dress-up day a little while ago and Michael's computer is finally cooperating so I am able to post some pictures. Yeah yeah, we're hideous, but it was so much fun so it doesn't even matter. Those spandex, however, were SO hot! And I'm not referring to their attractive qualities, but merely their ability to keep my body warm and perspiring.

O+

Yesterday was ... rather eventful to say the least. It began a bit stressful. I woke up at 7:30 to cram some more for my bio midterm that was scheduled for 9:00am. Feeling entirely unprepared I walked into L116 and began to write. The multiple choice was tough. I was second guessing myself like crazy! Anyways. I start nearing the end of the multiple choice question and I noticed my good buddy Deanna walking up to the front without her exam to ask the professor something. I watch her, knowing that she didn't feel well, and she suddenly collapsed at the front of the class. So, there's Deanna lying on the floor not moving and Dr Peters hovering over her talking to her quietly looking a little bit shocked. I couldn't concentrate because I was worried about her and seeing the poor guy trying to take care of this young girl/woman he doesn't know... so I went got up, left my exam behind, grabbed Deanna's water bottle and went to help him out. She was conscious when I got up to the front but she looked so pale and she was sweating profusely. So we kind of move her behind the desk so she's not awkwardly lying there infront of the entire class. I sat there with her head in my hands rubbing her ... I guess it was behind the ears. The poor girl. It was so sad. So Dr. Peters went out to call for a first aid attendant and I just sat there with Deanna. He comes back and he's like, "Thanks for coming up here to help Ashley." and then he was like, "Deanna, how are you feeling?" So either the guy is amazing and knows our names already or he went out and, in the process of calling for help, found out our names. I wouldn't be surprised if it was the first one because he really is the nicest man ever. So our Chem lab instructor Cindy Slupsky came in and just sat with us because everything was ok and we brought Deanna up to her room eventually. I then had to go to Dr. Peters office and finish my midterm. It didn't end up going to well, but that's ok. Anyways, Deanna's feeling better now and we're both done our exams.
Umm.. oh yeah. I went and donated blood yesterday too! That was quite interesting as well. First, I made friends with every single person who helped me out. I would have these long conversations with them and... I'm quite amazed at how much someone can open up in just a short amount of time. I love getting to know people and asking them questions and finding out what they're passionate about. Like, the first lady who pricked my finger to see if I had enough hemoglobin in my blood, well she went to school for English and Arts originally and didn't become a nurse until she was 30. She had to go to university for bio and chem first because she'd never taken them in high school. She told me all about how they test for hemoglobin and that she's been working at the Blood Donor Clinic for over 15 years now and yadda yadda yadda. Then came the man, Will, who screened me. We had a big long discussion about each of the mandatory questions he had to ask me. He told me about this great biology book he's reading and thoroughly enjoying. Apparently every living cell responds to endorphins and is healthier when they experience joy. Like... every one of our little macrophages responds to endorphins and it affects how they work. I was.. quite impressed actually. And then he asked me if I was ever up at 6:30 in the morning because he was going to be on TV. So I politely asked him what he was going to be doing on TV and he informed me that he's a musician and that he was going to be performing and stuff so I acted all interested for him. So, he volunteered to write down the name of the book he was reading and the time and channel the morning show would be on. I was like... alright. Then we talked about Africa and nursing and everything else. Then, cause I really don't like needles, I was jokingly telling him that he'd better be good at this (this was as he was prepping me for my donation) and he assured me that he was. Anyways, to make a long story short, I had blood running down my arm because he did something or other and I was laughing at him. It worked out though... they took my blood. Nearing the end of my donation, as I was applying pressure to my arm, Will returned with a piece of paper and he says he has his email on it for me so I can email him and ask him questions, or if I want to come to a live concert I can get free tickets, or if I just want to talk. And I was like... oh no. So I took it and then went to eat my soup. Lynae was convinced I was flirting with him, but I assure you, 30 yr. old men are not my type. That wasn't even the most eventful part of our blood donation. The greatest/most entertaining/funniest/not so exciting part was when Amy collapsed on her way to the chair. She'd felt dizzy and then collapsed and so I grabbed her legs and held them up and the nurses came running and put a pillow under her head and her feet on a chair and clothes on her face. Tracy (an RN) sat with us for a while and Amy graduated from lying on the floor to sitting on it, then to sitting in a chair, and then, finally, to leaving with us. It was definitely good times.
Umm.. Then I watched the King's Basketball team beat NAIT. I was sitting with Eric and he was cheering for NAIT because his roommate Church is on it, but King's won and it was quite exciting. After the game was over Eric, Church, Deanna and I went to Eric's house and hung out for a while before going to see Zorro.. the second one. It was an alright movie. Sequels are never as good.. unless we're talking Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, or Return to Snowy River.
And that was pretty much that. Stayed up way to late for having donated blood, but that's alright.

Pleasantly Surprised

Yesterday was a bit of an interesting day. It began with the sex conference. That was pretty interesting, I guess. Learned a bit more about endorphins and which lubricants to use with condoms (don't use oil based lubricants because they eat away at the condom... use water-based!). I was a bit disappointed because there was not a whole lot said about Christian perspective on sex and such... it was more just talking about everything else... The Birds and the Bees, the physiological aspect, and just an informative shingdig.
I had a volleyball game last night as well. That was absolutely embarrassing. The team was playing so poorly and entirely as a bunch of individuals and us benchies remained on the bench. It was so disheartening, but oh well. Not only did we lose 25-8 in one of the sets, but my team was a disaster! I was reduced to being colorfully called a rookie. I may bring this up some time in the future because it's a great story... I just don't want to offend anyone before things are cleared up or say anything I'll regret and have to apologize for.
But the highlight of my day was definitely at 3:10 when I was told by numerous people that there was a package for me at the front desk. When you live in rez without any family, there is nothing better than getting a package! Nothing better than getting any sort of mail for that matter! Any sort of male... even my voter's card was rewarded with a celebration. Anyways... I went to the front desk and there is this thing with my name written so big! That explained why so many people told me to go to the front desk.. you could see my name from a mile away. Anyways, I went and retrieved my package to discover that it was a dozen roses!!! My brother Anthonie sent me a dozen roses for my birthday!! I was so excited! I went around rez showing everyone because they were so beautiful! And, I'm not gonna lie, they smelled absolutely divine!Aww.. I love my brother! I love him so much, and not only because he sent me flowers! I love him because he is so wise and he cares so much for other people. I think I've noticed just how much I love him since I've been gone. I know that's what everyone always says, but it is absolutely true. I used to take him so forgranted and just reduce him to an overprotective brother. But he's more than that - granted he is still overprotective... excessively so maybe, but we all have our faults :). He is so loving and I know that I can go to him with anything and he'll give me an honest and unbiased opinion. Take yesterday, for example, we were having a discussion in Michael's room about Oral Sex and whether or not it is actually sex (I think it is) and there weren't many people in the room who agreed and so I emailed my brother and asked his opinion and such. I didn't think it was odd, but apparently most people don't email their siblings asking about sex. That's what I love about Anth though, I can email him and know that he will give me his educated opinion. Yup... I love my brother.
Hahaha... I have a bit of a confession to make. I just thought about it right now. When my sister, Lindsey, turned 16 Anthonie sent her a dozen roses from Halifax (that was where he lived at the time) and so I'd always dreamed of the day when he would send me flowers. I did have quite the imagination, but we don't need to get into that. Well, I forgot about this childhood dream and my 16th birthday came and went without any excitement. I didn't think much of it, however, until I was looking through pictures at home - as I so often do. I eventually got to Lindsey's 16th birthday pictures and there was one with her and this big vase full of roses and my heart sunk. Haha. I was so sad that I didn't get any extra attention at my birthday. I was a bit bitter at the time... and for months afterwards. Oh females and their unnecessary drama. Anyways. I eventually got over it, but that was something I thought of instantly when I read the card. Heh heh. I must admit, it was definitely worth the wait. I appreciate it much more now! Anyways. I should be going to read Othello, I have two more acts to polish off before tomorrow... G'night.

He's Three!!

Happy Birthday Christopher Michael Boessenkool! I wish I could be there to play with you today! I love you.
Love Auntie Ashley

C.S. Lewis

He whom I bow to only knows to whom I bow

When I attempt the ineffable Name, murmuring Thou,

And dream of Pheidian fancies and embrace in heart

Symbols (I know) which cannot be the thing Thou art.

Thus always, taken at their word, all prayers blaspheme

Worshipping with frail images a folk-lore dream,

And all men in their praying, self-deceived, address

The coinage of their own unquiet thoughts, unless

Thou in magnetic mercy to Thyself divert

Our arrows, aimed unskilfully, beyond desert;

And all men are idolators, crying unheard

To a deaf idol, if Thou take them at their word.
Take not, O Lord, our literal sense. Lord, in thy great

Unbroken speech our limping metaphor translate.

C.S. Lewis

I am taking Theology this semester and this was the first thing we looked at in class. Our professor, Roy Berkenbosch, put this up on the overhead and gave us a couple minutes to talk amongst ourselves about it. I don't know about you, but when I read this initially it all flew over my head. When we started discussing it, however, I really began appreciating it. I'll try and be concise.

If you read this... I guess I would call it a prayer or a reflection of some sort... anyways, if you read it... I don't know. I found it rather powerful. I'll just share what I found most impacting.

Our concept of who God is is less than who the true God is. The opening line shows that only God knows who He really is. God is far greater than we could ever imagine and our words are unworthy of who He is. We cannot be literal because he is so much greater than anything we can say and his majesty surpasses words that we may use to describe it - our words are insufficient and inadequate. Our arrows are aimed unskillfully and they miss the target. If our words are taken at face value then we are blaspheming God and reducing him to something far less than He actually is.

I don't know... there is so much I could say and that I want to say, but I'm not very good at articulating my thoughts and I'm afraid I will just lose you so you can just read that for yourself and I'd encourage you to reflect on it. It's a good piece of literature.

Miracles happen

It always seems as though miracles were a regular occurance in the Bible - the Red Sea parted, Christ turned water into wine, he made blind men see, he raised Lazarus from the dead, and he made lame men walk. Miracles happened that were entirely impossible to ignore or deny as being the work of God. It sometimes seems as though God used to have a much more active role in the world... I know this is not true and that God is unchanging and faithful, but it's sometimes hard to see that because there aren't miracles as obvious as the Red Sea parting. When people ask me if I've seen miracles done I'm always hard-pressed to come up with them, but they do happen! God is still actively revealing himself to us through miracles.
One such miracle happened yesterday and Matthew Beimers and his family will be the first to tell you that. Madelyn Elise Martina Beimers was born yesterday - seven weeks early. Complications arose in the pregnancy and Madelyn was delivered by cesarean section on Christmas Day. Weighing a mere 2 pounds, 13 ounces, she will remain in hospital for 4-6 weeks. A miraculous birth and a miracle of life!
Please pray for Matthew Beimers and his family. He has three other beautiful daughters who had to sacrifice their Christmas with their parents, but I'm sure they are ok with that. I don't want to assume things, but I'm going to anyways... This will be a hard couple of months for their family and I'm sure they can use our continuous prayer. Please remember them and keep them in your prayers.
You can read the Beimers' amazing story at http://www.pacificgrace.blogspot.com/ . I'd recommend you have kleenex ready... It really was a Merry Christmas!!

Lazy

Today I did absolutely nothing. I woke up to find that I didn't have to paint base boards with my mother because she was at the hospital with a friend who was in labor so I just sat around all day long. It was nice/strange/almost lonely, I'd say. After spending four months with people constantly imposing on your space it wasn't as nice as I'd imagined to be home alone all day long. That may be because I am home and I want to see people and hang out and catch up and have fun... I don't know. My dad and brothers were out all day, shopping and working and playing basketball etc so I just read my book and watched some terrible television. I have not missed T.V. in the slightest... it's a waste of time. I don't mind watching movies, but T.V. shows, especially the soaps during the day, suck! I do wish we could watch more Canucks games, but alas, Edmonton depraves us. K... so I have nothing left to say. I'm just typing for the sake of typing. :)

Speaking of Gordon...

I was just looking through pictures on my computer and here's Gordon and I at the high school dance last year... (the second one's for you JB).

Home at Last

It was definitely worth having my five finals over a period of three days in order to come home early. I don't think I would trade that for... well for much I guess. I even got to have a sleepover with my sister! She drove me to the airport in the morning so I went to her house the night before and we had a little party.
Hmm... Stewart picked me up from the airport and we went to see my daddy at work. His school was having chapel so I snuck in the back and gave him a huge hug. He was just about to go up to read a story to his students so I stood at the back with Stewart and we were going to listen to him read. So my dad went up to the front and sat down and started talking about their Christmas traditions or something like that and then he stops and says, "Could you all turn and wave at my daughter. She just came back from college and came here to surprise me." So his whole school turns and waves at me and they all started clapping and I so I waved back with this huge/dumb smile on my face. Then he started reading. I love hearing my dad tell stories! He used to read to us kids all the time. He read us The Hobbit and Narnia. It's been a while since I've had the chance to listen to him and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Then we went to visit my neices at their middle school. They were also in chapel. When they realized I was there they came running at me. It was so cute! Then they both started crying when I was hugging them. Oh man, they cried for so long. It was so adorable. Aww... I missed them. They make me so happy.
After that, Stewart and I went home to have tea with my mom before venturing to Fraser Valley Christian to see my little brother and everyone else. A bunch of the kids I taught last year came and gave me hugs as well as the girls I coached on Surrey Heat. Hmm... I went to a basketball meeting and saw all the girls again.
Then Handy and I were walking down the stairs and who should be walking up them but Gordon Kelly himself. He looked a bit startled at seeing me in his domain yet again and so he barely managed to spit out a hello. Then, in the typical Gordon Kelly manner, he took two steps and turned around to join me in my walk. And that was the end of me visiting other people. When Gordon Kelly wants something he is pretty persistant and determined to get it. So I spent the next 25 minutes humoring Gordon and hearing about Toronto and his life. Trying to end the conversation and start a new one with someone else failed time and time again because Gordon is never finished. If he is anywhere near you then he has an open invitiation to talk... even if you're talking to someone else. Oh man, I missed that boy. He's quite entertaining, especially 12 hugs, 5 hand-shakes, and 3 high fives. Gordon Kelly is quite the character. After rekindling my romance with him I decided to go home...
Now I've been lazing around, visiting family, hanging out, reading... and it's been wonderful!

Congratulations Justin!!

Well... it's been a while. The week has been hectic and next week will be even more so. I'm in the process of writing four papers, completing two assignments, and studying for a lab exam... not to mention the fact that I had a floor christmas party, christmas shopping with my sister, volleyball and I'm going to the hospital to play with kids tomorrow with my volleyball team. I can't even start studying for finals until Saturday and I have my five finals over a period of three days!! The only bonus in the situation is that I get to be home on December 16th... but the next week and a half are going to be ridiculous! I just might lose my mind.
The real reason for this blog, however, was to let you all know that Fraser Valley came in 3rd at provincials. I'd say that's not bad. I heard that the team they lost to in the semi-finals, MEI, play amazingly well and definitely deserved the gold so I'm pretty proud of our boys. My little brother got a 2nd All-star! I was so proud of him! I'm not going to lie... I still am proud of him! Although I am expecting MVP out of him next year :) Anyways, I gotta get back to my philosophy paper.
Ps... I'm coming home in 9 days!

Provincials!

MY LITTLE BROTHER'S TEAM IS IN THE SEMI-FINALS AT PROVINCIALS!! I'm so excited and I wish I was there! They play MEI tomorrow so I'll let you all know how he does!

Christmas Decorating!!

Yay! My roommate, Jen, and I decorated our room today. It was so much fun! We have this little christmas tree that her mom gave us. It's four feet tall and really really skinny. We made it look beautiful though. When I was home for remembrance day I bought decorations and so we put those on it. The bulbs look a little bit large, but the tree has character. We also hung stockings on the wall. Four of them! Two for me and Jen and then two for Michael Ui and Dave. They are in the room next to us and we decided that we would fill their stockings and they would fill ours. It should be tons of fun! I'm actually really excited. I have so much work to do in the next few weeks though. It is going to be so hectic, but I'm quite looking forward to it.

And the countdown begins

I've always found it to be quite lame to countdown the days until... well until pretty much anything. Anything except for Christmas because no one can complain about eating a chocolate a day. I mean, I've always been excited about events and such that are approaching, but I've never taken to counting the exact number of days until I get to them.
I would, however, like to bring to everyone's attention that I am coming home in 19 days (if my math is correct) and I am expecting Tamlin Cooper to come and see me soon there after. I'm actually so very much excited! My last visit home was not nearly long enough. I didn't even get to visit with my family! I can't wait to see them again! And all my friends... one night was not nearly long enough. I'm pretty sure I won't actually count down the days until I get home, but I may randomly think about it and calculate the time left.

In other news:
My team went to Grande Prairie for volleyball this weekend. Our girls and guys teams. It was pretty fun. We lost both games, but our guys won one of the two. I hate sitting on the bench hurt. I especially hated it because I actually would have had a chance to play in those games. It sucked.
My ankle was healing quite nicely. I still couldn't walk on it, but the swelling was starting to go down. That was until I was walking down the hall in Grande Prairie and my crutch hit a wet spot and went flying to the side. I landed hard on my bad foot and it was so painful!

Nothing interesting has been happening though. I've spent much of my time doing homework and nursing my foot. I'm pretty much only updating this thing because Michael Ui likes reading them. Don't ask why he'd be so interested because I have no idea... he happens to live next door to me so he knows everything. Anyways... 19 days!!!

Michael Ui

My buddy Michael Ui was complaining about me not mentioning his name in my blog ever so I have decided to devote an entire blog to him. Michael Ui and I went to high school together and we were "friends", but we never really hung out ever. We got along and all... and he liked me for all of two minutes in Grade 10 science class, but that was the extent of our relationship.
On my first day at King's I noticed that the guys who would be occupying the room next to mine for the year were named Dave and Michael. I got all excited about meeting two hot guys, one of which I would end up marrying and living happily ever after with. When the guys showed up later on in the day I went over to say hello and meet them. So I walked into their room and realized, much to my dismay, that instead of my heartthrob future husband, Michael Ui was who I was to be sharing a wall with for the rest of the year.
Things have been working out quite wonderfully though. It's true that I still have not found a husband, but I am quite satisfied, maybe even happy. Michael Ui is a wonderful guy and I wouldn't trade him for all the Brad Pitt's or Orlando Bloom's in the world. I would, however, give him up for Adam Brody, but he's the only exception. Michael Ui though.... HILARIOUS!!! He makes me laugh all day long!
Michael Ui is a vegetarian. More than that, he is allergic to pretty much everything but he still insists on eatting it all and I'm pretty sure he pays the consequences. He is very generous... aka he's not too bothered (or at least doesn't show it) when I waltz into his room to use his computer every day. He makes sexy faces in the webcam when I'm talking to people on msn, namely Jesse VH, and that is definitely entertaining. Michael is like my mommy. He makes sure I'm doing my homework and such. Hmmm... Michael puts up with my singing and dancing with only minimal mockery. Dave (his roommate), Mikey and I sit on his bed, turn the lights off, look at the city, and listen to love songs at night. It actually is on of my favorite times of the day.
I could... or I guess I would go on and on about Mikey, but I have class and it takes a bit more time to get down there these days so I should probably be leaving.

PS. I sprained my ankle yesterday. It hurt.

Home Sweet Home

So this past weekend I went home to surprise my family and friends. Nine of us ventured off for British Columbia at 9:00 pm on Thursday night in two cars. The ride down was as one would expect, long and long. I tried to sleep, but only managed to get minimal rest. I was so excited to be going home! Deanna, Gabriel, Daniel, Mike and I drove in one car and as we neared home we started getting very excited. We stopped by Gabe's house to get his car and then he drove Deanna, Daniel and I home. Nobody appeared to be occupying my house at the time so I brought myself upstairs to my now invaded room (Justin apparently took over). I came downstairs to find that my parents re-did the kitchen with hardwood flooring and we got a new fridge and stove. It looks so good! I was quite excited. And my little brother, Benjamin, was watching TV. He came and gave me a confused hug. We (Daniel, Gabe and I) were laughing at him. My parents were apparently at the school watching volleyball so I decided to go and see my sister at her house. So, we went to my sisters house and I walked in the front door and heardher in the kitchen. I ran dancing in singing "hello my family!" and my sister screamed and we both started crying. It was so happy! She was so cute in her bathrobe and she gave me the biggest hug. It was so good to see her. She said I almost gave her a heart attack. Then my neices game with squeals of laughter to hug me. They are so beautiful! And so big! I love them!!! Then I went upstairs to see my nephews. Zachary was being a grumpy pants, but Christpher game out wearing his Canucks Jersey, shorts, and winter boots. Apparently that is his favorite outfit. He was so cute. He looked a little confused, but he allowed me to hug and kiss him and laugh and dance him around. Zachary eventually ungrumpified himself. All it took was coaxing with Christmas Oranges. I missed that family so much! My brother-in-law was also home and he gave me a huge hug too!

Now we faced a dilemma because I wanted to go see my parents, but we were supposed to be having a surprise party for all of our friends the next night so we didn't want to go the school, but I really wanted to see my parents!!! So, we went anyways. I decided that I'd rather see my parents and ruin the surprise than wait because if I happened to run into anyone than they'd still be surprised anyways. So I tracked down my parents. They were watching a volleyball game; my dad was sitting on the bench helping coach and my mom was sitting with my uncle. And I walked into the gym beaming and I waved at my mom. She started crying instantly and I ran to give her a big hug. She was sitting in her chair and she wouldn't stand up so I just knelt down and hugged her. We were both in tears and we made the lady sitting beside us cry too. I love women! Then my dad came around and gave me a hug. My brother happened to be coaching another team on the other side of the gym so I ran over and hugged him to. I'm so glad they were surprised!! I was afraid they would know and then it wouldn't be quite as fun. It was so awesome! That has to have been on of the greatest feelings in all the world. Seeing the joy you can bring someone with a surprise! It was worth the lying and manipulating that it took to keep it a secret.
So on Friday I hung out with my family. My sister, parents and I went shopping to IKEA and bought a whole bunch of Christmas decorations. I spent way too much money, but it was fun and my dorm room will now look fun... I hope. I still have to get a little tree to put the decorations on. We'll see how things go. My sister bought me my grad gift. I got a blanket that is so soft and so warm and so awesome. I'm excited! After that we came home and sat around for a bit. My little brothers are getting so big! They are so tall! I love it! I decided to go and visit Stewart for a minute and so I quickly went to his house for a quick 15 minute visit. It was so good to see his family again. I love his sisters! They are two of the most beautiful women I have ever seen. I definitely missed them. I had to run home to eat dinner with my family and then Sam Tse picked me up for Joel Brons basketball game. Daniel Brouwer came along with us and I made Joel a sign. We got to his game just as they were singing the National Anthem. I wanted to get Joel's attention so I held up my sign which read
"Joel Bron

You = My Hero

I love you"

Joel soon found the sign and got all excited and happy, but then he looked closer because he didn't know who was holding it. He started squinting, as Joel tends to do because he is visually impaired and too stubborn to get glasses, and leaning forward in an attempt to focus on our faces. He eventually realized that we were us and he got all giddy on the bench - clapping and bouncing a little bit. It was so cute! I wanted to run up and hug him right then and there. The game went on as most games do... CBC lost... and then Joel came and gave us all hugs. I was so happy to see him! I love him and missed him so much and ... oh Joel Bron is amazing and handsome and excellent... he's also four up right now, but I plan on increasing the difference. He showered and changed and gave us a tour of his dorm (no girls allowed... sneaky sneaky) and then we went to visit Brandsma for a couple minutes. We talked about the same old... basketball. Brandsma talked about what could have been and yadda yadda yadda. I was so tired that I wanted to leave, but Joel wasn't done yet so we went to Timmy Ho's and ate some donuts. It was good times, but I was about to pass out by the time I got home.

On Saturday I managed to sleep in until 9:00am. I hung out with my mom for a bit and then I called Stewart because he'd called me early in the morning. He came over and then we went to Mrs. Visschers house. I walked in through the garage door and it took Vissch a second to realize that I actually wasn't supposed to be there, but she came flying at me as soon as she did. Then I played with her daughter Camryn for a long time because it was Ethan's party so he was preoccupied. Aww... it was so good to see her! Then Stewart brought me to Super Store because my mom was there shopping and then I hung out with her more and we did some more shopping. When we got home we just lazed around and there was a fire so I sat infront of it. At 7:30 Vissch came and we went to Tim Hortons for coffee and we talked about the Philipines and missions and it was so fun.

Oh yeah! Saturday night I went to Jeffrey Gerbers house for a party. That was so much fun! It was good to see a bunch of my friends again! Except Tamlin Cooper decided to not show up! I was very sad! But I still managed to enjoy myself.

Sunday... Sunday was good, but sad. My whole family came over after church! It was so much fun! We had to leave for edmonton earlier than expected though so I didn't get to spend much time with them. I left at 2:30 when I thought I'd have the whole evening with them. That was very disappointing. I love my family though!! We took pictures of us kids and it was an absolute gong show! Always is. So much fun! Umm... When I left a couple of my friends had come to say goodbye and some of the people I was driving home with were there so they all just stood there while I cried and said bye to my family. I broke down after hugging the first person and I had like 18 to go! Shoot! There is no better feeling than having people surround you while you're crying. I was hugging my brother Jonathan when I broke down and then three of my other brothers all hugged me at the same time so I was surrounded by these big guys and it was good to be home. I'd missed those hugs. Oh man, I was so sad! I miss them so much already!

Correction

Stewart was repulsed by my misleading definition of his laugh and I am supposed to inform you all that it is a "manly" giggle. Sorry for the confusion...

Slight Case of Nostalgia

It appears that everyone else is writing nostalgic blogs so I thought I'd join the crowd and lament as well.
I miss waking up in the morning in a comfortable bed with my window open just a tad so I can feel a slight breeze and curl up in the warmth of my covers. I miss hearing my little brothers playing downstairs. I miss watching my mom rush out the door, barely on time for work. I miss coming home to the smell of a wonderful meal. I miss lazy sundays in front of the fire. I miss bbq's in the back and lounging around with my family. I miss coming home from work and having my sister and Chantelle's families over playing in the pool. I miss my nephews hugs and giggles. I miss taking them to the water park and hanging out with my neices. I miss my daddies hugs and backrubs and I miss my moms cooking and her laugh. I miss my brothers loud voices and their huge hugs! I miss their overprotectiveness and knowing there was someone there to kick my butt if I stepped out of line. I miss babysitting for Sharlene and eatting all the leftovers in her fridge. I miss Fraser Valley! I miss walking down the halls and seeing everyone I love. I miss morning practices and showers with the girls. I miss my volleyball team! Visscher and her kids! I miss setting! I hate playing rightside! I miss my basketball team! Such fun times! I'm not gonna lie, I miss taking jump ball and schooling girls on defense and inbounding the ball on press break. DIXIE!!! Great play! I miss working hard in practice and being in shape. I miss all my friends! I miss Joel B and all his pasty beauty! Wow Joel, I love you! I miss Chris C and his lack of humor... I guess mockery is the next best thing... I think it meant we were friends. Tamlin C and her morning hugs. I miss Lynn G and her lovingness! I miss throwing balls at her window trying desperately to awaken her from her slumber. I miss Michelle! I miss Neil and his hugs and "Hey Buddy!" I miss Adrienne... especially bugging her. So much fun! I miss talks with Kira and dance parties. Drew and his big hugs! I miss Stewart and his giggle. I miss Aaron W!!! Did I mention that I danced with him?? And of course Jesse and Joel VH. I can't wait to see everyone!! Then there's Alex A who I corrupted and Michelle H!! Janis and her prayers! I love Hannah and her big hugs too! Danielle G! So sexy! I love my little grade 8's too! Well, now grade 9's! I miss them so much! I miss everyone! The mountains! Oh I can't wait to see the mountains!
I can't wait to play ultimate again! I pretty much love home and everything that comes along with it!

Ok... I'm not actually homesick, even though it sounds like I am. The best feeling in the world is talking to someone you haven't talked to in FOREVER! Just hearing their voice makes me so happy! Joel B! You made my day! I love you!

Too Lazy to blog... here's some pictures

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Happy Thanksgiving!! And hurray for a break from volleyball!!
I've been up to the usual lately... school and volleyball. Last weekend my team went to Red Deer for a tournament. It was so much fun! I've acquired some skill in stat-taking and lining. I'm considering going pro in a couple years, we'll see how things go. I did manage to hit a girl in the chest in my five points of fame... it was wonderful.
Let's see. Last night I slept over at my friend Oriana's house. We went to West Edmonton Mall and bought Caramel Apples. They were so good! Neither of us had ever had one so we decided to go out on a limb and try it out. SO GOOD! So much caramel goodness... delicious. Then we went to her house in Spruce Grove... she gave me a nice tour of the town and it was wonderful. Had a nice dinner at her house (ate so much!!) and then we watched "The Longest Yard" with her parents. I quite enjoyed the movie. I was suprised, to tell you the truth. ... This morning her dad made us breakfast. So yummy, once again. We had eggs, bacon and tomato's. I loved it. I miss being home and having my family around me all the time. It was good to spend time with a family again, even if it's not my own.
Tonight I'm going to my sisters house for dinner. I'm so excited because she is an amazing cook! I love it! I haven't spent thanksgiving with her in who knows how long so that should be fun. Michael is kicking me off his computer - actually he's just mocking how lazy I am. Anyways.

Daddy-O

My daddy came this weekend! It was so much fun! I missed him so much! We had fun together. On Friday he came to visit late when he got in and we just hung out for a bit. On Saturday we went to watch the football game. That was so much fun. Edmonton fans are vicious though. And we were in the college seats so everyone was drinking and yelling. It was good times. There were tons of people from King's all sitting together. BC sadly lost, but 11-1 is still not too bad. Ummm... on Sunday we went to church and then I went with some friends to visit Tyler in the hospital again. He now went home for a bit. Oh yeah, Dad also took me grocery shopping on Sunday. That was my favorite. I have missed so many dinners because of volleyball, but I'm now stocked up so I won't go hungry! It sucks having to rely on cafeteria for your food. For starters the food isn't very good. The sandwiches are, but it gets so boring eating sandwiches every day. I just want to go home and have a nice meal. I want to be able to eat as much as I want without having to worry about running out of money. So, we bought lots of groceries. Then, he left. I was so sad. Seeing him made my miss my family even more. It was so good to get a huge hug and to rest my head on his shoulder while watching TV and to link arms and... aww I miss my daddy.

So I had a chemistry midterm today that I didn't really study for. Actually, I would go as far as saying I didn't study at all. I looked over some of my notes for a couple minutes. I always studied so much last year and I kept on top of my work and everything, but right now I just don't have the motivation. I don't like a lot of my teachers, which doesn't help, and so I don't feel the need to excell. I know I shouldn't be relying on my teachers for motivation, but when they are good and exciting then I want to do well and such. So yeah, I don't think I did too well. Don't tell my mom, it's a secret.

Prayer Request

I have a prayer request for you all. Can you all pray for the King's community. Early yesterday morning a group of King's students were walking home when they were attacked by four guys with golf clubs and a switch blade. Luckily all the girls ran away, but two of my friends were beaten with the golf clubs. One of them was released from hospital later that morning with stitches behind his ear, but my other friend is still in the hospital. He has a fractured skull, but he thankfully doesn't need surgery. We went to visit him yesterday and he doesn't remember anything. He looked good though. He was able to talk to us and there was hardly any visible bruising. He's going home for the week so please pray for him and his family. We're all so thankful that nothing worse happened. It was awesome to see so many people at the hospital there to support him. I know that both he and his parents really appreciated it.
Please pray for everybody here, especially those who watched the attack. It's pretty intense. Pray for the families involved and that people here will still feel somewhat safe. I also ask that you pray for the four guys who attacked them. I don't know what could possess someone to do what they did... they could have killed my friends. I almost feel worse for them because they must be so lost and so messed up. Give a prayer of thanks too that it wasn't any worse than it was.
Anyways... thanks.

Sicko

My daddy is coming to see me tonight! I'm so excited! I miss him and my family so much! The only bad thing is that when I called my mom just a little while ago she said that he didn't bring my photo albums so I am still picture-less. I actually only have five pictures in my room right now. I have a picture of Lindsey and I, Sam Tse and I, My neices and nephews, Lynn Groot, and Elton (a friend from Kings). I can't show anyone my family or friends from home etc. My dad is, however, bringing me my yearbook!!! Yay! I can't wait to see it.
The weather here is still surprisingly nice. The trees are all yellow and orange and it's so nice to walk outside. I don't really have much of a reason to so I have to force my friends to go for walks with me between classes.
I've been sick for the past few days. The whole sore throat, no voice, coughing until I puke, stomach and legs cramping up deal. It's definitely good times. I went to volleyball practice last night and just slept on the ground shivering with some sweaters and tiger balm on me. It was the best sleep I've had in a while. Today I had to run out of biology because I had a coughing/puking attack. I can't justify skipping class though when I live right on top of the school. It really does suck. Well, I did skip english today. I even called my mom to tell her because I felt bad. Oh well. English sucks anyways.
We had a huge party on Wednesday night. Our school had an IS Conference and so there was a huge party on the first night, which just happened to be Wednesday. It was alright. We drove there in my friends Mustang with the top down and it was so awesome! It was cold and perfect. Once everyone gets wasted it stops being fun because I don't drink and there was no dancing. If you're the only sober one than dancing is really the only fun thing to do. It was good though... except I was sick and I'm sure staying out till 3:30 didn't help that much. My favorite part of the night was driving my friends Mustang home. Such a beautiful car.
Deanna is making me go do something "fun" with her. Apparently watching me type isn't interesting. I get to see my Daddy tonight!!!! Too bad I'm sick, but I'm sure it'll still be fun.

It's been a little while so I decided to update you all again. This week has been relatively low-key.
The Men's Volleyball Team was finally selected. I was laying in my room reading philosophy and I heard some goons sprinting down the hallway making so much flippin noise. I turned over when they footsteps approached my door and Elton and Jeff burst through the door giggling like a bunch of school girls. They jumped on me and shrieked that they'd both made the team. It was so cute and I was so excited for them! I'm pretty excited for this whole volleyball thing. For the first semester we travel with the men's team and it'll be so much fun to get to know each other and to.... Flip to just travel. My team is pretty fun so far. I don't know all the girls, but I think they've started to warm up to us Rookies. I'd say we're pretty cool people. No, but really, it's a nice bunch of girls. We just need to bond and get to know each other a bit. Practices have been lame for the most part. My setting has been less than good and I'm starting to get my timing for hitting. I hope things will fall into place. I'm sure I'll enjoy riding the pine either way. We just had practice this morning. It was ok, I guess. Practices have been somewhat brutal so far. Brutal in the sense that I feel as though I'm playing like someone in gr. eight.
What else.... Thursday night was Jeff's 18th birthday so we went to Cowboys. That was fun. There were a lot of King's students there and we all danced and had fun. I'm not into drinking and partying, but I still enjoyed myself. It's kind of strange being in that environment because I've never really had to deal with it, but people respect the fact that I don't want to drink and I think they respect that I still want to hang out with them. It's always kind of tough to "do the right thing". I want to show them that I love them and everything, but I disagree with getting drunk at any given chance. This could go on forever so maybe I'll discuss it a bit more later.
I've been hanging out with Deanna a lot. I love that girl. I'm so glad we're both playing volleyball... Hmm... yesterday her and I went to U of A and watched Jono's sister play volleyball. We didn't really watch much, but we got to get to know Lorraine (from our team) better cause she was there and we talked for a while. Lamented about volleyball for a bit... it was good.
I got to go work on some chemistry for a bit though so I may update a bit later. See you!

Jonny Boy

I got to see Jon this weekend!!! I haven't seen my brother in so long and we had a sleepover Saturday night!
Actually, we'll start at the beginning. On Saturday at approximately 9:00 I was bored and on MSN and my friend Brad Poplawski signed on. He too was bored and so we decided to hang out. Brad lives in Edmonton, but I met him four years ago at volleyball nationals and I haven't seen him since. It as pretty fun. We were both tired, but we got to talk... it's been a while. A super long while.
Anyways. Jonathan arrived at around 11:30pm. Aww... I missed that kid. It was so good to see him! We had a lot of fun together. We hung out, talked lots, met some people, played pool, wrestled... he hurt me... and pretty much just enjoyed each other. We were walking down the hall holding hands :) and he gave me the biggest hugs and I loved it! He had some awesome stories to tell. He has a girlfriend and he was so cute when he was talking about her. I was so happy. My roommate was gone so he slept in my room and it was so much fun! I love him.... :)
I have tons of chemistry homework to do, but maybe I'll write some more later.

I made the volleyball team!!!

And I now have practice... See you!

A couple pictures from the retreat!

Daniel, Grant and Gabriel

Me and Daniel
















Jennie, Me and Heather















Julia, Me and Deanna

Pre-School Retreat

This weekend a bunch of students (mainly first years) ventured out to Frontier Lodge (near Nordegg) for a couple days of fun-ness. There was a lot of singing, hanging out, cuddling, and all in all good times.
On the first day I went canoeing. It was a lot of fun. I thankfully remembered everything from the Wellness trip and performed superbly... haha. It was fun actually. We had to rescue each other and jump in the water and freeze. There wasn't even any sun... It was really really cold.
Every night there was awesome worship. The sermons were a bit long, but the singing was excellent.
Umm... the second day I went "caving". Well, we were supposed to go caving, but we ended up hiking over 5km and then turning around because it was dangerous. We first went 3km on flat ground - across creeks and through bushes etc. - and then we ventured up a mountain. It was ridiculous! It was raining and then it started snowing and it was so dangerous. We were scaling the rock and slipping constantly and falling and it was so much fun! We had to turn around because our guide said we would die going up. Coming down was scary and super intense, but it was amazing!!! I was crawling half the time because it was so slippery and frightening. It was awesome!! We jumped in all the puddles on the way home and got so muddy and wet and cold and it was flippin awesome! Before getting into the van we had to sit in the river and wash off. Super fun.
All weekend we were hanging out and it was wonderful. I got to cuddle with my friend Heather and get to know people a lot more. It was good times.
Umm... so yeah. Everything was awesome and people are awesome and it's all good. All except for school... that sucks. So does spending all my money on things that don't even interest me. Mmhmm...

I MISS THE MOUNTAINS

I love my family!

It's strange to think that I am 'home'. Will this place ever feel like home or will my loyalties remain with Surrey. I'm waiting for it to feel like Room 506 is my room. I'm waiting to feel like I belong there, even if it's only temporary. After all, I have always (until now) lived in the same house on 156th Street. I have occupied the same room since I graduated from the bassinet in my parents room and I have always had my family surrounding me. It's odd to think that I may never permanently return to that environment.
I must say, I do love being able to randomly walk into peoples room and strike up conversations with them. I love being surrounded by friends, but there is nothing like family. I miss my family so much. I'm sure that wane and that I will grow accustomed to being away from them, but for now... I love them. I'm not saying I won't love them later, but I think I will depend on them a bit less. It's not even just my immediate family, my extended family is rather close and I see them all the time. They have always been there when I had questions and needed answers or opinions. Oh well, life goes on. They are still there for me. All that is missing is their hugs and kisses. I can't wait to see them again!! It will be wonderful.
I think this is a stupid corny blog and I am going to stop writing before I begin to embarrass myself.

My walls are lonely... SEND ME PICTURES!!!

Talentless... Maybe just rusty

Today we had drop in volleyball. I felt like a grade eight student in need of some coaching. I was pretty much useless and it sucked. Oh well. I'm hoping to maybe step it up a bit, but we'll have to see.
My sister, Lindsey, and my brother, Justin, came to visit me on Tuesday. It was a quick, but pleasant visit. Lindsey came bearing many wonderful gifts. She brought a laundry basket, much needed cleaning supplies, apple juice, tons of snacks, and she even gave me a phone and an answering machine! I'm so excited. I feel so grown up when I check my messages and such.
I'm excited about seeing my sister often. Well, at least more frequently than I have for the past six years. I've missed her so much. She's so much fun to hang out with too... it'll definitely be good times.
Today I also registered and forked over a whole load of money. Actually, my parents paid the tuition and now they are currently in the process of removing money from my account and putting it in theirs. So I am now penniless... well much past penniless. I am hugely in debt. Life is definitely good. Registration took a lot less time than I expected it too. That was a pleasant and much appreciated surprise.
Well... tomorrow should be interesting. A bunch of us are going to a bbq at my sisters house. I have nothing to do tomorrow either. So it'll be a nice relaxing day.
I just danced with Daniel... Hurray!

Undeserving of a Title

So, I am sitting here in Michael Ui's dorm because I am computerless. Yesterday I moved into King's. It's kind of strange to sit here and think that this will be my home for the rest of the year. The orange carpet doesn't really compliment anything, but I love it all the same. My heart sunk when I heard that I wouldn't have the green shag, but I guess the orange is a close.... actually a not so close second. My new home is TKUC Rez #506 , 9125 50Street, Edmonton Alberta, T6B 2H3.... so send me pictures and stuff. My room is lonely. I have seen my roommate for all of thirty seconds and then she disappeared and last night I slept alone. I have a nice view of Edmonton from my room though which is kind of nice. It's been kind of... nah, nothing has really sunk in. I've been meting tons of people and just hanging out. It's breakfast time so I will continue writing about my new abode.

Recent Excursions

This Saturday my good friend Pam Vandermeer got married and has now taken the name "Vandop". She looked absolutely beautiful!! I was quite impressed, and proud, and excited and all around joyful. It was good to see some friends from school again and a bunch of the teachers. Well, that pretty much covers that.


On Sunday I got to sleep in! I woke up at 5:30 and Alicia VanHuizen dropped me off in Squamish on her way to Whistler so I could visit Stewart. We decided to hike the Chief. I'm pretty much in the worst shape I have ever been in my life. I made Stewart stop every 100 m or so because I was exhausted. He brought these huge packs with all this food in them and it was absolutely ridiculous, but absolutely so much fun. Once we got to the first peak I put my stuff down and promptly fell asleep for an hour or so. It was wonderful. He suggested venturing on to the other peaks once or twice but I said no. One was definitely more than enough. The view was magnificent and the weather was quite excellent. So, Stewart and I hung out on the Chief until about 4:30 or 5 and then we came down and rehydrated some chicken and rice that he'd dehydrated. It tasted pretty good, surprisingly. Then Alicia came back and brought me and Stewart home to Surrey.
On Monday I went for a run in the morning and my sister came over with her kids. I am going to miss them so much. I bent down to give Zachary a hug and he ran and jumped into my arms and wrapped his little arms around my neck and his little legs around me waist and squeezed with all his might... oh man I'm going to miss that. At around 2:00 Stewart and I went to White Rock. We just walked down the beach and then went to Tynehead for a bit and I brought him home. He has some pictures that he is supposed to be sending me so I'll throw those on here when he does.

Starting to say Goodbye

On Saturday I began saying my farewells to friends who I won't see until, at the earliest, Christmas. My dear friend Joel Bron is gone to Homewood this week and I'm leaving before he returns so I had to say goodbye to him. I went to babysit for my sister and when I got there Joel was waiting for me. Saying goodbye was so much harder than I thought it would be, and I knew it would be so very difficult. He stayed and we talked for a bit first, but then when he left I was bawling. I gave him a huge hug and a kiss on the cheek and then waved him off from the end of the driveway. It was so terrible. Pathetic, I know, but still. I love Joel Bron. I returned to the house and sat there, actually I think I was talking to Stewart. Anyways, Joel came running back into the house and I put the phone aside and he gave me another huge hug. It was so sweet and it made me cry all the more. Poor Stewart had to sit and wait while I cried.
It's so strange to say goodbye. It sucks. I know there will be tons of people that I will meet this year and in years to come, but I love my friends and I know that a lot of us won't be as close as we are or have been. I think the part that scares me most is that I may not even notice that I don't talk to anyone from high school anymore. I'm pretty terrible a this whole explaining myself thing so I apologize.
All I wanted to say was I love Joel Bron and I hate goodbye's.

Whirlwind Vacation

Last Sunday I was at my Auntie Grace's house and my cousin Josh asked me if I wanted to go to California with him that Thursday. His brother, my cousin Rueben, was getting married and he offered me a ride. Having had no vacation whatsoever this summer I got all excited and asked my boss the next day if I could have Friday and Saturday off. He thankfully said yes and so on Thursday night my cousins Josh and Gabe, my brothers Joel and Anthonie, and I piled into the DeGroots Altima and drove to California. Joel brought his laptop and we watched a couple DVD's on the way. There wasn't much room to breathe or move in the backseat squashed my brothers or my cousins or a combination of both, but we made it to California alive and with only one speeding ticket. Thankfully awarded to Joshua or else it could have taken a lot longer to explain why the car wasn't registered under the name of Jansen and yadda yadda yadda.
The wedding was beautiful. Our private campground and private beach were absolutely stunning. The weather awesome too! And the food! Piles and piles of chicken and steak, mounds of more types of salads than I cared to try, tons of fresh fruit and delicious pie. Yup, the food was great.
The wedding was so unique that it would take forever to explain it all, but it was definitely Rueben and Asia. They made it a very personalized wedding and it was excellent. So... CONGRATULATIONS RUEBEN AND ASIA!!

Tossed Aside

Ever have it where you're super excited about something and the one person you want to share that joy with is totally uninterested and even blatantly unsympathetic after dashing your hopes... yup it sucks.

Romantic Evening

I was sitting in my stifling hot room doing some menial tasks that really shouldn't have to be done in the middle of the day when I got a phone call from a good friend of mine. Joel Bron invited me over for dinner. I jumped in my parents suburban and raced to his house with much anticipation. I feel sorry for those of you who have never had the pleasure of eating a meal cooked by Joel Bron. It was absolutely wonderful! His family was gone so it was just me and him eating on this tiny table for two outside on the patio. We had tortellini
and tomatoey chicken sauce (spicy) and salad. Joel even served orange juice in wine glasses (for lack of availability of any other glasses). It was divine! One may even go as far as saying it was romantic, but that's just a matter of opinion.

More Pictures from the park

Washing himself off in the water fountain.

Water Park!

Joel Bron and I decided to take my nephews to the water park today. We took a lot of pictures... here's a small sample. My nephews are beautiful... by the way.

Christopher playing with "Scoop".


What a putz.
Snack-time!!
Playing in puddles.
He's obsessed with his chest... a bit sketchy.


Beautiful!

Workers of the 'Co' Variety

I guess now is as good a time as any to delve into the interesting characters I have the pleasure of working with.
We'll begin with Pat. I love Pat. Pat is a woman in her early fifties who is very blunt. You can always count on her to speak her mind. Morning talks often include something to do with menopause or anything that may be associated with it. Pat has always looked out for me and she's always ready to share a good laugh.
There's also Bridget. She trained me and when I couldn't keep up or put the smokies in wrong and such she would fix them while my back was turned so I wouldn't notice. She's in her early 30's... maybe late 20's, I'm really not sure. She's loud, but then again everybody is.
Michelle makes me laugh all day long. She's in her early 40's. Now that woman can yell. She is always dancing or jokingly getting after someone or just yelling for the sake of yelling. She's definitely one of my favorite people to work with.
There's Tom who is our line operator. He is always on a power trip. He's this small little man who doesn't always think, but everything needs to be done his way even if it is less productive. We all have to stop and wait while Tom thinks things through... yup. Tom's a bit of a dink.
Cameron is also on my line. He's 19 and going to University in Edmonton next year as well so that should be fun. He's a nice guy. He always volunteers/is asked to go to another line, Cryovac, so we don't often work together, but he's always laughing and he's fun.
Ekaterina is a Russian who moved to Canada with her British husband. She is quiet and gentle and she has a heart of gold. Cliche I know, but I'm not joking.
Steven B is a quiet guy, but he's so helpful and such a hardworker. I haven't really talked to him much, but he says good morning to me sometimes.
And there is always Nancy. She is hilarious. She has bleach blond hair and she wears it in a really high pony tail. She is awesome! She also makes me laugh continuously.
Warren E is the last member of my line on Tiromat. He is also the First Aid Attendant. We often talk. He teases me about the guys at work and is trying to get me to go for coffee with one of the other guys at work. We have some good talks too though.

That is it for my line at work. There are many more people there that I may talk about later... but this is it for now.

History was made

I just learned how to put pictures on!! Hurray!

Here's proof that I danced with Aaron Wall... or I guess Aaron Wall danced with me seeing as I'd been asking him to for a year and I finally managed to convince/force him to. It doesn't matter though, Aaron Wall danced, period. It was a monumental event.

I'm going on a date!

I forgot to include that I'm going on a date with my brother tomorrow! Last week he called me up and asked if I wanted to go out for dinner with him. I'm pretty stoked. It'll be fun... and he's treating so that's a bonus. So, Joel and I are going out for dinner tomorrow night.

First Weekend!

I finally had my first weekend off! I worked for 12 days straight and definitely welcomed my two days off. I felt an odd sense of euphoria when I defied my 8:30 bedtime.
Saturday I came home from work and slept for a bit and did my laundry. Then Stewart came over at 8:30 maybe. When he arrived I was enthralled and completely absorbed in watching 'A Walk to Remember' on T.V. He'd never seen it so he joined me. When the movie was almost done I decided I was super hungry so we went out to find some food. We didn't get food. Instead we went to White Rock and walked around. It was fun and the moon was absolutely stunning. And that was pretty much it. We stopped by Wendy's on the way home and then I went to bed.
On Sunday afternoon my friend Thomas picked me up and we went to his house in Vancouver. We were going to go to the beach, but it was his little brothers birthday and his parents were gone on vacation so I proposed that we just stay home and make dinner. So we went out to Safeway and bought some groceries. I then made the most amazing dinner ever! We had stir-fry with prawns and it was so yummy! Thomas tried making ribs, but he burned them on the bbq. I knew things weren't gonna go so well when he didn't know how to start the bbq (he'll kill me if he reads that). It was good though. My stir-fry was so tasty... and I don't even cook!
I went out for breakfast with my coworker, Irene, on Monday morning. I felt like an old woman, but it was good times. Then I had an orthodontist appointment out in Burnaby. I got a new retainer and I only have to wear it at nights now! How exciting! I'm excited... I'll no longer need to take it out in front of people and quietly suck all the spit out etc. haha. Oh yeah, Stewart and Joel came over and went swimming for about half an hour and then I went for a walk till 7:30 by myself.
It was a good weekend. I wish I'd been able to take advantage of the beautiful weather, but I had so many things to do. Now I'm back to working in the freezer... hurray! Alright... and that's about it.

Impeccable Timing

I don't know if any of you have ever wondered whether or not God has actually spoken to you, but I do all the time. I mean, in the Bible you read about all these times that God spoke to the people and I often get frustrated because I haven't experienced something so definite that I can confidently say that God spoke to me. Then I was thinking about how maybe God speaks to us through others or through experiences etc. It's all very confusing for me.
I was reading the book I got for graduation, Searching for God Knows What and it's pretty good. Donald Miller was talking about how people try to make "How to" books and have specifics formulas and steps for getting to know God better or making your life better. Miller wrote, "The truth is there are a million steps, and we don't even know what the steps are, and worse, at any given moment we may not be willing or even able to take them; and still worse, they are different for you and me and they are always changing." He goes on to talk about how Christ was relational and how people grow through "hearing a certain song and knowing somebody who had a certain experience and seeing some movie, reading some book, having something happen to them like a car wreck or a trip to Seattle." I agree. Like I said, maybe God is speaking through those experiences etc and just letting us know that he is there, that he is amazing, and that he loves us.
Well, God truly is amazing. The reason I started reading that book is because I locked my keys in the car at the King George Skytrain Station and thankfully had the book handy while I patiently waited for my brother-in-law to get off work and drive in from Abbotsford. I was looking at a two hour waiting period and so I decided to open the book and see what it was all about.
So, I was sitting here thinking about God speaking to people through experiences and I was like... well, maybe God will speak to me here. Maybe he will amaze me somehow. Well, he did. You see, God's timing is impeccable. I'd been sitting there for about an hour and this man walks past my car and kindly tells me I left the lights on. I smiled and said, "Yup, I know." And he was like... "Well maybe it'd be a good idea to turn them off." And then I proceeded to inform him that I would, but my keys were in the car and the door just happened to be locked thus impairing my ability to access the switch responsible for the lights. He just happened to be a tow truck driver... man. So he offered to open my door for $20. Well, I didn't have $20 and I told him so. So he went on his way and I re-opened my book. I now started to read about Santa Claus... the author is pretty random... and no more than five minutes later the man shows up again and tells me to call my brother-in-law up and tell him not to come. I was like, "Sir, you know I have no money." and he looked at me, smiled and said, "Well maybe something good will happen to me today." I smiled back and replied, "I certainly hope so." 30 seconds later my door was open and I was driving home with tears in my eyes.
Honestly, God is amazing. He just so happened to have me think about how he speaks to people and reveals himself in their lives and then he had me lock my keys in my car so that I would pull out the book and read it and then he used the same situation to show me that he is incredible and loving and always faithful. Had I not read the book, pondered the subject or been locked out of my car I would not have learned anything today. I would not have experienced the love and grace of God and I woudl not have been as appreciative and giddy as I am right now. Really, had the exact situation occured and I hadn't been reading the book, I would not have seen it for what it was. I would not have considered it a miracle, I wouldn't have acknowledge God's power and majesty and I wouldn't be as joyful as I am now. Yup, God is amazing.
Back to what I was originally talking about, how God speaks to us. I think I can confidently say that God spoke to me today. God told me that he is faithful and that he has everything under control. His timing is... wow.
I hope God blesses that man who helped me, I know he will. That guy had a good heart.

God is GREEEEAT!

The Sticker

I am now officially part of the Schneider Family! I finally mastered the art of labeling. Well, I haven't 'mastered' it per-say, but I can successfully keep up with the machine. Bridget initiated me with a Schneider sticker on my smock and my crew cheered. Haha... it was a bit awkward, but fun.
There are a bunch of strange people who work there. I'll go indepth into each character later. I'm going to go make myself some dinner. Man, I need to get a hobby.

Schneider Foods

This past week has been rather eventful. It began with teaching myself how to drive standard. I had absolutely NO idea how. I didn't even know that you had to have the clutch in to start the car, but I soon realized that. The first couple... hours.... were quite sketchy. There wasn't so much of the car-jolting/whiplash-rendering experiences, but everything was a bit sketchy - to say the least. I'm surprised the clutch still works. Anyways. It was a Monday and I had to work the next morning at 6am and my parents are gone to Oregon so I had to teach myself. I ended up going out with my brother-in-law for an hour or so after dinner and that was good. He told me a lot of the basics that I didn't know such as - "even though you're focusing on shifting... don't forget to use your signal!!". haha. I was driving home from wherever we were driving and I get to a stop light. I was first in line and everything had been going pretty smoothly. Anyways, the light turns green and I stalled three times in a row.... then the light turned red and nobody made it through... oops. Brian just laughed at me. Yup... I think that's about the end of that.
On Tuesday I started working at Schneider Foods. I work in packaging and so I pretty much package sausages all day long. I wake up at 5am and go to work at 5:10. My shift starts at 6am and ends at 2:30. It sucks because I have to go to bed at 9pm, but the people I work with are awesome. I won't even explain what I do because it won't make sense. I could do pretty much all the different jobs right away after 5-10 minutes of starting, but I could not get the labelling at all! I sucked at it. Whoever was labelling with me would have to do three packages for every one of mine. You have to do everything so fast because the machine just keeps on going and going and it's ridiculous. Honestly... yeah yeah how hard can it be to package sausages etc, but you have to be super quick. For the first three days I could not label at all. Oh yeah, this week is my training so I have a 'shadow'. Pretty much this woman named Bridget has been hanging out with me watching and showing me what to do etc. She filled in all the pouches I missed and showed me how to link the smokies etc. Labelled all the pouches except for the 9 or 10 I would do. Haha. Bridget's pretty cool. I like her at least.
Every morning I get to work at about 5:30-5:40am. Almost everyone is there at about that time. If I'm cold then I make myself some tea in the lunchroom and sit with all the men, but if I'm not then I go hang out with the ladies in the locker room. It's always fun in there. The women complain about menopause and hormones and working etc and I just sit there and laugh. At 5:50 we head down and don our working garbs. We all suit up in our steel-toed rubber boots, blue smocks, ear plugs, our hard hats, a hairnet, and doctors masks. As soon as we enter the packaging section we all have to wash our hands and then we put on cotton gloves (we work in a giant freezer), latex gloves overtop and sleeve guards. And then we work. If we touch anything other than the meat products we are working with we have to dip our hands in iodine or go wash them again. It's pretty fun. At lunch they provide all the meat and bread you could want, but after working with smokies all day you aren't too excited about eatting them. Oh well. Yup, so that's pretty much what my summer will consist of. Oh, and I found out that I work Tuesday to Saturday... pretty lame. Oh well, I get off early so that's good. 2:30 isn't too bad. Hurray for going to bed at 9am!

Con-GRAD-ulations

I think I've finally recuperated from graduation. I can't say I'm too experienced in the whole 'staying out past 11' gig. I'm generally used to more than two hours of sleep. It as definitely worth while though.
Graduation crept up much too quickly. High school flippin flew by. I loved Fraser Valley Christian and will surely miss it. If I could offer anyone advice it would be to enjoy high school while it lasts. I have my whole life ahead of me, but I can never go back to the ease and comfort of Fraser Valleys walls.
Grad was awesome! Everything I did was pretty much last minute. I didn't have a dress the day before grad so I decided to go and get my nails done. At least my hands would look pretty then. I got home around... I have no idea. When I got home though my mom started making my dress. We grabbed some pattern that was lying around the house and she whipped up a dress. She had to change the pattern so many times though, I felt pretty bad for her. She had to take it in so much around the waist and leave extra room in other areas. She was super frustrated and we couldn't really agree on anything so she just made it kind of in the middle of both and I guess it sort of worked out ok. I didn't go to grad naked so something went right. How many people can say they had a $15 dress that their mother made the day before graduation? Yeah, not many. I personally think grad is over-rated. What's the point of spending $200 on a dress and never wearing it again??? And that's not even 'expensive'... apparently. At my dad's school the average dress was $800. Enough about dresses.
The grad ceremony was surprisingly good. My family had nothing but compliments. My dad - who's a principal and has attended many many many graduation ceremonies - said it was by far the best graduation he has ever been to. All the speakers were funny - aside from Mrs. Devries at the beginning... but at least it was at the beginning.
The banquet was pretty good actually. The food - though lacking in quantity - tasted wonderful and the entertainment was pretty ok. Aww... I love our teachers. I said goodbye to Mrs. Yip. I love that woman. She was telling me to come back and visit her and to not forget her. I spent a good 10 minutes consoling a crying Mrs. Visscher, but that isn't very surprising.
Aside from vomiting occasionally, the cruise was pretty excellent. Dancing was so much fun. It always is though. I couldn't go up on the top deck because it made me nauseous with all the cigar smoke, but that was alright. The highlight of the cruise was definitely convincing Aaron W. to dance with me. I have been asking him to dance with me for the past two years and he finally gave in. Mr. Kim even took pictures so I can prove it.
Wow this is dragging on and it's pretty much not at all interesting. I'm done.