The J-Man Files

10 days

2007-08-22T14:35:00.000-05:00

10 days remaining until i'm a married woman. Loads to do, but i'm having trouble staying focused at work a bit and remaining on task - which i think is slightly excusable considering the circumstances.
Karen arrives in 5 days (that's on monday) and then we leave for saskatchewan the following day bright and early! It's going to be busy once in Caronport, but i'm looking forward to it. I'm looking forward to seeing my family, and friends that i haven't seen in ages.
Well, back to work for the rest of the afternoon i think.

33 Days

2007-07-30T11:33:00.000-05:00

33 Days until the wedding! Things are coming together wonderfully thanks to my mom back home in Saskatchewan.
Karen comes from England in 28 days. After not seeing her in 2.5 years, the idea of seeing her in 4 weeks feels a little surreal!
I was in a car accident just over 6 weeks ago - i was rear ended. there wasn't much damage to the car, but there was enough damage done to me! I have 2 displaced discs in my lower back - i was completely off work for 3 weeks and have now been slowly working my way up to being in the office for more hours each day. I'm hoping to be able to be back to Normal hours for next week.
So, that's the scoop in a short amount. Hope everyone is having a great summer thus far.

Moving along

2007-05-25T09:04:00.000-05:00

This is a picture from my university graduation dinner last month. It was a fun night and i have to say i thought we looked good!

The 99 day count down to the wedding has begun! The last month has been really busy. I am now full time at my job and it's good to finally be around my work place 5 days a week - it's easier to keep on top of things day to day, but of course there is also more stuff to keep up with! We still haven't solidified a place to live in, nor do i have a concrete moving date on my calender circled - i'm still waiting to hear about what is happening with someone else's living arrangements before i can make any more plans on that front. Wedding plans are coming along great. We have decided on a cake, flowers, wedding invitations have begun to be made, and we have decided on wedding vows, music and a special reading. My sister kara's wedding is next weekend, and then it'll be one down and one more to go in my family. Next week is going to be busy for me because i leave for Caronport on Thursday and am not back in the office until the Tuesday(5th) and then on Thursday (7th), it is my university graduation! So, i have short work weeks for the next 2 weeks in a row on top of the long weekend we just had. I hope everyone is able to enjoy the "spring" - it snowed here this morning!

2007-04-20T15:17:00.000-05:00

I know it has been a while! Life gets busy and certain things get inadvertantly missed out on. So, here is the shortish version of life right now. My final exams end on tuesday, and if i pass stats, i will be an official university graduate to be! Work is going well overall. I am currently getting staff together for the summer pool season. Derek and i are doing well - just over 4 months away from our wedding. plans are fairly undercontrol. the house hunting continues, so please pray for that for us because carman is not full of places at the moment for rent.
well, that is the short of it for now. i'll try to find the time sometime soon to go into more details with some of this stuff!

Wedding Plans

2007-03-17T16:30:00.000-05:00

Wedding countdown = 168 days. Things are falling into place nicely overall. My friend Becky (whom i have known since i was 7) and my friend Karen (who is coming from england!) Have consented to be my bridesmaids. I'm well excited for that! My friend Glenda is going to be my photographer, and my mom's friend has agreed to do the catering. Biggest news is that i have found my dress and it is lovely!
House hunting has begun, but nothing has come our way as of yet. We aren't too worried because we have plenty of time.
Work is going well overall. I did have to take some action earlier in the week and really exert my authority as the "boss".
School is always school and my motivation is beginning to sadly lack. I need to keep going tho - i'm done school in 6 weeks for good - unless i go for my masters degree.
Well, i should be off for the time being - church tonight. ciao

I Am

2007-02-16T18:20:00.000-06:00

Engaged! Derek asked me on February 14th on the Assiniboine Park walking bridge on one knee in the freezing cold to be his wife. It was perfectly romantic and i wouldn't change a moment of it. We both cried and then we went back to the car to warm up. I am officially the soon to be Mrs.Brawner. I get a smile on my face everytime i think of that. I have a beautiful ring that suits me just right - he did a great job of picking it out too!
Now i'm trying to find the time to go wedding dress shopping. Thanks to all who have passed along to Derek and i their congratulations - it is great to have your support!

@ Home

2007-02-11T22:39:00.000-06:00

I am at home in Caronport, SK. Derek, Kara and myself had a good drive out here yesterday. Derek drove, and i must say it was the fastest trip i've made from Winnipeg to Caronport before. Today has been a good day. We attended church, and i introduced Derek to a bunch of people i know and hadn't seen in a really long time (some that i didn't get to see while at home for Christmas).
We had lunch with my family. my sister Alissa brought home 2 of her college friends, so there was 8 of us at lunch - it was a little chaotic, but great.
It's just nice to relax a little and decompress. It has been an extremely busy 5 weeks ever since i've started my new job, but it's also been a great time.
I shall let you know how the rest of the trip went when i get back onn thursday.

Socrates

2007-02-01T11:31:00.000-06:00

Today in my Organizational Management class we were talking about ethics and our moral points of view - what drives us to make the decisions that we do and why we make these decisions; and how our moral points of view shape us as leaders and how we lead those who work for and under us. My teacher said an interesting quote by Socrates to start us off thinking on this whole topic of moral points of view "An unexamined life is not worth living". I thought it was a very good quote because it pertains to so many aspects of life, and not just to my job as a leader/manager, but over into my relationships with friends, family and my relationship with God especially. Do any of you agree with that statement made a 1000 years or more ago?
"An unexamined life is not worth living"...some food for thought.

In the Middle

2007-01-30T13:41:00.000-06:00

Us Winnipeggers are officially in the middle of a deep freeze. Blizzards, bone chilling winds and lots and lots of cold are all typical for this time of year for those of us who for some strange reason have chosen to live in Winnipeg. It feels like you're stuck in a white out world with no end in sight to all of the snow....it just goes on for as far as the eye can see. Thankfully though, we know it can't last forever either.
Life is busy busy at the moment. Just because i have a job doesn't mean uni classes have ceased to exist and other life events keep on happening. Thankfully it is only just over a week until we have our week long mid term break. Derek and I are going home to Caronport for part of it and i'm looking forward to it. It'll be good to be spoiled at home again. I have another appointment with my knee surgeon though because my MRI results are in.....i'm not trying to wonder about them too much, but i do wonder just how much more knee surgery i am going to need again.
I'm in the middle of tons of assignments and exams right now too, so i guess i should get back to studying.

2007-01-22T09:02:00.000-06:00

Today I am starting the third week at my new job. I am learning my way around, getting to know people and I'm finally making some decisions with no outside help (which is very nice). I've been interviewed for the newspaper and I've been interviewed on the radio (I don't care for hearing my voice on the radio - it sounds quite odd to me).
Everything is very busy right now between work and uni, but the important thing is that overall, I'm greatly enjoying myself (except for my Statistics course which will be a reoccuring theme throughout the semester).
I get to go back to Saskatchewan in 3 weeks - I am taking Derek "home" to Caronport with me. I also have an appointment with my knee surgeon while at home so that i can get the results of my MRI scans that I had done in December. I'm actually really looking forward to the trip.
Well, i should be off, i have a meeting soon with one of my board members. I think it's going to be a busy week, but I also think it's going to be a really good week too.

First Day

2007-01-09T08:44:00.000-06:00

I had my first day at work yesterday. It was a really good day overall - i wasn't nervous at all driving to work in the morning. There is loads to learn and to know how things operate and all work together. Being the "boss" of 10 staff is going to take some time to get used to. In the summer, my staff number will almost triple. I don't think i like being called boss - i hope they all just get used to calling me Jana because i don't want to be called "boss" all the time. I'm excited to fully learn my role though and get on with the work that was started there before i came.
Classes are going to be good, but also very busy. Statistics this semester might be the academic death of me!

Back to Uni

2007-01-04T12:30:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year one and all. I hope you had a great time celebrating the start of a New Year. I have a feeling 2007 is going to be a Big year for lots of people.
Uni once again resumed classes for the first time since the Christmas holidays. I've been through 2 classes this morning and i am now waiting for 2 hours until my third one of the day is set to start. My thoughts on the first 2 classes are very extreme from one another. I am very excited for my Organizational Theory and Management class - the professor is Canadian and is very passionate and clear speaking about the whole topic. On the flip side is my Statistics class - i'm scared to death of this class. A) i'm not very good at math and Statistics is all formulas and math calculations; B) The teacher is from China, does not speak good English and talks about a mile a minute and C) the teacher usues old school overheads and not the modern day power point. So, this class is going to be a lot of work. I am looking forward to my International Marketing class and then i have a monday night Advanced Recreational Travel and Tourism class that is going to be a lot of fun.
I only have 2 more shifts at The Waverly and then I am saying good bye to a place where i have worked off and on for over the last 4 years. It's going to be hard on Sunday at the end of my last shift. However, i am super excited, but also quite nervous to start my new job on monday! I'm looking forward to being challenged both academically and professionally!

The End has Come

2006-12-29T09:11:00.000-06:00

For Christmas Holidays at least! I head back home to Winnipeg tomorrow morning because I am working New Year's. It has been a good holiday overall - it was nice to spend time with my family and to fully relax. I am ready to go back to Winnipeg and start my last semester of university and to start my new job on January 8. It's funny and a little scary to think that now that I have a proper job, i'm going to be expected to be the "professional" and know all the answers. It's going to take some adjusting to! I firmly believe God has led me in this direction and I'm looking forward to a new challenge. I am definately starting to feel a little more "all grown up" if you know what I mean. My life no longer revolves around Caronport and the need to stay connected to everything here like i once did. Don't get me wrong, it's nice to come to my parents for a visit and to relax, but this really isn't home anymore. With this new job, comes the blessing of a regular paycheque and medical benefits - things you don't get when you're just a student working 15-20 hours a week. Not having to rely on student loans to pay the bills is even a greater blessing, but the downside to it is having to start to pay those loans back!
So yes, the end has come of my holiday. It's been good. But, i'm ready for classes to start on Thursday and to enter the last semester of my university career.

Merry Christmas

2006-12-23T21:23:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas one and all. I hope you have a fantastic holiday with family and friends celebrating the birth of our Saviour!
I am home in Caronport for the holiday. I haven't been back here in 4 months and it feels a little strange to be back. I was walking home late last night from a friend's house when i thought "wait a minute, something isn't right! I'm walking home, at night, alone, and there is absolutely no traffic around at all!!" it was such a strange feeling because i would never (and never be allowed to do so) in Winnipeg. I'm here in Caronport until the 30th because i need to be back in Winnipeg to work at my current job for New Year's.
For those of you who don't know the news yet, I have got the job that I was telling you about below! I am so excited for this job opportunity. My first day of work is January 8th, and i'll be commuting down to Carman 3 days a week until the end of April and then i will start full time. I'll be moving down to Carman most likely in July once the lease on my current appartment is up. So, I'll be moving once again to a small town, but thankfully not as small of a town as Caronport is.
I have an MRI on wednesday morning. please pray that it goes well - i can get a little claustophobic sometimes.
Have a great weekend one and all!!

2006-12-18T11:14:00.000-06:00

Christmas Holidays are officially here! I have one more shift at work tomorrow and then on Wednesday my sister and i get to drive back to Saskatchewan for the holiday. I came through exams some what ok....i think i might have failed my consumer behaviour exam because it was literally the hardest thing i have ever written in my entire post secondary education. We'll see how it turned out in a few weeks. For those of you who know i had a job interview on Saturday, it went quite well. I'll know in a few days or not if i have the position. I've also applied for a job in the recreation department at the place where i am currently employed, i'll know soon if i get an interview for that or not. So lots of exciting things are on the go
I also have a lovely boyfriend. He surprised me with my favourite flowers the other day just because!
I'll blog before christmas again, so have a lovely week until then!

2006-12-06T13:18:00.000-06:00

Today is the last day of classes - i have survived the fall semester. Now, all i have to do is survive final exams next week and then its on towards Christmas break. It's hard to believe that Christmas is almost here - to me, it doesn't really feel much like Christmas. Yes, i'm always mindful of the reason we are looking forward to celebrating Christmas, but i mean as far as decorations, and music, and smells of christmas baking - my apartment is completely empty of 2 out of those 3 things (i have the music). I think i can remedy the Christmas baking thing (and i know Derek would really like it if i did), but the decorations are not going to be possible i'm afriad.
A quick weather update for all of you who truly don't know what a Canadian winter (technically it's still fall) season is like. Today in Winnipeg, it is -25 and then with the windblowing it feels more like -34: and that isn't nearly as cold as it's going to get come January! Snow - we have lots and snow and more is suppose to be heading this way in the evening. Once again i find myself questioning why i am living in the place that i do!

2006-11-16T08:34:00.000-06:00

I thought I would write a little something seeing as it's been over a week since my last post. I actually do have something to report - i am in the initial stages of applying for a proper job for once i'm done Uni in May. I won't go into specifics here, so if you want to know, let me know and i'll fill you in. I know it's only the first of many jobs that will be available to me to apply for, but this job is with a Christian organisation and would be pretty neat if I were to get it. I'll let you all know as to where this goes (if anywhere).
I have pretty much finished up all of my Christmas shopping - i only have one person left to shop for. I sort of know what i would like to get him for Christmas, i just have to go out and find it. Derek and i went Christmas shopping on tuesday and we stopped by a store on our way to the mall called The Raging Brit - oh my word it was fantastic!!! It gave me a huge rush of memories - especially when i saw all the imported British food this place sold. So of course i had to buy some: Quavers, Walker's Crisps, Jaffa Cakes, Ice Gems (and if you remember how i didn't like them back when i was in England....well, i still don't, but it was worth it to just give them a try again), i bought some fruit punch fanta and the best thing of all, i was able to buy some Orange Squash...the Robinson kind i think (the one with the label that always says Barley water on it). I was so excited for all of these items! Derek bought some Cadbury's chocolate and i still say it tastes better than the stuff we have here. It was amazing to say the least! I will definately be going back there again sometime.
Work has been going alright lately - it's always busy and even more so since there has been close to 10 new residents who have moved into the complex over the last 2 weeks. We have had a sad moment though. A new couple who moved in a week ago, and we're really sweet - the wife died yesterday of liver failure. it was really sad because she was lovely and they had only moved in the week before. He is still going to stay living in the complex, but i'm sure it might be lonely for him. I get Friday and Saturday off which will be nice for me. I don't plan on doing a whole lot - maybe find some decorations for my apartment for the Christmas season, and finish off the Christmas shopping i do have left.
Have a great weekend everyone!

2006-11-07T13:29:00.000-06:00

Hello one and all. Not much has been going on in my life these days - pretty much the standard usual actually. It's hard to believe that it is the last few weeks of the 1st semester. Lots of assignments and tests are coming my way in the next few weeks, but that is pretty typical of the end of a semester. What's scary is that i only have 1 semester left until i graduate. It's time to start looking for a proper job! I'll keep letting you know that i'm alive and well(?) LOL.

Meeting the Parents

2006-10-28T21:49:00.000-05:00

This weekend, my parents came to visit my sister and myself. For Kara, the purpose of their visit was so that she could go wedding dress shopping with mom - she was successful, but that is a whole different story for another time. For me, the purpose of their visit was so that they could meet Derek for the first time. Overall, it was a very successful first introduction, and i think first impressions on both sides were very well. Derek handled himself very well with my parents - they are looking forward to getting to know him better!
Overall, life is busy right now and always eventful. i wouldn't mind if things slowed down a little for me, but i really can't complain overall. I'll write more in a little while.

2006-10-15T08:48:00.000-05:00

A nice picture and a crazy picture! The nice picture was taken yesterday after we got back from our trip to see Derek's daughter Brandi - who by the way is one of the cutest kids ever! And the crazy picture was taken at the airport like the picture below. Back to the trip to see Brandi - it went really well. We got to spend a couple of hours with her on Saturday afternoon after a glitch or two before we were able to see her - Brandi's mom wouldn't let Derek and I take her somewhere for a little while on our own so we had to play with her outside around grandma's house. It was definately an interesting experience for me to say the least. However, Brandi is absolutely adorable! For me, being able to see Derek interacting with Brandi for the first time revealled another whole new dimension of his character to me. He is absolutely fantastic with her.
On other news, i no longer feel like dying, but i am still feeling a little ill. Midterm exams are coming up soon and i need to start studying for them. I also have a paper due next week which i haven't even begun to think of a topic for - i think it's an assigned topic, but i still haven't started the research. I'm working the next 5 days in a row, so i'm really hoping that i feel well enough to get through them - i missed 3 days last week already due to being so sick.
Well, i guess i better get going because my day has officially started! Have a good one everybody!

2006-10-13T09:05:00.000-05:00

Hello All. I just wanted to finally post a picture of Derek and myself. This was taken on Tuesday while we were at the airport waiting for someone's flight to arrive. So yes, a very recent picture of the two of us. Now, i am off to get myself packed and ready for my trip to meet Derek's daughter. Have a great weekend!

Death Wish

2006-10-12T12:36:00.000-05:00

Pain. Lots and lots of pain is how i would describe my life right now. Right after thanksgiving dinner, pain hit with a vengance and it has not left me since. I've missed work and i've missed some classes this week. Thankfully and praise the Lord for this, my boyfriend's mom is a nurse and a paramedic to boot! She has been taking care of me over the last few days and it's been so nice to have someone around to look after me - Derek is great at it too, but there's something about a mom like figure around to take care of you.
This weekend i am off on a road trip to meet Derek's daughter Brandi. If i'm not feeling well still, then i won't go, but if i'm feeling good then it's off for a long drive. I'm not overly nervous to meet her, but it's going to be an interesting experience. Please pray that we have a good trip and a good visit.

Happy Thanksgiving

2006-10-09T16:04:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to say a quick Happy Thanksgiving to one and all. I hope everyone has had a great weekend - even you British who do not have Thanksgiving and a turkey day. I am currently at my boyfriend Derek's house cooking turkey dinner for his family. So far it is smelling pretty good, but smell doesn't really mean it'll taste any good :)
Have a great week everyone!!

2006-10-03T09:05:00.000-05:00

Hello one and all! How is everyone enjoying their first few weeks of the offical season of fall? It is beautiful here in Winnipeg right now with all the leaves changing color - i love fall just because of the variety of colors that occur throughout the next little while. They are so vivid!
Things for me over the past two weeks are going great. It is the Thanksgiving holiday here this coming weekend and i'm cooking a turkey and doing a pumpkin pie! I can hardly wait.
Derek's mom (my boyfriend's mom) is getting married on November 17th and i'm going to be her maid of honor! I was a little stunned that she asked me to be her attendant because we haven't known one another too long. We went shopping for dresses though and mine looks fantastic! I'm so excited for it. Derek is going to be the best man and he has to wear a tuxedo - is it just me or do you ladies agree that any guy looks amazing in a tux?!? I'm very excited to see him all dressed up. I will try and post a picture of my dress eventually.
Work overall is going well and keeping me busy. I do get most of the weekend off though which is really nice, and i only have to work the sunday 4-7pm shift all long weekend.
Have a good one people in whatever you're doing!!

2006-09-24T19:53:00.000-05:00

A word of advice, never work in the food service industry working in a senior's retirement complex - grouchy old people only make your job that much more difficult to do. Overall, job is going well, but like i said, the people are making it difficult.
I'm still bored with uni, but i have my first paper and an exam this week, so that actually requires studying.
Living with my sister has it's highs and lows - it's been a tad frustrating lately, but we'll make it through i think.
I got to talk to Karen on the phone yesterday for the first time in a super long time. It was great to hear a real british accent again.
Well, i think i am off for now. i'll be in touch.

Time Flies

2006-09-18T14:15:00.000-05:00

I apologise for my lack of an update over the last month - it's been quite a month settling back into the routine of living once again in Winnipeg, work, uni and a boyfriend :) Balance has become a key for me - i'm not sure right now if i am succeeding, but i'm having a great time with everything so far. It's been good to get reconnected with lots of people and places. Living with my sister is a daily adventure, and i'm pretty sure our apartment complex thinks we are lesbians, but oh well - not our fault if they don't believe we're sisters.
I hope everyone is having a great month of september. Hope to hear from you all soon.
Much love! J xxx

Back to Winnipeg

2006-08-20T17:11:00.000-05:00

These are pictures of Winnipeg - the city that I get to go back to tomorrow! People are often surprised at just how much I enjoy living in Winnipeg. I can't fully explain why I do, but it must be a God thing. It might be a little tough to leave home tomorrow, but i'm going back to my other home and that is exciting too! I am not sure how long it is going to be until I can post again. I am going to try and set up internet for the apartment, but not sure as of yet. If i don't, i will have internet access at the Uni. Take care everyone and i'll be in touch once i get back online.

Good Bye to Clipper Athletics

2006-08-16T15:14:00.000-05:00

This is my formal goodbye to Clipper Athletics. The athletic department was my "home" for the last 8 months, and although it had it's ups and definately it's share of downs, I am sad to see it end.
So, thank you to Clipper Athletics and brining a dream to reality! It was definately a pleasure and an experience i won't forget!

A Quote by Plato

2006-08-15T12:45:00.000-05:00

"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something"

2006-08-14T08:20:00.000-05:00

I had a very busy weekend. On Friday, the "show" i went to see with my friends in Regina was actually High Impact Wrestling. That's right, i am a professional wrestling fan. I have been for years - i just don't have much opportunity anymore to watch it on a regular basis. Anyways, the show was great fun and it was so nice to be able to spend it with friends that i had not seen in quite some time.
On Saturday, my dad and i began the process of paint bombing my car - we bought out all the certain type of paint we needed from Canadian Tire, and it looks like we are going to need more. So, when my parents go through Regina today on their way to their holiday spot, he'll look for more needed paint. The car is coming along nicely overall - it just needs to look all the same which is going to be the tricky thing.
Sunday - went to "The Farm". My aunt and uncle were celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary with a big party out at their farm. I call it "The Farm" because it's the only farm left on either side of my family. It's really too bad that i am not a farm person because they really have a beautiful location - a huge pond, and over 1600 acres of land. I was the youngest person at this family gathering, but that's alright. It was great to see people that i had not seen in years.
It was a good weekend, but definately not enough sleep or relaxation.....next weekend isn't looking too good for that either :)

A Somewhat Turn Around

2006-08-11T09:31:00.000-05:00

After a few very uncertain days, I can report that things are begining to turn around - not everything is solved, but for now it is definately back on more solid ground and not feeling like it is going to crumble down around me.
I have recieved 100% confirmation that barring me flunking all my courses this next year, i will be graduating - this past week there was doubts about if i would get into one of the courses that i absolutely needed to take in order to graduate, and i found out yesterday that i did indeed get into the course!
This weekend is going to be interesting and fun. Tonight i am off to Regina with friends for dinner and a "show"(i'll explain later), Saturday i get to babysit for kids that i have been babysitting off and on for years - i love hanging out with them, and then on Sunday, i am off to my aunt and uncle's farm for their 25th wedding anniversary party. It will be great to see relatives i have not seen since before leaving for England!
Have a great weekend everyone! Karen, i hope your move back to Luton goes as smoothly as possible. I hope your transition into St.Hughes goes excellantly!!

2006-08-09T17:56:00.000-05:00

Don't know quite how to start or even how to phrase what is on my heart and mind right now. I think i may have messed something up when i should have left it completely alone. I don't know right now if it will be alright or even if it is repairable. I haven't been in this sort of situation in a long time, and to be honest, i don't like it at all - uncertainty and tears are something i do have experience with aplenty, but not like this. I am trusting God to work through this in me and that it will be a lesson worth learning even if i don't see it as such right now.

2006-08-08T12:23:00.000-05:00

9 more work days! It's hard to believe that i am now into single digits of work days remaining. It definately feels good - 8 months has come down to 12 days left at home! At work, i am begining the evaluation process and office clean up process - which is easier said than done after working some where for 3/4 of a year (as some of you know). It is definately going to be a time of reflection and mixed emotions - as much as i look forward to leaving and getting back to Winnipeg, i'm leaving people here who have now become a big part of my life too.

Camp is Done!

2006-08-05T08:37:00.000-05:00

WOOHOO!!! I am done with Clipper Camps 2006 - only 9 more works days to go!! Can you tell I am a little excited? I don't think i've been more excited to see something end that I have been to see the end of camps. Don't get me wrong, I greatly enjoyed camps for the most part, but i'm exhausted, and i need to relax, and get back on to an even balanced schedule.
I'm not doing anything this weekend that I don't want to do! I have an empty house for the long weekend, and i am going to take full advantage of this.
My blogger account is still being silly, so once i am able to upload pictures of basketball camp and volleyball camp, i shall do so.
I need to say Congratulations to Selina and Steve in England - they got married today! I hope you had a lovely day - for those of you who were able to attend the wedding, please send pictures when possible.

Almost Done!

2006-08-02T09:53:00.000-05:00

I shall post pictures of boy's basketball camp once my cd with those pictures turns up once again from being misplaced.
Volleyball camp this week is going along amazingly smooth and with little stress as possible. However, it hasn't stopped me from feeling exhausted this week either. How did i ever survive 8 weeks of camps last summer at Camp Arnes when i'm having trouble making it just through 3 weeks of camps here. I know why this summer is so different is because it's a sports camp and 3 very different people have ran each camp the way they see fit to. I am definately looking forward to the weekend because it is a long weekend and i shall be able to sleep - plus i have an empty house to myself all weekend!
17 more days until i move back to Winnipeg - i'm getting definately excited for many reasons!

2 down and 1 more to go

2006-07-28T20:44:00.000-05:00

Boy's basketball ended off on a great way today. The final basketball league championship game was almost as loud as any other highschool game i have been to. The game was extremely close with the team i had picked to win 62-61.
Overall, in the personal work environment I have had a hard week. I have wanted to quit my job on numerous occassions this week, but i stuck with it through the frustration, through the mental breakdowns and through the tears in various locations and with various people as a support to lean on. Thank you to all who helped me get through the rough bits of the week - Much love to you all!
Overall, i have had the most fun with boy's basketball camp. These boys were ages 11-18 and were just a blast to have and be around. For the most part, they made me laugh. Their mums would be proud to see how they can treat a lady with respect and still have some fun with her. It was great to see the 17 and 18 year olds that i had first met as 11 year olds (made me feel so old) and how they had changed not only physically and mature wise, but in their strength of character and relationship with God. The guy that I had wanted to be Camp MVP was choosen to be it - i was thrilled. He won it not for only his skill and leadership on the basketball court, but for his initiative off the court as well - last night he pretty much single handedly helped me set up for snack at the fire pit - and i didn't even really need to ask for his help. He had over heard me telling people what i needed done. He might come play basketball here after he has graduated which would be a cool thing to see!
One more camp to go, and i think it might be the hardest for me personal wise - please pray once again for more patience. Ciao

Another Camp

2006-07-24T01:32:00.000-05:00

Boy's Basketball Camp has begun in all of it's sweaty and stinky glory. We officially have 110 boys registered for camp, which is great. However, 110 boys in a +35 degree gym that doesn't have air conditioning is not going to be always pleasent. It was even hotter in my office because it is on the second floor and hot air rises. The joke amoung the coaching staff was that they had lost 10 pounds that afternoon just from sweating so much.
Boy's camp i think is going to be super busy for me, but also a lot of fun. I am one of 2 girls working camp this week and the rest are all male. They seem to be a pretty good bunch of guys though. Please pray once again this week for no injuries, and for patience for me as i direct the traffic of schedules, meals, snacks, running the camp store and keeping on top of all the paper work!

2006-07-23T02:18:00.000-05:00

Let It Be Me

There are many things that I want to be
Let me tell you in case you don't see.
Because I want to be...
The shoulder you cry on when nothing goes your way
The person who tells you...when no one else will say
The one to catch you when ever you may fall
If ever you need anything I'm at your beck and call
The first thought you have upon waking
As long as you can give I'll keep taking
I want to be your joy when you have pain
Your sunshine when you are soaked with rain
Your strength when you are weak
The one who loves to hear you speak
The reason for the smile upon your face
The one you run to when you have been disgraced
Let me be your reasoning when you are confused
Your comfort when you feel your being used
The one who holds you when you are afraid
The one who does the things you never said
Let it be me because
I know you see
Let it be me...because I want to be

author not known to me.

No Old Folks Home for Me!!

2006-07-22T12:32:00.000-05:00

I got this from a friend and thought it was good. As well, the picture is of the Rice Krispie Boys if you know who they are from the cereal in their old age!

2 years ago my wife and I were on a cruise through the western Mediterranean aboard a Princess liner. At dinner we noticed an elderly lady sitting alone along the rail of the grand stairway in the main dining room. I also noticed that all the staff, ships officers, waiters, busboys, etc., all seemed very familiar with this lady. I asked our waiter who the lady was, expecting to be told that she owned the line, but he said he only knew that she had been on board for the last four cruises, back to back. As we left the dining room one evening I caught her eye and stopped to say hello. We chatted and I said, "I understand you've been on this ship for the last four cruises". She replied, "Yes, that's true." I stated, "I don't understand" and she replied, without a pause, "It's cheaper than a nursing home".
So, there will be no nursing home in my future. When I get old and feeble, I am going to get on a Princess Cruise Ship. The average cost for a nursing home is $200 per day. I have checked on reservations at Princess and I can get a long term discount and senior discount price of $135 per day. That leaves $65 a day for: 1. Gratuities which will only be $10 per day. 2. I will have as many as 10 meals a day if I can waddle to the restaurant, or I can have room service (which means I can have breakfast in bed every day of the week). 3. Princess has as many as three swimming pools, a workout room, free washers and dryers, and shows every night. 4. They have free toothpaste and razors, and free soap and shampoo. 5. They will even treat you like a customer, not a patient. An extra $5 worth of tips will have the entire staff scrambling to help you. 6. I will get to meet new people every 7 or 14 days. 7. T.V. broken? Light bulb need changing? Need to have the mattress replaced? No Problem! They will fix everything and apologize for your inconvenience. 8. Clean sheets and towels every day, and you don't even have to ask for them. 9. If you fall in the nursing home and break a hip you are on Medicare; if you fall and break a hip on the Princess ship they will upgrade you to a suite for the rest of your life. Now hold on for the best! Do you want to see South America, the Panama Canal, Tahiti, Australia,> New Zealand, Asia, or name where you want to go? Princess will have a ship ready to go. So don't look for me in a nursing home, just call shore to ship.

Mickey the Mouse Escapade

2006-07-21T19:15:00.000-05:00

Last night at midnight, i was minding my own business upstairs in the athletic department's lounge, when a mouse crossed the middle of a room and went under the couch opposite of the one i was sitting on. For those of you who know me, you know i have an almost borderline psychotic dislike of mice - so me being who me is, i of course screamed - which didn't help me at all because anyone who was in gym at the time were on the gym courts playing a late night basketball game. Thankfully someone distracted me finally after laughing at me for quite a while - it's not like they could have helped anyways, they were online with me at the time. But thank you anyways - you know who you are. Mickey took his time disappearing last night, but he hasn't made an appearance since then either.
In other news, Girl's basketball camp is done and over with thankfully. Guy's camp starts on Sunday. I'm working late tonight so i can take most of tomorrow off hopefully, but we'll see how that ends up turning out.

Day 2 is in the Basket (no pun intended)

2006-07-18T23:03:00.000-05:00

Basketball Camp is about all different skill levels attempting to learn new skills so that they can take their game to that next higher level. For some campers, they already know the in's and out's of this game and progress rapidly through new skills. On the other side, they are some players who prehaps need a 3 foot basket (even though we of course do not play on a 3 foot high basket - that's just silly). It's kind of neat to see the girl's already improved ball handling and dribbling skills. It will be even more neat to see how improved they are by fridays championship games.
Day 2 is done and still no injuries! Tomorrow is a sleep in day and a trip to the swimming complex!

First Day

2006-07-17T23:24:00.000-05:00

Exhausted doesn't even begin to explain how I feel at this specific moment in time. First day of camp went amazingly well and smooth - no injuries on the first day!!!
As i have said before, i am the camp manager, but with 2 hours to go yesterday before campers were due to arrive, i was asked to become a dorm chaperone and sleep in the residence with the girls because we were short one female coach. Not the exact way i wanted to start off my first week of camp, but i do get to stay in the brand new dorm and i do only have 4 girls at the moment in my care. I am glad Day 1 was a good day - it sets us up for success on Days 2-6! Please keep praying though, we all covet your prayer support

Clipper Camps

2006-07-15T17:13:00.000-05:00

Clipper Sports Camps start on Sunday. I am the camp manager and it is my first time working in a sports camps setting. My program director job at Camp Arnes was a similar role to what I am doing right now, but very different in many ways. I am looking forward to the next 3 weeks of camps - 2 basketball camps and 1 volleyball camp. Please pray for safety of the youth that come to camp and for no injuries. Please pray for us as staff as we coach these kids in their sport, but also as we share with them about Jesus and what it means to be a Christian Athlete!

Have you seen my Rubber Boots?

2006-07-13T10:56:00.000-05:00

Rubber Boots. That is the one item of clothing i wish i had had last night as the biggest storm of the summer hit Caronport last night in torrents of rain, wind and quite impressive thunder and lightening bolts. I normally love thunderstorms, but not last night. Last night because of how quickly the rain shucked down, our garage flooded not once, not twice, but 3 times. We were lucky to have noticed it when it first happened or otherwise the damage to the garage could be a lot more than what it actually was. The first flooding took almost an hour to get undercontrol and wet vac everything up along with laying towels down along the garage door to prevent the water from just rushing into the garage. The second and third floodings happened between the hours of 12:30am and 3:30am. The other storm damage came in the form of tree damage in the back yard. We have (or had) A massive Weeping Willow Tree in our yard and it has 2 main big branches coming from the base - one of the main branches cracked and started to tear away from the rest of the tree and the part that was starting to tear away started to rest on powerlines - not a good thing! So, at 11pm with the thunder and lightening literally all around us, my dad decides to climb up a 12foot ladder and start to trim off the branches that he could reach with his shears - he definately needed a taller ladder, but we got the bulk of what was dangerous off of the power lines. It has and will leave a huge gap in our backyard for quite sometime. I'm just glad that i am not home to see the tree when it gets cut down.
As annoying as the garage flooding and our tree coming down is, the storm gave me a whole sense of appreciation for the power and glory of God - it was breathtaking to hear the crack of loud thunder followed by a complete white flash across the sky of lightening. God is all powerful and amazing. The storm also gave me an appreciation for how safe we really are from these elements. To think that i thought this was a bad storm, but when comparred to Hurricane Katrina last year, this was nothing in comparisson. My house is still intact and all my posessions are safe - they were left with nothing. Some times i think God needs to give us some teachable moments and lessons in our lives, and he uses some pretty unique object lessons to do it!

Quarter of a Century - How time Flies!

2006-07-12T12:20:00.000-05:00

On Monday July 10, i turned a quarter of a century - yes, i am now 25. Lots of people made jokes about getting old and what not, and at first it did bother me, but now it doesn't. Someone told me on Monday that life gets better as you get older because you get to experience so many other things: marriage, family, jobs, travelling and even growing in your relationship with God! There are so many things to look forward to in the coming years.
My Birthday was a great day overall - lots of surprises from people and dinner with my family. I was truly blessed with what I recieved.
25 is going to be a big year - many changes and challenges ahead of me for this year - some are going to be very expected and can be planned for accordingly and others are going to catch me off guard and some of them will be most welcome and prehaps others won't. The reassuring thing through this all besides having family and friends who i love support me, is that God is continuing to mold and shape me into the woman he wants me to be. And that i think is the most important thing i can do and be.

Strike another one off the List

2006-07-09T22:50:00.000-05:00

Found out this weekend that I can no longer eat egg yolks and definately should not eat cherries. This was a sad revelation, but they are definately items that need to be taken out of my allowed foods list - they make me completely sick. Crohn's is an ugly thing to have and having to adapt to it isn't always fun, but i am determined to not let it get the best of me any longer!

Above and Beyond the Call of being Polite

2006-07-07T11:04:00.000-05:00

When I am not enthused about meeting a person for the first time, i tend to go overboard polite - almost borderline fake (which i know is a bad thing, but i believe it's a coping mechanism). This is how i reacted to the new guy in the office who somewhat booted my dad out of his position, but it's really not the new guy's fault at all - he's just caught in the middle of a stupid political game. However, it hasn't stopped me from feeling somewhat negative to this guy and when he came out of his office to ask who i was and what i did in the department, out came my fake smile and laugh (yes, i have a fake laugh). He asked countless questions about stuff that really has no bearing on him or his position, but he sure did act like it did. I was told that he would have no involvement with my job directly or indirectly - meaning he is suppose to stay away!!! Oh well. I'm praying God grants me patience and a genuine attitude of politeness and being nice.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANADA!

2006-07-01T17:52:00.000-05:00

HAPPY CANADA DAY!! Today Canada is 139 years old. I know Canada as a nation is very young, and that we don't have a "proper" sense of history. I am proud to be Canadian and associated with all the little quirks that make us canadians unique. So, here's to you Canada - "The True North Strong and Free"

On the Rise

2006-06-28T14:19:00.000-05:00

Things are on the rise overall. I am finally having a "good" health day in my opinion which is encouraging. Things on my desk from being sick last week have finally begun to clear off. The phone was ringing off the hook this morning and loads of things were accomplished. It's a nice feeling.
The one thing i am struggling with is some people's expectations that i will be available to them at a moment's notice. I rearrange my schedule or plans to be available at certain times and then said persons flakes out on me and tells me to hold on for a few hours or just doesn't even show up. I don't think this is fair to me to ask me to keep waiting and holding off on other things that i could be doing while waiting. Patience is always key with keeping calm in times of confrontation.

2006-06-26T12:52:00.000-05:00

I am somewhat back on my feet again after being horribly sick with a crohn's flare up and with the flu - it really set me back a lot. For those of you who know about crohn's or colits, you know that a flare up on it's own is bad, but to add the flu on top of it, well let's just say it wasn't an experience i would wish on anyone! I'm still not fully back on my feet or fully on top of things from missing so much work last week, but i do have a good start on it all.
Things I have learned over the last week:
1. Even when things are so hectic, your body still needs a break for healing and refreshment.
2. It's ok to miss phone calls - people will call back!
3. Taking long moments for Silence is often when God can really get through to you.
4. Leaving the pile of work on the desk for when you get back, will still be there untouched just as you left it.
5. Having access to work email account and files from the internet at home is a good way to stay somewhat on top of things while out ill.
6. Some people are amazing at understanding what you are going through and will intentionally not bother you until you're back on your feet!
It's going to be a busy week - many meetings because camps start in 3 weeks. Finding out tomorrow if i'm really on top of everything or not is a little nerve wracking - i like to think i am on top of it all! People who claim that there's been a lack of communication on my part with camps stuff lately have a lesson to learn tomorrow that communication is 2 ways - i can't communicate with them unless they tell me what they need communicated back in the first place. I am glad that i am not in charge of teaching this lesson tomorrow (and hello, i've been sick for over a week - of course there will be no communication from me for the most part).
God is still teaching me patience and teaching me that unexpected occurences can turn out to be a long term blessing!

2006-06-23T08:37:00.000-05:00

I think I may be in way over my head right now with something, and i'm not entirely sure what to do about it. For those of you who do know what i am even remotely talking about, please email me with advice!
It's been a very rough week for me healthwise - it's been the combination of a crohns flare up and the flu. Because i've been very sick, i decided to do a detox program to cleanse my system so i can start from scratch. It's day 3 and i've already lost 4lbs - a detox program isn't always the correct way to go about loosing some weight, but i'll take it!!!
I am i think feeling well enough to be able to go into the office for a little bit this morning because camps start in 3 weeks and there's stuff to do.
I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend - the lack of actual food in my system is leaving my energy level to be desired and i have a few headaches, but apparently that is pretty normal...
Have a great weekend everyone........
Ciao

Frustration

2006-06-16T23:40:00.000-05:00

I am very exhausted of people's whining and complaining about situations that they have the power to change - if you're sick of something, do something about it! Other people that surround you do not need to hear about it for the 100th time in 2 days. It's amazing how a bad attitude or unwillingness to compromise can bring everyone else down with that person - i don't want to go down into the mud with them - i hate fighting to get out of it because it's exhausting. I Don't want to keep going through the cycle with these people - how to tell them to stop being so petty and get over it?

2006-06-13T09:48:00.000-05:00

Well, It's been a pretty eventful week for me. It's been busy at work and busy at home. On Thursday, i went to Winnipeg with my parents and one sister to see my youngest sister who is working at camp. As well, it was an opportunity for me to start flat hunting for when i move back to the city at the end of August. Well, i and my sister found a flat for the fall! It was the first place we went and looked at. It is directly across from the start of the uni campus - the campus has a huge park and playing fields and running track and a couple of parking lots at the front of the campus, and so it will actually be a 20 minute walk from my flat to any of the main uni buildings, but i can't complain! It definately beats having to drive 30 minutes and then paying for parking! The flat is only a one bedroom, but it's pretty large and because Kara is getting married next summer, it won't even be for that long - we did use to share a room anyways when we were younger. Anyways, God is awesome for providing this place and now we are j ust waiting to hear back on official acceptance of our rental agreement which hopefully should be today at some point. Now i am even more excited to move back to Winnipeg and get this last year of uni done and over with!

Pain

2006-06-06T23:37:00.000-05:00

There are definately different types of pain : physical, emotional, mental and yes even spiritual - and they all have different severity levels. Sometimes pain is a character builder and helps us to rely on God more than we may have had to do in the recent past. Other times, some pain just seems senseless and with no cause or purpose. I have definately experienced all types of pain just mentioned in various forms over the last several weeks. More physical pain than anything else, but it has still allowed God to work in my life. Yes, Crohns disease causes me loads of pain - nothing that i would wish on anyone, but it has always helped me to identify with others and shown people that they can talk to me about things like this in return. Don't of course want to say that Crohns is a blessing, but some good has come from it if that makes any sense.
I had my appointment today with the knee surgeon. It was frustrating! He speculates that i have either a ligament tear (surgery needed) or a tendon tear (not surgery needed) with something else possibly wrong (surgery needed). However, he just doesn't want to open my knee up for the sake of taking a look, so he has put me on a waiting list for an MRI Scan - based off of those results, then he will decide if and what type of surgery is possibly needed. The wait list is anywhere from 3 months to 2 years! YIKES. However, one thing i have learned about any type of pain is that it can produce amazing amounts of perseverance when it is so greatly needed in any aspect of life - and that is a lesson that i always need to be learning - and usually the Lord likes to teach me with not always the easiest lessons!

2006-06-04T22:49:00.000-05:00

I would like to retract my previous post's comments about it being a slack week. Last week was actually anything but slack for me. It was the busiest week i had had in quite a long while. It made the time go by faster and kept me some what out of trouble.
I've been reminded over the last week about God's amazing grace and provision for us through extremely hard circumstances - There are those around us who totally exemplify that to me continually. We would definately be nothing and going nowhere in life if we didn't have God's Salvation in our lives. It's a very humbling fact. It also makes you feel very blessed and thankful for the things going on in your own life that seem so trivial comparred to others.
My dad is doing well. It is now 2.5 weeks after his major shoulder surgery. He has an apointment with the Orthopedic Surgeon on Monday to check his progress. On Tuesday i myself have an appointment with the Ortho Surgeon - please pray that it would go well.
On Thursday i get to go back to Winnipeg - i get to see my sister who is working at camp and i get to restart flat hunting for the fall. This i am not looking forward to due to many different circumstances surrounding it. Please pray that the Lord will show the right place to live in and please pray for patience for me!

Slack

2006-05-29T14:47:00.000-05:00

It's been a fairly slack week. Nothing too big to report on. My dad is "Progressing Favourably" with his shoulder - it has now been almost 2 weeks since his surgery, and he sees his surgeon on Monday for a follow up appointment.
Work is not overly busy at the moment, but there are things to be working on and cleaning up and filing away. I have an appointment with my orthopedic surgeon in a week as well.
I'm looking forward to going back to winnipeg for 4 days in just over a week.
Chance encounters are great!

Recovery

2006-05-20T14:02:00.000-05:00

My family and I are recovering on many aspects rights now. The biggest recovery is the one my dad is going through at the moment after having major shoulder surgery on Thursday. He's in a lot of pain, but in pretty good spirits overall. He has to wear a fancy looking sling for the next 6 weeks and can only take it off to shower and do limited range of motion exercises - he even has to sleep with it on. Please keep him in your prayers!
It is a long weekend here in Canada this weekend - For some reason we Canadians need to have a day off called Victoria Day in honour of our "British" Heritage and Roots - I'm not complaining at all about a day off!
Plans are in the works to go back to Winnipeg in 3 weeks - to visit my sister alissa at the camp where she is working for the summer. My mom and my other sister Kara are going to be coming with me because Kara and i also need to start looking for a flat to live in for September.
Other than that, nothing else is really new. Have a great weekend!

2006-05-11T12:55:00.000-05:00

I made a fool of myself the other day ( i know i know, hard to imagine!). Here's the story: My second cousin and his wife were expecting a baby - she was 5 months along. She went for an ultrasound early last week and found out that the baby had died at 3 months along. Jenn had to go through actual labour to deliever the baby - very heartbreaking. They found out that they would have had a girl, and they named her Faith. I did not know any of this had happened because my mum forgot to tell me when i got home from Winnipeg. I see Jenn and Ian walking down the street on Tuesday and i asked Jenn how she was feeling and if she was having any cravings. The look on her and Ian's faces told me all i needed to know - insert foot into mouth now is what i felt like! They were completely understanding about the fact that I had not been informed yet, but i sure did feel like an idiot! They are having a sort of service for Faith on Sunday, which happens to be Mother's Day here. Please pray for Jenn and Ian as they come to terms with their loss - a loss they will feel for the rest of their lives.

Back to Work!

2006-05-09T11:17:00.000-05:00

It's amazing how much work can pile up while you're gone for 2 weeks. I now have a huge pile of correspondence to go through and reply to and many camp registrations to go through and file and document and plus file away payments. It is going to keep me busy, however, for the month of May and into June i'm only suppose to be working 25-30 hours a week because once July and August are here i'm going to be working way more than 40 hours a week, so it all balances out and i will still get paid the same each week - i think the less hours a week plan right now is to try and keep my stress level down as much as possible since i've been so sick the last few months.
My dad is having major shoulder surgery in 10 days, and will be able to do nothing for the rest of the summer. This means that i will get to do all the lawn mowing and roto-tilling the garden to get it ready for planting in a few weeks, plus i'll get to paint the fence at some point that surrounds the yard. My dad says that the yard work is his therapy, so i wonder will he will do to compensate this summer?

12 Days Later

2006-05-08T17:19:00.000-05:00

I am back from Winnipeg. It was a very busy 12 days, but overall a fantastic time. My course that I took went very well and I had a great group to work with for our major project which just made things so much easier. I had a great time at my friend's Glenda and Tim's wedding. It was a small, but lovely affair on Saturday. I got to spend some time with my housemate from last semester, and it was so good to see Ashley. One of her cat's had kittens while i was there! I also had to take Alissa up to camp and due to circumstances, ended up making 2 extra trips up there through out my time there - Alissa was working with a fundraising team in Winnipeg and then needed to switch to being back to camp for various reasons - that's one of the reasons for a trip back to camp, the other reason was that she forgot a bag in the back of the car and i drove all the way back to the city and didn't know that until the following morning! Oh well, the poor girl is a little homesick and was ready to come home with me actually, but she decided to stick it out.
So, here I am back in Caronport and wishing i was back in Winnipeg. Just as i was reimersing myself into life back there with various friends and activities, i have to leave! It just doesn't seem very fair - the one place i really enjoy being 100% and i had to leave it. Oh well, 4 months and i get to go back, but for how long i really don't know. I do graduate next year (finally). Exciting and scary. Well, i am exhausted and am ready for a nap before dinner.

Road Trip with a Purpose

2006-04-26T21:57:00.000-05:00

I am going to Winnipeg tomorrow morning WOO HOO!!! It's been 4 months since I left my course at uni there to come home and do my internship for my course requirements. I'm excited for the class that I get to take that is a semester worth of learning crammed into 6 days, I'm excited to see uni friends and camp friends and hopefully go to my church, I'm excited to go to my favourite cofee shop and favourite resturants for a few dinners. I'm excited to take my sister up to camp and to hear what amazing things God will be doing through her this summer. And i'm also excited because I get to attend a wedding while I am there too! It's going to be an extremely full 9 days!

Pain

2006-04-24T09:08:00.000-05:00

As many of you know, I broke some toes on my right foot a week ago. With the broken toes, I also recieved some torn muscles along the top of my foot. It hurts quite a bit, but doctor's won't cast broken toes unless all 5 are broken. So, a week has past and one of the reasons i think i am still having plenty of trouble with it is because i haven't stayed off of my foot properly like the doctor told me i should. Lots of you know what it is like to not be able to take a break completely away from things - places to be and committments to keep are all part of my problem. Thankfully now though I am taking the next 3 days off before i go to Winnipeg on Thursday. I tried driving to Moose Jaw on saturday night and it killed my toes, that was only a 30 minute round trip, so imagine how my foot is going to feel during an 8 hour drive. So the plan is to attempt to stay off of it for as much as possible, but that's easier said than done!

Terms of Endearment

2006-04-19T22:49:00.000-05:00

For females the use of the terms lovely, and dear when referencing a close female friend are perfectly acceptable because we are female and allowed to do so. We as females don't think much of it when we do this to another (usually). When it comes to my guy friends, they usually stay far away from using any sort of those type of endearments. So, imagine my surprise today when a good guy friend of mine whom i have know for quite a while, and was chatting to on msn today, called me honey for the first time ever and then signed off with an x - as in the x0x0 type x. Any one have any advice? Is this a normal term used towards just a good mate....or is this person turning into more than a mate? Don't know and really don't want to analyse this at the moment, but some advice would be helpful.......PLEASE!

Finished!

2006-04-15T12:29:00.000-05:00

My internship is officially done for my univeristy requirements!! Now, I only have 8 more courses to finish before i graduate next year. Due to the fact that I am going back to Uni in 2 weeks for a week long course, come September I will only have 7 more courses to do. I am very excited for this because it means my last year won't be quite so hectic uni wise which gives me more time to work at a paid job some where else.
My next two weeks will include me transitioning into my paid position at the place i did my internship, taking a few days off to get ready for my trip to university, and then actually driving to Winnipeg which is an 8 hour drive from where home is.
I hope you all have a great Easter weekend and can experience Christ's sacrifice, love and redemption in a way you haven't before.

Exciting Opportunities are Ahead!

2006-04-09T01:31:00.000-05:00

As my msn name reflects, and so does the title of this blog, there are indeed exciting opportunities ahead. There was a course back at my uni in Winnipeg being offered at the end of the month that I was originally not going to be able to take due to financial means and work committments, however, yesterday I found out that i now do indeed get to take the course; Commercial Recreation and Major Events Planning. It will definately be nice to go back to Winnipeg for a week and see all of my uni and camp friends, plus I get to attend the wedding of my Friends Glenda and Tim! As well, I think I'll be having a job interview while I am there to be the manager of my uni women's basketball team. They play in quite an important league, and would be great experience, so we'll see what happens with that. As well, today it really sank in that I am finished uni in a year because today I filled in the first stage of an application process for a job in...........France! Very excited about this, and we'll see where it goes, but i'm not getting my hopes up to much at this point. I may not even make it past stage 1! It's for a Christian Recreation company. So, like I said, Exciting Opportunities are Ahead, but from what I hear and read from other people, I'm not the only one who are possible great things ahead! Fill me in people on what those are please!!!!

You are a Nanabush

2006-04-06T21:41:00.000-05:00

My dad is a 100% Nanabush! For those of you who are not up to par with their Native American languages, a Nanabush is also known as a trickster. My dad phone pranked me a good one this afternoon. Even though he is essentially my boss, he does not work in the gym like I do because he has so many other job titles and works in the main academic building. He found a way to call me so that when the phone rang, it didn't ring as an interdepartmental call. So i answered by saying "Good Afternoon Clipper Athletics". and the voice that replied over the phone was the most unhuman voice i had ever heard. It was high pitched and nasal toned. It was surreal, but for some reason i just didn't think twice about it. So I asked how I could be of help, and the voice wanted information about sending all 5 of his kids to our sports camps this summer and was wondering if there was a family discount for that. I was staggering for appropriate replys and trying not to laugh because the voice that i thought was truly real at the time was so idiotic and i didn't want to sound rude. However, my common sense kicked in and i realised that a voice couldn't sound so utterly ridiculous and so I said (taking a chance with it) "I know it's you dad". we burst out laughing and everyone in my area of the department could hear me laughing from my office and telling my dad off for pulling such a good prank on me. I should have known that my dad sooner or later would pull a prank like that on me, but it sure did make for a good story to tell at the dinner table tonight!

2006-04-03T23:25:00.000-05:00

Feeling very inadequate as a writer on my own blog! I read everyone else's, and their's are witty and funny, and mine just seem plain dull.....it could be a reflection of my life at the moment....yes, a little dull. However, there have been a few things that have been thrown into my life over the past day that could prove to be quite exciting if all the details can be worked out satisfactorily.
I've been surrounded by constant complainers lately, or those who aren't willing to admit they were responsible for their actions. It's been really quite annoying really, and not sure how to deal with it all in a calm and mature fashion.
As well, this next year is going to be extremely busy. I'm going to have to take a full course load, find some sort of stable part time work, adjust to once again living back in Winnipeg with new housemates, try to graduate with some resembalance to having honours or the deans list, figuring out what to do after graduation, and deal with the intense feeling that all I can think of is going back to England: Some would say obsessed, others would say it's possibly a God thing, and right now I say it's kind of distracting! My life for the time being in here in Canada, in between Caronport and Winnipeg for the next 13 months, but i'm impatient for life outside of uni to begin and wanting to go back to England long term just doesn't help things at the moment. Some people here in Canada don't think i have realistic expectations of wanting to go back to England because they think i've built it up in my mind and that i'll be sorely dissapointed if i return there.....which doesn't make matters any better, because as much as i do think they are wrong, part of me feels like they could be right which scares me. Plus to top it all off, i have to stay out of certain people's ways to make sure they don't think I am too controlling (they said it not me) - some of you know that story and other's don't, but for now that is alright.
Quandries, Quandries,Quandries....what to do about them?

2006-03-28T22:22:00.000-06:00

I haven't died, but due to being ill I sure do feel very close to dying still. I've been sick for over 2 weeks now, and to be honest, it's getting annoying. I've tried to go back to work on and off for several days, but can't quite make it through a full day. When will the chest pains, aching cough, sinus headaches and extreme exhaustion dissapear?
Work overall is going well, and my new supervisor is starting to really understand his job and areas of responsibility, which has been good to watch as people are now realising just how far he can be pushed on some subjects and not on others. There's also been a couple coaching changes and new people have been hired and will be starting next month. Looking forward to it all I must say.

And the Doctor Says................................

2006-03-23T17:15:00.000-06:00

I am not going to die! Yes, there is something wrong with me, but it's all related to complications with my on going health issues. So, more tests are being ordered, but don't know when they will take place yet. Meanwhile, I am suppose to get even more strict with my diet and to controll my stress level.....as if i didn't know that one already. Thanks for the prayers! Ciao

2006-03-21T22:59:00.000-06:00

Hi one and all. Just a quick one tonight. I need some prayer! My blood work results from when I went to the hospital for tests last week have come in and the doctor has requested to see me at his office in person. Usually if there isn't anything wrong, he calls the house. So, please pray that nothing isn't serious and if there is something wrong, that i can be easily repaired. I'll let you know what happens. Thanks for the prayers!

Mind Games

2006-03-16T22:37:00.000-06:00

I have a question. Why do we let our mind or the devil, to play mind games with us and work up our anxiety? For example. I know i am behind on a credit card payment and I know for a fact that my credit card is over it's limit (i cut up my credit card a year ago, but due to the fact that my payments are smaller than the total interest being accumulated each month, it doesn't seem like i'm getting anywhere with it). I knew this in my mind, and then i got a call from my credit card company giving me a big speech about how i need to pay it --- as if i didn't know that! So now, I have myself all worked up and very much in a state of anxiety even though i knew this was the case to begin with. Plus the fact that i am paying interest on my student loans as i go along and those payments are not small by any means either. Being a student with no income to come my way for another month to a month and a half sure is stressful at times! Please pray that i just keep on trusting God with all of this and that my stupid mind and anxieties won't keep me up at night either.

Paper Cuts

2006-03-15T22:14:00.000-06:00

Who knew that paper cuts would actually hurt as bad as they do when you do get a bad paper cut. Paper is suppose to be a safe thing. I've been stuffing close to 3000 envelopes over today and tomorrow, and I already have 9 paper cuts on my left hand alone....and they are not minor paper cuts either. I think I would rather have a knife slightly slice my skin than i would a paper cut.
Anyways, my time this week has been a lot of admin work and meaningless tasks around the office. I spent half my day yesterday at the hospital for tests because i've been sick with a flu type illness for over 2 weeks now.
My athletic department is hosting one of the Saskatchewan Basketball Provincial Championships on the weekend, and i am the media coordinator for it. I think it will be great fun.
Tomorrow is the beginning of my dad's and my favourite time of the year for American College Basketball because it is the start of their 2 week National Championships Tournament. I love it when work schedules start to revolve around the cable sports channel.....besides, i work in an athletic department....do i have to have an excuse??? Go Zags Go!!

Patient Waiting by Pamela Macquade

2006-03-09T22:26:00.000-06:00

I have a devotional book by Pamela Macquade, and I came across this devotional the other day. I think this is quite appropriate for not just myself, but other people that I know right now too.
"The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him"
Lamentations 3:25
"None of us gets every expectation fulfilled by God in a moment. All of us wait on Him at time that may seem painful or inconvenient to us. But as we're waiting, do we understand that this, too, can be God's goodness?
Waiting to find a mate can be difficult - I know that from experience (me too). But I decided that marrying the right person - God's person - was better than suffering through a divorce with the wrong person. And wait I did. How long? Let's just put it this way: anyone who feels that waiting until 25 to marry is too long just hasn't begun to wait, if that's God's will.
As the yeas went by, I was tempted to think I'd done something wrong. I wondered if I had some huge character flaw that no one was willing to share with me. One older friend asked if all the men in my state were blind. Still I waited, patiently praying, seeking to obey God's will for my work and spiritual life. When my social life seemed empty, I still hung on.
Finally, about the time I decided no one was coming, I met my husband, who had also been faithfully waiting. We didn't marry at the usual age but in God's perfect timing. Many problems that might have endangered our relationship, if we'd married earlier, had already been dealt with. God has been good to us, though we hadn't understood it all those years.
If you too, are waiting on God's timing, do so patiently. Trust that it's all for your good, and you'll find, in the end, that it was. "

I found that devotional to be extremely encouraging when i read it over the other night.
I know for me, waiting to find my mate is not the only thing i've been waiting to occur: finishing school, finding a proper job, returning to Winnipeg in September and then a year from now possibly being able to leave Winnipeg due to the fact I'll be done Uni, wanting to return to England and not knowing when this will occur. All of this could be extremely dissapointing and frustrating if I choose to focus in on the negative of each aspect instead of focusing on the positive of what can happen as I finish each one off. God has me in each situation and time period for a reason. I have to not look at is as a "holding cell" while I wait for God to show me what is next. I need to see this as what God has for me to do here and now and patiently wait for what He wants for me to learn and grow in next. It's not always easy, but being challenged to trust and willing to be where God needs and wants you to be (even when you don't want to be) in the long run is an extremely rewarding thing.

Hang in there everyone. Praying for you and love you all loads!!!

2006-03-06T21:21:00.000-06:00

I was chatting with various people today, and I came to realise that in the next year (actually the next 14 months), I could be in for a very bumpy and yet exciting year. In the several months ahead, I get to be a camp assistant director, I get to move back to Winnipeg and have my sister move in with me, before moving occurs a place of residence needs to be found, and i start my last 8 classes of university. Plus, I need to find a way of getting back to England to visit. After university is finished, it's time to hit the real world and find a proper job, and i'm not confined to one geographical location (which i can honestly say right now is a blessing of being single....unlike other people that i know of at the moment). The next year does scare me as much as it excites me. I wish we could just ask God about the future and have him answer us audibly, but then we wouldn't need real faith and trust in him to guide us now would we?

2006-03-05T22:43:00.000-06:00

Some of you know and some of you don't know that I have been struggling lately being connectedspiritually in a church with solid preaching and with the lack of a cell group to be in (the one and only viable church option for me in Caronport does not have small groups). It's sad to say, but I can't remember when the last time was that I was solidly challenged by a sermon. It could have been in Winnipeg over the last 6 months, but more realistically, it hasn't been since I left Luton. I'm still attending church,I haven't given up on the possibility of hearing a really great sermon. I enjoy the worship. However, what i am decidedly lacking in right now is fellowship to help challenge me in my growth and to share one on one my struggles and triumps. Not having personal fellowship with other believers in a small group setting is really taking it's toll on me spiritually.
I don't really know what to do about it at this point, but I know something has got to change soon. I'm starting to feel like a gold fish that has been out of it's bowl for too long and is craving water and oxygen to survive.

Frustrations

2006-02-28T12:05:00.000-06:00

I just found out that 2 of my classes have not transferred to U of M like i was told they would. This means that I have 8 more classes to complete to finish off my degree instead of the 6 like i thought i had. So, this means i will not be finished my degree in December of this year like i had intended, but will be finished in May 2007 instead. Dissapointed totally, but God must have a plan and a reason for this instead. It's a good thing that i don't hate the education instiution i am attending or otherwise i would be in big trouble.
Well, i think i have posted quite enough for one day......this is what happens when i only blog once every 7-10 days!

Prayer Requests

2006-02-28T11:59:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to post a couple prayer requests for you all to keep in mind if you're looking for something to pray about!
1. My grandmother just had hip replacement surgery yesterday. Please pray for a speedy recovery. She's a tough old gal, but she is 82. Please pray for motion to return quickly and for minimal pain. She is suppose to get out of the hospital by the end of the week if everything is looking good.
2. My dad has a torn rotator cuff in his shoulder joint. He is on the list to see a surgeon for an initial appointment and then to book a surgery date. He has been on the wait list for over 2 months already. He is starting to take time off of work and teaching his classes due to the amount of pain he is experiencing.
3. Me. When i was in Luton, I firmly believe that God healed my knee that i had been having problems with for many years. However, back in July I pretty much retore every tendon and ligament that had previously been healed or fixed. Then last week, i did another pretty bad thing to the same knee. I am now on a wait list to see a surgeon to see if there is going to be surgery in my near future too. The medication I am taking makes me pretty fuzzy headed and i may need to take work off soon as well.

The Christian "Celebrity"

2006-02-28T11:28:00.000-06:00

Youth Quake is the name of the youth conference that we had here this past weekend. Briercrest College has been putting on this youth retreat for close to 40 years now. This past weekend, 5000 youth and youth workers invaded my town. Youth Quake includes a main session speaker (usually someone who is well known in north american circles), severl bands with concerts each day and then a massive praise party in the evening on the saturday. I didn't get to see a lot of what was happening outside of the gym, but I was treated like a VIP because of the venue hosting in the gym that i was doing. I met some Christian "Celebrities" this weekend and even got to have lunch with some of them on Saturday. I met a Christian rock band called Thousand Foot Krutch, a musician by the name of John Reuben and his bandmates (i had lunch supper and lunch with them one day, and had to let john into our cardio fitness room so he could use a treadmill. They were the funniest people ever. I had to leave my lunch sitting until after they had left the table because i had been laughing just too much!), and a band called Mute Math. What really struck me was just how normal all of these people were. We spend so much time building them up in our minds and borderline idolizing them. However, what these people are doing is just using the gifts and abilities God gave them to spread his word in just a more public setting. These people have a great time doing what they do, but when it comes to the bottom line, they are doing exactly what they feel God has told them to do. We may think they are more important than us, but ultimately they aren't. God values just as much what we do with our gifts and talents for him. The only thing different would be if we are letting those talents and gifts go to waste. We do need people to be forerunners of the gospel because let's face it, some of us are not so gifted in the public speaking/performing category, and that is perfectly okay. This weekend has just opened my eyes to thinking of these people as no different that you or me, the only difference is that they get to reach so many more people at one time.

Living in the Gym...Part 2

2006-02-28T11:25:00.000-06:00

As i stated last week about living in the gym, I more than lived in the Gym this last week. I think i practically made it my home. I worked 64 hours last week, and 32 of those hours was on friday to saturday evening due to the youth conference we had here. Unfortunately, my dad has just informed me that i can't use all my hours toward my internship hours which i think is highly unfair because i was the only one from the athletic department who was actually working here this weekend. I am going to have to out up a fight.

Living in the Gym Part 1

2006-02-19T22:38:00.000-06:00

Hello all, i hope you have had a great start to your week. I hope your weekend was slightly restful. My weekend was the exact opposite of restful. Between Friday and Saturday, i spent a good 20.5 hours in the gym because i was working the 3 athletic competitions we had going on. It was hectic and stressful, but i did have some fun while i was at it. On Friday night as i was walking home from the gym, i hit a very icy patch and the pavement rose up from the ground and sucked me down hard....in simple words: i biffed it good and did a right bang up job to the knee i had reinjured this summer while at camp. I'm not sure how bad my knee is yet....i'm waiting for the big bruise and the initial swelling to go down before i venture out to my specialist. No use getting all panicked over a bruise if that is all it is. This week is going to be busy as well. Tuesday is my youngest sister's 19th brithday....can't believe she is turning 19 (Yikes!) and i have several meetings and then this coming weekend will be living in the gym part 2 because it is one of Canada's largest Christian youth retreats that happen, and it happens here in Caronport. It's called Youth Quake. I have to practically live in the gym this weekend because i am the venue host and faciliy coordinator for the gym. It basically means that i get to be the host for the guest performers who do their acts in the gym and i get a meal pass to the VIP Room which means i get to meet the concert performers, that should be slightly cool. Well, it is late and i need to get to bed. Have a good week all and i shall write when i get more time to do so!

2006-02-14T14:29:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day to all my lovely single friends - male or female. I hope you all have had a good day despite not really having a special someone to spend it with......spend it with a few close mates. My valentine's day is no where near as cool as it was last year. Spending it with 8 of my girls from Luton last year in my flat kitchen was loads of fun and then having the chaplaincy to ourselves in the evening was tops as well. Just wanted to let you girls know how very special and appreciated you are in my life. I love and miss you all loads. I don't think i've told you all that nearly enough. Praying for you all! Love from Me!

2006-02-07T09:21:00.000-06:00

Doesn't anyone understand that I bruise easily? Some people think that i am so very strong emotionally and physically, but that is just not the case most of the time. This is something i've been struggling with a lot lately. Some people i know are so used to me being the strong one that when i show signs of weakness, they have a hard time coming along side me and helping me through. Not really fair now is it? Kind of like a double standard i would say; "I can be weak and you need to help me through, but when you need someone to help you along, don't come looking to me for that help". Thank you to those who have not done that! Thank you that we can be mutually uplifting and encourgaing and going the extra distance to help one another not falter any more than necessary.

SUPERBOWL

2006-02-05T22:33:00.000-06:00

The American National Football Leauge (not soccer) had it's world championship tonight called the Superbowl. The team that I was hoping for did not win (the Seattle Seahawks), but it was still entertaining with some very funny commercials (which the superbowl is famous for). I could not help but remember who i watched Superbowl with this time last year. I watched superbowl last year at Cemy Lodge in Luton with a bunch of boys (Gordon, Tim, Daniel, Andy Flan and a bunch of andy's friends) who knew nothing about American football to say the least. All of them decided to cheer opposite of the team which i was cheering for (and my team did happen to win the game). It was a lot of fun and definately a memory maker. This year, I was able to watch the superbowl with my dad which is great too because over the last 3 years i have been in other locations and couldn't be at home for it. We had some good food and some good laughs and some shared groans when our team couldn't pass the ball. I wonder who I will be watching superbowl with next year? It could be an entirely different crew of people again.

Sick Day with Benefits?

2006-02-02T22:47:00.000-06:00

I was ill today with a very bad cold. I had a low grade fever last night even. I did go to work for 3 hours this morning and then decided I would be better off on my sofa at home. It literally felt like i was coughing out my lungs for a while this afternoon. However, i think my medicine is now starting to do its work, and i am feeling a bit better...hopefully by the time i wake up in the morning, i shall be feeling like me a bit more.
And yes, being at home had its benefits too. My dad came home to talk to me...............I have my job through the summer!!! It was 100% confirmed this afternoon. I am so excited for this! Yes, i may be at home for the summer, but in a job that i currently love. God is great to provide me with something that i greatly enjoy doing. I shall keep you up to date as things shape up for the summer.

Tagged....I'm it?

2006-01-31T14:30:00.000-06:00

My lovely friend Tasha in England has tagged me, and because it is a very quiet afternoon in my office (no one seems to be around right now), I'm going to fulfill my "Tag"

4 Jobs i've had in my life:
Waitress
Camp Program Director
Receptionist
Art Museum Gift Shop Manager

4 movies I could watch over and over again:
Love Actually
The Rundown
Robin Hood (Cartoon Version)
The Two Towers (from Lord of the Rings)

4 places i have lived:
Luton, England
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
La Habra, California, U.S.
Caronport, Saskatchewan, Canada

4 places I have been on vacation:
Los Angeles, California
The beautiful state of Georgia (cabbage patch doll factory)
Hershey, Pennsylvania (home of the Hershey Chocolate Factory)
Sicamous, British Columbia, Canada (houseboat capital of Canada)

4 websites i visit daily:
goggle
blogger
hotmail
briercrest athletics website (the place where i work)

4 of my favourite foods:
Curry
i would have to say Nandos (wish we had it here)
Chicken Alfredo Pizza
any pasta dish

4 singers i can't live without:
Cold Play
Nightwish
Natasha Beddingfield
Madonna (new album is pretty good, not ashamed to say it)

4 places i would rather be:
England
New Zealand
The Bahammas
Winnipeg

4 people to "Tag" to do this
Ashley
Kara
Alissa
Chris

Nothing to0 Exciting

2006-01-29T22:04:00.000-06:00

I really don't have anything amazing to report to you all this evening. Tomorrow i am starting my 4th week in my internship. It's crazy how fast time is going by. All 6 of our uni sports teams lost this weekend in their respective sports. Going into work on Monday morning may not be the greatest experience to date....they all played terrible apparently (5 of the 6 teams did not play here at home).
The lack of solid friendships here is really starting to take its toll on me. I miss my friends in england tons somedays and i keep wondering and asking God when i'll get to go back (even for a visit), but he seems to be pretty quiet on that front. I still say it's not everyday that you connect on so many different levels with a group of people like i did in my short amount of time in Luton. My friendships with people from camp haven't been the same since it was decided that i wouldn't be going back to camp this summer - i miss being able to laugh with them the same way or even talk to them normally.
And I miss my former housemate sooo much as well. We were at camp together and then we lived in the city together...we spent so much time together and then to have to leave and go without having her around was a tough adjustment - however, i think she is coming to visit me in 3 weeks, and that will be a huge blessing to me.
So, what does someone do for friendship and companionship when there is no one around this town to have either with? I'm starting to literally .save my pennies for that visit to England, but I can't let myself become obsessed with that either if you know what i mean. Yes, God and I have gotten to spend quite a bit of time together lately, but those of you who know me know i am a very social creature. So, the dilema i am facing due to my lack of any type of a social circle is becoming someone who looks very much like Emma Thompson's Nanny McPhee from the same titled movie...only lacking the magic to create that much desired social connection

In Limbo

2006-01-24T22:16:00.000-06:00

What??? Has another week really already passed us by? Where are my days going? Things in the athletic department and with my dad's job are still very undecided- all my dad knows is that he is 100% not going to be the athletic director come the end of June. I still hate how the whole situation was started, but there have been some recent interesting developments that may occur that could make the situation a whole lot easier to swallow and get accept or get a long with. It's the whole not knowing part that really gets to me! Tomorrow i find out if i have a summer position or not with the athletic department.....due to recent events, that decision had been placed on hold. It's a huge summer camp recruitment conference here right now. I had a job offer today for a camp 5 hours away from here....i told them i would pray about it and let them know once i know more about the other job. Ideally, it would be my preference to stay here and work in the department through summer, there are a lot of perks about being at home.....it just takes a while to find them. Not sure what God is trying to teach me or my family through this whole situation, but I'm sure there is something to be learned in it.....Still, i do have my moments where i want to punch or trip my dad's boss because he can be such a dimwit.

2006-01-18T11:31:00.000-06:00

Things have been going well over the last week in the athletic department. I have been keeping busy, but i think my internship supervisor needs to learn that I can handle more than one task at time. I dislike having to go back and forth between his and my office so that i can get another project to work on. Oh well, things are getting better with that slowly but surely. This morning everyone in the department went to a metting except for me. Why was i excluded? Because it was a meeting that concerned my dad- who is the director of my department. Many of you know that my father's position with the athletic department was posted as being vacant without my father first being told that he was no longer going to be the athletic director. He had thought about suing the college, but he didn't. Today's meeting is about meeting the potential new athletic director candidate. I am not at the meeting because i know i would lose my temper and get very upset at my dad's boss because i have 2wanted to give him a piece of my mind for quite sometime.....i know if that were to happen, very strong language would be used, and i would no longer be an intern here! Please pray for my dad and our department as these meetings continue. Please pray that the Bible college will open their eyes and realise that can not treat their employees like rubbish and just assume that everything is going to be alright because it is a Christian environment. and please pray for my family as we go through transitions---dad still has his head of the psychology department position, but he isn't too sure if all he can do is just teach. Thanks so much. Have an awesome Day everyone!

Older Sister Rantings

2006-01-10T22:11:00.000-06:00

I was accused today by my one sister who has a boyfriend of slamming her now boyfriend every chance i get. I don't think this is true at all. What is true is that: I have barely spent 10 minutes with the guy since she started dating him a month a go. I believe I have a big sister right to automatically think no guy is ever good enough for her because we don't have an older brother to do that job. I am sure he is a perfectly nice guy, although first impressions say he is a little strange (once again, older sister mentality coming through), but does anyone else feel the same as i do when a boyfriend invites you over to his house for the evening and then he spends it playing video games and the girlfriend watches all night long? Not what i call quality relationship building time. My sister called me an ass when i stated that not my idea of a good time was watching my boyfriend play video games. She told me i just can't give him a chance. Well, maybe i am just worried that she is going to get hurt again and i don't want to get to know the guy. Because a couple of her ex boyfriends were very nice guys until they dumped her. Her current boyfriend is from the same college dormitory as her previous boyfriends, so excuse me for being a little critical about the whole thing.
In other news, Day 2 at the office went quite well and i am really starting to fit into the whole scheme of things in the athletic department. This weekend, we have volleyball home games, so that will keep me busy all of friday and saturday.

Day 1

2006-01-09T22:09:00.000-06:00

I Made it through Day 1 of my internship. Today was not overlly excitng. I spent 3 hours this morning going through orientation for a department that I pretty much knew to begin with. However, orientation came from a professional "within the organisation" outlook, and I did learn a few new things. Seperating professional and social friendships may not be the easiest and calling my dad by his first name is strange, but I think it will be alright. The rest of my day was spent looking through our sports camps binder and making notes of what needs to be taken out or added too. I have experience with this due to my updating of the binder at camp arnes.
Tomorrow is all about meetings: department meetings, sports camp meetings, advertising design meetings and supervisor meetings. Fun times ahead.....not sure if i can sit still for that long though :)

Internship Here I Come!

2006-01-08T15:11:00.000-06:00

I start my internship at 9am on Monday morning. As the time approaches, I'm getting a little more nervous. This is the athletic department that I've wanted to work in for years, even before my dad became the director of it 3 years ago. I know all the people and am even socially friends with a couple of them, but there is something about having your dad as your boss that just makes the whole situation that much more nerve wracking.
I've been told that I will fit in great into the Athletic Department activities, but I also don't want to dissapoint and not live up to expectations. Expectations are sometimes a killer on others and yourself.
Pray that I can keep focused, make some good friends and live up to others and my self imposed expectations.

Not Sure Where This is Going

2006-01-05T11:09:00.000-06:00

I woke up this morning with a general feel an uneasy spirit. I woke up a little earlier than i have for some weeks, but i think that is also a good thing considering my internship starts on monday morning. Do you ever feel like life, or more specifically people are passing you by? This is what I have been feeling for some days. I think it is because I am so far removed from everyone and everything. Caronport is not exactly at the centre of the social circle. it's almost been a year since i left England. Looking a people's pictures from their new year's parties made me feel quite sad on what i have missed out by not being there. I had hoped to be back there by this time, but God had other plans. I've left Winnipeg and all my friends there for the third time in 3 years and i'm out of the loop with everything going on there. And now, i'm no longer part of Camp Arnes life because A: Not returning to camp there due to cricumstances not in my control and B: I couldn't afford to make the trip out this last weekend for the summer staff reunion.

My question is: How do you know when you are trying too hard to cling on to relationships?

Don't get me wrong, there are still loads of people that i communicate with between all of these places (and you know who you are) and your friendship and love means so much to me.
I just feel like people and places are speeding past me, and i feel like i am never going to be able to catch up to them. If the same internship i'm about to do- if the same bible college could be placed in any of those above mentioned places, i would be quite happy. I know God has put me here at Briercrest Bible College for a reason. I have always had a passion for this athletic department, but I need people and those who have supported and prayed for me over the last 3 years, and yes, some of them are here in caronport (well one at least), but most of them are not in this province or this country which is tough.

Do any of you ever have days like this? I know that sometimes being where you know you are suppose to be is the toughest thing to get through because God has something great for you to accomplish, but i know the devil certainly doesn't like it and will do whatever he can to throw me (and you) off of God's plan. So, i cling to the fact that God has something great planned for me here for at least the next 4 months and i keep trusting that from there, wherever he leads me, will also be a great plan for me.

Crummy Weather

2006-01-01T12:54:00.000-06:00

My family and I were suppose to go to my grandad's house in swift current today, but due to freezing rain, travel warnnings have been issued. Therefore, we are no longer making the 1.5 hour drive. I am a little dissapointed because my cousin who i haven't seen since seeing her in London for a day over a year ago was going to be there. Oh well....It just puts the frosting on a way too exciting new year's eve last night...i spent it with my parents watching Anderson Cooper on CNN- Anderson was the highlight of the night :)
On Wednesday, I get to start getting my new office set up and ready for work the following week. I'm also waiting to hear on something else that could turn out to be an interesting venture, but I shall inform you of it if i hear something positive back on it.

2005-12-31T23:41:00.000-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2006 TO ONE AND ALL

Disadvantages

2005-12-30T09:35:00.000-06:00

Disadvantages to living in a small town after not living there for a long time:
1. You know no one anymore, except for the old people who have known you since birth
2. You have no need to drive your car anywhere because even work is a 5 minute walk away
3. You have no where to go on New Year's Eve (or any big party day) because you no know one to do anything with.
4. You find yourself going to bed earlier and earlier due to boredom
5. You are more than a 2 minute drive from the nearest Walmart
6. In Fact, any store is more than a 2 minute drive away.
7. People know who you are even if you don't know them because they know who your parents are.
8. The Ice Rink is the community meeting area during the winter months
9. You get calls from people you babysat to come and babysit their kids (hasn't happened yet, but it could very well with a few)
10. You count the days until you can go back to the city.....only 244 days (give or take a few)

Caving into the Pressure

2005-12-27T09:18:00.000-06:00

7 THINGS......I have been told by several that i need to do this, so here it goes

Things to do Before I Die
Get my B.A. in Recreation and Sport Management
Get my masters degree in the same area as above
Be a Wife
Be a Mother
Go back to England
Visit New Zealand
Learn to drink and like Coffee

Things I Cannot Do
Burp my ABC's
Go to a Tuesday Night Pub Quiz (we don't have that in Canada)
Run 2 mile (my knees are too shot for that one)
Eat Marmite
Say no to Chocolate
Hate the color Pink
Buy my own brand new car

Things I say most Often
What?
Awww Bless (i wonder where i get that one from?)
Eh? (I Must be Canadian!)
You have got to be Kidding me!
Are you Serious?!
In'nt (i'm ashamed to admit that one, but i say it lots more than i care....subconciously of course)
Oi

Books I Love
North and South
The Hobbit
Lord of the Rings Triology
Redemption Series
7 Sisters Series
The Oath
Redeeming Love

Movies I could Watch Over and Over
Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Pirates of the Caribbean
The Usual Suspects
Last of the Mohichans
Love Actually
The Adventures of Babysitting
The Goonies

All Time Albums
Cold Play- Rush of Blood to the Head
Nightwish - Once
Madonna - Confessions from the Dance Floor ( surprised, but i quite like it)
Il Divo - Il Divo
Greenday - American Idiot
Damien Rice - O
Matt Redman - Face down

People to do this next (but highly unlikely)
Kara
Alissa
Ashley
Marieke (i think she has more chance of doing this than anyone else on the list)
Glenda
Chris
Becs

At Home.....Again

2005-12-23T07:45:00.000-06:00

Well, I have made it back to Caronport. I got home on Tuesday evening late. What an adventure that trip was...hitting the ditch due to icy roads is not something i wish to repeat any time soon. I had a headache for 2 days and my one collar bone was super sore, but i am feeling alright overall now. It is hard to believe that Christmas Eve is tomorrow. Tomorrow night, it is my immediate family's christmas and then on Christmas Day, we are going to my grandad's until the 26 or the 27. It should be a good time! So,
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!!!!!

Made it Back

2005-12-19T08:30:00.000-06:00

So, Ashley and I attempted to leave on Friday to get back to Winnipeg. We only made it 4.5 hours out of our 7.5 hour journey, so we stopped at a hotel for the night and then in the morning we ventured the rest of the way back to her house. The drive on Saturday was the worst because you couldn't see the ice on the highway....it was very sheer looking. We did slip all over the highway in 2 different sections, but God protected us from hitting the ditch or any other kind of accident.
The rest of my weekend was pretty laid back, I went with Ashley and her family to her dad's side of the fam,ily for their Christmas get together. Lots of good food, chocolate and i recieved a jar of homemade jam...looking forward to trying that stuff.
Today i am studying for my one final exam that is tomorrow morning, and i think ash and i are going to get the top of our left ears pierced. Today also means getting the car all packed up with stuff a second time around because i move home for the next 8 months after my final exam.
It's going to be hard to leave ashley and the city...it only feels like i've just gotten back here. The next time i come back for an extended time will be in September, and once again it may only be for 4 months because i will be done my degree by christmas 06. Who knows where God will take me once i am done uni. It could be back to home, stay in Winnipeg or it could possibly be even back to England (that's the one i'm hoping for!). Only God knows right now, and i really am not going to worry about it right now because it is a full year away still. However, if any of you have ideas, i would be greatly interested in hearing about them!

Stuck

2005-12-16T01:30:00.000-06:00

Ashley and I have been snowed in in Caronport. We have had a good time here with my family, but we are ready to head back to Winnipeg so that we can officially finish our semester. The weather network did not recommend travel to the east of us today (the direction ash and i need to go), so we went with my mother to Regina and it was a very treachorous road to travel. We did have a good time in Regina though and I was able to finish off my christmas shopping. Hopefully we will be able to leave for Winnipeg in the late morning, but it is suppose to be -30 or something even colder. Pray that we can get back and that we have a safe journey.

At Home

2005-12-11T22:28:00.000-06:00

Ashley and I had a safe trip to Caronport on Saturday. I got to sleep in my own awesome bed for the first time in ages, and it was so nice. For church today, we went to my "home" church in Moose Jaw and I gave the congregation a shock by showing up because no one knew i was coming home.
Ashley and I watched the Survivour Finale tonight, and the person we wanted to win, won, so we were very happy with our 3 hours of tv watching in order to find out who won.
Tomorrow, I get to go and see my new office - the one i will get to use for the next 8 months while i do my internship here at home. I'm getting really excited for January, but at the same time it's going to be tough again in 1.5 weeks to say goodbye to winnipeg for another long streach of time.
Well, it's getting late but ash and i are going to watch a movie and maybe fall asleep to it.