It is now just a wee bit past 4pm on Friday, December 22nd 2006, and I have just realized that I am not the same person I was yesterday. Does that make me sound crazy? So be it then.
I found myself reflecting on the past 18 and a half years of my life last night with Zaira and suddenly noticed how much i have changed. It's kind of crazy really. It makes me want to cry for some unknown reason.
Once upon a time, I moved to Beiseker from Calgary, whereupon I entered Playschool and offically came under the scrutiny of "The Man." But I loved it. I have always loved school. I spent the major years of my childhood in Beiseker. I had an awesome friend when I was really young (Kindergarten) whome I find myself thinking of rather often. His name is Ben Laslow. We have the same birthday (yy/mm/dd) and his older sister is named Becky. He moved away first. I wonder where he's at right now. We were betrothed to each other. Seriously, but not at all.
I loved Beiseker; I said it, it came out, and it's true. It's kind of home to me. I loved gallavanting around the swamp catching frogs and getting eaten by army ants in the summer with my big brother and the Fasts. I loved school, wehre I didn't really have any friends, but the teachers loved me! I love Mrs. MacNaughton. She taught me Grades 1 and 4; she was my favorite. She always wore this necklace that had some sort of ord on the end that jingled a little bit. She taught us the "Twist and Shout" song and we changed up the lyrics, mostly with the help of Jordan Peckham and Justin Schmaltz, for Mrs. Doring for Secretary's Day. She was the beautiful, short, white haired Secretary at the school. I thought my Grade 3 teacher, Ms. O'Handley was dating Superman, because she told me she was. She also taught me how to say "busier." Mrs. Schriber was my Grade 2 teacher, and I wrote the best story she had ever recieved from one of her students. It was my first story and it had a complete plot line and developing characters and everything. I was afraid of Mr. Chow, the High school computer teacher, because I thoought he carried nun-chucks in his back pocket. I remeber Jenna-Rae singing "Barbie Girl" in the North bootroom and I remeber Alex always wearing suits in Kindergarten. I later went to school with boths kids up in Linden and Acme. I had a crush on Alex because one afternoon we were out picking icicles off of the eaves during break in Kindergaretn and he climbed up and got a really big one for me.
I remember Mrs. Harder (whom I always believed to be a witch) driving me home on me last school day ever at Beiseker. She told me that she would really miss me and that I was one of the specialist amd most talented young ladies she had ever known. I gripped my garbage bag full of school stuff. I didn't want to leave.
Theresa came up to Linden with me once on the day we moved. She was my only "real" friend. She left her sock at my house and I never gave it back. I never really saw her again until my Grad (she was dating one of my classmates); I sent her letters the whole first year but never heard back.
I met Laura and Jared the the same time at church. Laura and I had the same shoes. Laura's mom didn't really like me so we didn't really hang out too often. I became pretty good friends with Shari instead. I remember falling for this boy named Brady the second I saw him in Grade 5. His mom was super nice to me.
I honestly don't remember too much of Linden as I first came to know it. I know all the guys I had crushes on: Brady, Curt, Josh, Joel, Josh Evan, Josh, Jake, Jared, Brady. That is in chronological order too by the way. Brady was ironically the first boyfriend I ever really had (Brett didn't count), the first boy I have ever completely fallen in love with (still love 'em now! Just differently, sort of. I guess), first boy I ever kissed, and the first to ever break my heart.
IwhenI was in Grade 7 my Dad lost his last real job. He used to work in the city at a desk, that is why I call it his last real job. He has worked many different things since, but nothing has been as steady as that last one. When I was in Grade 8 or 9, can't remember, my Grandpa Tomlinson died from a type of leukemia. He, out of all four of my grandparents, was the one I knew best. He had a dog named Mandy that I loved. He used to call every Sunday night and talke to my family. I stayed at Laura's house for a few days while my mom and Dad flew out to Toronto for the funeral.
When I was in playschool, we flew out to Toronto for my Grandma's Tomlinson's funeral. It was sometime around Valentine's day because Ben collected all of my Valentines for me and gave me a kiss on the cheek when I came back.
I was in the hospital room when my Grandma passed. I saw my Dad cry. I was holding his hand and mom's hand. All of Grandma's kids were in the room when she passed. Mom took me and Andrew out and gave us Juicy Fruit because we didn't really understand what had just happened.
Jr. high and Grades 5 and 6 are pretty much a blur to me. I didn't enjoy them really. I didn't really like Linden. I wasn't really connected to anyone. When high school came around, life finally began having zest to it. I ran down to Lethbridge one random night right before Halloween and my first Social unit final. Totally spontaneously, April and i found ourselves on a Greyhound going south for the night. I missed my test but made it up the next day.
Also in Grade 10, two of my brother's classmates were killed in a horrible xcar accident on their way to a basketball game. A few of my own class mates were in the vehicle too. I was so scared and suddenly realized the futility of life.
In Grade 11, I went to Mexico on a mission's trip and got my first job. I was also in a band, whose memebers I love more than anything. Nothing, even now, could keep me from getting to them upon a beckon, not hell or high seas.
Grade 11 was the best year with them. We won the local of Battle of the Bands. Jared and I also became uber close. I had to sleep over at his house a couple of times because, at the time, there wasa a man living in my house who loved the drink and made my life a living hell.
Grade 12 brought me my boyfriend and Grad. Then, in the past 6 months, I have struggled with the "growing up" thing. Y'all know that end of the story though. I've been drunk, I got my primary place of work broken into, I've said goodbye so many times, been dirt poor (frequently suffering from a balance of zero), accquired three more jobs, and now am about to experience my first Christmas "away" from home. I've been blessed by my roommates and their love for me (thought I have torouble seeing why they love me), Zaira, my boss, David...everyone. I know everyone now. It takes me 15mins to check the mail from the coffee shop ( which is a block and a half away from the coffee shop) because I have to stop and talk to everyone on the way. Opposite of what I was, I am now finding myself connected to everyone. Everyone knows me, and for some reason thinks that I'm a goood, sweet girl. True, but jeez, I'm not perfect.
This entry, though hopefully providing enjoyment for you, was primarily written for my own benefit. I haven't thought back so much in years. I have so many more memories that I love, but I want to keep them my own for now.
Whatever the case, I have come to see that every day I am changing; everyday I am not the person I was the day beofre and will not be as I will the day after. After an hour of typing, I am left wondering where this road will take me.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Saturday, December 16, 2006
A Small Crime
I went to Edmonton yesterday with some friends to watch Dave's final jury for this semester. I'm thinking, Holy crap! That kid has some serious talent.
It was kind of weird being in a music school. I play bass myself, and I doubt I could ever make it through music school. I mean, i practise and all, I love music; but seriously doubt I could ever cathc up to some of the kids there. but then again, I am better than a few of them. Marginally, but none the less.
University update: I have been accepted to both Grant McEwan (same school I was kicking around yesterday) as well as the University of Alberta. Last year, I was sure I was going to the U of A: it was where I wanted to be. But, things change I guess. Now, a year later, it just doesn't feel quite right. Though, and this is foolish I know, I was planning on going to Edmonton partly because of a boy, and now things have fallen through and the desire has gone with it. I told you, foolish!
I wish that I had more interesting things to write here. Like I keep saying: my life is boring at the moment. Actually, this week was insanely hard for me. I don't really have an excuse, but for the past while, I really have not been myself. It's been tough; I've been angry, rude to the people I interact with, tired, feeling hopeless and lost: just down right unhappy. This has not been pleasent. I'm thinking of getting some counselling because of it. That's a good idea right? I think? Don't really know, but I do know I have to get past these "walls" in my brain. They suck. I hate walls. Except the ones that keep me warm. Those ones I like.
Seriously though, the amount of stress has been accumulating exponentially recently. I'm having trouble sleeping again and my body has been grumpy with me; I've been going to my massage therapist far more frequently. With my bills going up and my income not, I have been feeling rather discouraged. At the moment it isn't so bad for some reason, but it really has been troubling me. Who do I talk to about that? I cut my spending and everything, and still I have no money. Why is it so expensive to live? And gas? For Pete's sake, our house is never warm. Upstaris yes, but the basement is usually freezing and the furnace is ALWAYS running. It bothers me.
But anyway, yeah. It has just been a frustraing couple of weeks for me. I've been struggling with self perception and how much I value myself and how the stupid world views beauty. I think I just want to move to another planet where I can live out my days in peace. I'm not saying I see myself as ugly or anything, but certainly not attractive. I have the grossest teeth you've ever seen, and I can not possibly afford to have them fixerd, and never have been. I'm also not narrow waisted, perfectly thin...gosh it's dumb. And then my male roommate had to go and make a stupid comment about a girl we saw on TV that also didn't perfectly fit the bill of "attractive." What the beans is that supposed to mean anyway? Attractive. Gosh, I know so many people, guys and girls, who are "attractive" on the outside and have nothing on the inside. They don't care about a single other human being because their world is made up of themselves. Sorry, bitter. I know. I'm just so sick of being labelled as "okay" or "permissable". I don't feel pretty as it is, nevermind feeling judged negativly. Even worse, I can't remember the last time i did something good for someone else. I hate it! I used to be al volunteerish and loved it, and now, can't seem to find an outlet for it at all. I can't remember the last time I made someone happier. Jeez, how many wasted days? I haven't a single excuse either.
It was kind of weird being in a music school. I play bass myself, and I doubt I could ever make it through music school. I mean, i practise and all, I love music; but seriously doubt I could ever cathc up to some of the kids there. but then again, I am better than a few of them. Marginally, but none the less.
University update: I have been accepted to both Grant McEwan (same school I was kicking around yesterday) as well as the University of Alberta. Last year, I was sure I was going to the U of A: it was where I wanted to be. But, things change I guess. Now, a year later, it just doesn't feel quite right. Though, and this is foolish I know, I was planning on going to Edmonton partly because of a boy, and now things have fallen through and the desire has gone with it. I told you, foolish!
I wish that I had more interesting things to write here. Like I keep saying: my life is boring at the moment. Actually, this week was insanely hard for me. I don't really have an excuse, but for the past while, I really have not been myself. It's been tough; I've been angry, rude to the people I interact with, tired, feeling hopeless and lost: just down right unhappy. This has not been pleasent. I'm thinking of getting some counselling because of it. That's a good idea right? I think? Don't really know, but I do know I have to get past these "walls" in my brain. They suck. I hate walls. Except the ones that keep me warm. Those ones I like.
Seriously though, the amount of stress has been accumulating exponentially recently. I'm having trouble sleeping again and my body has been grumpy with me; I've been going to my massage therapist far more frequently. With my bills going up and my income not, I have been feeling rather discouraged. At the moment it isn't so bad for some reason, but it really has been troubling me. Who do I talk to about that? I cut my spending and everything, and still I have no money. Why is it so expensive to live? And gas? For Pete's sake, our house is never warm. Upstaris yes, but the basement is usually freezing and the furnace is ALWAYS running. It bothers me.
But anyway, yeah. It has just been a frustraing couple of weeks for me. I've been struggling with self perception and how much I value myself and how the stupid world views beauty. I think I just want to move to another planet where I can live out my days in peace. I'm not saying I see myself as ugly or anything, but certainly not attractive. I have the grossest teeth you've ever seen, and I can not possibly afford to have them fixerd, and never have been. I'm also not narrow waisted, perfectly thin...gosh it's dumb. And then my male roommate had to go and make a stupid comment about a girl we saw on TV that also didn't perfectly fit the bill of "attractive." What the beans is that supposed to mean anyway? Attractive. Gosh, I know so many people, guys and girls, who are "attractive" on the outside and have nothing on the inside. They don't care about a single other human being because their world is made up of themselves. Sorry, bitter. I know. I'm just so sick of being labelled as "okay" or "permissable". I don't feel pretty as it is, nevermind feeling judged negativly. Even worse, I can't remember the last time i did something good for someone else. I hate it! I used to be al volunteerish and loved it, and now, can't seem to find an outlet for it at all. I can't remember the last time I made someone happier. Jeez, how many wasted days? I haven't a single excuse either.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Waiting No More
Well, I got my first acceptence letter in the mail yesterday afternoon. It came from Grant McEwan College in Edmonton. They said that they would be happy to have me as a student. However, after visiting the campus and spending some time in Edmonton, I really feel that it is not the place for me. Obviously, because I never shut up about UBC. So, I also get the joys of sending in my first withdrawl of application. But hey, a college accepted me!!!!
Thursday, December 07, 2006
14 Days 'til Summer's a Comin'!
After ten day of absense, I still have basically nothing to write. I've been busy preparing for Christmas, both personally and at the Coffee Shop. It seems like there is just so much extra stuff I have to accomplish on my shift now; I'm in a constant frenzy split between cleaning, baking, making drinks, posters, updating spreadsheets, placing and extra-bulk unpacking orders, helping my sweet boss with this and that...phew. My shoes are quite broken in. By the way, if you're around town, stop in at Global Grounds for our "Krazy Kandy Kabobs." They're pretty cool; they consist of gummies on a skewer. Mmmmm. Gummies.
Anyway, my shopping is almost all done. I decided this year that after neglecting my family for 18 years, I was going to get them some pretty sweet gifts. I know they'll love them.And I got my roomies some cool presents too, and Virginia one as well, and that is it. I figured I would just get a few people some good presents--it was cheaper that way.
College front is loking pretty good. I haven't got any definate responses yet, but that's my fault. Laura and I are looking at possibly hopping on a plane and going to Toronto for a couple of days toscope out the campus at U of T, maybe sit in on a few classes; it's cool because if I go there, I'll possibly get to connect with my extended family. I've known of them my whole life, but only actually seen them twice or three times. If we make it down we'll be spending our time with my Aunt and Uncle in Missassaga (or however it's spelled), which I'm actually really looking forward to.
Financial concerns have been seriously bothering me recently. It seems every time I'm getting money saved up, not shopping or spending it on anything, my bills go up exponentially and it all goes away anyway. It is making me so angry. I've considered moving back home so things are easier and more productive on the savings end, but the rift mom and I have makes things harder on everyone when I'm around. I'm at a loss. I have decided I need to live on campus when I do go. I wanted to inthe first place, but then plans were changing and a friend was wanting to move with me and such, but the more I look at it, I need to make more new friends and live on a campus where there is no rent, meal plans, and no freaking bills. That way, with my part time job that I will have to get, I will actualyl be able to afford living, you know, food and possibly paying down the exponential student loans I'm going to need. Besides, I know U of T requires 1st years to live on campus, and I think UBC might have the same requirement.
I have really come to realize that the world does it's best to discourage a person. I've seen it succeed in some people I care about deeply, and thus refuse to let it win with me. I know that this is what I am supposed to do. God didn't make me into a missionary, pastor, Sunday school teacher--those good Holy things, nor did he make me a scientist (well, not really) or a mathamatician. I am a writter. I love language, learning and teaching it. It comes fairly easily to me, and I have been told I am an excellent teacher of it. I love cultures. I don't feel like I need to go to Bible school, get a business degree or be a nurse. Teahcing people how to communicate with each other and how interesting every little corner of the world is, is something that I'm passionate about. The blank stares that I get when I tell people what I want to do tell me that people just don't get that.
Anyone want to have a classic Christmas movie-athon with me? I love Christmas movies! "It's Wonderful Life" is the best, or tied with the stop-motion "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."
Anyway, my shopping is almost all done. I decided this year that after neglecting my family for 18 years, I was going to get them some pretty sweet gifts. I know they'll love them.And I got my roomies some cool presents too, and Virginia one as well, and that is it. I figured I would just get a few people some good presents--it was cheaper that way.
College front is loking pretty good. I haven't got any definate responses yet, but that's my fault. Laura and I are looking at possibly hopping on a plane and going to Toronto for a couple of days toscope out the campus at U of T, maybe sit in on a few classes; it's cool because if I go there, I'll possibly get to connect with my extended family. I've known of them my whole life, but only actually seen them twice or three times. If we make it down we'll be spending our time with my Aunt and Uncle in Missassaga (or however it's spelled), which I'm actually really looking forward to.
Financial concerns have been seriously bothering me recently. It seems every time I'm getting money saved up, not shopping or spending it on anything, my bills go up exponentially and it all goes away anyway. It is making me so angry. I've considered moving back home so things are easier and more productive on the savings end, but the rift mom and I have makes things harder on everyone when I'm around. I'm at a loss. I have decided I need to live on campus when I do go. I wanted to inthe first place, but then plans were changing and a friend was wanting to move with me and such, but the more I look at it, I need to make more new friends and live on a campus where there is no rent, meal plans, and no freaking bills. That way, with my part time job that I will have to get, I will actualyl be able to afford living, you know, food and possibly paying down the exponential student loans I'm going to need. Besides, I know U of T requires 1st years to live on campus, and I think UBC might have the same requirement.
I have really come to realize that the world does it's best to discourage a person. I've seen it succeed in some people I care about deeply, and thus refuse to let it win with me. I know that this is what I am supposed to do. God didn't make me into a missionary, pastor, Sunday school teacher--those good Holy things, nor did he make me a scientist (well, not really) or a mathamatician. I am a writter. I love language, learning and teaching it. It comes fairly easily to me, and I have been told I am an excellent teacher of it. I love cultures. I don't feel like I need to go to Bible school, get a business degree or be a nurse. Teahcing people how to communicate with each other and how interesting every little corner of the world is, is something that I'm passionate about. The blank stares that I get when I tell people what I want to do tell me that people just don't get that.
Anyone want to have a classic Christmas movie-athon with me? I love Christmas movies! "It's Wonderful Life" is the best, or tied with the stop-motion "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."
Monday, November 27, 2006
Playing the Waiting Game
Good news! I am starting to hear back from some of the universities I've applied to! I'm so excited! I just got a letter back from UCFV syaing that I have met all their requirements and passed their first wave admittence! I'm psyched. I also finally got my application papers for the University of Toronto. I know, I know. That one is far far away from home and in the complete opposite direction of the Pacific, but who knows? My Dad went there, all my family is down east; Victoria College on U of T campus has an excellent and rigerous Arts program, like UBC, and both can give me a great education. However, I feel like I have to read through a novel to fill out the OUAC application form. Seriously, it is about 85 pages of bilingual nonsense. I think it was written by lawyers.
I was starting to get a little nervous about not hearing from any schools. I will not know exactly where I'm going until probably May or June, but maybe as early as the end of Feburary. I've been struggling with the whole waiting thing. I'm a rather active person and my heart feels somewhat nomadic. I like to move around, make new friends, see new places, be faced with challenge; I need to feel like I'm learning something. Right now though, I honestly feel like I'm in a rut. I work all day every day, make no money, see the same people every day, say the same things every day, hear the same music--I can not stand it! I hate waiting for something greater to come along, but I know it has to be coming.
Don't get me wrong or anything. I care about the people in my life, I really do. My family means more to me now that I'm out of the house and my some of my friends me more to me now that I never see them. But to be honest, I haven't really found home. Several of my friend's families have "adopted" me (though I didn't really know I was up for adoption), but even they just don't feel like home. I just don't feel that attached to anyone or anything right now that would keep me in one place. I am nomadic. I am only where my feet are. That is what I consider to be my own. I really think that leaving everything I know behind will be a good thing for me; it might make me value what I have, and what I had, more. It might help me feel more connected to people.
Anyway, that was one big long rant.
Today was a bitter day of blizzarding snow and -37 wind chills. I'm sittin here at work with gloves on and a door that is partially frozen shut. There are four foot drifts on our deck and in my back yard, and sadly it it too cold to take my board out tonight. Feels like winter though. Fa-la-la-la-laa!
I was starting to get a little nervous about not hearing from any schools. I will not know exactly where I'm going until probably May or June, but maybe as early as the end of Feburary. I've been struggling with the whole waiting thing. I'm a rather active person and my heart feels somewhat nomadic. I like to move around, make new friends, see new places, be faced with challenge; I need to feel like I'm learning something. Right now though, I honestly feel like I'm in a rut. I work all day every day, make no money, see the same people every day, say the same things every day, hear the same music--I can not stand it! I hate waiting for something greater to come along, but I know it has to be coming.
Don't get me wrong or anything. I care about the people in my life, I really do. My family means more to me now that I'm out of the house and my some of my friends me more to me now that I never see them. But to be honest, I haven't really found home. Several of my friend's families have "adopted" me (though I didn't really know I was up for adoption), but even they just don't feel like home. I just don't feel that attached to anyone or anything right now that would keep me in one place. I am nomadic. I am only where my feet are. That is what I consider to be my own. I really think that leaving everything I know behind will be a good thing for me; it might make me value what I have, and what I had, more. It might help me feel more connected to people.
Anyway, that was one big long rant.
Today was a bitter day of blizzarding snow and -37 wind chills. I'm sittin here at work with gloves on and a door that is partially frozen shut. There are four foot drifts on our deck and in my back yard, and sadly it it too cold to take my board out tonight. Feels like winter though. Fa-la-la-la-laa!
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Shake Your Bon Bon
After yet another busy, boring week of work, I was happy to see my shift end on Saturday. I have realized how strict of a routine I have lodged myself into; I hate routine. I get up early every morning, work for a while, rest, go back to work, come home and go to bed. I see the same people almost everyday--there is so little varience in my life that it is beinging to get to me again.
Rather randomly, I found myself at the church on Saturday night, ready to take a belly dancing class. I had so much fun! I had a veil and learned to shake my booty! Zaira and I both went, and I think we both found it great to just be a little silly. We were all wearing veils and sari's and having a lot of fun playing with the chiffon.
Honestly though, belly dancing is hard! You have to isolate all of these different movements for different parts of your body: only your hips, or knees, or shoulders, or neck, or ribs can move at one time. Your arms are above your head half of the time and you have to walk with your hips shaking. It's a lot of fun though. I definatly want to do that again.
The class was part a new thing starting at my church called: DEW (Dance, evangelism, worship or "Dance for every woman"). Or at least, prospectivly starting up. I love the idea, because I love to dance (I can't, but love it) and the mind frame of the churches and most people around here is that dancing it not "holy," and especially not belly dancing. But it was a great way to release. There were about 15 women there, all of which who were a little bit hesistant to have fun at first. But then we all got into it and just had a blast! I couldn't move all of my body the way I was supposed to and just burst out into a fit of crazy-dance.
Then there was a short break with food and such, and then a little explaination of what the plan was for the class. The lady leading it said one of the coolest things at this time: "God created all kinds of dance." He did. It's true. Only Satan is what makes dance bad; he is the one that takes something beautiful and twists it, distorts it into something ugly. Her point was something like, "Why can't someone worship God with belly dancing? He created that too." I thought that this point was so cool.
After the little devotional thing, they turned on some worship music, turned down the lights and went at it. I am telling you, it was amazing! I saw women I have always known as stoic "church women" dancing their hearts out. No one told them to dance, no one told them to grab a veil and play with it like they were a little kid again, no one told them to sing; there was just so much freedom in that place. Everyone was just wrapped up in the presence of God and there was no way they could not hold their heart back from taking over. There were two woman dancing together in a jive, some on their own, some on their faces, and some just tapping their feet. There were mothers, daughters, grandmas, wives, young woman, boistrous woman, and timid woman and all were just letting themselves go. I tell you, I have never felt so much freedom in my life. It was beautiful. And it all came about by opening up with belly dancing. Amazing!
Rather randomly, I found myself at the church on Saturday night, ready to take a belly dancing class. I had so much fun! I had a veil and learned to shake my booty! Zaira and I both went, and I think we both found it great to just be a little silly. We were all wearing veils and sari's and having a lot of fun playing with the chiffon.
Honestly though, belly dancing is hard! You have to isolate all of these different movements for different parts of your body: only your hips, or knees, or shoulders, or neck, or ribs can move at one time. Your arms are above your head half of the time and you have to walk with your hips shaking. It's a lot of fun though. I definatly want to do that again.
The class was part a new thing starting at my church called: DEW (Dance, evangelism, worship or "Dance for every woman"). Or at least, prospectivly starting up. I love the idea, because I love to dance (I can't, but love it) and the mind frame of the churches and most people around here is that dancing it not "holy," and especially not belly dancing. But it was a great way to release. There were about 15 women there, all of which who were a little bit hesistant to have fun at first. But then we all got into it and just had a blast! I couldn't move all of my body the way I was supposed to and just burst out into a fit of crazy-dance.
Then there was a short break with food and such, and then a little explaination of what the plan was for the class. The lady leading it said one of the coolest things at this time: "God created all kinds of dance." He did. It's true. Only Satan is what makes dance bad; he is the one that takes something beautiful and twists it, distorts it into something ugly. Her point was something like, "Why can't someone worship God with belly dancing? He created that too." I thought that this point was so cool.
After the little devotional thing, they turned on some worship music, turned down the lights and went at it. I am telling you, it was amazing! I saw women I have always known as stoic "church women" dancing their hearts out. No one told them to dance, no one told them to grab a veil and play with it like they were a little kid again, no one told them to sing; there was just so much freedom in that place. Everyone was just wrapped up in the presence of God and there was no way they could not hold their heart back from taking over. There were two woman dancing together in a jive, some on their own, some on their faces, and some just tapping their feet. There were mothers, daughters, grandmas, wives, young woman, boistrous woman, and timid woman and all were just letting themselves go. I tell you, I have never felt so much freedom in my life. It was beautiful. And it all came about by opening up with belly dancing. Amazing!
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Dear Mr. Howard
So, I guess this is pretty cool. I'm now being published three times. Twice in a book and once on some editor's choice cut CD's. I guess that is pretty cool. The CD's are only a compliation of 33 authors. I'm one of them. Mr. Loewen is going to be so pround of me!
If you're wondering what exactly I'm getting published, I promise you, it isn't that much. In fact, I am very suprised to be recieving as much acclaimation as I am for this particular poem. If you're interested, take a look: (This is all my own original work and is copyrighted)
If you're wondering what exactly I'm getting published, I promise you, it isn't that much. In fact, I am very suprised to be recieving as much acclaimation as I am for this particular poem. If you're interested, take a look: (This is all my own original work and is copyrighted)
The Journey
(c) Rebecca Tomlinson
And at the end of the Journey
We will finally see:
Words have no meaning in eternity.
So take me from here
To that Higher place
To where my fears will leave no trace.
I will sprout my wings and finally see
That from my Journey,
I have at last been made free.
That's all. I have better things! Unfortunatly, they exceed the 24 line limit.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
What is the Rush?
Linden is a good place. It is safe, the people are more or less polite and nice, the food is yummy and against all diets, it's quiet; yet itis driving me insane.
Sadly, there is a mentality among the Holdemens and even several of the 'secular' girls around here that if you aren't married by the time you're 25, you are so screwed. I hate that. I know this woman: she is beautiful in every way, hilarious, an awesome cook--she has so much going for her, and yet she feels somewhat worthless because she isn't married off yet and over the age of 25.
Now, I am totally not against the whole marriage thing in the slightest. But, it does worry me when I see women, who are not that much older than me, freaking out be cause they are single or dating and not married yet. What is the rush? Even at 30, 40, 60, you're still young! I think you only really become 'old' when you think of yourself as 'old.'
The guys in the Bible lived to be 400+ years old. Now that, is old. Not mid-twenties.
Zaira was telling me about life in Mexico. Apparently, this frame of mind is carried on down there too, only, to a more severe degree. She has a friend who was married at 17. 17! I'm thinking back to what I was like a year and a bit ago, and believe me, there was no way I would want to get married. Not even now. I'm far too young and there is so much I need to experience on my own yet. Zaira is the same age as me and she has 3 friends, who are also the same age, who are married. Schnikee's. She told me that in Mexico, where she is from, if you are not married by 23, your chances of ever getting married are quickly diminishing and you really should start to worry. Sadly, it is thought that a woman can't really survive without a husband down there; that woman aren't as strong; they are passed over for jobs that they have all the qualifications for. Zaira tells me every day that she loves it here. She has so much more freedom here. It has really helped me to see just how blessed I really am.
Besides that, check this out. But only if you are having a stressful day. Trust me, it helps.
Sadly, there is a mentality among the Holdemens and even several of the 'secular' girls around here that if you aren't married by the time you're 25, you are so screwed. I hate that. I know this woman: she is beautiful in every way, hilarious, an awesome cook--she has so much going for her, and yet she feels somewhat worthless because she isn't married off yet and over the age of 25.
Now, I am totally not against the whole marriage thing in the slightest. But, it does worry me when I see women, who are not that much older than me, freaking out be cause they are single or dating and not married yet. What is the rush? Even at 30, 40, 60, you're still young! I think you only really become 'old' when you think of yourself as 'old.'
The guys in the Bible lived to be 400+ years old. Now that, is old. Not mid-twenties.
Zaira was telling me about life in Mexico. Apparently, this frame of mind is carried on down there too, only, to a more severe degree. She has a friend who was married at 17. 17! I'm thinking back to what I was like a year and a bit ago, and believe me, there was no way I would want to get married. Not even now. I'm far too young and there is so much I need to experience on my own yet. Zaira is the same age as me and she has 3 friends, who are also the same age, who are married. Schnikee's. She told me that in Mexico, where she is from, if you are not married by 23, your chances of ever getting married are quickly diminishing and you really should start to worry. Sadly, it is thought that a woman can't really survive without a husband down there; that woman aren't as strong; they are passed over for jobs that they have all the qualifications for. Zaira tells me every day that she loves it here. She has so much more freedom here. It has really helped me to see just how blessed I really am.
Besides that, check this out. But only if you are having a stressful day. Trust me, it helps.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Live Fast, Die Young
I'm alive!! Believe me, it was questionable for a while there.
I have spent the past five days or so in an alternate universe; seriously, this has been the weirdest head-cold I have ever had. It consisted of me losing my marbles and suffering from nose issues.
I'd like to take a moment to apologize here to Laura, Shari, Zaira, and Curt, who were all unfortunatly witness to my breaking point. For some strange reason, my cold climaxed on Saturday night with me in an insane laughing/weeping fit. I was euphoric and very sad all at the same time. I'm pretty sure that the break was induced at least somewhat in part by the NyQuil, which I'm thinking I should stay away from. I took two Friday night, passed out by 7pm, slept for twelve hours and felt very lucid the whole next day. I swear, those pills are flipping horse tranquilizers. The box say not to exceed 8 pills a day: I took two, slept for twelve hours and am pretty sure 8 would put me in a rather serious coma state.
Anyway, feeling a little bit better today; everything is less foggy.
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of going up to Edmonton and visiting a friend of mine attending college there. It was fun. I hugged him. He resisted for a while, but as always, I won him over. Sort of. He doesn't like people touching him very much. He jokingly attacked me when I tried booting him in the tush. Right in the middle of West Ed. I totally deserved it though.
I went up with my roomies and Zaira, so it seriously was a good time. It was Zaira's first trip to West Ed, andit ended with her saying: "I love that mall!" But ironically, it was because it had a big boat, wavepool, and most importantly, a roller coaster. I love that girl; I am better for knowing her.
I have spent the past five days or so in an alternate universe; seriously, this has been the weirdest head-cold I have ever had. It consisted of me losing my marbles and suffering from nose issues.
I'd like to take a moment to apologize here to Laura, Shari, Zaira, and Curt, who were all unfortunatly witness to my breaking point. For some strange reason, my cold climaxed on Saturday night with me in an insane laughing/weeping fit. I was euphoric and very sad all at the same time. I'm pretty sure that the break was induced at least somewhat in part by the NyQuil, which I'm thinking I should stay away from. I took two Friday night, passed out by 7pm, slept for twelve hours and felt very lucid the whole next day. I swear, those pills are flipping horse tranquilizers. The box say not to exceed 8 pills a day: I took two, slept for twelve hours and am pretty sure 8 would put me in a rather serious coma state.
Anyway, feeling a little bit better today; everything is less foggy.
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of going up to Edmonton and visiting a friend of mine attending college there. It was fun. I hugged him. He resisted for a while, but as always, I won him over. Sort of. He doesn't like people touching him very much. He jokingly attacked me when I tried booting him in the tush. Right in the middle of West Ed. I totally deserved it though.
I went up with my roomies and Zaira, so it seriously was a good time. It was Zaira's first trip to West Ed, andit ended with her saying: "I love that mall!" But ironically, it was because it had a big boat, wavepool, and most importantly, a roller coaster. I love that girl; I am better for knowing her.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Why Did You Sing
Good morning all. I woke up this morning and realized I hadn't writen in here for a while; life is just really busy right now. And of course, being that life is busy, I'm getting sick again. Oh well.
This will be short because nothing much of any real interest has happened for a while. I bought some bed sheets and boarding boots. Oh, and I went swimming. And I worked a whole buttload. That's all. I'm putting up some Christmas decorations tomorrow! That's fun.
Oh, and I cut Curt's hair. Our garbage looks like Curt's head was thrown out. It's pretty funny. Not the cut; the hair in the garbage.
Question: Does anyone know of any limo services in Calgary?
This will be short because nothing much of any real interest has happened for a while. I bought some bed sheets and boarding boots. Oh, and I went swimming. And I worked a whole buttload. That's all. I'm putting up some Christmas decorations tomorrow! That's fun.
Oh, and I cut Curt's hair. Our garbage looks like Curt's head was thrown out. It's pretty funny. Not the cut; the hair in the garbage.
Question: Does anyone know of any limo services in Calgary?
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Humane Humanity?
Okay, yes, I'll admitt this: I am a nerd. I love reading the newspaper, finding out what the UN is up to and doing a crossword the odd time. I graduated from High school with honors in both English 30-1 and Social 30. I nearly wrote 100% on the essay portion of both subsequent Provincial exams. I know, nerd.
So I was reading in the paper's yesterday that Sadaam is sentenced to hang. His own people came to this verdict, to which I can say, he does deserve to be punished. However, this I do not understand: How can hanging Sadaam fundamentally be justified? Would hanging him not be the same sort of thing Sadaam himself would have done? Would this action not make him and his hangers one in the same?
I know that Sadaam was an evil man, corrupt in all respects, but what really makes him different from the rest of us? Yes, people were mercilessly killed by him, tortured andwho knows what else; they weren't given a fair trial and he was, though chances are, he was sentenced to death in the minds of everyone long before the verdict came down.
Besides, killing Sadaam will not solve problems. Agreed, a horrible man will be dealt with, but what of his followers? His friends? They will continue to oppress those whom Sadaam had a foot-hold over. What of the other corrupt world leaders who oppress their voters, and not just in murderous was, but in stereotypical ways: ethnicity, skills, handicaps, age, gender? Does that not make all world leaders corrupt? Should all leaders be hung for oppressing their nations in one way or another? What of the average Joe? He holds judgements and hatred. Should he also be killed? What really make Sadaam so undeniably different from the rest of the world?
I don't agree with capital punishment, basically, and I never have and likely never will. I don't care how horrible a person is, how many lives they've taken, atrocities they've committed--murdering them makes us just as guilty as they are. Why then do we not get punished for our downfalls?
I always thought democracy was based on some principle Christian morals. Does the Bible not say "...let he who is blameless castthe first stone..." ? Who appointed a man, suseptable to all, to deem that taking another man's life is the "right thing to do?" Man vs. man is always a lose-lose situation because we are all dumb! Every single human being on this earth, now and forever, is guilty as the same flaw: we have all hated something or will hate something at some point in our lives!
A couple years ago there were some Mounties murdered up around Edmonton. The guman turned the barrel to himself when he was finished with the masacre, and everyone was thankful he had done so. Everyone hated him, and still does. But, by hating that man, are we not all guilty of the smae crime as he was? Everyone wished him gone, glad he shot himself--deemed him too vile and undeserving of life--they mentally took his life away from him. The way I see it, the only thing that makes the killer any different from the rest of us is that he actually pulled a trigger; though always preceeds action and is therefore the root of the downfall.
So I was reading in the paper's yesterday that Sadaam is sentenced to hang. His own people came to this verdict, to which I can say, he does deserve to be punished. However, this I do not understand: How can hanging Sadaam fundamentally be justified? Would hanging him not be the same sort of thing Sadaam himself would have done? Would this action not make him and his hangers one in the same?
I know that Sadaam was an evil man, corrupt in all respects, but what really makes him different from the rest of us? Yes, people were mercilessly killed by him, tortured andwho knows what else; they weren't given a fair trial and he was, though chances are, he was sentenced to death in the minds of everyone long before the verdict came down.
Besides, killing Sadaam will not solve problems. Agreed, a horrible man will be dealt with, but what of his followers? His friends? They will continue to oppress those whom Sadaam had a foot-hold over. What of the other corrupt world leaders who oppress their voters, and not just in murderous was, but in stereotypical ways: ethnicity, skills, handicaps, age, gender? Does that not make all world leaders corrupt? Should all leaders be hung for oppressing their nations in one way or another? What of the average Joe? He holds judgements and hatred. Should he also be killed? What really make Sadaam so undeniably different from the rest of the world?
I don't agree with capital punishment, basically, and I never have and likely never will. I don't care how horrible a person is, how many lives they've taken, atrocities they've committed--murdering them makes us just as guilty as they are. Why then do we not get punished for our downfalls?
I always thought democracy was based on some principle Christian morals. Does the Bible not say "...let he who is blameless castthe first stone..." ? Who appointed a man, suseptable to all, to deem that taking another man's life is the "right thing to do?" Man vs. man is always a lose-lose situation because we are all dumb! Every single human being on this earth, now and forever, is guilty as the same flaw: we have all hated something or will hate something at some point in our lives!
A couple years ago there were some Mounties murdered up around Edmonton. The guman turned the barrel to himself when he was finished with the masacre, and everyone was thankful he had done so. Everyone hated him, and still does. But, by hating that man, are we not all guilty of the smae crime as he was? Everyone wished him gone, glad he shot himself--deemed him too vile and undeserving of life--they mentally took his life away from him. The way I see it, the only thing that makes the killer any different from the rest of us is that he actually pulled a trigger; though always preceeds action and is therefore the root of the downfall.
...
I seem to have been having a series of bad days;gradually getting more and more grumpy. I'm not entirely sure why, but I am. I punched Curty in the nose last night in self defense and out of frustration; he didn't really deserve it probably and being me, I feel horrible. It bled and everything. I'm so mean. I should be hung!
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Boone was a Hottie
The past couple of days have been...interesting to say the least.
Nothing to vital or amazing has happened; just feeling a lot of growing pains is all.
Saturday morning came all too soon. I was completly unprepared for the Fall Fair; "Yo Beck!" had about half as merchandise as I had wanted to have prepared, but we did alright anyway. But hey, I woke up and did something I haven't done in quite some time: I prayed. That was cool. I think I'm starting to mature.
But anyway, Fall Fair went well. Mom stopped by the table and raised a big stink about my hair and it's low lights. "She's ruined a perfectly good set of hair," she said, "Everyone knows her by her hair. Everyone has always commented on how beautiful her hair is. Or was." This was while I was help one of my friend's Grandma's buy some coffee. Grandma was so sweet; she leaned in and said, "You're beautiful." Thanks Gran! Oh well, I like my hair anyway.
Besides that, not too terribly much has happened. Still working on fighting bouts of some serious lonliness, but I think life is really starting to suck less and less. Most of the time anyway. Having set goals for myself and such have really helped me stay distracted.
Today I have spent about 6 hours watching "Lost" season 1 with Curt and Megan. Such an awesome show.
Nothing to vital or amazing has happened; just feeling a lot of growing pains is all.
Saturday morning came all too soon. I was completly unprepared for the Fall Fair; "Yo Beck!" had about half as merchandise as I had wanted to have prepared, but we did alright anyway. But hey, I woke up and did something I haven't done in quite some time: I prayed. That was cool. I think I'm starting to mature.
But anyway, Fall Fair went well. Mom stopped by the table and raised a big stink about my hair and it's low lights. "She's ruined a perfectly good set of hair," she said, "Everyone knows her by her hair. Everyone has always commented on how beautiful her hair is. Or was." This was while I was help one of my friend's Grandma's buy some coffee. Grandma was so sweet; she leaned in and said, "You're beautiful." Thanks Gran! Oh well, I like my hair anyway.
Besides that, not too terribly much has happened. Still working on fighting bouts of some serious lonliness, but I think life is really starting to suck less and less. Most of the time anyway. Having set goals for myself and such have really helped me stay distracted.
Today I have spent about 6 hours watching "Lost" season 1 with Curt and Megan. Such an awesome show.
Friday, November 03, 2006
O.C.P. Rebecca Tomlinson
So, I guess I was rather bored yesterday at work. I'd done all of the crosswords, played as much Sudoku as my brain could manage and there was still nothing to do. As a result, I got myself ordained. As far as the internet now knows me, I am part of the clergy.
However, I am not planning on officiating anything as I'm not thinking of my ordaination as legit (though the website boasts it!). I just wanted to see just how easy it was to get ordained on the internet. Turns out it is incredibly easy.
Other than that, yesterday was a wee bit of a wierd day. I got my hair low lighted so now it is pretty much a rather dark auburn; looks really gorgeous though. Then today, about a hundred pounds of 5 Blue Heron bath salts fell to the floor at Global, and random other chaotic events have occured in prep for the Linden Fall Fair tomorrow.
I just had a rather uncomfortable situation happen to me here at work. Some Holdemen lady just came and asked me when the wedding was. I was like "What wedding?" She replied, "Oh, aren't you the one getting married?" "No, not that I know of. I'm just out of high school." There was one of those classic akward pauses. "Who was I getting married to?" "Brady," she said. Yep. Great sweetie. Thank you. I feel like I have just run head on, full speed, into a brick wall. "No...no." I said. "We broke up in July." The woman's face turned all shades of red, "Oh, well then I guess you're not getting married. Well at least not now anyway. I'll have to tell 'them' to stop spreading the news then." She then proceeded to run out of the store. Great. Thank you so very much.
So apparently, the Holdemen community here has been gossiping about my wedding to Brady, a guy who broke up with me months ago. I don't have the slightest idea of where they got that incredibly false information; even when we were dating, I didn't seriously think of marriage and most certainly didn't talk about it. For Pete's sake, I'm only 18! Hmmmm. So now I feel incredibly akward and am distastfully reminded of how much I miss Brady.
Oh well, I've survived thus far and I'm only getting started. Besides, I'm in with the Big G being ordained and all. That's not something EVERYONE can boast now is it?
Oh my.
However, I am not planning on officiating anything as I'm not thinking of my ordaination as legit (though the website boasts it!). I just wanted to see just how easy it was to get ordained on the internet. Turns out it is incredibly easy.
Other than that, yesterday was a wee bit of a wierd day. I got my hair low lighted so now it is pretty much a rather dark auburn; looks really gorgeous though. Then today, about a hundred pounds of 5 Blue Heron bath salts fell to the floor at Global, and random other chaotic events have occured in prep for the Linden Fall Fair tomorrow.
...
So apparently, the Holdemen community here has been gossiping about my wedding to Brady, a guy who broke up with me months ago. I don't have the slightest idea of where they got that incredibly false information; even when we were dating, I didn't seriously think of marriage and most certainly didn't talk about it. For Pete's sake, I'm only 18! Hmmmm. So now I feel incredibly akward and am distastfully reminded of how much I miss Brady.
Oh well, I've survived thus far and I'm only getting started. Besides, I'm in with the Big G being ordained and all. That's not something EVERYONE can boast now is it?
Oh my.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Dead Silent
We're home! Yeah! Sort of! No, just kidding, it is good to be home; I was quite pleased tobe sleeping in my own bed again last night.
We, by the grace of God, made it home around 8pm yesterday (in time for Lost!!!). We almost weren't able to leave Quesnel yesterday though. Curt fell quite ill the on Halloween night (and no, not from candy. He didn't even get to go trick or treating with us!!!) and we weren't sure if he was going to be able to drive home. Then, later that night, Laura got quite ill too, so things were looking kind of precarious. Fortunatly, Curt was feeling good enough to drive home yesterday, and we booked it straight to Linden. Seriously, we came home through Jasper. There were all of two towns to stop in: McBride and Nordegg. Nordegg makes me laugh. I will always remember it as redneck central. The gas station had little hunter G-I Joes and a huge shot gun mounted on the wall; at the town's entrance, they had a sign "Hunting within town limits is prohibited." No kidding.
Anyway, it is a bright Thursday morning and I'm finding myself back at work already. There is a fall fair in town this weekend, and two of my three jobs are sharing a table at the fair. This means I have a buttload of painting and sewing to be doing in the next two days! But first, I'm going to put low lights in my hair or something.
So yes, I send huge thank-yous out to all who blessed the three of us on our road trip. And what a road trip at that! We pulled up to our house and were a whole 40kms away from 3000kms travelled. Too bad we were sick of being in the car or we could have driven up to Three bumps and back to top off the odometer. Next time I guess.
It was really cool though. Coming down the Icefield Parkway, we suddenly found ourselves at 7000ft. This is really funny because on our way to Abbotsford, we hit an awesome low of -2ft. Anyway, we stopped at a viewpoint and took a quick walk. The snow there was pure crunchy powder and there was nothing but silence. Absolutly nothing. We were the only car on the road too. Even the ringing in our ears was gone. It was so cool. An awesome way to wind down a trip; you know, spending a moment in pure silence, finding some sort of clarity. Well, at least that was what it was like for me. We took a couple of pictures of that beautiful place. I'll put them up sometime soon.
Nothing else really happened on our way home. I lost my sanity after not getting out of the car for more than 6 hours straight. That was fun. Our tushies were completly numb. Oh, and we nearly killed all of the wildlife around HWY 11. There were deer, moose, and moutian goats all over the road. I was happy to have finally seen some mountain wildlife. The roads were more than a wee bit icy, so stopping before hitting them was presumably rather interesting.
We, by the grace of God, made it home around 8pm yesterday (in time for Lost!!!). We almost weren't able to leave Quesnel yesterday though. Curt fell quite ill the on Halloween night (and no, not from candy. He didn't even get to go trick or treating with us!!!) and we weren't sure if he was going to be able to drive home. Then, later that night, Laura got quite ill too, so things were looking kind of precarious. Fortunatly, Curt was feeling good enough to drive home yesterday, and we booked it straight to Linden. Seriously, we came home through Jasper. There were all of two towns to stop in: McBride and Nordegg. Nordegg makes me laugh. I will always remember it as redneck central. The gas station had little hunter G-I Joes and a huge shot gun mounted on the wall; at the town's entrance, they had a sign "Hunting within town limits is prohibited." No kidding.
Anyway, it is a bright Thursday morning and I'm finding myself back at work already. There is a fall fair in town this weekend, and two of my three jobs are sharing a table at the fair. This means I have a buttload of painting and sewing to be doing in the next two days! But first, I'm going to put low lights in my hair or something.
So yes, I send huge thank-yous out to all who blessed the three of us on our road trip. And what a road trip at that! We pulled up to our house and were a whole 40kms away from 3000kms travelled. Too bad we were sick of being in the car or we could have driven up to Three bumps and back to top off the odometer. Next time I guess.
It was really cool though. Coming down the Icefield Parkway, we suddenly found ourselves at 7000ft. This is really funny because on our way to Abbotsford, we hit an awesome low of -2ft. Anyway, we stopped at a viewpoint and took a quick walk. The snow there was pure crunchy powder and there was nothing but silence. Absolutly nothing. We were the only car on the road too. Even the ringing in our ears was gone. It was so cool. An awesome way to wind down a trip; you know, spending a moment in pure silence, finding some sort of clarity. Well, at least that was what it was like for me. We took a couple of pictures of that beautiful place. I'll put them up sometime soon.
Nothing else really happened on our way home. I lost my sanity after not getting out of the car for more than 6 hours straight. That was fun. Our tushies were completly numb. Oh, and we nearly killed all of the wildlife around HWY 11. There were deer, moose, and moutian goats all over the road. I was happy to have finally seen some mountain wildlife. The roads were more than a wee bit icy, so stopping before hitting them was presumably rather interesting.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
"This is Halloween..."
I love halloween, serioiusly. I love it. I mean, people giving out free candy and getting to dress like an idiot for one day? How much sweeter can it get?
Tonight I'm going trick-or-treating in Quesnel with the Downey's and then we're heading off to a Fall Fun Fest. There will be games and fireworks. I love fireworks! I have learned that people in BC have fireworks for everything; to this I say: No fair! Why doesn't Alberta embrace pyrotechnics? I love exploding colours.
Holidays, however, have been great. Kicking around Quesnel has just been a great way to relax and catch up with some good friends. I love the three mini Downey girls too, so fooling around with them has been a blast. We've already been to one Fall Fun fest since getting here, and I was almost just as into all of the little games as th kiddies. I ended up squirting some stranger, who was also a pastor, in the face with water. I felt bad. I should apologize.
Tomorrow morning, bright and early, we head home. I'm not ready to head home; the three of us just want to head back down south and once again enjoy the lower mainland. It is such a beauiful place. We missed out on seeing one of my old classmates when we were on CBC campus, which kind of bummed us out a little, but hanging out with Jess more than made up for it. We want to go back sometime. We're thinking mayber New Year's in Vancouver. Fun fun fun!
But yeah, so, when I end up back in Linden (we're planning on making it back in time to watch the beloved Lost show), I'll try to upload some more pics. I've got them coming out the wazzu--it's just a matter of finding the best ones.
Tonight I'm going trick-or-treating in Quesnel with the Downey's and then we're heading off to a Fall Fun Fest. There will be games and fireworks. I love fireworks! I have learned that people in BC have fireworks for everything; to this I say: No fair! Why doesn't Alberta embrace pyrotechnics? I love exploding colours.
Holidays, however, have been great. Kicking around Quesnel has just been a great way to relax and catch up with some good friends. I love the three mini Downey girls too, so fooling around with them has been a blast. We've already been to one Fall Fun fest since getting here, and I was almost just as into all of the little games as th kiddies. I ended up squirting some stranger, who was also a pastor, in the face with water. I felt bad. I should apologize.
Tomorrow morning, bright and early, we head home. I'm not ready to head home; the three of us just want to head back down south and once again enjoy the lower mainland. It is such a beauiful place. We missed out on seeing one of my old classmates when we were on CBC campus, which kind of bummed us out a little, but hanging out with Jess more than made up for it. We want to go back sometime. We're thinking mayber New Year's in Vancouver. Fun fun fun!
But yeah, so, when I end up back in Linden (we're planning on making it back in time to watch the beloved Lost show), I'll try to upload some more pics. I've got them coming out the wazzu--it's just a matter of finding the best ones.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Home Sweet Home
Okay, so my vacation isn't over yet, and I'm sorry for taking so long to blog our progress. Until, there hasn't really been any chance to, and I've been too busy taking a million pictures.
Quick progress report: We have been having an absolute blast! Right now I'm sitting in Kevin's house, on his computer writing this. We have already spent our time in Abbotsford with Jess. Wow, does time ever fly!
Our trip has been exceedingly eventful since the get-go. Three seconds after we left home (at 6am!!), we found that we had run over Curt's camera; an unfortunate way to start the trip, but it didn't really do anything to hinder our fun. We got to Abbotsford around 5pm on Thursday evening and checked into a Best Western with an unprecedented amount of ease. I must say, we have been unbelievably blessed on our journey; we have been so taken care of.
The hotel was awesome; there was a jetted hot tub which soothed our stiff muscles and a the rooms were actually really nice. The ladies that work there were a blessing to me, just simply being nice and letting us have their very last room!
Friday we headed off into Vancouver!!! I love it there and can't wait to go to school there. We took the sky train to the waterfront and wandered around the harbour for a while. Awesome! In the evening, we booked back to Abby and finally connected with Jess and went to a comissioning service at CBC. That was cool. Jess took us home and we spent the next couple of nights there. Saturday was spent with Jess. We went to Mission and to the Abby there; talk about gorgeous! Sunday came way too quickly and we found ourselves leaving for Quesnel to suprise Kevin and Brenda.
Our trip up north here was sketchy. There was a lot of ice and snow and we had to take it really slow. I mean really slow. It felt like it took us longer a than a day to get up here. And it was really funny: we literally drove through all of the seasons to get here. We started off down south were it is still summer or just the begining of autumn, then we hit late autumn and then dead winter and now we're back in mid-fall. I'm so confused.
But anyway, the suprise went well and as soon as we walked in the door we found lodging. We were prepared to spend the days in a hotel, but the Downey's just immediatly opened their house to us. Sweet!
Life has been random and a blessing so far; everyday has been so much fun. Well, with the exception of the trip up north yesterday. That was long. But, Curt's car is now "Home Sweet Home" to me.
Jess and the three of us running up some cool stairs at the Abby. 
Also at the Abby, we found some huge leaves. Seriously, they're bigger than my head.
This is the Mission Westminster Abby, built in 1900, bearing water that I took a picture of and de-holyized.
This is yesterday when we suprised Kevin and Brenda. It was funny. She sceamed.
Laura and Curt at Canada Place in Vancouver, on the harbour. It was raining when we were in Vancouver, by the way. Big suprise.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Vacation Here I Come!!!!
So this week has been really slow and rather boring so far, thus the reason there haven't really been any entries recently. But hey, I finally added a display picture! I think I did it wrong though.
Today is may last day of work for a whole, hopefully blessed week. I am so tired. I always find it funny that my pay check either never changes or goes up frm pay period to pay period, even whenI take a whole week off. This is nice.
Um so yeah, fun things that have happened--anything that has happened. Hmmm. Huh. Hum. Well, I was cuddling with Shari and Curt last night as we watched the classic Shrek movies. Oh yeah, then Curt and I got involved in yet another violent throw down. Lost is on TV tonight, which means : Party at BECCA'S! Oh yeah, that was cool. Someone actually referred to the house I live in as "Becca's" and it was not one of my girlfriends. Nor was was it even one of my closer guy friends, but dear James, who just became my favorite person in the whole wide world. See, I live with Curty and Laura, and everything has alwats been Curt's, ie. Curt's house (his parent's house), Curt's car (actually Laura's now), Curt's shop (his dad's), and so on and so forth. But the house is officially mine to someone other than me! I'm happy. Sorry Laura, one daysomething will be yours, I promise.
Today is may last day of work for a whole, hopefully blessed week. I am so tired. I always find it funny that my pay check either never changes or goes up frm pay period to pay period, even whenI take a whole week off. This is nice.
Um so yeah, fun things that have happened--anything that has happened. Hmmm. Huh. Hum. Well, I was cuddling with Shari and Curt last night as we watched the classic Shrek movies. Oh yeah, then Curt and I got involved in yet another violent throw down. Lost is on TV tonight, which means : Party at BECCA'S! Oh yeah, that was cool. Someone actually referred to the house I live in as "Becca's" and it was not one of my girlfriends. Nor was was it even one of my closer guy friends, but dear James, who just became my favorite person in the whole wide world. See, I live with Curty and Laura, and everything has alwats been Curt's, ie. Curt's house (his parent's house), Curt's car (actually Laura's now), Curt's shop (his dad's), and so on and so forth. But the house is officially mine to someone other than me! I'm happy. Sorry Laura, one daysomething will be yours, I promise.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Flat-liner
Holy flipping tush-monkeys! I just got the strangest thing in the mail, and I thought I should share. Apparently, I am going to be published!
This is where I say a humungoid thank-you to my dear sweet Mel. She told me that I should enter something in on Poetry.com, and I did. I entered a poem that took me all of five minuets to write, and was one of the shortest things I've ever written. Somehow, the people on the same website publishing Mel thought that something I wrote should be in this book they are putting together. Amazing. I think my heart pretty much stopped. I couldn't figure out why I had a letter from Poetry.com; I entered my poem just because. I hardly ever think that anything I write is worth publishing. But holy man! That made my day.
So there you have it; I have officially reached new levels of nerdiness. Dad, are you proud of me yet? I'm going to be in a freaking book!
This is where I say a humungoid thank-you to my dear sweet Mel. She told me that I should enter something in on Poetry.com, and I did. I entered a poem that took me all of five minuets to write, and was one of the shortest things I've ever written. Somehow, the people on the same website publishing Mel thought that something I wrote should be in this book they are putting together. Amazing. I think my heart pretty much stopped. I couldn't figure out why I had a letter from Poetry.com; I entered my poem just because. I hardly ever think that anything I write is worth publishing. But holy man! That made my day.
So there you have it; I have officially reached new levels of nerdiness. Dad, are you proud of me yet? I'm going to be in a freaking book!
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Dirty Mop Water
Have you ever had a day where people simply frustrate you? I don't know why, but today has not been fun. People keep making me angry. Argh. It started when I got to the coffee shop and was greeted with smiles and all, but as soon as I got here I had to start working. I'm so tired of this, but for some very strange reason, one of my co-workers either leaves bags of garbage just sitting around the back or just doesn't take it out. Argh. There were like 30 boxes just sitting outside that back door that I didn't get a chance to take out yesterday, and they were still there today. How hard is it toake them to the bin when you take out the garbage. I mean seriously! It took more effort to walk around them and not trip on them. Grr.
On top of that, every time I work, it seems like my to-do list grows two-fold, no matter how much work I get done. I feel like I'm being held responsible for the proper running of this place, whether it's clean or not, and have to pick up after my co-workers. I get customers getting angry at me because there is no coffee made; they come at the end of a rush and I'm frantically trying to get caught up, clearly, and they still freak out at me. I'm inconviencing them. They're always getting angry at me for inconviencing them. Erg.
Then, today, the espresso machine was somewhat hurt by yesterday's fluctuating water pressures and is leaking everywhere.The machine was down and I couldn't make anything; just serve the coffee that was already made and the pop in the cooler. I made so many people angry. That was a real fun time for me.
If I could, I would likely scream at a customer: "Take a deep breath! I am doing the best I can, can't you see that? I'm sorry things aren't working right now, but you laying it on m is not going to fix things! Just back off!"
Do you think the person would come back if I shorted out on them like that?
I went to start mopping then, and found the mop water to be pretty much black. Joys. CAn't anyone else ever change it?
I'm just burned out. Maybe a week in solitary confinement would be a good thing for me.
On top of that, every time I work, it seems like my to-do list grows two-fold, no matter how much work I get done. I feel like I'm being held responsible for the proper running of this place, whether it's clean or not, and have to pick up after my co-workers. I get customers getting angry at me because there is no coffee made; they come at the end of a rush and I'm frantically trying to get caught up, clearly, and they still freak out at me. I'm inconviencing them. They're always getting angry at me for inconviencing them. Erg.
Then, today, the espresso machine was somewhat hurt by yesterday's fluctuating water pressures and is leaking everywhere.The machine was down and I couldn't make anything; just serve the coffee that was already made and the pop in the cooler. I made so many people angry. That was a real fun time for me.
If I could, I would likely scream at a customer: "Take a deep breath! I am doing the best I can, can't you see that? I'm sorry things aren't working right now, but you laying it on m is not going to fix things! Just back off!"
Do you think the person would come back if I shorted out on them like that?
I went to start mopping then, and found the mop water to be pretty much black. Joys. CAn't anyone else ever change it?
I'm just burned out. Maybe a week in solitary confinement would be a good thing for me.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Breaking News: Coffee Crisis!
This town lives on coffee, or so have come to realize. The power had some rather serious issues with working this morning, and it just so happened that Global Grounds was the only place in all of Linden to have full power. I was working. Country Cousins was unable to funtion, and everyone wanted their coffee. Mr. Mayor was in the shop just as the power flickered and first thing he asked me was: "Do you have water." The answer, a rather unfortunate "no". I had just filled the pots though, so I was praying that I would be okay until they got the pump house pumping again. A rush came through and everything was okay. There was a lull. The water came back and I restocked the coffee. Then another rush, a bigger rush. As the first four customers were placing their orders, the power went completely off, all over town. I was so screwed. Everyone ordered plain old drip coffee, which vanished in a matter of seconds (6 liters of coffee) and the till would not open so making change was a fun experience.
The coffee shop is creepishly quiet when all the machines are off.
Anyway, things are back in working order again and the coffee is all topped off. I, however, have realized that I will never have a "normal" day of work here. I rather enjoy this job.
I applied to my second, and much favored university yesterday: University of BC. The whole filling out applications thing is really weird for me; it doesn't phase me as much as I expected it to. I'm just really excited to be applying to places and having goals and such. I never have goals.
Last night was fun. For some rather odd reason, my one roomate was feeling playful/abusive last night. I don't know why he thought that hitting me would not result in a flogging. Fun times. We met in the landing of my house and basically tried to drop each other. I think I walked away "victorious??" but with a buttload more pain. Everything hurts. Good times though.
So there you have it. My new board. I love it. You can't really see the top picture too well, but on the top right hand corner is the Spanish phrase, and on the bottom left corner there is the Chinese character for courage. Oh, and my initals of course. I've learned that designing snowboards is uber fun.
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