A lot has happened since my last update - I'll try to summarize the highlights and keep it short!
I helped my boss out with a mock trial for her SAIT class - it was a blast. Apparently there just might be an improv actor hidden in here somewhere after all! I was just going to observe, but ended up needing to play the role of a witness because someone didn't show up (a good way to fail the class!!) and my spur of the moment defense totally baffled the opposing counsel - it was awesome. My boss was quite impressed. :)
I discovered the joys of Partylight candles - they really are amazing. Very expensive, but they smell so good! It's an expensive addiction to have though, so I shall try to keep it under control.
We had our 8th annual Ultimate Survivors youth retreat at the end of November, and while it didn't go the way I wanted it to, the kids had a great time, and we had some really good moments throughout the weekend. I told the story of Gomer and Hosea in one of the sessions and had myself all choked up, so hopefully that came across well. Everything was such a blur, I still can't believe it's over!
http://picasaweb.google.com/michelleheumann/Survivor8
We went to the Rocky Mountain College Choir's Christmas presentation, and it was really good. They're an amazing choir - some really talented people in it. I also went to see Frank Leahy play Don Messier's fiddle, and Dad reminisced a bit about when he was a kid and they'd listen to Don Messier on the radio, which was pretty cool.
Heather came to visit, and we had a lot of fun hanging out, watching Star Wars, and doing some touristy stuff. We went with Anne to the CPO's presentation of the Messiah, which is one of my favourite Christmas things to do. We went to Zoolights and Heritage Park, where we had the best sausage rolls EVER. Totally worth the hour we spent standing in line for them!
Barb and I went to see August Rush on Christmas Eve. It was pretty good and I enjoyed it, although I'm not sure it was quite as good as I was hoping for. I think I wanted it to just go on for another five minutes or so, instead of ending where it did. The music in it was amazing!
Christmas was not too bad - it was really nice to have so much time off. Work has been pretty busy, and I come home at the end of the day feeling totally drained, which isn't much fun at all.
And tomorrow is my 27th birthday. Jennifer is coming all the way from Regina for the pirate marathon I have planned, and that's all exciting, but I'm really feeling kind of angsty about it. I'm not at all where I thought I would be in my (gasp!!) late 20's, and I'm not really sure what to do about it. Well, I have the husband, but that's about all I can cross off my life's to do list! :)
Anyway, it's a good thing I have something big planned, because otherwise I'd probably mope all day. I love the Pirates of the Caribbean, so hopefully that will be a good distraction from all the stuff swirling around my brain. Although, I'm not even sure who's coming - I thought there were a few more people coming from out of town, but I haven't heard from them, so I'm not sure. At least I know some of my youth will be there, anyway! I love my youth...
I wanted to do one of those year in review things like I saw on someone's Facebook page, but now I can't remember who's it was! So if you have one of those fun fill-in-the-blanks surveys about your year, let me know so I can waste a little bit of time on that. :)
Friday, December 28, 2007
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Deep Questions
Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting dead?
Why do banks charge a fee on "insufficient funds" when they know there is not enough money?
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
Why doesn't glue stick to the bottle?
Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
Whose idea was it to put an "S" in the word "lisp"?
If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?
Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?
Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?
Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?
Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?
Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?
How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?
When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, "It's all right?" Well, it isn't all right, so why don't we say, "That hurt, you idiot?"
Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?
How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?
The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends -- if they're okay, then it's you.
Why do banks charge a fee on "insufficient funds" when they know there is not enough money?
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
Why doesn't glue stick to the bottle?
Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
Whose idea was it to put an "S" in the word "lisp"?
If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?
Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?
Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?
Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?
Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?
Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?
How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?
When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, "It's all right?" Well, it isn't all right, so why don't we say, "That hurt, you idiot?"
Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?
How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?
The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends -- if they're okay, then it's you.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Wedding pictures!
Well, the excitement of Scott and Sam's wedding photos reminded me that I never did get an album done of our wedding. We couldn't afford it when we got married, and I meant to get one for our 5th anniversary. That was almost five months ago now, and we finally met with Dave and Laurie-Lynn, our photographers, last night. I pre-spent all of my anticipated Christmas bonus, but it is soooo going to be worth it. We're getting our own picture book!!! You know those coffee table books you see of scenery or places or animals or whatever? Well, we're going to have one of our wedding! It's awesomely cool - I can't wait to see it. I pulled out my proof album last night and picked 50 some photos for it and I'm really excited for the final result. I'll let you all know when it's done so you can come and see it. :)
And if you're in the market for a photographer, Illusions Photography is totally the place to go! They did a fantastic job.
And if you're in the market for a photographer, Illusions Photography is totally the place to go! They did a fantastic job.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
October
Well, October kind of went by in a blur! After we got back from Penticton and the wedding, we got really busy with getting ready for TEC on the Thanksgiving weekend. It went really, really well - totally the best TEC EVER. A lot of my youth, former youth, and camp kids were involved in this one, and it was really cool to see how much they've grown in the years I've known them, although it did make me feel quite old. :)
I was ready for it to be my last TEC, and was prepared to say good bye to Entheos on Monday and not see it again, but I really felt God was saying "not yet". So I've already applied to work the May TEC - we'll see what happens!
I've got my pictures up here: http://picasaweb.google.com/michelleheumann/TEC46 and if you're interested, you can see pictures of my TEC eight years ago (where I met Trevor!) at this link... http://picasaweb.google.com/TeensEncounterChristCalgary/Tec30
Last weekend we made another trek over the mountains, to the Crew golf tournament in Kelowna. We stayed with my Aunt Linda, and while it was a hit and run kind of visit, it was fun anyway.
On Saturday Trevor golfed (and got a prize for coming from the furthest away and raising the most money!) and I hung out with Heather. It was so much fun - we haven't seen each other in over a year, and having just one day was a little surreal, but we had a blast. I think we talked enough to almost catch up on every that's happened in the last year, which is a lot of talking. :) We realized that as of the beginning of October, we've been friends for 11 years, and for most of those years, it's been a long distance friendship. Definitely a God-thing! Heather's coming to visit me for a week in December, and I'm really, really excited. Yay!
Pictures of our trip (including ones I took while hanging out the window of our zoom zoom, zooming along waaaay faster then I'll ever admit to my mother... :) are up here: http://picasaweb.google.com/michelleheumann/KelownaOct2007
If you're ever in Kelowna and want a light lunch, I highly recommend the Marmalade Cat Cafe - yummy, yummy soup! And of course, Summerhill winery continues to be my fave. We checked out Mission Hill, and I got some nice pictures, but it reminded me a lot of a compound and it was creepily tidy, not at all like the atmosphere at Summerhill.
Coming up this weekend is the youth group Halloween party...I'm sure that will result in some highly entertaining photos...and hopefully it won't take me another month to update this time! :)
I was ready for it to be my last TEC, and was prepared to say good bye to Entheos on Monday and not see it again, but I really felt God was saying "not yet". So I've already applied to work the May TEC - we'll see what happens!
I've got my pictures up here: http://picasaweb.google.com/michelleheumann/TEC46 and if you're interested, you can see pictures of my TEC eight years ago (where I met Trevor!) at this link... http://picasaweb.google.com/TeensEncounterChristCalgary/Tec30
Last weekend we made another trek over the mountains, to the Crew golf tournament in Kelowna. We stayed with my Aunt Linda, and while it was a hit and run kind of visit, it was fun anyway.
On Saturday Trevor golfed (and got a prize for coming from the furthest away and raising the most money!) and I hung out with Heather. It was so much fun - we haven't seen each other in over a year, and having just one day was a little surreal, but we had a blast. I think we talked enough to almost catch up on every that's happened in the last year, which is a lot of talking. :) We realized that as of the beginning of October, we've been friends for 11 years, and for most of those years, it's been a long distance friendship. Definitely a God-thing! Heather's coming to visit me for a week in December, and I'm really, really excited. Yay!
Pictures of our trip (including ones I took while hanging out the window of our zoom zoom, zooming along waaaay faster then I'll ever admit to my mother... :) are up here: http://picasaweb.google.com/michelleheumann/KelownaOct2007
If you're ever in Kelowna and want a light lunch, I highly recommend the Marmalade Cat Cafe - yummy, yummy soup! And of course, Summerhill winery continues to be my fave. We checked out Mission Hill, and I got some nice pictures, but it reminded me a lot of a compound and it was creepily tidy, not at all like the atmosphere at Summerhill.
Coming up this weekend is the youth group Halloween party...I'm sure that will result in some highly entertaining photos...and hopefully it won't take me another month to update this time! :)
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Wuve...twuwe wuve...
Mawidge is what bwings us togetha todway...
Thankfully Scott and Sam's wedding went much more smoothly then the course of Buttercup's! And thankfully Sam was marrying her true love in her first wedding and that she didn't think he was dead....
ANYWAY, the wedding was amazing. Everything was so organized and pretty much done when we got there, so we got to spend some time just hanging out. Sam looked beautiful in her wedding dress and all the boys looked so great in their tuxes. Trevor and I had lots of quality time in the car, and we ended up coming home Sunday afternoon instead of Monday morning, which was great because then we got to sleep in on Monday. :)
We had been going to prank Scott and Sam's house the day after the wedding, but we didn't realize that they were coming home the day after the wedding to pick up some stuff before the gift opening, so they ruined our fun, but it was probably a wise decision on their part. :P
It was just such a blast - it was SO cool to have so many of our friends all in one place - made me very happy! We should do it again soon - I'm sure we'll have another friend heading for the altar before too long!!!
We also go to visit with some of my family in Revelstoke and Kelowna, which was nice. I don't get to see any of them very often - it's kind of sad that all my extended family is so spread out. I don't feel very connected to any of them, especially my mom's family. I hear Aunt Sharron and Aunt Linda read my blog though, so that's pretty cool! :)
Here's a few pictures - there's a bunch up on my Facebook, and I'll have the rest of them up on my webalbum as soon as I get the other 100 or so off Chris's laptop.
Here are the boys having fun on the swings in front of Scott and Sam's house.....
Before.... (at hair and makeup)
And after!
Thankfully Scott and Sam's wedding went much more smoothly then the course of Buttercup's! And thankfully Sam was marrying her true love in her first wedding and that she didn't think he was dead....
ANYWAY, the wedding was amazing. Everything was so organized and pretty much done when we got there, so we got to spend some time just hanging out. Sam looked beautiful in her wedding dress and all the boys looked so great in their tuxes. Trevor and I had lots of quality time in the car, and we ended up coming home Sunday afternoon instead of Monday morning, which was great because then we got to sleep in on Monday. :)
We had been going to prank Scott and Sam's house the day after the wedding, but we didn't realize that they were coming home the day after the wedding to pick up some stuff before the gift opening, so they ruined our fun, but it was probably a wise decision on their part. :P
It was just such a blast - it was SO cool to have so many of our friends all in one place - made me very happy! We should do it again soon - I'm sure we'll have another friend heading for the altar before too long!!!
We also go to visit with some of my family in Revelstoke and Kelowna, which was nice. I don't get to see any of them very often - it's kind of sad that all my extended family is so spread out. I don't feel very connected to any of them, especially my mom's family. I hear Aunt Sharron and Aunt Linda read my blog though, so that's pretty cool! :)
Here's a few pictures - there's a bunch up on my Facebook, and I'll have the rest of them up on my webalbum as soon as I get the other 100 or so off Chris's laptop.
Here are the boys having fun on the swings in front of Scott and Sam's house.....
Before.... (at hair and makeup)
And after!
Scott's parents were totally awesome - danced nearly every dance together and looked great. Dancing must be the key to a long and happy marriage - they've been married for almost 30 years!
Friday, September 14, 2007
LOL
A minister was completing a temperance sermon, and with great emphasis he said, "If I had all the beer in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river. "
With even greater emphasis he said, "And if I had all the wine in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river."
And then finally, shaking his fist in the air, he said, "And if I had all the whiskey in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river."
Sermon complete, he sat down.
The song leader stood very cautiously and announced, "For our closing song, let us sing Hymn #365, "Shall We Gather at the River."
With even greater emphasis he said, "And if I had all the wine in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river."
And then finally, shaking his fist in the air, he said, "And if I had all the whiskey in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river."
Sermon complete, he sat down.
The song leader stood very cautiously and announced, "For our closing song, let us sing Hymn #365, "Shall We Gather at the River."
Monday, September 10, 2007
Ultimate Survivors 8
It's that time of year again! I'll be doing the Survivor mailout some time in the next week - my goal is to get it done before we leave for the wedding. Matt emailed me the poster this morning - IT LOOKS SOOOO COOL! Yay for Survivor!
.jpg)
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Wow...
...it's been almost a month since my last post? Where did August go? Crazy!
September is gearing up to be really busy - I'm actually triple booked for Friday night, which is just crazy. I love being really involved in stuff though - I really only complain when it cuts into my reading time. :)
I just got an email from Compassion saying that Hurricane Felix may be affecting our two sponsor children, Ninoska and Ricardo. I hope they're ok! I can't imagine living through a natural disaster - we're very fortunate in Canada to not have such an unstable environment.
Trevor and I went camping in Drumheller for the long weekend - we had a lot of fun. It was really nice to get out of the city and veg for a couple of days. Took a ton of pictures, of course! You can see them here... http://picasaweb.google.com/michelleheumann
It's quicker to put them on my webalbum then uploading them to my Facebook.
I got some photos of my niece! This is my favourite - isn't she cute?
September is gearing up to be really busy - I'm actually triple booked for Friday night, which is just crazy. I love being really involved in stuff though - I really only complain when it cuts into my reading time. :)
Monday, August 13, 2007
I'm still here!
I just realized how long it's been since I updated this! Despite the fact that we're so busy, there hasn't really been much going on that's been worth writing about. Mostly work, work, work!
I saw a few good movies in the last few weeks - Hairspray, No Reservations and Prairie Home Companion. Prairie Home Companion was good, but kind of melancholy. The other two were really good - Hairspray is definitely going on my wish list. I also went to see License to Wed, which actually wasn't that great. All of the funny moments were in the previews!
I've found this great website where you can go and play Scrabble - with other people who are on line, via email with a friend, or against a robot. It's great! I really enjoy it, especially since I can't alleviate the work-induced boredom with Facebook. :) http://www.scrabulous.com
On Saturday I went to my favourite used bookstore, in Inglewood, and found a few vintage children's books to add to my collection. I found three Enid Blyton paperbacks in almost new condition, which was very exciting for me! lol
This coming weekend is our church garage sale, and I'm looking forward to finding some fun stuff at that - we're getting rid of a fair bit of stuff at it though, so I'm really trying hard not to bring too much more home. We're getting 'new' couches tonight - it's kind of a long story as to how we came by them, but I'm really looking forward to having a proper couch. Hopefully we'll be able to keep the cats and their claws away from it!
I saw a few good movies in the last few weeks - Hairspray, No Reservations and Prairie Home Companion. Prairie Home Companion was good, but kind of melancholy. The other two were really good - Hairspray is definitely going on my wish list. I also went to see License to Wed, which actually wasn't that great. All of the funny moments were in the previews!
I've found this great website where you can go and play Scrabble - with other people who are on line, via email with a friend, or against a robot. It's great! I really enjoy it, especially since I can't alleviate the work-induced boredom with Facebook. :) http://www.scrabulous.com
On Saturday I went to my favourite used bookstore, in Inglewood, and found a few vintage children's books to add to my collection. I found three Enid Blyton paperbacks in almost new condition, which was very exciting for me! lol
This coming weekend is our church garage sale, and I'm looking forward to finding some fun stuff at that - we're getting rid of a fair bit of stuff at it though, so I'm really trying hard not to bring too much more home. We're getting 'new' couches tonight - it's kind of a long story as to how we came by them, but I'm really looking forward to having a proper couch. Hopefully we'll be able to keep the cats and their claws away from it!
Monday, July 23, 2007
Ariella Rose
I just talked to my mom and found out the name of my niece! Yay! Ariella Rose is such a pretty name, hey?
In other news, I read the new Harry Potter book on Saturday, in about five hours. Trevor told me that around two pages a minute is a bit slower then my normal speed of three pages an hour. I didn't realize he was timing me... lol Overall, I'm a little disappointed with it. Most of my theories were pretty accurate, which was cool, but she didn't wrap things up well - it felt rushed at the end. I was expecting the book to be a bit bigger then it was, but it was a pretty enjoyable five hours, despite all the time I spent bawling. I'm sure she didn't mean to write it as an allegory, but it certainly had a lot of allegorical characteristics. Pretty cool!
So the predicted temperature for today is ranging from 30-35, and we're having a youth group campfire tonight. That should be fun - might be a bit too much heat, even for me... :)
Ahhhhhhh....I just realized that "Rose" is one of the names I've always liked for a middle name for a baby...ack! Maybe my sister and I are more alike then we'd thought... :)
In other news, I read the new Harry Potter book on Saturday, in about five hours. Trevor told me that around two pages a minute is a bit slower then my normal speed of three pages an hour. I didn't realize he was timing me... lol Overall, I'm a little disappointed with it. Most of my theories were pretty accurate, which was cool, but she didn't wrap things up well - it felt rushed at the end. I was expecting the book to be a bit bigger then it was, but it was a pretty enjoyable five hours, despite all the time I spent bawling. I'm sure she didn't mean to write it as an allegory, but it certainly had a lot of allegorical characteristics. Pretty cool!
So the predicted temperature for today is ranging from 30-35, and we're having a youth group campfire tonight. That should be fun - might be a bit too much heat, even for me... :)
Ahhhhhhh....I just realized that "Rose" is one of the names I've always liked for a middle name for a baby...ack! Maybe my sister and I are more alike then we'd thought... :)
Friday, July 20, 2007
I love summer!
I love being warm - it's so great! You won't hear me complaining about the heat, it makes me happy. I do wish we had a yard and garden, but I'm really working hard at not complaining so much, being thankful for what I have, and trusting God to give me the desires of my heart. As nice as it would be to have a garden, I'd probably then complain about all the work involved. :)
I'm going to the Harry Potter release party at the Dalhouse Chapters tonight, and then I plan to spend all day tomorrow reading. In preparation for this momentous occasion, I'm just about done re-reading all six other books - if I can talk Trevor into cooking supper, I probably have time to finish the last one before I head out tonight!
I've been thinking a bit about our Survivor youth retreat that we've started planning for November. Planning for that really dropped off because of all the work involved in the youth gathering, but now that I'm mostly recovered from that, I'm getting excited about Survivor again. We've had some really cool ideas about stuff to do, and I really enjoy seeing how everything comes together in the end. I find that Survivor is one of the most rewarding things I do all year!
Oooh, did I tell you guys that my bridesmaid's dress for Scott and Sam's wedding came a few weeks ago? I really, really love it - it's so pretty, and I got a great pair of sandals and a wrap to go with it. And Trevor's going to wear a tux, so the Heumanns are going to be looking pretty hot. :) I'm thinking that photos of us all dressed up will make good Christmas presents for the family!
I'm going to the Harry Potter release party at the Dalhouse Chapters tonight, and then I plan to spend all day tomorrow reading. In preparation for this momentous occasion, I'm just about done re-reading all six other books - if I can talk Trevor into cooking supper, I probably have time to finish the last one before I head out tonight!
I've been thinking a bit about our Survivor youth retreat that we've started planning for November. Planning for that really dropped off because of all the work involved in the youth gathering, but now that I'm mostly recovered from that, I'm getting excited about Survivor again. We've had some really cool ideas about stuff to do, and I really enjoy seeing how everything comes together in the end. I find that Survivor is one of the most rewarding things I do all year!
Oooh, did I tell you guys that my bridesmaid's dress for Scott and Sam's wedding came a few weeks ago? I really, really love it - it's so pretty, and I got a great pair of sandals and a wrap to go with it. And Trevor's going to wear a tux, so the Heumanns are going to be looking pretty hot. :) I'm thinking that photos of us all dressed up will make good Christmas presents for the family!
Monday, July 16, 2007
It's a girl!
My brother texted me to say we have a niece, but he didn't give me any other info, so I don't know anything else at this point! lol
I did go see Harry Potter last night - I have mixed feelings about it, but for the sake of those who haven't seen it yet, I won't say anything about it yet. :)
All my Ottawa photos are up! You can find them here... http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/michelleheumann
I did go see Harry Potter last night - I have mixed feelings about it, but for the sake of those who haven't seen it yet, I won't say anything about it yet. :)
All my Ottawa photos are up! You can find them here... http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/michelleheumann
Friday, July 13, 2007
Impending Aunthood...
My mom just let me know that my sister is in labour! Hopefully there will be a niece or nephew by the end of the day...!!! I still haven't mailed the baby present...I really should get on that today, I suppose.... :)
Hey, is anyone interested in going to see Harry Potter with me tomorrow (Saturday)?
Hey, is anyone interested in going to see Harry Potter with me tomorrow (Saturday)?
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Gathering Reflections
Last night I got home from the 2007 Lutheran Church Canada National Youth Gathering "i am", which was held in Ottawa. It was an awesome week, full of so many things that I could probably write for days and not even be able to sum up the complexity and emotion and events that took place. So I'll try and give you an overview of the serious stuff, and you can check out my Facebook and my web album in a couple of days for the crazy fun stuff!
Who owns you?
This was something that really stuck in my mind from the gathering. There were many themes and words and phrases, and many of them resonated with me, but this idea was the most resonant of all. I'm not actually sure who, or what, owns me, but if I have to ask myself that and search so hard for the answer, it makes me think that it's probably not God. I think maybe I've been trying to own myself, or make my situation into what I want to own, if that makes any sense...
Missing You
This is something I've been struggling with lately - I feel that no matter where I go, who I'm with, or what I'm doing, there are people who are really important to me that I miss. Quality time is a pretty high-ranking love language for me, and right now, all of my best, closest, longest-term friends live somewhere that I don't, and that fact make chances for quality time pretty slim. (I do have good friends in Calgary that I love, and I don't want to short-change them at all, but as dear as they are, we're all too busy to really have the time for quality time either!) I find that thought kind of depressing, and I've been trying to make decisions based on where the people I love are located. It seems logical to me - God put these specific people in my life, so why wouldn't He want me to be closer to them?
Letting Go
I didn't have any big, earth-shaking revelations at the gathering, but on the last afternoon, as we sat on the bus, I did hear a still, small voice that said to let go. I said "ok God, I'll say good bye, and then I'll let go". Ironically enough, I didn't get to say good bye to the people I wanted to! I think it was a hint... :) I guess that He gave me friends in the first place - "you give and take away, my heart will choose to say, Lord blessed be Your name" - I really need to just let go of what I want and just trust that He has it all under control. For the last couple of months, I thought I was trusting, but really, I was just praying that what I wanted would happen. I still want it, and feel that it IS what He wants, but my attitude and motivations were more centered around myself then they should have been.
Heaven is like a Gathering
One thing that I really cling to for hope, and that gives me much joy, is that I know I will see my friends again, and we'll have all the God-moments and all the worshiping and fun that we have at a youth gathering, but with out all the work and stress that we put in now. :)
Today...
...I'm exhausted, but content. One of the people at work, when I told her how tired I was, said "you don't look tired, you look great". I don't feel "great", but I do feel peaceful. God reminded me of His awesomeness and attention to detail this last week, and while I feel totally drained, I have a lot of hope for whatever He's going to do with me next! I just have to be patient and let go of what I want, and be ready for and open to what He wants for me.
Who owns you?
This was something that really stuck in my mind from the gathering. There were many themes and words and phrases, and many of them resonated with me, but this idea was the most resonant of all. I'm not actually sure who, or what, owns me, but if I have to ask myself that and search so hard for the answer, it makes me think that it's probably not God. I think maybe I've been trying to own myself, or make my situation into what I want to own, if that makes any sense...
Missing You
This is something I've been struggling with lately - I feel that no matter where I go, who I'm with, or what I'm doing, there are people who are really important to me that I miss. Quality time is a pretty high-ranking love language for me, and right now, all of my best, closest, longest-term friends live somewhere that I don't, and that fact make chances for quality time pretty slim. (I do have good friends in Calgary that I love, and I don't want to short-change them at all, but as dear as they are, we're all too busy to really have the time for quality time either!) I find that thought kind of depressing, and I've been trying to make decisions based on where the people I love are located. It seems logical to me - God put these specific people in my life, so why wouldn't He want me to be closer to them?
Letting Go
I didn't have any big, earth-shaking revelations at the gathering, but on the last afternoon, as we sat on the bus, I did hear a still, small voice that said to let go. I said "ok God, I'll say good bye, and then I'll let go". Ironically enough, I didn't get to say good bye to the people I wanted to! I think it was a hint... :) I guess that He gave me friends in the first place - "you give and take away, my heart will choose to say, Lord blessed be Your name" - I really need to just let go of what I want and just trust that He has it all under control. For the last couple of months, I thought I was trusting, but really, I was just praying that what I wanted would happen. I still want it, and feel that it IS what He wants, but my attitude and motivations were more centered around myself then they should have been.
Heaven is like a Gathering
One thing that I really cling to for hope, and that gives me much joy, is that I know I will see my friends again, and we'll have all the God-moments and all the worshiping and fun that we have at a youth gathering, but with out all the work and stress that we put in now. :)
Today...
...I'm exhausted, but content. One of the people at work, when I told her how tired I was, said "you don't look tired, you look great". I don't feel "great", but I do feel peaceful. God reminded me of His awesomeness and attention to detail this last week, and while I feel totally drained, I have a lot of hope for whatever He's going to do with me next! I just have to be patient and let go of what I want, and be ready for and open to what He wants for me.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
And we're off!
We're leaving in just two hours to head to the airport and off to Ottawa for the LCC National Youth Gathering. I'm really excited about some parts of it (seeing all the people I know and the music) and I'm freaking out about some parts of (well, mostly just one - the cabana, which I've been in charge of organizing). I still need to shower and finish packing and feed the cats and water the plants and....ahhhhh....
But I thought I'd throw out a quick plug for Evan Almighty. Our 5th Anniversary was on June 23, and we went on a dinner and a movie date. I was a little skeptical, because I really didn't like Bruce Almighty at all - it was just too irreverent, too un-God like, and had waaaaay too much Jim Carey. But Evan Almighty was amazing - soooo good. It had a great message about faith and God's timing and families sticking together - it was really, really, really good. I highly recommend it! And it had really cute alpacas... :)
Did I mention we've been married for FIVE YEARS now? We've been together for 7 and a half years - it's crazy - sometimes it feels like only yesterday, and sometimes it feels like forever!
I'm sure we've been up to a lot in the last few weeks since my last post, but I can't remember any of it right now - all I can think about is making sure I've packed everything...probably a sign that I should be packing up my computer now! So stay tuned for photos from the capitol sometime next week!
But I thought I'd throw out a quick plug for Evan Almighty. Our 5th Anniversary was on June 23, and we went on a dinner and a movie date. I was a little skeptical, because I really didn't like Bruce Almighty at all - it was just too irreverent, too un-God like, and had waaaaay too much Jim Carey. But Evan Almighty was amazing - soooo good. It had a great message about faith and God's timing and families sticking together - it was really, really, really good. I highly recommend it! And it had really cute alpacas... :)
Did I mention we've been married for FIVE YEARS now? We've been together for 7 and a half years - it's crazy - sometimes it feels like only yesterday, and sometimes it feels like forever!
I'm sure we've been up to a lot in the last few weeks since my last post, but I can't remember any of it right now - all I can think about is making sure I've packed everything...probably a sign that I should be packing up my computer now! So stay tuned for photos from the capitol sometime next week!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Your Oven Guy v. My Plumber
Dear Reader,
I write every day because I have a deadline. But even if I didn't write a daily column, I'd still have to write something every day. Because writing helps me figure out what's going on inside of me, and it helps me recognize what I'm feeling. And today--I'm feeling like I want to let the air out of the oven repairman's tires. My new oven wasn't working right, so I called the repairman. First impression when I answered the door--the repairman looked like a nice enough guy. But I thought it was strange that a guy, who fixes appliances, wouldn't be carrying his "fix-it" bag. You know one of those bags filled with screwdrivers, widgets, a secret decoder--plug it into my oven and it would spit out the secret digital codes to tell him what the problem was--so he could fix it. But this repairman showed up at my door empty handed.
I invited the repairman into the kitchen to show him the patient, and our conversation went pretty much like this: “What seems to be the problem? “The temperature isn't working properly. When my oven reads 375 degrees, it's really not that hot. “The repairman took a step back from the oven, folded his arms one over top of the other, stared at the oven, and then looked at me with a straight face and said, "The oven looks okay to me.” I thought this was oven repairman humor. It wasn't. He was serious. “Well, aren't you going to test it with a thermometer?" Then I told him about my experiment, how I set the oven to 375 degrees, and put an oven thermometer inside, but the temperature only reached 350. My experiment didn't impress the oven man. Instead, he told me the oven was working within the guidelines for new ovens, because new ovens only have to be 80 percent accurate. So let me get this straight, "I just bought a new oven because my ten year old oven wouldn't keep the right temperature any longer, and now you're telling me that this brand new oven--that cost me a whole lot of money--doesn't keep the right temperature either, but that’s okay because it's within new oven guidelines?"
Yes, that pretty much summed it up from his perspective. I begged the guy to go get his fix-it bag and test the oven himself. His first reply was that he had a full schedule, "I've got a lot of other stops to make today, so I really have to get going.” I finally talked him into testing my oven's thermostat, and it wasn’t working right, and he did fix it. But it would still be a thrill to let the air out of the oven repairman’s tires.
Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.
Suzanne Beecher Suzanne@EmailBookClub.com
My blog: http://dearreader.typepad.com/
Dear Suzanne,
We had a plumber just like your oven guy! We recently moved into a new rental unit, where we share the hot water tank with the people upstairs. There was never enough hot water even for me to shower in the morning, never mind my husband. We weren't sure if it was because the people upstairs were using it all, or because the tank wasn’t working properly, so we called our property manager. He said he'd send plumber, so we waited for the plumber to call.
He finally called one day while we were driving home from work, and wanted us to check some settings on the tank. We asked him to call back in about an hour, when we were home, and he said he would. It was a couple of days later when he called back, and he told my husband to adjust the temperature setting on the tank. My husband came and told me what the plumber had said, and I said "but we already did that!”. And of course the plumber hadn't left a number to call him back at, so we had to call the property manager again. He had the plumber call us, and we had to beg the plumber to come out to the house and look at the tank.
He finally came, circled the tank a couple of times and pronounced “it’s a brand new tank - there's nothing wrong with it". We tried to get him to run some tests or SOMETHING because obviously there was something wrong with it as we were running out of hot water. We finally got him to admit that the tank is too small for four people to share, and coaxed him into calling the property manger to tell him that.
A few hours later, at about 10:30, just as I was drifting off to sleep, the property manager called to say "we're going to order you a larger tank". Which was just great, but why did he have to call then? Oy...
That was over a month ago now, and when we got back from vacation about two weeks ago, we still didn't have a new tank. We called again, and the manager told us that they'd ordered a new tank from Home Depot, but they were on back order! Finally, they came and installed the new tank yesterday, and this morning I had my first hot, full-length shower since the end of March. I can't decide whether to let the air out of the plumber's tires for being so difficult, or bake him my famous chocolate chip cookies for talking the manager into getting us a new tank...
--What I've Foundhttp://michellelindah.blogspot.com/
I write every day because I have a deadline. But even if I didn't write a daily column, I'd still have to write something every day. Because writing helps me figure out what's going on inside of me, and it helps me recognize what I'm feeling. And today--I'm feeling like I want to let the air out of the oven repairman's tires. My new oven wasn't working right, so I called the repairman. First impression when I answered the door--the repairman looked like a nice enough guy. But I thought it was strange that a guy, who fixes appliances, wouldn't be carrying his "fix-it" bag. You know one of those bags filled with screwdrivers, widgets, a secret decoder--plug it into my oven and it would spit out the secret digital codes to tell him what the problem was--so he could fix it. But this repairman showed up at my door empty handed.
I invited the repairman into the kitchen to show him the patient, and our conversation went pretty much like this: “What seems to be the problem? “The temperature isn't working properly. When my oven reads 375 degrees, it's really not that hot. “The repairman took a step back from the oven, folded his arms one over top of the other, stared at the oven, and then looked at me with a straight face and said, "The oven looks okay to me.” I thought this was oven repairman humor. It wasn't. He was serious. “Well, aren't you going to test it with a thermometer?" Then I told him about my experiment, how I set the oven to 375 degrees, and put an oven thermometer inside, but the temperature only reached 350. My experiment didn't impress the oven man. Instead, he told me the oven was working within the guidelines for new ovens, because new ovens only have to be 80 percent accurate. So let me get this straight, "I just bought a new oven because my ten year old oven wouldn't keep the right temperature any longer, and now you're telling me that this brand new oven--that cost me a whole lot of money--doesn't keep the right temperature either, but that’s okay because it's within new oven guidelines?"
Yes, that pretty much summed it up from his perspective. I begged the guy to go get his fix-it bag and test the oven himself. His first reply was that he had a full schedule, "I've got a lot of other stops to make today, so I really have to get going.” I finally talked him into testing my oven's thermostat, and it wasn’t working right, and he did fix it. But it would still be a thrill to let the air out of the oven repairman’s tires.
Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.
Suzanne Beecher Suzanne@EmailBookClub.com
My blog: http://dearreader.typepad.com/
Dear Suzanne,
We had a plumber just like your oven guy! We recently moved into a new rental unit, where we share the hot water tank with the people upstairs. There was never enough hot water even for me to shower in the morning, never mind my husband. We weren't sure if it was because the people upstairs were using it all, or because the tank wasn’t working properly, so we called our property manager. He said he'd send plumber, so we waited for the plumber to call.
He finally called one day while we were driving home from work, and wanted us to check some settings on the tank. We asked him to call back in about an hour, when we were home, and he said he would. It was a couple of days later when he called back, and he told my husband to adjust the temperature setting on the tank. My husband came and told me what the plumber had said, and I said "but we already did that!”. And of course the plumber hadn't left a number to call him back at, so we had to call the property manager again. He had the plumber call us, and we had to beg the plumber to come out to the house and look at the tank.
He finally came, circled the tank a couple of times and pronounced “it’s a brand new tank - there's nothing wrong with it". We tried to get him to run some tests or SOMETHING because obviously there was something wrong with it as we were running out of hot water. We finally got him to admit that the tank is too small for four people to share, and coaxed him into calling the property manger to tell him that.
A few hours later, at about 10:30, just as I was drifting off to sleep, the property manager called to say "we're going to order you a larger tank". Which was just great, but why did he have to call then? Oy...
That was over a month ago now, and when we got back from vacation about two weeks ago, we still didn't have a new tank. We called again, and the manager told us that they'd ordered a new tank from Home Depot, but they were on back order! Finally, they came and installed the new tank yesterday, and this morning I had my first hot, full-length shower since the end of March. I can't decide whether to let the air out of the plumber's tires for being so difficult, or bake him my famous chocolate chip cookies for talking the manager into getting us a new tank...
--What I've Foundhttp://michellelindah.blogspot.com/
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Home, sweet home?
It's never much fun coming back to day-to-day life after a holiday! I went to work on Friday, and I'm totally swamped. Everyone's glad to have me back (apparently the temp wasn't very popular) which is nice, but I'm glad I only had to work one day before getting two off!
Yesterday Dad and I went down to Drumheller for the Calgary Philharmonic's presentation of "Beethoven in the Badlands". We had some interesting customer service experiences, and checked out the Tyrell Museum. That place is such a crock - they present evolution as if it's gospel truth - tried to tell me that I evolved from something that looks like a slug...oy...and every year the public school system brings in busloads of kids and teaches them this stuff. Did I mention that this is a major load of crap??!! Anyway, the music was good, it didn't rain, and I only got a little sunburnt, so it was a good day, museum notwithstanding!
Now, back to the grind...laundry, housework, paperwork, Gathering stuff....ICK! I'd rather be walking on the beach, thank you very much!!!
Yesterday Dad and I went down to Drumheller for the Calgary Philharmonic's presentation of "Beethoven in the Badlands". We had some interesting customer service experiences, and checked out the Tyrell Museum. That place is such a crock - they present evolution as if it's gospel truth - tried to tell me that I evolved from something that looks like a slug...oy...and every year the public school system brings in busloads of kids and teaches them this stuff. Did I mention that this is a major load of crap??!! Anyway, the music was good, it didn't rain, and I only got a little sunburnt, so it was a good day, museum notwithstanding!
Now, back to the grind...laundry, housework, paperwork, Gathering stuff....ICK! I'd rather be walking on the beach, thank you very much!!!
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Friday, June 01, 2007
Live from Nova Scotia
Sooo tired...must sleep...
Stories later - photos for now!
http://picasaweb.google.com/michelleheumann/NS2007
Stories later - photos for now!
http://picasaweb.google.com/michelleheumann/NS2007
Friday, May 25, 2007
Talking to myself?
Just wondering...does anybody actually still read this thing? Facebook seems to be the new blog, and while I'm happy to rant to myself on here, I'm just curious to see if anyone else is checking it. :)
Leaving on a Jet Plane
I can't believe the trip is here already...this year is just speeding by so fast! I'm mostly packed - I just have to figure out what books to take now. I've got a few favourites that I like to read once every (summer) vacation, a big huge one I need to re-read, and I've been trying to read my way through my 40 or so Star Wars books for a few years now. I have a lot of trouble figuring out which clothes to take, and I have even more trouble with the books. I usually pick more books then I have room, and then I have to make more cuts, which is just painful!
I'm tired today - we went to see Pirates of the Caribbean 3 last night, and I was up waaay past my bedtime! What a movie - so many plots within plots it made my head spin. It was more dark and gory then the other have been, which is really saying something, and the ending was so bittersweet I can't seem to stop thinking about it. I must say though, Will Turner was looking particularly dashing this this one! ;)
This time tomorrow I'll be in NS - hooray! I can't wait to see/smell/hear the ocean again...I'll be sure to post some photos for you land-locked Calgarians! :)
By the way - tomorrow is Trevor's 25th birthday! I can't believe how old we've gotten...he was only 17 when I met him...so crazy...
I'm tired today - we went to see Pirates of the Caribbean 3 last night, and I was up waaay past my bedtime! What a movie - so many plots within plots it made my head spin. It was more dark and gory then the other have been, which is really saying something, and the ending was so bittersweet I can't seem to stop thinking about it. I must say though, Will Turner was looking particularly dashing this this one! ;)
This time tomorrow I'll be in NS - hooray! I can't wait to see/smell/hear the ocean again...I'll be sure to post some photos for you land-locked Calgarians! :)
By the way - tomorrow is Trevor's 25th birthday! I can't believe how old we've gotten...he was only 17 when I met him...so crazy...
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
100th Post!
Wow...look at me go! :) 100 posts in just over one year - I can't believe it's been that long already!
This past weekend was a lot of fun - on Friday night we had our last big youth event of the season, and it involved lots of hockey, Frisbee, and quite a bit of Chris getting beaten up. There was an awesome moment that I unfortunately wasn't able to capture on camera - some of the youth ganged up on Chris to give him a massive wedgie, and then they stood around him in a circle singing "shannana, shannana, hey, hey, goodbye". It gave me much joy... :)
Saturday we got up early to take our new car on it's first road trip - up to Edmonton for the day to our friend Leah's graduation from Concordia University. We had a good visit, and the ceremony wasn't quite as long as I'd thought. I saw quite a few people I recognized, including Arlene Salte, who started Break Forth. He got an award from Concordia for his work with Break Forth, which was really cool. Then we had dinner with Corey at a special restaurant called Bacon, took a quick trip through West Ed, and headed home. We made it back to Calgary in 2.5 hours, including a stop in Red Deer for gas and McDonald's. Zooooooom!!!
We went to the airport Saturday night to see Chris off on his biking adventure. He was off to a good start - the attendant at the airport who checked him out - I mean, in - didn't charge him for his overweight baggage, and I hear that he sat next to the flight attendant on the plane. Go Chris! You can follow his trip at http://www.chriscyclescanada.com/.
There are photos of Friday and Saturday up in my web album - check out some great sequential shots of Chris and Eckley wrestling! http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/michelleheumann
9 days to Nova Scotia!!!
This past weekend was a lot of fun - on Friday night we had our last big youth event of the season, and it involved lots of hockey, Frisbee, and quite a bit of Chris getting beaten up. There was an awesome moment that I unfortunately wasn't able to capture on camera - some of the youth ganged up on Chris to give him a massive wedgie, and then they stood around him in a circle singing "shannana, shannana, hey, hey, goodbye". It gave me much joy... :)
Saturday we got up early to take our new car on it's first road trip - up to Edmonton for the day to our friend Leah's graduation from Concordia University. We had a good visit, and the ceremony wasn't quite as long as I'd thought. I saw quite a few people I recognized, including Arlene Salte, who started Break Forth. He got an award from Concordia for his work with Break Forth, which was really cool. Then we had dinner with Corey at a special restaurant called Bacon, took a quick trip through West Ed, and headed home. We made it back to Calgary in 2.5 hours, including a stop in Red Deer for gas and McDonald's. Zooooooom!!!
We went to the airport Saturday night to see Chris off on his biking adventure. He was off to a good start - the attendant at the airport who checked him out - I mean, in - didn't charge him for his overweight baggage, and I hear that he sat next to the flight attendant on the plane. Go Chris! You can follow his trip at http://www.chriscyclescanada.com/.
There are photos of Friday and Saturday up in my web album - check out some great sequential shots of Chris and Eckley wrestling! http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/michelleheumann
9 days to Nova Scotia!!!
Monday, May 14, 2007
Catch Up
Well, in all the car drama, I forgot to fill you in on my first ever bridal shower hosting gig! Lauren and I, with a lot of help from various other people, hosted a bridal shower for Sam a couple of weeks ago. Actually, I think it was three...wow, is time ever flying! Anyway, it went REALLY well, and Scott and Sam got a ton of stuff. There was also some amazing cheesecake, a really cute flower girl, and lots of melted chocolate and stuff to dip into it. It was a great success! I really like event planning, and would love to find a way to make a career out of it.
The weekend before last, I went to the zoo on a sunny Sunday afternoon to play with my 'new' camera. I took over 200 photos, and I've posted about 30 of my favourites for your viewing pleasure.
You can see the bridal shower and the zoo trip here.... http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/michelleheumann
This past weekend was crazy, but good. I'll post photos of those shenanigans later this week - I haven't even had time to download them from my camera yet...
11.5 days till I leave for NS!
The weekend before last, I went to the zoo on a sunny Sunday afternoon to play with my 'new' camera. I took over 200 photos, and I've posted about 30 of my favourites for your viewing pleasure.
You can see the bridal shower and the zoo trip here.... http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/michelleheumann
This past weekend was crazy, but good. I'll post photos of those shenanigans later this week - I haven't even had time to download them from my camera yet...
11.5 days till I leave for NS!
Friday, May 04, 2007
Car Drama Update
Well, much has happened in the last week - we've gotten our new car! It's very shiny... :)
However, the dealer was a little confused about the options that came with the car, so we didn't get the rain-sensing windshield wipers, the lumbar support, or the cruise control! They're going to pay for half of getting the cruise control put in though, which is nice. And apparently it's really expensive if you have to replace rain-sensing windshields, so that's probably ok!
We found out more about the car accident. There's two different police officers on the job - the one who was at the scene of the accident, and then the one who's in charge of the auto theft investigation. Turns out the two people, and 18 year old guy and a 15 year old girl, who were in the accident, weren't the ones that actually stole the car. Someone else stole the car, and then gave it to them. Makes me a little nervous, because the guy lives right across the street from us...he'd better stay away from my new car!!!!
We went to look at the accident site, and it's really something else. It's a residential boulevard, with a sharp turn. They came around the corner, lost control, skidded sideways over the sidewalk, through a wire fence, along the ditch, and rolled on to the passenger side. The girl in the passenger seat had to go for surgery because her hand went through the window and was crushed. I really hope this scares them into shaping up! It really bothers me that this girl is out in the middle of the night, joyriding with this boy at 3 am on a school night, doing who knows what else - where are her parents? What has she been through that makes her think it's a good idea to be doing that? I've been praying that something good will come of this!
There was about $650-$800 worth of stuff stolen out of the car, and the police officer who was at the scene of the accident says it wasn't there, so we're still trying to get ahold of the theft officer. I called our home insurance just now, because they cover the contents of the car, and our deductible is $500, and it would drive our premiums up. So, not going to be making an insurance claim for it! Some of the stuff we don't really need to replace, but I will need a new winter jacket, and we'll need to buy all new map books, a tire gauge, water bottles - all that random little stuff that really adds up. I had two big bags of books in the car that I was going to trade in for "new" ones at my bookstore, and now I'm totally out of luck. It majorly sucks! I think I'm more annoyed at the loss of the books then anything else...it's just so pointless - what's some punk-ass car thief going to do with my puffy pink jacket and my collection of used books? ARGH!
I've been saying ARGH alot in the last couple of weeks...
Anyway, I'm really looking forward to taking Madam Blueberry for a test-road trip on the 12th - we're going to go to Edmonton for the day to see Leah graduate. Anyone want to come? :)
However, the dealer was a little confused about the options that came with the car, so we didn't get the rain-sensing windshield wipers, the lumbar support, or the cruise control! They're going to pay for half of getting the cruise control put in though, which is nice. And apparently it's really expensive if you have to replace rain-sensing windshields, so that's probably ok!
We found out more about the car accident. There's two different police officers on the job - the one who was at the scene of the accident, and then the one who's in charge of the auto theft investigation. Turns out the two people, and 18 year old guy and a 15 year old girl, who were in the accident, weren't the ones that actually stole the car. Someone else stole the car, and then gave it to them. Makes me a little nervous, because the guy lives right across the street from us...he'd better stay away from my new car!!!!
We went to look at the accident site, and it's really something else. It's a residential boulevard, with a sharp turn. They came around the corner, lost control, skidded sideways over the sidewalk, through a wire fence, along the ditch, and rolled on to the passenger side. The girl in the passenger seat had to go for surgery because her hand went through the window and was crushed. I really hope this scares them into shaping up! It really bothers me that this girl is out in the middle of the night, joyriding with this boy at 3 am on a school night, doing who knows what else - where are her parents? What has she been through that makes her think it's a good idea to be doing that? I've been praying that something good will come of this!
There was about $650-$800 worth of stuff stolen out of the car, and the police officer who was at the scene of the accident says it wasn't there, so we're still trying to get ahold of the theft officer. I called our home insurance just now, because they cover the contents of the car, and our deductible is $500, and it would drive our premiums up. So, not going to be making an insurance claim for it! Some of the stuff we don't really need to replace, but I will need a new winter jacket, and we'll need to buy all new map books, a tire gauge, water bottles - all that random little stuff that really adds up. I had two big bags of books in the car that I was going to trade in for "new" ones at my bookstore, and now I'm totally out of luck. It majorly sucks! I think I'm more annoyed at the loss of the books then anything else...it's just so pointless - what's some punk-ass car thief going to do with my puffy pink jacket and my collection of used books? ARGH!
I've been saying ARGH alot in the last couple of weeks...
Anyway, I'm really looking forward to taking Madam Blueberry for a test-road trip on the 12th - we're going to go to Edmonton for the day to see Leah graduate. Anyone want to come? :)
Thursday, April 26, 2007
"More of what you wanted, sooner then you dreamed"
That's the Mazda slogan on the front of their vehicle brochures...ironic hey? We're leasing a 2007 Mazda 3, starting on Monday! Hooray! I've been wanting a Mazda since before we got the Neon, so it's pretty exciting. It's got rain sensing windshield wipers, which Trevor will be happy to demonstrate to you, :) a CD player, cruise control, a glove box you could put a small child into, and a trunk that will definitely hold two guitars, an amp and a pod board.
The sad news is we still haven't heard about whether they caught the bad guys, or what our insurance is going to do for us. Our rates are going to double, between the theft and having a brand-new car, and the value of the stuff that was stolen out of the car isn't enough to claim under our home insurance. So we're out quite a bit of money, and we're told that we'll probably only get $500-$1000 replacement cash for the car. :(
At least the Neon is paid for though!!!
The sad news is we still haven't heard about whether they caught the bad guys, or what our insurance is going to do for us. Our rates are going to double, between the theft and having a brand-new car, and the value of the stuff that was stolen out of the car isn't enough to claim under our home insurance. So we're out quite a bit of money, and we're told that we'll probably only get $500-$1000 replacement cash for the car. :(
At least the Neon is paid for though!!!
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Gone!
When my phone rang at about 20 after 4 this morning, I was annoyed. When it rang again, then Trevor's phone rang twice, I was worried. Trevor went to check the message, and it was from a police constable who called to say that our car had been STOLEN, totalled and is now in the impound lot.
I'm just...WHY? It's an old NEON, for goodness' sake - it doesn't even go that fast! (Trevor said it wouldn't even count as GRAND theft auto...lol) We only finished paying for it last week, and we were hoping to drive it for a few more months yet. I just got some work done on it on Sunday, and yesterday after work we got Trevor new shoes to wear to Scott and Sam's wedding...they're gone, along with my down parka, two bags of books I was going to sell, a bag of food for the food bank, and the list goes on!
The car was rolled, and there's blood in it. I can't get the details because our constable has gone off duty, but the guy at the impound lot says it was an injury accident. I'm hoping that means they caught the guys that did it! The unfortunate thing is that whoever took it, even if they got caught, will probably be back shortly, prowling our neighbourhood for more cars to steal.
Now we have to get a rental, sort out insurance stuff, and get a new car...like I really needed more stuff to stress about! Sigh...
I'm just...WHY? It's an old NEON, for goodness' sake - it doesn't even go that fast! (Trevor said it wouldn't even count as GRAND theft auto...lol) We only finished paying for it last week, and we were hoping to drive it for a few more months yet. I just got some work done on it on Sunday, and yesterday after work we got Trevor new shoes to wear to Scott and Sam's wedding...they're gone, along with my down parka, two bags of books I was going to sell, a bag of food for the food bank, and the list goes on!
The car was rolled, and there's blood in it. I can't get the details because our constable has gone off duty, but the guy at the impound lot says it was an injury accident. I'm hoping that means they caught the guys that did it! The unfortunate thing is that whoever took it, even if they got caught, will probably be back shortly, prowling our neighbourhood for more cars to steal.
Now we have to get a rental, sort out insurance stuff, and get a new car...like I really needed more stuff to stress about! Sigh...
Friday, April 20, 2007
My Personality
| You Are An INFJ |
The Protector You live your life with integrity, originality, vision, and creativity. Independent and stubborn, you rarely stray from your vision - no matter what it is. You are an excellent listener, with almost infinite patience. You have complex, deep feelings, and you take great care to express them. You would make a great photographer, alternative medicine guru, or teacher. |
50 Random Questions
1. Where is your dad right now?
No idea - my guess would be in bed sleeping
2. Last time you kissed someone?
This morning
3. Name five things you did today.
woke up
hit snooze
woke up againg
pushed the cat off my stomach so I could get up
fed the cats
4. Last person you text messaged?
I don't text message
5. What kind of phone do you have?
a red one that plays O Canada :)
7. Where does your best friend work?
Well, Trevor works at a law firm, and Heather goes to UBC. Which isn't TECHNICALLY working by traditional standards, but I hear university is a lot of work...
8. What are you listening to?
humming office noises
9. What do you smell like?
fabric softener
10. What color are your eyes?
blue
11. Have you ever done a Chinese fire drill?
no, I've always meant to, but it's never come up at an appropriate time
12. What color is your bedroom floor?
some non-descript, non-exciting colour
13. Do you have a chair in your room?
which room?
14. What are you doing tomorrow?
running errands and maybe hanging out with Anne
15. Do you know anyone who is engaged?
yup
16.What is your favorite #?
2
17. Do you know someone named Betsy?
I have an aunt named Betsy, but I don't really know her...
18. What color is your mom's hair?
brown - about the same as mine, but she has a wee bit more grey... :)
19. Do you have a dog? Breed? Name?
no
20. Do you remember singing any songs as a kid?
yah, I sang all the time. I used to get out the Maranatha praise book and sing while I did dishes.
I can't believe I just said that...
21. Are you married?
yes
22. When was the last time you talked to one of your siblings?
I talked to my brother on MSN last night
24. Do you play an instrument?
no
25. Do you like fire?
I love campfires
26. Are you allergic to anything?
Yah, egg yolks, perfume, tobacco smoke, and broccoli
27. Do you have a crush on anyone?
No
28. Best friend?
I have a few really good best friends, but as far as time spent together and crap we've been through and all that fun stuff...well, you know who you are... :)
29. Have you ever been to a spa?
No
30. Did you take science all four years of high school?
No
31. Do you like butterflies?
Live ones
32. Do you miss someone right now?
Yah :(
33. Does someone miss you right now?
I hope so!
34. Have you ever seen your school counselor?
no
35. Have you ever wanted to be a teacher?
Only when I went through my Little House on the Prairie phase when I was about 10 or 11...
36. What is one thing you've learned about life?
Chocolate helps
37. Whats your favorite color?
Pink
38. Is anyone jealous of you?
I hope not
39. Ever been stuck in an elevator?
no
40. What does your mom call you?
I'm not telling!!!
41. What do your friends call you?
Michelle
42. What does your hair look like right now?
messy - really need to get it cut
43. Has a friend ever used you?
I'm just not even going to try to answer that one...
44. Has anyone ever told you they liked you more than a friend?
not in so many words
45. What have you eaten today?
bran muffin and cheese
46. Is your hair naturally curly or straight?
straight and wavy
48. Who was the last person you drove with?
Trevor
49. What are you looking forward to?
Lunch with Trevor today, hanging out with Anne tomorrow, hanging out with Jennifer on Sunday, seeing Sam and Leah on Saturday, going to NS next month, going to Ottawa in July, a wedding in September...
50. How are you today?
I did the taxes on Wednesday night, and I still have a headache from it, and my boss is home sick today, so it's going to be a special day...
No idea - my guess would be in bed sleeping
2. Last time you kissed someone?
This morning
3. Name five things you did today.
woke up
hit snooze
woke up againg
pushed the cat off my stomach so I could get up
fed the cats
4. Last person you text messaged?
I don't text message
5. What kind of phone do you have?
a red one that plays O Canada :)
7. Where does your best friend work?
Well, Trevor works at a law firm, and Heather goes to UBC. Which isn't TECHNICALLY working by traditional standards, but I hear university is a lot of work...
8. What are you listening to?
humming office noises
9. What do you smell like?
fabric softener
10. What color are your eyes?
blue
11. Have you ever done a Chinese fire drill?
no, I've always meant to, but it's never come up at an appropriate time
12. What color is your bedroom floor?
some non-descript, non-exciting colour
13. Do you have a chair in your room?
which room?
14. What are you doing tomorrow?
running errands and maybe hanging out with Anne
15. Do you know anyone who is engaged?
yup
16.What is your favorite #?
2
17. Do you know someone named Betsy?
I have an aunt named Betsy, but I don't really know her...
18. What color is your mom's hair?
brown - about the same as mine, but she has a wee bit more grey... :)
19. Do you have a dog? Breed? Name?
no
20. Do you remember singing any songs as a kid?
yah, I sang all the time. I used to get out the Maranatha praise book and sing while I did dishes.
I can't believe I just said that...
21. Are you married?
yes
22. When was the last time you talked to one of your siblings?
I talked to my brother on MSN last night
24. Do you play an instrument?
no
25. Do you like fire?
I love campfires
26. Are you allergic to anything?
Yah, egg yolks, perfume, tobacco smoke, and broccoli
27. Do you have a crush on anyone?
No
28. Best friend?
I have a few really good best friends, but as far as time spent together and crap we've been through and all that fun stuff...well, you know who you are... :)
29. Have you ever been to a spa?
No
30. Did you take science all four years of high school?
No
31. Do you like butterflies?
Live ones
32. Do you miss someone right now?
Yah :(
33. Does someone miss you right now?
I hope so!
34. Have you ever seen your school counselor?
no
35. Have you ever wanted to be a teacher?
Only when I went through my Little House on the Prairie phase when I was about 10 or 11...
36. What is one thing you've learned about life?
Chocolate helps
37. Whats your favorite color?
Pink
38. Is anyone jealous of you?
I hope not
39. Ever been stuck in an elevator?
no
40. What does your mom call you?
I'm not telling!!!
41. What do your friends call you?
Michelle
42. What does your hair look like right now?
messy - really need to get it cut
43. Has a friend ever used you?
I'm just not even going to try to answer that one...
44. Has anyone ever told you they liked you more than a friend?
not in so many words
45. What have you eaten today?
bran muffin and cheese
46. Is your hair naturally curly or straight?
straight and wavy
48. Who was the last person you drove with?
Trevor
49. What are you looking forward to?
Lunch with Trevor today, hanging out with Anne tomorrow, hanging out with Jennifer on Sunday, seeing Sam and Leah on Saturday, going to NS next month, going to Ottawa in July, a wedding in September...
50. How are you today?
I did the taxes on Wednesday night, and I still have a headache from it, and my boss is home sick today, so it's going to be a special day...
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Great-grandmother
My great-grand mother, Annie St. Croix, died in her sleep last night. She was over 100 years old, 103, I think it was. I didn't know her at all, but it feels kind of like the end of an era.
It's amazing to me to think of all the things that changed in her lifetime. She was born in the early 1900's, when Newfoundland wasn't even part of Canada yet! They were disputing the ownership of Alaska, the "wireless" was becoming the next big thing, coke was actually made with cocaine, the average salary was $300 USD per year, only the wealthy had phones and cars, "Yankee Doodle" was a hit song, and the Wright brothers were still working on the airplane. I wonder what she thought of how things have changed, and will things change that much in my lifetime?
They've already changed quite a bit - when I was born, people didn't have home computers, phones still had rotary dials, and families usually only had one car. Cold war missiles were still a threat, cell phones didn't exist, the Internet hadn't been invented, cassette tapes were new technology, Canadian families still got a "baby bonus", and there wasn't any GST!
I wonder what changes the next 75 years will bring? Flying cars, a molecular transporter, family vacations on the moon, microchips in your hand with all your info on them, a cure for cancer...?
It's amazing to me to think of all the things that changed in her lifetime. She was born in the early 1900's, when Newfoundland wasn't even part of Canada yet! They were disputing the ownership of Alaska, the "wireless" was becoming the next big thing, coke was actually made with cocaine, the average salary was $300 USD per year, only the wealthy had phones and cars, "Yankee Doodle" was a hit song, and the Wright brothers were still working on the airplane. I wonder what she thought of how things have changed, and will things change that much in my lifetime?
They've already changed quite a bit - when I was born, people didn't have home computers, phones still had rotary dials, and families usually only had one car. Cold war missiles were still a threat, cell phones didn't exist, the Internet hadn't been invented, cassette tapes were new technology, Canadian families still got a "baby bonus", and there wasn't any GST!
I wonder what changes the next 75 years will bring? Flying cars, a molecular transporter, family vacations on the moon, microchips in your hand with all your info on them, a cure for cancer...?
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Friday, April 13, 2007
What kind of Blogger am I?
| You Are a Life Blogger! |
 Your blog is the story of your life - a living diary. If it happens, you blog it. And make it as entertaining as possible. |
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Winter Blahs...
Man, is it ever nasty out there. I'm watching snow/rain blowing sideways, and it's still so dark out I can barely see it to begin with. ICK! And I've gotten a cold, and I've lost my keys, and the neighbours upstairs are a pain...it's just not shaping up to be a very good day! The perfect kind of day to crawl back into bed and pull the covers over your head...it's supposed to be spring! :(
Monday, April 02, 2007
My Autobiography
Write this out IN YOUR OWN WORDS and re-post as, "My Autobiography"
Prologue
1. Where did you take your default pic? facebook - In the parking lot of Sunridge mall, by the Krispy Kreme. It was when Heather was visiting in February of 2006. Blog - at the Deane House, at my staff Christmas party in 2006.
2. What are you wearing right now? clothes...
3. What is your current problem? Which one? lol The most pressing ones are money, a messed up spine, and wanting to move away from Calgary.
4. What makes you most happy? laughing with my friends or sitting somewhere cozy with a good book
5. What's the name of the song that you're listening to? No music - just the sr. partner trying to be funny about the fact that I don't really talk much...oy...
6. Has anyone you've been really close with passed away? My Nan - not that we were close exactly, but she was a big part of my life
7. Do you like MTV? ewwwwww....
8. Name something that's annoying to you: oh, wow, where to start. Trevor's stinky socks, cobwebs in the laundry room, driving a Neon, hard pews that make my back hurt, stupid drivers, icy roads...
Chapter 1:
1. First name: Michelle
2. Nickname(s): Trevor calls me Mickey, and that's about it for that.
Chapter 2:
1. Do you live with your parent(s): No
2. Do you have any siblings? a brother and a sister
Chapter 3: Favorite...
1. Ice Cream: chocolate or butter pecan
2. Season: spring
Chapter 4: Do You..
1. Write on your hand? no
2. Call people back? I usually get my phone before anyone can leave a message
3. Believe in love: That's kind of a vague question...I believe that love is a good thing!
4. Sleep on a certain side of the bed? yup - the side that Trevor's not on, in whatever space the cat leaves me...
5. Any bad habits? being too pessimistic, eating too much junk food
6. Any mental health issues? I don't THINK so... :)
Chapter 5: Have You...
1. Sprained stuff? My ankle
2. Gotten stitches? Two, right above my right eyebrow
3. Taken painkillers? regularly
4. Stung by a bee? I think it was technically a wasp...
5. Thrown up at the dentist's office: nope
6. Sworn in front of your parents? Well, Mom thinks 'crap' is a swear, so yes
7. Had a detention? no
8.Been sent to the school principal? no
Chapter 6: Who/What was the last...
1. Movie you saw? We went to see Blades of Glory last night - it was pretty good, but Wild Hogs was more funny
2. Person who called you? my mom
3. who was the last person to tackle u? ummm...yah, I don't know if I've ever been tackled...
4. Thing you touched? other then where I'm sitting now, the fax machine
5. Thing you ate/drank? water
6. last thing you said out loud? I don't remember...something polite to the sr. partner who was trying to be funny, I think.
Prologue
1. Where did you take your default pic? facebook - In the parking lot of Sunridge mall, by the Krispy Kreme. It was when Heather was visiting in February of 2006. Blog - at the Deane House, at my staff Christmas party in 2006.
2. What are you wearing right now? clothes...
3. What is your current problem? Which one? lol The most pressing ones are money, a messed up spine, and wanting to move away from Calgary.
4. What makes you most happy? laughing with my friends or sitting somewhere cozy with a good book
5. What's the name of the song that you're listening to? No music - just the sr. partner trying to be funny about the fact that I don't really talk much...oy...
6. Has anyone you've been really close with passed away? My Nan - not that we were close exactly, but she was a big part of my life
7. Do you like MTV? ewwwwww....
8. Name something that's annoying to you: oh, wow, where to start. Trevor's stinky socks, cobwebs in the laundry room, driving a Neon, hard pews that make my back hurt, stupid drivers, icy roads...
Chapter 1:
1. First name: Michelle
2. Nickname(s): Trevor calls me Mickey, and that's about it for that.
Chapter 2:
1. Do you live with your parent(s): No
2. Do you have any siblings? a brother and a sister
Chapter 3: Favorite...
1. Ice Cream: chocolate or butter pecan
2. Season: spring
Chapter 4: Do You..
1. Write on your hand? no
2. Call people back? I usually get my phone before anyone can leave a message
3. Believe in love: That's kind of a vague question...I believe that love is a good thing!
4. Sleep on a certain side of the bed? yup - the side that Trevor's not on, in whatever space the cat leaves me...
5. Any bad habits? being too pessimistic, eating too much junk food
6. Any mental health issues? I don't THINK so... :)
Chapter 5: Have You...
1. Sprained stuff? My ankle
2. Gotten stitches? Two, right above my right eyebrow
3. Taken painkillers? regularly
4. Stung by a bee? I think it was technically a wasp...
5. Thrown up at the dentist's office: nope
6. Sworn in front of your parents? Well, Mom thinks 'crap' is a swear, so yes
7. Had a detention? no
8.Been sent to the school principal? no
Chapter 6: Who/What was the last...
1. Movie you saw? We went to see Blades of Glory last night - it was pretty good, but Wild Hogs was more funny
2. Person who called you? my mom
3. who was the last person to tackle u? ummm...yah, I don't know if I've ever been tackled...
4. Thing you touched? other then where I'm sitting now, the fax machine
5. Thing you ate/drank? water
6. last thing you said out loud? I don't remember...something polite to the sr. partner who was trying to be funny, I think.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
New Place!
So after a very 'special' day, we're finally into our new place! I couldn't even begin to list the things that went wrong, but it's all over now. Lots of stuff to sort out and organize, but at least we're not on a deadline to do that! And I'm SO enjoying having our own washer and dryer - hooray!!!
Anyhow, I need to see if I can find something for supper in that mess of a kitchen - if you don't hear from me in a few days you know that I've fallen into a box and need to be rescued... :)
Anyhow, I need to see if I can find something for supper in that mess of a kitchen - if you don't hear from me in a few days you know that I've fallen into a box and need to be rescued... :)
Monday, March 26, 2007
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Help Wanted
So as you may have noticed, we're moving! lol
I have many great guy friends who are agreeable to haul stuff around in exchange for beer and pizza, but not only do I not have as many girl friends, I haven't been able to find one to help me with the cleaning on the morning of the move. They're totally renovating our apartment after we leave, so it's not heavy-duty cleaning, but I could so use a hand on the 31st from 8:30 to 11:30 am. And if beer and pizza won't do it for you, I'm open to suggestions!
Also, we really need a cat sitter for May 31-June 7, preferably someone who could come and stay at our place for the week, or someone who lives close enough to Falconridge to check in everyday. If this is you, please let me know - I can bribe you with fresh NS seafood or real maple syrup! :)
I have many great guy friends who are agreeable to haul stuff around in exchange for beer and pizza, but not only do I not have as many girl friends, I haven't been able to find one to help me with the cleaning on the morning of the move. They're totally renovating our apartment after we leave, so it's not heavy-duty cleaning, but I could so use a hand on the 31st from 8:30 to 11:30 am. And if beer and pizza won't do it for you, I'm open to suggestions!
Also, we really need a cat sitter for May 31-June 7, preferably someone who could come and stay at our place for the week, or someone who lives close enough to Falconridge to check in everyday. If this is you, please let me know - I can bribe you with fresh NS seafood or real maple syrup! :)
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
My Celebrity Look-alikes
Well, this was a grand way to spend 10 minutes! :)
My cool celebrity look-alike collage from MyHeritage.com.
My cool celebrity look-alike collage from MyHeritage.com.
Vroom vroom!
I was feeling kind of random, so I took at test at www.tickle.com to see what kind of car I am.
Apparently I'm a....
You're a Sports Car!
Our global positioning device has got you pinpointed somewhere between glamorous and racy. You're the fast, flashy Sports Car. We're thinking a BMW or even a Porsche Boxster, with a luminous silver paint job. You are the prize earned after years of hard work and strife. Envy can be seen in the eyes of every passer-by. There's no greater satisfaction than watching their slack-jawed looks as you speed by, and feeling the power as you lightly press that pedal. And just like your zippy car, you love to get from one cool scene to the next at lightning speed. You truly represent life in the fast lane. People are enthralled with your slick lifestyle and fantasize about someday owning what you've got. Who could blame them? Your wheels have got all the options: world-class engines, a stereo to die for, climate controls, navigation tools, and an exterior so shiny they need sunglasses. You are made to drive the ultimate in automobiles.
Ooooh my...lol. That's pretty special! Glamorous hey? I think someone forgot to tell my wardrobe that... :) I like to drive fast, but I'm not too sure about life in the fast lane. Pretty interesting, and not exactly what I'd call accurate, but I'd sure love to own a sports car! I've wanted to own a Mustang ever since I read my first Nancy Drew when I was 7 - and for those of you who weren't so fortunate - Nancy Drew drives a baby blue Mustang convertible that her dad gave her for her 18th birthday.
Hopefully come July we'll be driving our very own, brand new Mazda 3, which isn't quite the same as a Mustang, but totally an improvemtn over a Neon! :)
Apparently I'm a....
You're a Sports Car!
Our global positioning device has got you pinpointed somewhere between glamorous and racy. You're the fast, flashy Sports Car. We're thinking a BMW or even a Porsche Boxster, with a luminous silver paint job. You are the prize earned after years of hard work and strife. Envy can be seen in the eyes of every passer-by. There's no greater satisfaction than watching their slack-jawed looks as you speed by, and feeling the power as you lightly press that pedal. And just like your zippy car, you love to get from one cool scene to the next at lightning speed. You truly represent life in the fast lane. People are enthralled with your slick lifestyle and fantasize about someday owning what you've got. Who could blame them? Your wheels have got all the options: world-class engines, a stereo to die for, climate controls, navigation tools, and an exterior so shiny they need sunglasses. You are made to drive the ultimate in automobiles.
Ooooh my...lol. That's pretty special! Glamorous hey? I think someone forgot to tell my wardrobe that... :) I like to drive fast, but I'm not too sure about life in the fast lane. Pretty interesting, and not exactly what I'd call accurate, but I'd sure love to own a sports car! I've wanted to own a Mustang ever since I read my first Nancy Drew when I was 7 - and for those of you who weren't so fortunate - Nancy Drew drives a baby blue Mustang convertible that her dad gave her for her 18th birthday.
Hopefully come July we'll be driving our very own, brand new Mazda 3, which isn't quite the same as a Mustang, but totally an improvemtn over a Neon! :)
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Lots of Junk
Well, the packing has started. We have a lot of stuff - I did know that, but having to pack it all makes it seem like even more. But on the other hand I found a whole bunch of books that I haven't read in a while to add to my "to read" pile, which is fun. Of course, I'm too busy to read them right now, but our new place has a yard, so maybe once the weather turns I'll have some time to sit outside and read, which would be really great.
I called the office the other day to book an elevator for moving out, and found out that we have to be out by noon, not midnight like I thought, which is going to be stressful. Now I'm even more glad that we get the new place for a week before the actual moving day!
That's about all that's going on right now - preparing to move, planning a bridal shower, wishing we could buy a house, and planning a road trip around Nova Scotia in June. I will have a respite from the packing tomorrow - Anne and I are going to the Calgary Philharmonic for a show called "Irish Eyes are Smiling", which should be fun. The CPO puts on really quality productions, and I haven't been to any that I haven't liked, so I'm looking forward to it.
Oh, and if you're looking for something else to read, check out www.scottandsam.ca. :)
I called the office the other day to book an elevator for moving out, and found out that we have to be out by noon, not midnight like I thought, which is going to be stressful. Now I'm even more glad that we get the new place for a week before the actual moving day!
That's about all that's going on right now - preparing to move, planning a bridal shower, wishing we could buy a house, and planning a road trip around Nova Scotia in June. I will have a respite from the packing tomorrow - Anne and I are going to the Calgary Philharmonic for a show called "Irish Eyes are Smiling", which should be fun. The CPO puts on really quality productions, and I haven't been to any that I haven't liked, so I'm looking forward to it.
Oh, and if you're looking for something else to read, check out www.scottandsam.ca. :)
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Whirlwind
Well, it's been, as usual, a crazy couple of weeks!
Good news though - just this afternoon we made a deposit on a new place. We're moving to a place in Falconridge - not too far from the park and ride, but we're also going to keep our parking spot downtown for a while to see how it goes. It doesn't have a dishwasher, but it has lots of parking, lots of storage, two bedrooms, and a beautiful lilac bathtub, toilet and sink! :)We take possession on the 23rd, so we have a week of overlap to move things so it hopefully won't be too too stressful. We've gotten a six-month lease for now, so we'll see how being in a basement suite goes. Hey, if you're up for helping us move on the 31st, or to help me with packing on the 29th or 30th, that would be muchly appreciated! :)
The ski retreat was awesome and full of all kinds of crazy stories - is it a herd of mountain sheep or a flock of mountain sheep? :) Being on a bus for that long just kills my back though - I'm still feeling it. But it was worth it! I love my youth - they are so awesome. And I got to watch Dead Man's Chest, National Treasure and the Emperor's New Groove. It was just so good to spend a whole weekend hanging out with people.
And I got to spend some quality time with Sam - and talk about me being in the wedding party! Tis very exciting - I've never done this before and since the groomsmen are Matt, Trevor and Chris, it's bound to be very entertaining. We went shopping yesterday and she got her wedding dress - it's soooo beautiful - it's perfect!
I did find new boots after one failed purchase and return - huzzah! I've only worn them twice but they're already looking less new and shiny though... :(
Last week I went to see Anne Marie's performance in Trial by Jury by Gilbert & Sullivan. It was highly entertaining, and you can see pics of that and the ski trip in my web album.
Now...let the packing begin!
Good news though - just this afternoon we made a deposit on a new place. We're moving to a place in Falconridge - not too far from the park and ride, but we're also going to keep our parking spot downtown for a while to see how it goes. It doesn't have a dishwasher, but it has lots of parking, lots of storage, two bedrooms, and a beautiful lilac bathtub, toilet and sink! :)We take possession on the 23rd, so we have a week of overlap to move things so it hopefully won't be too too stressful. We've gotten a six-month lease for now, so we'll see how being in a basement suite goes. Hey, if you're up for helping us move on the 31st, or to help me with packing on the 29th or 30th, that would be muchly appreciated! :)
The ski retreat was awesome and full of all kinds of crazy stories - is it a herd of mountain sheep or a flock of mountain sheep? :) Being on a bus for that long just kills my back though - I'm still feeling it. But it was worth it! I love my youth - they are so awesome. And I got to watch Dead Man's Chest, National Treasure and the Emperor's New Groove. It was just so good to spend a whole weekend hanging out with people.
And I got to spend some quality time with Sam - and talk about me being in the wedding party! Tis very exciting - I've never done this before and since the groomsmen are Matt, Trevor and Chris, it's bound to be very entertaining. We went shopping yesterday and she got her wedding dress - it's soooo beautiful - it's perfect!
I did find new boots after one failed purchase and return - huzzah! I've only worn them twice but they're already looking less new and shiny though... :(
Last week I went to see Anne Marie's performance in Trial by Jury by Gilbert & Sullivan. It was highly entertaining, and you can see pics of that and the ski trip in my web album.
Now...let the packing begin!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
My poor feet...
My boot heel cracked today when I was on my way to lunch, so I spent the rest of the day hobbling around and after work began my quest to find new ones. Alas for me, I seem to have just missed the winter sales, and everyone's got their spring stuff out already, and apparently the only boots you need in Calgary this time of year are rubber wellies, not dress boots. So I finally settled on a $10 pair of Walmart shoes until I have time to hit a 'real' mall that's not Northland. So my feet are very sore from slogging around the mall in a broken heel, and I'm wishing that it would be ok to wear my slippers to work tomorrow!
In other news, the unsuccessful hunt for a place to move into on March 31 gets more unsuccessful by the day, and I'm not really sure where to go from here. So if you could keep us and our potential homelessness in your prayers, I would really appreciate it. The end of our student loans and all that are in sight, but until they're done we can only afford about $1000/month for rent, and in the market out there, that doesn't get you much, which really sucks. Our salaries have definitely NOT gone up in proportion with the current cost of living! I'm SURE God has something in mind - I'm just not sure what, and I don't want to miss seeing the opportunity when it comes up.
Yay for a three-day work week - tomorrow is my 'Friday' as I've taken the real Friday off to go with my youth/friends to Vernon for a youth ski retreat. I'm really looking forward to it, but unfortunately Trevor can't come. :( I will try and take lots of pictures with my exciting new camera to share with y'all when I get back.
In other news, the unsuccessful hunt for a place to move into on March 31 gets more unsuccessful by the day, and I'm not really sure where to go from here. So if you could keep us and our potential homelessness in your prayers, I would really appreciate it. The end of our student loans and all that are in sight, but until they're done we can only afford about $1000/month for rent, and in the market out there, that doesn't get you much, which really sucks. Our salaries have definitely NOT gone up in proportion with the current cost of living! I'm SURE God has something in mind - I'm just not sure what, and I don't want to miss seeing the opportunity when it comes up.
Yay for a three-day work week - tomorrow is my 'Friday' as I've taken the real Friday off to go with my youth/friends to Vernon for a youth ski retreat. I'm really looking forward to it, but unfortunately Trevor can't come. :( I will try and take lots of pictures with my exciting new camera to share with y'all when I get back.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Getting to Know You
Someone emailed me this morning, and I sent it back, but thought I'd share my answers here. Feel free to copy and paste and email me with your answers, or post them on your blog - it's a great way to waste a little time! :)
Welcome to the 2007 edition of getting to know your friends. What you are supposed to do is copy (not forward) this entire email and paste it onto a new email that you will send. Change all the answers so that they apply to you, and then send this to a whole bunch of people (including the person who sent it to you). The theory is that you will learn a lot of little things about your friends, if you did not know them already.
1. What time did you get up this morning? about 6, from a very nice dream, too. :(
2. Diamonds or pearls? freshwater pearls
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Stomp the Yard, I think...it's been a while
4. What are your favourite TV shows? Oooh, there's a lot. Colour Confidential, What not to Wear, Iron Chef, Hell's Kitchen, Boston Legal, NCIS, Gilmore Girls, McLeod's Daughters, Stargate SG1 and Atlantis...I think that's all the ones I watch on a weekly basis, anyway... :)
5. What did you have for breakfast this morning? a Nature Valley almond bar, and fruit to go and a glass of milk
6. What is your middle name? Linda
7. What is your favourite cuisine? Italian
8. What foods do you dislike? salmon, tuna, broccoli, onions, cabbage rolls, pate (looks like cat food - ick), anything really spicy
9. Favourite chips? Depends on my mood - either ketchup or cheddar sun chips
10. What is your favourite CD at the moment? Chris Tomlin or Casting Crown - any of them
11. What kind of car do you drive? An old Dodge Neon, but only till we get back from NS in June, if all goes well!
12. What is your favourite sandwich? grilled cheese, maple and bacon, or ham and swiss
13. What characteristics do you despise? un-trustworthiness...if that's even a word... lol
14. What are your favourite clothes? fleece and jeans or summer skirts and sandals
15. If you could go anywhere in the world on Vacation? Australia
16. Favourite brand of clothing? I mostly shop at Reitmans and Old Navy
17. Where would you want to retire? somewhere warm with an ocean - Hawaii maybe?
18. Favourite time of day? hummm...bedtime probably! with my nice new memory foam mattress....
19. Where were you born? Comox, BC
20. What is your favourite sport to watch? I like going to baseball games in the summer, and I like watching figure skating on tv
21. Who do you think will not send this back? probably Chris and/or Trevor... definatly not Amanda, cause I got it from her in the first place...
22. Person you expect to send it back first? the most bored one
23. Pepsi or Coke? Coke
24. Beavers or ducks? DUCKS! Ducks are awesome - there were some really friendly ones when we were camping in Kelowna this summer.
25. Are you a morning person or a night owl? more like mid-morning person...
26. Pedicure or manicure? pedicure...ohhhhh....
27. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? I just got my first paystub reflecting my one year raise! Hooray! And I pre-ordered the new Harry Potter book today.
28. What did you want to be when you were little? Either Nancy Drew or a nurse
29. What is your best childhood memory? that's a hard one...I think probably when my mom was pregnant with my brother, and we would spend time every day working on our Lego masterpiece - it was a Lego house with many floors and really detailed. I think I still have it intact somewhere in my stuff at her house.
30. Piercing? 3 – 2 earlobes and one upper ear
31. Ever been to Africa ? No
32. Ever been toilet papering? hehe...maybe.... :)
33. Been in a car accident? unfortunately
34. Favourite Day of the week? Saturday
35. Favourite restaurant? Olive Garden - we've celebrated a lot of special occasions there! That's also where we got engaged.
36. Favourite Flower? lilacs - they're everywhere in NS in the spring - smell soooo good
37. Favourite ice cream? Chocolate or butter pecan
38. Favourite fast food? depends on my mood - either McD's, A&W or KFC
39. How many times did you fail your drivers test? None! They said I scored in the top 10% of people who take it
40. From whom did you get your last email? I don't remember - Lauren, probably
41. In which store would you choose to max out your Credit card? Ikea or
Old Navy
42. Bedtime? As close to 9:30 as possible
43. Who are you most curious about their responses to this?? Everyone's
44. Last person you went to dinner with? We took my dad to lunch for his birthday on Sunday, and then I took Brittni out for her birthday in the evening
45. What are you listening to right now? Colour Confidential (I'm not on hold anymore! :))
46. What is your favourite colour? pink
47. How many tattoos do you have? None
48. How many are you sending this email to? Not sure yet
Welcome to the 2007 edition of getting to know your friends. What you are supposed to do is copy (not forward) this entire email and paste it onto a new email that you will send. Change all the answers so that they apply to you, and then send this to a whole bunch of people (including the person who sent it to you). The theory is that you will learn a lot of little things about your friends, if you did not know them already.
1. What time did you get up this morning? about 6, from a very nice dream, too. :(
2. Diamonds or pearls? freshwater pearls
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Stomp the Yard, I think...it's been a while
4. What are your favourite TV shows? Oooh, there's a lot. Colour Confidential, What not to Wear, Iron Chef, Hell's Kitchen, Boston Legal, NCIS, Gilmore Girls, McLeod's Daughters, Stargate SG1 and Atlantis...I think that's all the ones I watch on a weekly basis, anyway... :)
5. What did you have for breakfast this morning? a Nature Valley almond bar, and fruit to go and a glass of milk
6. What is your middle name? Linda
7. What is your favourite cuisine? Italian
8. What foods do you dislike? salmon, tuna, broccoli, onions, cabbage rolls, pate (looks like cat food - ick), anything really spicy
9. Favourite chips? Depends on my mood - either ketchup or cheddar sun chips
10. What is your favourite CD at the moment? Chris Tomlin or Casting Crown - any of them
11. What kind of car do you drive? An old Dodge Neon, but only till we get back from NS in June, if all goes well!
12. What is your favourite sandwich? grilled cheese, maple and bacon, or ham and swiss
13. What characteristics do you despise? un-trustworthiness...if that's even a word... lol
14. What are your favourite clothes? fleece and jeans or summer skirts and sandals
15. If you could go anywhere in the world on Vacation? Australia
16. Favourite brand of clothing? I mostly shop at Reitmans and Old Navy
17. Where would you want to retire? somewhere warm with an ocean - Hawaii maybe?
18. Favourite time of day? hummm...bedtime probably! with my nice new memory foam mattress....
19. Where were you born? Comox, BC
20. What is your favourite sport to watch? I like going to baseball games in the summer, and I like watching figure skating on tv
21. Who do you think will not send this back? probably Chris and/or Trevor... definatly not Amanda, cause I got it from her in the first place...
22. Person you expect to send it back first? the most bored one
23. Pepsi or Coke? Coke
24. Beavers or ducks? DUCKS! Ducks are awesome - there were some really friendly ones when we were camping in Kelowna this summer.
25. Are you a morning person or a night owl? more like mid-morning person...
26. Pedicure or manicure? pedicure...ohhhhh....
27. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? I just got my first paystub reflecting my one year raise! Hooray! And I pre-ordered the new Harry Potter book today.
28. What did you want to be when you were little? Either Nancy Drew or a nurse
29. What is your best childhood memory? that's a hard one...I think probably when my mom was pregnant with my brother, and we would spend time every day working on our Lego masterpiece - it was a Lego house with many floors and really detailed. I think I still have it intact somewhere in my stuff at her house.
30. Piercing? 3 – 2 earlobes and one upper ear
31. Ever been to Africa ? No
32. Ever been toilet papering? hehe...maybe.... :)
33. Been in a car accident? unfortunately
34. Favourite Day of the week? Saturday
35. Favourite restaurant? Olive Garden - we've celebrated a lot of special occasions there! That's also where we got engaged.
36. Favourite Flower? lilacs - they're everywhere in NS in the spring - smell soooo good
37. Favourite ice cream? Chocolate or butter pecan
38. Favourite fast food? depends on my mood - either McD's, A&W or KFC
39. How many times did you fail your drivers test? None! They said I scored in the top 10% of people who take it
40. From whom did you get your last email? I don't remember - Lauren, probably
41. In which store would you choose to max out your Credit card? Ikea or
Old Navy
42. Bedtime? As close to 9:30 as possible
43. Who are you most curious about their responses to this?? Everyone's
44. Last person you went to dinner with? We took my dad to lunch for his birthday on Sunday, and then I took Brittni out for her birthday in the evening
45. What are you listening to right now? Colour Confidential (I'm not on hold anymore! :))
46. What is your favourite colour? pink
47. How many tattoos do you have? None
48. How many are you sending this email to? Not sure yet
Monday, February 12, 2007
"This is true love... you think this happens everyday?”
Happy Valentine's Day!
http://www.diguno.com/wordsofwisdom.html
Hehe...it's all very exciting! :) So totally a God-thing, and while it's sad that Scott is moving away, I'm really happy for them!
So I was thinking about the Five Love Languages the other day. In case you've never heard of them, the theory is that there's five basic 'languages' that people give and receive love in. They are acts of service, physical touch, giving of gifts, quality time and words of affirmation. Well, I think I've discovered at 6th love language! A few weeks ago Trevor apologized to someone by offering them some of his food, and when he got a weird look, I explained that food is Trevor's love language, and the more I think about it the more I think I'm on to something.
Feeding someone is sort of a combination of an act of service, giving of a gift, and quality time, right? When I have a bunch of friends over and feed them, it's so much fun for me to that, and I totally do it cause I love them, you know? Maybe I'm just crazy, but it makes sense to me!
Actually, I'm sure I'm crazy, cause when Trevor asked if I'd rather have flowers or a Chapters gift card for a valentine, I picked books over flowers without even really thinking about it... :)
By the way, the title of this blog is a quote from the Princess Bride - one of the best love stories of all time! And it's got sooooo many great quotes - if you haven't seen it, I highly reccomend that you do so as soon as possible - you're missing out on a classic!
http://www.diguno.com/wordsofwisdom.html
Hehe...it's all very exciting! :) So totally a God-thing, and while it's sad that Scott is moving away, I'm really happy for them!
So I was thinking about the Five Love Languages the other day. In case you've never heard of them, the theory is that there's five basic 'languages' that people give and receive love in. They are acts of service, physical touch, giving of gifts, quality time and words of affirmation. Well, I think I've discovered at 6th love language! A few weeks ago Trevor apologized to someone by offering them some of his food, and when he got a weird look, I explained that food is Trevor's love language, and the more I think about it the more I think I'm on to something.
Feeding someone is sort of a combination of an act of service, giving of a gift, and quality time, right? When I have a bunch of friends over and feed them, it's so much fun for me to that, and I totally do it cause I love them, you know? Maybe I'm just crazy, but it makes sense to me!
Actually, I'm sure I'm crazy, cause when Trevor asked if I'd rather have flowers or a Chapters gift card for a valentine, I picked books over flowers without even really thinking about it... :)
By the way, the title of this blog is a quote from the Princess Bride - one of the best love stories of all time! And it's got sooooo many great quotes - if you haven't seen it, I highly reccomend that you do so as soon as possible - you're missing out on a classic!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Tagged by Leah
A while back Leah tagged me to post 6 random things about myself, and I've decided to finally get around to doing it! I don't think I'm that random of a person, but I'll do my best... :)
1. One of my favourite sandwiches is bacon and maple butter. My Mom sent me some maple butter at Christmas, which was very exciting, as I haven't had any in ages. I'm also a big fan of cheddar and blackberry jam...real blackberry jam, from Victoria.
2. I was sorting through some stuff on my computer last night, and I discovered that I've written 28 songs since the fall of 2002. As you probably know, I don't play any instruments, so I haven't actually been able to write down the music, which is more then a little frustrating when I can hear a tune rattling around in my head and can't get it out! I'm just hoping that God's got something in mind for me to do with 28 songs...I'm sure a lot of them are rubbish, but I think there's a few good ones in there, and they all have stories behind them.
3. If I ever get music written for some of my worship-y songs, I'd really like to record a worship album. I've got so many musically talented friends that I love to sing with, I think it would be a blast to do something like that. There's a kind of funny God-story about how I realized that was something I wanted to do, but maybe I'll write about that some other time... :)
4. I got my cartilage (top right ear) pierced this summer. It actually hurt less then my ear lobes did, but it's still not healed, and the cold Calgary winter is really aggravating it. But I really like it, anyway! I got it done when I went to visit Heather in August. Funny - when I got my ear lobes done, I was visiting Heather then, too...wonder what I'm going to get pierced next time I visit her? :0
5. I'm going home to NS on May 26! It also happens to be Trevor's birthday that day, which is unfortunate for him. I feel bad leaving him by himself on his birthday, but I NEED to see the ocean! I'm going for 13 days, and Trevor's coming out on June 1 for a week. Scott and Chris are also going to be there then, and we're going to do some stuff in Halifax, and rent a car and drive around the coast. I'M SOOOOOO EXCITED!!!! I haven't been home since Christmas of 2006, and Mom and Simon have moved in to a new house since then. Well, it's not new, it's actually 100 years old, and I loooove old houses, so I'm excited to see it. And Chris has never had scallops!!! So I can't wait to cook a bunch of NS food for the boys, and show them my city. Only 108 days to go!
6. When I named my blog, "What I've Found", I was listening to the Saltwater CD. If you haven't heard of Saltwater, they were a full-year Crew Ministries team which included some people that are really special to me, and I love listening to the CD. (My only complaint about it is that Scott didn't sing enough on it, but he'll probably just roll his eyes at that... :)) Anyway, that line is in a song by Riley Armstrong, and it just popped out at me as being appropriate for a blog where I talk about the things I find in my day-to-day life.
So there you go, 6 random things! Hope you've enjoyed, especially Leah! :)
I'm going to tag...hum, well, I was going to tag Trevor, but since he doesn't read my blog... :) how about Scott, Christine, Lauren and Anne Marie. If I didn't tag you, and you wish I had, I didn't know you read my blog and/or have one of your own, so reply here and let me know!
1. One of my favourite sandwiches is bacon and maple butter. My Mom sent me some maple butter at Christmas, which was very exciting, as I haven't had any in ages. I'm also a big fan of cheddar and blackberry jam...real blackberry jam, from Victoria.
2. I was sorting through some stuff on my computer last night, and I discovered that I've written 28 songs since the fall of 2002. As you probably know, I don't play any instruments, so I haven't actually been able to write down the music, which is more then a little frustrating when I can hear a tune rattling around in my head and can't get it out! I'm just hoping that God's got something in mind for me to do with 28 songs...I'm sure a lot of them are rubbish, but I think there's a few good ones in there, and they all have stories behind them.
3. If I ever get music written for some of my worship-y songs, I'd really like to record a worship album. I've got so many musically talented friends that I love to sing with, I think it would be a blast to do something like that. There's a kind of funny God-story about how I realized that was something I wanted to do, but maybe I'll write about that some other time... :)
4. I got my cartilage (top right ear) pierced this summer. It actually hurt less then my ear lobes did, but it's still not healed, and the cold Calgary winter is really aggravating it. But I really like it, anyway! I got it done when I went to visit Heather in August. Funny - when I got my ear lobes done, I was visiting Heather then, too...wonder what I'm going to get pierced next time I visit her? :0
5. I'm going home to NS on May 26! It also happens to be Trevor's birthday that day, which is unfortunate for him. I feel bad leaving him by himself on his birthday, but I NEED to see the ocean! I'm going for 13 days, and Trevor's coming out on June 1 for a week. Scott and Chris are also going to be there then, and we're going to do some stuff in Halifax, and rent a car and drive around the coast. I'M SOOOOOO EXCITED!!!! I haven't been home since Christmas of 2006, and Mom and Simon have moved in to a new house since then. Well, it's not new, it's actually 100 years old, and I loooove old houses, so I'm excited to see it. And Chris has never had scallops!!! So I can't wait to cook a bunch of NS food for the boys, and show them my city. Only 108 days to go!
6. When I named my blog, "What I've Found", I was listening to the Saltwater CD. If you haven't heard of Saltwater, they were a full-year Crew Ministries team which included some people that are really special to me, and I love listening to the CD. (My only complaint about it is that Scott didn't sing enough on it, but he'll probably just roll his eyes at that... :)) Anyway, that line is in a song by Riley Armstrong, and it just popped out at me as being appropriate for a blog where I talk about the things I find in my day-to-day life.
So there you go, 6 random things! Hope you've enjoyed, especially Leah! :)
I'm going to tag...hum, well, I was going to tag Trevor, but since he doesn't read my blog... :) how about Scott, Christine, Lauren and Anne Marie. If I didn't tag you, and you wish I had, I didn't know you read my blog and/or have one of your own, so reply here and let me know!
Friday, February 02, 2007
May the Force be With You
Everybody all together now... "and also with you"... :)
Well, it's been a while since I sat down and watched my three favourite movies - actually, I think that's what I did for my 24th birthday, so it's been a few years. My dad just moved to a new place, and wanted to buy a new tv for it, a 52-inch, so he gave us his 42-inch and the speakers and such to go with it. So in honour of this momentous occasion I've decided to treat myself to a marathon viewing of the original trilogy - hooray! Trevor rolled his eyes, but a few of my friends are joining me in my madness.
Did you know that there's a new Dark Lord of the Sith? Han and Leia's son Jacen is all grown up, and thinks that the best way to rid the galaxy of evil is to fight it on it's own playing field. A noble goal, but we all know that the dark side doesn't work like that. To vote on a name for this new Darth, check out www.darthwho.com. I voted for Darth Praxis - knowing Jacen's desire to use the dark side to bring light, and Praxis made me think of the Latin word "pax", which means peace - it seemed like a logical choice! We shall see what the other fans think...
Check this out... http://blog.scifi.com/tech/archives/2007/01/12/look_sir_droids.html
If there's a normal, unpretentious home theater projector out there in the universe, this is the projector it's farthest from. Star Wars fans will be knocking each other over to get to Nikko's R2-D2 DVD projector, which shoots video out of its eye onto a separate screen (it would have been perfect if it used the hologram-projector port, though). The resolution is only 800 x 600 pixels (south of high-def), but speakers are built in, and so is a DVD player as well as an iPod dock. And it wouldn't be R2 if he didn't move — you can make him follow you anywhere.
Say, have we mentioned the remote control? A replica of the Millenium Falcon — it's a riot in its own right. The controls pop out of the engines… too sweet. For that extra Jedi atmosphere, be sure to pick up a Darth Vader popcorn machine.
http://blog.scifi.com/tech/archives/2006/02/02/snacking_turns.htm
The R2-D2 projector is due in stores as early as the spring for a little more than 2 Gs.
— Peter Pachal
So much fun! And there's a new book out by Timothy Zahn, who wrote the first Star Wars novels ever, and it's set early in the days of the Rebellion - with the universe expanding so fast due to the prequels and the New Jedi Order series about Han and Leia's and Luke and Mara's kids, it's nice to get back to the original characters. I'm really looking forward to reading it.
By the way, I'm in the market for a lightsaber - for someone reason that's not something that people seem to think about when they think about what to get me for Christmas, but I'd love to have one to add to my two shelves of books and other bits of random Star Wars paraphernalia.
So there's a look inside my Star Wars fetish for you - I'm just a sci fi geek at heart! :)
Well, it's been a while since I sat down and watched my three favourite movies - actually, I think that's what I did for my 24th birthday, so it's been a few years. My dad just moved to a new place, and wanted to buy a new tv for it, a 52-inch, so he gave us his 42-inch and the speakers and such to go with it. So in honour of this momentous occasion I've decided to treat myself to a marathon viewing of the original trilogy - hooray! Trevor rolled his eyes, but a few of my friends are joining me in my madness.
Did you know that there's a new Dark Lord of the Sith? Han and Leia's son Jacen is all grown up, and thinks that the best way to rid the galaxy of evil is to fight it on it's own playing field. A noble goal, but we all know that the dark side doesn't work like that. To vote on a name for this new Darth, check out www.darthwho.com. I voted for Darth Praxis - knowing Jacen's desire to use the dark side to bring light, and Praxis made me think of the Latin word "pax", which means peace - it seemed like a logical choice! We shall see what the other fans think...
Check this out... http://blog.scifi.com/tech/archives/2007/01/12/look_sir_droids.html
If there's a normal, unpretentious home theater projector out there in the universe, this is the projector it's farthest from. Star Wars fans will be knocking each other over to get to Nikko's R2-D2 DVD projector, which shoots video out of its eye onto a separate screen (it would have been perfect if it used the hologram-projector port, though). The resolution is only 800 x 600 pixels (south of high-def), but speakers are built in, and so is a DVD player as well as an iPod dock. And it wouldn't be R2 if he didn't move — you can make him follow you anywhere.
Say, have we mentioned the remote control? A replica of the Millenium Falcon — it's a riot in its own right. The controls pop out of the engines… too sweet. For that extra Jedi atmosphere, be sure to pick up a Darth Vader popcorn machine.
http://blog.scifi.com/tech/archives/2006/02/02/snacking_turns.htm
The R2-D2 projector is due in stores as early as the spring for a little more than 2 Gs.
— Peter Pachal
So much fun! And there's a new book out by Timothy Zahn, who wrote the first Star Wars novels ever, and it's set early in the days of the Rebellion - with the universe expanding so fast due to the prequels and the New Jedi Order series about Han and Leia's and Luke and Mara's kids, it's nice to get back to the original characters. I'm really looking forward to reading it.
By the way, I'm in the market for a lightsaber - for someone reason that's not something that people seem to think about when they think about what to get me for Christmas, but I'd love to have one to add to my two shelves of books and other bits of random Star Wars paraphernalia.
So there's a look inside my Star Wars fetish for you - I'm just a sci fi geek at heart! :)
Monday, January 29, 2007
Break Forth 2007
Check out my pictures! Trevor took all the ones of Casting Crowns, Bob and AJ and Starfield, and I took the rest. I had some fun with the old buildings around Edmonton, but it was so cold out I had to stop cause my fingers were getting too cold to push the buttons! It was COOOOLD there, and there was shin-deep snow in the neighbourhood where we were staying - big switch from the 13 degree weather in Calgary when we left on Thursday!
http://picasaweb.google.com/michelleheumann/BreakForth2007
So much to tell, and not nearly enough time - it was a LOT of work, and I doubt that I'd do the volunteer thing again, but I did get to go to some really great sessions and hear some good music, so it was a good weekend overall. I'm exhausted now though!
I was helping my Dad pack to move last night, and he's given us his 42-inch TV, cause he's getting a 52-inch for his new place. It's very big and I may have to rearrange the whole living room now though... :)
http://picasaweb.google.com/michelleheumann/BreakForth2007
So much to tell, and not nearly enough time - it was a LOT of work, and I doubt that I'd do the volunteer thing again, but I did get to go to some really great sessions and hear some good music, so it was a good weekend overall. I'm exhausted now though!
I was helping my Dad pack to move last night, and he's given us his 42-inch TV, cause he's getting a 52-inch for his new place. It's very big and I may have to rearrange the whole living room now though... :)
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Drumroll, Please!
My Legal Assistant Certificate came in the mail this week - hooray! After about 2.5 years of night classes, I am VERY glad to be done! I finished with at 3.5 GPA, which was not as impressive as I'd been hoping for, but certianly respectable. I also had my one-year review at work last week, which was short and sweet. They like me, my only real complaint is something the office manager is working on already, and I got a raise! So that's all good. Except...tomorrow's Monday, and I'm not ready for the weekend to be over yet!
At least it will be a short week - we're leaving Thursday afternoon for Break Forth, and I am SOOOOOO excited. I love going to Break Forth, and Casting Crowns being there makes it that much more exciting. Plus I'll get to see my friend Sarah who I don't get to hang out with very often, so that's also exciting. Oh, and did I mention the road trip with Scott and Trevor? That will be entertaining as always! :)
Hopefully I will take tons of pictures with my exciting new camera, and I'll update y'all when I get back! If you get a chance, prayer for good driving conditions would be much appreciated!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Stars on Ice
Stars On Ice:
Throughout his spectacular career, Brian Orser has helped define figure skating in Canada, served as an inspiration to other legends of the sport including Kurt Browning and Elvis Stojko, and thrilled Canadian fans from coast to coast. This spring, those fans will be able to celebrate with him as he tours for the final time in his career with 2007 HSBC Stars on Ice Presented by Smucker’s.
The Saddledome
Date: Monday, April 16, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
Price: Lower Bowl: $56.40
So there's no way on earth I can convince Trevor to go with me - anyone else interested? I'm sure the tickets will be going fast, so let me know!
Throughout his spectacular career, Brian Orser has helped define figure skating in Canada, served as an inspiration to other legends of the sport including Kurt Browning and Elvis Stojko, and thrilled Canadian fans from coast to coast. This spring, those fans will be able to celebrate with him as he tours for the final time in his career with 2007 HSBC Stars on Ice Presented by Smucker’s.
The Saddledome
Date: Monday, April 16, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
Price: Lower Bowl: $56.40
So there's no way on earth I can convince Trevor to go with me - anyone else interested? I'm sure the tickets will be going fast, so let me know!
Friday, January 12, 2007
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
New Year, New Things
It's been a while! Things have gone absolutely NUTTY at work - I can't even begin to tell you... Actually, I really can't - I am bound by lawyer/client confidentiality, but suffice it to say that Christmas is apparently a breaking point for a lot of relationships on the brink...very sad... :(
I've been meaning to write a post about the New Year and what it might have in store, so I may as well do that now, while I'm here and somewhat focused!
This was my email devo I got on December 31...
This is what the Lord says, ... "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."
- Isaiah 43:16,18-19
THOUGHT: The year is gone, finished, past. We cannot reclaim it or undo it. We cannot rest on the great distance it has brought us. If tomorrow dawns, it will be another day, a new opportunity, and the time to show our faith in Jesus as Lord. Let's journey forward, knowing that God already inhabits the future and promises to provide us refreshment on our journey there.
PRAYER: Lord of all eternity, please help me to learn from my mistakes this past year, but not to dwell on them. Please help me not rest on my accomplishments in this past year, but use them to further your work in me and through me. Please help me not quarrel with those who injured me yesterday, last month, or this past year.
Instead, O Father, lead me in your paths and help me see your mighty works this next year. In Jesus' name and by his power I ask it. Amen.
Christmas/my birthday/new years is a pretty introspective time for me - having three major occasions all on top of each other like that is a lot to think about. What have I done with the last year? What do I have to show for 26 years of life, anyway? This year wasn't such a crisis moment for me (not like turning 25 was, anyway...oh my, that was a hard one) - the feedback from the kids at Survivor in December really made me feel like I've done something with my life. I've grown and changed more this last year then I have in a very long time, and it was good. I really have a sense of peace about the things that last year brought.
But now I'm restless - what is going to happen next? I don't like just sitting around and watching TV, as entertaining as that is! I want to be doing something that will leave behind a legacy of God's love when I'm gone. What's God bringing along for me this year?
And I've just got itchy feet, plain and simple! On January 29th, I'll have lived in Calgary for eight years, which is a very long time for me. I've moved around a lot - I was born in Comox, and we left there for Greenwood NS when I was about three. We lived there for about 5 or 6 years, and then we moved to Halifax, where we lived for about 4 years. Then it was off to Victoria for about 4 years. So eight years is the longest I've lived in one place, and I'm really feeling the need for a change. Switching jobs last year helped a bit with the restlessness, but now that I've been there for almost a year, the novelty is wearing off, and I want to really change things up.
So we shall see where God takes me this year - I know what I want, and I'm really hoping it's what He wants! :) Here's to an eventful 2007 - may it be full of living life to the fullest and serving God wherever He takes me!
I've been meaning to write a post about the New Year and what it might have in store, so I may as well do that now, while I'm here and somewhat focused!
This was my email devo I got on December 31...
This is what the Lord says, ... "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."
- Isaiah 43:16,18-19
THOUGHT: The year is gone, finished, past. We cannot reclaim it or undo it. We cannot rest on the great distance it has brought us. If tomorrow dawns, it will be another day, a new opportunity, and the time to show our faith in Jesus as Lord. Let's journey forward, knowing that God already inhabits the future and promises to provide us refreshment on our journey there.
PRAYER: Lord of all eternity, please help me to learn from my mistakes this past year, but not to dwell on them. Please help me not rest on my accomplishments in this past year, but use them to further your work in me and through me. Please help me not quarrel with those who injured me yesterday, last month, or this past year.
Instead, O Father, lead me in your paths and help me see your mighty works this next year. In Jesus' name and by his power I ask it. Amen.
Christmas/my birthday/new years is a pretty introspective time for me - having three major occasions all on top of each other like that is a lot to think about. What have I done with the last year? What do I have to show for 26 years of life, anyway? This year wasn't such a crisis moment for me (not like turning 25 was, anyway...oh my, that was a hard one) - the feedback from the kids at Survivor in December really made me feel like I've done something with my life. I've grown and changed more this last year then I have in a very long time, and it was good. I really have a sense of peace about the things that last year brought.
But now I'm restless - what is going to happen next? I don't like just sitting around and watching TV, as entertaining as that is! I want to be doing something that will leave behind a legacy of God's love when I'm gone. What's God bringing along for me this year?
And I've just got itchy feet, plain and simple! On January 29th, I'll have lived in Calgary for eight years, which is a very long time for me. I've moved around a lot - I was born in Comox, and we left there for Greenwood NS when I was about three. We lived there for about 5 or 6 years, and then we moved to Halifax, where we lived for about 4 years. Then it was off to Victoria for about 4 years. So eight years is the longest I've lived in one place, and I'm really feeling the need for a change. Switching jobs last year helped a bit with the restlessness, but now that I've been there for almost a year, the novelty is wearing off, and I want to really change things up.
So we shall see where God takes me this year - I know what I want, and I'm really hoping it's what He wants! :) Here's to an eventful 2007 - may it be full of living life to the fullest and serving God wherever He takes me!
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
"Calgary's oil rush rash"
By ROB GRANATSTEIN
CALGARY -- Welcome to a city that's going boom and Kaboom! at the same time.
Everyone in Canada knows about the boom sweeping Alberta that has Calgary rolling in money. Oil is gold right now, and there's lots fuelling the economy here.
The streets are filled with shoppers dumping loads of cash on big-screen HDTVs and $60,000 pick-up trucks. If you've got it, flaunt it and they certainly are.
There are jobs for everyone. Unemployment is a tiny 3.4% and falling. Ontario's is 6.3%.
It may look perfect, but there's an underlying problem. There aren't enough people to do the day-to-day jobs necessary or enough places for the gold-rushers to live.
Let's start with the jobs. Try to find a taxi in this town. Good luck. Has your car ended up in the ditch in the snowstorm? Abandon it until summer because there aren't enough tow trucks to yank you out. The airport shuttle you're waiting for? Keep waiting. The business shut down at the end of November after its proprietor couldn't find enough people to drive the buses.
Anyone who wants to drive for a living has left town for the big money driving gargantuan gravel trucks in Fort McMurray.
Shop 'till you drop doesn't apply. There aren't enough people to man the stores. Over Christmas, malls actually reduced hours.
Beds in Calgary's hospitals are being closed due to nursing shortages.
Construction workers are in high demand. Need something fixed? Good luck.
EnCana announced plans to build a 59-storey, $1 billion office tower in the heart of the city and everyone wondered who would build it.
Traffic? It stinks. It's a city allergic to public transit, but is finding the cure must come as gridlock strangles the town.
Then there's the homeless here in Boomtown. There are about 3,500 homeless people in Calgary, up 32% in the last two years. There aren't even enough places for the employed to live in some cases. Rents have soared while vacancies plummeted. Shelters are at capacity. The city just took over an abandoned Brick furniture store to house up to 300 people a night. People are picked up downtown, shuttled to the human warehouse, then bused back downtown in the morning.
Unlike Toronto, where it seems like the homeless are on every street corner, Calgary's homeless are grouping together and becoming a menace to citizens walking on paths along the Bow River downtown. I watched this summer as a group of boozy men went after a bicyclist, then told me the path was not a safe place to walk my baby.
Calgary even had to enact a public behaviour bylaw, fining those who spit, brawl, loiter or urinate in public. How civilized.
Most disturbing is while the residents in the city and province are rocking and rolling, and provincial government coffers are overflowing, the schools are crumbling and there aren't enough rinks or community centres for the people who have arrived. And at the same time, the province handed everyone $400 in Ralph Bucks for a job well done -- that is watching the price of oil soar.
Calgary is drowning in the troubles brought on by explosive growth.
And remember, this is an economy built on one industry. It's like a unicyclist balancing an entire province's future on his shoulders.
Just one oil field being put on hold could have a devastating effect. It seems hard to fathom with $10 billion in oil sands projects on the books, but a bust has hit here before.
You might recall the last boom in Alberta, and its devastating pop. "Please God, send us another oil boom, and this time I promise not to piss it all away," the popular bumper stickers read.
Those who lived through the first boom in the '70s and bust in the '80s are playing it a little safer.
As for the gold rushers who have flocked to Alberta, could history be repeating itself or will it just be the fact no one's around to service them that will cripple Calgary this time?
If you're heading for the hills be warned: This isn't the promised land you might have expected.
www.torontosun.com
CALGARY -- Welcome to a city that's going boom and Kaboom! at the same time.
Everyone in Canada knows about the boom sweeping Alberta that has Calgary rolling in money. Oil is gold right now, and there's lots fuelling the economy here.
The streets are filled with shoppers dumping loads of cash on big-screen HDTVs and $60,000 pick-up trucks. If you've got it, flaunt it and they certainly are.
There are jobs for everyone. Unemployment is a tiny 3.4% and falling. Ontario's is 6.3%.
It may look perfect, but there's an underlying problem. There aren't enough people to do the day-to-day jobs necessary or enough places for the gold-rushers to live.
Let's start with the jobs. Try to find a taxi in this town. Good luck. Has your car ended up in the ditch in the snowstorm? Abandon it until summer because there aren't enough tow trucks to yank you out. The airport shuttle you're waiting for? Keep waiting. The business shut down at the end of November after its proprietor couldn't find enough people to drive the buses.
Anyone who wants to drive for a living has left town for the big money driving gargantuan gravel trucks in Fort McMurray.
Shop 'till you drop doesn't apply. There aren't enough people to man the stores. Over Christmas, malls actually reduced hours.
Beds in Calgary's hospitals are being closed due to nursing shortages.
Construction workers are in high demand. Need something fixed? Good luck.
EnCana announced plans to build a 59-storey, $1 billion office tower in the heart of the city and everyone wondered who would build it.
Traffic? It stinks. It's a city allergic to public transit, but is finding the cure must come as gridlock strangles the town.
Then there's the homeless here in Boomtown. There are about 3,500 homeless people in Calgary, up 32% in the last two years. There aren't even enough places for the employed to live in some cases. Rents have soared while vacancies plummeted. Shelters are at capacity. The city just took over an abandoned Brick furniture store to house up to 300 people a night. People are picked up downtown, shuttled to the human warehouse, then bused back downtown in the morning.
Unlike Toronto, where it seems like the homeless are on every street corner, Calgary's homeless are grouping together and becoming a menace to citizens walking on paths along the Bow River downtown. I watched this summer as a group of boozy men went after a bicyclist, then told me the path was not a safe place to walk my baby.
Calgary even had to enact a public behaviour bylaw, fining those who spit, brawl, loiter or urinate in public. How civilized.
Most disturbing is while the residents in the city and province are rocking and rolling, and provincial government coffers are overflowing, the schools are crumbling and there aren't enough rinks or community centres for the people who have arrived. And at the same time, the province handed everyone $400 in Ralph Bucks for a job well done -- that is watching the price of oil soar.
Calgary is drowning in the troubles brought on by explosive growth.
And remember, this is an economy built on one industry. It's like a unicyclist balancing an entire province's future on his shoulders.
Just one oil field being put on hold could have a devastating effect. It seems hard to fathom with $10 billion in oil sands projects on the books, but a bust has hit here before.
You might recall the last boom in Alberta, and its devastating pop. "Please God, send us another oil boom, and this time I promise not to piss it all away," the popular bumper stickers read.
Those who lived through the first boom in the '70s and bust in the '80s are playing it a little safer.
As for the gold rushers who have flocked to Alberta, could history be repeating itself or will it just be the fact no one's around to service them that will cripple Calgary this time?
If you're heading for the hills be warned: This isn't the promised land you might have expected.
www.torontosun.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)