Joy, Joy, Joy and Knox Church

I am going to see Martin Sexton on February 5, 2011. What a wonderful last show to see before I leave the prairies and mountains for the desert and heat.

Bring on the Water Works.

I am sitting here in Starbucks yet again, finding myself holding back tears as it has finally hit me that I am leaving in less than 3 months. How could I have known that putting together a simple Christmas List for my Mom would make me get so emotional. For those of you who don't know, in February I am going to Kuwait to do an internship and complete my Diploma in International Community Development. As much as I am so excited about this, and what is in store for me over there, I am starting to think about everyone I will be leaving behind and coming face to face with the fact that there is a very strong possibility that this will end up being my life. How scary is that? Facing my future! It's making me become very sentimental at the moment, especially because my thought process at the moment is stuff like: "This could be my last Christmas in Canada for a long time!" If this is how I am feeling now, imagine what a wreck I will be when it comes time to actually leave!

please God give me strength

Do you see the Opportunity?

I started a new class today on Women and Community Development and came across this video while doing some of my research. I am blessed to be a women living in North America with so much opportunity at my fingertips, but there are so many others who never will know what it is like to go to school, own a home, earn a decent living. This video is a reminder to me of why I want to get into International Community Development, to improve who these women could be.

In Remembrance

Well dear friends. I think it is finally safe to say that Christmas is in the air (unless you are American, you still have to wait until Thanksgiving is over suckassss). With yesterday being Remembrance Day, I am now free to start listening to Christmas music, wear Christmas sweaters and buy Christmas gifts.

And as much as I do love Christmas (I have already been way too tempted to buy the cute Starbucks tree ornaments), I was not able to fully appreciate the purpose of Remembrance Day because I had to work! I was not able to join in with the thousands of Canadians for a moment of silence, or give myself the time to reflect on what the many brave Canadians before me have done so that I may live in a country of peace. How often do I forget those who gave their lives for Canada?

And for that matter, how often do I forget my family members who served their countries? I am so thankful for them and the roles they have played in history. I have been lucky to grow up hearing stories from my grandparents about life during WWII and the parts they played. My Papa was part of the Navy and my Nana welded bombs. I could not imagine living through that time like they did. Having to carry gas masks around with them all the time, retreating to bomb shelters during the air-raids, blacking our their windows. It is a time that has shaped them and still leaves an imprint on them today. I am so thankful for everyone's contributions during that time, so that I can live today.

2 years ago I was able to go to a Concentration Camp when I was travelling around Europe. Actually standing where so much hatred and destruction had taken place, seeing all the memorials for the people whose lives had been taken really put things into perspective for me. Living in Canada, far away from conflict, has made it easy to not actually grasp all that has and is really happening in the world. Yes, we learn about these wars in school, and the key people through out those times, but I don't know if we really are able to embrace the full effect of what happened until we see it first hand. I really wish that I had been able to also see Vimy Ridge and the Canadian Memorial there. Perhaps someday.

Even though the thought of war makes me sick and breaks my heart, I thank those who have courageously given their lives, and who serve in order to protect our land. It will never be forgotten.

O Canada!

Our home and native land!

True patriot love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,

The True North strong and free!

From far and wide,

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free!

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

Love Marriage: Wilbur Sargunaraj- Official Music Video

I love Calgary. I really do. I feel like I have the best of everything. Mountains, city life, prairies, I mean, does it get any better? Just the other day I had the privilege of looking out my window only to see a spectacular chinook arch over the mountains. I wish I had my camera with me to take in the beautiful mix of clouds, mountains and sunset colors that I am seeing right now. It really does not get any better that this! Oh wait, it does! I'm going to stay overnight in Banff this weekend. Wonderful.

This past week I was on Mom duty, taking care of three kids while their parents and older sister were out of town. This is the 3rd time I have acted as "Mom" for these kids, and wow, I never knew what hard work being a mom could be! So respect to all the mommies out there. Especially those who work and then come home to their "mommy duties." I have found myself having to take a nap everyday in order to make it through! I also find it so funny to watch the way that siblings interact with each other, seeing the role that birth order plays into a child's personality. The joys of being a "mother."

I've noticed that I have been going a little video crazy these past couple days. I just can't help myself, Japanese television is too good not to share! And so, now I bring to you, another cultural video experience in the form of a catchy tune! This guy is brilliant, he has tons of videos and songs and uses them all to teach people about CQ (Cultural Intelligence)!

Zombie VS Japanese Kids

Actually one of the funniest things I have ever seen. These kids mean business.

Japanese Penguin Robot

Please note the sound effect used for the penguins walking. =)

Aahah...soooo cute!

I think i am going to have to have a new monthly (or maybe WEEKLY!) baby feature. I mean, this is just to cute to resist putting up. I am now going to spend the rest of my evening looking up baby vids on youtube.

i know i know, you all envy my life.

Ephesians 1.15-18

Friends,

I thank God and pray for you constantly.

Mayor Elect

So, this morning I had the wonderful privilege to attend the 42nd Annual Leadership Prayer Breakfast here in Calgary. Here's a breakdown of how my morning went:

530am Woke up and pressed the snooze button

545am Actually got up and made myself presentable

630am Left house to go Downtown

658am Arrived at the Westin Hotel

705am Met Darryl Janz of CFCN News woohoo!

715am The new Mayor-Elect of Calgary Arrived!

928am Met and talked to "His Worship"(yes that is what the program said) Mr. Naheed Nenshi!

Yep, that's right, I met the new Mayor this morning. Not only is he super personable and smily, but let me tell you, this prayer breakfast was his FOURTH event of the morning. Can you imagine having 3 other meetings all before 7am? What a trooper!

All in all, it was a pretty cool event to attend. I mean, how often is it that you get to come together for a morning of fellowship with other high profile (Christian) leaders of your city? There is something so powerful about it. And it was a great reminder that as Christians we need to be praying for the leadership of our city, province and country. Even if you don't like what they are doing, or support their platforms, they are still the leaders that we have chosen and we need to put our faith and support in them. Be encouraged friends, lets pray for our leaders.

Gianna Jessen

I watched this video last night before I went to bed, and it filled my heart with joy this morning to see it circulating around Facebook. It is really a powerful 16 minutes. I encourage you to watch the whole thing, this women is such a strong voice in a divided world.

Prayer

I have decided that when it comes blogging, I really need to improve. So this is my early New Years resolution: To have at least 5 blog posts/month. We will see how this goes, October will be the trial run.

-You see, I am supposed to be going away in February on Internship for school, and I know that if I do not learn to blog regularly, all of you will surely suffer from the lack of updates on my life...right??

As this whole internship thing draws nearer, I had been finding myself more and more stressed out over the fact that I still do not have a set in stone, completely finalized internship yet. But within a week, that stress had gone from 10 (high) to 3. God sure does move in mysterious ways, for which I can only reply "Thank you."

Today in class we had an interesting discussion on the things that keep us from prayer. Up until today I had really been on the fence about whether or not I enjoyed this particular class, and today made up my mind. You see my professor was sick today, so she was trying to use her voice as little as possible, and what better way to do that then to make your students do the talking? I know it's not everyone's problem, but my prayer and devotion time has always been something that I have struggled with. There are so many things in this world that draw down on our lives, leaving us tired, busy or distracted to the point where filling ourselves in a spiritual way becomes our last priority. To the point where is almost seems like a chore. My conclusion from the class is one that I've known in my mind for a long time, but have not accepted in my heart. It is not that I have to make the time to spend with God, it's that I get to spend time with God.

My New Hobby??

Let me just say, if I had a dog, I would so want it to look like a Tiger or a Panda. China, you have come up with the Coolest Hobby EVER!

A new kind of Yoda.

As some of you may know, I really love Star Wars. So imagine my delight when I stumbled upon this little treasure this morning: Star Wars Yoga. Thank you WebUrbanist for making my morning complete!

Newlyweds.

So tonight, I have Newlyweds staying in my bedroom...and we allllllllll know what that means. Good thing I am housesitting this week, and that they have the whole basement to themselves. Ahhh...marriage.

As much as it is kind of weird to think that my bed will be host to their sleeping habits, it has been kinda fun getting ready for their arrival. Trying to figure out how to make my work-in-progress of a room seem somewhat romantic...but not TOO romantic at the same time. My mom and I first thought it would be fun to get some rose petals and sprinkle them on the bed, but we couldn't find any nice flowers at the store, so we had to make due with Lindt chocolate. For anyone who has seen the movie Chocolat this choice could prove to be just as overly romantic as rose petals.

It really is such a nice treat to have this couple come to stay with us though. My family just got back from their wedding on the weekend and it will be really nice to get to spend some quality time with them over the next couple days, as weddings make it hard to say much more than "Congrats, everything was so beautiful!" I am also excited about hitting up some Stampede events and possibly even Calaway Park with them, even if it does make me a third wheel. =)

Sitting, Waiting, Wishing

First things first: Website of the Day! Temple Bags. I covet everything that this guy makes. Whenever I go on this website, I am overcome with a huge desire to create. The creator of all these wonderful items is a guy named Steve Opperman (cool fact, I know his parents!) and over the years I have watched from a far as he has evolved from a designer of jeans, to a maker of bags. He uses a lot of old army materials for his products, so they have a new/vintage feel to them. Now, if only I could come up with the cash to buy one of his unique bags! Anyway, check out his blog/website, I promise you won't be disappointed!

So, last night I went and check out this new country bar called "Stockyard" and I must say, when Stampede week rolls around, this place is going to be packed! It was a lot of fun to feel the country in me come alive again, seeing people two-step their way around the dance floor, people singing along to all the classic country tunes that were being played. It got me itching to make my way to a Lammle's and by all the western wear my back account could afford! My brief couple hours there got me all excited for when the "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth" hits our fair city in a month. I cannot wait to get all decked out and hit the Rodeo. It also got me excited about starting my new job at Montana's. It seems that the great ol' west is just following me everywhere I go.

Recently, I've been hearing a lot about people's disappointment in this summers movies. They are just not living up to the hype. Personally there are just a handful of them that I actually want to see, maybe everyone is feeling the same way. But, even though many of these films are not doing as well as they expected (Sex and the City 2; MacGruber; Robin Hood) I have seen some good ones:

Iron Man 2 - Entertaining as always, and who doesn't love a bit of RDJ added to their night.

Prince of Persia - Fun and full of adventure, reminded me a lot of Pirates of the Caribbean, probably due to the fact that they are both Disney Movies.

Get Him to the Greek - I was actually really surprised at how good this movie was, I laughed the whole way through.

Summer is just beginning, so hopefully, the lack of good movies lately will vanish as soon as June 21 hits. There looks like a couple promising ones:

Knight and Day - Will Tom Cruise make his way back to the top of the Box Office again?

Inception - I am anxiously awaiting this one. Leo is gold.

Salt - Tom Cruise was supposed to be in this one, but once he backed out they called in Ms. Jolie-Pitt. Who doesn't like a good action film with her in it?

Morning Glory - Ok, ok this one could be a toss up, it's one of my more girly choices, but it does have a good cast, Diane Keaton, Rachel McAdams and Harrison Ford!

The Other Guys - Will Ferrell/Marky Mark 'nough said.

The Expendables - Ok, how can this one not be good?! Jason Statham, Jet Li, Mickey Rourke, Governor Arnold and Mr. Sylvester Stallone. Needless to say, this will be EPIC.

Eat, Pray, Love - My other girly choice for the summer. I just finished the book, I can not wait to be reunited with the sights and sounds of Italy and Indonesia.

I hope that my summer entertainment will not be limited to just movies, but until I get my work schedule I can't make any other exciting plans. Hopefully I will have some fun weekend road trips to mix it up!

Will it ever be Summer?

Here I am sitting in Starbucks once again, trying to get stuff done. (You know that you come here too often when you start to know the Baristas on a first name basis!) Rocky Mountain College asked me to write a blurb about my experience at Rocky, what I'm learning, what my future looks like (ect) and wouldn't you know I left it to the last minute. Sign number one that I am ready for it to be summer. It doesn't help that I am barely able to get my head into the zone in able to complete my last online course for the spring. Sign number two that I should be on Summer Vacation. It probably wasn't a very good idea for me to take all my summer vacations at the beginning of May. Sign number three that my body has been ready for Summer since May 11!

I would also like to draw to everyones attention that I am now officially 22. Yesterday sealed the deal. I feel like a dinosaur, and so I am making a plan to go to the Royal Tyrell Museum to commemorate my old age! Nothing says birthday celebration better than million year old bones! My mother got me a really great cookbook which I am beyond excited to use. The instructions in it are so specific there is no way that I will ever be able to give anyone food poisoning. So come one, come all, to my house for some extravagant feasts! I mean, I'm 22 now, it's about time that I learned how to do some proper cooking!

YYZ and Me

Well folks, my NYC trip has come to an end. It was a great week, I saw pretty much everything I wanted to (aside from Central Park because it was pouring the day I went, my shoes were soaked and I was grumpy so I just walked past it looking in) and had a wonderful visit with Suzanne. It was awesome to see her there, living her dream! I think the highlight of my trip would be all the naked people I saw, (please note the sarcasm) even though it was all in the name of art, it still doesn't take away the shock caused to my body haha! As much as I did love my time in New York, and as much as I will miss Suzy, I was so happy to arrive back in Canada today. Oh Canada, how I missed thee. I don't know how I expect to survive away from you for 8 months next year! **Side Note** If you do ever go to New York, I thoroughly enjoyed my little side trip to Philly (2hr bus ride away, less than 20$ RT), and if I had planned a little better, I would have even gone for a day trip to Washington, D.C. too (4.5hrs away)! It's nice have such historic towns so close! ** Anyway, pictures will soon be up on facebook, as soon as I am back in Calgary and have time to upload them!

In the meantime though, I will be spending the next 6 days in the Toronto area! Actually, I am currently in the Toronto Pearson Airport as, I, type! I flew in on, get this, LAN Airlines which is in fact a Chilean based airline. JFK-YYZ on a South American airline? How does that happen? It was great though! There was hardly anywhere on the HUGE jet we flew in, so I had two seats to myself for the whole hour long duration of my flight. SA-WEET. Also, the flight crew all spoke in Spanish first, then English. Talk about up in the air cultural experience! I got into Toronto at about 12:45, and I am waiting here for my mom to fly in from Calgary. She doesn't get in til 9:30; yeah, you do the math. Hella long wait batman. But its ok, aside from lugging all my bags around the airport (until I found a storage facility! woo) I have slowly been finding ways to occupy my time. Mostly with the aid of my laptop, which BTW you have to pay to have internet here. Lucky for them I HAD to buy into their little scheme because I had a paper to write for one of my summer classes. What is this world coming to?

So yeah, I have about 3 more hours to kill, and I have already watched both volumes of "Saturday Night Live: The Best of Will Ferrell". I hope the best of Christopher Walken finishes downloading quickly, or I might go crazy!

Getting Acquainted

It is funny how much a 2 hour time difference can affect you. Last night, I could not fall asleep, so I ended up finishing all my unpacking and planing out my week, which means I did not get to sleep until 3am, making my 7am wake up call very un-welcomed.

Eventually I got a move on my day, after taking a mid morning nap, and went for a walk downtown. I ended up walking all the way down Broadway St. to Ground Zero. Wow. I went to look at the construction that is being done on the same ground where the two towers once stood. I can not believe that so much pain and fear was placed upon this city, but you would never see it on the faces of the New Yorkers. They are strong, just walking by as if nothing had ever stood there before. Maybe they are just putting on a brave face. As I walked down Church Street peering through the construction barricades, I could feel the eerie presence of what happened in this place creep up on me. I started to remember about my September 11, 2001, where I was, and how I was affected. I went to the 9/11 Memorial Tribute Center, and was flooded with the memories of the thousands whose lives have been forever changed because of this event in history. There was no joy in this place, not that I expected there to be. Everyone is still very solemn. And it was then, as I gazed upon the pictures and read the stories of how that day unfolded that I was again hit with the reality of what has happened here in New York. The sorrow for the thousands lost that day poured over my heart in a way I had not felt in 2001.

On a cheerier note, tonight Suzy and I went to a bar called "O'Neals" which was used to film scenes for a bar called "Scout" in Sex and the City. And then, we went for a late dinner at her school restaurant called "L'ecole" which means "school" in french. Wow. My taste buds were spoiled tonight. It was a 5 course meal: Appetizer, Fish course, Meat course, Digestif and then Dessert. We almost could not finish everything, somehow we managed to power through the deliciousness of it all, including 3 extra dishes "compliments of the chef" haha. All in all, it was probably one of the best meals I have had, restaurant wise and I was able to taste dishes that I would not normally think to order. If only I could learn to cook like this, and not have to go to school for it.

Tomorrow I am off on a little side adventure, to PHILADELPHIA! Yes, I am going to see the Liberty Bell, and run up the Rocky steps. Can. Not. Wait.

NYC...almost

I am currently sitting in the YYC airport, anxiously awaiting to board my flight to EWR (NEW YORK CITY!!!!!!). I was actually supposed to be up in the air by now, but WestJet was not happy with the bridge (the thing that connects the terminal to the plane) and so we ALL had to switch to a gate at the other side of the terminal! Also, I never want to fly in the morning again, as I realized after waiting in the check-in line for 45 minutes that morning flights are the most popular. By the time I got through customs and security I barely had enough time to grab something to eat! But, now that I am nearly on my way to the glamourous and exciting city of New York, I can feel all the problems and frustrations of the morning just melting away. Oh, they are boarding us now! NEW YORK CITY, WATCH OUT!

A Couple of Thoughts, in no Particular Order

Alright, let me start off by saying, its 5:15 on April 8, 2010 and It. Is. SNOWING. I really don't have anything else to say about this other than fml.

Also, today as I was driving home from the many errands that I was running today, I started making a list of some of my recent favorite things in my life. So I thought I might share them with you.

1. Full Serve Gas Station. More specifically, Co-op. What is it about full serve that is just so good? Could it possibly be the fact that all you have to do it pull right up to the pump, roll down your window and merely state the amount you are willing to spend on gas that day while the attendant does the rest of the work? Laziness FTW.

2. Calgary Public Library. What is more wonderful than entering into a building and being surrounded by words, music, photos and film. Sure, they aren't as inspiring as finding a tiny book shoppe on a back street in some picturesque old town, but for 12$ a year and only a 2 minute drive from my house, it might as well be. I find myself there AT LEAST once a week. I have become addicted to "I Love Lucy" dvd's and just today borrowed my first "book on CD". "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert. So far its very interesting, I have been listening to it all afternoon while I re-organized my room, I think this will become a new habit of mine, listening to books while cleaning, or cooking. This will make me extra productive, excellent.

3. Baking. Yes, I love it.

4. Shopping for Kitchen Stuff/Bathroom Stuff/House Stuff. Homesense is my go to place for this, I am really good at finding amazing stuff on the clearance shelves, like my recent purchase of 4 stem-less wine glasses.

5. Wine. I have finally found a red wine that I enjoy (Jackson Triggs - Pinot Noir), and I am pleased to announce that I drank the whole bottle (quite the accomplishment, with the help of my beautiful new glasses). I also am always a fan of a good Gewürztraminer, delish!

6. Alone time. Love it. It's my re-fueling time.

Away from Her

Last night, I finally decided to sit down and watch the movie "Away from Her". I heard about this movie last year, and have been putting off watching it because of its subject matter. It is about a couple in their early 60's who are very much in love, Grant and Fiona. Early on it is discovered that Fiona has the beginnings of Alzheimer's and it quickly progresses to the point where she decides she wants to be put in a care facility. One of the rules of this facility is that once Fiona is admitted, Grant cannot come to visit her so that she can properly adjust to her new surroundings. When he finally comes to visit he realizes that she does not remember him, and not only that, but she has also formed a close attachment to another patient there named Aubrey. Day after day Grant comes to visit his wife, only to have to watch her with another man.

My heart broke watching this movie, I cried and cried and cried and cried. Anyone who knows me well, knows that I am not an emotional movie watcher, but this one hit me hard. There are a couple reason for this:

a) I have a history of this in my family.

b) I have a close family member who I believe has been showing warning signs of this disease.

c) In the past year, I have become more sensitive to the relational bond between two people known as love.

d) I find myself more and more being able to experience the emotions that others are going through (i.e. your spouse no longer remembering who you are and having to watch them fall in love with someone else).

A and B are the reasons I did not want to watch this movie, even though I know its a Hollywood interpretation of sorts, I was scared. I saw a lot of similarities in the behaviour of Fiona and that of my family member whose memory seems to be failing. I was also made even more so aware of how hard it is to watch see the light go out of someone you love so dearly. I have so much more respect for all those who are touched by this disease. So, as sad as I found the whole movie, I was able to gain strength from it, and be encouraged...sorta.

Tuesday's with Chai.

I am sitting here is Starbucks, attempting to start/finish my final Mount Royal essay until my spring semester begins. These past four weeks I have been taking a course with them which focuses on Faith-based Organizations (FBOs) in international community development. Pretty fascinating class actually as I am finding my faith being challenged and stretched every time I read a fellow classmates essay. It has been a long time since I have been in a secular school setting, and it has definitely taken some adjustment on my part. Especially in this course, I am finding myself continually frustrated and at times even angry with some of the things people have to say about religious organizations. Its almost as if I feel like their criticism is aimed directly at me! Often before I comment on their work, I find myself having to take a "cool down" moment first as to not completely lash out in a rebuttal against them. I am also amazed to see how just through the outlet of words, I can clearly see who in my class is a believer and who is not. I have connected with this one women who also has Alliance affiliations, and I really enjoy reading her work, knowing that I have something in common with at least one of my classmates. Anyway, it has been an interesting course, and now having completed 4 of them, I can definitely feel my thinking being changed and opened up to all the issues around me and how I can be used to make a difference!

I really should be getting back to writing this essay, but I feel like I need to practice my procrastination skills for a bit, make sure they are up to snuff! I have this cute middle aged couple sitting across from me. They both have a coffee, copies of today's Metro newspaper and are doing the crossword together. Secretly, I think they are racing to see who can complete it first. Every once and while I see them talking about possibilities for one of the answers, pretty cute if you ask me. Seriously, sometimes I just don't know how married people do it, staying together for 50+ years, HOW do they not run out of things to say and do together?! But as I sit and observe I can see that it is small activities like this that even though they may seem so trivial, they can be the cornerstones of a long lasting and fulfilling relationship. It's like, their "thing".

Also, I would just like to bring up yet again, spring is DEFINITELY here. I have deducted this fact due to the abnormally high amount of babies I was surrounded by in church this past Sunday, and the fact that I know of at least four people who have had babies in the last week! And now, I have a slight case of baby fever.

Ok, last comment, and then it's time to get back to schoolwork (*SIIG*). I promise, soon, soon, very soon I will put up pictures of some of the wonderful things I have baked in the last couple of weeks. I wouldn't say that breads are a strength of mine yet, but I did make some pretty tasty apple dumplings the other day! (Side Note: If you have not already done so as a child, the watching of "The Apple Dumpling Gang" is a great way to relive your childhood in the times of the great old west, as well as becoming familiar with the delicious apple and pastry treat! Don Knotts is gold in this.)

Wednesday.

I am just going to flat out say it. I have been blessed with three of the greatest girlfriends I could ever ask for. Truly truly, they are wonderful women. Even though we are all currently separated by land and ocean, I am excited for the reunions that will be happening in the coming months. Oh yes, world watch out. FAB FOUR on the loose.

Today, I am finding myself filled with joy. I woke up to the sun pouring through my window at 8am, hit the snooze button a couple of times and woke up early enough to have a slow leisurely enjoyable morning (unlike yesterday when I slept right though class). I even had time to make a pit stop at ye olde Starbucks on my way to class. And low and behold, Mr. Tanner B was working the bar and so I got a FREE venti passion tea lemonade (the drink of choice now since SPRING IS HERE!!!). What a great start to my morning.

Why Fast?

This morning marked my second day of fasting. I woke up this morning excitedly thinking about what I wanted to eat for breakfast, only to remember that I would have to wait until dinner to have something to sustain me (I am doing a one meal a day fast). But, as the day has gone on, I have found the desire for food has not been as strong as I thought it would. My body is actually sorta starting to enjoying itself, just 3 more days to go! This fast comes as I set out to make some important life/school decisions in the next week. Hopefully I will hear a clear word from God on all the matters that I am needing guidance on. My continued prayer this week is that God will be my sustenance in this time, and that as I seek out His will, I will also grow in my faith.

In food related news, the other night I made Greek bread! I will have to put up some pictures of my loaves soon, I was so proud of myself that they turned out ok. Next I want to make "beer bread" where you use beer instead of yeast! **Alex, you might just be coming to live at a house filled with fresh baked goods allllllll the time. I hope thats ok with you.

Intro.

Lets set the scene:

One month of school left.

10 days to figure out where to go for my internship next year.

9 more assignments to complete.

3 trips to plan for May.

Oh and about 17ish days til Alexandra's return.

Bring. It. On.

After spending 2 week of crazy fun and catching up, I have sent my little Suzy off to NYC to pursue her career as a Pastry Chef. And now I have the pleasure of looking forward to a visit from my favorite Vancouver inhabitant, Christa, and the return of my fellow exotic traveller Alexandra! What an exciting month this is turning out to be. Especially because Alex's return=me getting a new roommate!!! Let the bbqs, roadtrips and dance parties begin!

My year has just been filled with anticipation of what is to come next. Between the whirlwind of starting school again, and going away on an internship next year, I have learned to expect the unexpected and be joyful in it. I am currently trying to narrow down the location of where I will be going next year, I hope to be somewhere around the Mediterranean. In fact, I have decided to fast this week, to focus and devote myself to a lot more time of prayer about this. It will be interesting to see how this goes. I have only fasted once or twice, and each time it was only for one day and I was struggling. I can't imagine what it will be like from Monday to Friday. Eep!!

In other news, after being a mom this past week to 4 children, I have become more confident in my cooking skills! I even found myself looking up recipes the other night.

Oh no, I am turning into my mother? Haha.

I also have become quite obsessed with going to the library. I got a library card about a week and a half ago, and so far have visited the library 3 times. Yikes. Its wonderful though, I have been borrowing a lot of "I Love Lucy" dvd's. This is probably my favorite sit-com ever! Yes, it may be over 50 years old, but the comedy is fast, smart and hilarious! I also have started the newest Dan Brown novel, "The Lost Symbol". So far so good, typical Dan Brown, my guilty pleasure.

I have a lot on my book list for the summer already:

The Year of Living Biblically

Velvet Elvis

The Global Mission Handbook

(Some that I have started but never finished!)

The Count of Monte Cristo

Pride and Prejudice

Alice and Wonderland

My summer is just going to be jammmmm packkkked!