A Jewell in His Crown

Weekend photos

2007-05-22T20:53:00.001-04:00

The girls and I finally got a night up at the trailer this past weekend. Mom and Dad have upgraded to a larger trailer, with less sleeping quarters. We managed to make it work, though.

Shannon learned to mow the yard. Dad's thrilled in hopes that he can give up this duty at home soon. Bex is also ready to learn. Oddly, I have never learned, nor do I want to learn. My grass allergies are just too awful.

Shannon also built us our fire as Dad, Bex and I built the barbecue. It helps to move things along when you know you don't get fed until it's built. Bloody thing actually works too!

Good times.

Toronto FC

2007-05-22T20:50:00.001-04:00

The girls and I went to our first Toronto FC game on the weekend. They had a Sony fan of the game crew there who took this picture of us (which includes Bex's friend Mallory and Shannon's friend Erika). This was taken before the game and, fortunately, before my sunburn became too discernable.

I have tickets for another game at BMO Stadium in September. I think I might just leave the girls at home and take some friends. Hmmmm, sadly I don't think I have four friends for my four extra tickets. Here's a goal for me this summer . . . . make friends!

Teens

2007-05-22T20:39:00.001-04:00

Well, I've started to come to the realization that I'm a mother of a teenaged daughter. Although there are many perks (such as having more grown up conversation and being able to leave her home alone), there are challenges too. It would seem that although Bex looks like her father (we call her Tim bit) she has an awful lot of me in her. She's brilliant (of course, if she's like me), but LAZY. She's never had to work at school and has been on the honour roll all the way through . . . until now.

Of course, we'll truly see when the report card comes out next month if she's not, but she's not doing so well this semester. She's failed a few tests and has assignments overdue. I was not really aware of her school struggles until a teacher called me at work on Friday. Yes, it was at this moment that I really understood that Bex is a teenager. Of course, it could definitely be worse . . . . much worse . . . but it was bad enough. Bex was given an extension on an assignment. On Friday, when it was a month overdue, the teacher asked Bex for her work. My darling daughter replied with "I don't think I can do that".

Now, I'd love to be able to say that to an employer. David, you want me to run those reports for you? I don't think I can do that. Susan, you want me to set up these new accounts? I don't think I can do that. Definitely not a line that goes very far in real life . . . nor did it at school I might add.

Wrong as Bex was, she is taking her punishment very well. I have volunteered her for detention this week, have denied her computer privileges and she had to write a letter of apology to the teacher. I have also spoken to her principal, so she had a wee little chat with him today.

All in all I think the school understands that we are supportive of them in educating our daughter and our daughter understands that we are supportive of her in her education.

Again, things could be worse and I definitely know that. Do you suppose, however, this could just be the start of something bigger? Worse yet, I have always expected Shannon to be harder to deal with so what will she be like at this age?

Lord, please give me strength and wisdom. I think I'm going to need it . . . and a whole lot of patience would be good too, but I don't really want it tested to see how much of it I've got.

Wellness

2007-05-08T15:44:00.000-04:00

It may be well with my soul, but my insides are killing me. I went to a Unite in Worship conference on Saturday with four others from our worship team. What an awesome day! There were times when I was dizzy and blamed it on the euphoria, times when I was cold and blamed it on the fact that I was underdressed, but when the evening came and I was sweltering, dizzy and then cold I realized I might be catching something.

Sunday morning confirmed this for me. I was in the middle of our worship practice before church when I was doubled in pain. I managed to make it through the service . . . .barely, and ran home to climb into bed. Monday morning I was feeling better and got myself to work when I realized the pain was still there. Today. . . still there. I've now been to my doctor (okay, another doctor in the practice . . . my doctor's never available for a same-day appointment) who has sent me for a plethora of tests. I guess it will either get better or I'll have some answers next week.

I do need to go back to work and my family duties, so I could really use prayer right now.

Martha

2007-04-26T08:17:00.000-04:00

I need to post something here because Martha is long gone and yet the top of my page says she's here. She is, indeed, not here any longer.

What a whirlwind weekend we had when she was here, though. I ate so much and drove so much and rarely slept more than five hours. By the time she was gone, I was a wreck. I do not know how she made it through with her weary pregnant body.

Although I was physically a wreck, I most certainly was lifted up spiritually while she was here. Martha is not only family, but she's a dear friend. We can pick right up as though we never were apart. In fact, there were times when it felt as though we were right back to our late teens/early twenties. During some pretty trying times of struggle they are experiencing lately, I'm encouraged by Martha and her husband Dave's ability to keep their eyes focused on what God has planned for them. They both know He has something in store for them.

I already miss you Martha. I wish you were closer so we could just get together for tea and let our children run rampant together.

Next visitor . . . Martha's brother Jeff on May 4th. Another weekend that I will be at a conference in Brampton, however. This time it's a worship conference with Robin Mark, Brian Doerksen and Geoff Moore. I'm stoked!!

She's here!

2007-04-12T23:08:00.000-04:00

I had an uneventful drive to the airport and managed to find parking in the parkade without too much issue. I made note of where I parked the car (even noted it in my Blackberry). It was in F6.

Well, what I didn't notice was that there was also a great big number on the post telling me what floor I was on. I just assumed the 6 in the F6 was the floor number. I was WRONG!! It seemed so easy to get into the airport, but when we were walking to the car we had an option of going down a ramp to level 4, or up to levels 5 and up. So, we went up.

Finding no sign of an F6 there we got in an elevator and went to the 6th floor. Oddly, my car wasn't there either. The panic button was ineffective at locating my car on other floors it seems.

Fortunately, I found a nice young guy working there who directed me to a specific elevator and told me to go to level 4. Lo and behold, there was my car. I will never make fun of my ex for having done this to me twice in the past. Okay, I probably will make fun of him, but I just won't tell him about my not finding my own way back.

Anyhow, Martha is here, safe and sound. This weekend is just going to go by too quickly, I reckon.

A good laugh is good medicine

2007-04-06T22:24:00.000-04:00

Of course, having a father like mine is usually cause for a good laugh, but tonight had me in stitches. We (Mom, Dad and I) had a lovely dinner at Luke and Jen's and then a great time sitting about and bantering.

When we got into the car to come home, I won the esteemed chauffeur position (actually, I don't even fight this one any more . . . I have just accepted the fact that I'm the better driver). Anyhow, when we all got in the car the interior light was still on as was the door open sign. We all checked our doors and found that the front passenger door, where Dad was sitting, wouldn't latch. Dad slammed it a few times, but decided it would thaw as we were driving.

I have to say that I felt like we were in a Chevy Chase movie. There was just something about Dad gripping the door, which would open ever few seconds far enough to turn the interior light on and make the door open sign "ding". Many many jokes were made on the drive home (like Dad suggesting he could maybe get a deer with it), which seemed like an eternity at fifteen minutes.

Sure enough, when we pulled in the driveway . . . the door latched.

Murphy is alive and well!!

Which way is up?

2007-03-28T20:49:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I've been a very bad blogger . . . AGAIN! I tend to read other people's blogs, yet I spend no time talking about me and my life. Truth be told, I've been so busy I can hardly see straight.

Hmmm, where to start? Bex did not make the Waterloo soccer team. So, I called Guelph to register her for house league . . . they were full! Then I made a Saturday trip to Fergus to register her for their inter-city team. I was told the coach would call to let us know when the practice/tryouts were. No call came.

I knew that Kitchener A was looking for players, but as Bex didn't make the B team in Waterloo I figured that might be a stretch (and another blow to her self-esteem) so we didn't bother. Then I noticed that Kitchener B was looking for players. I guess they lost some to the A team. I called the coach and found out that he was all ready to make his final cuts, but he would give Bex a one-time shot at things on Monday night of this week. She was AWESOME!! Honestly, if she'd played like that in Waterloo there wouldn't have been any issue. Anyhow, she made the team. I'm happy for her, but man does this make my life hectic . . .

Monday - Bex westling after school and then soccer practice in Kitchener, Shannon practice in
Guelph
Tuesday - Worship team practice for me
Wednesday - Bex wrestling, Bex referee training 6:30 - 8:00, both girls soccer 8:30 - 10:00
Thursday - Bex practice in Kitchener (this is going to start interfering with youth group!)
Friday - Bex's birthday (she turned down refereeing two games this evening and a social in Kitchener)
Saturday - Youth group Amazing Race
Sunday - Church and dinner with friends (we were also supposed to have students over for lunch, but they cancelled due to exams

Above and beyond all this, I am studying for my Canadian Securities Course, which is like Greek to me. I'm currently in the chapter on economics, thus the time I found to blog! Yep, I'm really having issues getting through this chapter.

Calgon, take me away!!

I WANT to file my taxes

2007-02-28T22:39:00.000-05:00

Of course I do, because as a poverty stricken single mother in 2006 (by choice, of course) I am due a rather nice refund. I even qualified for free tax preparation using Quick Tax Web. I have prepared my own return and am ready to net file it . . . except . . . I can't bloody get it to be accepted at the CRA end.

Okay now, I understand that today is February 28 and there will be many companies filing their T4's, but won't there be many more people filing personal income tax returns on April 30? Does this mean they won't be able to do it because the government site can't handle the traffic? It would appear so. I called them last night (when I was first having problems) and they told me everything was working fine so what was my problem. Today, however, I had a sweet girl who tried this line at first "do you have a firewall that is preventing this?". Ummmmm, no, I just paid a bill in my online banking and checked my Mastercard balance so I think I can get into secure sites. Then she puts me on hold and comes back with this bit about the system being rather busy because it's the 28th.

I guess it's a good thing I still have two whole months to file this bloody thing. It just might take me that long to get through!

BRF - Psalm 119 (should I call this BRSaturday or even BRSunday?)

2007-02-25T01:29:00.000-05:00

Oh dear, a sheepish post is coming. I read the scripture daily, but I cannot put into words my thoughts in full.

All I can say is that I'm really pleased that I was given the challenge of reading this scripture daily. What perfect timing was it to read about the love of God's precepts, laws etc. when I was starting a new job and might forget that God is the sole provide of my needs (both physical and spiritual). Heck, I could read these passages daily from here to eternity and never find a day when they do not encourage or apply to my life and yet I am not even close in verbosity (like this new word of mine? A good scrabble word don't ya know) to the author of this book. I will constantly and consistently fall short of the mark.

Thank you to the ladies who started this group to reading our life manual and thank you God for leading me in this direction. Although I may have nothing of value to say or share about your word, you know that it is "a light unto my feet and a lamp unto my path". (Can y'all hear Amy Grant singing right now??? Yikes! I might be aging myself here. I know my girls (11 & 13) know the song, but they have not a clue who Amy Grant is. Yet, I digress!)

Back to the scriptures: I love your laws, I love your precepts etc. etc. God, you are awesome! (Anyone who knows me WELL knows I do NOT speak like this) Why not? Because I am NOT in sync with my saviour. I do NOT know Him even remotely like He knows me. I am a mere sinner saved by grace.

Ugh, I'm so off in left field I'm scaring even me!

Bottom line is that I'm reading the scriptures daily now and may or may not have something to write on Fridays (or Saturdays, Sundays etc.) but please know that this is not a failed project. Nothing is truly a failure that has God's word at the centre.

Vacation's over!

2007-02-20T07:30:00.000-05:00

Well, I am now an employed stiff again. I have taken the job with BMO Nesbitt Burns as an administrative assistant. I start my new job today. There will be some adjusting to do (like getting dressed in the morning), but I am happy to be back to work. I did not have rent money for next month. It would appear that I will now.

Praise God for His perfect timing!

New Tribes Mission

2007-02-19T09:43:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I invited a missionary couple with their children for lunch after church. They were in Venezuela and are awaiting confirmation of their deployment to Papua New Guinea. The mission they are involved in it called New Tribes Mission (NTM). This group's mission is to reach the many tribes of the world that are not being reached with the gospel at all. This means they have to learn the language of the tribe, transcribe the scriptures into the tribal language, and teach. This can, apparently, take up to 20 years to do with any single tribe. There are still over 3,000 tribes who are not being reached with the gospel. What a huge mission field!

BRF - Ephesians

2007-02-16T10:45:00.000-05:00

Oh my goodness! Where do I start? I think we should have split this week into chapters 1 - 3 and then 4 - 6 next week. There's just soooooo much here. I will just share a bit from each chapter. The best thing about the scriptures is that there is nothing that isn't important and nothing that doesn't apply to us.

Chapter 1:13 - 14 says "Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession". Again here is talk of a seal. What a wonderful promise this is that we have been marked upon our belief. I love the guarantee. It's not a 1 year or 3 year guarantee, but it is a lifetime guarantee. What an awesome God!

Chapter 2:10 reminds me that although I may not like myself much a lot of the time, God chose to make me as He did. I am His workmanship. He makes no mistakes.

2:11 - 22 describes the new covenant with Christ. During the time prior to Jesus' entry and departure the Jews and Gentiles were quite separate. The cross ended this division. These verses describe peace to you who were far away and peace to you who are near. We are united and all can have peace through the cross.

2:22 describes us as a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit. I know that much of my behaviour is not at all God-honouring. I must remember that the Holy Spirit dwells in me at all times, even when I'm gossiping, slandering, self-focused etc. I need to clean up the dwelling place of my heart.

3:13 "I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory." I'm not quite sure about this one. It sounds like a statement that would be made to God, but not to other men.

I love the benediction at the end of chapter 3. The statement that He can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine is very strong. I cannot imagine what God can do. I know He has made many promises, but my juvenille human mind cannot fathom the full potential. Imagine if we could live life to the fullest! What would this world be like? It sort of reminds me of all the environmental talk of late. We didn't start trying to clean up our act when Kyoto was enacted because it would cost too much and we couldn't do enough because the US wasn't going to participate. If we had done this when it was enacted we would most certainly be seeing results now. It's harder to act upon now, however, because things are worse. I don't want to delay results for God. It's so much more important in the grand scheme of things. Lives are at stake.

4:29 jumps out at me because I am guilty guilty guilty!! Unwholesome talk is just so easy to engage in. I can change this, but I choose not to. This doesn't only take place outside the church but it may even be more commonplace in the church. Think of how many times we have judged another brother or sister and have verbalized it to another church member or worse yet, to someone outside the church. We must choose our words wisely to build one another up. It reminds me of the old saying about not putting your mouth in motion before putting your mind in gear. I MUST start thinking before speaking.

Chapter 5 is getting even heavier. Sexual impurity, greed, obscenity, foolish talk, coarse talk etc. are all being compared to idolatry. These things are NOT God-ordained. I worship God and yet I also worship idols according to this. Yet another area of duality in my life.

Hmmmmm, seeing a pattern here? Yep, we must focus on God. There are no acceptable alternatives when we have chosen to live our lives for Him. He lived here as a perfect example of the life we should live. I'm so not even close.

Chapter 6 lists the items we need to do battle for Christ. Battle? But we're supposed to have it easy once we commit to Christ aren't we? C'mon now God, I am supposed to have eternal peace now. AS IF! We are in the battles of our lives once we commit to joining God's army. He gives us everything we need to fight the battle. We do not need to go out there unprepared . . . but we do! I think back to last week and my realization that I'd never read Haggai. Why not? It's another piece of the equipment God has given me and yet I don't pick up my sword for battle. The enemy is fully equipped as well and not stupid. I am stupid. God picked me, however, a sinful stupid moron to battle for Him. He makes no mistakes, so I have to believe that I can help to win the battle.

Geez my thoughts are disorganized. I am so NOT a writer. If you got to the end of this, I'm impressed!

Exchange email scanning servers

2007-02-11T01:57:00.000-05:00

Okay, so this is a little crazy! I sent an email to a certain tuba-playing friend of mine and was quite disturbed by the fact that he didn't respond to me. I thought, "Hey, guess he's a little overwhelmed by me and yet he can't seem to tell me this".

So, earlier tonight I was looking at my sent emails and wondering why I don't have them set up to automatically delete. While scrolling through I accidentally red flagged one. I decided to look at it (in case I had red flagged it previously for a reason . . . AS IF!) and I discovered that the content of the email wasn't there and that my server did not allow the email to be delivered. It says "REASON::= RACIAL DISCRIMINATION".

For the life of me I couldn't understand what, exactly, I said in that email that might constitute racial discrimination and then I realized I had used the term "redneck". Last I knew that wasn't a race. It's almost as bad as the site I tried to set up a log in for a few years ago that wouldn't let me use ajewell (my first initial and last name) because it contained the word "jew" in it. We're getting just a wee bit over-sensitive here, aren't we????

Sheesh! Next thing you know I won't be able to use tuba-player slurs in public either.

BTW, I did apologize to said low brass player for my negative thoughts about him. Of course, I only apologized for the thoughts relating to his lack of reply to my email and not my general negative thoughts about a trumpet player wannabe.

Book Review Fridays - Haggai

2007-02-09T14:15:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I'm going to join a growing blogging group of women who are reading a book of the bible weekly and then reviewing on Friday. I think for the most part I am not going to be sharing any great wisdom, but I'll share what God lays on my heart.

First of all I have to say that I don't know that I've ever really read Haggai. I'm a self-proclaimed lazy scripture reader. Maybe this BRF will help me to get to know the scriptures better.

Anyhow, I loved Haggai. Short, simple and to the point. I really felt that the overall message of this book was directed right at me and it was saying "If God isn't the focus of your life, you will not have a full life". Imagine that!

I love how in 1:5 it says "Give careful thought to your ways", in 1:6 he spells out how foolish we are and then repeats in 1:7 "Give careful thought to your ways". It's like talking to a child when we give them a list of duties and then repeat them to be sure they were listening. Sadly, God has to repeat Himself over and over for me and yet I just don't seem to retain.

In 2:12 - 13 it says "If a person carries consecrated meat in the fold of his garment, and that fold touches some bread or stew, some wine, oil or other food, does it become consecrated?' " The priests answered, "No." Then Haggai said, "If a person defiled by contact with a dead body touches one of these things, does it become defiled?" "Yes," the priests replied, "it becomes defiled." This is a big one for me. I have a computer addiction, television, and friends who are far from wholesome. It says to me that I will become unclean by my affiliations as opposed to the affiliations becoming clean. Of course, I know this doesn't mean to completely put away those that are unclean (as Jesus, Himself, most certainly did not), but it means to keep yourself pure and clean. This, for me, means a constant reminding of the relationship I have with Christ so that I may not stumble and fall away from Him.

Overall there is a theme in this book that if we do not focus on God then we will not reap full rewards. Hey, ain't that the truth! What a great book Haggai is to return our focus to the One who created us and who sacrificed so greatly on our behalf. If we keep our eyes focused heavenward, then we will be fully blessed with His riches.

Grrrr

2007-02-07T10:39:00.000-05:00

I just wrote a long and clever post only to have it disappear on me. Now I'm going to have to try to remember all of that wisdom to rewrite.

Hmmmm . . .

Oh yeah, I have another job prospect. The person who had offered me employment previously passed my resume along to another employer while I was away on vacation. I interviewed two weeks ago and had a call back late last Friday (testing my lack of patience) to say they would like to further pursue hiring me. I am meeting with them again today. Praise God for his timing!

I have been continuing my weight loss battle and so far I am winning. I'm officially down 46 lbs now. I bought a new pair of jeans a couple weeks ago and was feeling particularly good, so Bex took a couple photos.

Church has been wonderful! I have been singing in the praise group weekly. It seems I am the only soprano in the bunch (there are at least six altos!!). I am getting this week off, though. The timing is perfect as Luke, Jenn and I are hosting some University students for lunch after church. I'm really looking forward to getting to know some of them a bit better.

I have been going to the women's bible study on Thursday nights while the girls are at Reach. It's been a good fit as the girls love their program which starts right after school and both end at 8:00.

Last week I got to play trumpet for the Prime Time group. They are such a wonderful group of people. I was honoured to have been given the opportunity to perform for them. It didn't hurt that they fed me a lovely lunch either.

In my spare time (when???) I've been running the girls to soccer practices. Right now they have practices as follows:

Sunday 4:00 - 5:30 - Bex in Waterloo

Monday 6:00 - 8:00 - Shannon in Guelph

Wednesday 8:30 - 10:00 - Both girls in Guelph

Friday 6:00 - 7:30 - Shannon in Waterloo

There have also been a few Tuesday night Waterloo scrimmages for Bex and there are a few Saturday morning practices in the near future for Shannon.

So, there's the monthly update on me and my life (or lack thereof).

Monster Truck Safari

2007-01-12T18:10:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday of last week I got to go on a Monster Truck Safari from Higuey into the country side. It was wonderful to see the beauty of the Dominican, but terribly depressing to see the poverty. The trucks we were in are like this. We had a police escort with us throughout the trip, thankfully.

The company that runs the excursions uses the money from the tourism to open schools to educate the impovrished.

The truck would stop every so often to offer us
tourists beverages and the occasional photo
opportunity. The first time we stopped we had
some visitors hoping to get candy or money.

What a cute group. We had MANY more visitors
along the road, however.

As we stopped in this area where many locals and escaped Haitians work in the sugar cane fields we had a throng come begging. This was the last stop on the tour and I knew that it must be the visit to the witch doctor. Being a Christian I was not looking forward to this part of the trip and so I stayed on the truck with the security guard and the driver. I was so overwhelmed by the faces and the desperation that I was a sobbing mess. I had no money with me at all and no food. All I could offer was my hat.

This woman gladly accepted my hat and did her
best to get me to stop crying. I managed to
eventually, but I pray that my heart will not
stop crying when faced with the pleas of those
who are less fortunate than I am.

This has had a great impact on me. I pray that
it will not just be something I've experienced and
seen, but that it will continue to dwell in me. My
intention is to live a simpler life. We are so very blessed to live in this country.

May we truly be mindful of the needs of others!

Feliz Ano Nuevo

2007-01-09T10:33:00.000-05:00

I'm baaack! What a week in the Dominican it was. It had many high and low points which I will try to share over a few posts. At the moment I just want to tell about the first real high for me there. The resort had a New Year's Eve show including a band, dancers, magician etc. It was quite a fun evening. The band was hot . . . particularly that trumpet player!!

What a thrill to have had this opportunity. It's amazing what you'll do in a place where nobody knows you! Improv's never really been my thing, but I nailed it and had chops galore. I've been offered the spare room of the percussionist if I should choose to move there. Of course, my fiancé Fernando might object. He's the lead singer who proposed to me that night.

More to follow . . . with more proposals!!

Church Home

2006-12-21T08:43:00.000-05:00

Well, it would seem that I have FINALLY found a church home. I have been attending a church where I really enjoyed the teaching, but there was no fellowship for me. I would stand in the foyer after the service waiting for my children and scanning the faces to see someone I recognized or someone to strike conversation with, but I never managed to be successful. I joined the singles group, but found that the entire focus of the "studies" was how to find a mate. I really wanted in-depth discussion and just found this to be a disappointment.

I tried attending the church my parents go to, but I found that although it has a very vibrant senior community, there was little for me there.

So, I decided to try Crestwicke Baptist Church. I have been going for two months now. I have met more people there than I ever met at my previous church home. I am involved in the praise group both singing and on trumpet. I feel at home there as the music is a combination of hymns and praise.

I know many people have prayed for this for me. Thank you so much for your prayers. God is good!

The Nativity Story

2006-12-09T19:10:00.000-05:00

Went to see The Nativity Story last night with the kids and my parents. It was fantastic! We really enjoyed ourselves. Too bad the only showing time at the theatre was the un-family friendly time of 9:45 PM, which was prefaced by 15 minutes of commercials and trailers.

By all means, if you can stay up late enough to go see this movie (I napped before going) do it. It's a great way to remember the reason for the season.

Clouds to share with Paul

2006-12-09T18:55:00.000-05:00

See Paul, you're not the only one with the cloud fettish. You are, however, the one who has a camera permanently attached so that you actually capture such events AND you're out of the house all the time whereas I'm always in the house. In fact, I took these pictures from inside my house.

Dominican Republic here I come!

2006-12-02T19:59:00.000-05:00

Yippee! My girlfriend Margie is taking me to the DR from December 30 - January 6. I am sooooo excited! We're staying at the Riu Taino Hotel. I've started shopping for new summer clothes as all mine are too big right now. They might not be after a week at an all-inclusive resort.

What a week!

2006-12-02T19:41:00.000-05:00

This week has been just full of ups and downs. On Monday my cousin Tawnya called to say that she and my aunt Janice were going to fly from Saint John to visit us from Wednesday to Friday. We were so good at keeping this a secret from Mom. I drove to Hamilton Wednesday morning to pick them up and drove like a mad woman to get them to Guelph quickly. To our surprise and dismay, Mom wasn't even home when we got here. She was extremely surprised, however, when she came in and was greeted by Janice. Good fun I tell ya.

My sister-in-law Jenn was here with the babies to see Jan and Tawn, but she really wasn't feeling well, nor was Mercy, her daughter. Jen went to the clinic that afternoon and was told she had pneumonia. I convinced Luke that it wouldn't be wise for her to join us for dinner as she was not well. I think he was a little hurt and thought it was a personal thing, but the girl was just not well I tell ya. He soon discovered this when she fell when trying to get into their house because she was so weak.

Luke brought Nadja and Mercy to us so he could take Jen to a clinic again. We took the babies and headed to Swiss Chalet. While there, we noticed that Mercy was extremely unwell. Her eyes were rolling back into her head and she was quite fevered. Mom packed babies up and she and Dad went searching for Luke and Jen. They found out that Jen had been seen and was told she probably didn't have pneumonia, but to go home and rest.

Thursday Luke took the day off to take care of his family. Sometime during the day Jen went to the hospital to have Mercy looked at. She was pale, limp, not breathing well and her eyes were watery and glazed. Apparently, the staff at the hospital told Jen she'd better register as well because they didn't think she looked well and they wanted to run tests on both of them. By 2:45 Luke was told that Mercy was being released, but they were keeping Jen. We all (me, Mom, Janice, Tawnya, Luke and Nadja) piled into Mom's station wagon and dropped Luke and Nadja at the hospital to pick up Mercy and his van. He had to get meds for the kids, so Dad went out to Luke's house to help him for the evening.

Friday we found out that Jen has Influenza A and was being moved to a room. I started out at 8:00 am to drive Jan and Tawn to the airport along with Mom, only to get a call that their flight had been cancelled. Around we turned to get home and find that Nadja had just thrown up and Luke was feeling miserable. I took Nadja's temperature which was well over 39. I took her to hospital to be checked out. They put us in a room immediately that was completely enclosed. They said she likely had the flu, but that it wasn't bad enough for her to require being admitted. I got in the car with her to head home and squeezed some hand sanitizer out of the bag I keep in the car, only to have it explode all over me. I was well sanitized as was the interior of my car!

I got home and told Luke that he and his girls needed to go home to get well because I really didn't think it was wise for them to stay at our house and guarantee that we all get it. Dad has been there taking care of them and Mom's been back and forth. Jen's still in right now as her blood pressure is still too low for them to release her.

I've taken bleach to the house and am praying that the girls and I don't pick this up. Jan and Tawn's rescheduled flight was cancelled yesterday as well and they were finally able to board a plane this morning and go home. Their visit was not nearly what they expected, I'm sure.

Please pray for our family that those who are ill will recover quickly and that the remaining healthy ones do not get this illness.

Bad brownies??

2006-11-20T22:41:00.000-05:00

Becky worked hard by herself to bake brownies today. She needs them for Wednesday for a bake sale at school for band. I'm telling you, the entire house has smelled like brownies since around 6:30.

Well, she cut them up at 9:00 and tried to lift them out of the pan only to have them come out unevenly thus rendering them useless for the bake sale. Awwwww! A good mother would feel really bad (and I do on some level I'm sure), but man they are good. These are wicked chocolate brownies that, if they don't disappear soon, will cause me to have a bad weigh in this week.

Of course, being the good mother I am, I have promised to make her some chocolate chip cookie dough tomorrow so she can make cookies after school since we're going to our first ladies choir rehearsal at church tomorrow night. Here's hoping they turn out or I'll be making a trip to Zehrs to buy baked goods for her to sell.

Martha, care to Purolator some of your muffins this way??

Dilemma

2006-10-19T19:44:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I'm done my courses but I'm not officially done until March. So, I thought maybe I should start looking for a job. What's the worst that can happen right? I can get a job and start paying OSAP back sooner.

Well, I sent a random resume out yesterday to a company that didn't even have a job listed. Lo and behold I had a call back that they had a job and wondered if I might be interested. Today I met with them, gave them a rather high salary estimate considering the scope of the job and they didn't bat an eyelash. They just want me to get back to them tomorrow.

So, here's the dilemma. The job is not my dream job, but the company has room for advancement. Also, I'm not sure that less than 24 hours of prayer is adequate. I just don't know that I should be rushing God's answer. Perhaps I already have the answer, but I dunno what it is. Ack!

Who'd have thunk?

Ange

PS Down another 2.8 for a total of 21.6. Oh yeah!!!!

Survivor

2006-10-09T20:04:00.000-04:00

I love the show Survivor. I have often thought it would be a good experience (and a wonderful diet) to have the opportunity to try to survive in the wilderness. For some reason, this isn't what comes to mind for me.

Wonderful photography skills of my daughters

2006-10-09T19:59:00.000-04:00

The benefits of a digital camera are many, not the least of which is the ability to delete pictures like these.

Shannon was so enthralled with the fall colours (which were somewhat muted in my opinion) that she was snapping pictures left right and centre. Think I'll have to wait until she has forgotten the day to delete them.

Good mother or just a pushover?

2006-10-09T19:48:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I gave in and bought these for my girls:

They are knock-offs so I can't spout any medicinal purpose for the purchase. They were bought, pure and simple, to make my kids happy.

Enough said!

PS Paul, SHUT UP!!!

Desperately seeking . . .

2006-10-07T01:49:00.000-04:00

. . . my sanity! For some reason I've actually convinced myself that I would be open to another relationship. In fact, I'm so open to this that I foolishly started looking at singles sites. Truthfully, I'm not desperate at all, but the thought of doing the rest of my life alone is not a thought I'm cherishing. I would like someone to travel with, go to parties with, and to give me a shoulder when needed. I want to grow old with someone who is comfortable sitting on the front verandah reading a book in silence or reminiscing about the good ol' days.

Boy, wish relationships were as rosy and romantic as the picture I have in my head. Perhaps I should spend a day or two with my ex to CURE me of this romantic illusion.

Ange

PS Down another 2.4 pounds this week. This is just too easy. Why didn't I try before?

Look at me go . . . literally!!

2006-09-28T10:15:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm taking yet another stab at weight loss. Truthfully, every time I have lost it in the past I've found it again and it's brought friends!!! Not this time, however. Mom and I have joined Weight Watchers and we're loving it. I have been at this new "lifestyle" for five weeks now and I've lost 14.8 pounds. Add to that the 5 pounds I lost earlier this summer and I'm down 19.8 pounds since I last saw my doctor. I have been eating more food than ever and I'm losing weight. My girls have both lost a couple pounds as well.

Funny, though, Dad isn't too impressed with our new style of eating. We've been cooking lots of spicy foods like chimichangas and aloo gobi and less large portions of meat. Although he hates our new foods (and thus isn't eating much of them - he's worse than a kid being forced to eat beets) he's been putting a few pounds on.

Goes to show you that you need to keep eating to lose weight!!

The Sound of Silence

2006-09-04T10:11:00.000-04:00

No, I'm not going to give a missive about the Simon and Garfunkle song. As everyone who knows me knows, I live with my parents and my two children. My house almost always has someone home and, thus, there's always the sound of a television, or keyboards clicking etc.

Well, Mom and Dad went to the trailer yesterday and my kids went to their father's last evening. For the first time in a long time I was home alone. Let me tell you, it is a weird feeling after having had people around all the time. It's not something I dislike, however, as I didn't have to make my dinner until 8:00 last night and I had the Playstation to myself (I had to create noise you see).

Anyhow, I think I'm looking forward to having my two fighting daughters back. Perhaps they'll be getting along today as they prepare their things for school tomorrow. On that note, "It's the most wonderful time of the year". :)

Crocs

2006-08-07T20:52:00.000-04:00

Here's a trend I can do without. It seems that there's a huge client base out there for these ugly garden shoes. I have never seen a commercial for them, but I've heard they're the thing to have. Apparently people are wearing them to work, shopping etc., but I can't help but think it doesn't matter how comfy they are, a pair of Clarks would be just as comfy but would look the part too.

Here's to keeping crocs in the garden and at the cottage where they belong!!

Happy Birthday Marf!!!!

2006-07-21T15:49:00.000-04:00

Recognize anyone here? Betcha most people wouldn't, but Martha should. This was her 12th birthday party on July 21, 1980.

Hmmmmmm . . . how old would that make her today?

Sorry that the picture with me in it wasn't as good. It's a crying shame I can't be seen here as I was the photographer. :D

Bloody power windows

2006-07-11T23:37:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I should have known that when my driver side power window was giving me a bit of trouble recently that I shouldn't push my luck during a downpour. However, I'm not one to give up on a challenge and so I went through Tim's yesterday. Yep, pouring rain and my window wouldn't budge. Not a single inch.

I managed, by continuously trying it, to get it up within five minutes or so, but that was most certainly enough to keep me from putting it down again. I called the garage, but they're booked into next week.

Guess that'll keep me out of the drive through . . . for now!!

The church today

2006-07-08T23:04:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, as my mother and I were travelling to the trailer, we were discussing my failed marriage. Good travelling topic and one to get me just a little hyped up. Anyhow, one thing led to another and we got to discussing how little support I got from the church I was attending at the time. My ex and I went for counselling and I was told how I could change to get him to stay home instead of philandering. I left that church when we split, and he and his girlfriend continued to go there and the church never, to my knowledge, ever addressed the fact that he had cheated on his wife and family and how inappropriate it was for him to be living with this woman.

I have since that time attended another church, but I have not felt like I was in fellowship there. I mean, I could walk in and walk out without anyone knowing I was present. It has been a disappointment in many ways, but I stayed because the sermons were great and I enjoyed the praise music. Recently, however, my brother and his wife were having issues with one of the congregants of my church and they went to the pastoral staff for assistance in mediating a solution. They were basically told that the church would not pick sides, but that they believed the congregant's version of events.

My problem with all this is that I'm not seeing churches (i.e. the body of believers) who are getting close enough to each other to see when a member is hurting or one who is really struggling with their walk. Why is it that I have not been at this church for many months now and nobody has called to see if I'm okay or alive? I was even in a life group, and the members of that group haven't noticed I'm missing either (or if they have, they haven't let on that they have).

We are working so hard at bringing people to Christ and into our churches, but are we seeing when they are in need of encouragement? Are we doing life together or are we all just marching to our own drum?

I dunno, perhaps I'm just a cynic, but I am seeking a church that not only has solid biblical teaching, but has a strong component of fellowship. We need strong leaders in these churches who will hold their congregants accountable. We also need other believers to do life with and to hold each other accountable.

Proud soccer mom

2006-07-06T23:20:00.000-04:00

I just need a moment to gloat here. My daughter Rebecca, who plays on Guelph's U13 girls rep soccer team, scored two goals tonight. Now, that might not seem like a huge accomplishment, but she's always been a defensive player and for the last couple games they've moved her to mid-field. She's tearing it up out there. Of course, those two goals look really impressive when you add to them the one she scored earlier in the year . . . mostly because her team has only scored five goals in total this season.

I'm so proud.

Italy vs ?

2006-07-04T18:12:00.000-04:00

Wow! What a semi-final today between Italy and Germany. Honestly, I'm sad to see Germany is out of it, but I'm relieved it didn't go to penalty kicks. I think that has to be the saddest way to finish a game.

Tomorrow's semi between Portugal and France should be just as good. They've both knocked out extremely tough teams to get to this semi. Unfortunately for them, one will not go to the final!

Sadly, Canada is just not a soccer country . . . yet! I think it's coming, but I won't lay odds as to when or even if I'll be alive to see it.

Summer solstice

2006-06-25T23:02:00.000-04:00

Well, I've never . . . actually, I guess I can now say I have!! This weekend at the "camp" we could hear some mighty bizarre hootin' and hollerin' from the Outdoor Education Centre along with the beating of drums. As my parents and I discussed this we figured it sounded like a group of witches. I decided not to point this out to my daughters for fear it would scare them.

Imagine my surprise when another child at the playground told them about the "white witches" up at the centre! Is it just me, or is a witch a witch? If you don't worship God, then you worship satan.

It most certainly opened up the dialogue . . . with everyone for the entire weekend.

Can't help but say I was curious about what they were doing chanting at 4:00 a.m., but I wasn't curious enough to get close. I was creeped out incredibly and was blasting my praise music in the car every time I went through their sales tents full of new age "stuff".

It was (and is) reassuring to know that our God is far stronger than anything satan can send our way. Sadly, they will be returning for the next four years. Guess I won't be rushing up on this weekend annually!

World Cup

2006-06-12T00:27:00.000-04:00

I must say that I'm LOVING this World Cup so far. I'm thrilled that I have Rogers Digital so I can watch all the games (albeit a day later). The coverage has been wonderful.

I only wish I had a leaning towards a team in specific.

Thomas will be pleased to know that I've got my daughters considering Germany; however, they seem to have their own favourites in Argentina (my youngest Shannon leans this way) and Brazil (Becky can still be trained I'm certain).

I think they're all attractive! :D

Cute green bug

2006-06-10T21:22:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to share this picture of a really neat-looking bug that I saw at our trailer. Truthfully, I took the picture a couple weeks ago since I'm busier than a one-armed paper hanger and haven't been able to go up regularly.

Anyone recognize this little guy?

The truth about our "camp"

2006-05-26T23:48:00.000-04:00

Well, seems as though being an Easterner is fairly identifiable when the term "camp" is used to describe our trailer. Heard my father use the term today and was called out as an Easterner immediately.

Anyhow, here's the real story of our first weekend at the camp.

We arrived to find our 1979 trailer had a leaky skylight. Yes, this was immediately repairable with duct tape, so we could stay the weekend. We were so excited!

On Saturday, dad decided to get the hot water working. In doing so, we flooded twice (massively) and were just thrilled to get back to where we started . . . running water, albeit cold.

We discovered there are public hot showers, but my daughters also discovered that when you turn the handle the wrong way to turn the water off . . . the handle comes off and water sprays everywhere!

Sunday was relatively uneventful. The trailer is in Mansfield (near Alliston) and we decided to go searching for a buffet to make Dad happy. Found one in Barrie!

Went for a walk with my daughter on Monday, whom I was able to buy a nice pair of rubber boots for on Saturday at Canadian Tire, but their stock was basically gone so although she was dry, my sneakers are still drying I think. Here's an idea of the depth of the water on the "path".

Monday, however, my mother discovered that when you shift to get the toilet paper, the water attachment comes off the toilet and gives a mighty fine spray. Fortunately, my handy father "fixed" it so that when I went, I discovered it to be the coldest bidet I've ever used (also the ONLY bidet I've ever used).

I actually questioned my mother as to whether she had been praying for patience again or something. Seems that every time one of us prays for patience, God tests it. I guess He just decided last weekend was a good time for a pop quiz.

Can't wait to go back tomorrow!!

Future Beautician

2006-05-26T08:05:00.000-04:00

Well, my parents bought a trailer and we had our first weekend together in it last week. As it was bloody cold, we had to entertain ourselves indoors. My youngest, Shannon, decided to help my father with his hair.

Isn't she talented?

I take it back!

2006-05-11T09:47:00.000-04:00

I think I'd rather be working this week! What a week it has been. Between my two girls they've had five medical appointments of one type or another, three soccer practices, track and field practice, two badminton practices after school and a tournament on Friday, not to mention the soccer tournament in Lincoln this weekend!

Add to all that my parents bought a trailer last weekend so Mom and I have been madly trying to get things in place to get it set up, I babysat Mercy on Monday while Jen and Nadja were in hospital, plus I've been getting ready for a big fund-raising gig this Saturday (where I will run after Shannon's second game on Saturday in Lincoln).

So much for this week of "vacation".

Bad things in threes?

2006-05-08T01:10:00.000-04:00

So, of course this was my last week of work, but I got a call on Tuesday that there was an opening for a minor day surgery, I've been waiting for, on Wednesday. I took the day off (again, in my last week) for the surgery. All went well and I was home by 10:30. I had a small nap and awoke to a call from Shannon's school that she had a lunchtime soccer injury and couldn't walk. I loaded her (read lifted) into the car and brought her home. I THEN had an appointment with my GP. I mentioned Shannon's injury and he told me not to take it lightly so I spent 6 1/2 hours in emerg to find out it was really a muscle thing. Needless to say, my day off was long and miserable.

Top this off with a visit to the walk in clinic yesterday with Shannon to find I'm more educated about asthma than the doctor.

NOW . . . my 2 month old niece Nadja has been admitted to hospital with pneumonia or something similar.

Please pray for Nadja that she heals and is released in good time.

Oh, I wish I were eight again!!!!

Happily unemployed!

2006-05-08T01:08:00.000-04:00

So, here it is Sunday night (or Monday morning, depending on how you look at it) and I am here under the premise that I do NOT have to get up early to go to work. I am now officially unemployed and have two weeks (potentially . . . another story here) before I start school.

I am very eager about the education part, but poverty isn't at all appealing!

I must be crazy!

Easter every day?

2006-04-16T22:36:00.000-04:00

Well, the Easter weekend is pretty much over for me. The girls are off tomorrow, but I must work. It's been a great weekend. It started with a Good Friday pancake breakfast and church service with reflections on the cross. It ended today with my playing a catholic mass at 9:00, grabbing Becky from our church where she was in nursery for first service and running to join Shannon, my parents and my brother's family at Mom and Dad's church for 11:00 where I could get some spiritual nourishment post-mass. We then came home, had a feast, watched part of video 2 of the Gospel According to Matthew, napped and then watched the rest of video 2.

With all this good Christian fellowship (eating), worship and reflection, I wonder if I can continue to have Easter daily or if in a week or so I'll be back to my content self, having forgotten the discomfort Christ endured for us? Will I continue to be a Peter who knows Jesus, but who will deny him when the chips are down?

I know only time will tell, but I am certain of one thing: We, as a Christian family, MUST continue to share the Good News that Jesus Christ DID rise from the dead and that he is sitting on the right hand of God our Father and will return for his flock! Whereas Jesus had such a passion for us, we must continue to do His work on earth and have a passion for lost souls.

May we continue to increase His flock.

Eagle Cam

2006-04-08T07:23:00.000-04:00

I've become a bit of an addict to the Eagle Eye Cam http://www.infotecbusinesssystems.com/wildlife/ from British Columbia. This is just so cool. You just keep watching this mama eagle to see if she moves off the eggs at all, how she's surviving herself etc.

Popularity

2006-04-08T07:19:00.000-04:00

I find it rather frustrating at this time of year that I go to a church that is so 21st century (praise band-no organ) that they don't see a trumpet as a necessity at Easter. So, here we go again. I'm playing in a church in Elora, denomination unknown right now except to say that it will probably be yet ANOTHER boring Easter service. I have had no less than five phone calls from churches as far away as Toronto looking for a player.

I guess I should look at the bright side in that it's a paying gig.

Translating English to German to English

2006-03-30T17:58:00.000-05:00

My brother Luke has a friend, Thomas, in Germany who just started a BLOG. Luke forwarded to me the link to it, but translated in English. That was humorous enough, but I noticed in the sidebar that "Luke and Jen" translated to "Hatch and Jen".

Anyhoo, upon clicking that link I found this hilarious translation:

I like of poison...

But, I must admit, I like cake A plumb bob more!!!

I'm telling you, I was laughing so hard when I first saw this, I nearly peed myself.

Small world

2006-03-27T00:53:00.000-05:00

I joined (okay I crashed) brunch with my parents, a couple from their church and the guest speaker that attended their church today. There seemed to be a lot of chat about Belleville (where I've been once, briefly) and the churches there. I remembered then, that the couple my parents have recently gotten to know are from the Belleville area.

Flash back to August 2005, when I was in Belleville area, I asked this Paul guy where to go to church there, since it's his hood. He told me the name of a church, which I didn't make it to since I had to pack up my campsite at the campground he told me about and make it to my daughter's soccer game, but he told me he was singing that weekend if I did make it.

Flash forward a little to where Paul confessed to me that all didn't go so well with the singing as he had a technical malfunction at the junction.

Today, I discovered that said couple, Sharon and Harry Hitchin (sp?) not only knew Paul, but they told me what a wonderful singer he is (I can confirm this as I heard him with the Chaps), but they mentioned the last time they heard him sing and the techincal issues that plagued.

Confirmation that God's world is small and yet overall is so big.

Change

2006-03-27T00:31:00.000-05:00

Why is it that we, as a huge generality, are so afraid of change? We are so comfortable in our present surroundings and situations, that we're not at all interested in rocking the boat.

Consider me and my job. I work as a receptionist in an accounting firm. I love talking to people daily, so you would think all is tickety boo, but it really isn't. This isn't a job that leaves me feeling fulfilled at the end of day nor does it make me feel financially fulfilled, but that's another story.

So, I'm considering going to school . . . again! Problem is, I'm afraid to upset my comfortable (at least not uncomfortable) life. I'm so afraid of the unknown that I'm not sure I'll take the leap of faith.

Please pray with me that God will make His path known. I believe that He has made it clear that He will not provide another job unless I get some more education, but I don't know if that means He wants me to remain in my present job.

HELP!!!

Good News!

2006-03-05T16:12:00.000-05:00

My brother Luke and his wife Jen had their second baby girl today, March 5, 2006. Her name is Nadja Praise and she weighed in at 7 lbs 15 oz. Now Mercy, who will be one on March 15, is a big sister.

Congratulations Luke and Jen! Love you guys.

Theme song from the movie "Babe"

2006-03-03T08:31:00.000-05:00

There's a catchy melody which is repeated throughout the movie Babe. I've always liked it very much. Yesterday, on my classical radio station that I've been listening to online at work I heard the melody done with organ and a brass fanfare.

My question, if anyone has the answer, is whether this tune was stolen for Babe or whether what I heard yesterday was based on the movie, i.e. which came first the tune or Babe?

Comfort

2006-02-09T22:21:00.000-05:00

How do you comfort someone who doesn't know God? I was speaking to a client today who recently lost her husband and she was so broken. She was sobbing and sounded borderline suicide so I spent some time talking to her. I was trying to offer comfort, but she said she doesn't believe in God. Truly, if you don't believe in God, then there can really be no comfort can there and that's not comforting news for those who need it.

I'm rather distressed about this one. Any advice would be most welcome.

The Wayside Chapel

2006-02-01T22:09:00.000-05:00

The story of The Wayside Chapel was told to me when I was quite young. I always enjoyed reading it over and over. Last summer I took my kids up to the beach and lo and behold we found The Wayside Chapel. Dad, this one's for you. Happy birthday!!

The Wayside Chapel

"An English schoolteacher, was in Switzerland and looking for a room to rent for when she would begin her teaching there the following fall. She asked the schoolmaster if he would recommed any. He took her to see several rooms, and when everything was settled she returned home to make final preparations for the move. When she arrived home, the thought suddenly occured to her that she had not seen a Water Closet (toilet) around the place. She immediately wrote a note to the schoolmaster asking him if there was a "W.C." near the room.

The schoolmaster was a poor master of english so he asked the parish priest about the meaning of the letters "W.C." and the only solution they could come up with for the letters was "Wayside Chapel". The schoolmaster then wrote the following note to the English lady seeking a "W.C." with her room.

Dear Madam: I take great comfort in informing you that a "W.C." is situated nine miles from the house in the corner of a beautiful grove of pine trees, surrounded by lovely grounds. It is capable of holding 229 people, and it is open on Sundays and Thursdays only. As there are a great many people expected during the summer months, I would suggest that you come early, although there is usually plenty of standing room. This is an unfortunate situation, particularly if you are in the habit of going regularly. You will no doubt be glad to hear that a good many bring their lunch and make a day of it, while others, who can't afford to go by car, arrive just in time. I would especially advise your ladyship to go on Thursdays when there is an organ accompaniest. The acoustics are excellent and even the most delicate sounds can be heared everywhere. It may interest you to know that my daughter was married in the "W.C." and it was there that she met her husband. I can remember the rush there was for seats. There were ten people to a seat usually reserved for one, and it was wonderful to see the expression on their faces.

The newest attraction is a bell, donated by a wealthy resident of the district, which rings every time a person enters. A Bazaar is to be held to raise money for plush seats for all, since the people believe it is a long felt want. My wife is rather delicate so she can't go regularly: it is almost a year since she went last. Naturally it pains her not to be able to go more often. I shall be delighted to reserve the best seat for you, if you wish, where you will be seen by all. For the children there is a special time so that they will not disturb the elders.

Hoping to have been of some service to you, I remain,

Sincerely, The Schoolmaster"

"peer" pressure

2006-01-29T23:06:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I've said before that I gave in to the previous peer pressure to start blogging, but I've hit a dry run. Now, said "peer" (read Paul) has pressured me once again to blog more (I know it was a sad cry for more postings on his blog, but that's another story). So, here I sit at 11:10 on a Sunday night with nothing to say. Okay, truth be told I have lots to say, but nobody really wants to hear any of that stuff I'm sure.

Hmmmm, here's what's on my mind right now: (in a thought balloon) . . . Surely wish I was in bed right now. Yep! It's bloody interesting eh??

Truly, here's what else is on my mind . . . Why can't I eat without getting some of it on my chest? I currently look like a toddler who ate without a bib. I've got drips and drabbles all over me. It was only a burger and salad, but it was surely messy.

I must look into surgical procedures to correct that hole in my bottom lip!

Yes, you (whoever you may be) should currently follow the link from my blog to Paul's to Jamie's to see his wife's wisdom teeth post-pulling. It's definitely easier on the stomach than picturing me eating!!!!!!

Kid brother embarrassed by me??

2006-01-22T23:57:00.000-05:00

Imagine, my kid brother had a link to my blog on his blog and now my link seems to have disappeared. Should I take this personally?

Just because I'm still "undecided" for tomorrow and may vote "Green" to make a point doesn't mean I'm going to hell. Heck, the Liberal government just sent me a random $250 cheque this week to help with my rising utility costs. Guess I should just cash it with the knowledge it's the only one I'm getting right?

Watch out brother! I have old pictures I can scan and post and I'm not afraid to use them. :)

Skating with the "Stars"?

2006-01-19T17:19:00.000-05:00

Last night I caught the first episode in the new "reality" show Skating with the Stars. First of all, Stars is a pretty big stretch. In fact, calling them B list stars would be a stretch in my opinion.

Anyhow, here's the most ridiculous part: The ones who could skate got the lowest marks. It was bizarre and, quite obviously, rigged.

This is NOT a show I think I'll be watching in the future.

The wonderful world wide web

2006-01-14T09:49:00.000-05:00

It's amazing to me how well we can get to know a person whom we've never met via the internet. I have a friend whom I've never met (even though he really doesn't live that far away!!), but I really do feel as though he's a friend. Although it seems almost surreal, I will finally meet him tomorrow (unless he somehow worms his way out of a performance).

This person has a passion for hockey so he'd better understand how important it is for me to meet him tomorrow as I was given Guelph Storm tickets and I've given them to my ex-husband because I'm going to this gospel concert.

He'd better really be the bald singing tuba player he claims to be and not be just using that persona online to lure the unsuspecting into friendship! :)

Buses

2006-01-11T07:41:00.000-05:00

For the record, what skill set does it take to become a school bus driver?

Today, another mild January day, our school buses have been cancelled. Therefore, my one daughter gets to stay home while her younger sister has to go to school since she's a walker. Apparently the country roads are icy, but how, exactly, does this affect the City of Guelph?

Suppose I can call in to work and say since the professional drivers find it too bad to be on the road today it must be too bad for me? In the words of my father, I wouldn't have a chance of a snowball (yep, we tease him incessantly for this bizarre translation).

Yep, I'm in shape . . . ROUND!!

2006-01-07T11:26:00.000-05:00

Okay, so the kids are at soccer practice right now so Mom and I decided to use their PS2 to play Dance Dance Revolution. If you don't know this game, it has dance pads and while the music is playing there are arrows telling you where to step and when.

Once Mom got her balance and stopped hanging off the curtains (which, to our utter embarrassment we realized were open so our neighbours could see our jigglies), we were rolling right along. We danced this song and that (none of the music we recognize however) and were feeling really good about the exercise we got. After our big 7 minute workout (since we could do no more) we realized we had burned off approximately 50 calories and had gone 1/2 a mile. Woo hoo!

How is it that my kids can do this for an hour at a time and make it look so bloody easy?

Forgiveness

2006-01-05T08:30:00.000-05:00

Foolish me, I've encouraged my girls to have some friends over later today. Actually, not too much of an issue for me, but possibly for my parents who are running a business from the house. Anyhow, I will be running a little late getting home from work so the girls are going to make mini pizzas with their friends for supper.

We went out last evening to pick up the things for their pizzas and I got into an in-depth argument with Rebecca, my 12-year old, about whether the pitas she was picking up were the same as the ones she had last time we made pizzas. Of course, I was right and she was wrong and I told her to suck it up, stop arguing and let's get that shopping done.

Imagine my surprise when I got home to find out she was right and I was wrong. I did apologize profusely and then offered to buy her back by taking her back to the grocery store to buy that jacket she really wanted.

Imagine if we felt that we had to keep buying back God's forgiveness. I, most certainly, would have nothing left to offer. It really put into perspective for me the grace He shows us by forgiving us when we ask without any strings attached.

Recover? Me?

2006-01-03T20:36:00.000-05:00

Okay, story goes like this . . . After my sulking on Sunday morning from my single(s) lack of breakfast I went out for lunch with my children and my parents. I was on an upswing until a large group of the singles came in for lunch too. I mentioned to one of them when he came over to say hi that I was somewhat upset about the morning's situation. He asked me if I was over it and when I said no he said "You should really get over it".

Now, I'm not usually this moody, but I am a woman you must remember, so I became rather teary eyed and decided to quit the singles group. My father, being the "helper" type called the community care director (Brian) at my church! Yes, I was aghast, and yet thankful all at the same time. I told Brian what happened and he suggested I call the person who made the statement and just tell him how it upset me. I did this and received an apology.

A couple hours later I received a call from the apologizer inviting me to come to Celebrate Recovery on Monday night since he thought I might have some other issues to work through. So, I went (reluctantly) with a bit of a chip on my shoulder thinking it probably wasn't really for me. WELL, seems like I'm more screwed up than I thought. There are three women's groups there and I could go to them all.

I have to say that God sure has a way of humbling us when we most need it. Now I'm ready to plunge in and Celebrate Recovery!! :)

So, I'm starting to like this BLOG thing

2006-01-01T10:51:00.000-05:00

Here I go again, less than twelve hours since my last post. However, I am enjoying this. It's so akin to my life just talking with nobody listening.

I went to meet the singles group from church today for New Year's breakfast. Nobody showed up. I mean, c'mon, it was listed in our activities for the month and not a soul showed. Of course, the awkward part is that when you're a single you don't have someone with you to make it appear like you're not a social misfit. So, here I sat on a nice leather couch in the foyer waiting for twenty-five minutes before giving up.

Perhaps I'll make some more of those wings since it's getting closer to lunch now!

The value of Lombardo

2006-01-01T01:25:00.000-05:00

Well, my New Year's Eve gig was awful as expected. I played third trumpet with a mediocre (at best) big band under a lead player who was the most timid player I've ever heard. Not surprisingly, his singing is equally as timid.

Anyhow, I played four sets full of Lombardo, waltzes, polkas and the like. It was dreadfully boring. The most exciting part was playing shakers and claves for the latin tunes . . . until the drive home. I was stopped by the RIDE program.

Now, I've only ever been stopped once before by RIDE so I was kind of excited to see them. I had some nice dixie music (courtesy of my friend Darren Arenburg - is that sufficient Darren??) playing in the car that I turned down when they stopped me. The officer told me to turn it back up and a conversation ensued about my awful gig and how eager I was to get home. Mr. Officer said he felt pity for me and that I should hurry home to a glass of wine considering the gig I'd played.

Of course, the other value of Lombardo is the $150 I was handed at the end of the night. SWEET!

Water Water Everywhere!!

2005-12-30T10:12:00.000-05:00

Well, here I was yesterday, by myself, with nobody to cook for me (yeah, I live with my parents and Mom cooks all the time) so I decided to cook some chicken wings for myself. I didn't want to grab a cookie sheet from the pantry (i.e. the garage) so I used a little cake pan I found in the cupboard. Mmmmmmmm, the wings were great and I didn't have to feel guilty about no vegetables for the kids since they weren't here. The problem, however, came about when I set the pan to soak. I got online, chatted for a bit and then went to do the dishes. Much to my surprise, I was standing in a lake on the kitchen floor. Seems the little cake pan had a wee little hole in it. That one little hole let the entire pan of water out in good time!

Just goes to show you that my parents shouldn't go out on date nights!!

Look out!! I'm here now.

2005-12-29T21:50:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I'm new to this whole blog thing. Honestly, I'm not sure if I've bought into it completely, but I'll give it a shot as a friend suggested I try it.

Cheers!