I took a huge risk last week - I quit my job that I finally got after a 5.5 month adventure of working full-time temp and part-time at Chapters. My parents don't know yet (unless they read this post) and I'm struggling with picking up the phone and telling them.

I'm scared.

Afraid.

This is the first time I've ever walked away from a job.

Why? Self-preservation. The job was killing me slowly - emotionally, personally and spiritually. For two months I had to learn a job on my own in an industry I know nothing about and working as an assistant to a man who doesn't understand what being accountable means. Being in an office with tons of cussing, vulgarity, lack of morality and general un-professionalism. Being told that there is no learning curve left - that basically I'm not doing enough work even though I am constantly stressed out, buried under paperwork and working so much there is no time for lunch. I made one friend and he got the boot last week for a reasons I didn't agree with.

I met up with a lady from my church, Colleen, on Thursday evening - perfect timing. She had so much to tell me and let me talk over and over again - justifying over and over again why I wanted to quit and why I shouldn't. I knew what I needed to do and after 2.5 hours talking I did what my gut and heart were telling me. I was done. I made the phone calls and my life is forever changed yet again.

My eyes are open even more now to what I truly want in life - not that job! :P Time for a career change? I think so. I've been doing administrative work since high school - about 7 years. It was a safe career choice. It was an easy choice. I need to trust God immensely to guide my next steps.

Talking to a bunch of people this weekend has shown m that sometimes you have to take a leap like this to figure out what to do in life. My friend Mike got married on Friday night and I think I got more advice from him then I know what to do with. Having friends who know you is so crucial! Talking to someone who's been in the same boat give me so much more hope.

If you think of me, please pray for me. I thought I knew what I wanted out of life but am learning very quickly that I don't. To change careers I need to find something I enjoy but figuring that out is going to be a hard battle. (Suggestions from anyone?)

This afternoon I watched my good friend Mike get married to his wonderful wife April.  Watching his face as his bride walk down the aisle was price-less, he was grinning like a little kid.  It was an outdoor wedding and just a beautiful day to boot.  This is the first wedding I've gone to that it's a good friend getting married - it made me flash back over the last number of years of my friendship with Mike and it's been a blessing.  Sometimes people are in your life for a reason.  :)

Where we end up in life is such a mystery.
We live like we know where we are going.
We act like we have it all together when that could be the furtherest thing from the truth.

We dress to impress,
we worry about everything.
We buy, save and store.
We move through each day, living for the next.

Life can change in a moment, a second, a blink.
It takes but a moment can change everything.

----

A smile,
a face captured mid laugh.
The moment,
treasured forever,
in a photograph.


---

Love...
Contagious
Energetic
Bubbly
Life
Affirming

---

It takes a different path to see things different.
It takes an experience to gain knowledge.
It takes hurt to heal.
It takes disaster to see beauty.

---

Take a look at this ad. I received this in my inbox last week at work. I think they are pushing the envelope just a tad. (Free advertising for the company I know but I couldn't help but not share this)

So digging Manafest tonight!

And so totally pre-ordered the album which drops tomorrow! Check out "So Beautiful" from the new album "CITIZENS ACTIV" :

Yesterday marks an entire week that I have not cried since the lose of my job on January 21st. I guess this means I am healing and moving on. :)
I was also wrong, Wednesday marks FIVE months....

Tomorrow begins my life of working two jobs. I'm a bit nervous about how crazy my life is going to get. ACK. I also have a second interview tomorrow for a job in an accounting firm so really hoping that goes well!

This has been one insane weekend of not relaxing! My sister and I are finally getting our rooms in the new place set up....we're getting there slowly but surely! My legs throb something fierce at the moment tho so it's time to chill out.

Also finished a very funny and interesting book recently - "Bitter is the New Black". If you like sarcasm and lost a job recently, definitely get your hands on this book. You'll be laughing your way through her life story.

I think it's time for a movie...."A Walk to Remember" or "Fast and the Furious" ? (Do not mock my choice of movies! I'm in a odd mood and not sure if I want to cry through a love story or stare adoringly at Paul Walker. Tough choice, i know.)

Hello to my loyal readers of a blog of which I am neglecting. I do have a big long story to tell here eventually but for now I have a quick update.

I am currently full-time temping in G-town (guaranteed until the end of May) and as of tomorrow will be employed at Chapters part-time. Guess who is going to be a tad busy? I'm doing this so I have somewhat of a secure income (at least a little bit of money) as well as I need to be making more money anyways to pay the bills.

Next Tuesday marks 4 months since I lost my job. That's a crazy long time and feels like a lifetime ago.

I pray that God keeps granting me patience and understanding as He leads me to where He wants me to be.

Hey all, I'm still alive. Lots of updating to do. Please forgive the absence lately but the last 3 months of my life have been....um, interesting. Also I just moved at the beginning of the week so I'm currently living in a massive mess of boxes and bags.

Thanks to my faithful readers! I will be back soon! :)

I haven't blogged for quite some time on here and with my return I am going to blog about software. Yup, that's right. Good ole office software.

Lotus Notes.

I have never used Lotus Notes until the last month and well, I have an opinion about this program.

First off, I had no concept of what Lotus Notes was or the functions of the program in an office. Now I know - it 's like Outlook but not in a good way. Lotus is bulky and not very efficient. Figuring out how to compose a new email took me a couple minutes! Actually the item that took me the longest to figure out was how to create a signature and automatically have it attach to each new "memo". That's another thing that bugs me - why do they have to label emails as memos? Is labelling it an email too cutting edge? Then there's the issue with each new "memo" opening in a new tab. Terribly annoying when you want to toggle between multiple emails and other documents. I'm also not fond of the contacts database because again it's not very easily organized compared to my experience with Outlook.

This brings me to my question, how retro is Lotus Notes? Is it relevant with today's fast paced technology? Is it a cheap alternative to Outlook? What convinces companies to go with this program?

Mind you the only bonus to learning about this program is that now I can list it under office software programs I am knowledgeable in! Will this add value to my resume? I have my doubts.

Now I know why I don't like using Lotus Notes - the version I've been using is seriously outdated - version 6.5: (no wonder!)

I like coffee! (Especially that of the flavoured nature) So when a friend of mine and my sister's introduced us to Java Moose, let's just say we started to drool.


For her birthday my sister received a couple sample packs of said coffee and it is delicious. The flavours currently in our possession:

English Toffee
Cocoa Mocha Nut
Chocolate Hazelnet





Other available flavours:

Macadamia Nut
Canadian Maple Cream
Cinnamon Sticky Bun
Caramel Chocolate Nut Crunch
Cinnamon Almond Macaroon
Mocha Mudslide
etc....

Sadly Java Moose General Stores only exist in New Brunswick :( But they do online orders!

Coffee never tasted soooo good! :)

I am dutch, therefore I love some certain dutch foods. Today I am focusing on a wonderful dish called "Nasi Goreng".


Nasi goreng (Indonesian for fried rice) literally nasi means rice and goreng means fried. The dish is often accompanied by additional items such as a fried egg, fried chicken, satay, or krupuk (fried crackers / chips made of shrimp or vegetables). (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasi_goreng)

Why it fits into the dutch culture:
Because of the Dutch colonial past, there has been a considerable Asian influence on Dutch cuisine. From the 16th century onwards all sorts of spices mainly from the Dutch Indies were introduced into Dutch cuisine. Hence many traditional Dutch dishes are (heavily) flavoured with Southeast Asian herbs and spices. Later Indonesian dishes such as nasi goreng, rice with chicken or pork, became part of Dutch cuisine. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_cuisine)

Why I like it:
It's super duper easy to make and you usually end up with oodles of leftovers! It's a good thing my mom taught me how to make it as the instructions are only in dutch of which I cannot read...




Nasi is made by taking that contents of the package - put in one cup container then add hot water to fill cup. Let sit for 15 minutes and add it to the beef mixture. Stir and combine with rice. Done.




End result:

and I'm now unemployed. It's been 2 seconds since I last thought about the fact that I'm jobless.

Please pray that I may find another job.

I left my office with a heavy heart on Monday morning, leaving behind co-workers who were are like family to me. I miss them all.

Right now I'm taking a short vacation and visiting my parents. I may be close to a beach right now but sadly, I'm not up for any polar dips. :)

(great lake pics coming soon tho!)

Dread Pirate Roberts:

           Really. [pause] In that case, I challenge you to a
           battle of wits.

Vizzini:    For the princess? <> To the death? <> I accept.

Dread Pirate Roberts:

           Good. Then pour the wine.

           [Roberts pulls out a small vial, and uncorks it]

           Inhale this, but do not touch.

Vizzini:    I smell nothing.

Dread Pirate Roberts:

           What you do not smell is called Iocane powder. It is
           odorless, tasteless, dissolves instantly in liquid,
           and is among the more deadly poisons known to man.

Vizzini:    Hmmmm.

*Update* I brought my car back to the shop first thing Monday morning and they did discover it was the brakes and fixed it free of charge. (They sorta did still try to rip me off by machining a part instead of replacing it to begin with but ah well, moot point now). My car is fixed and I'm happy now.


I am super ticked right now. I went to my car dealership to get a noise checked out and it ended up being a brake problem. Okay, they fixed it and yes, I paid too much. (Already found a new shop to go to). This was Wednesday I think and today as I'm driving to a friends house guess what I hear? Yup, that's right the stupid moronic mechanics screwed me over and did not fix my brakes properly.

I'm stressed and annoyed so extremely much because I got screwed by a place that is already charging me too much. Now I have to drive my car until Monday morning with brakes that sound like a train's coming.

UGH! I've been worked up about this all day...I know it's just a car but I absolutely hate that I trusted the autoshop to fix my car and they failed to do so. They are getting an earful Monday morning!! I am not paying a darn cent for any more repairs needed and I'm not going back there for anything!

I don't want this stress! I'm already having problems sleeping, my jerknut neighbours in this apartment have been freaking noisy all weekend. I'm tired of it.

I am getting so excited about season 4 of LOST! Today I stumbled across the poster for this season:





*Note the city reflected instead of the trees and the number also reflected.

Pic taken from here.

It's going to be an insane season!! Want to find me on Thursday evenings - I'll be glued to my tv.

I've been wanting to blog about my past year for a while, late but better than never.
This has been an intense year for me and I want to highlight a few points:

Job promotion - no picture for this but a huge change in my daily work life.

Voted in as a church Elder! It has been a learning experience and I'm looking forward to another great year being challenged and constantly growing.


Second ear piercing (that I wanted for years and finally did it)










Bought my first car! I absolutely love my car and having a car. It's been a great blessing for me and a whole other world of educating myself on car maintenance.















Disney World. This included my first plane ride ever and the first time in Florida. Best vacation EVER!
















Camping at a new place - Port Burwell Provincial Park. It was a really nice change and definitely plan on going back this coming summer. (Discovered that going after Labour Day weekend was smart - no one around!)
















First time bridesmaid! I had such a fun time being a part of Steph & Jerry's special day. It was also a mini-vacation for me at the same time (had a cottage to myself for a day). Oh and first road trip on my own - 4hrs was long enough!




















Parents moved out of my childhood home. What an experience! I do miss the old home but it was time for my parents to move on. (only pic I could find of the house at the moment)
















My sister moved to Tanzania, Africa and will be gone for the next 8-12 months. I miss her so much but I know this is a awesome opportunity for her. (I'm slightly jealous, she gets to miss a winter!)















It was a very challenging year but I came away changed and that is the best part.

Here's too a new year!

I talk about this book all the time, so why not blog about it? Read my review here.
--
"The Shack" by William P. Young is a phenomenal hit! I can't get over the amount of response this book is getting not to mention the word of mouth promotion!

Examples:

Ranked on Amazon.com today - #81 in books
Ranked on Amazon.ca today - #164 in books

I'm seriously excited about how well this book is selling/circulating! The book has an amazing message that the world needs to hear and be reminded of.

What's also fantastic is that according to William's website he will be visiting my area of the world in April! Talk about awesome!

If you have not read this book - please pick up a copy and read it!

...for this week:

1. Eating apple fritters fresh from the Farmer's Market (thanks Jolene!)

2. Finally getting more than 5 hrs of sleep at night (semi-insomnia probs lately)

3. Great convos over coffee with friends

And the best one...

4. Season 3 of LOST!

So this afternoon I was flipp'n thru channels trying to find something to watch and I stumbled across "Eve's Christmas" which of course ended up being a cute chick flick of course! BUT, it had a certain actor in it which brings me to the meaning for this post is to expose my long time crush for a very unknown actor - Sebastian Spence:









Oh goodness! I used to watch him on the weekly show called "First Wave" as Cade Foster, the alien hunter. And that is all I have to say. Ha, ha.

This should be an interesting...

I am a slob, well at least when it comes to my room.

I was so embarrassed today when I had guests over and someone needed some privacy and let them into my room. It's a disaster! I have books, papers and clothes all over the place!! Maybe this is my wake up call to getting a bit more organized?!? Ack! Why can't there be more hours in the day so I can accomplish such a monstrous task?

I guess you can tell a lot about a person by the messiness of their room? Yikes, that does not paint me in a very good picture.

Tomorrow nite, if you need me, I'll be cleaning my room....

Ugh, I still feel embarrassed...

I couldn't sleep last night.

I went to bed at midnight and did not crash until 4:30 this morning. I was so mad! I'm usually the type that when my head hits the pillow I'm sawing logs within 10 minutes. But no, I tossed and turned, tried to read a book, read my bible for a bit, drank water, walked around the apartment...I even tried crying myself to sleep but NOTHING worked! Stupid brain would not turn off.

Seriously, my number one annoyance in life - is not being able to sleep. Ugh. I'm going to be living off cafeine and sugar for entire day.

Wish me luck or help me get off the sugar high...

I'm feeling special today, the good special, not the my-mom-thinks-I'm-special kind of special.

I feel nerdy special.

At work I'm part of reading club where we submit the books that we have read each month and well, in less than 5 months I've won TWICE!

Yup, I'm a reading geek.

Now to take the gift certificate and go shopping! :)

Book stats:
45 books
13,457 pages

Today is a day I long to be a kid again.

The crisp snow under foot, the snow lightly falling from the sky…and I stick out my tongue to catch a few flakes. What it would be like to throw all cares away and make snow angels or build a snowman. Just a day with no pressure, responsibility or worry. To lay back on a pile of snow and just let your mind wander.

I am starting to educate myself...
















(Thanks to my sis who bought me the book)

That's right, I'm gonna become a grease monkey, or at least I can pretend :)

I wish I wasn't so car clueless. I love my car but it causes me much nervousness and worrying. I had to bring in "Zippy" for tire rotation and a squeaky belt issue this morning. I just got a call back from the shop and they need to replace my belts and 2 of the tires. I'm probably paying too much for the tires but because this is my first experience and I have no concept of how car repair works so this time I'm giving the go ahead. I need to be more car educated. I need to know who to trust and the best ways to save money when it comes to repairs. I really dislike not knowing what I am getting into and I honestly feel stupid - like turn-red-in-the-face-i'm-embrassed kinda stupid. Which in reality is so dumb because how am I expected to know such things if i have no experience?

I will get over this, I will educate myself and I will stop worrying so much! It's just a car! There are are more important things to focus on.

So here I sit at the end of my work day. Okay so, almost - half hr to go.

Eating a cookie that was forced upon my desk. It's a delicious cookie but I so don't need to eat another one.

It's snowing outside and it's staying on the ground. It's beautifully sad to look at.

I want CHRISTMAS!

Seriously, I could go for a tall glass of eggnog while sitting in the living room surrounded by Christmas lights, the smell of pine and candles while music plays in the background.

*sigh*

But here I sit, blogging instead of working while my officemate/boss plays Christmas music. (Of which I have no objections, it just makes me really long for the Holidays)

Sending faxes.

I just can't get enough of jBlast.

Love photography? Then you will love this cool gadget! Seriously, this is darn awesome!
(Sad part is, currently only available in the US)

Before we even start to tell you what this thing is, we have to tell you: it’s amazing, we LOVE it, and it makes us feel like we’re living in the future.


Also, let us answer up front, with a dandy little mini-FAQ, what you’ll soon be asking:
Q: Is this really as awesome as it sounds?A: Yes. Maybe awesome-er.
Q: Wait, are you serious? Is this for real?A: You betcha.



With that out of the way… the Eye-Fi Wireless memory card adds Wi-Fi to any camera that uses SD memory. It’s orange. It looks like a normal SD camera memory card. It holds 2 GB of photos. And it wirelessly uploads your photos to your computer and to Flickr or one of 16 other photo sharing sites.



We always dreamed that someday, we’d merely turn on our cameras and all our photos would be invisibly downloaded to our computer and uploaded for our friends to see. It’s someday.

No buttons, no antennas, and no wires. Just modern technological magic.


http://photojojo.com/content/buy-this/wifi-camera-memory-card/

Thanks to my coworker and kindred spirit Jolene for inspring my post of today (and more to come)

Inigo: Are you the Miracle Max who worked for the king all those years?

Miracle Max: The king's stinking son fired me. And thank you so much for bringing up such a painful subject. While you're at it, why don't you give me a nice paper cut and pour lemon juice on it? We're closed.

Westley from Princess Bride!
(obvious with the blog web address)

And to celebrate, here is a quote and one of my favourites:

Humperdink: To the death!
Westley: No, to the pain.
Humperdinck: I don't think I'm quite familiar with that phrase.
Westley: I'll explain. And I'll use small words so that you'll be sure to understand, you wart-hog-faced buffoon.
Humperdinck: That may be the first time in my life a man has dared insult me.
Westley: It won't be the last. To the pain means the first thing you lose will be your feet, below the ankles, then your hands at the wrists, next your nose.
Humperdinck: — and then my tongue, I suppose. I killed you too quickly the last time, a mistake I don't mean to duplicate tonight.
Westley: I wasn't finished. The next thing you lose will be your left eye, followed by your right —
Humperdinck: — and then my ears, I understand. Let's get on with it —
Westley: Wrong! Your ears you keep, and I'll tell you why — so that every shriek of every child at seeing your hideousness will be yours to cherish — every babe that weeps at your approach, every woman who cries out, "Dear God, what is that thing?" will echo in your perfect ears. That is what "to the pain" means. It means I leave you in anguish, wallowing in freakish misery forever.

For a tall apple picker?!?

----
-------------""Girls----------
-----------are like apples------
-------on trees. The best ones-----
-----are at the top of the tree.-----
---The boys dont want to reach---
--for the good ones because they--
-r afraid of falling and getting hurt.-
-Instead, they get the rotten apples-
from the ground that arent as good,
but easy. So the apples up top think
something wrong w/ them when in
-reality they're amazing. They just--
---have to wait for the right boy to
---- come along, the one who's-
----------- brave enough to-----
---------------climb all---------
---------------the way--------
--------------to the top--------
-------------of the tree.---------

(Cheesy - I know)

"It’s the relationship you spend more time on than any other. It has deepened even during the past few years. When things go wrong, you become enraged and tearful and attack inanimate objects—but you’re willing to spend hours making things right.

Obviously, we’re talking about your relationship with your personal computer.

Consider this: In a survey earlier this year, 64 percent of Americans say they spend more time with their computer than with their significant other."
http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20071008/sc_livescience/whenyourmostsignificantotherisacomputer

I had a good laugh coming across this article tonight because sadly, and I will admit it, I spend a LOT of time on my computer. Maybe this explains quite about about my lack of a SigOther..wait, my computer is! Ha, ha, ha!

I'm sad.

Signing off of facebook now. But just for the night.

I pulled my left calf muscle again this morning - three charlie horses in less than a week? Ugh. Maybe I need to drink more milk.

----

M: " 'Stable', it's stamped on my forehead"
E: "but not the kind with horses in it"

Since I have to wait another zillion months for LOST to start the new season, I've decided to pick up some new shows to watch:

Just another typical day in the office:

Ellen on phone: "...well last year I just turned 30..."
*whispered across the room *
Me: "old lady, ollllddddd laaaadddyy"
-----
Me:"I'm so far ahead a head of you.."
E: "....I won't be able to catch up to you with...my walker"
-----
E: "...sugar lips.."
E: "Michelle is gagging over here"
----
DM: "Do you have a fart machine to scare Ellen?"
----
E: "We've been working like little beavers today, cute little beavers"
---
Me: "Just use the same spreadsheet, it's less confusing and I can cross reference my contacts"
E: "Ha, ha...I thought you just said crotch reference!!"

I am suffering from bowling arm, and well bowling leg too.

You know you need to get back to the gym when two days after playing a couple rounds of bowling leave you stiff like an old lady.

Or maybe I'm just an old lady :P

(But who won the first game and second place by a fraction in the second game? I'm so darn proud of myself )

I'm cranked out right now.

I was happy two seconds ago.

UGH.

I'm tired, annoyed, peeved, frustrated.

I'm tired of so much and tired from so much.

I want to be a kid again.

I should have worn my AAARRgyle vest today.

Happy "International Talk Like a Pirate" day!

I'm not the most thrift-est person in the world but I scored pretty awesomely this past weekend.
I bought this dress for...




















$1.11 including tax.
Yup.
No lie.
I rock.
Actually Old Navy does and their 97 cent rack.

"February Song" Josh Groban

Where has that old friend gone
Lost in a February song
Tell him it won't be long
Til he opens his eyes, opens his eyes
Where is that simple day
Before colors broke into shades
And how did I ever fade
Into this life, into this life

And I never want to let you down
Forgive me if I slip away
When all that I've known is lost and found
I promise you I, I'll come back to you one day

Morning is waking up
And sometimes it's more than just enough
When all that you need to love
Is in front of your eyes
It's in front of your eyes

And I never want to let you down
Forgive me if I slip away
Sometimes it's hard to find the ground
Cause I keep on falling as I try to get away
From this crazy world

And I never want to let you down
Forgive me if I slip away
When all that I've known is lost and found
I promise you I, I'll come back to you one day

Where has that old friend gone
Lost in a February song
Tell him it won't be long
Til he opens his eyes
Opens his eyes

-----
"Your Are Loved" Josh Groban

Don't give up
It's just the weight of the world
When your heart's heavy
I, I will lift it for you
Don't give up
Because you want to be heard
If silence keeps you
I, I will break it for you
Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don't give up
Because you are loved
Don't give up
It's just the hurt that you hide
When you're lost inside
I, I'll be there to find you
Don't give up
Because you want to burn bright
If darkness blinds you
I, I will shine to guide you
Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don't give up
Because you are loved
You are loved
Aaaah
Don't give up
Its just the weight of the world (You are loved)
Dont give up
Everyone needs to be heard (Dont give up)
You are loved (You are loved - Dont give up)

*sigh*

"Awake" has become my favourite album of his.
He rocks my socks.
Seriously, take a listen - you will love him forever!

inspires me to write:
---------

Sunset

The sun drops behind the tress leaving the sky glowing in an orange hue. A sweet breeze trickles into my lungs with every breath. A smell of summer leaving us, the tress already showing some colour. Gone will be the bliss of long summer days and warm evenings.

------------

A Walk in Mount Hope

My feet step to the music in my ear, my pace set by the beat. A smile crosses my face as I feel the happy notes course through my body. The beautiful trees and the tranquility of the place tugs at my heart. I talk to God about my life and throw some things at His feet. My mind wonders like the quiet breeze. A quick glance around I throw up my hands and praise God for who I am. I cry, sweet tears of stress, love and happiness. I stop to inhale and start singing to the tune the keeps playing. A moment passes and my heart feels lighter. I breath in the beauty around me and keep walking. Walking with my Father hand in hand.

I thought I was ready for this but I'm not.

It's more awkward than socks in sport sandles.

I watched Stardust last night and I really liked it. I don't think it will replace my love for the Princess Bride but I think I might have to add to my collection of must haves and rewatches!

"Evoking memories of Willow, Dark Crystal, and The Princess Bride, Stardust feels like a timeless fantasy tale. It is smart, intriguing, and creates a new world filled with visual wonders. I was caught off guard, in a good way. It is a nice feeling to walk in without a clue of what to expect and leave with a grin plastered on your face."

http://blogcritics.org/archives/2007/08/12/043930.php

I'm so jealous about this:

I took a quiz this morning out of curiousity because I feel that I don't have many hobbies...especially after being in Michael's last night looking at all the yarn going - "I can't knit, crochet, rug hook, cross stitch..." (I just find them all terribly boring and I'm not good at it!)

CREATIVE
You have a gift for expression. Whether it's writing, drawing, creating objets d'art or making music, you see the world in a unique way and are able to convey that to other people. No doubt you doodle on napkins and meeting notes, are always humming a new tune, have already read the latest fiction releases, and know all the local art galleries' schedules by heart. You might like hobbies like sketching, photography, sculpting, playing an instrument, singing, journaling, scrap-booking or designing clothing.

Quiz courtesy of: http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2007/leisure/quiz/index.html

Education for the city folk:

















Picture 1: May 6
Picture 2: July 29
As my dad always said on hot humid days - "you can go outside and hear the corn grow".

I am going to miss the property something fierce. If only the trees could talk.

(More posts about my parents move coming soon....)

Lately I've been inspired to write poems and I have been posting them on "Contemplations r us" but tonight (I should say morning) I am changing that. Below are a couple poems that came to me randomly from walking home from the gym to sitting in front of my computer.

======
I'm tired.
Take this burden from me.
Lift my spirits
because I'm feeling crushed.

I NEED you more than I need life.
carefree, wind swirling,
laughter bubbling out of my mouth like a stream.

Floating, tip toeing across the sky,
Soaring above the world, absent of thought.

Slowly dropping back to earth,
please catch me before I fall.

(written tonight)

=====

Inhale. Warm sweet summer air.
A hand reaches up palms facing the heavens.
Head tilts up, eyes close.

Jesus, my Saviour.
You pick me up out of this grave.
Your life breaths into me.
Beautiful, beautiful is my image of you.

You are everything.
What my heart longs for.
What my heart aches for.
Fill me Jesus with your love forever.

I will run to you with arms open wide
Sun beaming, breaking through the clouds.
(Written on July 17th, 2007)

=======

Gut wrenching sobs. Tears streaming down, soaking into her skin.
She cries.

Love so deep, unconditional, everlasting. More than compromising, it's a sacrifice.
She cries.

Longing to breath deep, reaching beyond just to grasp on to the edge.
She cries.

Forgiveness, acceptance and respect is all she longs for.
A place, safe and worthy to be warrant trust. To be herself, to feel a sense of belong. To be pushed, grow and mature. What must it take? How much must she give?

To hold her heart out and have it stomped on?

A rut she doesn't want, heartache she keeps feeling.
She cries.

Soft words and a gentle heart, a peace settles like leaves slowly falling from a tree.
She looks up.

Honesty, compassion and encouragement flow out. Soaking it all in.
She smiles.
(Written on May 29th, 2007)

I am going to go read some Harry Potter before I go to sleep. Yup, I'm aware of what the shows of my eternal salvation.

Never judge a book by it's wizards.

Spider pig, Spider pig.
Doing what a spider pig does.
Can he swing from a web,
no he can't he's a pig.

(Courtesy of the "Simpson's Movie" trailer)

Short end of it #1:

I finally realized why I miss a certain ex-coworker and friend so much lately and it has me thinking. Dang I miss the witty banter and jabs at each other. Comebacks? Ha, haven't had to use on in a while and that makes me sad.


Short end of it #2:

Never "rib" your pastor the night before church about something that can be brought up in his sermon. Oh gosh, talk about wanting to throw something at the pulpit. Revenge will be mine.
(Check this link to check out the recording - "Don't Look Back Part 2. About 6 minutes into the message)


Short end of it #3:

Want to make swimming a regular activity - I miss it so much.


Short end of it #4:

I feel guilty about not going to the gym. MUST. GO. TONITE.

and I feel out of sorts. Suddenly.

Why must my brain psycho-analyze everything?

Some people go out on a Friday night and some people stay home and work on redesigning their blogs.

Look what I did! It's not the awesome-est template and I'm not terribly fond of the pink flower but my collection of photos lacks just the perfect one right now. There is still some tweaks that need to be done and lists to add to the column but other than that all my blogs are now connected!

I've recently started a book blog and am going to start reviewing/listing the books I've read so far so if this turns your crank - check it out!

Random tidbits:

1. Currently my bedroom door stopper is a high heeled shoe, sad.

2. Tomato sandwiches are delicious

3. I can't seem to get over my chocolate craving

4. I love earrings

5. Seriously, who isn't getting married this summer?

6. My love for Switchfoot is back...but only the material before they were "discovered"

7. I've read 6,500 pages year to date, that's about 31 pages a day so far and I'm still behind my reading competition opponent!

8. The strawberry season is over and I frown.

9. I want rhubarb!

10. Another relaxing weekend ahead, I'm loving it!

Casino Royale - What can I say? Strangely alluring Bond and a couple of sweet cars.

The Engagment Ring - A movie you find highly amusing at 2am...it was like My Big Fat Greek Wedding meets a cheese harlequin movie (I could give you the plot but then it would be admiting the fact that I have actually watched such said movie)

Walk to Remember - One very simple question - why? I'm not sure what possessed me to pop in this DVD and I suffered the consequences....*sniffle*

Ratatouille - Very cute and amusing animated movie! I left the theatre wanting to go home and cook a gourmet meal since "anyone can cook!" Definitely a re-watch.

Blood Diamond - I just finished watching this tonite and it has left an impact. Just crazy insane what people are capable of doing for one diamond. We get caught up in such trivial matters in life when there are such more things in life to be concerned about...*sigh* I think this movie deserved Academy Awards for such outstanding performances and the reason alone that it's a movie about a social and economic issue.

I think I'm a little movie-d out for a while. Still so many to see this summer but I'm taking a break!

Seriously, I think I might be ill.
I got up by 9am-ish on a long weekend!! And especially on a day like today that I have absolutely no plans yet I'm ambitious enough to get up and shower, do two loads of laundry and make french toast before noon. For some reason lazying around in bed all morning has lost it's appeal to me.

I know, careful now, don't fall off your chair in shock.

The more I think about it's probably old age creeping up on me. :P

I finally have somewhere else to buy clothes in the city! Or I've just been slow and had no clue that Old Navy carried clothing in my size! They just build a new store at the local mall and I stopped by earlier this week and tried on a bunch of stuff! Of course I couldn't leave without buying anything....even something I normally would never wear (I hate not having sleeves and cap sleeves don't count!):

A good book.
Right now I have about 4 books on the go that I can't seem to get through yet I'll randomly grab a book and whip through it before I can get the other 4 done. Crazy. I'm also legging behind in my book reading competition...I like like 700+ pages and at this rate I'll need to read two books a week. So not happening. I still think work should allocate 1 full day of reading as a "product awareness" program. :P But I can dream.

Blended creme Tazo Chai Frappuccino. Soo darn good it should be illegal. :P

Photographing flowers:

Johnny Fresco's.
It's a new-ish restaurant in town the serves up mouth watering burgers, tasty pitas with many filling choices, crunchy onion rings and a bunch of other delicious good fast food choices.

My sisters and I frequent the place, probably too much but we go because it's different then fast food, healthier and generally on the regular route to and fro work. I've talked about this place many times with high praises! I took my Pastor there last week and he loved it! And today a couple co-workers went and gave it a two thumbs up!

Favourite menu item: BBQ Steak Pita and a side of onion rings

Check it out!
(You can't miss the place either - beside DQ on Weber/University)

Camping:














A beautiful picture I took while camping at the Elora Gorge - camping is definitely a favourite hobby for me. Can't wait to go to Port Burwell in August!

I'm not usually the type of girl that "swoons" over hollywood actors but...after watching "At the World's End", I'm totally in love with Orlando Bloom.

Just look at him:















Smok'n hot. It's not just that he's gorgeous but traits of his character, the lengths he goes for love. My heart just ached watching the movie - the sacrifices each character makes due to love....*sigh*

Then again, it's just a movie, not real life. :P

"I tore my heart open and sewed myself shut.
My weakness is that I feel too much."

Anybody else ever have this thought? Dangit! I sometimes think being emo is a handi-cap.

"And she's staring at his picture hanging in her locker,
She's telling all the girls about all the things that he bought her.
I saw what really happened all those time he went for water,
When we were at the movie theatre
Watching Harry Potter.
He had his hands on
Every single girl he laid his eyes on.
Hate to break it to ya,
He's a pylon.
And even when he kissed her,
He was looking over staring at her sister."

Best line in a song, ever! I think I'll add it to my insult vocabulary.

It's quiet. TV free. Lake side. *sigh*

The Port has been a nice retreat from the city noise. And my dad's apartment is super cute! It's like living in a cottage - bright sunny kitchen, beautiful gardens outside, a lawn that looks over the water. Last night we had a pre-dinner consisting of homemade ice cream on handmade waffle cones..."peacan sigh sundae". Mmmmm. Also spend sometime water side listening to the waves lap in and the birds singing and of course the odd fireworks bang. Silly cottagers.

Now I must go, time to steam roll a sib out of bed and go walk around town.

I hate when people make me feel stupid.
My heart just drops and I immediately feel guilty.
Why didn't I do it that way? How could I assume?
Definitely a mood killer.
Just lovely.

As most ppl know I'm in a semi so called "book reading" race with a couple friends. Yes, I'm that much of a nerd but hey! it's a hobby I'm good at. Also throw in a work book club (of which I won last month) and you get me reading a pile of books! So far I'm read almost 1 book per week = to 4,756 pages to be exact.

The book I'm currently read - "From the Corner of His Eye" by Dean Koontz. *gasp* It's not chick-lit! Somebody stop me! This book has reminded me that many Christian books lack the intensity of most mainstream writers such as Koontz. Except for such others as Dekker, Robert Liparulo and Robert Whitlow. Chick-lit/brain-less books are good for a time but sometimes I need a book with meat and that requires some brain power.

Now I'm off to bed to of course read, pretty much the only time I do have to read....could explain that 12:30 or later bedtime.

I 'm sorry that our fun time has ended but look forward to hearing about ur great progress. I know u can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep up the great work. You should be really proud of how far u have come. You're an inspiration !!!!

I have officially cancelled my work outs with my personal trainer. Sadly. Unfortunately time and money are an issue and I think I can handle things on my own now.

My trainer was awesome! I'm going to miss her! If anyone needs to get their fitness level into high gear I know who you can call :P

I'm still around, just going through a blogging slump.

Until a couple days when I was introducted to Tumblr.com.

Now I'm back in the game with of course, the newest blogging trend (well once everyone else catches on to this :P ). Feel free to check out my tumblr page! I will be blogging at both locations for now.

Also I posted another entry in contemplations r us - caution, it's my rant blog.

That is all for now!

Good 'nite and farewell.

"I hope someday that someone sees you the way I do"

Thank you Cyn, I'll never forget those words. You fill my heart with love.

"Don’t give up
It’s just the weight of the world
When your heart’s heavy, I
I will lift it for you
Don’t give up
Because you want to be heard
If silence keeps you, I
I will break it for you

Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don’t give up
Because you are loved

Don’t give up
It’s just the hurt
That you hide
When you’re lost inside, I
I’ll be there to find you

Don’t give up
Because you want to burn bright
If darkness blinds you I
I will shine to guide you

Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don’t give up
Because you are loved

You are loved

Don’t give up
It’s just the weight of the world

Don’t give up
Everyone needs to be loved

You are loved"

This is why I heart Josh Groban!

I like my boss. She gives me chocolate. Truffle chocolates! Raspberry, Hazelnut and Caramel. Mmmmm...it pays to be a hardworking employee :P And who scarfed them all down in meer minutes?

Thanks Ellen! :)

I've discovered over time that boys suck at making plans.

Should I honestly be suprised? Ha ha.

Okay so I want to hang out with my friend Mike yet it takes us like 14 facebook messages to get something figured out then oh, right, he can't make into Uptown that soon. Cripes! So now we are back to about square 1ish. Gah! :P

I dislike having to make the decisions all the time but I can't handle a person's indecisiveness. Just choose!

Like those people in front of you at Starbucks that stand there for ten minutes trying to figure out if they want a grande vanilla latte with extra foam, wait, and extra hot too. Oh and then desserts? So many choices. Word to wise, know what you want before getting in line or feel the wrath of me! :P I just want my grande non-fat tazo chai latte with a double shot of almond thanks.

I bought myself a birthday present tonite.

Yup.

Almost 6 months early.

It doesn't come in a box,
nor is it gift wrapped.

It can't fit inside my car
nor my apartment.

It could make my days hot
but rainy days dreadful.

I can sit, stand, sleep on it
but I can't lick it.

It has many elements
of which all I can enjoy.

It could make me dirty
and burnt.

It makes many noises,
sometimes even soothing.

What am I?