A Decade in Retrospect.

Well, I suppose it is that time of year. We are wrapping up another year, and another decade! It seems like a lot of excitement!

I don't really want to do anything special for today's post, just thank the LORD that this year has been so wonderful, and so full of surprises. And not only this year, but also the entire decade. To think that 10 years ago I was, well, 10! I think its safe to say I have grown a lot. In fact, I get to say, 'yeah man, I was a teenager during those 00s!' (alright, not as appealing as the claim to 90s teenage fame, but give me some credit).

Remember where we have come from. 2000- brand new millenium! 2001- the attacks on the Twin Towers and Pentagon. 2004- Tsunami strikes Indian Ocean Coastline. 2005- Hurricane Katrina. 2008- Barack Obama elected first black U.S. President. It's been a busy decade.

Amidst all of that we seem to live our lives, day after day, sometimes in complete oblivion to world events. By the grace of God alone are we here. Our lives are so small, so insignificant. I was out on the playground in elementary school when the Twin Towers fell. When Hurricane Katrina unleashed its wrath on New Orleans, I was likely working a shift at the BK Lounge. (I know I was working a shift at the BK Lounge when Michael Jackson was declared dead.) Call me a realist, but each of our lives is such a profound mystery to every other.

But isn't it cool that we continue to live to see the light of the next day? I think there is only thanksgiving that can be offered.

Sure, 2010 is the start of something new, something maybe grand and fabulous. It may be a time of great trial and tribulations. For a lot of you, its time to start looking over the past year and set goals for the next.

But what if this year, you just said thanks for being alive. For living. Really living. For the mundane, and the extraordinary. For the tears and the smiles. For the experiences you'd like to forget and for those you'd like to remember. Give thanks to the One who has given you life. And then, make 2010 worth it-in the eyes of God.

Word of the Day: Regal

Quote of the Day: "Can you smell my hair? Does it smell like shampoo, or Oliebollen?" Kristen

Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes

I cannot believe how much it has snowed!

Lines from a lovely email that my friend sent me.

"I wonder if you like the Beatles. I ate a pancake this morning. I am almost a man."

Wise words.

Kristi visited today. It was fabulous. I think I am ready for Christmas break to be over.

Word of the Day: Chicken

Quote of the Day: "A Whopper by any other name would not be a Whopper." Greg

The Christmas Story

Silent Night,

Holy Night,

All is calm,

All is bright

Round yon virgin mother and child

Holy infant so tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace

Sleep in heavenly peace.

Hark! the harold angels sing

Glory to the newborn King

Peace on earth and mercy mild

God and sinners reconciled.

Joyful all ye nations rise

Join the triumphs of the skies

with angelic hosts proclaim

Christ is born in Bethlehem

Hark the harold angels sing

Glory to the newborn King!

The Birth of Jesus

¹In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ²(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³And everyone went to his own town to register.

⁴So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.⁵He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

⁸And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.¹¹Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. ¹²This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

¹³Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

¹⁴"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

¹⁵When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

¹⁶So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

luke 2:1-20

Word of the Day: Celebrate

Quote of the Day: "Merry Christmas!"

An Exterp

I have been putting off this whole blogging thing for a while. It is my 200th post (I know, I felt pretty accomplished when I noticed that too.) so I figured I would share something special with you all.

The following exterp is the beginning of a fun little story I am writing.

On one side of the ocean there was a man in a top hat. He wore the top hat with pride. His rounded face stuck out strangely from his suit. Old faded pants, forgotten beneath a flashy overcoat and a skulky smile, followed his legs down to the most peculiarly red shoes. The shoes resembled somewhat of those Dorothy wore in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and anyone looking the man up and down would wonder why he wasn’t clicking his heels together. The overcoat was rather large and ancient and had many pockets hidden in its interior. The overcoat quite liked its maze-like interior and prided itself in its pockets. It especially liked the two on the outside where the man in the top hat kept his hands warm and dry. In the exterior pocket on the right side of the jacket, the man carried a wristwatch, a slice of mint flavored chewing gum and a coin. The wristwatch was not to be worn around the man’s wrist as its name suggested. It had far to much value and knowledge to be exposed in that sort of manor. Each of the pocket dwellers resolved some sort of emotional gratification to the man and he kept them close, fingering them as often as he could manage and spending the rest of the time tipping his hat to the seagulls that mulled and squawked about the shoreline. The top hat had been tipped a total of ninety three times so far that day. The chewing gum, wristwatch, and coin were being suffocated by the man’s hand. Passers by thought very little of the sight.

The man had been standing at the Pier for quite sometime. He watched the waves roll in and out making a soft crash as they hit the rocks. The seagulls landed on the tops that poked from the water while the waves receded and were sent off in a disgruntling flight as the waves returned. The man continued to tip his hat. The ocean air that morning was especially salty. The sun had not yet shone face and the docks seemed eternally wet, not from the ocean water, but rather from the dew that had not yet dried its way out of the night. The only thing that was missing from the strange scene was the small dog that made rounds about the piers. The dog, a young, unwashed, tangled mess of a terrier mutt, befriended all the local traffic and enjoyed barking relentlessly at the man in the top hat. Perhaps the quiet that filled the pier that morning was unusual and eerie and only noticeable to those who understood the terrier. The wristwatch, the chewing gum, and the coin, though quite feverish from the man’s hand, were pleased with the unusual quietness on the foggy morning with the dew still laden and the waves rolling in, it was perfectly wonderful to rest a while and to take a nap.

Not a soul could figure out what had become of the terrier, nor why it had chosen this particular day, of all days, to disappear into obscurity. Where obscurity was, is another matter entirely, and though no man had ever ventured to figure out where obscurity really is (for there could be many disappeared movie stars and writers there), each was sure it existed. The wristwatch knew where obscurity was, but was not about to reveal that to either the chewing gum or the coin, and certainly not to the man in the top hat. Instead, the wristwatch ticked patiently as the coin and the chewing gum drifted into a deep slumber within the man’s hand. Once it had been determined that both were fast asleep and not about to disturb anyone, the wristwatch ceased ticking and drifted off into its own slumber. The man in the top hat knew nothing and continued to cling to the three tightly.

On the other side of the ocean there was a lighthouse that was missing a window.

There are big hopes for this story. I also feel as though this blog needs a makeover, in honour of post 200.

Word of the Day: Quite

Quote of the Day: 'Life is Compost.' from The Thirteenth Tale, by Diane Setterfield

Stumble

Just Copy and Paste the links. I don't know why they aren't working.

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1GeltG/pascalcampion.com/door.swf

Now, that is one of the most entertaining websites I have ever come across. Click it and see for yourself. Watch the entire thing, and there is no sound, so don't worry about it scaring everyone.

This one is just funny.

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/77Mxqg/wildammo.com/2009/08/09/what-stormtroopers-do-on-their-day-off/

And, can you believe it? It is nearly Christmas! It isn't quite time to think about Christmas though. I have had exams, and the last issue of the Crown for the 2009 year (which is also the last issue of the decade. Pretty stellar). Plus, putting in a lot of time consuming work in for the Crown in general. We are sending out the issue to the Alumni in the Hamilton area in the hopes that some will subscribe. So, if you are interested, here's the plug. You have until Friday to make up your mind. Leave me a comment and I will get in contact with you, you know, all 10 readers I have. : )

So yes, tedious work. The company didn't fold the papers for us this time, so I spent two hours this afternoon, with the EIC's wife and our Digital Editor, folding all the papers. Then, we had to distribute them in the mailboxes. Then, we had to fill envelopes with the letter to the Alumni, explaining what's going on, a subscription form (just in case), and the Crown issue. 776 envelopes and 4 hours later, Tim, Danielle and I were finished. The EIC had to sign all the letters, which is a pretty ridiculous job.

Oh yeah! And I write exams! I have one left, but it is in the last time slot of the last day. Most unfortunate. Then, it will be Christmas. Preparing for Christ is exciting, but so is the fulfillment of the promise.

"Oh come, o come Immanuel. And ransom captive Israel."

Word of the Day: Facetious

Quote of the Day: "Next year, we'll put a sign on the bedroom door that says BK Lounge! " Amanda Fraliegh

Beauty is More Than Just Skin Deep

Curious.

I pretended to read this morning, but instead, I was slyly watching my roommate get ready. She changed her outfit about 8 times, trying to decide whether to wear the hat, or not to. She flattened her hair for about half an hour straight (I couldn't tell what she was doing to make it look any different) and spent another 20 minutes deciding on which scarf to wear.

I think the entire process was nearly an hour.

I don't understand girls' need to primp. I don't honestly think it makes much of a difference. Especially since, for my roommate, she is beautiful. She is just..beautiful. God created her the way he wanted her to be, and so spending hours upon hours putting on makeup, finding the perfect outfit doesn't seem like the most spectacular use of anyone's time. Me? It takes me a total of half an hour to shower, dry, straighten my hair, throw some makeup on my face, and decide I'm ready to face the day. My choice of clothing doesn't affect what my friends think of me. I'm grateful for that.

It's just discouraging when I see my roommate spend so much time trying to look just right, when she already is exactly as God wishes her to be. And that's beautiful; inside and out.

And now, for some exam prep and study. Oh the semester is nearly finished and Christmas is in sight!

Word of the Day: Snowflake

Quote of the Day: "And now your door is exquisite for the next time you choose to visit!" -Note on Dr. Faber's door post re-decorating.

HST

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2009/12/09/ont-hst.html

Yet again, the Ontario government wants more money. I'm confused. How is this supposed to help the economy?

Word of the Day: Christmas!

Quote of the Day: "I just had to rub it in your face to hold onto my dignity." Kait

Macs are Awesome

Thanks to Alex for lending me the new iMac Snow Leopard.

Word of the Day: Kakooph!

Quote of the Day: "I'm just trying to be a nuisance." Rich

Nearing the end.

Lounge chairs in the Crown Office provide an excellent place to nap.

I am taking time out of essays to jot down a few thoughts:

Christmas is coming. Wonderful. But it snowed in Juarez this week. And I will complain about this again, because Hamilton is the tropics. It doesn't snow. I wish it would, because someone has built reinforcements for a potential ice rink on the soccer field out behind AUG Hall. It just..appeared. I would like to be able to skate. I would like to be able to walk down the cute little streets in Meadowlands where garlands hang from the street lights, where cars don't dare go. I want to look up and feel the snowflakes on my face. I wonder if I have taken snow and painted it into a vision that doesn't come often enough. Perhaps that is what makes it so special. God's gift spread lightly over the earth.

I drink Spiced Chai from my travel mug tonight. The blue mug that Joel brought up to me at Redeemer last March has been getting just enough wear and tear that the butterfly stickers I stuck on the exterior are starting to wear off from being washed. Sidenote: 32 cups of tea is a lethal amount of Caffiene.

And finally,

Christmas is coming.

One essay left, out of the 13 I have had to write this semester. I cannot believe that there is nearly nothing left of the year. 2009 has been good.

Word of the Day: Brazil

Quote of the Day: "Oh! Time is doing that thing I hoped it wouldn't."

Velociraptors

Not going to lie, Redeemer is pretty much a death trap if Velociraptors were ever to invade.

I had actually never seen Ju(a)rassic Park before coming to Redeemer. All this talk about Velociraptor attacks and the like had never been an issue. My friends in high school didn't exactly go Zombie or Dinosaur crazy. It was more along the lines of the web of all evil (Jared being the center...boys caused so many problems), Shakespeare, and Pirates. Now, my friends have this freakish obsession with Irish singers, being attacked by Velociraptors, the chance of survival in every room if Zombies were to attack...yes, we are college students. It sounds like an entry out of MyLifeIsAverage.

Last night was the final night of A Midsummer Night's Dream. It is one of my favourite Shakespeare comedies. I went to see it with Amanda and Perry, and I was quite impressed. The production had an Asian spin on it, which I am not sure I liked, just because it did not work with the faery aspect. Puck just seemed too vindictive and dark. But the Mechanicals were well cast, and so were the 'star crossed lovers'. Shakespeare's literary genius never depresses.

Word of the Day: Negatory

Quote of the Day: 'Good to know I can be used as Currency!' -Me

Essaying Exhaustion

I have been completely immersed in school work for the last few weeks. Next week I have my last 4 essays due: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. My brain and body are very close to absolute exhaustion. This weekend is well needed, and well deserved.

My study music has been a collection of piano tunes I picked up off the radio on my iTunes, and Michael W. Smith's 'Christmastime'.

That is all I really have to say. Exhaustion is just....there. Maybe I just need to sleep...long and deeply.

Word of the Day: Impress

Quote of the Day: "I decided to screw homework." Chad Haverkamp.

Joel Called!

I GOT TO TALK TO JOEL!

Turns out, Navy training sucks.

Bliss for me, I think so!

Word of the Day: Presentate

Quote of the Day: "I live in a trailer park with a big W on my chest and people think I am fat."

Disney Made Me Proud

It's been a slightly obnoxiously long time since I have blogged. I know that it has been too long when my account makes me sign in again.

We have dorm inspections tomorrow. The night has been full of vaccumming up ladybugs, dusting, cleaning sinks and garbage cans, moving furnature and laundry. I cleaned the oven this weekend, and that was an adventure all its own. I think my abs got a good work out from that.

I'm trying to remember anything super exciting that has happened, but the world has just been going through the motions of school. However, I would be awful if I didn't mention that my lovely little sister was here. In fact, the amusement of our weekend involved two wonderful songs. And these are them.

And...

This next one has the lyrics with it. When Kristen and I heard them the first time, we thought the lyrics near the end were "No one persecutes harmless grandpas like Gaston." Turns out the real lyrics are "No one persecutes harmless crackpots like Gaston." I still am not sure which lyrics I like better. But Disney made me proud, either way.

Let's be honest. You want a guy like Gaston too.

Word of the Day: Henry

Quote of the Day: "If it gets awkward, I'll just kick you discretely under the table. Or I will yell out 'Velosiraptor'." Will Thorburn

More xkcd.

I definitely have this more since I have read Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

Also, writing a paper for religion on Mark 1:1-20. Why didn't Mark insert the Genealogy of Jesus or the birth of Jesus in his gospel? This confuses me to no end, and there is not one general agreement that theologians and biblical scholars (yes, they aren't the same thing, blew my mind too) can decide upon. Of course, this is frustrating. Someday, if I remember, I'll ask Mark myself.

The most epic part of my week was this: I finally gave a name to the dear and wonderful new iMac that The Crown purchased. It's name is Milton. I think it suits it quite nicely.

Word of the Day: Milton

Quote of the Day: "It's very possible I could have Jewish background! There were a lot of Jewish people in Holland, a long time ago...wait..." Nate Smit

And This is How it Goes with Redeemer's Basketball...

And the score was:
awful.
Something like 72-31 for Fanshawe.
I was sad.

Word of the Day: notice

Quote of the Day: *deep, profound, silence.*

Oh, November

Campus Randoms: No-Shave-ember has begun. I will tally the results. I feel as though Nate will come through with the win, though Austin stands a chance with the absence of Dan from the competition.

Epic exhaustion is the state of mind for now. Biology Midterm number two of the semester went surprisingly well, and the day was rounded out with 3 chapters of Tess of the D'Urbervilles. I like Tom Hardy better than Dickens, but I won't say that too loudly.

Word of the Day: Development

Quote of the Day: "Wow! When I take these off you guys become smaller!" Erica Akers, as she removed her glasses. Chad Haverkamp replied, "Gee, that's exactly what a guy wants to hear!"

Dear Anja

Thank you for the birthday card.

It basically made my day.

Sincerely,

Me

Word of the Day: perpetuate

Quote of the Day: "Just what I always wanted, to be known as the white kid." Tim Ubbens

Roaring Twenties

Today was a historical day in my life. Today was the day I officially passed out of the teenage years and onto the world of adults. That's right, ladies and gents, 20 years old. I feel incredibly blessed.

The day was wonderful. It started at 12am with this exact line from Monty Python and the Holy Grail: "We are the knights who say 'Ni'! Now bring us our shrubbery!' " It ended with an epic dance to Footloose with about 20 of my favourite people. Life is good. God is good. I feel so grateful in all of this to have lived such an incredibly full life! 20 years is an impressive number. I am still young, but I have been to Mexico as many times as I have fingers on a hand. I have been to Disney World twice, been blessed with a wonderful family, a wonderful home. I have the opportunity for post secondary education in an institution founded in the Christian faith. I have been led and guided by incredible people. I have loved a few times, and cried little. God has given me the strength to continue on throughout these years, and he has taught me more about Him, and more about myself.

The day was just as I hoped. Relaxing (thought I should have been doing homework), and serene. I sat most of the afternoon watching the leaves fall from the trees outside the dorm window and then as they danced across the grass by the wind I couldn't help but smile. I was woken up by Joel VS singing to me over the phone. I searched for costume ideas online and became fascinated by Google and the truly excellent 'Halloween' header they had going. The more clicks, the more candy! Genius. Mom called and wished me a wonderful day. It's always great to hear your mother's voice. Two friends of mine dropped off the best birthday present in the world: a tub of chocolate ice cream. I have never been so pleased. And then, a Halloween party off campus. Sung 'Happy Birthday' to in four part harmony. I think that makes me a pretty lucky girl.

I have some of the best friends in the world. I have some of the best family in the world. I feel blessed to have such a wonderful life.

I wonder what the next 20 years will bring.

Word of the Day: articulate

Quote of the Day: "If you tell one more scary story involving animal cruelty, I'm going to animal cruelty you in your sleep, Joel!" Sarah Nanninga

Exhausting

Family is exhausting.

I think that, because there is so much laughing, and eating going on during family get togethers, we all find ourselves just drained from being together. This was my case on Sunday evening. I got back from Woodstock at about 7:30 pm, and I was pooped. Now mind you, the day was long, as I had gone to church in Woodstock that morning with Chadbo, and spent the entire afternoon eating and hanging with most of the Knapper clan (and by most, I mean more than half...because there's a lot of us!). I love family. I love family dearly. There is just something a little depressing about being all together again for the first time after Grandpa had passed away.

One thing I noticed right away was that I could talk to Grandma in a way that I hadn't really had the opportunity to before. Grandma was always overshadowed by Grandpa, and his eagerness to share stories of his life. I never realized how incredibly intelligent my Grandma is. Her and I had a wonderful conversation about church history and Enlightenment ideals and the modern church, as well as spiritual and knowledge parts of our faith. This was the type of conversation normally to be had with Grandpa, while Grandma would listen quietly at the other side of the table.

Midterms and essays are also exhausting. 2 essays, 1 midterm next week. This means I don't get to go home for reading break, but that's alright. I'm looking forward to a quiet dorm and to get lots of work done. Maybe I can crack down on some of the 3 million books I always seem to have to read, but never do.

Word of the Day: eradicate

Quote of the Day: "Don't worry about that. It was just my elbows. I'll get new ones tomorrow."

The Educational Axis

I sit in my chair in the corner of the living room listening to the anthem of the Wii. It's an odd sound.

Finally, a week without midterms, essays or any sort of spectacular academic showing. I left the library before 9 on a Wednesday. I know, I was impressed too. I feel as though my whole world is rotating on this educational axis that is centered on the study booth in the library, in a universe that prohibits sleep.

Last week (or maybe it was the week before, I can never remember, they become so muddled) the fire alarm in AUG Hall went off at 3am. False alarm. Not a drill. No fire truck showed up. Not reassuring. A night that was already depriving me of sleep simply ended in spite for the second time being evacuated from AUG Hall in one semester. Let's not make it three, okay Redeemer?

I would be completely dishonest if I said I didn't enjoy every aspect (including the random fire alarms) about Redeemer. It has become a wonderful home to me, and I feel myself growing spiritually and mentally every day. I've even continued running, and so the physical growth is getting a chance at stardom as well.

Time to turn in for the night. I'm hoping for sleep.

Word of the Day: Delve

Quote of the Day: "I don't like the person I become when I play video games." Keeley

My Life is Average

www.mylifeisaverage.com

Don't get addicted!

Word of the Day: Mario

Quote of the Day: "I wish I could shower without getting wet!" Kaitlin VanderSluis

Thankfulness and Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving comes and goes.

But what am I thankful for?

I am really thankful for my school, and my family, and my dorm. But most of all, I am finding this year that I am incredibly thankful for my relationship with God. I am thankful for my growing relationship with God. My faith walk has always been dynamic, but I never had the fundamentals and the really academic study of the Scriptures aspect that some of my other Christian friends had. Growing up in the public school system, my religion class was 2 weeks of Christianity (because everyone knows about that) and the rest of the semester studying everything else. My faith always lacked the fundamentals. I had the passion and the energy and the belief, but the daily walk and study and knowledge lacked. I had the ability to practically live my faith, but it has only been since I have been at Redeemer that my understanding has grown. This is one of the greatest gifts God has blessed me with this year.

Thanksgiving is a religious holiday. Who do people who don't believe in God thank? And what is the point of thanksgiving if you have no one to truly thank for all the great and wonderfulness that there is in the world? For some people, Thanksgiving is just a good excuse to get together at a table and eat a lot of really good food.

Just a thought.

Word of the Day: Dangerous

Quote of the Day: "Friendship is like peeing your pants. Everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth it brings." Anonymous

Looking out the Library window...

I'm sitting here in the libray, realizing that my attention span is getting shorter. This is really too bad, as I did so well with homework yesterday.

An account of University in the second year:

-I write at least 2 essays a week. Time is not measured by weeks for me any more, nor hours on the clock, but by essays. Not all as bad as it sounds though, not only do I really enjoy the academic life, but I have gotten A's on all my essays thus far. This makes me really happy.

-My social life is much more vibrant. I love seeing people in the halls and offering them a hug, a short hello, or a smile. Our dorm tends to go out to other dorms for dinner. Of course, most of them are 1st year boys (thanks to Yana), but once they find out that Yana is 21, Lauren is engaged, they all kind of give up on the idea. It is rather entertaining.

-One of the girls in my dorm has incredible style. I was telling her today that because of her, I made a point to dress somewhat nicely. Last year, I spent most of my time in sweats. This year, I haven't even bothered with my sweat pants. My mother will be thrilled to know that phase may have passed.

-I don't think I have ever been so excited to go home for a weekend. Thanksgiving is upon us, and I find that I am just really eager to sleep. Sleep is a luxury.

And last but not least, I am finding that my relationship with God is growing ever more each day. There is something so wonderful to be said, knowing each day and everything I do is really to glorify my Savior. It makes it all that much more worthwhile.

Word of the Day: Seem

Quote of the Day: "At nine oclock, let's all yell!" Devon Forbes

Window Drops

The rain doesn't seem to want to leave. I don't know why.

My slippers are laying on the floor beside the wall. They've been there for a week.

Devotions.

Slippers.

Wedding Magazines.

Randomness of an average day.

All in the hands of God.

Word of the Day: Crepe

Quote of the Day: "Lauren can't be held accountable for anything she says after 11 pm." Keeley

A Happy Ending

Three essays down.

One Midterm to go.

I have reclaimed my weekend.

Word of the Day: Simultaneously

Quote of the Day: "Don't drink and ride, only slutty girls do that!" Aaron Vedder

Sanity Break

NOTICE

Persons attempting to find a motive in this narrative will be prosecuted; persons attempting to find a moral in it will be banished; persons attempting to find a plot it it will be shot.

BY ORDER OF THE AUTHOR

Per G.G., Chief of Ordinance

From, 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain

*Sigh*

One essay down, two more to go. Long nights in the library are my favourite. I haven't been at home since 8:30 am.

Word of the Day: attempting

Quote of the Day: "... to call something realist is to confess that it is not the real thing." Terry Eagleton

Mosby

Spiced Chai sings softly beside the plant named Mosby.

Modernity is the only period in which cannot agree even on fundamentals.

And all the while, the novel sitting at my feet screams,

"Do not take me literally!"

Word of the Day: volunteererization

Quote of the Day: "Dear Sex. Please come back to me. Love, Erica." (Erica Akers)

The Sale and the Stamps

These are a few of the treasures I found at Michael's on Monday afternoon. The paper was on sale, and I couldn't resist.

I really like the stamps. The two little birds and the owl came in a package, and the other three were 40% off. I also managed to get a nice circle punch (strategically the right size to punch out the birds and owl) that is very sharp and wonderful.

Not seen here are the 2 packages of brads, clear stamps and mounting blocks, the nice saying stamp, brown cardstock, and about 10 rolls of ribbon (they were 2 for $1...how can one not get about 10 rolls of them...). My dorm mates have all decided that they want to get in on the magic of card making. Turns out, a few of them have mothers who card make/ scrapbook at home. Lauren plans to get some stuff on her trip home this weekend, as does my roommate, Keeley.

I have also gone through my cards and decided that I think I would like to sell them. It would be a great way to get a little pocket change (you know, besides the Crown and HAing) to stock myself up once in a while. Turns out, people really like recieving home made cards!

Excitement for the weekend?

My Sister is coming to visit.

Going out with Joel and Maria.

Creating the amazing web of Redeemer on the table (it got pretty out of control).

Pan-Galactic Gargle Blasters (see Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy)

The Secret History of Justinian the Great.

Yep.

Word of the Day: procrastination

Quote of the Day: "I don't want to be one of those guys that stays up all night worrying about the WENUS!"- Chandler from Friends

Persuasion. Conversation.

I have some photos to put up here.

And not much to say, except that I tallied. I have like 12 essays to write this semester. I'm NOT thrilled.

And I get to take a sweet graphic design course because the Crown is paying for it. Tuesday night, we cutted apart magazines and made a collage based on colour schemes and layouts. I really enjoyed this.

Monday was a trip to Michaels for a fun paper and stamp sale with Lorie. Lots of stuff. More cards. Happiness.

On Jane Austen: for some reason she cannot just refer to daily conversation as daily conversation, no, it has to be referred to as 'daily intercourse'. This happens multiple times over the course of a five page chapter, and results in my childish giggling. Yep, Mom, you should be proud.

Word of the Day: persuade

Quote of the Day: "Do you swoon over Devon?" Jordan Holmes

Of Rice and Wedding Dresses

A break.

Finally, I have caught up on vast amounts of sleep, and have revived myself with much caffiene. I am sitting in the cafeteria, looking over my biology lab (which I have in an hour). I remember how much I hated science.

To put it into perspective.

Today, we are watching rice cook.

Epic, isn't it?

I'm paying like 1 500 for a class that teaches me that rice expands? Really? Does that seem like a waste of money to you? Because it does to me.

The lab is based on a commentary from The Simpsons between Lisa and Marge, where they are getting ready to go to a wedding and Marge is bringing rice. Lisa informs Marge that is a bad idea, because rice attracts birds, and then the birds die because rice expands in their stomach.

So, the purpose of the lab is to see if all types of rice expand, or if only some expand, and how big they get. And then, to come up with a solution to the rice at weddings issue.

Here's a solution....don't throw rice!

Think about it (with my own little scientific evidence).

Take into account thrown rice, attracting birds, and then add in the variable of current strapless style wedding dresses. Normally, I'd probably come up with some sort bird attacking bride theory, but I think this is worthwhile. So, rice is being thrown by thrilled wedding guests, rice is getting caught in bride's veil and perhaps landing in the dress. Bride goes to reception, Bride dances and sweats. Bride forgets rice is there until it starts expanding via body heat and sweat.

I feel that should be the reason that rice is banned at weddings, and not for the well being of the birds.

Word of the Day: Plethora

Quote of the Day: "The food comes out and we all turn primative." Austin Meidema

Midnight Crown

For the first time in a week, I have had time to sit down and blog. Needless to say it has been a very busy week.

I don't think I knew what I was doing when I signed up to be an H.A. and the layout editor for the Crown (not to mention English Honours major; religion, history minors). I have been busy. The last two days I have been operating on about 7 hours of sleep total. Wednesday night I was in the Crown office with some of the other staff working on the layout. Sounds harmless, right? Not when the layout is not completed until 5:30 am, I have class in the morning, and I get about 2 hours of sleep. I have never been so thankful for coffee.

The problem with being in the Crown office all night is that there is no homework or reading being done. So I was scrambling all day Thursday to keep my head above the ocean of books and essays I have already found myself in. Somewhere in all that, I have to find time to be a decent House Advisor. I'm feeling terrible, because I haven't been around very much. I hope my dormmates don't think I am a bad H.A. because this week has been absolutely nuts.

So, the Crown is getting a new computer (who knew Adobe InDesign wouldn't work properly with Windows' 98..), perhaps an iMac. I am behind in my reading (it's week two..) and sleep has become a luxury I don't get.

On another note, for those of you who are as addicted to Facebook as I am, I thought you might enjoy this.

Word of the Day: Fork

Quote of the Day: 'They can go out in the field and fork each other!' Greg Beenen

Of the Day...

Word of the Day: Cake

Quote of the Day: "Michael Jackson DIED?!" -Lauren

80

Moses was 80 when he confronted Pharaoh.

My Grandpa was 80 when he went to be with the Lord.

Perspective.

Word of the Day: Frugal

Quote of the Day: "Rich called them the 'no no' parts." Erica Akers

That's the Stuff Great Novels are Made of.

Writing an essay on reading and writing.

Sounds simple enough, but there are so many different ways this can be written.

I feel myself drawn to Virginia Woolf's 'Death of the Moth' once again. I really like her imagery of the moth, fluttering between the window panes, while a pencil follows it in its escape. The stained glass likeness of the moth's trek mirrors the reader's interaction with a text.

There is a sort of disgruntled cloud that sits above my head as I ponder how I am going to write an adequate essay about writing. Shouldn't seem so daunting, but in a maximum of 750 words, I am going to have to do some editting, or not delve to deep into the ocean of metaphor.

Word of the Day: Classes

Quote of the Day: "Every year they put me in charge of lining up the teachers for Convocation. They are university professors, but they can't put themself in a line. They come up to me as ask me who they are supposed to stand behind, and I tell them, behind the person in front of you on the list. And then a lightbulb goes off above their heads. At least, unless they are from the philosophy department. Then they'd rather argue about the concept of the line itself." Dr Payton (history)

Contentedness

I have a good feeling about this year's dorm.

Perhaps, its just that I'm loving life, and loving being back.

I got chopsticks today. My dear friend, Dan, returned from a summer excursion to Hong Kong and brought back the cutest little authentic chop sticks for me. I don't know how to eat with chop sticks though. It doesn't matter, because they are just fantastically cool.

The Crown has big things coming to it. Most of the afternoon was spent arguing with a computer that couldn't talk back except for freezing a little bit, and then sputtering. But eventually, I found a layout I was pleased with. I hope the rest of the staff like. My goal is to make it Redeemer-esque. Easier said than done, when you don't include the good ole 'modesty debate' in an issue. For the first time in 10 years, we will not print this topic. It's about time.

Word of the Day: Romantical

Quote of the Day: "Corey, you give great hugs!"

Big Brother?

This is the poster I purchased today for my dorm. I love it, because it is right on the wall by the entrance, so as soon as you walk in, these guys are looking at you. Pretty much the extent of making my dorm feel like a home.

I plan to finish my chore chart tomorrow, and bake cookies, and sleep in (even though it is Sunday and I should go to church).

RA/HA training has been amazing. So much information crammed into so few days. But definitely worth it. I hope and pray that I won't need to use the information from the training, especially not the First Aid or CPR. Common misconception about First Aid and CPR...in Canada, one is not legally bound to give either of these to a fellow human being. But, it is a really good thing to know, and I don't think that anyone who knows CPR or First Aid would back away from saving a person's life.

Tomorrow the chaos starts. Girls moving in, cleaning up the dorm, making sure I'm organized and have a proper layout for this year's Crown. It's going to be an exciting year. Lots to do, lots to see, lots to experience.

Word of the Day: legitimately

Quote of the Day: "Not getting a cell phone was the best decision I ever made. Now I have one, and I regret it." Paul L'Equier

Thoughts on Getting Keys

It's been a long couple of days. Here I sit, in the Crown office, wondering how I am ever going to figure out the depths of Adobe InDesign, which has to be about the most confusing program ever imaginable.

Let me tell you the story of how I came to be sitting in this office.

Once upon a time, there was a school named Redeemer University College and it needed a new layout editor for the school year. I applied, I got in, I thought to myself 'Yay!'
When I returned to the school in the fall to take on my wonderful job, I found that I needed a key. I thought to myself, well, if one needs keys, they go to the security office and that is exactly what I did. The security office informed me that I must go to the main office and pick the key up there, but, not to go anymore that day, as it was only open until 4:30. So, I went the following day to the main office, and the main office told me they didn't deal with the keys and to go back to security. This appeared to be a problem. I thought for a moment, and spoke to the Senate president who suggested I speak to Dean Schat. 'Great Idea!' I said, and proceeded to find Dean Schat. Dean Schat was not at the school. The following day (count it, third day back at Redeemer), I went to talk to Dean Schat, and he informed me I needed to get a form from the Main office which he would sign and I would get my key. This was incredibly irritating. Back I trode to the main office, demanded a form, recieved the form, and then went back to Dean Schat. Thankfully, he signed the form, and the main office (who. misleadingly had the keys the whole time) gave me my key to the Crown office.

Now I sit here, pondering layouts. I can't decide really how I want things to look, and I have various spreads and archived papers all around me. I think that I am going to go back to my Macintosh and set up a nice layout there.

Until then, I shall just be grateful that I have the keys which I desire and need.

On another note, Marineland commercial count ended two days ago. The final count was 99.

To replace the Marineland commercial count, I have decided I am going to own one of my fellow campus 'advisors' at Uno. The score shall be tallied.

Word of the Day: Irritating, Legit

Quote of the Day: (while playing Uno) Peter: I am going to screw you royally! Me: That's what she said!

Off Again!

Tomorrow is the day I go back to Redeemer.

I have spent much of the day so far packing up. I forgot how much stuff I have. It seems like I won't need most of it, and I am actually leaving a fair bit at home. The worst has been the decision of what books to bring, what books to leave.

As you can see, I haven't done a very good job of picking and choosing what stays and what goes. I have a sort of attachment to all of my books.

I think that's okay, considering my major is English Literature and Writing (yep, I have a focus now. It's a pretty big day). But still, I think that I bring the books along because really, one never knows when one might need a Classic to reference in a paper, or daily conversation. There's a few books I bring with me everywhere. C.S. Lewis' 'Screwtape Letters' are a favourite, as is 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' and Heller's 'Catch 22'.

I think one of the books that I love best is my old red version of 'Huckleberry Finn.' That particular version was published in 1929. I think it's probably worth a bit of money. Also, notice to the right hand side, the bluish coloured book by Daniel Defoe. That one is 'Robinson Crusoe' and happens to be on my fall reading list for school. Not to mention there is about 5 more books beside it that wouldn't fit in the photo.

Yep, I'm a novel junkie.

Off to school I go again, none the less. It should be a good year. I'm hoping that my courses will be as interesting as they sounded on paper. Mostly, I have histories and englishes this semester, but I also have Biology for Dummies, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday morning at 9 oclock. What a way to start off a week... But I figured that would be alright, seeing as my last class on Friday is Writerscraft.

MCC: 97

Word of the Day: packing

Quote of the Day: "Just the knowledge that a good book is awaiting one at the end of a long day makes that day happier." Kathleen Norris

From dust we were created, and to dust we shall return.

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

¹ The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

² He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

³ he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

⁴ Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

⁶ Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Joe Knapper. Grandpa, father, brother. Born: January 19, 1929.

Went to be with the Lord: August 25, 2009.

Psalm 91

¹ He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

² I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."

³ Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.

⁴ He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

⁵ You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,

⁶ nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.

⁷ A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.

⁸ You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.

⁹ If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge-

¹⁰ then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.

¹¹ For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;

¹² they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

¹³ You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

¹⁴ "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

¹⁵ He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.

¹⁶ With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation."

Open Closet Doors. Curly Hair. Nuns.

Nothing new on the Marineland commerical counting. Though, I know I will reach a hundred, which seems like a small number to me. I'm used to seeing many more. Maybe I'm just not watching the news enough.

Closet door is open. I should shut that. The boogey man might come out and get me. Personally, I'm kind of hoping for Mike or Sulley from Monsters Inc. At least they come with a comedy act.

Joel VV visited today. Curly blonde hair, and lots of it. We watched a really slow movie. 'Doubt' with Meryl Streep. I give it a pass.

MCC: 96

Word of the Day: Apparently

Quote of the Day: "I can't believe this! I've been typecasted!" Kramer

Saturday Afternoon Rainshower

...and I sit on my bed thinking that I should fold my laundry.

...I'm beginning to make lists of all that I need to pack and wash and buy before I head back to school in a week.

...it occurs to be how excited I was so go off to school at this time last year and be independant.

...the rain is soft, and for the first time in a week, a cool breeze wanders in through my window.

Did I do anything this summer? I worked. I went to Hamilton and Toronto for a weekend. I didn't take any holidays. I didn't do anything I had planned. So maybe this Saturday afternoon rainshower is a lament of summer. It came, it rained, it died. Maybe it is just time to get back into the excitement and busyness of school. One thing is for sure, I won't be taking along as much stuff as I did last year. I definitely didn't need everything I brought along.

MCC: 96

Word of the Day: Butterier

Quote of the Day: "You know what hasn't changed? Toilet Paper. Since I was kid, toilet paper hasn't changed, and for the next 50 000 years, toilet paper won't change. It's just toilet paper wrapped around a cardboard tube!" George from Seinfeld

Findings

I just recieved an email that my roommate won't be returning to Redeemer. I'm kind of sad about that.

Apparently her degree would be no good to her. So, what's best is what's best. Sad, still. And I really don't want my own room.

MCC: 92

Word of the Day: Temperal

Quote of the Day: "All the world's a stage and the men and women are merely players." (Shakespeare)

2 Weeks Notice

The time is nearly here!

What time, you ask...

Well, school! I am probably one of the few people alive thrilled to go back to school. I will be moving back to Redeemer on August 31...2 weeks away!

MCC: 84

Word of the Day: Lethargic

Quote of the Day: *the sound of me being able to breathe through my nose again!*

The Exchange

Yes, we accept U.S. Dollars. No, we do not do the exchange rate. Yes, you're going to get ripped off if you use cash. Oh, you don't WAAANT to use your credit card? (The exchange will be calculated on the bill when you get it back in the mail). Why don't we return USA Dollars with USA Dollars? Erm, let's think about this, YOU'RE IN CANADA!

I don't understand why it is that when American passers through take a trip into our good ole BK Lounge, they find the need to harass us cashiers about everything from not returning their change in USA dollars, to questioning why the prices are so high, to my all time favourite ,'You don't have Iced Coffee? They have Iced Coffee in the YOU-nited States, how come you don't sell it here?' I am so sick of answering these questions.

So here we go, the Universal answers.

One.

We do not offer the exchange rate. You're in Canada, get over it. You wouldn't go to Europe and expect to pay in U.S. Dollars, so suck it up. If you weren't smart enough to exchange your money, don't cry because you are spending your Abe Lincolns on fast food. Either that, or use your credit card, don't you have enough of those?

Two.

Why should we give you back American money in change? We don't do the exchange rate. If I was shopping in the States, I couldn't just pull out my Wilfred Lauriers and expect them to be taken. Nor would I expect to be given back Canadian change, because, by golly, most USA stores wouldn't have extras of that lying around.

Three.

No, no, NO iced coffee. Get over it. Tim Hortons is 2 minutes down the road. No, there's no Starbucks. Why not? Did you read the population sign on your way in?

Four.

Not all world countries drink their Iced Tea as literal iced tea. Here in Canada we have Nestea. Nestea IS sweetened. I would assume it's sweetened in the USA too. You're in a different country, adapt to the culture. Canada isn't just an extended US ofA.

Five.

Prices are much higher here. A whopper combo is $7.10. Seems ridiculous, doesn't it? Well, my dear American travellers, I thank you for contributing to our health care and schooling systems with your purchase of a triple whopper with cheese, bacon, large fry (because the poutine is too many calories), a side order of mozzarella sticks, and, wait for it...a diet coke. Oh, wait, did I say health care is paid for by whoppers? Hmmm, looks like taxes for hospitals isn't such a bad idea. Not to mention minimum wage is higher (which they all think is wonderful).

Six.

IT'S PRONOUNCED POO-TEEEN.

Seven.

No, I cannot accept U.S. Dollar bills over $20. No, that's a $50 dollar bill. Why don't I accept it? Fraud. You don't have that in your country? HA!

Eight.

The speed limit here is in Km/h. You weren't driving 120 m/h down the highway were you?

Nine.

Erm, no, that's the price of gas per litre. About 4 litres in a gallon. ABOUT 4 LITRES IN A GALLON. Yes, thank you, gas IS expensive here. Well, you know, if our government wouldn't sell it to you so that you could sell it back to us, there wouldn't be so much of a problem.

Ten (and this is my favourite).

C-How much is a quarter worth?

M-How much is it worth in the States?

C- 25 cents, how much is it worth here?

M- 15 cents.

C- Oh, okay. But are dimes and nickles worth the same?

M-Yes.

C-What about pennies?

My job is disheartening sometime.

MCC: 78

Word of the Day: Trivial

Quote of the Day: "Two fish sandwiches please. And make sure it's two fish sandwiches, otherwise I will be getting a divorce." Old dutch man that comes in.

Northern Highlights

A Trip up to the Muskokas to see my sister this week was definitely a good time.

I miss her a lot, and it was really nice to see her smiling and giggling face, and all her freckles.

I had a chance to take some fun photos on my mom's friend's dock. I loved it there, and could easily have stayed up in the Muskokas longer. Canada has such gorgeous northern country.

I liked the picture to the left. It made me laugh as we drove through small town Listowel. You know you've passed through a small town when...

MCC: 78

Word of the Day: Masterful

Quote of the Day: "Wave at the turkey! Wait, those are flowers!" (Mom, thinking some gladiolas was the outline of a turkey....)

The Clouds Farted

Here's what becomes of a car ride with my Dad.

"That was quite the lights show we had last night. Do you know how fast lightning travels. I bet if they could harvest the electricity from Lightning, they would solve all the world's energy problems. See that cloud over there, it's going to produce tornados. The clouds that produce tornados are the ones that look like pots. " (It looked more like the lantern from Disney's Aladdin than anything else..) "All you would have to do is hook the CN Tower or something up to the power grid!"

Sigh. Dad's train of thought.

To which I responded,

"Look at that poof! It looks like the cloud farted."

MCC: 77

Word of the Day: Jovial

Quote of the Day: "I believe all questions and problems of the universe can be answered in a Spielberg film." (Dawson, from Dawson's Creek)

Lament

Annoyed with laptop.
Against full sentences.

Grr.

Oh summer, please end quicklier.

MCC: 76

Word of the Day: Lightning

Quote of the Day: *sigh*

The Secret Life of Bees

This is probably one of the best movies I have seen in a while. It is touching, it is heartfelt, it'll make you angry, laugh, cry, and will probably make you want to curl up in a ball and thank God for the wonderful life you've lived.

I think the last time I noted a film on here, it was 'Stranger than Fiction', or maybe 'The Holiday'. This film is nothing like either of those. It ranks up with a film such as 'The Notebook', or 'The Boy in the Striped Pajamas'.

You see all sides of human suffering, joy, desires, and ultimately love in this film. It's not just the jerking nature of the movie that gets you, but also the stellar cast. Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, Dakota Fanning, Jen Hudson, and Sophie Okonedo (all can be seen in the photo), make you want to laugh, and cry, and sometimes kick them in the head (which, any good performance should do, anyways). A must see.

Worked all day. It was nothing exciting, except insanely busy. And it seemed to be a day where classmates from high school all wanted lunch or dinner at the BK Lounge. I'm always entertained when they don't remember who I am, but yet I remember them. Don't worry, they'll be immortalized in literature, and then they'll remember. Perhaps I should come up with a pen name.

On another completely unrelated note, I managaed to finish the fifth book in the Hitchhiker's Guide trilogy (don't blink, you read that correctly) in 4ish unconsecutive hours yesterday. 'Mostly Harmless' didn't fail to disappoint, and I still hail Douglas Adams a genuis. Nearly as genius as Joseph Heller (Please, EVERYONE, read 'Portrait of the Artist as an Old Man).

MCC: 71

Word of the Day: Melancholy

Quote of the Day: "The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation." Henry Thoreau

Equity in Beanie Babies

It's amazing the things we keep. Ive spent the better half of the day 'de-crapping' my room. No, not decluttering, because my room is not cluttered. But like every woman, I have boxes of this, that and the other thing. All of which probably had meaning at some point or another. The fun part is getting rid of it all.

Well, not all of it.

Certainly not keepsakes such as this gem of a letter I recieved from my best friend (I would guess we were probably 7 or 8). Letter is not altered at all.

Hi Brittany!
I've seen Mulan! It was not funny, it was sad AND funny. i was going to write this note on a post card but there wasn't enough room. What have you been doing for the last half month? because out here I've been bored, bored, bored! Oh and by the way I haven't been reading my Zak attack book. What I've been reading is Full House Michelle calling all planets. It's a really good book!(sounds like it!) I started swimming lessons on Monday July 20th, my thecher's name is Jen I'm in level fore. My dad had a week of and on the last day we went to a shower. There is only a month left till Chad and liz's wedding.
Please write back.
Love: Kelsey

So you can see why I couldn't throw this out! It's fun, because after all these years, Kelsey and I are still close friends.

I was also amused when I came across the "Ultimate Beanie Baby Handbook"! I discovered I have quite a bit of equity stored away in my closet with all the old toys. Not enough to pay tuition, but perhaps in another 10 years?

MCC: 69

Word of the Day: techniquely

Quote of the Day: "When my world explodes, when my stars touch the ground, falling down like broken satellites. All of my world rests on your love." Switchfoot (Jon Foreman)

Something Short

Weekends are always a joy. Especially when, by luck of the draw, you have a Saturday off.

Shopping. Campfires. Mosquitos.

MCC: 67

Word of the Day: Vaguely

Quote of the Day: "Real men wear dryer sheets on their head."

PBS, Basements, and Other Such Treasures

I suppose I should make an effort to blog a bit more.

Monday went stampin' with Mom's friends and Stephanie. Nothing too brilliant came from that trip. Just a lot of laughs.

Today involved some cleaning of the basement. It's amazing what one can find. Turns out my mom went through a Kenny Rodgers phase in her life. I think she owned every one of his records. It was definitely entertaining going through all sorts of old stuff that had been forgotten about. Random bulletins and church newsletters, magazine clippings, and the real gem of the day: a prank letter from my dad's old work. It was from the 'unification committee' letting employees know about the new procedures to be taking place. You knew it was crock when they mentioned that 10:15 am was hug time, and that 3pm all employees would be required to come to the sales floor and sing 'kumbayah'. I think I giggled for 5 minutes about that.

MCC: 62

Word of the Day: caffienated

Quote of the Day: "I'm perfectly happy being married to a man who thinks that PBS is what women get once a month." "I actually said that once a month was enough for PBS" (conversation between Jill and Tim on Home Improvement)

Jeremiah 29:11

This morning was really neat.

Epic, I know. But seriously, I have no other way to describe it. A sort of satisfied, warm feeling went through my soul as I sat in church listening to the scripture passage. Let me explain.

Two summers ago, I went to Calvin College on a summer program. The program was three weeks long, and was designed to help us 'determine God's calling' for our lives. More so, delivered from the mindset that we were being called into ministry (and you know, get some interest in attending Calvin). The program, designed for teens in the grade 11/12 age group, was hardcore. We listened to the professors of Calvin Seminary give lectures on everything from Infant Baptism vs Dedication to the 'End Times' and the mistaken notions of the Left Behind series. We were split off into groups, going to different parts of North America for 10 days, to learn about life in the ministry feild. One team went to Alberta (church plant focus), one to NYC (urban ministry focus) and one to Juarez, Mexico/El Paso Texas (mission feild focus). Of course, I was part of the group that went to Juarez.

Anyways, the theme for the three weeks came from Jeremiah 29:11. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord". A verse that has spoken to me ever since, reminding me that I am in God's constant care, and that my life can only be lived to his glory.

What was cool about this morning, was that one of the leaders from this program, is interning for the summer at one of the CRC churches. She read that passage this morning. July 26, two years previous, was the day I came back home, after one of the most amazing summers of my life. Two years later, one of my leaders is once again reminding me that God knows the plans he has for my life. Now that's a God thing.

MCC: 60

Word of the Day: Ironical

Quote of the Day: "We made a lot of friends, and by the end of the week we had a lot of people we needed to add to Facebook!" One of the teens recounting SERVE in church this morning.

Funnier at the Time?

A weekend in Toronto/Hamilton.

All wonderful. The best included Shakespeare in the Park. Better spent with two wonderful friends, don't you think? It was eventful...to say the least. Among Saturday's spectacle was a joke played by Maria and Joel, many witty and crude remarks, extensive trips across the GTA and a picnic in the park. Sunday involved an experience. I slept over at Joel's house Saturday night, and hadn't really met his family yet (as we had been gone to Maria's on Saturday). I woke up and came down to find his mom and dad sitting in the living room having coffee. Shower was in use, so I had to wait. Might as well make conversation in my PJs, right? Funny thing is, Joel's dad is also a professor at Redeemer, and happens to be my faculty representative. He and I have never really met. A first impression? Strange teenager comes down stairs with old gym shorts and excessively baggy t-shirt as pajamas. Bed head and bad breath included. It had been explained earlier that I was sleeping over, and that no, I was not Joel's girlfriend, but just a random friend from school (who has corrupted their poor son's mind with public school trash) and an extreme case of sarcasm. Oh yes, Brittany, way to start off on the right foot! (get it Joel?)

The weekend was fun. I was happy to spend some times with friends who speak my language (that is novels and poetry).

MCC: 54

Word of the Day: Breadstick

Quote(s) of the Day: "I enjoyed your stairs almost as much as I enjoyed your bed!" (Joel to Maria)
"The second smartest dog on the planet? And this might surprise you...The poodle. I am a little disappointed in God right now." George Strompolopolous

Tweedledee and Tweedledum

Do you have those friends whom you can be a part from for a year or two and pick up exactly where you left off?

I discovered this week, that I have a few of those. Jon and Cliff were two of my dear friends in High School, and I had the priviledge of seeing them both this week. It reminded me of the good old days in the cafeteria, chugging back Coca Cola, eating breakfast, playing Pokemon... These two guys are great. Cliff is a bit of a joke. He's hard to take serious, and his sense of humour is often filled with profanity and crudeness, but he is so endearing. It took me a while, but I grew to love him. He was one of those guys that knew where you could get anything, (even though he had no interest in it), poked fun at himself, and laughed a lot. I found out today that he is going to be a policeman. Which made me laugh a little, because his persona was always the kid making fun of the cops. Think...Michael Kelso from 'That 70s Show'. That's Clifford Swift (his reasoning for becoming a police officer was actually that with a name like Swift, he had to do something with a title.) My advice? Stay off the streets. They'll give him and gun and tazor when he graduates. (just kidding...)

Jon, on the other hand, is a quiet, Christian guy who is really the opposite of Cliff. He doesn't know what he wants to do with life, and that's fine. I think he's just ready to give it all up to God and follow. Jon's been a really good influence in my life tha past few years, and I am thankful for his friendship. He's okay to let Cliff steal the show. Someday Jon will be up on a stage rocking out with his guitar.

I love them both, and it was so good to see them today. 3am and that's what I had to post.

On another note, I am going to Hamilton this weekend, so I won't be blogging again until Monday. I hope that you all have wonderful weekends. God Bless.

MCC: 49

Word of the Day: Sleep

Quote of the Day: "I was going to be a paramedic, but they don't give you a cool title or a gun for that one, and you have to save people's lives. I figured that entrusting lives into my hands would be more of a disaster than anything. So I decided to be a 'po-leece occifer'. -Cliff

Weekends, Weddings and Wii

I realize I haven't posted anything in a while. It's much too bad, I had grand plans for some great posts this weekend. My RA, Lorie, was my date for a wedding this weekend. We had quite the weekend.

Friday she came to my house around noon, after a very busy week of Vacation Bible School for me. We headed to London to find her some shoes for the wedding on Saturday. After 5 and a half shoe stores we managed to find very classy strappy sandals that went with the dress perfectly. We went out to East Side Mario's for dinner. The waiter there was very cute. Lorie and I had a great time talking with him. Following dinner we decided that a movie would be a good end to the day, and went over to SilverCity to watch Transformers. This was an excellent movie. Lots of explosions. I found it really entertaining when the 'Decepticon' came in and ripped the USA Flag from the top of some governmental building. Oh yes, it was excellent.

Saturday was the wedding. We got up, watched Ghostbusters, made ourselves look good, and then headed out to Stratford. The wedding was nice, simple, but very pretty. The guys from the dorm beside ours were all at the wedding as it was their RA that was getting 'hitched'. It was nice to see them all again. Between the ceremony and the reception we had about two and a half hours to kill and so we went to Wendy's for Frosty's and then to someone's house where they played 'Mario Kart' on Wii. Boys and their Nintendo...

Sunday came around and Lorie and I were off to Aylmer to visit a few friends and go to church. The day was nice and relaxing and seeing friends was really great.

Wuchaodano

Need more?

whatyououghtaknow.com

there's a whole bunch. I spent an entire afternoon on these videos.

MCC: 41

Word of the Day: (doesn't this seem a little ironic to you?) Risk

Quote of the Day: "Wherever you GO, God is with you!" (joshua 1:9- abbreviated so 4 year olds can memorize it.)

Finally, Sunshine!

Finally! Some beautiful weather! It's nice and sunny outside, when all week it has been raining and cloudy.

It has been a busy week. I've worked every day, set up for VBS, gone to see 'The Proposal' with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds- worth every dollar paid!!!. It's been a good week, all in all.

MCC: 37

Word of the Day: Scrumptious

Quote of the Day: "Next time someone calls and complains about the food on account of their bad day, tell them to call the hotline- 1-800-E-A-T-S-H-I-T." Steve (the owner of Strathroy's BK Lounge)

It must be Lint!

Happy Canada day! 142 years and still going strong. Canadians have done some pretty cool stuff. Go to www.thelondonfreepress.ca to get a complete list!

MCC: 36

Word of the Day: Caulking

Quote of the Day: "It must be Lint or something, everyone's buying fish!" Tara, one of the managers at work. (she meant Lent.)

Zorberts

I had to laugh to myself. I was getting washed up for bed and I noticed that the hair net I have to wear over my messy bun in my hair for work was still holding onto my hair tightly...some 3 hours post shift end.

My mom went to Goderich today to visit my 4 year old cousin for his birthday. The thing in our family is to give 'zorberts' to the kids. In case you don't know what a 'zorbert' is...

(zore.bert.): to press ones lips upon a body part, such as an arm or a stomach, and blow until it makes a sort of farting noise.

MCC: 36

Word of the Day: Zorbert

Quote of the Day: "I'm from LA *stunned look by me inserted here* -lower Alabama!" Customer in the BK lounge this evening.

Michael Buble and Mom

My mom and I spent most of Sunday and Monday making cards. By the dozens. It was great, we sat, we blared Michael Buble CDs and we laughed- a lot. Dad made us supper, hamburgers, because we were both too busy to get up and refuel. Here are some of the cards I made.

Simple Happy Birthday- lots of blue.



That one is sideways. The stamp says "I thank God for you." and the brad says 'Hope".

Wedding card for a friend who is getting married in a few weeks. Card itself from Dollarama- the purple bases came in packages. 6 card bases for a buck. Good deal!





This one ended up sideways too. But the stamp says "Bug me anytime". I tried to go for a picnic type look.

And the 'Happy' elephant. Good to send to a guy on a birthday or just because.

MCC: 36

Word of the Day: Blech

Quote of the Day: "Michael Buble is upstairs in the bathroom. He's being saved for later use." Mom (only afterwards did I realize she had said he was in the bathroom closet...which I am not sure makes it sound any less funny.)