Autumn as it should be (and other splendid things)

Since coming back to B.C. after a wonderful Ontario Thanksgiving, Autumn has really made a full and beautiful appearance here. It seems that all the sunshine and colours that we were promised are true after all (and not just figments of some great imaginative scheme).

I couldn't help but stop and take some photos of the gorgeous colour today as I made a trip to the local independent grocery store for fresh fall fruits and vegetables. Because Autumn comes so much later here, there seems to be more home-grown veggies in store until later in the year. Where Ontario would be seeing the last of its squash, pumpkin, and apple crops straggling into the farmers markets, B.C. seems to have an abundance of these, not to mention fresh spinach, red leaf lettuces, the last of the vine-tomato crops, radishes, potatoes, gourds, and so many more. My grocery bag was packed full of fruits and veggies (and ziplock baggies so that some of the greens could be frozen for later use).

I was thus inspired to take home some of these beautiful coloured leaves and collage (ha, is that even a verb? oh well, it is now) them into a collection of things that have made my weekend happy.

Aren't these leaves just incredible?! The candle is pumpkin spice, and the nail-polish reminds me of the
green bushes and the leaves still to change in the previous photos... 

I've also been spending a bit of time on Pinterest (okay, a bit is a HUGE understatement, I've basically been living on there), and have compiled a collection of some of my favourite photos and pretty things that have come across my visual path and wishful thoughts these last few days. I had a bout of the flu, so finding a little bit of beauty to balance out the icky was delightful.

via
Gorgeous spring colours that make me want springtime.

So. Much. Joy.
via

Christmas comes soon. Quebec, Canada.
via

So, so true.
via

I really like the last picture in the collection. It rings entirely true after the last year and a half. One thing about adventures is that, if you don't find yourself longing for the place you call home while you're on it, then it wasn't really your home to begin with. 

I guess I have found the place where I belong... and it's with this guy: 

Happy weekend, readers! 

xox

Into the West: Part 2.

I need to catch up on my blogging. I have a lot to get through these next few days; but I should start by finishing the expose on the trip out here.

Day 4: River City, South Dakota to Billings, Montana.

This is was perhaps my favourite day of all during the trip. It had nothing to do with the scenery (which is left wanting... I am sorry, American Midwest, but your tumbleweeds and rolling fields of corn get tiresome), and more to do with our destination: The Dude Rancher Lodge in Billings. This hotel was featured on some American reality TV show about recovering the worst hotels in the country.. so obviously...

The carpet through the ENTIRE lodge. It is the brands of the 4 cowboys who
started the hotel in the early 20th C. 

This was actually really cozy. 

Incredibly red bathroom. It was nearly overwhelming.

And it never stopped.

Billings, Montana was pretty neat, though. The staff was friendly enough, although the front desk lady kept disappearing on her shift to go out for a smoke. I happened to be sitting in the lounge room because I was skyping with Boyfriend, and people kept asking me if I worked there. 

We had breakfast in the Dude Rancher restaurant (because we wanted the full experience). Literally the best egg omlette I have ever had. Ever. It was so big that I couldn't finish it. 

All in all, the stay was pretty great. The hotel was quirky and historical, which worked for me - and unapologetically so. It was actually my favourite of all the hotels we stayed in. Fact. 

Day 5: Billings, Montana to Spokane, Washington.

Idaho and Washington were much less pretentious about their welcome signs.

This was a long and intense day of driving for Housemate. It took us through the mountain in Idaho (which were a lot steeper than going through the Rocky Mountains). We cranked the Lord of the Rings soundtrack and felt really small as we made our way through the winding hills. Incidently, we were only in Idaho for about an hour. Before Idaho, we drove half an hour through Wyoming (even flatter than South Dakota). But once the Idaho mountain range cleared and we drove into Washington State, the landscape started to look a little more like southwestern Ontario. 

That being said, here are some photo highlights.

I thought this was about the cutest thing ever. Reminded me of Little House on
the Prairie.

Of course you do. 

Coming upon some of the smaller mountains.

Such a gorgeous landscape.

River. Loved the hills in the background. It reminded me of being in El Paso, TX. 

Windmill gardens along the highway.

Day 6: Spokane, Washington to Langley, British Columbia.

This was the day we arrived. This is the day we drove through the mountains. This is the day I forgot to take photos of the 'Welcome to Canada' sign. Go figure.

In the distance. The Rocky Mountains.

Getting closer.

Astonishing. 

And those were the only photos I took. Until Langley.

Behold, Langley. 

The last photograph gives you a good idea of the view that Housemate and I get to see everyday. The mountains act as both a backdrop to daily life here in Langley, and also a mark on the compass - pointing us in the direction we must go when we have lost our way in a new place. 

Upon first arriving in British Columbia, I was a little amused by their license plates - which clearly boast "Beautiful British Columbia." But after being here for a little over a week, I have realized that this is very true. While home is still beautiful - southwestern Ontario's farm landscapes, northern Ontario's forests and lakes - British Columbia has the right to boast. From what I have seen thus far, this is one of the most gorgeous provinces I have ever been to. 

And so, welcome to my grad school journey. I look forward to taking you all along with me. 

Summer Vacation: Family Edition

When I was a kid, my family always took summer holidays near Sauble Beach at a small campground on Chesley Lake. The trailers we would stay in are more like small cottages (the insides renovated and additions added on for more space), and are owned by relatives on my mom's side. It had been 5 (?) years since we had been to Chesley Lake, and so, this being my last summer in the province for a while, we all coordinated our schedules and made it out for a family vacation.

We had a beautiful week. The fish were biting, the sun was shining, and the wool was on sale at a nearby flea market. There were smores, sunhats, boat rides, ice cream, an afternoon at the beach, and breakfast cooked over a campfire.

Nothing like being on a boat to calm one's spirits.

He's a regular fisherman.

God's good creation is such a blessing to behold. 

Beach days. Sun-loving. 

Heaven for the yarn-enthusiast.

My beautiful mother fosters my hobbies. I am just like her that way.

Peaceful.

Natural skylines.

Peculiar wildflowers to warm the heart.

Giant bass to please the fisherman.

Boat-lovin'.

Sun hats, sunglasses, and things like solitude.

 
It was the perfect way to begin the bidding farewell of my Ontario world. I loved spending time with my family, and relaxing in the place my heart feels most peaceful. It is one of the things I am going to miss in my time away - spending time with the people I love most dearly in a place that hold so many great childhood memories.

I hope your summer is as blessed as mine has been.

What are they teaching us?

Redeemer is under investigation by the CAUT. The article may be found here.

As a student who attends this University, I feel as though this is unfair and entirely uncalled for. What would the reaction be if CAUT was investigating a Muslim-based or Jewish-based University? What is the point of investigating Redeemer for abusing academic freedom? What do they consider academic freedom?

So, what are they teaching us here? Do I consider my school abusive of academic freedoms? Redeemer is open about the fact that their professors are required to sign a statement of faith that coincides with the school's Christian beliefs. This seems to make sense. Why on earth would we have an atheist professor teaching at a school that incorporates a Christian worldview into all classes? After all, isn't the idea of a Christian liberal arts university to educate under the assumption that God created the world, and we should, therefore learn about it (wholly), in order that we may be good stewards of the earth? Are they aware that post-secondary education is an institution developed by the Christian world?

I am just confused on their basis for this investigation. I support Dr. Krygsman, and I pray that God will guide him through this time. May CAUT see that they are being irrational, and may my education still be recognized as legitimate. I don't see why it shouldn't.

I commend the other University professors (from both Christian and non-Christian Universities) who have signed a petition against these investigations, recognizing that it isn't Freedom from Religion, but Freedom of Religion. Shame on you, CAUT.

It's an interesting conversation to have, considering that on Sunday, I attended West Highland Baptist Church. They had a guest speaker whose focus was on Christians being involved in the educational process, and that the classroom is one of the largest untapped mission fields.

Food for thought, I guess.

Word of the Day: Cude

Quote of the Day: "I shouldn't say that, I'd get it so much trouble." Dr. Loney

Fireworks

Last night I went to the fireworks for the first time since I began my days at the BK Lounge. I think that one of the only benefits of this job is that I have evenings to enjoy.

I forgot how exciting fireworks are. The lines, the busy traffic circles, the people, the cheap hot dogs (which I didn't eat), and the getting out after the pretty colours have burnt out in the sky.

The whole night was just awesome! We went with the girls from work (and by we, I mean Kait and myself), to the Hamilton Bayfront. I have never been there before, which is kind of sad considering I have lived in Hamilton (Ancaster) for two years now. We left at like 7oclock, which is a ridiculous for 10pm fireworks, but the whole parking thing was a foreseen issue, and so leaving early had to happen. We got to the Bayfront at 7:30 and after a debate about ladies rooms (ie. port-a-potties) and positioning of fireworks versus lawnchairs and syncronized music and men on stilts, we settled for a spot with a perfect view of all possible firework launching areas. And then we waited.

We waited.

We waited.

We waited a little bit more.

At about 8 oclock I found out that my friend was working one of the Ice Cream trucks in the Bay. And by one of the Ice Cream trucks, I mean one out of about 5 trucks spread out over a park which could easily rival Central Park in NYC. But, the benefit of walking all over a crowded Bayfront trying to find the Ice Cream truck with the Ice Cream man I actually know is that I get a bigger Ice Cream cone.

And then we waited some more.

Then, we just about lost Heather. We all assumed that the cute, fictional, Australian had whisked her away with his accent. Eventually she was found though, and the truth was that the line for the ice cream was really long.

Sometime, after waiting some more, taking photos with our heads together on a blanket, and tackling Kaitlin out of a chair, the sky got dark and the national anthem played.

And then, the most amazing fireworks show I've seen since Disney World. It could rival Epcot Centre.

The show lasted 15 minutes. 15 glorious minutes. The sky lit up in colours and more colours and explosions that would put the German Blitz on Europe to shame.

And when the sky became dark and the masses awoke from their patriotic dream, the fight to exit the park began. There were people, and headlights, and one peculiar little white boy (okay, he wasn't little, he was a skinny little 16 year old dressed in rags -aka 'gangsta' clothing) rapping to someting black. Picture a skinny little white kid rapping to goodness knows what. After the amusement of that wore off, and several other members of the mob agreed with my speculations about the rap music, we found the car.

And waited to get out..

And waited.

And flashed our lights at some men peeing in the bushes (they were turned around, and we would have covered our eyes if they weren't).

Finally we left, and returned home.

Happy Birthday Canada!

MCC: unchanging, and sadly so.

Word of the Day: huskey

Quote of the Day: "We nicky nicky nine doored a VP meeting!" Jessica Marshall

Patriotic

The Canadian Tenors.
Olympics.
It is all so patriotic.

I am giving up television for Lent, which began today. This means...no olympics...no LOST until Easter.

*sigh*

Word of the Day: feminism

Quote of the Day: "Her head supports a cloud." Dude in the opening song of Beauty and the Beast

Baltimore Bullet

Now, don't get me wrong, I like the Olympics. I like the fact, that for one event, the world can come together, relatively peacefully, and compete for the most prestigious prizes next to the Nobel. I like the fact, that for 10, 14, however many days, China and the USA compete for not over super-world power, but athletic ability on the world scale. And, I'm not going to lie, I like watching Phelpps.

Something about the Olympics is refreshing. It's huge. World Championships pale in comparison. Something about Canada not winning a medal in the Summer Olympics is typical. I don't even remember anything spectacular happening in Athens, so why should the Canadians put any effort into Bejing? Okay, so that's a little harsh. But let's be fair. We're Canadians cheering for the Baltimore Bullet, Michael Phelpps of the USA. Next best thing right? I can only imagine how lane 8, Canadian swimmer felt, knowing his country was cheering for the Eagle neighbor. It's probably bad that I don't even know his name! Overshadowed by USA fame again? Not quite.

The 2010 WINTER Olympics are in Vancouver. So where do you think Canada's sporting money is going towards? Summer athletes? I think not! Come on, besides Donovan Bailey's win forever and a half ago, what Canadian has ever come out of the Summer Olympics on a podium? (And of course, with the exclusion of the Rowing Team in 2004) No, folks, we are Canadian. We will forever do what Canadians do best...and that is snow. Snow in every shape and form. Skiing, boarding, skating, hockey, and those nice little sleds that go round and round and round. Who could ever forget Canadian Hockey victories in Mens and Women's teams? Who could forget the Sale/Peltier scandal of 2002? And what about Katrina Lemay Doan's stunning victory in speed skating?

To be fair, Canada is pulling out 6th, 7th, 8th places of the whole world in this years summer Olympics. To be 8th in the world isn't that bad. Nevermind the gossip that the Chinese are cheating ages, giving in to Hollywood expectations as far as little girls, beauty and voices go, and winning everything. Nevermind the fact, that alternatively, the Bejing Olympics are proving the Chinese prominance as a growing world superpower. Nevermind the fact that the Americans are trying hard to hold onto some speck of dignity. Canadian athletes are young. The gymnists will be ones to rival with come 2012. Alexander Despatie is still a force to be reconned with. The rowing team is rebuilding, and so are the other boating sports: Kayaking, Sailing..

The Olympics have never been simply about the gold. In Greece, they were a power symbol. Today as well, the talks of boycotting the Olympics came with the politics, not the competition. It's time to face the facts that China is growing. It is home to the most people, has one of the largest economies, and the fact that it has pushed it's athletes to win almost everything in it's own country is no suprise. I expect the next several years will be interesting to watch as the superpowers of the world shift. The USA empire will end sometime. Sooner, rather than later. Even the Roman empire fell. Perhaps, then, it is better than Canada sits as it does. Incredible at the sports unique to our country, but holding up just well enough not to make the podium come summer. As always, we stay in the happy middle, not causing too much of a rukus. Typically Canadian.

And yet, we still can't help cheering on Phelpps. Politics aside, this guy is phenomenal. Any country would be lucky to have him.

I love Canada, dearly. We are great, easy-going people, whose politians are more like girls fighting in the drama of high school, whose comics are some of the best around. We are the producer of the Barenaked Ladies, Celine Dion, Insulin, the Zambonee, the Zipper, Terry Fox, Real communication thanks to Alex Bell (Bell Canada anyone?). Our country was founded thanks to a bunch of businessmen who were beginning to realize how profitable Canadian soil was. Our civil war was a 20 minute barfight where the only injured party was an American who happened to be a spectator. We burned the Whitehouse to the ground, gave the Americans back their land and shelters thousands of African-American slaves. We have some of the most incredible scenery in the world, most of the fresh water, and at least 12 unofficial accents. (yes, I count Newfie). We're the first country to adopt the Multi-culturalist policy, ie: French and English, and we have pretty decent respect for all people. Not to mention we wrote both the American and Canadian anthems (you question the USA one? Written by a British North American..civil war...BNA was what is now Ontario and Quebec). Canada was the only country to reach its target on D-Day, we invented the proper use of the word 'eh', and Poutine is a pretty good thing. We have openned up the world's eyes to Tim Hortons, Sidney Crosby and, yes, even Wayne can have some honourable mention. We clearly invented the toque, perfected the winter boots, and are home to the best Skiing around. Not to mention the HBC. Yes, Canada is a good place.

So it doesn't bother me that our Olympians aren't winning medals. We don't need Medals to prove we're pretty fantastic. Besides, we gave the world Hockey. I think that's quite enough.