Canadian Bird

Watch This!

2010-07-22T21:35:00.002-05:00

MTV's If You Really Knew Me...

If You Really Knew Me - MTV Shows

Father's Day 2010

2010-06-19T22:46:00.001-05:00

My Dad is the greatest...

Customize your own digital greeting

And to my brother, Brandon, & my brother-in-law, Drew...

Happy Father's Day to all the Fathers out there!!!

The Ultimate Giveaway!!!

2010-04-02T11:37:00.004-05:00

My church, Bay Area Fellowship, is doing a big push for souls this Easter in an unconventional way! This is how we do it at BAF... :)

Fox & Friends video: Church's Easter Cash Prizes

CNN video:

Also, Check out this great MSN Video: Texas church to give away millions in prizes

Proud to be Canadian!

2010-02-28T02:08:00.002-06:00

So we're not perfect…

We never claimed to be perfect.
That means we’ve learned to be humble;
We say excuse me and I'm sorry… as well as please and thanks.
Even when its not our fault, we apologize.

Sure one arm of the torch didn't rise,
But when the earthquake struck Haiti,
Canadians raised their hands to say… ”we’ll help.”

And yah, there is a fence around the torch;
But you can walk right up and shake hands with our prime minister and most famous Canadians.

We put Gretzky in the back of a pick up, in the rain, not surrounded by police… and he was okay.
And by the way… The Great One is Canadian… and HE wasn’t complaining!

We do have security at the games, of course, but most people don't even have a gun they have to leave at home.

The medals ARE under lock and key, but our doors and our hearts are open to the world.

It has been pointed out that some buses broke down last week… but let’s not overlook the fact that our banking system didn't.

We didn't get the "green ice maker" right this time… but we will, eventually;
Just like we did when we invented the Zamboni.

Citius, Altius, Fortius

If you don't reach higher, how do you get faster and stronger?

Was the first quad jump perfect?
Should we not have given snowboarding to the world "in case" it didn’t take off?

So big deal… one out of four torch arms didn't rise. Good thing we had 3 more! It’s called contingency planning!

But remember… the Canadarm works every time… in outerspace.
And insulin turned out to be okay.

We couldn't change the weather, but maybe we can help stop to global warming.

We don't have the tax base of the US or the power of the Chinese but, per capita, we ponied up for some pretty kick-ass venues in the worst global recession ever!

Sure, some folks couldn't afford tickets, but our health care is universal.

We have shown the world that we can raise our voices in celebration and song but moments later stand in silence to respect a tragic event… together… spontaneously… and unrehearsed.

What's more, we don't need permission from anyone to have a slam poet, fiddlers with piercings, and a lesbian singer tell our story to the world while our multilingual, female, Haitian-born, black head-of-state shares a box with her first nations equals.

We’ve shown the world that it doesn’t always rain in Vancouver, that you can strive for excellence but not get hung up on perfection… And we’ve learned what it feels like to be picked on by some no-name newspaper guy… and we don’t have to take it lying down!

So the point is not the snow, or the hydraulics, or a couple guys being 5 minutes late to a ceremony.

We know we’re lucky that these are the biggest problems we had to deal with in the last couple weeks.

So take your cheap shots… Guardian newspaper and cynics of the world.

We're bigger and better than that.

What's more, we're finally starting to believe it… I believe!

Do you believe?

Shared via email & facebook, traveling like wildfire. Author unknown.

Oh, & I BELIEVE!!!

Go CANADA Go!!!

2010-02-20T20:18:00.000-06:00

What a week!!!

Last Friday was a monumental one for many. Even me.
I've been PSYCHED. I've been awaiting this for almost a decade...

I'm PSYCHED because the Winter Olympics kicked off last Friday! British Columbia, Canada (& for a handful of years, Vancouver) were home to me for a good part of my life. It's been exhilarating & bittersweet watching the coverage, seeing the sights, sounds, & electricity surrounding Vancouver. I SO wish I could be there. I'm living vicariously through my brother & friends, some who live there & some who are visiting for the festivities.

We, in the US, are shut out of Canadian broadcasting stations, but I was hoping that would lift for the Games. Sadly, it hasn't. So, I've been relying on NBC & affiliate coverage of my homeland's hosting of my favourite Olympics. It's not that NBC doesn't have good coverage, truly, but it's all surrounding the US perspective, of course. I'm missing the Canadian athlete profiles & coverage. I'm rooting for my homeland & the US somewhat interchangeably. I want the US to do well, & love the athletes. (SOOO glad Evan Lysacek kicked arrogant Plushenko's bum in men's skating.)
But when Canada wins a medal, especially a gold, well... my neighbours can probably hear the hooting & hollering and my facebook & twitter accounts light up like a Vegas show!
And there isn't a sport in the Winter Os I don't LOVE watching. Seriously.

I'll give it to NBC, & specifically Tom Brokaw, though. The short piece of journalism that aired just prior to the start of the Opening Ceremonies was poignant & reverent to introduce Canada to a US audience, & the sportscasters have been very gracious about the coverage of Canadian culture & history. As a dislocated Canuck, I'm very appreciative & overjoyed that other nations are getting to witness the beauty & diversity of the land that I love!

Here's that clip by Tom Brokaw:

I'm going to the Olympics!!!

2010-02-14T17:15:00.002-06:00

The pairs team of Edward Cullen & Robin McNaueal are vying for Olympic Gold. See them start their journey in the Pairs Short program tonight.

Sneak preview here:

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Isn't my partner handsome? A little pale, yes, but I barely feel the cold with all that spinning. Teehee...

Could You Walk In A Nurse's Shoes?

2010-02-13T23:29:00.001-06:00

I came across this article some time back & was meaning to post it.

Nothing seemed like a better time than now, when a TX nurse is fighting for her right to vocalize as an advocate for patients whose physician was working unsafely, after already having been slapped with a warning & fine by the medical board. Thankfully, she's been acquitted of charges, but there's still a debate over whether she had the right to report this physician, which floors me, considering that isn't only her right, but her DUTY as a patient advocate. See some articles about the lawsuit by ABC World News, NPR, & The American Journal of Bioethics.

Finally, here is the writing I found a year or more ago.
As a nurse myself, I encourage you to PLEASE read it & keep it in mind.
And ask yourself: could YOU walk in a nurse's shoes?

Sunday, April 13, 2008
Regina Brett
Plain Dealer Columnist

Patients aren't always satisfied with how well nurses communicate, a recent Medicare survey revealed. Well, nurses had no trouble communicating with me after I defended them Sunday. Nurses from recovery rooms, coronary care, pediatrics, geriatrics, ER and trauma units e-mailed from across the country. Here's what they had to say:

Come walk in our shoes for a 12-hour shift. Come see the joy, the tragedy, the comedy, the 100 ways we are pulled and pushed, then rate my "pleasant greeting," "answers call light in timely fashion," "states name of patient."

Use the bathroom now, because you might not get the chance again until your shift ends. Wear comfortable shoes. Don't worry if they're clean. They'll end up with blood and vomit on them.

We are the patient's advocate, the doctor's eyes and ears and everyone's scapegoat. We can page your doctor, but we can't make the doctors magically appear. We check your stitches, wipe your blood, drain your pus and empty your bedpan.

Nursing is a tough job, but we're tougher. We've been yelled at by administrators, supervisors and doctors. We've been kicked, slapped, punched, spat on and sexually harassed by patients in various states of delirium, mental illness, arrogance and intoxication. We've even had chairs and food trays thrown at us. We work mandatory overtime, weekends and holidays. We eat Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners with co-workers. We deal with families who ignore visiting hours, bring food to patients on restricted diets and insist on staying the night even though it's not a private room. We deal with the son who orders us around to show a parent he's neglected for years that he cares. We cannot be at your side every waking minute. We have 10 other patients. We cannot answer five call lights at once. We can't stop doing CPR on a patient because you ran out of tissues. We are not maids, beauticians or cocktail waitresses. We are professionals with college degrees. We hate that we can't spend more bedside time with you. Swearing at us will not make us move faster. Taking better care of your health would help. Quit smoking. Lose weight. Start exercising. Stop drinking.

How do we survive? We ignore the nasty comments, the demanding relatives, the crazy staffing grids. We count to 10 before speaking. We pray every morning for strength and wisdom, patience and empathy. We drive home tired and frustrated, telling ourselves over and over, "I'm not the nurse I want to be, but I'm the best nurse the hospital staffing allows me to be." We fall asleep praying for the ones who won't survive the night. There is no finish line, ever.

Nursing is demanding and fulfilling, and we can't imagine doing anything else. Nothing beats washing blood and glass off a car crash survivor, stabilizing a broken neck, saving a diabetic's leg, keeping a cancer patient in remission. The day we send a patient home we relish the unbelievable resilience of the human body and spirit. We did not become nurses for the hours, the salary or the glamour of it all. We became nurses to make a difference. We don't ask for much. One sincere thank you makes all the thankless hours worth it.

Catch Regina Brett every Friday at 9 a.m. on WCPN FM/90.3.
To reach Regina Brett: rbrett@plaind.com, 216-999-6328
Previous columns online: http://cleveland.com/brett

Regret

2010-02-07T00:18:00.001-06:00

We all have some. We're not supposed to dwell in them, however.
Such a dichotomy. Live in the now, but what did we do to bring us to "the now." What can we do better. That's supposed to be self-actualization, right?
I can think of a whole bevy of things.

Twice, in H.S., I got a little full of myself & broke up with my boyfriend thinking I could do better. Twice I regretted it afterward. But H.S. is full of such blunders, right? We're learning who we are & who we're to become.

So, here I am, on the verge of 40. Yes, 40!!! And still with the blunders. And so many regrets. I'm learning to let go & let God. Knowing there's a master plan behind it all both has me feeling comforted & bewildered. And that's where free will comes in.

Ahhh... my blasted free will. I CHOSE where I am today.
How comforting. If only I'd let go & let God SOOO much sooner... ??? Or found me a magical, time-traveling psychotherapist.

That's where "Being Erica" comes in. I discovered this little show on SOAPnet. Don't know how because I have never watched SOAPnet. I have enough fantasy & daydreams living on in my own head, thank you very much.

But "Being Erica" is all about having the ability to go back & undo past regrets. The character can't change "destiny," but does come to some interesting realizations about how things would (or wouldn't) have changed in spite of them.
In the end, it's all about being okay with our own decisions.

What is your biggest regret... & how would you have rewritten things?

Jewelry Giveaway!

2010-01-21T20:24:00.002-06:00

Beki at The Rusted Chain is having a jewelry giveaway. I just LOVE LOVE LOVE her stuff!

She is so talented, & is also selling her wares to raise money for Haiti.

Go check out her site & lend your support!
Did I mention I LOVE her stuff!?
Oh, & my birthday's in April (hint)...

JANES Retreat Weekend '09

2009-08-09T21:42:00.016-05:00

The JANES Core Team were hosted for an amazing (though too short) weekend of relaxation & planning out at the Butlers' Lakehouse on Lake CC. What a place! Sue Butler & her family are the most generous & gracious hosts. I didn't want it to end... Thanks Butler family!!!

The gorgeous Lakehouse property:

The large gazebo with outdoor kitchen, where we enjoyed a delicious dinner:

The main guesthouse where we enjoyed a delicious & healthy breakfast & lunch:

Getting down to business:

We accomplished a LOT:

The radiant Daphne, JANES Ministry Leader ... see Jane lead!

The passionate Marta, Coordinator of Community Outreach ... see Jane reach!

The talented Alene, Discipleship Coordinator ... see Jane grow!

The energetic April, Women's Small Groups Coordinator ... see Jane connect!

The inspiring Alisa, developer & chief editor of the Granola Bar Devotional, & JANES core team member ...

And me... Events Team Coordinator ... see Jane shine!

No... not our Administration Coordinator (we're still looking for one of those to replace our sweet Mandy who is off on a new venture)! This is Kiki! Alisa's daughter joined us for our girls' weekend... naturally! She was a total joy!!! :)

Our fabulous hostess, Sue... I adore this woman! Thank you, Sue... I LOVE your spirit of generosity & look forward to visiting with you again soon!

Preparing for the short trip home (& discussing what a fun time we had)!

I love these women & feel SO privileged to serve with them in this ministry!!!

Let's do it again soon, gals! xo

Meet Alisa Hope... my friend!

2009-08-09T20:50:00.003-05:00

My dear friend, Alisa was chosen by Internet Café Devotions as a Guest Barista this week!

Alisa is an amazing writer & friend... my kindred spirit. Please check out her writing blog by clicking on the "Faith Imagined" HEART link above!

Congrats, Alisa... my beautiful friend! Love you. xo

The Terrifying Texas Brown Tarantula!

2009-06-06T01:23:00.007-05:00

The Texas Brown Tarantula (looks mostly black) is on the move right now... whether because it's mating season or due to all of the rain we've had lately, I've been finding these unwanted visitors ready to greet me as I got home 3 different times this past couple of weeks!

Here they are... let me know YOUR thoughts!!!

Tarantula #1 in the past 2 weeks. There was another a few weeks previous too!!!

See how close this one was to going INTO my house (garage)?!

Tarantula #2 - I almost stepped on this one going out into my garage! (This pic is post-RAID, obviously.)

See how close he was to going inside my HOUSE!!!??? Eeek!

Tarantula #3 - This guy greeted me at the door as I got home the other night. :(

See how close he was to my front door!? (My door is directly to the left of the light.)

So, "man-in-a-can" (aka RAID) was my immediate friend, until the bug guys I use could come out & spray. And, although I'm praying there will be no further sightings, if anyone (in the CC area) is looking for a Tarantula as a pet, I'll keep you in mind for the future, but it's too late for these guys!!!

Bonne Jour Des Mères!

2009-05-10T22:29:00.002-05:00

"The sweetest sounds to mortals given
are heard in Mother, Home, and Heaven."
~ William Goldsmith Brown

My Mommy & I in Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia... just a few years back!
Love you, Mom!

My Miranda Roo... my puppy Momma-bear!
She's now 8-years-young & the best puppy Momma there ever was!

Honourable mention to my sister, Jilly, & my GodMom, Aunt Carol too!
Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there...

SPEAK '09

2009-05-03T21:43:00.000-05:00

I haven't blogged in SO long! WOW... time flies. Life has been so busy. That's my only excuse. :)

Most recently, the busyness of life has taken me to Grapevine, TX (Fort Worth) & Fellowship Church, led by Ed & Lisa Young. Our JANES (women's ministry at BAF) were invited to their Flavour Women's Conference, called SPEAK. What a great trip!
Thanks to my amazing church for such a great opportunity, to Fellowship Church for being such amazing hosts, & to my girls: DeeDee, Daphne, Jessica, Mandy, & Marta for great memories!

"Couture with a Cause" Fashion Show & "Sweets & Shopping" Social:

You like-a da soap, eh!?

2008-12-14T21:52:00.003-06:00

One of my dogs, Brontë, has developed a strange fascination for soap!
I was getting ready in the bathroom one day, when she started sniffing & sniffing & sniffing.
She put her paws up on the side of the tub & was stretching her neck like E.T. trying to reach something. I realized it was the soap dish on the far side of the tub.
When I brought it closer to her, just to see what she'd do, she started to LICK IT! Ugh!
Since then, whenever she comes into the bathroom & smells the soap, she tries to get at it. She won't go so far as to get into the tub, though.
In the other bathroom, she sniffs & sniffs at the cabinet where I keep them... even scratches at it. It's quite funny.
Here's a photo of her:

Bravery...

2008-12-02T04:22:00.002-06:00

My best friend, Edye's son, John was deployed to Iraq today. He spends the next month in Ft. Hood, then ships overseas directly after Christmas. John is an amazing young man. His mother & family are SO proud... as am I, his other mother (right John? wink-wink).

Please pray for the safety of PFC John White. Thank you.

The video below is a brief story about the 211th Regional Support Group (John's group) ... following the ridiculously intrusive local commercial:

Nina...

2008-11-30T03:52:00.002-06:00

This woman's music destroys me... stripped down & bare, emotions raw, exposed... I cry.

Both performances taken from "Live at Ronnie Scott's" (1986 - DVD) feature Nina Simone delivering an intense emotional performance at the legendary Ronnie Scott's in Soho, London on November 17, 1985.

Incomparable! RIP Nina Simone.

2008-11-11T04:13:00.000-06:00

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

— Lt.-Col. John McCrae
Canadian Military

I've got the blues...

2008-08-26T01:16:00.005-05:00

Blueberries, that is!

I was THRILLED when I saw this in my local supermarket this week:

See that label? These berries come from my home... the Okanagan Valley in Beautiful B.C. (British Columbia)!
What a treat. A little bit of home.

A real treat for me is my 2 favourite fruits - blueberries & raspberries - mixed in a small bowl with some fresh cream poured overtop.
Quite simply, HEAVEN! :)

Yummy!

BAF Beach Baptisms!

2008-08-24T21:15:00.004-05:00

The day started out a stormy one! Who could have known that it would turn out so nice?

On my way to church, torrential downpours along with a National Weather Service alert had me second-guessing if I should turn around & seek the shelter of my cozy little home. But I pressed on.

At church, people were crowded under the eaves of our beautiful building, all waiting to make a mad dash for the car. I used my BAF greeter's shirt to shelter me, after which it was soaked to the core & truthfully did not offer much shelter during my sprint from the car to the church. Warm coffee & a crowded atrium greeted me as I entered, my jeans & T-shirt soaked through.
When a woman asked me if the beach baptisms were still on, I gave a dubious reply... but Bill Sr. corrected me & said we were still on. At the end of service, Bil & Paul confirmed this by stating that the island hadn't gotten ANY rain & we were still on!

So, out to the beach we went! It turned out to be a lovely afternoon & we had a surprisingly great turnout!

Just as we are made new in Christ when we are baptized, the Lord cleared away the old (storm clouds) & made way for His will to be done... & made CC just a few people closer to being the hardest place to go to hell from (to quote Bil)!

PhotoHunt: Wrinkled

2008-08-23T22:09:00.006-05:00

While I know you loathe copycats, tnchick, I had to share my babies after you shared yours (Zoey)! :)
How about wrinkled x 4 !!!??? They're awesome doggies & I can't imagine not having them. A handful, yes... Worth it? Everyday!

This PhotoHunt theme is the perfect title for my blog today... Life has been a series of wrinkles lately!
The latest? The home air conditioner went out today! Not cool (no pun intended) with the humidity we get here. I was resting off a migraine, thinking it was only me that was feeling warm... perhaps fighting a fever. Then I noticed others in the house were as lethargic as me. Hmmm...

I got up to check the thermostat. 84 degrees! Something is definitely wrong. I could hear the fan still plugging away. I listened out back & could hear the A/C unit fan still whirring too. At the urging of some male wisdom, I checked the lines & the one that is supposed to be cool... wasn't! Oh great. A service call on the weekend isn't gonna be cheap...

I called the dudes in... you know! The dudes! The ones that fix this kinda thing, since all my male wisdom was lacking any direct experience. The guy that came out showed up quickly, diagnosed the problem in a jiffy (the capacitor!) & had the part on his truck. Woohoo! It was fixed & back on in no time. Back in the house, I was NOT the only one excited by this!

I have to say, when the guy said it was the capacitor while walking to his truck, I shouted a big "PRAISE GOD!" I was elated, as I knew the cost that could have been quoted might have been more than 10 times what was spent this day. I guess I was not truly a believer though... not yet. Once I came back in & sat down to check my emails... while the A/C unit was plugging away to get the house back down to a reasonable temperature... I read a blog post by my friend, Janel. Something in me broke... WOOSAH! And in a torrent of tears, RELIEF! I could FEEL that cool air blowing in with the Spirit of the Lord, saying "Cast all your anxiety on me, because I care for you.” (Peter 5:7) Without even realizing the tension I was carrying, it was released in 2 minutes of cleansing tears.

I did a search on what the Bible says about worry & anxiety. Here's what I came across:

1. Worrying Accomplishes Absolutely Nothing.
I don't know about you, but I don't have any time to waste these days. And worrying is a waste of very precious time. Worrying won't help you solve a problem or bring about a solution, so why waste your time and energy on it?

Matthew 6:27-29
Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. (NLT)

2. Worrying is Not Good for You.
Worrying is destructive to us in many ways. It becomes a mental burden that can even cause us to grow physically sick.

Proverbs 12:25
Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. (NLT)
This is where Janel's blog hit home...

3. Worrying is the Opposite of Trusting God.
The energy that we spend worrying can be put to much better use in prayer. Here's a little formula to remember: Worry replaced by Prayer equals Trust.

Matthew 6:30
And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? (NLT)

Philippians 4:6-7
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (NLT)

4. Worrying Puts Your Focus in the Wrong Direction.
When we keep our eyes focused on God, we remember his love for us and we realize we truly have nothing to worry about. God has a wonderful plan for our lives, and part of that plan includes taking care of us. Even in the difficult times, when it seems like God doesn't care, we can put our trust in the Lord and focus on his kingdom. God will take care of our every need.

Matthew 6:25
That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life-whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing? (NLT)

Matthew 6:31-33
So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. (NLT)

(above article can be found at: http://christianity.about.com/od/whatdoesthebiblesay/qt/reasonnot2worry.htm)

And finally, this one's FOR my Dad, but also FROM my Dad. It's one of his favourite Bible passages. I read it, as I often do, but in different translations tonight & the one that called to me, especially in light of my "wrinkled" state of late, was from The Message:

Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. Romans 8:26-28

I'm listening, Lord... Are you listening, Dad??? :)

JudahFest!

2008-07-04T02:49:00.008-05:00

Judah Hoehne is an extraordinary man with an extraordinary vision ... a mission truly sent by God. You see, Judah has Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy, which is a disease that is fatal and has no cure. The prognosis for someone with Duchenne's M.D. is a life to the age of 18. Judah is now 23! He gives all of the credit for his "long" life so far to his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He also says that without the Lord none of this could be possible. Judah justs wants to show the love of the Lord on a grand scale before his time on earth is done.

With that, Judah had a vision to bring a concert to Corpus Christi, Texas to reach the world for Christ. He shared his vision with others and was told to pray. He prayed, but did not know how to start something of this magnitude. This of course has changed! During a revival at Bay Area Fellowship, the Lord began to press his heart to pursue this idea once again. During the altar call, Pastor Bil Cornelius asked for those who wanted to freely give their lives to Christ & who wanted to do His will for their lives to come up to the front. Judah did not go up right away, but the feeling to go up front kept persisting. So he did what any respectable wheelchair bound person would do, he got his dad to wheel him up to the front.

While Judah is still on this earth he wants to share his love for God on a grand scale. The term "JudahFest" is derived from from the Hebrew word "Judah" which means praise! All praise and glory goes to our awesome God!

JudahFest is a free concert to be held in Corpus Christi, TX on September 6th, 2008 at 6pm at Cole Park Amphitheater by the ocean.

The featured artists are: Dove award nominee Group 1 Crew, and Wavorly bringing their radio hit "Praise and Adore." Also, with special guests: White Wash and Ash.

The vision is to not only have a great concert, but to tell those who don't know Him about Christ, and to get them plugged into healthy local churches. This is the first of many outreaches to follow. We plan to put on many, many, more to include other musical artists and speakers.

JudahFest is a free concert, but the cost to put it on is not. Projected expenses are between $8,000 - $12,000. We are over halfway there already ... people are opening their hearts to help us share the Good News of Jesus Christ with all of Corpus Christi! With that said, we would love for you to prayerfully consider bringing Judah's dream to reality. If you would like to donate, please make any donations to:
JudahFest
P.O. Box 271058
Corpus Christi, TX 78427

Judah wants JudahFest to live out His legacy before the world, & as Pastor Bil says: "do our part in making Corpus Christi, Texas the hardest place to go to hell from!"

For more info, please visit the JudahFest sites:
http://www.myspace.com/JudahFest
http://www.judahfest.com (under construction)

Happy 141st Birthday, CANADA!!!

2008-07-01T22:55:00.000-05:00

Well, who knew I'd be down here for another Canada Day? Not me! :)
I miss Canada, but never more than on Canada Day! My beautiful country really shines on this day.

One of my favourite things are the multitudes of tulips in Ottawa.

Next year I vow to spend this amazing day at Parliament Hill in Ottawa (the nation's capital), watching the flag raise,

the SnowBirds fly,
& the fireworks over the Parliament Buildings when night falls!

This Canada Day, although still in the US, the most memorable thing for me will be the doorbell ringing & a courier delivering a most important & anticipated envelope... & a symbol of my very Canadian citizenship... my passport!
I'd have to say, that was the ultimate in timing, wouldn't you???

So, to all my fellow Canadians, I wish you a HAPPY CANADA DAY! And to all the rest of you, please enjoy these videos of Canadian pride!

The Canadian anthem in English:

The Canadian anthem in French:

The flight of the SnowBirds!

PhotoHunt: Water

2008-06-22T23:55:00.003-05:00

Christmas 2007 in Corpus Christi, TX

Yes, this was Christmas (well, perhaps the day after) on North Beach in CC.
The Lady Lex looks lovely on the left. You can also see my Mom & brother walking the beach. I'm sure the water was cold, but it was just another gorgeous winter day in Corpus Christi.

This is my first post since January... & thanks to my friend Crissy who spurred me to get back on. I hope to continue a tad more regularly again! :)

Remiss!

2008-01-06T02:11:00.000-06:00

WOW! Have I been negligent, or what? It's been ages since I've posted anything! I have plenty to post, just no time to do it. I know family & friends are visiting my blog, expecting the Christmas updates I promised, to no avail! I'm SORRY!!! I will work on it. It's been a frenzy with the holidays, having family visiting, home renovations, throwing a Christmas party, etc... But it's been a great time & worth all the blood, sweat, & tears! (Proof, via pictures & posts to soon follow... really!)

Wait! Hold on! That's NO way to start the New Year! Let me start again...

HAPPY NEW YEAR, everyone!

I hope you all had a wonderful 2007 & a great start to 2008 so far.
My New Year's Day was bittersweet; having to drive my baby brother back to the airport in S.A.
to fly back to the Great White North (sigh!), but so wonderful that he was able to join us for Christmas!
More on that to follow...

In the meantime, I really wanted to get the word out about the Women of Faith Conference coming up soon in San Antonio! If you're interested, please let me or one of the other JANES leaders know. If we get enough women together, we can get a group discount!

Click here to learn more!

Blessings!

Taking the plunge...

2007-12-04T01:16:00.000-06:00

Well, I'm going to do it! I've been putting it off for a while... I'm getting BAPTIZED!

I haven't been putting it off b/c I don't want to do it. On the contrary!!! There are actually two reasons:

I've been putting it off b/c I wanted to be baptized in "living water."
Usually, in the summer, BAF has beach baptisms. This year they didn't. Moving into the new building & all that's involved with that has been a very busy time for the pastors.
More importantly, though, I've been putting it off b/c I wanted to have family present. And this month I do!
My parents are here for the holidays. Regrettably, my brother doesn't fly in for a 1st Wednesday, so he will miss it, but I'm taking my opportunity & running with it! Carpe Diem! :)

I want all my church family to join me to support me in this "plunge!"
So, JANES sisters-who-are-reading-my-blog, spread the word & come on out for 1st Wednesday this week.
Come & meet my folks; come & represent my family (as you all are) at my big day! Teehee
This will be my first baptism since I was a wee baby in the Catholic Church.

I hope to see you all there!!!

Blessings...

In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."

"How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"

Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit."

John 3: 3-5 (NIV)

99 Balloons

2007-10-21T18:36:00.000-05:00

This is the most touching tribute to the life of a child I've ever seen.

The love & adoration these parents bestowed upon this child on a DAILY basis is beyond inspiring.
I'm so grateful I came across it. The example of faith these parents displayed surrounding the birth of their little boy amazes me. They continually recognized God's grace even in their circumstances, which would have been a test of faith to many.

Please watch this video with Kleenex in hand & leave a comment for the parents at their site: 99 Balloons, or go to Igniter Media Group.

And the video of the funeral celebration for little Eliot Mooney again inspires me, by the looks of joy in the faces of Matt & Ginny Mooney as they celebrated the continued life of their son, afliction-free, in the arms of his Saviour!

God gives. God takes.
God's name be ever blessed.
~ Job 1:21

Music Box

2007-10-21T00:05:00.000-05:00

I absolutely ADORE this song by Regina Spektor! I first heard it on a recent JC Penney commercial & HAD to know who it was. At first I though it might be Bjork, because you have to admit, there are similarities... Listen for yourself & let me know what you think...

Lyrics:

Life inside the music box ain't easy
The mallets hit
The gears are always turning
And everyone inside the mechanism
Is yearning to get out
And sing another melody completely
So different from the one they're always singing
I close my eyes and think that I have found me
But then I feel mortality surround me
I want to sing another melody
So different from the one I always sing
But when I do the dishes
I run the water very very very hot
And then I fill the sink to the top with bubbles of soap
And then I set all the bottle caps I own afloat
And it's the greatest voyage in the history of plastic
And then I slip my hands in and start to make waves
And then I dip my tongue in and take a taste
It tastes like soap but it doesn't really taste like soap
And then I lower in my whole mouth and take a gulp
And start to feel mortality surround me
I close my eyes and think that I have found me
But life inside the musicbox ain't easy
The mallets hit
The gears are always turning
And every one inside the mechanism
Is yearning to get out
And sing another melody completely
Is yearning to get out
Is yearning to get out
Is yearning to get out

PhotoHunt: Smelly!

2007-10-11T01:11:00.000-05:00

Hey! I didn't pick the theme... But I sure did have the photos! These are my friends' (the Tooleys) bullies, giving me some awesome PhotoHunt inspiration! Thanks Tug & Sophie!!! I'll visit again soon...

I don't actually go looking for dogs doing their business to shoot photos of... It just happens sometimes! This is another friend's bullie, Ebenezer, wishin' he had some privacy.

A photo of my Roo as a pup. She had a little diarrhea... Hence, the Pepto pout! You'll note I have a lot on me too. But, it did the trick! :)

Okay, okay! Enough already! This week's theme was fun to do... And I'm done! Teehee

The Old Phone

2007-10-07T18:01:00.001-05:00

This little tale was sent to me by my cousin, Kathy. With all the "forwards" out there on the internet, I'd not heard (or read) this one before. I don't know where they originate from, & it's very hard to know whether they are fact or fiction. However, this one I found very touching & sweet, so I thought I'd share... I hope you're blessed by it, as I was...

When I was quite young, my father had one of the first telephones in our neighborhood. I remember the polished, old case fastened to the wall. The shiny receiver hung on the side of the box. I was too little to reach the telephone, but used to listen with fascination when my mother talked to it.

Then I discovered that somewhere inside the wonderful device lived an amazing person. Her name was 'Information Please' and there was nothing she did not know. Information Please could supply anyone's number and the correct time.

My personal experience with the genie-in-a-bottle came one day while my mother was visiting a neighbor. Amusing myself at the tool bench in the basement, I whacked my finger with a hammer. The pain was terrible, but there seemed no point in crying because there was no one home to give sympathy.

I walked around the house sucking my throbbing finger, finally arriving at the stairway. The telephone! Quickly, I ran for the footstool in the parlor and dragged it to the landing. Climbing up, I unhooked the receiver in the parlor and held it to my ear. 'Information, please' I said into the mouthpiece just above my head. A click or two and a small clear voice spoke into my ear.

'Information.'

'I hurt my finger...' I wailed into the phone, the tears came readily enough now that I had an audience.

'Isn't your mother home?' came the question.

'Nobody's home but me,' I blubbered.

'Are you bleeding?' the voice asked.

'No,' I replied. 'I hit my finger with the hammer and it hurts.'

'Can you open the icebox?' she asked.

I said I could.

'Then chip off a little bit of ice and hold it to your finger,' said the voice.

After that, I called 'Information Please' for everything. I asked her for help with my geography, and she told me where Philadelphia was. She helped me with my math. She told me my pet chipmunk, that I had caught in the park just the day before, would eat fruit and nuts.

Then, there was the time Petey, our pet canary, died. I called 'Information Please' and told her the sad story. She listened, and then said things grown-ups say to soothe a child. But I was not consoled. I asked her, 'Why is it that birds should sing so beautifully and bring joy to all families, only to end up as a heap of feathers on the bottom of a cage?'

She must have sensed my deep concern, for she said quietly, 'Wayne, always remember that there are other worlds to sing in.'

Somehow I felt better.

Another day I was on the telephone and called, 'Information Please.'

'Information,' said in the now familiar voice.

'How do I spell fix?' I asked.

All this took place in a small town in the Pacific Northwest. When I was nine years old, we moved across the country to Boston. I missed my friend very much. 'Information Please' belonged in that old wooden box back home and I somehow never thought of trying the shiny new phone that sat on the table in the hall. As I grew into my teens, the memories of those childhood conversations never really left me.

Often, in moments of doubt and perplexity I would recall the serene sense of security I had then. I appreciated now how patient, understanding, and kind she was to have spent her time on a little boy.

A few years later, on my way west to college, my plane put down in Seattle. I had about a half-hour or so between planes. I spent 15 minutes or so on the phone with my sister, who lived there now. Then without thinking what I was doing, I dialed my hometown operator and said, 'Information, please.'

Miraculously, I heard the small, clear voice I knew so well.

'Information.'

I hadn't planned this, but I heard myself saying, 'Could you please tell me how to spell fix?'

There was a long pause. Then came the soft spoken answer, 'I guess your finger must have healed by now.'

I laughed, 'So it's really you,' I said. 'I wonder if you have any idea how much you meant to me during that time?'

'I wonder,' she said, 'if you know how much your calls meant to me. I never had any children and I used to look forward to your calls.'

I told her how often I had thought of her over the years and I asked if I could call her again when I came back to visit my sister.

'Please do,' she said. 'Just ask for Sally.'

Three months later I was back in Seattle. A different voice answered, 'Information.' I asked for Sally.

'Are you a friend?' she said.

'Yes, a very old friend,' I answered.

'I'm sorry to have to tell you this,' she said. 'Sally had been working part-time the last few years because she was sick. She died five weeks ago.'

Before I could hang up she said, 'Wait a minute, did you say your name was Wayne?'

'Yes,' I answered.

'Well, Sally left a message for you. She wrote it down in case you called. Let me read it to you.'

The note said, 'Tell him there are other worlds to sing in. He'll know what I mean.'

I thanked her and hung up. I knew what Sally meant.

Never underestimate the impression you may make on others.

Whose life have you touched today???

PhotoHunt: Original

2007-09-28T01:35:00.000-05:00

My sister, Jill, is an amazing designer & custom seamstress. These are some of the label tags I had made up for her last year. She works so hard & is the amazing mother of 3 beautiful children. She inspires me!

We're working on a site for her...it's partially up & running...go to Jill Audrey Creations.

Here's some more of her work:
Beautiful plush baby blocks...for decoration or for play!

3 purses she made for me & my friends...We all love 'em & get compliments wherever we go!

A few more styles of bags she's designed for weekend getaways & girls on the go!

The cottage cushions on the left are SO pretty; the custom slipcover on the right is so amazing it looks like upholstery. The sweet girl in the middle is my niece, with a ladybug pillow made just for her!

Tune in after the weekend to see her latest project (it's under wraps until then)...something she made for my JANES Expo!

Roo Devotional

2007-09-27T00:18:00.000-05:00

My (very talented writer) friend, Alisa, publishes the Granola Bar Devotional - a book of devotionals, from women, for women - that has been going out quarterly. She's currently compiling enough devos for a year to go in one big book! She's also begun publishing these devos online as part of our JANES (women's ministry at BAF) outreach in order to reach women EVERYWHERE for Christ!

Alisa's been bugging me FOREVER to write a devo of my own. I've had one in my head & on my heart, & have yet to write it. I did, however, have a recent experience that I felt lead to share about...to get the word out about it & also to show how God played a big part in it. You can see my devo on the Granola Bar Devotional site as it was published. Understandably, Alisa had to edit it down just a bit for length (to fit in the booklet). So, I've decided to share with you all my original, unedited devo here... You can see how wordy I am! haha

____________________________________________________________ Roo on surgery day ______________________________________________________

Roo

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been OCD about my routine when I leave the house. This is for many reasons: paranoia about fire (instilled by my Father), being a single woman, & mostly because that’s just my nature. One of the many things in my routine is to pray over my home & my puppies before I leave each day. Not anything huge, just a quick request that God watch over them & keep them safe, healthy, & happy while I’m gone & that He place a hedge of protection over my home. In the past few months, I’ve heard Him speaking to me LOUDLY that He IS watching over me…not anything I can hear, but in signs He gives me. One of the largest & most poignant signs of that came recently…

While leaving for work one day, my oldest dog (nicknamed Roo) was sick. Nothing major, she had just thrown up. I thought nothing of it, cleaned it up & left. When I came home that night, she had again been sick, several times in fact. I had a vet appointment the next morning for another of my dogs, & made a mental decision to bring Roo as well.
When they worked her up, I mentioned that I’d felt a lump in one of her mammaes (breasts) a few months ago, but thought due to its nature it was probably just a cyst. They said they’d check it out. Later that afternoon, I received a call from the vet. Dr Stacy told me that Roo was feeling better & blood work was fine, but she had come back with markers for breast cancer! I was devastated! Roo has been with me for 6½ years, my closest companion through lots of changes while living so far from home. Dr Stacey recommended radical surgery which included removing that breast, the adjoining one, & her adjacent lymph node, as well as spaying her. I agreed immediately & the surgery was soon done. Roo bounced back wonderfully following her MAJOR surgery & has been blossoming under the added attention she’s been receiving.

I, on the other hand, was having such a “why” attitude towards the whole affair…why Roo? Why me? Then, I called my best friend. Someone who’s been a big part of my Christian walk in the past several years, & someone who I miss greatly, as she lives far away. Tiffany said, “Sister, that’s amazing!” Amazing??? She went on to remind me that if Roo hadn’t been sick the night before, I wouldn’t have brought her in that day & remembered to mention the lump I’d felt so many weeks before. It may not have been diagnosed until her next bi-annual check-up. She said, “It’s so God!”
I felt God WINK at me just then. I heard a song in my head that I hadn’t heard since being in the Catholic Church years before: “I Will Never Forget You” by Carey Landry. I looked it up, & it was from Isaiah 49:14-16:

14 But Zion said, “The LORD has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me."
15 "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?  Though she may forget, I will not forget you!
16 See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.

He was once again shouting to me, that He is watching over me!

Roo’s pathology results came back as a “carcinoma,” a malignancy, but it also showed NO metastasis to anywhere else, & the prognosis is good! Tiffany was right. It was SO God!

Here are the words to that old song:

I Will Never Forget You (by Carey Landry)

I will never forget you my people,
I have carved you in the palm of my hand.
I will never forget you,
I will not leave you orphaned,
I will never forget my own.

Does a mother forget her baby,
Or a woman the child within her womb?
Yet, even if these forget,
Yes, even if these forget
I will never forget my own.

Some information on Canine Mammary Cancer (CMC):

Canine mammary cancer is very preventable.
Dogs who are spayed before their 1st estrus (heat) have 0.5% chance of developing mammary cancer.
Dogs who are spayed after their 1st but before their 2nd estrus have 8% chance of developing mammary cancer.
After their 2nd estrus, a dog's chances of developing mammary tumors increases to 26% & stays there for the most part.
Estrogen is thought to be the main component, as with humans, so even after their 2nd estrus, it's still advisable to have a dog spayed.

If you notice any lumps or irregularities ANYWHERE on your dog, but especially in the area of their mammaes or testicles (in males - ie: different sizes or swelling) PLEASE seek out your veterinarian immediately. Do NOT wait, as I did. I know better now.
Most importantly, please SPAY or NEUTER your pets! This gives them the best chance at a healthy life...not only to control the pet population (also important). We must all be responsible pet owners. I would have spayed Roo after her 1st (& only) litter had I realized the importance.

I've learned my lesson. Let mine be yours!

PhotoHunt: Music

2007-09-07T02:40:00.000-05:00

What a perfect week for a music theme!

My awesome church, Bay Area Fellowship, along with K-LOVE, threw a free concert for the public featuring BIG DADDY WEAVE Wednesday night!

It exceeded my expectations... BDW had the entire house on their feet, jumping up & down, waving their arms in the air, screaming along to the words, while ALL ALONG every word that left their mouths (whether singing or speaking) was a testament to their faith.

There was standing room only, even having to (unfortunately) turn away people at the door because we had a packed church!

The BDW merchandise booth was jumping, with everyone wanting something to commemorate this great night with!

As you can see (above), I got a couple CDs & my BDW concert tag all autographed.

As well as a couple of super-soft, very cool T-shirts (right)!
Love 'em!

Afterwards, the guys were SO gracious...hanging around for a LONG time to sign autographs, take pictures, & just generally talk with their fans. And as my friend (& fellow JANE), Alisa put it, any praise given them they immediately reflected back to God!

The guys are also HUGE supporters of World Vision, an amazing organization that does humanitarian work all over the world, & is well known for it's child sponsorship program. The band went throughout the crowd acquiring sponsors for children all over the world right in the middle of the concert. We were able to get more than 150 child sponsorships in that one night thanks to BDW!!! Woohoo!

Sometimes a digg brings unknown treasures...

2007-09-02T01:30:00.000-05:00

A friend recently told me about Digg.com. I decided to surf my way on over. I wasn't there long when I came across this amazing story about a flea market find.

The author found an old cosmetics case stuffed with a lifetime of portraits of the same woman, starting as a toddler, progressing up into her 50's. It's quite an amazing collection. Makes me want to know what happened to her... Maybe someone will recognize her...? She'd be about 70 years old now.

Do you know her???

Go to The Boat Lullabies.

I still don't really know what Digg.com is all about, but I'm glad I checked it out.

PhotoHunt: Dirty

2007-09-01T03:14:00.000-05:00

When I saw this week's PhotoHunt theme, I immediately thought of these two photos of my sweet niece, Miss Q!

Q not only looks a little like me as a babe, she is also a real character, a true little individual...just like her Auntie! You would think she's a first-born. Well, she is also my God-daughter! (What an honour!)

I look forward to the day when I'm living back in Canada, nearer to her & the rest of my family so she can grow up KNOWING me, not just knowing OF me.

I love you, Q!
Titi Robin
xoxo

Everything...

2007-08-29T23:17:00.000-05:00

My friend, Janel, introduced me to this skit, done to the music of Lifehouse, a song called "Everything." I couldn't help but pass it on!

This is the professional video version:

The girl represents all of humanity...our desperation...how we conform to things of this world. The other characters, sins...temptations. Lust, greed, drunkenness/addiction, vanity, self-mutilation/suicide. Things we unknowingly, unwillingly at times, allow to pull us from Him. Things that bind us.
Jesus died on the cross to abolish sin for all those who believe in Him.
These skits rejoice in the grace, mercy, compassion, and love of God for all human kind.

God will definitely use these to change lives. They've become a phenomenon among churches across North America. All over skits such as these are being put on by various churches, just a few of which are being shown on GodTube & YouTube. Here's one of the best in my opinion:

Put on by Lakewood Church's L7 Youth...

Here are some more:

1. Janel's version...done one evening at Winterfest in Tennessee.

2. Put on by the Next Level Youth of Alpha & Omega Church in Miami, FL, go here.

3. By Shift drama team at CRCC in Cooper City, FL, go here.

4. SEP SoCal teen camp's version, go here.

5. Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church's youth ministry in Houston, TX, go here.

6. Powerhouse's Revolution Youth does a great job (bad camera angle, though)...go here.

7. Mount Calvary youth's version, go here.

8. An Indianapolis church, go here.

9. Another random, unnamed church, go here.

10. For another okay version, go here.

And if you want to hear the song & sing along but don't know the words, go here.

Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
As it is written,
‘For your sake we are being killed all day long;
we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.’
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

~Romans 8:35-39

FAITH!

2007-08-28T01:28:00.000-05:00

If this isn't the best example of Philippians 4:13, I don't know what is!
Just goes to show what we can all accomplish with a little FAITH.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me..."

I've seen this puppy before on Oprah, as well as other news shows, but it amazes me everytime. Her story is much more than her disability. I think I will buy the book of her story...I'd love to read more about how she triumphed over all the nay-sayers who told her owners to put her down & said she'd never be able to have any quality of life. Imagine how much little Faith can teach us all about beauty (I think she's beautiful!) & perseverance...

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders & the sin that so easily entangles, & let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1

She's a JANE, You're a JANE, I'm a JANE...

2007-08-24T00:52:00.000-05:00

______________________________“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” - Luke 1:45______________________________

Bay Area Fellowship's Women's Ministry...the JANES...is exploding!
Our mission to build Christ-centered community among women is being rejuvenated as we speak.
I'm so excited about the amazing things God has in store for us!

Tonight was our leadership meeting, & we had so much FUN! Check out the new T-shirts (brown w/ hot pink). They say "Ordinary Girl; Extraordinary God!" YEAH!

On the left, Janel & Alisa...two of our great dream team leaders! Janel has taken on the Events Team. She has AMAZING ideas!
Alisa has such terrific skills, she's the PERFECT Admin Team leader!

On the right, Tammi & her mom, Jeannie, who was our kind host for the night.

On the left, Cheryl & Jennifer...

On the right, Laura & Tiffany...

Both sets of women seem deep in conversation. Must be coming up with some GREAT ideas!

Here are Daphne & Liette. You just KNOW whatever they were talking about was FUN!

Liette again on the left...listening intently.

Missy on the right...caught me snapping her!

More great brainstorming, sharing, fellowship going on. In the pink is April, who is leading our Bevy Team.

Our illustrious leader, the lovely DeeDee! She's simply outstanding! Not only has she taken on the whole JANES Ministry, but she also serves as our Discipleship Team leader.

This group of ladies ROCKS! I have never experienced such positivity, warmth, & love among women as with this group. The JANES are going to revolutionalize women's ministry!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1

The Great Canadian Showcase

2007-08-13T00:11:00.000-05:00

This is for my friend, Alisa...as requested!

Here's some pics of my Canada. You'll notice there are no winter shots. I did NOT do that to dispell the common myth that Canada is always covered in ice & snow (although that works!)...but is simply b/c I have so many pics to share that I'll have to do a winter version later on. My country is beautiful in any season!

This is a photo of my family a few years back. Since then, we've added a few people to the clan. We definitely need a more current pic! But this one is beautiful, I think.

My old hometown...where I was born & moved away from, but returned to for college. Some fond memories here, but I'm glad I didn't grow up here...too small. Everyone knows everyone else's business! Makes for fun college years though.

On the right, the home I lived in as a tot. It's way overrun here...someone's not caring for it. My parents always had it looking spiffy! I have some good memories in this house...the first I ever remember.

My gorgeous hometown...the one I truly grew up in...where I truly consider home...
These two are both professional pics. I wish I was so talented as to have caught the one on the left!

These I took a few years back. I think it's the prettiest town. Don't you?

A couple pics of my beloved home as taken by people who know how to take a picture! Takes my breath away b/c it's how I remember it, & more!

On the left, another gorgeous valley picture.

On the right, one of our local golf courses. We have about 6 golf courses, & one of them is World Class!

On the left is our local sea-monster. Seriously! Meet the Ogopogo. He's a big tourist draw. People come every year to find him, film him, prove his existence. Even has a show on Discovery about him!

On the right are the Chinese gardens within one of our local parks. I love the gardens. A great place for wedding/prom/grad photos.

On the left, one of many local beaches. This one was my fave...where all the cool kids hung out in my day, anyhow! I was thrown off that dock many times... The bike-ride there was great (all downhill), but back was a real pain. I'd call Mom to pick us up & stuff the bikes in the trunk.

On the right is my sis & my niece.

On the left is Kalamalka Lake, according to National Geographic, one of the most beautiful & most photographed lakes in the world. Really! You can look it up... The colours of it are amazing. Legend states that the word Kalamalka means "lake of many colours." It is one of a handful of unique bodies of water known as "marl lakes." When the lake warms in the summer, calcium carbonate (or limestone), forms crystals that reflect sunlight and create the vivid blue and green colours. Temperature changes in the fall and the spring sometimes create ribbons of deep blue colour in the lake.

On the right is a specific area where we always went cliff-diving. A local pasttime.

Just on the outskirts of town, a little piece of history. This ranch was owned & run by a local family. The photo on the left is the old chapel. There were also a store, post office, barracks, etc. It's a great place for tourists to see.

Beautiful shots of the valley again...not taken by me!

More valley pics, these taken from the ski hill. There are several lookouts on the way down to stop & get amazing pics such as this.

Downtown, they're done murals to beautify the town & instill a bit of our local history. The building on the left is the town post office. I'm not sure where the building on the right is.

On the left, my Dad & my sister at Davison Orchards. I've never been... :( Pretty though, isn't it?

On the right, my Dad is showing my niece the gorgeous rock pond/water feature he built from the (under)ground up. He worked so hard at designing that so the water would fall just right. Even had koi in it at one time, I think.

Another of my nieces...she just LOVES horses. Takes after her Aunt! I always said I'd have one someday...still the plan! :)

On the right is our back deck during a family BBQ...Canadian style.

On the left, a view down into the valley from my home. The neighbour's junky lot kinda mars the shot, but it's what I used to see from our windows so it's nostalgic for me.

On the right, 2 of my bros hanging out outside our home, with their cars. They're so cool!

On the left, my brother feeding my pup some good Canadian beer out at the cabin. Not really! But it made for a good pic! :)

On the right, my niece out on the dock...thinking about jumping in off the end. It's over her head, but with the boat-coat on, they have a blast!

My puppy (when she was about 6 months old) out at the cabin in BC. Isn't she cute!?

On the left is Swan Lake. I lived above this lake in the hills. Almost in the foothills to our local mountain/ski resort. Because we lived so close to the mountains & a little out of the city, we got mountain water. Mmmm...so good & cold!

On the right is a pic of the extreme bikers we get up at our ski hill in the summer. There are activities year 'round up there.

Our mountain resort/ski hill in the summer. The pic on the left is the village when set up for the bike races, extreme exhibitions, etc.

On the right is one of the shops up there, where I worked one summer.

Vancouver!
The most beautiful city in the world!
Home to the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics...can't wait!

On the left is Gastown...the old, original part of the city that is now Vancouver. I worked down in old Gastown for a while years back. It's so quaint. The clock is an old steam clock, that actually runs on steam piped in from underground. It "toots" every hour!

On the right are rock sculptures, called "inuksuks" (pronounced inukshuk)...traditional Inuit milestone markers. The 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver is using one such inuksuk as a symbol of friendship on its official logo.
Inuksuit vary in shape and size, and perform different tasks. They're symbols with deep roots in the Inuit culture that signify safety, hope, and friendship. The word inuksuk means "something which acts for or performs the function of a person."
When I drove across Canada with my sister one year, we saw them all along the sides of the highways. The legend was that highway crews were doing them, but I don't know...

On the left is my nephew riding. He's wearing a shirt I bought him from my church. Apparently he wore it until he got a hole in it. That was our pirate series...very cool.

On the right is a pic of a classic Ontario, Canada fall road. Isn't it lovely? I love & miss all the colours.

Left is a grouping of some of the cottages along the lake...all owned by my sis' in-laws & family. It's so neat that all the kids can just roam between cottages & be called home for bed. Takes you back to simpler times...

On the right is my BIL & sis' cottage. A fun, cozy place.

Miss Q as a baby. She's watching her big bro out in the lake & dippin' her toes at the same time.

On the left is my bro-in-law & one of my brothers skippin' rocks into the lake at the cottage.

On the right is my niece again (older now), this time with her God-Father (my "co-Godparent"...teehee) at the same lake.

On the left, my BIL taking us out for a ride on the pontoon. We decided to cool off & jumped on in. Water was great!

On the right, 2 of my bros hanging out with a friend at the cottage. Good times!

These are shots of my sis' wedding. The arbor on the left was built by my BIL & decorated by his sisters specifically for the nuptuals. Nice, eh?
The site of the wedding was gorgeous...right at the cottage in the clearing. The prettiest wedding I've ever been to. It was a perfect day!

Okay Alisa...next time it'll be all winter stuff, so people can say, they really do live in igloos! haha

Sisterhood...

2007-08-12T01:18:00.000-05:00

This is a picture of my sister & I. I'm the older one. She's the one who looks slightly stunned by the flash of the camera. The photo has been stained by years of being in the same frame.

I stole this idea from my friend, Christine's blog! Thanks Crissy!

Sisters share a special bond, but the uniqueness of sisterhood has been emphasized through the recognition of Sister’s Day as a national holiday. Sister’s Day commemorates the special relationship between genealogical sisters and celebrates the many other dimensions of sisterhood. Some sites state Sister's Day officially falls on the first weekend in August, while others say the second weekend in August.

Sister's Day provides a special day for those who are still close to their blood or spiritual sisters (kindred spirits), to celebrate a very special relationship that can't be had with any other person. And for those who have drifted apart, it is often an occasion of coming together again, to rejoice in old memories, and create new ones to keep us bonded more closely in the future.

On this Sister’s Day, embrace your sister and let them know just how special and important you think they are.

I'm gonna get killed for this one, but I just had to include it b/c it truly represents the goofy nature of my baby sis, & our relationship with one another! I love her!!!

My nieces are stunners, I think. They're so close in age, I pray they stay close through the years, as my own sis & I have.
The photo on the left was last Christmas...the one on the right was at their parents' wedding this year.
I love these girls!

My best friend in the world, Tiff! I miss her so much since she moved away. Even though we don't talk everyday, it's one of those relationships that I pray will stand the test of time, b/c in Tiff I feel I've truly found a kindred spirit...a sister. She's a beautiful person, inside & out.
I love her!

These are some of my Sisters-in-Christ.
On the left are Shamay, Alisa, Tiffany, & Janel. This is a photo from our ropes course day. What fun!
On the right are Edye & Kyrah. Two friends who have been so special to me over the last few years.
I thank God for all these ladies! I love them!

These are 2 of my 4 pups. The 2 who are sisters...really!
("Litter-mates," some may say.)
They are such fun, spirited personalities...complete opposites & yet so alike too! They remind me, in a way, of me & my own sister. They'll be cuddling or playing one moment, fighting the next. Then, afterwards, they lick each others wounds (so to speak).
They keep each other young.
I love them!

Speaking of my sister again, I completely forgot to wish her & her hubby a happy anniversary a few days ago! Bad sister! So, here it is:
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY "DRILL" (it's a long story)!!! 5 years & still going strong! Keep up the good work. I love & miss you both so much. Hope to see you soon! xoxo (Aren't they cute?)

PhotoHunt : Row

2007-08-11T01:25:00.001-05:00

It's late, & I'm tired, so I wasn't very creative with this week's PhotoHunt. I did find some cute random pics to share, however:

This is one of my favourite photos of my nieces...all in a row! Big girls wearing their "boat coats"...dipping their toes in the water. They were quite a big younger here than they are now...but they loved being out at the cottage. Aren't they precious?

How could I resist? Four bullies all in a row...my puppies! I have endless pics of them in all different manners of cuddling up with one another, but this is the first time capturing them all in a row, facing the same direction. Kudos to my Mom who actually got this while I was out. Thanks Mom!

This one is of rows upon rows of seats in my church's new facility, just prior to the Grand Opening, Easter Sunday this year. It's empty here, but this sanctuary holds 2,700+ people. With 4 services, we hit a record 10,188 people that weekend! Woohoo! What a victory for God. He continues to create amazing moments in our church as we now look forward towards the fulfillment of the promise Bil (our head pastor) received from God 10 years ago. I'm so excited to be part of such an amazing ministry!

Happy hunting...see you all out there!

My 3rd PhotoHunt

2007-08-03T23:19:00.000-05:00

This week's topic is "FUNKY." With 12 screws & 2 plates, I'd say this x-ray is FUNKY, but even more so is the story behind it...

My baby brother enjoying a brew with his friends up at Whistler recently...isn't he cute!? I wish I could have been there...it's so gorgeous!

However...this is where that trip ended up: Whistler ER! Not only that, his friends called EMS (smart considering they were all half-cut! :)

THIS is the reason for that fun EMS ride! Note the FUNKY angle of the foot as compared to the rest of the leg...! Can you say "OUCH!?"

Sedated here for the fun to come...they reduced his ankle right there. (Meaning: put it back in place so he wasn't walking like a ballerina anymore...great turn out! teehee)

The Whistler ER staff putting some finishing touches on a temporary splint to tide my bro over until he got back to civilization & consulted a surgeon.

Oh, yeah! Being discharged with some FUNKY pain meds on board. I call this one "Morphine trip!" It certainly looks like he isn't feeling any pain, doesn't it!?

Temporary splint art compliments of all my bro's college buddies. It's hard to make ugly ace wraps look FUNKY, but they've done a pretty good job.

Here's the cutie sitting in his hospital bed back in the city, awaiting surgery. Note the probable contraband (take-out food) partially disguised on the bed beside him.

And finally! My brother was bored with the ugly, boring cast so he thought he'd go with vintage Canuck art...good call, I'd have to say! Despite his great attempts at disguising them, I just had to call this one "FUNKY toes!"

High school all over again...

2007-08-01T02:29:00.000-05:00

1. Who was your best friend?
I had a few over those years. But the ones I had that I still consider friends (therefore they are true friends to still know me after almost 20 years) are: Deanna, Alla, & Julie.

2. Did you play any sports?
I was involved with gymnastics & cheerleading.

3. What kind of car did you drive?
The party-van (my parents') & eventually my little ol' Corolla!

4. It’s Friday night. Where were you?
Pulling mainers, or riding Norcos down to 7-Eleven to find a party!

5. Were you a party animal?
Ha...not so much, but I really just loved being a social butterfly!

6. Were you considered a flirt?
Oh, I'm sure I was...I considered myself one!

7. Were you in the band, orchestra or choir?
I took band in grade 8, but not in any school band. I was in the choir though (loved it). I also played piano for years.

8. Were you a nerd?
No...I don't think so. I certainly made a concerted effort NOT to be! :)

9. Were you ever suspended or expelled?
No, though I did get kicked out of Science in grade 9 for telling Mr. Wong "that was the Wong answer!" ROFL

10. Can you sing the fight song?
We don't have "fight songs" in Canada (I don't think), but our BB team's was "Mony Mony" by Billy Idol.

11. Who was your favorite teacher?
I actually had so many. Mr Gardiner (Socials) is the 1st I remember loving. Mr. Fraher made Law awesome. I gave Mr. Emde the hardest time in grade 8 English, yet he was always so encouraging. I made up for it in Marketing in grades 11 & 12. He was proud of me. I thought I hated Mr. Williamson (English & Western Civilization), until I realized he pushed me so hard b/c he really liked me. I ended up realizing we really had similar viewpoints. And Ms. Wakelin (who everyone was a little afraid of) ended up inspiring me to excel at Algebra! Who knew!?

12. What was your school mascot?
Panther Pride, baby!

13. Did you go to the Prom?
Sure did...but it didn't live up to the hype.

14. If you could go back, would you?
I know most people would say no...angst & all that...but I totally would! I had a great time!

15. What do you remember most about graduation?
It being SO darn hot! And 2 guys dropping their chairs off the back of the risers & leaning them against the wall & falling asleep. The ceremony was looong!
I also remember going for my first lobster dinner that night with my family & my Dad letting me have one glass of wine.
Then going to "Dry Grad"...the 1st one ever! That year there was a "wet grad" (the one I wanted to be at) & a "dry grad" (we were locked in at the waterslides). Almost all my friends got to go to "wet grad."

16. Where were you on Senior Skip Day?
We didn't have Senior Skip Day, but we had a day when the grad guys kidnapped the girls right out of their beds in the middle of the night (still in our PJs unless we caught wind of it & were smart enough to sleep in our clothes). And another day for the reverse...girls kidnapping guys. That's when I crashed the party-van, but Dad was SO cool about it!

17. Did you have a job your senior year?
I worked at McDonald's from grades 10 through 12. Don't laugh! It was a fun job.

18. Where did you go most often for lunch?
We'd jump in Alla's Neva & race the guys to McD's! Alla had a bumper sticker that said "honk if you're a grad of '88"...we wondered why we were always being honked at! ROFL

19. Have you gained weight since then?
DUH! Anyone who hasn't is a mutant! (Why can't I be a mutant?) :(

20. What did you do after graduation?
I ran for our local pageant queen. Again, don't laugh! I didn't win, but I really had fun & would do it again (if I was a mutant)!

21. What year did you graduate?
1988! Duran Duran rocks!

22. Who was your Senior Prom Date?
James Hyer...we were just friends.

23. Who was your homeroom teacher?
I think we had different homeroom teachers each year... But I remember Mr. Lyons. I think that was grade 8.

Wow...this was fun, reminiscing! Thanks for the meme, Bob at The Four of Clubbs.

Now I tag all of you to do the same: Alisa, Janel, Crissy, DeeDee, Susie, Bryan, April, Sunny, & Shalagh!!!

What's a Ropes Course?!

2007-07-28T18:24:00.000-05:00

Well...the Bay Area Fellowship JANES (Women's Ministry) had an
awesome event today out at the Outdoor Education & Leadership School.

(The Lord provided us with a beautiful day in the midst of all the storms we've been having!)

This involved several challenges that required team participation
to accomplish the tasks. If one member of the team did not
complete a task, all members of the team had to start over.
We did low ropes (mostly ground or close-to-the-ground stuff),
& high ropes (exactly what it sounds like) while harnessed.
It was exhilirating! I can't say it was easy...but it definitely does
what it claims...promotes bonding, confidence, team-building,
cooperation, etc.
I highly recommend it! It was HOT, but worth it!

If you're interested in any BAF JANES information or events,
you can contact DeeDee at bafjanes@yahoo.com

On another note...here's another spiffy contest I came across...Woohoo!

Giveaways galore!

2007-07-28T00:33:00.000-05:00

This week has been chock-a-block full of fun giveaways, thanks to Rocks In My Dryer's amazing vision. I hope you all had a chance to participate, & perhaps even won something great! ...I don't think I have... :(

And although, technically, the giveaways are done for this session, it has spun off into a phenomenon. Giveaways are going on all over the net!

Here's a great one compliments of 5 Minutes for Mom & Best Buy: an Insignia 37" Flat-Panel LCD HDTV.

Don't stop there...post a giveaway yourself! Pay it forward...

PhotoHunt again...

2007-07-27T10:56:00.000-05:00

This is a photo of "The Hut" that my brother & his friends built up in the wilderness of a certain ski hill. They trekked in super deep snow & built this with the tools they could carry up there with them. They disguised it as best they could among the trees so Ski Patrol wouldn't find it & tear it down as they have so many other times. The guys are able to ski right into The Hut, relax, then ski out again when they're done.

Word is that Ski Patrol finally came across it & rather than tear it down, left their stamp of approval! The Hut still lives!

My first ever PhotoHunt!

2007-07-21T13:59:00.000-05:00

This week's photohunt challenge is "tiny."
I didn't want to use the typical picture I might have (baby hands, baby feet, baby pics in general) from my family album, so I went looking through & came across Newton!
Newton was an anole that lived in my sunroom for a month or so. He seemed to really love the bay window & I found myself looking forward to seeing him everyday as I came & went, letting my dogs in & out, etc. I nicknamed him Newton after he'd stuck around a few days.
Eventually, after a couple of weeks, he began to migrate around to where the door was. Fearing for his safety, I kept scooting him back toward the window instead.
One day, I realized I hadn't seen Newton in a while. I looked & looked for him (he'd sometimes go into the cracks in the wood & be camouflaged a little). I couldn't find him. The next time I let the dogs out, I noticed something squished in the door. My heart sunk! I thought it looked WAY too small to have been Newton. I took the little carcass outside & kept hoping to see my friend turn up. He never did.
I still look for Newton to this day, especially on the real sunny ones...he was only with me a month or two, but I really enjoyed his visit.
So began my new love of reptiles!

It's a giveaway...

2007-07-20T01:09:00.000-05:00

Hey guys!

In doing my daily blogging, as always I come across interesting sites. One directed me to BooMama's, a cute blog I've been before. But this time, she was raving about these guys: Monk & Neagle and their giveaway for their upcoming album. I can't resist a freebie at best...but when I went to their site to check them out, I LOVED their music. So, here... Check them out! Enjoy... (Oh! And let me know what you think!)

a cute story you may have heard before...

2007-07-18T01:37:00.000-05:00

A lesson to be learned from typing the wrong email address:

A Minneapolis couple decided to go to Florida to thaw out during a particularly icy winter. They planned to stay at the same hotel where they spent their honeymoon 20 years before. Because of their hectic schedules, it was difficult to coordinate their travel schedules. So, the husband left Minneapolis and flew to Florida on Thursday, with his wife flying down the following day. The husband checked into the hotel, and unlike years ago, there was a computer in his room, so he decided to send an email to his wife. However, he accidentally left out one letter in her email address, and without noticing his error, sent the email. Meanwhile...somewhere in Houston, a widow had just returned home from her husband's funeral. He was a minister who was called home to glory after suffering a heart attack. The widow decided to check her email, expecting messages from relatives and friends. After reading the first message, she screamed and fainted. The widow's son rushed into the room, found his mother on the floor, and then glanced up and saw the computer screen which read:

To: My Loving Wife
Date: Thursday, October 13, 2004

Subject: I have arrived!

Dearest Love: I know you are surprised to hear from me. They have computers here now, and you are allowed to send emails to your loved ones. I have just arrived and have been checked in. I see that everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow, and look forward to seeing you then. Hope your journey is as uneventful as mine was.

P.S. Sure is freaking hot down here!

a sister's sorrow

2007-07-17T03:34:00.000-05:00

"...I will turn their grief into gladness. I will give them comfort and joy in place of their sorrow." Jeremiah 31:13

I got the news late last night. A friend had emailed me of devastating news to her & her family. A son lost, forever. A truck collision, she said. Oh, no! How awful! The tears came...it's not right, Lord. A mother losing her son. There's something so wrong about a parent outliving their children. I remember my Gram telling me that when my Uncle Ken passed on.

I felt bereft of how to respond to my friend's grief. How could I possibly understand? How could anyone unless they've gone through the same? And in my inbox, coincidentally, another email from a friend with encouragement:

"...there will be times that one of your [friends] is carrying a heavy load and the opportunity to comfort and encourage her may present itself. Let me just say that these are the moments we can not shy away from. This is why we exist. Counseling is an intimidating word, but this is the way we define it: To carry one another's burdens. Don't worry if you don't feel "adequate". None of us do. But miraculously God equips us at just the right moment if we will be willing to yield to His leading. You don't have to have all the answers. All that is required is that you allow your [friend] to lean on you in her season of difficulty. Don't be afraid to be transparent. As you share openly and honestly wtih your sister, God will use your testimony to reveal truths that she can draw encouragement from.

Note of caution: We "carry" one another's burdens straight to the cross. As your sister shares with you, pray for her and then trust her situation to the Lord . Do not carry it home with you. Do not drag it around at work. We "carry" it to the cross and leave it there.

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." -Galatians 6:2

Book/bag giveaway

2007-07-16T02:14:00.000-05:00

A fun book bag giveaway...who can resist??? (well, the more of you that do, the better my chances...)
Thanks Jill for the opportunity!

Well...I take it back!

2007-07-15T18:21:00.000-05:00

Okay, here's the deal. My real blog is on my mac account.
BUT...I will continue this blog from time to time when I want to post from somewhere other than home (can't do that right now on the other site). SO...You can leave subscribe to both blogs, but mainly I'll be writing in the mac blog.
Capiche? (I'm sure that's NOT how it's spelt.)
PS...Obviously you'll need the address & sign-on for the other site b/c it's strictly invite only! Just ask!

Blogging...

2007-07-06T01:39:00.000-05:00

I haven't been blogging for a while, or so it seems!
I actually started up a different site using my .mac account, so I don't really post here anymore...

When it rains, it pours! (at least down here...)

2006-07-06T02:02:00.000-05:00

I am having the hardest time with this blog!!! I am just not html savvy, so I can't seem to figure out how to add things to my site. HELP! I have tried several different things. I don't even know if anyone is reading this thing because I CAN'T ADD A COUNTER! Grrr.
And now my roller on my mighty mouse isn't working right. I don't know why. It's practically new & I've not abused it at all! I can scroll down & side to side (the greatest thing about a mighty mouse), but I cannot scroll UP all of a sudden. Just started happening tonight. Does anyone out there own a Mac? I'm also wondering why my pointer just drifts across the screen all on its own at times. I'm new to the Mac world, so I have no clue. If I'm using the mouse, sometimes it's like it gets a mind of it's own. I don't think it happens if I'm not even touching the mouse. I'm seriously not imagining this...& my Mac is NOT haunted! LOL I'll call Apple Support tomorrow, but for tonight, I'm going crazy!
On another note, I had a fabulously slow night at work tonight. Once in a while you just need some time to catch up with things, know what I mean? And, to add to my glee, it's been doing nothing but raining here for days. (Nevermind the not-too-serious flooding.) It comes & goes, but it's keeping things cooler which is ALWAYS welcome. See? I miss Canada! The humidity down here is for the birds!
Well, I have some serious mindless TV to watch off my TiVo... I'll get to writing more interesting things one of these days. Kudos to the blogging world out there...there are some GREAT blogs & I'm a blogging virgin. Hope I can catch up.
Later!

Dominion (Long) Weekend

2006-07-05T00:54:00.000-05:00

I came across this picture a couple of days ago. I thought it was very striking. Being a Canadian on America's Independence Day can be confusing. All your friends are up to partying it up, while it's just another day off for you. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful to the US for my opportunities down here...totally! And I've made some lifelong friends since moving down here. I guess because I've been feeling a little under the weather this past day, I didn't feel much like going out & joining in on the festivities.
Boy, you could hear my neighbours though!!! My dogs were going crazy all evening. Between the hooting & hollering, the fireworks, & general revelry, my poor puppies weren't sure what was going on. And all this past week the thunder/lightning was doing the same thing to them. They probably think we're being invaded! LOL
Well, this Canuck is very happy that Canada Day fell on the weekend this year as well. (Remember when it was called Dominion Day...?) I hate working on Canada Day...just doesn't seem right. I suppose I could take it off, but in the past, I've always been short on PTO to pay myself for all the US holidays, let alone taking any of my own. I save up those PTOs to go home & visit my family. This year, my family is coming to me (my parents anyhow)! So, I'm still saving up...want to be able to spend some quality time while they're here....maybe travel with them in their 5th wheel! Woohoo!!!
Heck, I was thinking today that Mom & Dad's bathroom in their 5th wheel is probably bigger than my home bath! How sad is that??? We'll have to see when they get down here.
Well, the dogs are barking again, & my stomach is still feeling pretty rough, so I'm going to sign off for tonight. (Those noisy neighbours! Don't they realize it's after midnight & no longer July 4th!? LOL)
Happy Independence Day to all you Americans out there (although I see us all as NORTH Americans)!!!

Can we rewind?!

2006-07-02T21:33:00.000-05:00

Today was crazy!
First of all, I woke up at 11:30 am, which I haven't done in a LONG time. I quickly got ready for church, where I serve in the greeting ministry. I love my church (although I really didn't get to pay attention today...)!
When I got there, I was told that my friend's son had been in a wreck (they hydroplaned, hit a tree, & rolled), while she was out of town visiting relatives. Trying desperately to get ahold of her (she wasn't answering her cell), I called her daughter's cell. Finally! I made another friend (with me) break the news...we hated to be the ones to break it to her, but it was obvious she had no idea when I started talking to her. Later, she told me she was so glad we had told her because she had a bunch of voicemails asking if her son was okay, & she would have had NO idea. Turns out, he was okay...but a friend of his might not be. I have no details now. We'll just have to pray that he's okay too...the other 3 boys (including my friend's son) that were in the vehicle are all fine.
After all the drama, I got the errands run that I'd put off from the day before. At my final errand, I went to get into my car & the darn alarm wouldn't disarm! I kept pressing the button on my key fob, to no avail. I called a friend for advice on what to do, & I only got her voicemail. I was stuck outside the pet store (dog food). I tried calling the dealership to see if they could replace my alarm remote (key fob)...but there was no answer. Are car dealerships always closed on Sundays? Seems to me that might be a good selling day...
Eventually, after waiting several minutes, I tried the button again. It worked! I immediately disarmed my car alarm so I wouldn't have that problem the remainder of the day. If I'd manually tried to get in (by using the key) it would have set off my alarm & the engine would have been disabled anyhow. I'll have to check out if maybe it's only the battery...I hope so.
In the end, I spent way too much money (darn eBay this week!), but got all my errands done...had lunch with friends (that was nice)...finally spoke with my best friend who moved to Reno last Christmas (we've been missing each other lately).
Actually, I was speaking with her while I was buying a wedding gift for the couple whose wedding I'd been to the night before. Turns out I had no idea what to buy them because my invitation didn't have the note about where they were registered. So, I got that cleared up today, all the while speaking to my best friend throughout the store. I'm sure some people were adequately annoyed or entertained, but it had been so long since we'd both been able to talk, so too bad!
Now I'm home, with my puppies, relaxing. Okay, so maybe it wasn't the most crazy day by some peoples' standards, but it seemed crazy while it was all happening. I'm going now, to veg...

Happy Canada Day!

2006-07-01T23:57:00.000-05:00

Well, this is my first post, & although it's about midnight on July 1st, I haven't gone to bed yet, so for me it's still Canada Day.
Not currently living in Canada, I feel extremely patriotic about home...not that I wouldn't be anyhow, but it's enhanced b/c I really wish I was back in Canada. Instead, I spent the day talking with my family on the phone, being lazy (& not getting done anything I had planned...well, there's always tomorrow), & then tonight I went to a co-worker's wedding.
The wedding was nice...different from Canadian weddings to some degree. Do men pin money to the bride's dress to be able to have a dance with them in Canada? I don't remember that from any of the weddings I've been to back home. Maybe at the bachelorette party... I sure wouldn't want pins in my God-knows-how-expensive wedding dress, that's all I know!
Anyhow, some other Canadian co-workers & I all sat together...so I guess that was our way of celebrating Canada Day a bit!
On the way home, I called my parents who are travelling the country (Canada) at present. They recently sold our family home (sob!) & bought a fifth-wheel & a truck, & now they're travelling around, visiting relatives as they go. They've made it from BC to Ontario without major incidents & are visiting my Mom's brother & his wife until Monday. Then on to visit my Gram, where they'll stay for about a month. Eventually, they will be heading down to the US to visit me. Well, visit & work! They're going to help me fix up my house so I can list it, sell it, & move back to Canada! I can't wait...both to have them here & to eventually get back home. Nothing against the US, they've been great to me...I just miss home! Of course, there is no "home" to speak of...since my parents sold it, but I will find my own little nest.
By the time my parents get down here to stay with me, it'll be in the fall, so they'll for sure be with me past Christmas, which is SO exciting b/c I've never had anyone down here to spend Christmas with (family-wise). And it's been years since I've been able to get home for Christmas, for various reasons. The last time I did go, it cost me over $900 just for airfare...& that was before gas got to be so ridiculously priced, as it is now! The prices are just so inflated during the holidays. And I've got a mortgage to think about now...& my dogs.
I have several dogs, & they're my babies! They are the greatest dogs ever! (Not to diminish the numerous wonderful animals I've had in my lifetime...) Having so many dogs (4 to be exact) can be crazy at times, but they're great, happy animals, with a consistent routine, & really no trouble. Except if I want to travel anywhere...then 4 dogs can be expensive to kennel. I'm really not complaining, b/c I believe when you have an animal you take on a responsibility. They rely on you as children do. I'm only stating why travelling can be more difficult now. I can't just go anywhere at the drop of a hat without considering them. Ahhh...adulthood!
Well, I think I've written enough for my first blog. I hope to continue this regularly & see how it evolves over time...who knows!? I welcome your comments...