Thursday, June 05, 2008
Life has been a whirlwind of activity, and somehow blogging wasn't on the top of the list of things to do. Funny how that is. I've noticed that since the take-over of Facebook, people's blogs seem to have been put on the back burner. Then again, when in just a few minutes I can find out the relationship status of my friends, see their updated pictures, read their profiles, and now chat...really blogging might just be a thing of the past.However, here I am. I still find something therapeutic about writing, or maybe I'm just bored.
One of the exciting and awesome things that I did recently, was visit Europe. Jello and I spent 10 days in Paris, Rome and Switzerland. We completely packed the ten days that we were there, and loved every minute of it. Jello is one of those few people that I can travel with and not kill. We have this ability to sense when the other person needs their space. Sure, I still drive her crazy with my singing...but at the end of the day, we survived being with each other 24/7 and are still friends now.
I'm going to steal from Jello, and give you some random facts about Europe...or at least what I observed while there.
Random facts...
Countries visited:
Italy, Switzerland, France
Favourite of the 3:
Everyone asks this question, and I have a hard time answering it. Rome felt like a third-world country, which surprised me. It was very dirty, lots of beggars, and cram as many people on a bus as you possibly could. The sights were amazing, as was the food.
Switzerland was like a postcard. If you've seen the movie "The Truman Show" that pretty much sums up what it felt like to be there. It was like being on a movie set. Everyone smiled at the perfect time, everything was so clean and neat. I almost felt like I was polluting the place by being there. Then again, to live there is very expensive...to say the least.
Paris. I think I could live there...granted I would have to learn French, as people were very snobby there if you did not speak French. However, the city was beautiful, clean and sophisticated. The Eiffel Tower, as much as it's a total tourist spot...was beyond what I had imagined in my head.
Favourite line:
'That's so wag!' - by the young Australian boy we met at our Rome hostel, he was traveling with his family for a month!
Favourite food:
The meal we had in Rome was amazing. This amazing bread with olive oil and fresh tomatoes, and this pasta dish...with wine of course. So good.
Favourite landmark:
I think I would have to say the Colosseum. It was spectacular. Although, The Louvre in Paris was pretty cool to be in. Just the fact that I was seeing all these paintings that I grew up studying was a very cool experience. Oh, and the Sistine Chapel...I love Michelangelo's work...okay, so much for just one favourite landmark.
Languages encountered:
Italian, Spanish, French, Dutch, German, Swiss-German
Lanuages that I knew:
None well enough.
Train rides taken:
2 - 12 hours to Zurich, and 4 1/2 hours to Paris
Pictures taken:
1400??
Best Dressed:
This lady:
Labels: Vacation
Monday, March 17, 2008
All that is needed for evil to triumph, is for good people to do nothing.
We live in a broken world, of which I am constantly reminded. I think it is God's way of reminded us that this is just a temporary place. In the past six months I have started working for an international human rights organization. This job has exposed me to what I would consider the face of evil in this world. That might seem like extreme language, but the stories that I have heard, the people I have seen affected by this has just brought me face-to-face with the stark reality of evil.
So often we are overexposed to evil in the world. Statistics such as, there are 27 million people in bonded slavery today, really doesn't mean much to us - it's just a large number, overwhelming if we actually stop to think about it. I think it's not until we know about "the one" story of such a case, that we are able to really put a face to the numbers, and start to realize what statistics really mean.
I suppose this post may turn into a controversial issue...you see I was in Toronto a few weekends ago as part of my job. At the conference I was attending, I met some very wonderful people who are involved in human rights. These people are passionate individuals who are sacrificing their lives, talents, and time in order to fight the injustices or issues that they see as problems in our world in a very real and practical way.
If I was honest with you, I would tell you that it is hard for me sometimes to not get very upset with people who don't seem to care about the Darfur's and Rwanda's of our world - especially when these people are in the church. It's hard for me to not preach a judgement and condemnation session to people, in order to guilt them into reacting to what I am telling them. It takes a lot of biting of my tongue, to realize that I can't expect everyone to have the same burden as me, and I can't guilt people into a response.
For instance, there are times, when people start to tell me a story of an injustice, and i just want to scream "Stop, don't tell me," because I know what they say will forever impact my life, and I know after hearing it, I cannot be silent or stand idly by. I feel I cannot call myself a Christian, and turn a blind eye to this injustice.
You see, when I hear stories like Darci, who at 11 year's old was lied to, trafficking into a brothel, and for $200 her virginity was sold, and not only that, but this innocent girl who had never been kissed was raped 6 times that first night - and when she cried out in pain they taped her mouth shut.
When I hear of the little girl who was kidnapped from Korea, her arms and legs cut off by the gang members in order to keep her from escaping, and create a poor and helpless look for street begging - and then a year later her mother is walking down the street, and wonders why this beggar is clawing at her with her stubs, which should have been arms - and then suddenly realizes it's her daughter.
When I hear of the little children in Bolivia who live in the prisons with their families, and on Friday's they lay in the corners of the room from this outreach program curled up and crying, because they know the inmates will get drunk that night and rape them.
When I hear those stories, and the hundreds more - my heart breaks every time, and I believe that as a Christian, I must respond. I truly believe that it is not an option - when God says "Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows," I don't think He was giving us an option. I don't think it was "Take care of the widows when it is convenient, and seek justice when it works into your schedule." I don't think he was saying "Love your neighbour, unless it requires you to get your hands dirty, then you can pass."
No, I think he was pretty clear - as Christian's it is our job to not only care for the widows and orphans, but also to defend them.
I don't this post to come across as a condemnation of anyone who is not active in the circle of human rights...I just wanted to put my thoughts on a piece of paper. I guess I just want to put this out there, and hope that in some way it stirs your heart.
Labels: World Concerns
Monday, January 14, 2008
American's do not know what that phrase means. Twice in the past two days I have asked a variety of people where the washroom was located, and I was met with blank stares. Apparently, it's not American lingo.
Welcome to Washington, D.C., my location for the next week. I must say, landing in DC was kind of a surreal experience, in the sense of seeing a variety of things in real life that I had only seen in movies or on tv. For instance, there is a scene in Forest Gump that was filmed here, and the Capital Hill building is the back drop for Law and Order. I've seen the Lincoln Memorial in person, and the theatre where Lincoln was shot, and the house that he died in. I've seen the World War II memorial, Supreme Court, Union Station, and a variety of other important buildings. I'm loving the history aspect of it, and the fact that all the museums here are free.
Anyhow, other then the fact that no one knows what the washroom is, or the fact that they think I say about funny, my time in DC has been good so far. Sure, I feel a little out of place with all the business suits, blackberries, and constant rush, but I'm sure I can fake for a few days that I've got it all together, and am living in one of the top igloos in Canada!
Welcome to Washington, D.C., my location for the next week. I must say, landing in DC was kind of a surreal experience, in the sense of seeing a variety of things in real life that I had only seen in movies or on tv. For instance, there is a scene in Forest Gump that was filmed here, and the Capital Hill building is the back drop for Law and Order. I've seen the Lincoln Memorial in person, and the theatre where Lincoln was shot, and the house that he died in. I've seen the World War II memorial, Supreme Court, Union Station, and a variety of other important buildings. I'm loving the history aspect of it, and the fact that all the museums here are free.
Anyhow, other then the fact that no one knows what the washroom is, or the fact that they think I say about funny, my time in DC has been good so far. Sure, I feel a little out of place with all the business suits, blackberries, and constant rush, but I'm sure I can fake for a few days that I've got it all together, and am living in one of the top igloos in Canada!
Labels: Ramblings
Thursday, December 27, 2007
So, I asked a few people this question over the weekend, and it seemed to raise a few neck hairs, so I decided to make it a controversial issue post, just to keep everyone on their toes.
Here is the scenario:
There is a gay couple who got married, adopted some children, and then became Christians after 14 years of marriage. What do they do now? Does that make their marriage void? Was their marriage void in the first place? Should they get a divorce? Or should they continue living their life? What about the children? What is stronger, a marriage commitment, or not living in a way that dis-honours God.
I think you really have to start with what is the definition of marriage, and what makes it official. Is it when you stand in front of a group of people and express vows to each other, or is it the signing of the piece of paper, or is it when you make a commitment to live together and be committed to just your partner?
Now, I'm not going to give my opinion, and I realize that this question is somewhat narrow, as in you would have to look at this from a Christian perspective in order for this question to even really be an issue. However, that's the question of the day.
Here is the scenario:
There is a gay couple who got married, adopted some children, and then became Christians after 14 years of marriage. What do they do now? Does that make their marriage void? Was their marriage void in the first place? Should they get a divorce? Or should they continue living their life? What about the children? What is stronger, a marriage commitment, or not living in a way that dis-honours God.
I think you really have to start with what is the definition of marriage, and what makes it official. Is it when you stand in front of a group of people and express vows to each other, or is it the signing of the piece of paper, or is it when you make a commitment to live together and be committed to just your partner?
Now, I'm not going to give my opinion, and I realize that this question is somewhat narrow, as in you would have to look at this from a Christian perspective in order for this question to even really be an issue. However, that's the question of the day.
Labels: Controversial Issues
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
and because I am morbid, and so things like this make me laugh evily.
In a hospital's Intensive Care Unit, patients always died in the same bed, on Sunday morning, at about 11:00 a.m.,regardless of their medical condition.
This puzzled the doctors and some even thought it had something to do with the supernatural. No one could solve the mystery as to why the deaths occurred around 11:00 a.m Sunday, so a worldwide team of experts was assembled toinvestigate the cause of the incidents.
The next Sunday morning, a few minutes before 11:00 am., all of the doctors and nurses nervously waited outside the ward to see for themselves what the terrible phenomenon was all about. Some were holding wooden crosses, prayer books, and other holy objects to ward off the evil spirits.
Just when the clock struck 11:00, Pookie Johnson, the part-time Sunday sweeper, entered the ward and unplugged the life support system so he could use the vacuum cleaner.
Still Having a Bad Day?
The average cost of rehabilitating a seal after the Exxon Valdez Oil spill in Alaska was $80,000.00. At a special ceremony, two of the most expensively saved animals were being released back into the wild amid cheers and applause from onlookers.
A minute later, in full view, a killer whale ate them both.
Still think you are having a Bad Day?
A woman came home to find her husband in the kitchen shaking frantically, almost in a dancing frenzy, with some kind of wire running from his waist towards the electric kettle. Intending to jolt him away from the deadly current, she whacked him with a handy plank of wood, breaking his arm in two places.
Up to that moment, he had been happily listening to his Walkman.
Two animal rights defenders were protesting the cruelty of sending pigs to a slaughterhouse in Bonn , Germany . Suddenly, all two thousand pigs broke loose and escaped through a broken fence, stampeding madly.
The two helpless protesters were trampled to death.
In a hospital's Intensive Care Unit, patients always died in the same bed, on Sunday morning, at about 11:00 a.m.,regardless of their medical condition.
This puzzled the doctors and some even thought it had something to do with the supernatural. No one could solve the mystery as to why the deaths occurred around 11:00 a.m Sunday, so a worldwide team of experts was assembled toinvestigate the cause of the incidents.
The next Sunday morning, a few minutes before 11:00 am., all of the doctors and nurses nervously waited outside the ward to see for themselves what the terrible phenomenon was all about. Some were holding wooden crosses, prayer books, and other holy objects to ward off the evil spirits.
Just when the clock struck 11:00, Pookie Johnson, the part-time Sunday sweeper, entered the ward and unplugged the life support system so he could use the vacuum cleaner.
Still Having a Bad Day?
The average cost of rehabilitating a seal after the Exxon Valdez Oil spill in Alaska was $80,000.00. At a special ceremony, two of the most expensively saved animals were being released back into the wild amid cheers and applause from onlookers.
A minute later, in full view, a killer whale ate them both.
Still think you are having a Bad Day?
A woman came home to find her husband in the kitchen shaking frantically, almost in a dancing frenzy, with some kind of wire running from his waist towards the electric kettle. Intending to jolt him away from the deadly current, she whacked him with a handy plank of wood, breaking his arm in two places.
Up to that moment, he had been happily listening to his Walkman.
Two animal rights defenders were protesting the cruelty of sending pigs to a slaughterhouse in Bonn , Germany . Suddenly, all two thousand pigs broke loose and escaped through a broken fence, stampeding madly.
The two helpless protesters were trampled to death.
Labels: Humour
Monday, December 03, 2007
Do people actually believe these things? I just got a chain letter, that claimed the following if I did not forward it on to 15 people that I knew. Apparently I am doomed, if something happens to me tonight, we all know that we can blame it on the chain letter, and in future I can become an example on the list:
First Example:
Take Barbra Wallace.. She was a pretty lucky , up till she got this same chain letter. She had a crush on the same kid since kindergarden. when she got this mail she didn't pay any attention to it. She just thought, no big deal. And deleted it. The next day her dad got fired and her mom dies in a car crash. If she would have sent the letter none of that would have happened and her mom would be alive.
Second Example:
Try Freddie D. Now Freddie D. was your average nerd. Had glasses, was short and chubby, was in gifted. All the signs of your total dork. He also received this letter and sent it to 51 people in the hour. Now, like Barbra, he had a crush on a since 3rd grade. The next day after sending the chain the confessed her love for him ever since 3rd grade. Freddie D. finally had the courage to ask her out, and of course, she had been waiting to yes to that for years. They grew up and married each other to live happily forever.
Third Example:
Now if you couldn't relate to the others, this'll get ya hooked. Listen to this. A kid named Jordan Johnson was just getting on AOL to check his mail. He was a quiet kid, not that popular but not a geek either. he was just normal. He saw he had mail from his friend. It was this exact letter. Now Jordan Johnsen was a smart kid and he knew what could happen if he didnt pass it on. He simply pulled a few friends from his buddy list and sent it along. The next day, about that same time, he got a phone call. It said he had won the lottery! then his dad came home and bought him a new bike! His mom bought him Nintendo64 and play station! His grandmother sent him a new computer, and his best friend gave him tickets to the concert he wanted to go to, Kid Rock and Limp Bizkit! Then he inherited a brand-new tv from his aunt! He was goin' wild! the next day his secret crush asked him out, and they have been going out ever since.
Now, you heard the stories. I know which person i'd rather be, but thats up to you. I wouldn't wanna end up like Barbra but thats only me. We all want what we cant have but now's ur chance to go out with that special somebody ur waiting for. Take it or leave it. If you send this to-
1 person- you will lose all luck in ur love life..... forever!!!!!
10 people- your crush will say they like you as a friend...... ONLY!!!!!
15 people- your crush will say they like you
20 people- your crush will ask you out!
25 people- your crush will kiss you!!
30 people - Your crush will have with you
35 people or more- All of the above!!
Don't blow it, it's ur chance to shine! Have everything u wanted, and more! Now, complaining cus u dont have any friends. Well theres an answer 4 everything. It's simple, just go in a chat room, pick some names and send away.
First Example:
Take Barbra Wallace.. She was a pretty lucky , up till she got this same chain letter. She had a crush on the same kid since kindergarden. when she got this mail she didn't pay any attention to it. She just thought, no big deal. And deleted it. The next day her dad got fired and her mom dies in a car crash. If she would have sent the letter none of that would have happened and her mom would be alive.
Second Example:
Try Freddie D. Now Freddie D. was your average nerd. Had glasses, was short and chubby, was in gifted. All the signs of your total dork. He also received this letter and sent it to 51 people in the hour. Now, like Barbra, he had a crush on a since 3rd grade. The next day after sending the chain the confessed her love for him ever since 3rd grade. Freddie D. finally had the courage to ask her out, and of course, she had been waiting to yes to that for years. They grew up and married each other to live happily forever.
Third Example:
Now if you couldn't relate to the others, this'll get ya hooked. Listen to this. A kid named Jordan Johnson was just getting on AOL to check his mail. He was a quiet kid, not that popular but not a geek either. he was just normal. He saw he had mail from his friend. It was this exact letter. Now Jordan Johnsen was a smart kid and he knew what could happen if he didnt pass it on. He simply pulled a few friends from his buddy list and sent it along. The next day, about that same time, he got a phone call. It said he had won the lottery! then his dad came home and bought him a new bike! His mom bought him Nintendo64 and play station! His grandmother sent him a new computer, and his best friend gave him tickets to the concert he wanted to go to, Kid Rock and Limp Bizkit! Then he inherited a brand-new tv from his aunt! He was goin' wild! the next day his secret crush asked him out, and they have been going out ever since.
Now, you heard the stories. I know which person i'd rather be, but thats up to you. I wouldn't wanna end up like Barbra but thats only me. We all want what we cant have but now's ur chance to go out with that special somebody ur waiting for. Take it or leave it. If you send this to-
1 person- you will lose all luck in ur love life..... forever!!!!!
10 people- your crush will say they like you as a friend...... ONLY!!!!!
15 people- your crush will say they like you
20 people- your crush will ask you out!
25 people- your crush will kiss you!!
30 people - Your crush will have with you
35 people or more- All of the above!!
Don't blow it, it's ur chance to shine! Have everything u wanted, and more! Now, complaining cus u dont have any friends. Well theres an answer 4 everything. It's simple, just go in a chat room, pick some names and send away.
Labels: Humour
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Because unfortunately it's reality, and because we in Canada are in the top 5% wealth bracket in the world. We can choose to live in our little bubbles and view the world how we want to by painting it our people friendly colours, or we can open our eyes and ask ourselves the question: "What can I do to make a difference?"
15 Dollar Movie Link (click)
15 Dollar Movie Link (click)
Labels: World Concerns