Wednesday, July 25, 2007
We had a wonderful day driving across the island. Of course there was lots of rain involved, as it had rained the entire time we were in B.C. pretty much. After a few stops at random places along the way...we decided to stay at a hotel near the ferry so that we could get an early start on the day. Well, we pull up to this hotel, and they gave us a great room rate, so we thought we'd go for it. We obviously forgot to read the small print on the contract that said "This hotel allows creepy 50-year-old men to stay in our rooms and bother our girl guests."
Well, we start to unload our car, only to notice that the room next to us has the door open, and is sitting in his bed watching us with his shirt off. Slightly weird if you ask me...but it is B.C., who knows...maybe that's normal. We get into our room, and Jello looks out the window to see this guy walking around our car and looking in it.
We decide to run out and get some supper, and creepy old man is standing on his front step watching us...but not saying anything. The moment we get into the car and go to leave the parking lot, he goes back into his room. Being subtle was obviously not his major in school.
We return, turn on the tv, get comfortable on our bed while eating..and suddenly there is a knock at the door. We both kind of freeze...and then Jello goes to look through the peep hole. Sure enough...creepy old man is standing at our door knocking. We didn't answer. In fact we both sat on the bed and looked at each other, and said "I'm not getting that." After three knocks he disapears. We then pushed the chair and luggage in front of the door and settled down for the night. He made a lot fo noise during the night, and called our room...but we managed to wake up alive. Thank you Jesus.
After leaving in the morning without seeing him...we made the combined decision, that we will never stay in Nanimo again, or at the hotel called "Departure Bay."
I am alive. The end.
Well, we start to unload our car, only to notice that the room next to us has the door open, and is sitting in his bed watching us with his shirt off. Slightly weird if you ask me...but it is B.C., who knows...maybe that's normal. We get into our room, and Jello looks out the window to see this guy walking around our car and looking in it.
We decide to run out and get some supper, and creepy old man is standing on his front step watching us...but not saying anything. The moment we get into the car and go to leave the parking lot, he goes back into his room. Being subtle was obviously not his major in school.
We return, turn on the tv, get comfortable on our bed while eating..and suddenly there is a knock at the door. We both kind of freeze...and then Jello goes to look through the peep hole. Sure enough...creepy old man is standing at our door knocking. We didn't answer. In fact we both sat on the bed and looked at each other, and said "I'm not getting that." After three knocks he disapears. We then pushed the chair and luggage in front of the door and settled down for the night. He made a lot fo noise during the night, and called our room...but we managed to wake up alive. Thank you Jesus.
After leaving in the morning without seeing him...we made the combined decision, that we will never stay in Nanimo again, or at the hotel called "Departure Bay."
I am alive. The end.
Labels: Vacation
Monday, July 23, 2007
In the words of Jello: "I have a new addiction, and it's not drugs or alcohol...it's surfing. I am completely addicted." I could not say it any better myself. Surfing proves such a high, it's an absolutely amazing feeling. I am now planning my future vacations around surfing...as I cannot wait to do it again. We spent two days taking surfing lessons...and they were an absolute blast!
Surfs up...and I'm addicted!
Surfs up...and I'm addicted!
Labels: Vacation
Thursday, July 19, 2007
I am presently sitting in this quaint little coffee shop in this small town in B.C., they happen to be one of the only places in the town that can pick up a wireless signal. Considering the size of the town, it's not really that surprising.
I can't really sum up the past few days, which involved long hours of driving from Medicine Hat to Tofino B.C., all part of our quest to learn how to surf. The scenery has been absolutely mind blowing. I can't even begin to describe it, and the pictures will never do it justice. All I can say, is make sure you drive through B.C. before you die. The combination of massive mountains, clear blue streams, and ocean creates a paradise. Every corner in the road that I turn, takes my breath away again, and I marvel at God's goodness and greatness.
Tomorrow we have surfing lessons booked on the beach. I totally cannot wait! I may be eaten by a shark, but I've already given Jello permission to bronze any remaining limbs and hang them above her fireplace.
The past two nights have involved sleeping in a two-person tent. I swear the makers of the tent were killing themselves laughing when they labeled it two-person. Let's just say it's very cozy...once you are in, you are not allowed to get out!
I can't really sum up the past few days, which involved long hours of driving from Medicine Hat to Tofino B.C., all part of our quest to learn how to surf. The scenery has been absolutely mind blowing. I can't even begin to describe it, and the pictures will never do it justice. All I can say, is make sure you drive through B.C. before you die. The combination of massive mountains, clear blue streams, and ocean creates a paradise. Every corner in the road that I turn, takes my breath away again, and I marvel at God's goodness and greatness.
Tomorrow we have surfing lessons booked on the beach. I totally cannot wait! I may be eaten by a shark, but I've already given Jello permission to bronze any remaining limbs and hang them above her fireplace.
The past two nights have involved sleeping in a two-person tent. I swear the makers of the tent were killing themselves laughing when they labeled it two-person. Let's just say it's very cozy...once you are in, you are not allowed to get out!
Labels: Vacation
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
There is one thing that city people rarely experience, and that is the ability to stand outside and hear absolutely no traffic, no people noise, nothing directly or indirectly associated with the city. However, on Jello's Uncle's farm in SK, that very experience can be had. I hold to the fact that I believe that the farm is one of the most peaceful and relaxing places I've ever been. I also hold to the fact that we always get steak when we go out there, and I don't believe I've ever had bigger or better steak.
Today started slowly, and I quite enjoyed sleeping in and not having to rush around. After running some errands, and browsing through Chapters while planning our road trip to B.C., but also our future plans to hit up Europe, we headed out to the farm for the afternoon.
The moment you pull into the driveway, time ceases to exist in that place. We had an amazing supper, complete with the largest steaks ever. Then we went to check out the cows, and feed them, and found kittens in the barn. I almost felt like a real farm chick, and then I saw frogs jumping around, and Jello thought there was a snake in the bush, and that brought me back to the reality, that I really am just a city chick, who can only pretend to be a contry chick :)
Good times on the farm though, and a great way to spend Day Three. Tomorrow we head out to The Hat, and then off to B.C. I can't wait!
Today started slowly, and I quite enjoyed sleeping in and not having to rush around. After running some errands, and browsing through Chapters while planning our road trip to B.C., but also our future plans to hit up Europe, we headed out to the farm for the afternoon.
The moment you pull into the driveway, time ceases to exist in that place. We had an amazing supper, complete with the largest steaks ever. Then we went to check out the cows, and feed them, and found kittens in the barn. I almost felt like a real farm chick, and then I saw frogs jumping around, and Jello thought there was a snake in the bush, and that brought me back to the reality, that I really am just a city chick, who can only pretend to be a contry chick :)
Good times on the farm though, and a great way to spend Day Three. Tomorrow we head out to The Hat, and then off to B.C. I can't wait!
Labels: Vacation
Day Two started with a bang, and that bang involved Air Canada getting my luggage back to me. I must say, that was a relief, as I wasn't exactly looking forward to wearing the same jeans and t-shirt the entire two weeks I was travelling. In future I am going to go for the Michelin Man look, and layer my entire wardrobe on my body. That way, if my luggage does get lost, at least I'll have 3 weeks of clothing on me.
After picking up my long lost luggage, and having a joyful and tearful reunion at the airport, we headed out to Craven, a very small and dusty town in SK. Also, the home of the Craven Country Jamboree. Apparently, this is where all the country hicks come together each year for a massive weekend of country music.
For those of you who know me, I listen to every type of music, except for country, so this definitely was a ground breaking experience for me. I'm quite sure I stood out like a sore thumb, as I happened to be the only person not wearing cowboy boots, a cowboy hat, and singing along with the music. Then again, considering there were 24,000 + people there, they might not have noticed.
So, I've been to my first country concert, or should I say my first five country concerts. I have to admit, Carrie Underwood was quite decent, and Reba lived up to the rumours that she wears sequins. I haven't converted to country music, but after standing for 8 1/2 hours in one small spot in order to have good viewings of these concerts, I do believe my mind became quite numb and I might have even smiled during a country concert. But, those are just rumours, that haven't been confirmed.
That was day two folks, I went out on the edge, and experienced something new. Seems to be the theme of this two-week vacation.
After picking up my long lost luggage, and having a joyful and tearful reunion at the airport, we headed out to Craven, a very small and dusty town in SK. Also, the home of the Craven Country Jamboree. Apparently, this is where all the country hicks come together each year for a massive weekend of country music.
For those of you who know me, I listen to every type of music, except for country, so this definitely was a ground breaking experience for me. I'm quite sure I stood out like a sore thumb, as I happened to be the only person not wearing cowboy boots, a cowboy hat, and singing along with the music. Then again, considering there were 24,000 + people there, they might not have noticed.
So, I've been to my first country concert, or should I say my first five country concerts. I have to admit, Carrie Underwood was quite decent, and Reba lived up to the rumours that she wears sequins. I haven't converted to country music, but after standing for 8 1/2 hours in one small spot in order to have good viewings of these concerts, I do believe my mind became quite numb and I might have even smiled during a country concert. But, those are just rumours, that haven't been confirmed.
That was day two folks, I went out on the edge, and experienced something new. Seems to be the theme of this two-week vacation.
Labels: Vacation
Monday, July 16, 2007
I woke up Saturday morning, to a rainy damp day. The kind of day that you stay home all day, curl up on your bear skin rug in front of the fireplace and read books or watch tv while drinking wine. I told Justin that I didn't really feel like flying, because it just wasn't a flying day. If only I had a personal jet and could rebook such things.
Well, my gut feeling proved correct, it wasn't a flying day. My flight left the London airport over 4 hours after it was originally suppose to leave. My original flight had been delayed, then there were mechanical problems, and eventually it was cancelled as they need a part flown in from Toronto. The result was that all the unhappy passengers were transfered to the next flight leaving to Toronto. Which of course resulted in my connecting flight from Toronto to Regina to be rescheduled twice.
I arrived in Regina about 5-6 hours after I was suppose to originially arive. Only to find out that they had lost my luggage. I knew all the packing I forced myself to do an hour before I left London was a waste :)
After filing a claim, and getting an overnight package from Air Canada to tie me over till they found my luggage, Jello and I headed to her place. Thankfully I made it here in one piece, and really...there are worse things then wearig the same underware for two weeks...I think :)
Well, my gut feeling proved correct, it wasn't a flying day. My flight left the London airport over 4 hours after it was originally suppose to leave. My original flight had been delayed, then there were mechanical problems, and eventually it was cancelled as they need a part flown in from Toronto. The result was that all the unhappy passengers were transfered to the next flight leaving to Toronto. Which of course resulted in my connecting flight from Toronto to Regina to be rescheduled twice.
I arrived in Regina about 5-6 hours after I was suppose to originially arive. Only to find out that they had lost my luggage. I knew all the packing I forced myself to do an hour before I left London was a waste :)
After filing a claim, and getting an overnight package from Air Canada to tie me over till they found my luggage, Jello and I headed to her place. Thankfully I made it here in one piece, and really...there are worse things then wearig the same underware for two weeks...I think :)
Labels: Ramblings
Friday, July 13, 2007
unfortunately, or fortunately, which ever way you look at it, I do know when I'll be back again. However, for those of you who don't already know, or who haven't already seen or heard my excitement, tomorrow I fly out of London and into Regina. Which starts my two week "road trip" from Regina, to Alberta, to B.C., where Jello and I are going to brave the cold water, monsterous sharks, scary beach boys and learn how to surf.
To say I am excited, would be an understatement; however, I tend to be one of those people who don't get my hopes up until the airplane has actually taken off, so that I am sure the trip is actually going to happen.
For all of you in London, you get a two-week break from me (you should all be celebrating over that thought) for all of you in Regina, Alberta, and B.C., you're gonna have to put up with me, and for that I apologize. I now understand why Scott agreed to bring me to the Calgary airport at 6:00 in the morning on the 28th, he just can't wait to get rid of me, and he will do whatever it takes :)
I'm slowly checking off the things on my list of, "Things to do Before I Die." As long as a shark doesn't eat me, I might actually get through some of this list :)
To say I am excited, would be an understatement; however, I tend to be one of those people who don't get my hopes up until the airplane has actually taken off, so that I am sure the trip is actually going to happen.
For all of you in London, you get a two-week break from me (you should all be celebrating over that thought) for all of you in Regina, Alberta, and B.C., you're gonna have to put up with me, and for that I apologize. I now understand why Scott agreed to bring me to the Calgary airport at 6:00 in the morning on the 28th, he just can't wait to get rid of me, and he will do whatever it takes :)
I'm slowly checking off the things on my list of, "Things to do Before I Die." As long as a shark doesn't eat me, I might actually get through some of this list :)
Labels: Ramblings
Monday, July 09, 2007
I woke up this morning with a smile on my face. It was then that I realized it's been quite some time since that's happened. To be honest, I'm having a really good day so far (even if it is 7:30 in the morning), and a lot of it has to do with yesterday being an amazing day.
You see, I woke up yesterday not wanting to go to church. I just felt tierd, and not into it. I kind of showed up with a bad attitude, I'm not going to lie. It was one of those, "Okay God, I'm not going to get anything out of this, so show up and show off, cause I'm not putting any effort into it." That was when God showed up...and through different circumstances throughout the day, and a sermon about how our faith needs to be what gets us through the storms of life, He showed off.
It never ceases to amaze me, that God bothers with people like us. That He takes the time to show up and show off for someone with a bad attitude who doesn't deserve it. That He gives second chances to people, or opportunities for me to see how my thinking has been wrong. I mean, would it not have been easier to strike me with lightning, or let me sulk in my bad attitude yesterday morning. But, He took the time, because He's God, and as much as all the junk in the world around me makes it seem to people that God is not a God of love - yesterday was just another reason why, I believe He is.
And so, as I start this beautiful Tuesday morning (I'm still skipping Monday's out of my week) I've got a smile on my face, and hope in my heart again.
You see, I woke up yesterday not wanting to go to church. I just felt tierd, and not into it. I kind of showed up with a bad attitude, I'm not going to lie. It was one of those, "Okay God, I'm not going to get anything out of this, so show up and show off, cause I'm not putting any effort into it." That was when God showed up...and through different circumstances throughout the day, and a sermon about how our faith needs to be what gets us through the storms of life, He showed off.
It never ceases to amaze me, that God bothers with people like us. That He takes the time to show up and show off for someone with a bad attitude who doesn't deserve it. That He gives second chances to people, or opportunities for me to see how my thinking has been wrong. I mean, would it not have been easier to strike me with lightning, or let me sulk in my bad attitude yesterday morning. But, He took the time, because He's God, and as much as all the junk in the world around me makes it seem to people that God is not a God of love - yesterday was just another reason why, I believe He is.
And so, as I start this beautiful Tuesday morning (I'm still skipping Monday's out of my week) I've got a smile on my face, and hope in my heart again.
Labels: Spiritual
Thursday, July 05, 2007
I used to be naive and delusional; then again I think most people can look in their past and say that about some point of their life. Sometimes I like to think that delusion was just being untouched by the world. We seem to think that the older we get, the more realistic we get, and I think it should be the other way around. I think the sense of humour, and delusion that we had as a child would serve us much better as an adult.
All that to say, I used to have high dreams of what I wanted in a guy. Now, I can hear you groaning already and thinking "All we need is another post from a bitter little princess who didn't get what she wanted in life."
I never was one of those girls who at five-years old was planning her wedding. To be honest, I don't really care what my wedding looks like; I just consider those minor details. I wasn't/am not one of those girls who wanted to get married as soon as she finished high school. I always thought that married by 30 was an appropriate age.
I used to want a guy that shared my faith, was responsible, a leader, had a sense of vision and ambition, good with kids, was able to carry a conversation (other then what was under the hood of the latest car), respected woman (none of this chick shopping and rating while with a girl), cared for people around him, passionate about life, patient, stubborn (my dad said it well, when he said I would need a guy more stubborn then me, or I would run him over), a protector, mature, but with the ability to act like a five-year-old at times, funny, someone I could talk to for hours, and so forth.
I mean, I thought these were fairly regular things to wish for in a man. I didn't think I was being completely unreasonable in my requests....sure there was the small points that I wanted him to keep my car full of gas and running, make salads, pack for me any time I had a trip, and have my car warm in the winter (building a garage counts). But, I would do everything else - just those four things that I really wanted :)
However, I am learning that it's best to be realistic when it comes to one's expectations of a man, and so, I am currently considering myself blest, if I end up with a guy who doesn't have five heads, is not a serial killer, does not have 44 1/2 children from his last 10 marriages, is not older then my dad with children my age (yes, I was asked out by a 43-year-old last week), is not the type of guy to honk and whistle at me when driving (truckers in rush hour traffic - not the best of gentlemen I've realized), does not come from Turkey (the land of boys who would date a garbage can if it had a chest), or have a criminal record longer then his arm.
I don't ask for much...but apparently I have high expectations...and they wonder why I want to be a nun.
So friends, my question remains...where have all the good guys gone. I am not bitter or cynical, though quite sarcastic most days...I've just resigned myself to the fact that nundom seems like a very attractive offer, not to mention, I get to wear a burka 24/7. No worries about bad hair days, or what to pull out of the closet.
For the rest of you, who have decided to brave the wild untamed world of boys...I wish you the best of luck. I'll hold your hand when it doesn't work, and read "Paper Bag Princess" by Robert Munch to you, when some boy breaks your heart. For those of you who survived the wild unknown...cherish what you have, it's a rare thing.
All that to say, I used to have high dreams of what I wanted in a guy. Now, I can hear you groaning already and thinking "All we need is another post from a bitter little princess who didn't get what she wanted in life."
I never was one of those girls who at five-years old was planning her wedding. To be honest, I don't really care what my wedding looks like; I just consider those minor details. I wasn't/am not one of those girls who wanted to get married as soon as she finished high school. I always thought that married by 30 was an appropriate age.
I used to want a guy that shared my faith, was responsible, a leader, had a sense of vision and ambition, good with kids, was able to carry a conversation (other then what was under the hood of the latest car), respected woman (none of this chick shopping and rating while with a girl), cared for people around him, passionate about life, patient, stubborn (my dad said it well, when he said I would need a guy more stubborn then me, or I would run him over), a protector, mature, but with the ability to act like a five-year-old at times, funny, someone I could talk to for hours, and so forth.
I mean, I thought these were fairly regular things to wish for in a man. I didn't think I was being completely unreasonable in my requests....sure there was the small points that I wanted him to keep my car full of gas and running, make salads, pack for me any time I had a trip, and have my car warm in the winter (building a garage counts). But, I would do everything else - just those four things that I really wanted :)
However, I am learning that it's best to be realistic when it comes to one's expectations of a man, and so, I am currently considering myself blest, if I end up with a guy who doesn't have five heads, is not a serial killer, does not have 44 1/2 children from his last 10 marriages, is not older then my dad with children my age (yes, I was asked out by a 43-year-old last week), is not the type of guy to honk and whistle at me when driving (truckers in rush hour traffic - not the best of gentlemen I've realized), does not come from Turkey (the land of boys who would date a garbage can if it had a chest), or have a criminal record longer then his arm.
I don't ask for much...but apparently I have high expectations...and they wonder why I want to be a nun.
So friends, my question remains...where have all the good guys gone. I am not bitter or cynical, though quite sarcastic most days...I've just resigned myself to the fact that nundom seems like a very attractive offer, not to mention, I get to wear a burka 24/7. No worries about bad hair days, or what to pull out of the closet.
For the rest of you, who have decided to brave the wild untamed world of boys...I wish you the best of luck. I'll hold your hand when it doesn't work, and read "Paper Bag Princess" by Robert Munch to you, when some boy breaks your heart. For those of you who survived the wild unknown...cherish what you have, it's a rare thing.
Labels: Relationships, sarcasm
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
I've posted the song below on my blog before. However, it brought tears to my eyes tonight, as I sat here thinking of how so much hurt is taking place in people's lives around me. There are times when I feel completely empty, like I have nothing left to give - and yet in those moments God sends someone along to encourage me, or help carry the load. I don't deserve it, and yet God is gracious. I don't always understand His plan, in fact - I rarely do. When I hear people's stories, when I watch the world around me, I don't understand what God's plan is, but I refuse to give up my trust that he has everything in control. And so, with those thoughts in mind:
Blessed be your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where the streams of abundance flow
Blessed be your name
Blessed be your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be your name
Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name
Blessed be your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be your name
Blessed be your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be your name
Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, Blessed be your name
Blessed be your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where the streams of abundance flow
Blessed be your name
Blessed be your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be your name
Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name
Blessed be your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be your name
Blessed be your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be your name
Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, Blessed be your name
Labels: Spiritual
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
The other day my pastor said in his sermon...if you had three wishes right now, what would you pick.
I used to have trouble answering that question - I mean, if I could have anything, what would it be, there are so many options, things I could pick. However, when I thought about that question this time, the answer came to me immediately. In my head, I picked three friends that I wanted to be Christian's.
That's all I want right now, just for God to get a hold of three lives and change them in a drastic and miraculous way.
I used to have trouble answering that question - I mean, if I could have anything, what would it be, there are so many options, things I could pick. However, when I thought about that question this time, the answer came to me immediately. In my head, I picked three friends that I wanted to be Christian's.
That's all I want right now, just for God to get a hold of three lives and change them in a drastic and miraculous way.
Labels: Spiritual