Home For Christmas

It is so good to be home. The stress of school and the drama that comes with it is behind me... thank goodness! Now I can sit back and relax, spend time with my family and friends and go Christmas shopping.. it's wonderful! I've been home now for a week and a day, I brought my guitar home too because the fret board is lifting.. turns out I could possibly get a brand spankin' new guitar on warranty, provided the damage is unfixable. The downside to this deal is that I might not get to see my guitar for a while. Whatever, I suppose I could live with that.
Last night I met up with a friend from school. We went to eat a Joey Tomatoes, then went to a Billiards club on Whyte Ave. While we were at the Billiards club I ran into none other than Rob Cox! That was fun, now I'm looking forward to a possible coffee date with him before we head back to school. I love random run-ins.
Now I'm just about to start getting ready for some very last minute Christmas shopping at Walmart. I'm really not looking forward to facing the zoo.. but I guess I brought this upon myself.
Anyway, know that I'm thinking of y'all! I'd love to say this in person, but unfortunately every one of you lives so far away (save for Megan... yet I never see her either), but I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! God bless every one of you!

haha.. yeah right!

http://www.myheritage.com

Surprise, it's December!

So.. whilst trying to write a paper it suddenly dawned on me, it's December already! Wow. I can hardly believe another year has almost past. Sure, we secretly keep a tally of the number of months left before Christmas.. but when we step over the threshold dividing November and December we think, "where the heck did all that time go?" Without fail, this happens every year.. It has, is and will always be that way for me, and for many others too. So in a way, it's like an anticipated surprise! Embrace it!

Chin heads

So.. needless to say, my roommates and I will do anything for a laugh! Tonight we decided to draw faces on our chins like the old Kraft Dinner commercials and make music videos. At one point I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes. Anyway, here's a couple pictures.

Myself and Kim sang to "Barbie Girl" by Aqua

Simmy and Sarah sang to "I Like Big Butts" by Sir Mix-a-lot.

If I can figure out how to put the video on here I will... that could take some time though..

Season for Change

I changed my blog format.. I hope everyone likes it as much as I do! : )

News

Soo... it's been a while. My sister had another beautiful little boy on the 4th of November!! what a gorgeous and perfect little boy he is too; just like my other nephews. I'm continually amazed with God's miracle of life when I get to hold and study newborn babies.
I started clinical this week. I'm on the continuing care unit at the hospital and I've fallen into "Deep smit" (thanks for the quote Pastor Rob) with my clients. Seriously, I didn't think I'd enjoy this unit of nursing care as much as I do, but these patient's are so kind and funny... yeah, they're great. :)
uuummmm.. not too much else to report.. so that's it for now.

Halloween's eve

Is it possible to fall in love with school after stress has consumed you? That's one of the phenomenons i've encountered during my college journey. I don't know if i'll ever figure it out. Anyway.. is anyone going to a secular college with some words of encouragement or advice on how I could start a small group/worship service in residence? I could use some pointers.. AND some prayer.
I'm going home again soon. My sister is expecting any day now with my third little niece or nephew, so by the time I get home I'll have another brand new baby to hold.. just ask me how excited I am.. SOO EXCITED!
Every time Marisa and Jon post I am inspired. You're in my prayers and thoughts, I just know that you two are changing hearts! And Marisa, if you're reading this.. the northern cold isn't that bad.. there's perks in it too.. like skating, and sledding and skiing! ..to name a few..
Like I said before, school is stressful but good. I've made a few good friends, joined the swim team. This time of the year is fun, Halloween inspires creativity, some good... some, questionable, some blatently wrong. All in all, for me it's an excuse to dress up and stress down. Here's a picture of me and my roommate, Kim this last weekend. Halloween is actually tomorrow, but since I've got a final on thursday, we dressed up on friday and saturday instead.

one of those days..

Have you ever felt as if maybe you weren't meant to stay in one spot long enough to build a solid community of friends? I mean.. it could be exciting, remembering that God will be with you no matter what, and you'll meet lots of new people while outside your comfort zone. But, there's also the concept of being afraid of what lies ahead. Who do you talk to when you need advice, comfort, or three simple yet powerful words, "I love you"? I'm trying to figure that out.

Thinking of times past

I seem to remember sitting in a bus station two years ago today in London...

Roomie Pictures!

So, things are still going rather well.. i figured i should post some pictures today.. give you a feel for Keyano life...
These are 3 out of my 4 roommates, Kim, Simmy and Nikita (left to right). That was the first friday night, we got dolled up to go out on the town. It's been fun getting to know them! We're all in nursing of some sort, so we have all the same classes together besides Nikita. Thanksgiving is coming up soon and Kim is probably coming home with me.. it'll be fun introducing her to all of my friends and family!

This was at a meet and greet in the first week.. where we went down to King's Lounge (the campus bar) for free food.. residence ploy to get us aquainted with other students... we didn't leave our table. haha!

This new face is Sarah, my other roommate! She's the lovely one who dyed my hair two days ago.. you'll see the newest look in the next picture down. She's from Newfoundland and know's how to party. Lot's of fun this one!

And this is the new me... blonde as can be! College is definitly a new experience, and I've had a few ups and downs so far.. but in the end, I know this is where I'm supposed to be! God has been so faithful to me, blessing me with entrance into the nursing program, getting into residence, meeting great people.. who could ask for more?

Heading North.. Part 2

To be perfectly honest, I love Keyano College, I love residence, and I love my roommates!! I thought coming up here would be difficult but it's been the complete opposite.. I'm so relieved. Fort McMurray.... well.... I can live with the place. I'm sort of avoiding going outside as MUCH as I can though! If you've ever been to a fish or meat market you know how bad the flies are... sticking to the food like mould to blue cheese. Well, decrease the size of the fly to a pin head, and replace the fish/meat with a person.. and that's what attacks you when you step outside. One flew into my eye the other day as the rest tried getting up my nose, into my ears and mouth, etc. And apparently everyone else in the Fort are now oblivious and unresponsive to these pesky little nuisances cause we were the only ones swatting every 1/2 second... I guess it's an easy way to figure out who the newcomers are.
School itself is interesting. Getting into a study routine again is proving difficult, but possible. My teachers are all very cool people; passionate about what they're teaching and dedicated to ensuring we understand what's being taught. The only class i'm not excited about is Psychology 106... death to the class... death. Besides that, life is oranges.. (all credit for that analogy goes to Megan Bauer... for reference, see her September 9, 2006 blog entry)

Heading.. north?

Well it seems to me I've sort of slacked when it comes to blogging. But really, if you know me, I'm not doing all that bad! I apologize to those who check this site and will fill you in as best I can with the latest news.
First of all I'm pleased to announce that I've passed both of my courses at Grant MacEwan! Since I seemingly survived those two classes, I've decided to indulge myself more thouroughly into the college life. This fall I will be packing my belongings for the 5 hour trek north to Keyano College. Located in the city of Fort McMurray where oil and money preside, there is little more than bars, oil riggers and tradesmen... or so I've heard. Appealing? Not really.. But the chance to start my BScN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) this fall is sufficient motivation! I received my acceptance letter in the mail yesterday. Just before I trade my car in for a dog team though, I'll be touring through Abbotsford, Blaine, and Seattle for 10 days. It'll be at the end of August so if you're around, let me know.
I was a bridesmaid in a friends wedding two days ago. It couldn't have been on a more perfect day either. It was so sunny and hot, such a change from the past couple weeks. There were friends there that I hadn't seen in over a year, and since the bride is a family friend my parents, brother and sister and some extended family were there too. Such a good time! It's funny thinking that not too long ago we would just talk about marriage, what it would be like, who would get married first etc.. there was a point during the reception where a few of us were standing around talking about the day when my sister (who is married herself) scanned through all of us and said, "so who's next?!" We all laughed and made our guesses.. some things will never change I guess, or at least until we're all married! Now that's a funny thought.
Well, there's more i'd like to write about, but then i'd have to change over to a more reflective way of thinking, but for me that would take hours to put into words that were understandable. I know I didn't exactly tell a lot of what is going on, but there was a lot of detail that went into the stories that I told.. So I think I'll leave this post here, welcoming the summer and toasting to new memories and unexpected blessings!
cheers!

Studying for Finals

I'm beginning to wonder why, in order to study, I must be chained to my chair with text/notebook open in front of me with toothpicks keeping my eyelids open.... The only conclusion that I can come up with is that I just hate studying. Simple solution, I realize that.. But I also hate going to work everyday, yet continue to get up at 6:45 every morning just to continue the monotonous cycle. My new book entitled "Clerical Work For Dummies" should be hitting the press any day now.
So, of course the obvious reason why I would endure this way of life is so I further my education and move on to more challenging and interesting employment options. Which directs me right back to the books.. only next fall, it'll be full time. cool.
On a more random note.. it's pitch black outside and I'm getting a kick out of the moths flying into the glass. "No, I don't want any visitors!!"
Yep, I'm tired...

Happy Easter!

Hi everyone,
I just thought I would send a short Easter message even though it's late and I have to work tomorrow morning. It was a long weekend for me but it seemed like a normal weekend because it was so busy. I barely slept but spent a lot of time with friends and family so I guess it was worth it! I miss all my capernwray friends and look forward to August when I should be headed down to the West Coast!!! Nothing is set into stone yet, but still, dreams can come true and things are looking up!
Anyway, I really am very tired and would like to start a new work week somewhat refreshed.. haha.. yeah right!!
Happy Easter!!!!
*"He is risen!"
**"He is risen indeed!"

Life's Little Blessings

Today.. was a terrible day.
....and then i got an email from my bro.
You couldn't have timed that better Austin, thanks : )

Running Out of Time

I honestly can't believe how quickly the month of March is dissapearing... Spring was announced just last week..?! Crazy.. I also looked at the calendar and realized that it's just about been a year since I saw English soil... wow. I enrolled in Grant MacEwan in January, that seemed like yesterday.. and now there's one month before finals; I'm breaking right now from a last minute study session prior to a microbiology midterm that is in one hour and six minutes. I left my Psych class half way through to allow more prep time for the test.. yet I allow myself 10 minutes to post a blog? ha.. I'm a master of procrastination!
"And the world keeps on spinning, time keeps on winning.. Home's drawing closer every day."
-Taylor Sorenson-

my winter is made!

Some would say that they hate winter and everything that comes with it. I happen to dissagree... Sure, I'm not a huge fan of the cold; especially when that means walking a substantial distance before entering a warm building. But that lovely white stuff that comes with it is worth every scarf, glove and toque... Ever since late November I've been eagerly awaiting the first snowfall, but unfortunately even Canada has dry periods. Pretty soon the white Christmas I hoped for arrived in the very seasonal shade of "roasted marshmallow" instead... From that point on I lost all hope that any snow would last more than a day.. but to my surprise, it snowed last week and it's still here!! "What is its excuse for being so tardy?" you may ask...
...I say it was fashionably late.

Into the terrible two's..

there is NO way that he's two.. nope. I won't believe it!
...okay... it is true, his birthday was yesterday. But i still find it difficult to wrap my head around.. I mean.. it seems like yesterday I went to the hospital to welcome him into the family.. looking and studying his perfect, tiny, beautiful features! Fast forward to now and he's running circle's around me!! Sheesh.. all the while saying things like, "stinky feet", "cuuuuute", "got it!".. and the list goes on. Last week I even talked to him on the phone.. well.. all I really understood was the big, "Hello!" at the beginnning of the conversation, then he sort of went off in his own tongue, explaining what he'd been getting into that day.. what a ham..
Anyway, as if he's not enough to keep me entertained, there's also Gabriel, Warren's 8 month old little brother. He's a character of his own.. Always grinning at you and grabbing everything in sight! The cutest thing though is when you see Warren walk over to his little brother and say, "hi Gabe".. they grin at eachother and sometimes Warren leans in to give him a hug and/or a kiss..

What can i say... I love my nephews! :)

Greetings and Salutations

Welcome to my blog everyone! I'm new at this so all you veterans will have to deal with it, ok? I was prompted a little by my dear friend Megan Bauer (refer to the pic) to start this up, and after viewing some of the other blog's (blogs?) that are floating around the web i thought, "why not?"... Well, what do you say in a first entry? I had hoped that I could impart some sort of wisdom.. or share some fun episode of my life in order to keep you entertained and encourage you to re-visit.. but who am I kidding!? It's late, I'm not witty, and my bed is calling my name. All I can offer is that in the future, I will do my best to impress! Well... I'll get into the details of my life on a future date, but for now I must depart! Here's to a new and wonderfully Conservative Canada!
Ciao