What is it about Friday's that leads me to post? Boredom, mostly... lol. It's the end of the week, and I want the day to be done. Actually, what I'd really love is a nap! :-P

We had another wild thunderstorm a few nights ago. WOW! The lightning was incredible. I'm sure something hit here in town, you could hear it. And the thunder was awesome!!! :-D I love night-time thunderstorms, the only thing is that with "tornado season", it's kinda worrisome. At least during the day you can see the changes in the weather and have a better chance of knowing if something is coming, but at night... :-S

Sheldon started work this morning. He was tired at noon... lol. Not because the work is hard, but because he had to be up quite early (and didn't go to bed very early!), and it's just different than his usual day. He should be real tired by Sunday night. He goes shingling at 7:00 tomorrow morning, then works again on Sunday morning.

Anyone seen "The Notebook"? I was kinda disappointed. I had decided at one point not watch it, cuz I'd read a couple of Nicholas Sparks' books, and while they weren't too bad and they made me cry, I found them kinda predictable and not really my thing. But then everyone kept saying how "The Notebook" was SOOO good, the best movie, etc., etc., so I broke down and rented it last weekend. It was okay. Not bad, I was just disappointed -- it didn't live up to my expectations.

I really want to see "Hotel Rwanda" -- it's supposed to be very powerful. Maybe I'll rent it when Sheldon's gone to Calgary and Robbie's working, since no one else will wanna watch it with me. We don't agree on many movies in our house... haha.

There's been some scandal at our high school -- a female teacher & and a 16 year old male student. :-S All I've heard is some rumors, I'm not really sure what is truth, but I do know that the teacher was let go. Although all this apparently came about a couple of weeks ago (at least), I only just heard about it -- which is odd in a small town where everyone knows your business practically before you do! I asked Sheldon about it, since I was suprised that he hadn't said anything. But he didn't have much to say, just that he'd heard lots of rumors and didn't know what was true. Considering that the student in this alleged situation is a friend of his.... I guess he'd rather not be involved....

On another note entirely, I'm thinking about letting my hair grow out a bit. It is actually kinda curly once it has some length, but every time in the past that I've considered growing it out, it has driven me completely crazy and I'd go and get it all chopped off again... :-P I don't want it very long, just "longer"... If I can just hold out during that in-between stage when it looks lousy and drives me crazy. We'll see how I do.... lol.

Is it 5:00 yet?! *checks clock* Apparently not... I still have an hour left. I guess I'll go shelve some books and try to keep busy. ;-)

Till next time... :-)

I got a lil reminder that I haven't updated in awhile.... :-P Doesn't seem like there's much to write about, but I'll try... ;-)

School's almost done, Sheldon started writing finals today. He has a couple more this week, then one more next week. Report cards are out on the 30th. And it's finally feeling like summer! I was beginning to wonder if it ever would!

We had an awesome thunderstorm a few nights ago! (I love thunderstorms!) Unfortunately, with the storm came some tornadoes. I didn't know until later the next day that one (some?) had hit around here. Some farmers lost barns, sheds, other buildings, even livestock (sheep and chickens). On one farm, several power poles were ripped right out of the ground, so some areas were without power for some time. I had been watching a movie and not even paying attention to any weather warnings... way to go, September! :rolleyes: I was just enjoying the thunder.... what a goob.

Sheldon applied for a summer job a few weeks ago, and he got a call tonight. They want him to start on Friday morning (pumping gas). He needs a week off to go out to Calgary in July, but other than that he should be available most of the summer. He was also asked to go help shingle a roof on Saturday -- one of his teachers was looking for a few students to help out, he'll pay them each $100 for the day's work, so that is pretty cool. He's going to enjoy having some spending money this summer, and hopefully a start on saving for a inexpensive first car. ;-)

I've been trying to keep up with my walking. I usually manage to get in at least 4 times a week, need to try for more. I don't know the actual distance I've been walking, only that it's usually about 40 minutes. Gonna see if one of the boys will clock it so I know how far I'm going. I've added in an extra bit to what I was doing before, but am now at the same amount of time, so I must have picked up the pace a bit.... lol. I was attempting to do an aerobic workout several mornings a week, but I have an even harder time sticking to that. :-P I like walking because I can put on my tunes and just go -- usually letting my thoughts wander where they will. It helps to work out alot of stuff in head, and I feel better both physically and mentally.

I work 4 or 5 days a week (it alternates), but only 2 of those days include mornings, so I'm looking forward to having some days for sleeping in just a bit this summer. We don't have any special plans for the summer, but I like the relaxed atmosphere and the temporary freedom from meetings, etc. I only wish it lasted longer!

Is that enough randomness? LOL. Till next time... ;-)

~~~~~

Currently playing: Grace and Love ~ Kutless

Yay, it's Friday! :-D Well, I still have to work tomorrow, but still... it's Friday!

The week went by quickly. The month is going to go by quickly I am thinking. Sheldon only has a couple weeks of school left, then finals to write.

His grade 10 hiking/camping trip is coming up, they leave early Sunday morning. They camp and hike through Cypress Hills park -- their longest hike is 17 km. Through the forest and bush, with only a topographical map and a compass to find their way to their destination. Carrying all their supplies on their backs. Should be fun... glad it's not me! Hahaha. It's not a big deal to him at all, having been in Scouts for many years, but for some who never even walk anywhere let alone go camping/hiking, it could be very interesting to say the least. Some of the girls are freaking out already, and one of the teachers who is going has never been hiking either. She's like "what do you mean I can only take one pair of shoes?!" Good grief....

They are put into groups of mostly 3's. Sheldon ended up with only one partner, and of course it is with someone who he really doesn't get along with. Isn't that always the way? The thing about this trip is that it is a great learning experience for all of them, and a good bonding experience for the whole class, too. The teacher leading it has done it for a number of years, and always has great things to report. I'm sure Sheldon will have a wonderful time. :-) Now, if only the weather will be nice...

It's Robbie's birthday on Sunday. *Gulp*. He's going to be 25 years old. How did that happen?! Makes me sound old. I don't feel old... haha. It just makes me sound old. :-P No special plans. I'll bake him a cake (mmmm), but he's working this weekend and it will just be the two of us at home, so it will be quiet. I think he and Rachel should celebrate together... they are only 10 hours apart, her being the older one. 25 years... yikes..... seems like yesterday that I was there.....

Speaking of 25 years, my 25 year high school reunion is this summer, to be held the same weekend as the town's Homecoming/Centennial celebration. I haven't decided if I'm going yet. If a couple of old friends from out of town come back for it I might, otherwise probably not. Much of my class is still living here (or moved back), and I see them around all the time, but I'm not friends with them, so... We'll see....

Well, since you asked, Matt.... ;-)

The surprise was great! Actually, Sheldon was quite sick that day (and the day previous), but I didn't know that at first. He looked like he wasn't really enjoying himself and I was a wee bit bummed, but then when I actually talked to him I found out he was feeling really lousy. He had an awesome weekend, though -- and he was suprised and happy to see me ;-) -- and can't wait to see his friends again. He's already getting "So when are you moving to Calgary?"... haha. And he's talking about doing so. I knew this would happen. It was Chantelle's strong tie to her TEC friends that drew her to Calgary, and it is a big part of what keeps her there I think. I was quite certain that if Sheldon felt the same way about TEC and made the same kind of friends, he would feel that pull to go there as well. We shall see what happens.... he has 2 years of school left yet. ;-)

I had a good day in Calgary before going out to Closura. Kevin picked me up at the airport and we spent the next several hours hanging out at the zoo. It was alot of fun. . :-)

It was so great to see Chantelle, too. It was pretty brief, but good. I miss her so much. She's doing really well, working her two jobs, and she now has a new boyfriend. Scott is also a part of the TEC community, and she's known him for some time -- he was on the worship team on our TEC weekend 4 years ago. Nice guy. :-)

My grandpa passed away last week. I went to his funeral on Monday -- went down to Maple Creek with my sister and brother-in-law. It was a very déjà vu experience.... so eerily like 8 years ago when we went down for my grandma's funeral. It really struck me, the two days that I was there, how emotionally disconnected my family seems to be. I'm not going to get into all of that here, but it gave me alot of food for thought, as did a few other things. Every once in awhile I learn something that is kind of like a "piece of a puzzle" falling into place, helping to make the "picture" just a wee bit clearer. Okay, this won't make sense to anyone but me... but that's okay. :-P It helped to talk with a friend about it last night.

My grandma (on the other side of the family) has been in the hospital. She had hip replacement surgery a number of years ago (first one hip, then the other), and one of them went out on her last week. It is back in place, but it's temporary. She needs to have a whole new hip replacement done, however she has heart problems that puts her at a high risk. It sounds like she is going to risk it, as otherwise she will be completely bedridden. She is fiercely independent and does not that to be the case. I don't know what kind of a waiting list there is for the surgery... I'm just waiting to hear more. And praying that all will go well. She's 86 years old, had a mild stroke last year, and with the heart problems....... =
*looks at the clock* Oops... must get back to work. :-P Have a great day, all!

Sheldon went for his driver's test again this week, and he got it. He was very pumped! :-)

He headed out to Calgary on the bus this morning, to go to TEC. He was telling me how he wished he could have just driven out instead of having to go on the bus. I was like, "yeah, sure... you've had your license for 2 days and you think I'm going to let you drive 7 hours by yourself, to a huge city you've never driven in and don't know your way around in... not to mention that you don't have a vehicle!" Haha... oh well, he tried. ;-)

So yeah, he's on his way out to Calgary to stay with Chantelle and to go to Teens Encounter Christ this weekend. I hope he has an awesome time. TEC means so much to Chantelle and I, and we've pumped it up so much for the last 4 years. Now that he is finally going, I hope he enjoys it as much as we did and that he is blessed big time this weekend.

Now that he's gone and isn't gonna stumble across this post, I can mention the suprise that Chantelle has blessed me with! She sent me an email a couple of weeks ago with an early and suprise Mother's Day gift -- she had booked a flight out to Calgary for me, for Monday, May 23 -- so that I can attend Closura, the final service of the TEC weekend. Closura is a big thing -- the closing service and a time when the participants' family and friends attend (if possible), as well as the larger TEC community. The participants have no clue about it, so it is a fun suprise.

Because Chantelle knew how much it meant to me for Sheldon to go to TEC, and how much I would have liked to work TEC but couldn't and how much I miss it, she arranged for me to fly out for the day (Sheldon and I will come home together on Tuesday). A friend of ours from TEC -- Kevin (he was my table partner when I worked) -- will pick me up at the airport, we'll hang out a bit and go out to Closura together. I haven't seen Kevin for 3 years, so it will be good to see him. I'm glad that Sheldon will finally get to meet Kevin, too.

I'm excited -- I get to surprise Sheldon, I get to see Kevin and some other TEC folks, I get to attend Closura and an awesome time of worship (man, do I miss that) -- and I get to see my girl!!! Woohoo! :-D

So, what else is going on.... Monty and Heather (brother and sis-in-law) are coming this weekend from Vancouver. We only see them about once every two years, and they'll only be here for a day, but it will be good to see them. (In town for the day, in SK for several.) I have to work that day, but will join them for supper at my sister's after work. Should be a fun time.

I was invited to a Stampin' Up! party tonight which I think would have been really cool. I used to scrapbook, but haven't done the stamping stuff. However, I already had a Bible study booked for tonight. Maybe another time. Not like I'll ever actually get around to doing any of it even if I did break down and buy anything.... lol. You should see all the scrapbooking stuff I have that hasn't been touched in forever. And I can't afford another expensive hobby... haha.

Okay, I've wasted enough time at work now, must get back to it. ;-)

Oh, one more thing! With the upcoming release of Todd Agnew's album, I've been listening to the songs on the e-card -- alot! I'm really looking forward to this album! My favorite so far is "My Jesus" -- I love this song. If you haven't heard it, check it out at www.reflectionofsomething.com . Here's the lyrics: (lyrics updated August/05 for accuracy -- taken from the CD liner notes)

My Jesus

Which Jesus do you follow?
Which Jesus do you serve ?
If Ephesians says to imitate Christ
Then why do you look so much like the world ?

`Cause my Jesus bled and died
He spent His time with thieves and liars
He loved the poor and accosted the arrogant
So which one do you want to be?

Blessed are the poor in spirit
Or do we pray to be blessed with the wealth of this land
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst for righteousness
Or do we ache for another taste of this world of shifting sand

'Cause my Jesus bled and died for my sins
He spent His time with thieves and sluts and liars
He loved the poor and accosted the rich
So which one do you want to be?

Who is this that you follow
This picture of the American dream
If Jesus was here, would you walk right by on the other side
Or fall down and worship at His holy feet

Pretty blue eyes and curly brown hair and a clear complexion
Is how you see Him as He dies for your sins
But the Word says He was battered and scarred
Or did you miss that part
Sometimes I doubt we`d recognize Him

`Cause my Jesus bled and died
He spent His time with thieves and the least of these
He loved the poor and accosted the comfortable
So which one do you want to be?

`Cause my Jesus would never be accepted in my church
The blood and dirt on His feet might stain the carpet
But He reaches for the hurting and despises the proud
And I think He`d prefer Beale Street to the stained glass crowd
And I know that He can hear me if I cry out loud

I want to be like my Jesus

Not a posterchild for American prosperity,
But like my Jesus
You see I'm tired of living for success and popularity
I want to be like my Jesus
But I'm not sure what that means
To be like You Jesus
'Cause You said to live like You, to love like You
But then You died -- for me

Can I be like you Jesus?
I want to be like you JesusI want to be like My Jesus

Written by Todd Agnew © 2005 Ardent/Koala Music

I feel like I should be updating, yet there doesn't seem to be a whole lot to say.... which I guess is an okay thing, too.

Sheldon went for his driver's test yesterday. Unfortunately, he didn't pass. He was quite disappointed, especially since a buddy went for his right after him and did pass. So, he needs to get some more practise time in, especially with his parallel parking, and he goes again in a couple of weeks.

He's home sick today. He wasn't feeling very well yesterday, and woke up very sick this morning. Robbie's had the same thing, only not as severe... I think I'll try to keep my distance. ;-)

It has been so cold lately, even having snow last week. It's finally starting to warm up a bit this week. Hopefully spring is actually here to stay!

I need to go buy a new toaster today. It's funny... a few weeks ago, my mom asks my sister and I if either of us needs a toaster, she had one she was getting rid of. I said "nope", and so she gave it away elsewhere. Guess what? This week our toaster dies.... lol. Oh well, it's just a toaster... it's not like it's an expensive item to replace. :-P

Ahh, yes, such an exciting update this was.... haha. Now that I've bored you to tears, I shall go buy my toaster and shop for Mother's Day gifts. ;-)

I posted awhile back about one of my patrons at the library, an elderly man, who was recently diagnosed with liver cancer. Sad to say that he died a few days ago.. :-( I didn't even know until I was reading the Prayers of the People at church yesterday, and we were praying for his family... It's unusual in a small town not to know everything within a half hour of it happening, but for some reason I hadn't heard. I also hadn't known that his funeral is today. If my mom hadn't called me last night to let me know, I probably would have missed it.

I will miss Ray very much. He was the most sweet and gentle person. I'm glad that the cancer took him relatively quickly. He was 92 (I think), and it was his time to go. I hope he didn't suffer, but went quietly and gently -- as he lived life. Darn, I'm going to miss his frequent visits to the library.......

I spent much of the last two days doing yardwork -- mostly just raking leaves, etc. Bags and bags and bags of leaves... lol. The boys were gone on the weekend, so I worked by myself yesterday afternoon, but Sheldon was off school today so he helped me this afternoon. Our yard is so big and needs so much work... and I HATE yardwork. I really do. I used to have a garden some years ago, but finally gave up on it when I started working at the library. I never enjoyed it, and it seemed like I never had the time that was necessary to keep it from getting overgrown with weeds. I did NOT inherit a green thumb from my mom, that's for sure. Man, I even kill houseplants! It's so bad.... haha.

Sheldon sent in his application today for TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) in May. Yes!!! He's been waiting 4 years to be old enough to go, and for awhile there we didn't know if it was going to work out for that weekend. But it did work out, and he's going. He is going to have such a great weekend. I wish I could be there. I miss TEC so much. My TEC weekend as an adult observer was one of the most amazing experiences. I pray that he will be able to say the same. :-) I am so excited for him. I need to start getting wheat ready... ;-)

Chantelle called last night. She often phones when she's riding the train home from work -- she gets bored easily... lol. She's doing well, the jobs are going fine -- although she is very tired with working 2 jobs. But it's all good. She started team meetings for TEC last week, so that is exciting. Such fun. :-D

She wants Sheldon to come out to Calgary again this summer for the Stampede. They had such a good time last summer. If he goes out by July 7th, they can go to the Stabilo concert. Cool. Sheldon is planning to go to camp again this summer, too, so that's good. I wasn't sure if he'd still want to go. He's drifted away from so much of that stuff this past year.

He goes for his driver's test on May 3!!! Yikes.... He's had some driving time in with the instructor through school driver's ed classes, but hasn't had any practise otherwise. Which has frustrated me. I can't take him out since I don't drive. It frustrates and makes me mad when others don't take up their responsibility...... Would it be that difficult? He's had his learner's now for almost 6 months. Instead, I had to make a call and make sure that it happened. Why is it always up to me? Grrr.... Ongoing theme in my head today. I had too much time to think while raking leaves.... and I'd better quit now before I say more than I should ... =\

It's Friday... and a beautiful spring day! :-D

I took the day off work, and am leaving in about an hour -- I have another workshop this weekend. The last one until fall. I had tons of Bible reading to do for this one... and umm... still not done. Yeah, it's that procrastination thing again... lol. At least I've done quite a bit, some people haven't even started. ;-) I dunno, this one looks a little "heavy", not sure if I'm up for it or not. I guess we'll see....

Things are pretty quiet otherwise. Chantelle's jobs are going well, she really enjoys working at the coffeeshop. The owner was even talking to her the other day about how much time she needs off over Christmas. Nice! Considering that last year at her old job they wouldn't give her anything other than Christmas Day and one other day.

Lots going on in my head yesterday/last night, one of the reasons for my procrastination on the reading -- couldn't seem to focus. But all is well -- just needing to work out some stuff for myself.

I've been get back into walking again, which is a good thing. I used to go on a regular basis for awhile early last winter, but got out of the habit over the holidays and never got back into it. Part of it was just wimping out due to the cold, and part of it was not being motivated or committed. But having someone to be "accountable" to helps. A friend and I try to do some form of exercise every day about the same time, and that makes a difference. I like walking because I can take my discman and listen to some music and, depending on my mood, either just enjoy the music along with the exercise, or sometimes use the time to think and reflect. Either way, it's all good.

I got my income tax refund back a couple of days ago. It wasn't alot, but hey.... every little bit helps!

Okay, time to get back to my reading. Have a great weekend! (to those who actually read this..... haha)

I am generally a pretty forgiving person. But sometimes, I let certain things really get to me, and I know I shouldn't. Not even big stuff, but stupid stuff that in the long run doesn't really matter. So why do I let it bug me? Why do I go back to it, letting it irritate me over and over again? I suppose because the situation never really gets resolved, just shelved for a little while. I should learn to step away. Blahh....

This next ramble is not about me in particular, but is more of an observation about self-forgiveness.

Forgiveness... not an easy concept alot of the time. Forgiveness not only of others, but of ourselves. I think that for some people, that is the hardest, forgiveness of self. Without it, there isn't peace. Without it, we only punish ourselves. Our wounds do not heal. Forgiveness doesn't mean that what was done or said or whatever was "okay". It means that we accept that it happened, we accept the consequences and deal with them, and we release the guilt we feel. And with it, the pain. But so often we don't feel worthy of forgiveness, and I think that we can withhold it as a way to subconsciously punish ourselves. We may think that in forgiving ourselves we are not holding ourselves accountable, that we are "letting ourselves off the hook", or that we are somehow justifying what we've done. We are still accountable, but we need to know that we are still worthy and loveable and acceptable -- that we are human, and we make mistakes.

Forgiveness is an act of love. It's hard to forgive ourselves if we don't love ourselves. Forgiveness is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it often takes great strength to forgive. Unforgiveness causes so much hurt, so much pain.

Forgiveness does not necessarily mean forgetting. It is about not bringing up the issue to yourself over and over again in a negative way. It is about letting it go so that you can move on in a healthy and positive way.

The negative energy involved in holding onto our guilt is draining, exhausting. And when we hold onto our guilt, we hold onto anger.... and often that anger is turned toward others. So we can end up hurting other people as a result. But most of all, we hurt ourselves -- physically by how it affects our health, and mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

When we cannot forgive ourselves, we carry this heavy weight with us all the time. If we can forgive, we can put down that weight down and leave it behind us. Like a piece of heavy luggage -- do we want to carry that around with us, to live with the pain of doing so, or do we want to release our grip on it and feel the weight lifted? Can we give ourselves permission to heal?

Sometimes we don't receive forgiveness from someone we have hurt even after we have apologized and done our best to make amends, but hopefully we can find it within our own hearts to forgive ourselves. For only through forgiveness can we find the peace we long for.

We can't change the past, but we can change how we deal with the present. It is not easy, but it can be done... and with others who love us walking by our side, the seemingly impossible may seem just a little bit easier.

It always amazes me how God uses the people in my life to remind me of His presence, to encourage me, to teach me, to love me... I shouldn't be surprised, I know, but it still amazes me all the time. It's that perfect timing... it's like "Yes! Thank you, God, you know I needed that today..." :-) Thank you, Alan, for sharing your gift and for the song. *hugs*

It's been a quiet day. I went to the ecumenical Good Friday service this morning. It was good, but for some reason not like other years. I don't know if it was the service itself, or if it was me. I seemed to be very distracted and couldn't focus. I dunno....

Sheldon went to the annual car show in Saskatoon with his dad. I hope they have fun -- it is good that they have some time together, there isn't enough of that. I think Robbie and Rachel went as well, at least they were talking about going. Since I don't have to work today, I have the house to myself and am just chillin'. ;-)

Chantelle called the other day. She got a job working at a coffeeshop downtown. It will be steady hours, 10:30-4:30, Mon-Fri. That's only 28 hours a week, though, so she asked if she could work evenings and weekends at Old Navy as well (she started there last week, different location than before). Her manager was very accomodating, so hopefully that will all work out well.

I miss her... I wish she could be home for Easter, or just be home anytime to visit. She lives too far away for me, but such is life. Thankfully we live in a time of telephones and email. ;-)

Laundry calls. I should get something done today.... lol.

Happy and Blessed Easter to everyone. :-)

Currently playing: Never Look Away ~ Building 429

The Passion

I watched "The Passion of the Christ" again today... I got the dvd for Christmas, but hadn't watched it. Haven't seen it since the first time, the week it came out in the theatre. Today is Palm Sunday, and we read the Passion account from the Gospel of Matthew in church today. The whole time, I'm seeing it in my mind. So I decided that today was a good day to watch it.

It was emotionally draining. Not as bad as the first time, but still draining.

It's been that kind of day... alot of things on my mind today...


Currently playing: Grace and Love ~ Kutless

Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says...I'll try again tomorrow. ~ Unknown


Another email "thought of the day". I just liked it.

This was the "thought of the day" in my email this morning:

"True kindness presupposes the faculty of imagining as one's own the suffering and joys of others." ~ Andre Gide

Kind of interesting as I sat here this morning hurting with a friend, and wishing that there was some way to ease the pain, willing to take it on myself if only I could do so. Which of course I can't. All I can do is listen, and offer my love and support. When someone I love hurts, I hurt. And I feel so helpless. I hate that sense of helplessness. I want to be able to do more.

What is my role? I'm not a dispenser of great wisdom or advice (although I remember being told one time that my advice was better than I thought... haha). I don't have all the right words, or insight. My words seem futile a lot of the time. I get frustrated with myself because sometimes I know in my heart what I mean or what I want to say, but don't always seem to be able to express it.

But I care. And I listen. I seem to have a role of being a listener, and an encourager. And maybe that is enough. Maybe it's someone else's job to fill in with the other things that are needed. Maybe I have to trust that what I am doing is enough, and that the rest will be provided.



Currently playing: Calmer of the Storm ~ downhere

When everything is wrong
The day has passed and nothing's done
And the whole world seems against me
When I'm rolling in my bed, there's a storm in my head
I'm afraid of sinking in despair.....

(Not for me this time... this song got me through many a bad time, but this time, it's not for me...)

I had a wonderful time at the conference. Very interesting discussions, and it was so great to see my friends. I felt really bad because Lana was supposed to go with me, and she couldn't make it. But it was so great to see my other friends, and it was really good to have a chat with Elaine. She told me I looked like I was at peace. I'm glad that it is noticeable, because I am. :-)

I was so tired afterward, and ended up staying up really late the night I got home, talking to Chantelle. Had to nap on Sunday afternoon... lol. I love having naps on Sundays.

So, still no job yet for Chantelle, but she's waiting to hear back. They are hiring for 2 positions, but interviewed alot of people. If they are interested, she could get called back to work on either Friday or Saturday night, and be evaluated on her job performance, then wait again after that. In the meantime, she's still out looking.

She went to pick up her final paycheque from the PP job, only to find out that the guy hadn't signed the cheques and had left for the weekend. She was not impressed! What a screwy place...

Almost done with reports for work.... ugh.... I hate reports. Got my income tax done and mailed. Cross that one off the list.... lol.

Oh...... I almost forgot!!! I heard from some good friends a couple of nights ago -- a message saying "Call me ASAP!". They just got engaged! I am sooooo excited and sooooo happy for them!!! Congratulations, you two. ;-)

Not much else happening. Time to go play a quick game of literati online with a friend before bed. ;-)


Currently playing: Angel's Wings ~ Social Distortion

I wish there was some way to take another person's pain away. There isn't. We each have our own to deal with. I only hope that something I do or say can help to ease it, just a little.

~*~*~*~

Today is Chantelle's job interview. Praying that it goes well, and that she gets the job.

I'm going to a diocesan workshop/conference out of town this weekend. It was originally supposed to be a bigger conference last fall, but due to a number of factors including low registrations it was postponed till spring. Now the entire format has been changed. I'm sure it will still be good, but something different from what was originally planned. The Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada is the guest speaker (the primate is the bishop of highest rank in the country). I'm certain that at least some of the discussion will be surrounding the recent request that the Canadian and American churches voluntarily withdraw from the Anglican Consultative Council due to the issues of the ordination in the U.S. of gay bishop Gene Robinson and of same-sex blessings in Canada. I hope that the discussions can take place in a peaceful manner. There is so much division already...

It will be good to see some friends this weekend. The only time we see each other is at these workshops, and it's always a blessing to spend time together. :-)

So many struggles with my faith in the past few years... so many questions and at times frustration. Not that there is anything wrong with questioning and doubting, I think that is how we grow. But sometimes it leaves you feeling very lost. I read something last night that someone said on a message board: "God likes questions. If you don't ask, how can He answer?" I liked that. :-)


Currently playing: Treasure of Jesus ~ SCC

It's always interesting to see how things interconnect, how something I've been thinking about, talking about, reading about, etc. ends up relating to something that someone else has also been contemplating in some manner.

Last night, I was talking to someone about friendships and relationships that I have made online, through the message boards, and about how some people in my life will view that negatively. But I know, without a doubt, that those people, those friendships and relationships, have had a purpose. Both for me, and in some cases that I'm aware of, for them. I would not be the person that I am today, I would not be where I am today, if not for those people. I would not have the strength to deal with the things in my life, I would not have gotten to this particular place in my life, without them. A place that I need to be. They have taught me so much, and given me the love and support that I have needed.

If only some people could see things through my eyes....

Anyway, it was interesting, because I posted something on the boards last night in response to someone's thread. I almost took it down later, because it was fairly personal and I rarely talk about personal stuff in a public forum. But after some thought, I decided to leave it up. I'm glad I did. Because John found that it related to some of his recent thoughts, and his sharing of his thoughts related back to mine.... and well, it was just cool.

That used to happen alot. I suppose it still would if I was sharing more.

Anyway.....

This past week was a pretty good one, with the exception of Chantelle losing her job... man.... How stupid. Her and another girl approach their boss to talk about scheduling and some other issues, and get fired on the spot. He obviously can't deal with anything, and he's now on his own, so good luck to him! Let him handle the whole place by himself. Sheesh......

She got a telemarketing job, but hopefully it's just temporary... she just hates it. She has an interview on Wednesday at a good restaurant in a key area of the city (very busy), so hopefully she gets that. She would be hostessing, but with any luck could move to serving, which would be great for tips. Praying it all works out for her. I'm not in a position right now to offer her much financial assistance, as much as I would like to. Trusting that all will be well.

Otherwise, things are good. I feel more at peace than I have in a long time. :-)


Currently playing: Take Me In ~ Kutless

This and that....

It's weekend again. The week went quickly, and yet it seems like forever since I was away. I miss my friends.... :-(

This past week was winter break, so Sheldon didn't have school. I think he was bored for awhile cuz some of his friends were busy/away, but a bunch of them went to Regina on Thursday to help his friend's mom move and then to just hang out, and I think he's had a good time. Still not home yet... lol.

My mom took me out for supper last night, Chinese food. That was nice. Spent the rest of the evening alone. Which normally isn't a bad thing, I don't mind being alone, but it ended up being a bad night. The whole week had gone relatively well, but you know how one thing can just set you off? Well, I've been trying so hard to stay strong, but last night one little thing sent me crashing and burning. Not fun. Got through it, though, and both a very timely email (I don't know how you do it, Joyce!) and a chat with a best friend helped alot.

I had a great chat on the phone with Chantelle a couple of nights ago -- she is always so bright and full of life, always makes me laugh. Her job is going well and she's been getting quite a few hours in. She's a bit frustrated that her boss doesn't make a schedule more than a few days ahead, but hopefully they can straighten that out.

After I talked to her last weekend, she had talked to her ex-(but still good friend)boyfriend, and he later called Sheldon just to let him know that he was available if he ever needs to talk, and to offer him the money to go out and visit Chantelle if he ever feels like he just needs to get away from things here for a bit, maybe on his next school break or whatever. A wonderful gesture and one that means alot -- thank you, Mark.

So many people have been blessing us. :-)

I'm working today. Hmm... seems to be a pattern here of posting when I'm bored at work... lol. Not a real busy day -- steady, but not busy. That's alright, I'm not complaining. ;-)

The new boards sure aren't very active. They don't feel much like home yet. Maybe because so many of the "regular" members aren't there, I dunno. I have found that I'm not really missing the moderating, though. It's rather nice to just pop in now and again and not have the responsibility or the (sometimes) stress. ;-)

Time to end this senseless rambling and get some work done... :-P I hope everyone has a great weekend! Have fun at the concert, John. ;-)

Wow.... this last week and half has been a rollercoaster of emotions... I may post more on that at some point, but for now I'm just gonna say that I had the most amazing time on my vacation. Reunited with one friend, met several more, and just had a blast!!!! Some of us went to the SCC concert in Oklahoma City, and that was so much fun. We got to meet Steven afterward -- it was so awesome. I've waited a long time for that. But that was just a bonus -- the whole trip, the time spent with friends was what was important. I don't think I could even begin to put into words how much it meant to me.

It is the coolest thing when people that you have never met in person and only had cyber and phone communication with turn out to be exactly the way you expected them to be. That the connections are real and deep. Very cool.

I came home slightly sick, but am feeling a bit better. Dealing with alot of stuff on top of that -- stuff that is really tough right now, but I think will be okay in the long run. I have to trust that it will be.

I'm back at work today. I'm thankful that it's only for one day.... lol. I probably should have taken this day off, too, but at time I thought it would be good to get back and get caught up on all that I had missed, etc. Now I'm wishing I'd given it a bit longer, but oh well... This way I can hopefully clear out a bunch of stuff from while I was gone and start fresh next week. Going back to work after a vacation is always hard. Ugh...

Currently playing: Believe Me Now ~ SCC

Wasting time at work.... lol

I wish we had emoticons here, or could insert some. I was wanting that :hyper: dude from Hostboard smilies.... lol.

Yup, a lil excited today. Leaving tomorrow morning for TX! Well, actually I go an hour and a half to "the city", have lunch with a friend, and then fly out mid-afternoon. Will get to TX about 9:30 p.m., and apparently will be hitting The Waffle House after getting picked up at the airport.... mmmmm. :-D

I can't wait... It's going to be an awesome time -- wonderful friends, a concert... did I mention wonderful friends... lol. And yes, a bit of an escape. Temporary, but an escape all the same. Not really wanting to think about junk I have to deal with when I return, but am putting all of that on hold for now and am just going to enjoy myself.

I never would have thought, 3+ years ago, that I would have this opportunity. I never would have imagined making such amazing friendships, let alone actually getting to meet. It's been an interesting journey, without a doubt. My only disappointment is that I had hoped to meet a couple of board peeps who now can't make it... :-( Maybe one day in the future...

I heard from a couple of friends today. One who'd been kind MIA for the past little bit -- I learned that she's been going through a rough time lately. I feel bad that I didn't know -- not that I could have since I hadn't heard from her recently, but still. She's always been there for me, and I wish I'd known so I could have been praying for her. But now I know, and will. *hugs* for you, S.

Another friend I'm in frequent contact with but hadn't heard from for just a few days. She's been ill with what they thought were migraines, but she ended up at the emergency room and had a ton of tests done. Hopefully everything is okay, I'll check in with her when I get back. She's been my rock and my support lately. Get better soon, J.!!!!

Last night Sheldon was playing shinny with some friends and he fell onto both his elbows. He is so sore today -- both from the elbows and also just from skating for a couple of hours, he's not used to that. He has a basketball game after school, so that's gonna hurt.... ouch. :-(

Wow, Lent starts tomorrow. Hard to believe another year has gone by. We have our church's Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper tonight. Not sure if I'm going, we'll see how the rest of the day goes. I might go but skip out early so I can get some things finished up at home.

I'm going to miss the Ash Wednesday service tomorrow night. First time in a long time. It's one of my favorite services. In fact, I like all of the Lenten services. Some people think Lent is rather depressing, but I like it. It can be a good time for reflection -- not that it always is because I can tend to get too busy with life and neglect the spiritual, but overall I still like it.

I'm at work, but really not wanting to be here.... can you tell? Hahaha.... I guess I should get back to it. Things I should clear up before going. My assitant librarian just got back yesterday from 3 weeks in England (she even worked out her trip so that she could be back in time for me to leave --originally she had planned to be gone the same time I was, but her plans were more flexible than mine). No doubt she's jetlagged, but will be in sometime today to catch up on what she's missed, etc. I should make it at least look like I'm accomplishing something today.... lol.

Currently playing: Jars of Clay ~ Who We Are Instead